I was in Marlborough yesterday for a dentist appointment. I've known Johnathon for over twenty years. And I've been going to Marlborough since I was three years old. I remember the annual fair - the Marlborough Mop - Duck's Toyshop, the Polly Tea Rooms. I was, for a change, early for my appointment having got the time wrong so I had an hour to kill. Good opportunity for a coffee. First chance to explore the town a little since my accident. It's pretty good for wheelies, well, at least the limited bit I explored. As a upmarket town, its kerb crossings are paved rather than concrete. There are more cobbles than usual. And cashpoints are a nightmare. The first, despite offering to serve me in many languages (now that doesn't happen in Devizes), said it was out of cash. The second, Lloyds TSB, was in a beautiful cubbyhole of the listed building - up four steps. The third gave me what I needed.
It was sunny so I opted for a coffee outside the Castle and Ball hotel. Steep steps to get in and a helpful signs telling those with limited mobility to ask for assistance. A nice touch I thought, until I realised that there was no bell or buzzer so the only way to ask for assistance was to lurk at the bottom of the steps and shout in the hope that a member of staff would hear you. Luckily, there was someone at an outdoor table so they kindly went inside for me. But honestly, if you're going to go to the trouble of putting up a sign, why not include a bell?
Still, Marlborough's a pretty accessible town, the coffee was good and it was fairly easy to get round. And at least I didn't have to have any fillings.
