Page 97 - It's a Rum Life Book 3 "Ivy House Tales 1970 to 1984"

BACK TO THE STORY
This particular day of the main story, Axleline’s lorry was due for its annual test. Michael
had spent some time checking it over and getting it ready and he was on his way to the
HGV Testing station at Grimsby.
As usual there were road works in the town and Michael was sat at the temporary traffic
lights waiting for his turn.
Suddenly and without any warning there was huge thump at the back of the lorry. Michael
got out and there embedded under the back of his vehicle was a red Morris 1100 family
saloon car. (picture of similar car)

The windscreen of the car was shattered where it
had hit the back of the lorry body and the bonnet
was wedge well under the main chassis frame.

As Michael approached to see if he could help, the
driver’s door opened and a man fell into the road.
He gradually managed to get to his feet and as he
spoke Michael got a blast of whisky-laden air into
his face!
This was about 2pm. In the afternoon.
Michael had to find a telephone box quickly to give us a call. (This also well before the
birth of mobile telephones). “Will you phone the Testing station and tell them I’ve been
held up!” was the first thing he said.

Testing stations even today are very particular about your test appointments. If you are
late or miss them you get black marks at the very least. It does not do to upset the testing
station. You could well lose your test slot and have to go back another day.

They were very understanding when we began to tell the tale. They knew Michael and how
problems seem to follow him around! Back at the lorry the police had arrived.

Grimsby’s traffic system as it was in the 1970’s could not cope well with major blockages
in the centre of town. They had to move the wrecked car quickly.

(Picture of inside of goods vehicle
testing station.)

The driver and his even more inebriated
friend were carted off too!
Perhaps it was a case of being the
worse for drink making them both so
relaxed they had not even a scratch on
either of them!

A smallish breakdown lorry arrived and
hooked onto the rear of the car.
The policeman in charge asked Michael
to drive forward which he promptly did and Bedford lorry, Morris 1100 and brake down
lorry ( in reverse) all proceeded in the direction of the testing station.

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