What an unexpected afternoon  

The alternator on the car decided to pack up, red light alert  

. Went round to where I had the new battery fitted just to check... Yep, alternator dying ... car running on battery juice. Can they fix it? Man looks at watch... no time to get an alternator, they're packing up for Christmas, like  

Plan B.  Drive round to Honest Dave's to see if he can fix it...
"To be honest, we're shutting down for Christmas, so it's going to be Wednesday of next week if you want to leave it with us?... "  

Plan C - a cunning plan if ever there was  

Phone the RAC  

After a 2 hour wait, Captain Sensible turns up and assesses the situation, now cold, dark and beginning to lash it down  

Can he find a garage open with a replacement + drive belt + power steering belt which is shot?  

If he can't then that's it, Boxing Day plans on the rack as there are no trains either to get me to rellies ...
...
...
He can!  

   Out with the old alternator, belts etc ... He is currently on a two hour round trip to Catford  

 and back and will fit the new one ... allegedly ...  

I can only wait now ...   

   Of all the days / nights for an alternator to pack up   
