Is this the most “Telegraph” letter ever?

@Pointlesslettrs has spotted a letter in the Telegraph which beautifully fits the stereotype of it being largely read by mad old posh people.

Terry Loudwell writes, “SIR – On the subject of everyday irrationality, I had an uncle who, after telephoning the speaking clock and hearing the time from the lady’s recorded voice, would doff his hat before replacing the receiver.”

“My grandfather was heard saying thank you to the speaking clock. He was a lovely man” replies @Cerild.

“Normally these letters are written by and about tossers, but that guy’s uncle sounds like a lovely, slightly eccentric old gent.” says @Clinteldorado.

“When Terry revealed what ‘doff his hat’ was a euphemism for, the tone of the letter was somewhat altered” notes @Ashles3000.

And finally, “Why was he wearing his hat indoors?” asks @Seethingleech.

Also we’re reminded of what an incredible bit of engineering the original speaking clock was.

There is (or was, we haven’t checked recently) one in the Science Museum, each bit of speech is on a different groove of a record and the machine moves around several record needles to create the whole sentence.

Truly remarkable and well worth a doff of the hat.

Source: Twitter/@pointlesslettrs