Leading a sheltered life in the north-west corner of Ireland, it's easy to entirely unaware of significant trends. For instance, after an invigorating walk on Sunday in the pouring rain, one might have had a bath with Radox and thought oneself experiencing the acme of modern living.

Of course, had one read today's email from Bathstore in London (rather difficult unless the bathroom came fitted with a Tardis, probably an option in some of our leading outlets), an inner voice might have remarked - "Sitting there soaking yourself - sure you're only in the ha'penny place!" -

Bathstore On Trend
New Trend Bath from Bathstore

Trend 1500 freestanding bath with surround panel £599

The new Trend bath from Bathstore is their most luxurious bath yet, boasting clean, contemporary lines, with simple tapered sides, this freestanding bath will complement any existing bathware. Available in two sizes the 1500 has ample space for one, while the 1800 is designed for two. The deep sided bath provides an idilic setting to relax and unwind, with its lavish wide flat top rim – an ideal place for a glass of wine!

- Darling I'm going for a 'bath'

- [away at work] Eh? Didn't you have a shower earlier on?