From green baize to greenwood......

 

‘Well I never.’

‘Never what guv?’

(Bing is watching snooker and hoping they will shortly, finally introduce coloured balls that squeak!)

‘M’mmm?’

‘You're sounding puzzled old poop.’

I've been scanning a local ‘freebie’ newspaper, and wondering if anyone actually reads such things. Being sharp, I realize……in fact……I am!

‘Sorry Bing, I was wondering why yet another new restaurant is about to open in Lowtown. We seem to have an extraordinary number of eating establishments, Betting Offices & Estate Agents. Not to mention clothes, and phone shops. Oh and Opticians!’

…….actually I fear this can be said for many a high street up and down our fair land. I then spent a few moments counting, Hairdressers, Barbers, Suntan and nail buffers etc., Oh and slightly fewer Banks and Building Societies, than a few years back.

Naturally, to someone as level headed as the boy Bing, such establishments don’t figure large in his world….although, the ‘pongs’ coming from local ‘eateries’ are, quite naturally, of interest.

A paw is rested on my knee, and I can see the lad’s about to bring sense back to our day.

‘Guv’ner, let it go. Just think, the day is bright, there’s a lad before you in the mood to stroll. We deserve a trundle about the paths we love. Lets face it, apart from a few too many grey tails (squirrels) the rest is nigh on perfect!’

‘Well……’

The lad is off, out into the hall he trundles, and you and I know by the time I catch up, he'll be sitting very neatly, next to the chair on which his lead rests.



Restaurants and so forth, are very ‘small beer’ when it comes to strolls with Bing. The path is dry, the hooter up front is working overtime, and here, being towed in his wake, comes an old poop with a silly smile on his face.

We reach our little pond, look for ducks, who today are being particularly vociferous. Later we trundle the banks of one of the ‘meanders’ that trickle through this forest. Much later they will join the River Roding, which empties into the Thames and from there………our little world of Lowtown, joins the World.

‘Oi!’

I jump out of my reverie.

‘Yes Bing?’

‘Still thinking of new shops?’

‘No.’

‘Hurrah!’

A pigeon clatters from forest floor to high beech branch.

‘Crumbs that’s a real porker of a pigeon Bing!’

‘Um…I’d like to see you get up to a high branch from here guv!’

‘Charming!’

‘Talking of snacks guv…..’

‘Were we?’

‘Well we are now I would suggest.’

‘M’mmmmm.’

‘Anything you’d like to ask me guv?’

‘Snack Bing?’

‘Need you ask?’

A suitable stump is found, an old poop gets comfy, and……….of course.

Snacks are served.

 

 

 

 

 

And through the trees, old Lowtown nestles.