The Elderly Gentleman Outside Exeter Cathedral

"It's a beautiful cathedral, isn't it?"

On the way home, I'd stopped outside the Clarence Hotel, on the newly-cobbled pavement and turning circle by St Martin's Church.

This was the sort of everyday chance encounter with a stranger that you get used to as you get older. When you're a teenager you only ever speak to other teenagers (except relatives, of course). However, age and the cold chill of early evening November loneliness make a person more amenable to a nice chat with just about anyone.

I agreed with the bloke and then realised that he was almost unique - he was from a Britain of about 50 years ago, like the major in the Ealing film, The Ladykillers, only he was a retired doctor and not a major, like Cecil Parker.

He was well-tailored in what could have been Austin Reed: grey suit (though no waistcoat); red tie and white shirt; traditional gentleman's overcoat. With thinning grey hair, probably aged about 70.

He spoke in an exquisite accent, consumately well-spoken, almost to a Brian Sewell level yet more natural. He'd been a doctor at Moorfields and Barts in London and then moved to Exeter 40 years ago, presumably when still a young man.

In the early evening, late November darkness (around 5pm) he obviously thought I was a lot younger than I am, recommending I emigrate to "Australia, Canada or New Zealand". His brother had done so many years ago (Edmonton, Canada) and he would now recommend anyone to emigrate.

He had to go, but: "Remember you met a gentleman in Exeter and he said emigrate to Adelaide". I will. This man - despite a successful medical career and the trappings of career success - obviously laments not doing so himself.

On the other hand, he left by declaring Exeter to be "the finest city in the world". The late W. G. Hoskins would be proud of this incomer to the city of Exeter.