‘Got to go, my tyre technician has arrived’… is a nice way to interrupt a work call. Sounds as if I’m running a racing team. Instead, Wayne from Hometyre Shropshire has pulled up in his impressive van to balance the wheels on the Jag.
Always a treat to see Wayne. When tyres are needed it’s far better having him come round than await service in a slightly grubby tyre centre.
I came across Hometyre in 2010 when they sorted out my Fiat Panda 100HP. Great little car… ate tyres. I’ve used them ever since. Wayne covers my area in Shropshire and has been calling round every couple of years. Feels like we’re slowly growing old together.
I like being around technical people… but don’t stand over Wayne as he works. Greet him warmly, offer a cuppa and then get out of the way. If he has a few minutes before heading off, we put the world to rights.
It’s easy for a car-loving office chap to think this kind of work is idyllic. Especially when the sun’s out and an appreciative customer brings out the biscuit barrel. It’s not always like that.
Wayne’s off to the next job. I’m back to the computer.
Part of me wishes I was going with him.
Andrew Greenhalgh 