Purses: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, definitely. I carry a small leather purse whenever I head out the door. It is compact enough to fit snugly into my coat pocket, which means I don't always have to bother lugging a bulky rucksack around with me.

Just the essentials, really. I usually have a couple of debit cards, my driving licence, and maybe a few loose coins. I used to hoard old receipts, but now I try to keep it fairly uncluttered so it doesn't get too heavy.

For me, durability is the key thing. I tend to look for sturdy stitching and a neutral colour like black or brown that goes with everything. A couple of years ago, I bought one made from recycled canvas, and it has lasted brilliantly.

I did, actually. I remember having a bright blue nylon one with a fabric fastener that made a loud ripping noise whenever I opened it. My grandparents used to give me a couple of pounds of pocket money every weekend to keep in there.

Unfortunately, yes. A few months ago, I accidentally left my purse on a bus after commuting home from work. It was a massive hassle because I had to ring my bank immediately to cancel all my cards, though luckily a kind stranger handed it in.

I suspect they'll become much less common. Almost everyone I know pays for things using their mobile phone or smartwatch these days, so carrying physical cards or cash is becoming somewhat obsolete. However, some people might still keep them purely as fashion accessories.