A RECORDED voice spoke out between stops on the Underground. “There are beggars and buskers operating on this train. Please do not encourage their presence by supporting them. The next station is Sloane Square.” The two main effects of the announcement seemed to be to persuade the musicians to get off the train and to strengthen the resolve of waverers in the meantime not to give them money.

I’d quite enjoyed the music. There was an accordion, a drum and a small trumpet. The sound was reminiscent of the American band called Beirut when it was going through its initial Balkan stage with the album Gulag Orkestar, 10 or 12 years ago. You can easily find it online.