Seaside Trip

South Coast England

A pleasant day by the sea becomes a veritable roller-coaster ride

SEASIDE TRIP

The whole family were heading for the coast

That was except Dad, who was otherwise engaged

But their favourite Aunt had gone along instead

They filed out of the Mews, down the steps of the Mews

Took the Underground to Victoria

And from there a train to the South coast

Why not go in the car, asked one

Mum laughed, how would we all get in Dad’s MG

They arrived at the station and trooped off the train

Down the high street that led to the promenade

The sun was shining, the air was clear

And then the first sight of the shimmering sea

Excited at the prospect of a day on the beach, the kids pace quickened

This family, though well-off, didn’t get out of London much

So this was quite a treat

They reached the beach and made a camp

Anyone want a sandwich, asked Mum

We’ve got cheese, egg and cress, or not ham

But the kids were already in bathing costumes and running to the sea

Then the older kids played beach cricket

While the younger ones made sandcastles

Mum and Auntie sat and read

Or whispered little confidences

Nice day, nice beach, all was well

Not too hot, not too cold, almost perfect, one might say

Soon be time for lollipops or ice creams

Until, until

Where’s Fitzroy

Where the hell is Fitzroy

Said Mum, I knew he should have stayed at home

So while Auntie stayed on the beach with the little ones

The rest set off to search the town

Then when all seemed lost and Mum was agonising

How will I ever even begin to tell Dad

One of the girls came running, I’ve spotted Fitzroy

Come, quickly

He is in the amusement arcade

What, he’s playing games while we are worried sick

No Mum, he is trapped inside some machine with other toys

You pop your money in the slot and try and pick a gift

A lever operates a claw, not easy and rarely does anyone win

Can we ask the owner if we can negotiate a price

No, said Mum, I can’t be dealing with these rough amusement arcade types

We will just have to play and win him back

But when their change was all gone, Fitzroy remained imprisoned in the game

I will get more change, said Mum

You kids guard the game

But on her return, great consternation

Some big kids had come, played the game

And won Fitzroy

What to do, call the police, what will they do

Call some of Dad’s friends in Whitehall

I’m sure they all have favourite bears and will do something, pull some strings

But they will involve Dad, something I hoped not to have to do

Then the self-same daughter came running up again

Good tip for the school half mile I would say

I’ve located the kids that have Fitzroy

You’re turning into a proper detective, well done, said Mum, where

In the café over there

But Mum, it sells a particular type of grub, really not your scene at all

Pie and mash, gristle burger and chips, egg and chips, need I go on

They only change the frying fat once a year, you can tell

She seems to know a lot about this sort of establishment, noted Mum

Then, taking a deep breath, she stuck her nose in the air and marched in with her entourage, straight up to the motley crew

Sitting there eating sticky buns, gulping fizzy drink, and talking at the same time

Discussing matters in a fashion very far removed from her university debating society

Interesting though, she allowed herself to muse, to get a different view on life

Say, we won a bear fair and square, what is it to you

It’s for my little bruver, he’s not too well today

But where’s the bear, can’t see him now, don’t say we’ve lost him too

Good at getting lost this bear I’d say

Mum pondered the legalities of ownership with her varsity mind

Considered these lads must have a grasp of common law

Put a large note on the table

That will compensate you for your loss, and you can get your brother something else

They left the café and filled their lungs with air

When up came running the super-sleuth daughter again

Look this is the third time, I’m tired of this

Now Fitzroy’s back in the machine

And this time Mum, please do something

So, well prepared with a huge amount of change

They went back to do battle with the machine

And fortunately the amusement arcade gods smiled on them and Fitzroy was won

Re-joining the family on the beach, a little subdued

A little bemused, a little irritated by the sand

He watched the kids and thought, so nice to see the family having fun

The tide now out, the kids ran down to the water’s edge for the last time

Mum and Auntie gathered up their things

Time to go home

Time for one last visit to the amusement arcade

Asked Fitzroy mischievously

Mum and Auntie

Really not at all amused.