What a lovely question. We have been debating charm for some weeks and its importance in life.
Debating its importance and our view that its disappearing, being forced out.
We like to think of ourselves as modern folk in the One Question world, but folk with an eye on what can be learned from other times. I guess that’s demonstrated to a degree by our love of the term “folk”. And charm is up there with things we don’t want to loose.
We consider charm to be a very human thing, never necessary, but perfect when offered.
It’s challenged by the sleek, the efficient, the mass produced that looks great, but just lacks something, by the bean counters who demand standardised everything.
It’s offered up by the genuine smile, the crooked street, the craftsman.
Much of London has charm, little of Milton Keynes.
Internet banking destroys it, a face to face meeting with someone who cares may help to restore it.
We say bring on the charm, and walk that bit further to the independent coffee shop, and tell them why, lest they should forget their survival depends on something the big boys can’t offer.