I found a job at the Oceanology Exhibition (Argus, March 27) in 1969.

When I went to the Metropole Hotel, there were lots of beautiful young girls who had also been employed. I wanted to go straight back home because I was in my Fifties.

However, before I could make up my mind, a lady rose from her desk and said: "Thank goodness. At last, someone older and, no doubt, more sensible."

Margaret Thatcher opened the exhibition and I had to be in a suite upstairs to receive her before the opening. She arrived by

helicopter on the beach opposite the Metropole.

I watched her arrival from the balcony. We kept the door locked for security reasons and I was to open it when the organiser tapped on it. However, I was so taken with the helicopter, I did not hear the knock. I suppose they thought I had left the room and got a chambermaid to open it.

I felt terrible and, of course, apologised. Mrs Thatcher said, "don't worry, it's all right", and was very nice to me while I served her drinks. Thank goodness it was before she became Prime Minister.

-G Hill, Cheltenham Place, Brighton