Bates said involuntarily: ‘How things have changed, Di.’

She nodded. ‘Yes, haven’t they?’

He went on quickly: ‘I meant in Holly Ash. To see Woolworth’s where Ronnie and I used to sit on the wall and watch the trams go by … It’s hard to get used to it.’

‘I suppose it’s easier if it happens round you. Things go piece by piece and other things take their place. Sam Heddon died last year.’

‘Sam Heddon! But he went bankrupt, just before the war.’

‘He started up again after the war. He had a horse and cart, and he used to sell vegetables. He couldn’t have made very much, with all the shops there are now; people aren’t interested in buying stuff at the door. We miss him. He always used to have a cup of tea in with us. And stand at the door, and recite:

‘“Money, oh Money, thy praises I sing … ” ’

Bates completed it:

‘“Thou art my Saviour, my Lord, and my king!” ’