Coalman

Despite our late night, well, early morning, we got off in good time to get to the coalyard. In the 1970s when mortgage rates rose to 15% we struggled financially, so Mr C would scavenge for sea coal on the beach near his work. We used the big bits as firebricks as they retained heat well. The rest he’d break down smaller to use in the Rayburn. Fortunately those days are gone but always on the look out to save a few bob, Mr C puts the car on the weighbridge at the coal yard, then we shovel the coal into old compost bags which are the right size to lift. When the car is full we get it back on the weighbridge and the coal merchant calculates the difference and we are charged. The bill was £91. It has gone up £1 a cwt(or kilo equivalent) since last year.

After a clean up we went to see all the grandchildren at Chimney Sweep (strangely coal related name for the drama class) where they were part of the chorus. We’ll not James. Contrary to expectations as he is such a drama queen, he took no part in any of it, not even in rehearsals all week, according to the others.

Then we looked after easy-going Nathaniel while his mum took Ella to her friend’s for a sleepover. Thomas and James have flown to Northern Ireland to visit the other grandparents.

Now to watch the last two episodes of ‘Victim’.