“Complaint” Letter To John White At BACTA, 27 September 1994

I cannot remember the context of this spoof letter of complaint, other than the fact that John was working for BACTA – perhaps that was a new thing at that time. I can only assume that the Anchor House thing was some sort of a charity lottery.

Nearly 25 years later, John is once again working for BACTA and might find this letter “helpful”.

Any recollections from your end will be much appreciated, John.

One small additional point for any geeks who might still be reading – this was, I believe, the very last letter I ever wrote using WordPerfect.

                                                                                                                                                                                   Ian Harris
                                                                                                                                                              12 Clanricarde Gardens
                                                                                                                                                                      London W2 4NA
Tel: (071) 243-0725
Fax: (071) 229-2967
Internet: zyenilh@zyenharri.win-uk.net
Compuserve: 100434,1552
 


Mr John S White 27 September 1994
BACTA
Bacta House
Regents Wharf
6 All Saints Street
London
N1 9RQ
 
 
Dear Mr White
 
GAME FOR A CURSE

 
I wish to complain in the strongest possible terms. Last week I had the misfortune to enter a certain Anchor House, at which address I was induced by a resplendent banner to enter the aforementioned Game For A Curse competition. I was promised “thousands of cash prizes” for my not insignificant investment of 50p. Imagine my surprise and horror when I ascertained that my investment had been entirely lost. None of the promised cash prizes came my way (the offending card is enclosed for your perusal and comment).
 
I am not one of life’s losers, Mr White, and I assure you that the matter will not stop here. The gaming board shall hear of this, as shall the responsible Minister and/or the President of the Board of Trade.
 
Innocent citizens like myself should not be subjected to this humiliation and defeat. I very nearly won £1,000 (look at the card carefully) and therefore believe that the said prize should be mine by virtue of the error that you have clearly made with regard to the supply of a non-winning card.
 
Don’t try to get me under Schedule 1a of the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 or I shall see to it that you are done under the Pedants and Irascible Old Gits Act of 1962. Two can play at this game, Mr White, so watch it.
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
Ian Harris