Heritage Sunday

Scored a smart if old van this morning, parked for show outside the Amber yard in West Street, more or less behind the Enterprise office. A place which has gone through various incarnations through the years, with the incarnation before Amber being the well-stocked fabric shop where we bought the front room curtains we now have, replacing those bought when we first arrived in Epsom, possibly from Bentall's of Kingston. Sadly, they caught the sun in the front room, and eventually they rotted.

Bing suggests a Commer Express delivery van from the mid 1950's. Once an independent member of the UK engineering family, founded at the beginning of the 20th century, then gobbled up by Rootes, gobbled up in turn by Chrysler, then Renault. By which time this once proud name had vanished from view.

Front number plate missing, so not clear if still fit for the road. No orange indicator wings for turning, around when I learned to drive in the mid 1960's. Not clear if the orange lights - rear but not front - were turning lights. But in very good condition for a van which is well over fifty years old. Although, being picky, I dare say it has had a paint job.

A bit further round a trolley which was not in very good condition. From Wickes, presumably of Kiln Lane, next to the big Sainsbury's. Far to far to return, being near the end of my circuit, even supposing that they wanted it back. Given that they are a builders' merchant, probably not too fussy, so my guess would be that they would put it back into service.

And in a south facing, sheltered spot in Manor Green Road, a dandelion which flowered early.

PS 1: the lead bud of one of the two remaining Ohio buckeyes, last mentioned at reference 3, is bursting. But it does not look very strong to me, so we shall see how it gets on.

PS 2: I think the grass seed sown just three days ago, that is to say Thursday, noticed at reference 4, is showing today, just three days later. Perhaps being well soaked by the rain did the trick. It has certainly left the patch looking very smooth and even.

References

Reference 1: https://theamber-group.co.uk/.

Reference 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commer.

Reference 3: https://psmv5.blogspot.com/2023/01/energy-law.html.

Reference 4: https://psmv5.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-bodge-phase-3.html.