I dodged work... and looked a real Charlie

Iwas amused by the tale of the gentleman whose surreptitious sausage roll-eating was caught on camera, as I had a similar experience about 20 years ago.

My workload had become so great that it had begun to affect my health. I couldn’t face going into work on the Monday morning, so I phoned in sick. My husband said I needed some fresh air and suggested I visit a country show up in the Yorkshire Dales. I hesitated, but he said no one would see me as it was miles away from home and besides, all my colleagues would be at work — so I agreed to go.

I enjoyed walking around on my own in the bracing air, looking at the craft stalls and watching country pursuits, and I didn’t see anyone I knew. As there were very few spectators at the sheep pens, I thought I would wander over to have a look at the sheep. I was just enjoying being on my own when I heard a commotion approaching me from behind.

Caught out! It was only the then Prince of Wales, his security, the show committee president, etc — and also a television crew, complete with cameras filming his visit for Calendar news, to be shown that evening. I ended up surrounded by all these people and couldn’t escape.

I went back to work the next day with trepidation, but thankfully no one mentioned seeing me next to Prince Charles!

M. Chilton, otley, West yorks.

Follow-up

THE LETTER from Angie Morris about the swan that stopped the traffic reminded me of a similar incident that happened in York.

While walking over lendal bridge on a quiet Sunday morning, I was surprised to find the traffic stationary in both directions.

As I arrived at the spot where the traffic met, I came across an obviously frightened swan, not fully matured, as it still had a few brown feathers. I placed one hand around its neck and picked it up with the other.

not really knowing what to do with the cradled swan, I thought to myself: ‘I’ll drop it off the bridge, into the River ouse.’ but on releasing the swan, a thought flashed through my mind — what happens if it can’t fly?! My temporary panic was assuaged when it took flight.