The Yorkshire Signalman

Tapped on the line between two East Coast Stations in the early days of Wren operators:-

Yorkshire Signalman (speaking from Hull, which in local dialect rhymes with bull, and has no initial aspirate): "'as the Dryad ' as left `ull - "

Wren Telephonist (in shrill staccato): "What did you say?"

Y.S (louder): " As the Dryad `as left 'ull -"

W.T. (shriller): "What?"

YS. (slower and louder): "As the Dry-an -

W.T.: "The dry what?"

Y.S.: "If you can't hear me, Miss, you run along and send someone who can."

W.T.: "No, you give it me again."

Y.S.: "Shan't."

W. T.: "Then I shan't give you that nice Q message that's just come for you."