FARMER GILES

Farmer Giles...... A nickname for a regular customer, who definitely doesn't own a farm, as he lives in the town and loves to hoard things.

He pops in everyday, rain or shine to berate English politics and mooch for a bargain to then try and barter for on price. 

I always have a crystal cut glass bowl, on the counter filled with wrapped fruit sweets ( food hygiene decrees the wrapped bit ) for paying customers. Our Farmer Giles does his best to nick one, on every visit, without making a purchase. It's got to the point now where as he tries slight of hand, I am quicker and whip the bowl under the counter like grease lightening. It has become " A Game Of Thrones "

Whenever he offers a paltry sum for say a mans shirt, I respond with violin to hand.. " you are taking vital care from a person with life limiting needs by asking for a reduction. " I stick to my principles that " No means No " He always mutters that we all have to go one day and ambles out of the door empty handed.

Finally, last week, he succumbed to my relentless tactics and purchased a mans waterproof jacket at full price, without bargaining. He stood at the counter, garment in one hand, ten pound note in the other, with this withered look of defeat.  As a reward for his " Finally The Penny Has Dropped Moment " I filled his new jacket pockets with oodles of wrapped fruit sweeties "

Happiness is... Farmer Giles A Reformed Character With His " JUST REWARDS "