After being a driver for 47 yrs, its a big loss.
I have given up my Motability car. However Calderdale Volunteer Transport seem to be able to take me to anywhere I wish . They are kind and careful. With them, I can sit in my chair and go wherever I book.
So far I have gone to Rugby ( for Oliver's christening, and to The Works at Sowerby Bridge for lunch and drinks with Samaritans. I have booked a trip to Tod for the AGM of the gallery next week and also a trip to Halifax.)
Each trip costs , on average , £30,. BUT I will now get my DLA of £55 per week to pay for these. Formerly it went towards the car , so I never did see it.
But, indeed , it is sad, after driving for 47 yrs , to not have access to a car. In fact , though I always had access to a car, I was 34 before I had my very own first car. I chose a Bluebell Blue, Citroen 2CV. Its number plate was C22 UVN. I wonder where it is now?
I had such fun with that car, which ended with my divorce. Its value went into the divorce settlement. I got the Citroen BX ( Anthracite Grey) and my husband the 2CV and the caravan ( an Avondale Leda).
My 2CV was sold to a nurse from a SCBU, ( Special Care Baby Unit).
I know not where since. But 2CV's are renown for wearing their dents with pride... and with its simple engine, I expect somewhere it goes now.
The BX that I got was kept for 3 yrs, until the hand brake failed and it ran down the road into a wall. It was a write off ! I now engage gear when parking in hilly Calderdale ! (Well I used to , when I was a driver!!!!)
I passed my test at 18 despite having my first lesson on the 18th of Feb 1966, the day after my 17th birthday.
I took three tests. The first I failed on the Highway code. The question "Why are double white lines?" floored me. 2nd test I failed. Don't know why but the instructor said I was Brutonized... the chief tester being a Mr Bruton !! Third time I passed.
I went on a car Rally that afternoon. Mum and dad didn't know !!!! I used 5/- and put 2 gallons of petrol in the car. ( 5/- is 25p now!)
So it with mixed feelings that I am car less. But the car was a trouble always .( 8 visits from the RAC !!!)
The other reason is that the morphine is making me slower to respond. I don't think I would be safe for myself or other drivers.
It is good to end my driving career with a no accident record...... well I mean proper accidents. I did have a few claims for backing into a large stone , backing into a fence, backing into a bollard !!!
So my Little Green Car did me proud today..... it wouldn't start !!! How normal !!! And so it achieved a total of 9 RAC visits.... they had to come today. Paul from the RAC making his 3rd visit and on the cars last day !!! YEY !!!!!!
HUG ME, I'VE GOT MND
