WHATEVER happened to the niceties, such as handkerchiefs or tissues (I'm not bothered which), common sense, manners, decent behaviour, respect for others, courtesy, code of quietness? Oh dear, the list is endless.

All I ask is an hour or so of quiet contemplation and study.

Lets start with the two teenage schoolchildren who sniffed loudly, continually for nearly an hour, plus sneezing, not once producing a handkerchief. Then there's the troupe of gigglers. How about the mobile phone users who have the ability to read from a computer screen, but cannot read notices asking them to turn their mobiles off? We mustn't forget the shuffling of feet' - the inability to walk properly. One wonders if the shoes are too heavy or the wearers too lazy. Screeching children and the parents who cannot control them.

Where am I? You've guessed it - the Library!

MISS H.N. LOFTHOUSE, Chard.