SHE walked into Debenham’s restaurant, a picture of elegance. At a guess she was in her early 40s. Her neat blonde hair and delicately applied make-up seemed to be highlighted by her smart, figure-emphasising businesswoman’s scarlet two-piece suit.

Under her arm was a smart leather document folder from which hung a matching leather identity label holder.

Mine was not the only head to turn.

The gentle buzz of conversation seemed to fade and people of all ages looked her way. For a few seconds she paused, posed and looked around, scanning the room through designer sunglasses.

Then it happened.

Possibly to get a better look, she decide to push the sunglasses up and into her hairline, as these days seems to be the habit.

Unfortunately the space was already occupied by equally expensive-looking designer glasses. The move was met with resistance.

She pushed a little harder; this only succeeded in dislodging the glasses, which clattered to the floor, striking her left shoulder en route.

She had tried to catch them but this only resulted in her losing hold of the document folder which joined the spectacles on the deck.

Two gentlemen – well, me and another chap – went to her aid, but neither of us carried anything guaranteed to banish embarrassment.

And I could swear I heard at least one unsympathetic sniff from a nearby table of three ladies who lunch.

AN hour or so later I was heading into the Westgate Centre when Gerry, possibly the biggest pessimist that I know, both in demeanour and girth, was coming out.

“I thought another one had gone,” he announced, as if expecting me to know what he was on about.

“Explain, please.” I said, knowing whatever it was it would have an element of gloom in the story.

“Another business,” he said. “I popped in to count up.”

Since Christmas The Discovery Store, Hawkin’s Bazaar, Past Times and Sony have departed and a couple of weeks ago the cookies shop disappeared without trace.

And had another gone, I inquired?

“No, but Timpson’s the shoe repairer and key cutter was closed, but it turns out it was a training half-day,” he replied with scant enthusiasm.