Old friends and buying from a gypsy

A strange day in the shop. For the first time in years a "traveller" came to see me.
"Will you buy from a gypsy today?" she asked. Not being particularly superstitious I bantered with her and eventually bought a yard of lace because I don't need bad luck at the moment!
Then, half an hour later, in came a couple I had not seen for over 25 years. I used to write about his footballing exploits when I was a junior newspaper reporter. Damned good he was too.
David and Barbara Wilson from Barnoldswick, it was lovely to see you. It's great to wipe away the years on a grey Tuesday afternoon. Give my love to "Barlick".