christchurch and district model flying club

The Diary of a Flyer, by B Leonard Wise.

The Story so far B. Leonard Wise wants to fly a Model Spitfire.  So far he has tried and crashed it, but he has had two flying lessons. Last time he went to the site he tried out his radio and someone crashed.

I have had a bit if a shock today, I had a phone call from my Solicitor who happens to be the Cousin of my wife Clarrissa. I can never get away from this family. He said that he had heard from the local Doctor who claimed that I had shot down his plane and he was claiming £ 150 damages. I told him to reject the claim out of hand. Suit yourself Len he said but it looks a good claim to me. He said he had written to you. Yes he did I told him that I threw it in the waste paper basket. Well if you want me to deal with it, see me 2 pm on Wednesday. I will book you half an hour.

I thought about it and I considered that I suppose I ought to go to see him. So I presented myself at his Offices at the stated time. Come in Len he said. I told him I must remind you my name is Leonard not Len. Anyway I said what are you doing in short sleeves and casual slacks. It is not Saturday. Get with it Len, he said, 1 deal with divorces and other claims. If I dress in a suit they come and go quickly, Here we have low tables and arm chairs nice and cosy: coffee as well if you want it We charge by the hour you see. Once they get comfortable and see me friendly like, they stay for ages.

I was appalled. Anyway this claim against you. Strike it out, said I. Wait a minute he said. Let’s go through it. Were you at the flying site on March 26th. Yes I said It was my first time out and I was trying out the Radio. Did you have your transmitter switched on without checking the frequency board? Well yes I replied I did not know about such boards at the time. Did you check it, he said Well no said I. Was there a crash Yes said I. Well there you are he is right. And you owe him £150. He said that he mentioned it to you at the time. I remember a rude fellow complaining about being shot down at the time said I.

There you are he said open and shut case. I wish to contest it in court I said. Suit yourself Len he said. You will lose and it will cost you no end in fees, and his legal costs and of course my costs. Spoil the look of £300 in total I expect. You had better settle here and now.

I thought about it for a while. Thinking of the problem there would be with Clarrissa my wife. There would be repercussions at the Bridge Club for sure. Oh alright I said. It is impossible to fight the law. Right ho that will be £25, Len what will said I. My advice he said. That is ridiculous said I. I know he said should be £50 but as you are family you get a cut rate. But you have not done anything I said. If I had paid it when I got the letter you could not have charged me. Yes old sport you are right but you didn't did you. Hard luck. Do you want to pay now by Credit card. Credit card said I in astonishment. Send me a bill and I will pay it next month like anyone else. Suit your self he said that will be another £15. What for said I. Administration charges he said we have to raise a bill and an account the girls have to be paid. Much better settle the bill and the claim on the Card. Up to you Len.

I nearly said my name is Leonard but I didn’t I had had enough I got out my card and paid up £ 175 .I hope Clarrissa does not see the credit card bill. At least I will remember to check the frequency board in future.

B Leonard “Len” Wise   Back to Home page

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