If you have a question for the Spinster, please send an email to gowcommunity@gmail.com, with ‘Ask the Spinster’ as the subject line.

Dear Spinster,

Eight years ago my grandson and his wife took all the carpets up from their flat and varnished their floorboards ! I found it very difficult to visit at first, as although they tell me they have ‘very good jobs’, I couldn’t help but worry that they must be struggling financially. Every time I try to suggest that they use part of my late husband’s inheritance to carpet the flat they nervously laugh it off. Do you think they may be at the mercy of loan sharks ?

B. Shanks, Hyndland

Dear B. Shanks,

The way things are going you could very well be right. I suggest you pack them off to Girvan for the weekend for brisk walks and double scoop ice cream to take their minds off their financial woes. While they’re away arrange for the carpet fitters to lay a lovely axminster throughout. They’ll be surprised and delighted on their return.

Yours fragrantly,

The Spinster of this Parish