Hello, old friend . . . . . .

This is my old skateboard. I've owned it since 1977, when I was a spotty 14 year old punk skateboarder. It was my pride and joy. Along with my mates, on their boards, I used to ride it everywhere - any bit of hill, banking, street or pavement would do us..... I even broke my arm when I fell off it whilst attempting to perform an aerial manoeuvre on a huge half pipe at the Arrows skatepark in Wolverhampton.

After my separation and divorce a few years ago it went missing. My ex claimed not to have it anymore, and I resigned myself to never seeing it again. It may seem silly, but I was deeply attached to this thing - it was one of the only things I had left from my childhood, and throughout my "eventful" life - the house moves, the divorces - I kept it safe, and even managed to ride it occasionally.

Anyway - things happened, and I unexpectedly got my board back today - like me its old, well worn and a little shabby, but it means the world to me. I'm even tempted to replace the bearings in the wheels and take it out for a blast - If I do then I'll probably end up Blipping from A&E ! !