Went to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry this weekend.

Getting there was a bit of a problem as I was due to be picked up at Reading Station at 7.20 on Saturday morning. I got to Guildford station on time and waited for the Reading train on platform 8. And on time the train arrived.

Two other passengers and I waited at the end of the platform and when the train arrived we tried to get on, but the first class doors at our end of the train didn’t open. By the time we realised there was a problem and got to a door that was open the guard very helpfully gave the signal to the driver and the doors closed in front of us! The train left us stranded on the platform.

Naturally we complained like hell at the arrogance of the guard - who knew he was being a complete and utter bastard. Sadly the duty manager (South West Trains) could do nothing since it was First Great Western who ran that service to Reading.

The manager was very helpful, and indeed appologetic since apparently that sort of thing happened rather a lot and they were constantly running out of compliant forms.

There was no way I could get to Reading by 7.20am and was going to have to drive to Coventry myself. Thankfully South West Trains paid for a taxi to take me back to Woking, which was very considerate of them since it wasn’t them that had caused the problem.

On getting into my car I reached into my pocket to take out my phone - except it wasn’t there. I’d left the damn thing in the taxi!

Cursing myself I drove home and borrowed Richard’s. I finally made it to Coventry at 10.30am (via Birmingham. I got a little confused when the M40 changed into the the M42!)

Had a brilliant time. I was working as a manager supervising a dozen or so staff who were running the corporate hospitality boxes at the stadium.

Saturday was Coventry v Wolves (football) and Sunday was Sarecens v Munsters (Rugby). No idea who won - I’m not in the slightest bit sporty!

Since I was there I stayed in the hotel over night. Clever actually, because the corporate boxes double as hotel rooms.

I got home about 11pm on Sunday, knackered but having thoroughly enjoyed it. Just a pity I’d lost my bloody phone!

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