By popular request the story of the mouse…..

Way back,when airport security had not been invented to the levels we now experience I used to fly all over the world. I went to school in U.K.

I was allowed my pet mouse at school.

I loved him dearly, named him Mickey (I was only 10 !). His colouring was officially ‘champagne’ ( early onset bubbly nature, that’s me)
My Dad was unexpectedly in Geneva for a short emergency. So instead of half term in Bexhill with my poor old grandma, my sister and I flew home to join our siblings and parents. You can imagine my excitement. Swapping a shared sausage- roll picnic on a pebbly cold beach, with a week of mountains, snow, parents and siblings.

I wrote to BBC radio 4, asking for help with getting Mickey onto the plane. The ‘ You and Yours’ team read out letter. BEA ( British European Airways now BA), responded on air with their guidelines.
My pocket money didn’t stretch to vets fees, cargo luggage nor ticket. Despite their kind advice. So, not one to back down on a topic close to my heart, I boarded the plane. Clutching my duffle bag. Biscuit tin with holes in! rested on top. I refused assistance from stewardess ( now ‘ cabin crew’ ), no drink no food no nothings no. That all added to my elder sister’s traveller anxiety.

On arrival at Geneva my father nimbly leapt up the plane steps, to meet his children.

( He had a special pass).

A wink of his eye
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He carefully lifted duffle from my clutches and with a wink and a smile… led us down the steps.

Through passports, luggage carousel etc we went. Dad carrying my duffle bag with due deference awarded to its special status.

Made it to the family’s temporary home. We opened the biscuit tin, with bated breath…..over a sawdust filled fish tank. What was in that tin, shaking a little but very much alive?
TahDah….
Dear old Mickey of course. He lived another year…
but did not travel beyond Geneva again!

 

Lovely story; I remember it well. Dad

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What a lovely enchanting story. I can’t wait to tell it to children I know!
Love E

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