I work for quite a few absolutely minted individuals – probably because Im a good deal less expesive than central London and have a good reputation.
I have done more gravel driveway miles than Macadam (1756 – 1836). The people I meet tend to be quite exceptional for one reason or another.
I recieve a call, the normal thing.
“My clock has stopped”
“ok no problem – give me some details on what and where and Ill tell you if we can help”.
“its on the wall and it loses 15 minutes a day and stops sometimes. The clock cant be moved so we can come and pick you up and take you to it”
“No problem, see you on Monday”.
Monday came and so did the client. I was driven to what I can only assume is Batmans house. It featured more land than a reservoir, an impressive black iron gate, a drive so long you could not see the house at the end of it and some stables. We arrived a the house after the safari down the drive and arrived at the mansion. I unpacked and asked where the clock was. The customer looked up and so did I. The “clock” was a tower clock – a full on church washing machine sized movement. I wasnt really surprised to be fair but had expected something indoors that looked like a church organ.
I got on with the inspection and assessment but needed to pay a visit. The customer showed me the smallest room and I went through.
Now, on my bathroom wall I have a bronze swimming certificate and picture. On his bathroom wall he had a massive poster with period script… an MBE. I know two customers with OBE’s now, one an explorer and the more recent, a really top man who did 20 years in unpaid charity work (and found the time to keep a stately home running and a full time job).
I think the other chap kept his next to the throne as well.
Tomorrow George is coming in with a £50 clock he loves and wants kept going in his retirement. We are just normal people at Braintree Clock Repairs, and through the right glasses, everyone else is too.
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