WHAT'S happened to tins? I risk cutting a main vein every time I try to open one with my vintage opener. Thankfully I don't use so many.

The cans used to be able to withstand the point inserted and then wrist manoeuvre which released the top in a non-killer form.

Now I barely get past a quarter way round before the can buckles and the lid resembles the blade on an electric hedge cutter.

Today's containers certainly wouldn't stand up to having holes drilled in, lengths of string attached and the weight of an expert stilt walker.

I spent many joyful hours striding along Myrtle Avenue on two half pint pea cans. Toys for free, those were the days, eh, mums and dads. Don't you just wish...