Many, many years ago, I toured the world and one of them being a stop-over in London, England. While visiting London, I took on a temporary position in a Barristers Office as a Receptionist-Telephonist.
There were tradespeople working near the reception area, and it made it more difficult for me to hear above the noise that was created by hammering and yelling.
Not being familiar with the routine set out by the previous person, I found it difficult following it. I looked at loose sheets of paper listing the Barrister’s names and extension numbers in no particular order.
I decided there had to be a more efficient way of finding the names and extension numbers, so I made a list in alphabetical order, and I needed “Durex” to attach this list to a position on the switchboard at eye level. I noticed cupboards nearby and found the stationery, but no “Durex” so, imagine my irritation at not seeing it.
In the meantime, the Secretary came down to ask how I was going, and I told her that was no “Durex” in the cupboard, and, I noticed her blushing to her neckline. And I wondered why, at the same time I heard no hammering from the contractors nearby and a Barrister in the hallway stopped mid-stride, still had no idea why?
The Secretary asked me what I wanted to use it for I told her that I wanted to support a new list on the switchboard. Her next question was, how are you going to do it? I was under the impression at that time that she was playing a game with me, or was she that stupid!
I mentioned we had a brand of adhesive tape in Australia called Durex, and then she said oh you mean sellotape. I finished work much later than usual and before I left the Secretary came and handed me an envelope with instruction to open it when I arrived home. I got curious and felt the content, and it contained a condom. I wondered why I got it from her.
Next morning I saw the Secretary at work and spoke to her about the content of the envelope she gave me the previous day, and she said that “Durex” is a brand of condom in England, now it was my turn to blush.
This brand of tape called Durex is not available in Australia.
Julie Eden
Thank you Jeffrey, for your comment.
so much excellent information on here, : D.