REVERSE MIGRATION

What were these two old chooks doing heading north across the channel in October? The white cliffs of Dover were devoid of bluebirds, the swallows had winged off to Capistrano, and the crows were now to be seen in the thinning woods across the ploughed fields. The explanation is simple! Having bought three vests for the price of two in M&S in London I was instructed “to get the wear out of them”.

Note, it is impossible to buy one of anything anymore in England. You always buy-one get-one free, or buy three for the price of two. One shop in Macclesfield had a notice “Shoes, two for the price of one” which clearly is very convenient for most people.

On our departure from France we experienced first-hand the new British sport of dashing across the channel to load the car up with booze. One satisfied Pommie from Essex had just loaded his estate wagon up with 3000 pounds worth of plonk which he explained cost him only a 30 pound ferry ticket and would last him 6 months. Drinking 6000 pounds worth of plonk a year is clearly a good way of saving money.

However, while wearing my M&S vests out, we do get the pleasure of Friday night fish and chips in Cambridge. Bob Ward OBE and Tortoise, and Technical Director of Marshall Aerospace, is picking them up on his way from work tonight on his bike. Providing his back light is working OK, and he doesn’t end up in the ditch covered in mushy peas, we should each be enjoying a large slab of battered haddock.

Tomorrow, the England rugby team, who initially had odds of 280:1 to win the world cup will be playing South Africa in the final. The college chaps here in Cambridge will be over the moon with a victory. If I had a scarf to go with the vests I would join them.

OUR LAST TOLL ROAD IN FRANCE THE A16

THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER FROM THE A16