The Chatterboxes

A favorite British myth that dies hard is that two Englishmen stranded on a desert island would not speak until properly introduced. Many an American tourist has found the silence in a British railway carriage oppressive. But last week, with an air of discovery, the Manchester Guardian reported the existence in England of something called the Conversing Travelers' Association. The Guardian triumphantly uncovered "what appear to be two facts about the association: it was formed at Letchworth in 1950, and it now has about 1,000 members indulging, as a matter of principle, in 'topical conversation with strangers of either sex to relieve boredom when traveling.' The association badge, with a copy of the rule book, costs five shillings a year. Once the badge--silver lettering on a blue background--is recognized, members are at liberty to start talking. The rules say the conversation is to be 'discontinued' at the end of a journey 'unless by mutual consent'--a saving clause, if ever there was one."'

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