A slight digression

This week I'm going to take a slight detour from the story. John has sent through many stories about how himself and Pat were assisted by an army of colleagues, suppliers, friends, family and people within the market trade who John considers himself very much indebted too.

He has also sent through a number of really funny stories the following is my absolute favorite.

There were some lighter moments that helped lift the mood. During the time we were living on The Ship, I had registered my driving licence to The Ship and the front page now said Mr. John Rowley, The Duke Of Lancaster, Llanerch-y-Mor, Mostyn, North Wales.

I had just bought a car from a supplier, Paul Seperates, in Balls Pond Road, London, it was a Jaguar XJS which although was slightly old, was in excellent condition and really looked the part but more importantly was extremely comfortable on those long early morning drives for stock. Also, very, very rare for it’s day, it also had a Vodafone Car phone installed. All that for only £2,000, I thought it was a bargain.

During one dash with the cash to get stock we were pulled over by the police. The Police had done a check on the car and had been told the car didn’t have a valid car tax.

When the police stopped us and explained why we had been stopped, Pat immediately dialed the office on the car phone and our bookkeeper, Josie explained the tax disc had arrived in the post but she hadn’t had chance to stop us before we left.

The policeman could see Pat using the phone and as he approached the car, I wound down the window to explain. The Policeman, very staunch and fastidious, was more interested in seeing my driving licence which I always carried with me.

He read the front page of the licence and his demeanor changed immediately. 

He handed me back the licence, took one step back away from the car and saluted me. He quickly wished us a safe journey and waved us goodbye.

I didn’t need telling twice and I quickly drove away trying my best to keep a straight face.

“What was all that about” said Pat, “I don’t know but I think he must of thought I was The Duke of Lancaster”, I replied.