Car trouble... and catching up with friends

A few weeks ago I'd arranged an evening's golf at Hindley Hall Golf Club, not far from work, with some work colleagues. With the planned date looming next Tuesday, I'd hoped to have the chance to practice my swing at the driving range before making a fool of myself on the course. However, these plans were scuppered when, as Carole backed her car off the drive, the car began making a strange squealing sound and promptly dropped what looked like a horseshoe on the drive. Being due for a hair appointment, Carole took the big car instead and left me with the problem of working out what had fallen off and what to do about it - and no time for golf or the means to get there.

After some intensive research (ie phoning Dad), we established that it must be part of the suspension which had collapsed, so I rang the local Ford main dealer to arrange for them to collect the car and fix it. The conversation went something like this:

Me: "Hello, can you help please, my car's suspension has just collapsed as we tried to move it just now. Can I arrange for you to fix it for me?"

Ford Garage: "Certainly, sir, we can fit you in next Tuesday, but if you'd like to bring it down now you can leave it with us now."

Me: "No, I don't think you understand; it's not driveable at the moment - you'll need to collect it on your recovery vehicle."

Ford Garage: "Are you a member of the AA sir, or the RAC?"

Me: "Why are you asking me that?"

Ford Garage: "Well, we don't have a recovery vehicle any more, so if you're in the AA, they will bring it here for you!"

Me: "Are you seriously telling me that the local main Ford dealership doesn't have a recovery vehicle?

Ford Garage: "As I say, are you in the AA?"

Needless to say, they didn't get our business; instead I rang a local independant garage, who, when he found out that we live just round the corner from his own house, suggested we put the keys through his letterbox so that he could collect the car from our driveway without us needing to be there. Guess who'll be getting our business when the car next needs a service?

Anyway, by the evening, we'd arranged to visit Gail and Barry, who made us a fantastic chinese meal (all home made), and we caught up with Ruth as well for the first time this year. An excellent evening to round off a frustrating day.