The move to Newark heralded nineteen years commuting to Kings Cross in London. Lindum House cost just £10,000 more than we obtained for our semi-detached home in Furzedown, so I increased my mortgage by that figure.
This was very risky because I had only been freelance for a year and had no clients in Nottinghamshire or Lincolnshire. I calculated that, because long term commuting was priced at a lower rate than shorter distances, I could just afford the annual season ticket to London. That covered 120 miles.
The following year British Rail, as it then was, decided to increase the long distance rates by 5% per annum for five years. The season ticket became unaffordable, so I stayed at home on Fridays as I built up a small amount of local work, and bought daily return tickets. At the same time interest rates went through the roof and mortgage repayments soared.
On my first day of travelling by the Intercity train it broke down in the evening and we arrived home four hours late.
A swan had been caught in the braking system which could not be freed. It was necessary to wait for a replacement engine.
As I walked into the house after midnight I thought “what have I done?”
Fortunately there was nothing so disastrous again and I settled into a travelling community.
One activity was the solving of The Times crossword which led to the creation of Mordred, about which there will be more to come. Unfortunately my fellow travellers got the erroneous impression that I knew everything.
There was to be an NSPCC fundraising quiz night in Grantham at which more than 30 teams competed. Two of these were from our commuter crowd who vied for my company. The team who lost that honour won the competition while mine came second. This was quite salutary.
Glad you were able to make it all work out. With a stretched budget, any increase can be a burden. Looking forward to learning about Mordred.
Thank you very much, Laurie
It’s something how unforeseen things can unravel our plans. I had plans to buy a home here, but prices doubled due to Covid. I can’t afford to move now, and will must make do.
That is sad, Sherry. Thank you very much
Hmm, the creation of Mordred sounds intriguing.
Thanks very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
You have mentioned Mordred before … I am looking forward to learning more.
Thanks very much, Anne
“…led to the creation of Mordred.” Intriguing! Would it be something about bravery or treachery? Hmm…
I’m glad it all worked out in the end (except for the swan).
Thanks very much, Merril
Mordred does sound fascinating. Named for King Arthur’s son?
Yes – he was an evil Knight after all. Thanks a lot, Pat
I agree, any increases on an already thin budget presents difficulties. I am glad all worked out in the end.
We seem to be all curious about Mordred. 🙂
All will be revealed soon. Thanks very much, Lavinia
I thought that the working from home caused by the pandemic might have been encouraged more, given the savings it must have made to many people’s travelling costs.
Thanks a lot, John
Ay ay ay. Lots to worry about, but as is most often the case it all came out in the end. I laughed at your “unfortunately” in the line about admiration from your fellow passengers.
Thanks very much, Lisa
I commuted from Ballarat to Melbourne for about five years. And there was a cryptic crossword group on the train. I spent most of my time correcting essays and preparing lessons.So I never did much schoolwork at home.
That’s the way to do it. Thanks a lot, John
Aw, the poor swan. 🙁
But glad you found your travel rhythm and it all worked out on your commutes. Crossword puzzles are the perfect way to pass the time. (Where someone else is doing the driving. 😉 )
I look forward to hearing more about Mordred (a couple of things come to my mind) and your fellow passengers (I bet some of them were interesting! 😮 ) 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn – especially for remembering about the drive down Park Lane. X
Yes, that came to mind immediately! 🙂
It’s so sad about the swan. Wha a terrible first day event! But I’m glad it didn’t happen again and that things worked out.
Thanks very much, JoAnna
That was one heck of a commute. But at least you turned it into a positive.
My nephew has just moved into his first home i.e. mortgage. It’s huge even though the house is definitely a fixer-upperer! Luckily he is a qualified carpenter. We celebrated their inclusion into the deep in debt club last weekend.
Thanks a lot, Gwen. As you will learn, I ran five miles along Regents Canal when I got off the train
Ah, I had wondered when the Alter-ego would appear, I’m looking forward to it. 🙂
Thanks very much, Sue
Waiting patiently for A Knights tale 101.
Thanks very much, Chrissy
For five years (1990-95) I commuted daily by car from Rugby in Warwickshire to Southend in Essex. I convinced myself that 3 hours in a car was quality time. It wasn’t of course, it was wasted. I commute to work again now, bedroom to kitchen to garden shed, it is called retirement and the best job that I ever had.
Thanks a lo, Andrew. Me too
I commuted for two years. I wasn’t to crazy about it, but did what I needed to do.
Thanks a lot, Bridget
Oh my, I had not realised that you were so stretched during the early years of your self employment. Thank goodness you made it through it all.
Thank you so much, Geetha
You do seem quite knowledgeable on a number of subjects, Derrick. 👍🏻
Much appreciated, AnneMarie. Well, we didn’t have Google in those days 🙂
I think commuting has its ups and downs…but in the end you form a community 😉 Poor swan 🦢
Thank you very much, Ribana. The increased charges took a heavy toll on that community.
That’s some dedication, commuting from Newark to London. I feel sorry for the swan – what a nasty end. On the other hand, my half hour delay on Wednesday evening is nothing compared to the fours you endured.
Thanks very much, Helen. A rush hour in the car here might hold us up for 5 minutes
That’s more like it!
Can’t wait to hear about Mordrid. I have always wondered . . .
Thanks very much, Jodie
oof. Rough start. I can relate so easily to being in a position where you’re just crossing your fingers and hoping it’s going to work out for your family. Yikes.
Thanks a lot, Crystal