"Come friendly bombs..."

On our recent drive through England and Wales we decided to stop in at Iverheath to visit Bill. Bill has been a dear friend of Shelley’s Grandmother for more than 50 years. More amazing than that though is the fact that they have never met, and have only corresponded by mail and phone all these years.

Bill is 80-something, but is still very sharp. And like a lot of old men, he likes to give good-natured stick to young males (like myself – I am considered a young buck). Over the course of the evening he commented that we should, “lock Julian up in the stocks” (I don’t know why), and admonished Jo not to get the tea, as “Julian can get it – he’s not doing anything”. That was all fine of course; I like a good inter-generational beating ever now and again.

After a few episodes of banter (I didn't exactly banter back) the conversation settled on where we were headed the next day. We were on route west to past Slough tomorrow. “You know there’s a poem by Betjeman about Slough”, said Bill. “Do you know it Julian?’

And here it was – my opportunity to shine. Not just in front of Bill, but in front of Shelley’s parents too. A triple wammy; Bang! Bang! Bang!

These moments come so rarely, so I had to compose myself.

‘Oh,’ I said, ‘ you mean “Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough, it isn’t fit for humans now”?’

The look from Bill could only be described as disconcerted. I, on the other-hand, was wearing an expression much like that of a schoolgirl who has just been complimented on her dress (‘Oh, this old thing?’).

I basked in the glory for the rest of the visit, but as with all great deceptions, it had to end when we got back in the car. And Shelley had to end it; she told her parents where I learnt it. For those of you who haven’t watched The Office, you can copy and paste the address below (I don't know how to hyperlink).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVr6rFXJg88