I READ VJ Connor’s letter (HAS, July 1) about OMO soap powder packets being used by women to let their lovers know their husbands were away – OMO stood for “old man’s out”

when the packet was put in the window. I have an advert for OMO. I wondered if anyone knew how old it was and if anyone remembers the OMO bus which seemed to tour the area handing out freebies to housewives.

Peter Jefferies, Durham City.

VJ CONNOR is correct about OMO (HAS, July 1). While serving in the Royal Navy at Plymouth in the 1970s, I heard that a frigate had returned to harbour after six months away.

A young sailor who should have been on duty got a fellow shipmate to cover for him so that he could surprise his wife.

On the way home, he did what most sailors do and visited a local pub. A bit the worse for wear, he hailed a taxi to take him home. The driver asked him if he wanted a good time and, forgetting he was back home, the sailor said “yes”.

The taxi driver took him to the married quarters and started looking in the windows of each house. The sailor asked him why, and he replied: “I’m looking for one with an OMO packet in the window – it means the ‘old man’s out’.”

Imagine the sailor’s surprise when he was taken to his own house.

Barry Tiller, Richmond.