A local man has found it “impossible” to find a metal tablespoon anywhere in Bath. David Andrews detailed his troubles upon scouring high and low for the piece of cutlery in a letter to the Bath Chronicle.
Despite visits to multiple shops, David was left empty handed. Such was his belief that Bath had a bizarre absence of metal tablespoons, he even offered a £50 charity reward to anyone who could find one.
"Here is a challenge to all your readers! Or maybe it is the sort of thing that Ralph Oswick might find compelling enough to investigate. It is impossible to buy a metal tablespoon anywhere in Bath,” wrote Mr Andrews.
"I have tried all the kitchen shops in the city centre and the likes of M&S. I have ventured to Moorland Road and even the excellent Francis DIY does not stock them.
"Were they secretly forged by our grandmothers in ancient smithies now long forgotten? Did they mysteriously appear in our mother’s kitchen drawers left by elves?
"I kid you not! It is impossible to buy a single tablespoon or indeed a dreaded multi-pack anywhere in our fair city. I will personally donate £50 to the charity of choice to anybody who can prove me wrong."
This claim sparked a huge level of response, including hundreds of comments rebuking his claims. Several locals said how they have never had any trouble buying such a spoon and that he had clearly not looked hard enough.
One observer noted: "Charity shops are full of them to buy singly or in a set," while another added: "Didn’t try THAT hard," before listing shops where they are available including Robert Dyas, Nisbets, Procook, Sainsbury's and Argos.
After the barrage of messages online, Mr Andrews was reportedly shocked and a follow-up clarification message was issued by a family member. They said: "This was just a fun letter that he wasn’t expecting to be put online - he doesn’t do any social media and would not be expecting this level of questioning of an innocent tongue in cheek letter to the The Chronicle.
"He looked everywhere apart from one place, which a couple of people have now mentioned and if someone can find one - he is more than happy to give £50 to the first person’s choice of charity - suppose they would have to be the first person to take a photo in said shop. It’s certainly not meant to have given rise to this level of questioning or comments - hilarious, but also a little sad.
"I just thought it was funny and I also thought it was a kind gesture (as that’s what he’s like) but I guess social media doesn’t always zone in on kindness as an automatic response. It was just a fun observation and a generous offer of money to a charity if anyone finds one. He will be surprised at the vitriol this simple letter has produced."
