LAST week's column brought me a call from Chris Wotton in Ipplepen who said flattering things about what I had written and reminded me that we once fished together as members of the Dart Angling Association.

Yes Chris, it was a long time ago, in the days when I foolishly allowed myself to be persuaded to become the secretary of that distinguished organisation — before I realised I was too kind hearted (or squeamish?) to club a fish to death. But that's another story.

Chris has travelled the globe as a civil engineer, building airports and other great constructions. While we were chatting, he recalled an incident that demonstrates, yet again, what a small world we live in.

It was on the Caribbean island of Montserrat where a spectacular erupting volcano had become something of a tourist attraction. Holidaymakers were admiring the fiery spectacle and he found himself talking to a woman who had an interesting voice.

Where was she from, he asked.

"Oh somewhere you've never heard of," she replied. "A little village in Devon,"

Pressed further she added: "It's called Broadhempston."

"Know it well," Chris confessed. "How is Bill Nosworthy these days?"

And saw her face light up with happy recognition.

Bill was a character, well known throughout South Devon, who, sadly died a few years ago. He must be chuckling up there now if there is such a thing as a heavenly internet.