A few years ago, I was invited to a coffee morning at St Peters Church, by my friends Alex and Sheila. As I walked into the room I saw mates I had not seen for years.
Most of the men there, had worked with me for Vickers Armstrong, and were all a bit deaf from the riveting and general noise, that you always have when building aircraft.
I sat opposite Alex, who seemed to be amused about something.
Sitting next to him was Dennis, who was very deaf. Dennis was in a very long conversation with Patrick, who was sitting next to me.
Patrick was also very deaf.
As with some deaf people, both were speaking very loudly.
I now knew the reason for my friend’s amusement.
They were talking about totally different subjects.
Neither of us wanted to embarrass them by pointing this out.
And trying not to catch my friend’s eye— as I knew he would start giggling— we just listened in.
The conversation was getting more and more out of control.
It went something like this.
“What do you get up to these days Pat?”
“Most days about six, but we have a rest on Sunday.”
“That’s alright for you young ones, we stopped all that sort of thing years ago.”
“On holiday though, we lie in every day.”
“No wonder Angie always looks so happy. Don’t tell Judy otherwise, she will get me down the doctors tomorrow.”
“My old Rover keeps me busy as well. I’ve spent nearly a week fitting new brake pads.”
“I know that can be very painful for them.”
“What sort of dog is it.”
Alex suddenly stood up and said. ”I need the loo.” I quickly followed.
Madeinchertsey 