Shanks's pony...

I was in a car accident last week, though luckily I only suffered mild whiplash.

I was waiting to turn into the company car park after lunch when I was hit from behind. As I got out to investigate the bastard drove off right in front of dozens of witnesses and me - he was even perused by another driver - nobody could believe he did it. Two independent witnesses got his registration (with only one letter different), but neither number came up on the police computer - then the penny dropped - that's why he did a runner. If his plates weren't legal, than neither would be the car, and he wouldn't be taxed; MOT'd or insured.

I spent the rest of that day alternatively at the hospital and at the police station and the next two days off at home. The car is sans-bumper but even though it drives and all the lights work Sue insists that I take public transport to work until I get a new car (The car is only worth a couple of hundred quid, which is less than it would cost to fix). At least I can read my book while I am on the bus and train.

Sue has said I can get a VW Kombi if I want, but they are not cheap. Even a thirty-year-old tatty Type 2 camper is selling for £3000 to £4000. Better quality or rarer Type 1 campers can go for anything up to £10000.

I have found out that for even more money you can get a brand spanking new Type 2 Kombi (or a new 'old style' Beetle, Type 1 Golf or Caddy). VW Brazil still makes these old models and a company, Beetles UK, imports them and turns the Kombi transporter into a Camper Van.

Better check the lottery tickets again!