With still no verdict in my own case, I head to the nearest magistrates Court to be an observer again.
The Court says it’s accessible and is a one storey building that’s new’ish.
However when I get there and follow the signs to the wheelchair bit, I’m told that out of 5 courts, only one is accessible and today there is a private hearing… which I can’t see.
So that was a waste of time then! Never mind.
So last night then.. when I went to a Pint of Science talk with Marky P, my girlfriend Wendy ( having opened 2 doors for me to get out ) found herself locked out of my flat. She had had the foresight to carry the keys, but not the foresight to wear her knickers ( and had on only a sweatshirt that was down just below her bum cheeks ).
So there she was, somewhat reluctant to reach up high to try to release the jammed door catch ( on account of avoiding a ‘ show ‘ that might attract every male within a mile ).
Eventually a tall fella turned up and tried ( telling her that ‘ next time you ought to wear some shoes ‘ – ha, if only he knew! ) to release the catch. That didn’t work so Wendy considered climbing over railings of 3 adjacent gardens ( weh hey another show ! ) but eventually someone let her in a side door…
That excitement aside, Marky P and I came second in the Pint of Science quiz ( knowledge of Thames Bridges tipping the balance our way I think – at last my kayaking history has been useful for something ).
The talk was about plastic pollution in the Thames, and the contamination of water by humans with antibiotics. In some countries the concentration of antibiotics in rivers is HIGHER THAN THE DOSE YOU NEED IN YOUR BLOODSTREAM TO CURE YOUR INFECTION!
Jesus, what a mess we are making of the World 🌎
And still no Verdict…. and you aren’t allowed to question a judge’s punctuality!
I’d like to thank all the (many!!) people that have been/are such lovely friends. Some I have known for decades and some for just a few years. One, a truly unbelievably lovely person, I have only known since July 11th…
It’s hard to single people out ( and it’s not a competition! ) but I’m gonna name Marky P, Wendy and my mum and dad in particular.
❤️
And the Verdict was put off for another day… which ever way it goes it’s not exactly a happy ending, as there’s stuff at stake both ways. The stuff is VERY different for me to what it is for the ‘ other side ‘.
I can’t say much more than that, though I do hope the Judge can appreciate ‘ need ‘.
I think that he does to be honest.
Well after the full Court experience these last few days, the Judge delivers his verdict tomorrow. ..
Whatever the outcome I WOULD like to thank the Court for the exceptional attitude they have shown by way of accommodating my disability and wheelchair stuff.. if everywhere was like that place my life would be far easier I think.
I’ll stop short of saying that I’d like to go there every day, but I think that’s obvious why!
As I wheel onto the tube train and head towards the designated wheelchair space on the carriage that Transport for London INSIST that I place myself in, 4 dressed to the nines nice middle class ladies with designer handbags and Cartier wristwatches that are sitting in the seats that flip down into the designated wheelchair area all smile at me in a ‘ awww bless him in his wheelchair ‘ kind of way, but DO NOT make any attempt to vacate their seats to let me wheel into the area., I have to point at the large blue and white sign that says they have to move ( out of the f’ing way ) for the disabled guy ( bless him for being out in the real world with the normal people ! )
Me pointing at the sign several times usually does eventually result in people moving, but not always, and sometimes there is tutting and visible irritation on their botoxed , unmoved ( in more ways than one ) faces….
Aahhhh West London society meets unaesthetic wheelchair man ( bless him for being out, but seriously, do I have to actually stand up just because HE is here?! )
And then I arrive at Court for more of the same…