When I was last in the UK, I wasted significant time going into banks and post offices, unsuccessfully trying to change old notes for new. In the end, I used a Forex kiosk which charged a fee, but at least took the old notes off my hands. 

I recall flying to Sydney for a Virgin Blue (as it was then) press conference. I was initially disappointed to be seated in the back row, until CEO Brett Godfrey sat down next to me, clutching his take-away meal, bought in the departure lounge before boarding.That image is a world away from his s...