I went to Brighton this week to see The Jayhawks. They were playing at the newly restored Corn Exchange. The gig was being promoted by the excellent Brighthelmstone Promotions, and a good time was promised and had. But I am not going to use this platform to speak about the gig, but about events the following day.
The train from Bedford runs all the way to Brighton. It takes 2.5 hours, but with a good book (and possibly a cushion), it is time easily passed as you cross London without having to get off and change trains. This is brilliant; however, it is also very attractive to the ‘wrong’ sort of passenger. Which I discovered to my cost. Boarding the train after a morning stroll on Brighton beach, a full English breakfast, and 3 flat whites, I was feeling very mellow. The night before had been lovely.
I found a seat, got my book out, and put my bag on the rack in order not to hog any seats I didn’t need. The train was busy but not too bad. As we crossed London, someone sat behind me (I was travelling backwards) putting their bag on the rack. They got off after one stop. Ten minutes later, finishing my book, I go to my bag and find that it has been replaced with a similar bag…. filled with a lump of wood.
My bag – gone!
The contents are unimportant (although expensive), save for one item. My beloved Neil Young jacket. A jacket I had made featuring material made up of all the artwork from almost all (he keeps making albums!) of Neil Young’s album covers. It is unique. There is no more than one of them. If you see it, it is mine. Please offer the wearer a finder’s fee on my behalf. I’m good for it. Just get in touch via the contacts page.
Thanks. I’ll be away for three weeks from next week, but be assured, the Podcasts will continue, it’s just this column that will take a break!
Music this week must be The Jayhawks and the fabulous Perry Keyes, whose album I missed the release of. The radio show was also full of treasure, featuring as it does Beck as the classic album. As ever …
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