Phoned the AA, not the most user friendly service I’ve experienced. A patrolman was here within an hour. He confirmed that the battery wasn’t at fault so jacked the front up and went underneath. Half an hour later the car started. Then the bad news . . . he’d disabled the power steering. I went for a short drive with him and there was no way I could safely drive the car.

I phoned my garage then the AA again to arrange recovery. That was easily organised. Then the recovery company phoned to say they would prefer to leave it until Monday. That gave me a chance for a wander up into Stock Ghyll wood.

About 7 pm I had a phone call from the AA. Did I know that the recovery date had been changed. Yes I said, to Monday. Then a text message . . . we will be with you at 9.00 AM. Tomorrow . . . Sunday . . . surely not.