AT least once a week, I go out on patrol' around Worcester. Being a hack of the old school, my senses are finely attuned to the possibility that some snippet of interest will be awaiting discovery around every corner.

Just in case there are any potential assassins taking note, let me quickly add that I tend to vary my route. Nevertheless, I have to say that a visit to the Cathedral is usually the highlight of my ramblings.

For the umpteenth time, I will happily wander around the Faithful City's great church, marvel at King John's tomb, and generally soak up the hallowed atmosphere.

My expedition is usually completed by half an hour's quiet meditation - and if a choir is practising, then that is a bonus. Such interludes are always treated with the required reverence - but it's a pity that not all people feel the same.

Now, some may consider this to be a trifling point, but I was always taught to remove headgear when entering a holy place. But no, this is yet another manifestation of the respect that seems to be declining in today's me first' society.

I suppose that we should be grateful that the gaggle of beanie-clad individuals spotted wandering around these sacred portals actually appeared to have some spiritual dimension, but I can't help think that the whole exercise was spoiled by the absence of this detail of decorum.

Of course, back in those gentler times of not all that long ago, hats and caps were removed on entering any building - just as men would tip their titfer on meeting a woman in the street.

And if we really want to trawl those politeness vaults, let us not forget those days when men would walk on the outside to prevent ladies' frocks from being splashed by passing traffic.

Of course, such sentiments are hopelessly outdated. But it is still pleasantly indulgent to recall the days when some semblance of civilisation still existed on our streets.