Sir.-The wonders of modern communication and the interest of a close family have allowed me to receive the article "The story of a shopkeeper", from a recent Friday Gazette.

My father - Leslie Nutt, mentioned in the article - has a surviving twin who sent the article to my mother, Joan Nutt, and myself. We were touched by the sincerity and clarity of the article and wish to thank Robert Brown for his accurate research.

The leather "gold press" used by the business is in the museum at Basingstoke and is, we believe, the only one of its type in existence.

My mother was extremely pleased to read the account. She is in good health in Pewsey, Wiltshire, and maintains a healthy interest in Basingstoke.

Thank you again.

-Ann Dudney, East Grafton, Marlborough.