I HOPE I’m not the only person who is hopeless at using the supermarket self-service checkouts.

In theory I see the point, although nothing takes away from a bit of personal service, but in practice I find them exasperating.

If you take your own bag, as I often do, the argument to be more environmentally-friendly has finally worked its way into my consciousness, the self-service beast won’t have it.

‘Do you have your own bag?’ The beast asks. Yes, I press. Then I try scanning the first item and the beast bleeps: ‘Unexpected item in the bagging area.’ So I fiddle with the bag, but the beast is still not having it.

Human intervention is needed in the form of a very patient supermarket employee who can see steam coming out of my ears.

It’s 8.30am and I thought a quick dash to the supermarket before work to buy a few bits was a good idea. But I failed to take account of the beast.

If you go shopping early you’re almost obliged to use the self-service checkouts as there are so few assistants on the tills.

But how I do miss human beings.

Our lives are becoming devoid of personal communication.

Take the banks, who goes in there to speak to anyone anymore?

You just go to the nearest machine, tap in a few details and off you go.

At one time if you wanted to pay a bill you queued to speak to a cashier, now most of us do that on the internet. Oh it’s quick and very convenient, but just another example of machines taking over from people.

You can self-check in at airports or even online and the doctor’s surgery now has a machine to check in your arrival time and direct you to the right waiting room. Quick, efficient but anonymous.

In business we spend most of our time corresponding by email, sometimes text, or through social media, Twitter, Linked-In. Internally we use instant messaging Google Talk. Why speak to someone?

There has been a big shift away from traditional ways of keeping in touch. People are now far more likely to text than to make a phone call – it’s easier and quicker.

And instead of watching TV together, couples now cosy up side by side on the sofa with their iPads, iPhones or laptops. Oh the romance of it all!

  • IT’S great to see that the St Rocco’s Hospice shops have scooped a national retail award – it’s well deserved.

The volunteers do a fantastic job, many have worked there for years.

Rain or shine they turn up, unpack bags and boxes, sorting the good stuff from the rubbish.

They are always cheery, helpful and full of fun.

And you never know what sort of bargain you might find in one of their shops.

Well done to all those volunteers.