| Putting On The Style By Sheila Gravenor |
| We bought our very first car in the early fifties - A 1932 Hillman Minx with a soft top. It seemed a huge step to take, launching us from the ranks of foot soldiers into a far more sophisticated lifestyle altogether. We were awed by this change in our lives. Instead of walking three miles to church on Sunday mornings, we went in 'the car', three children in the tiny buttoned back seat, and the baby on my lap in the front. We had a very generous offer from sister Rita, to baby sit while we went out in 'the car' for the evening. So Ted gallantly set out to pick her up from the select jewellers where she worked. He dressed for the occasion in a rather dashing white riding mac, which had seen better days but still had a certain panache, and a Guards type tweed cap set carefully in line with his nose. The pickup was effected very smoothly as Ted installed his glamorous young sister into the passenger seat, flicked the engine into life with a deft turn of the starting handle, before vaulting neatly into the driver's seat. They set off through the traffic to the suburbs where we lived, with Rita sitting there like a princess as they glided past the crowded bus stops and scurrying hordes of people, until, 'Oh dear'; The car stalled right by a bus stop with its attendent crowd of weary travellers. Glad of some distraction, twenty pairs of eyes watched as Ted stepped out into a puddle and slammed the car door, trapping a corner of his mac, which then proceeded to tear off a wide strip hanging out of the door like a great banner. Rita was frozen with embarrassment, while the bus stop crowd were enjoying every minute. Ted violently swung the starting handle without much effect. (No easy way to start the engine in those days.) The only result was a cheer that went up from the spectators on each attempt. Finally the engine caught and he was able to muster what dignity he could, gather up the tattered remnants of his lovely mac, and take off to the sound of applause and ribald goodwill from the crowd. We have often recalled the incident over the years and laughed at ourselves putting on the style, but I still thing Rita shudders at the thought of it. |
| Bob Gravenor Fine art paintings for sale and by commission, art lessons |
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| Bob Gravenor. Tel +353 (0) 877 450 500. Email. bob@bobgravenor.com Address. Clutar, Castlerheban, Athy, Co. Kildare, Ireland |