From the Revd Dr David Nixon

Sir, — I am glad that my colleagues over the Tamar may have solved the problem with Lloyds Bank and their silverware (News, 27 November). My experience in similar circumstances may be instructive.

Trying to trace plate of the same era for a parish and in a town that had better remain nameless, I first discovered that the local bank branch had closed, and all deposits had been moved to a larger branch. Two staff members could not have been more helpful, and took on the challenge of finding a semi-labelled box. They did so after a few days.

I went with the parish treasurer to identify and claim the items. In her rather capacious handbag, she had secreted a small crowbar; when we were shown to a private room, we drew the curtains, and, as the padlock keys had been lost a generation before, we used the crowbar to jemmy open the box. A splendid haul of Georgian silver appeared.

A few days later, we retrieved the old ammunition case and the silver, and gave a tin of biscuits to the staff. I wish my colleagues similar luck in their treasure hunt.

DAVID NIXON
Dean of Studies, SWMTC
Suite 1.3, Renslade House
Bonhay Road, Exeter EX4 3AY