Archie Tektshur is a live and well...

...and living in Newcastle.
The saga of the fried Hi-Fi is finally over.
The 'phone was no trouble.
The insurers couldn't track the stone-age equipment.
They handed it over to A.N. Other.
A.N Other found & replaced the CD player but, they said, couldn't source a Receiver.
DUH?!? #1
It required an amplifier, which we didn't have.
DUH?!? #2
I contacted the manufacturer and explained in my usual inimitable style what was afoot. Their rep replied that
A ) It was, probably, the only time that week he'd see "antediluvian" used in an email.
B ) They made a compatible Receiver, in the same series as the CD player.
DUH?!? #3.
Their nearest 2 shops were Newcastle & Preston.
I'll tell thee what ...
20lb (around 9kg) doesn't sound much, but it's a helluva load when dangling at the end of your arm on a gaffer-tape handle through the hot streets of Newcastle.
I just happened to glance up as we wandered through Eldon Square centre.
I don't think I've ever seen QUITE so many mirrors in one place.