Preparing for a wee trip..............
 

...................................... in Banana tomorrow up to London. Had no plans to travel up this side of Christmas but I have a special event to go to. Going to a surprise birthday party for a very special friend of mine, Steve. He emigrated out to Australia with his Mum, Dad, brother and sister over 60 years ago. He has been back only once, and that was for a funeral of his mother and father who were both killed in horrendous accident in Oz. His parents wish was to be buried back in the UK. Saw him then for only a few hours.

We’ve kept in touch over the years with Birthday and Xmas cards. We tried the web cam but I kept getting it wrong. Spoke on the phone at various times. He phoned me on the day I got married to Val, and phoned again when she passed away.

Both his daughters live and work here. And his brother and sister returned here.
Steve is divorced but has a new lady in his life.
In the same accident that killed his Mum and Dad Steve suffered serious injuries which paralysed him from the neck down, over the years he gradually got the feelings back in his lower body and eventually was able to walk again.
But he was warned that he may become paralysed again, and that has now happened. He is now confirmed to a wheel chair.

So been getting Banana ready for the trip up. Oil, water, tyres checked and the screen wash topped up. Tank of Banana juice put in.
Be staying at Michaels for a few days. Hoping to see my god daughter on Saturday morning, she lives up in Earls Colne near Colchester. Then drive back to go to the party in the evening.
Sunday morning will see us attending the Ugly Duckling breakfast meet.
Sunday afternoon we will be travelling over to Kent to see my friends. We need to finalise their trip to me in October, plus I need to pick up a spare bed.

Not sure quite what is happening Monday. Might get to see my niece, if she is not working. If not, I might try and get to see Steve again for a chat over memory lane. Or failing that then a day out with Michael.

The plan is to leave early tomorrow morning, by 7am. We will be travelling up via the A38-M5-M4-Car park and onto the A1.
So should you see something bright Yellow hurtling along at Warp Factor 3 don’t forget to give us a wave, toot on the hooter or flash those newly restored headlights.

I’ll keep the diary going as we have a fan club to keep informed.

Mileage reading 205,795

Only London Bob! Your "wee trips" usually involve the opposite end of the country.

We have a mega trip planned for next year that will takes us across two countries, England & Scotland. Might get to meet you at some point.

Safe trip Bob, have a pleasant one 👍

Have a good trip, hopefully traffic will be kind to you
Mick

270 miles in.......................
 

......................................... 5 hours flat with one stop at Membury. Banana performed her usual sweet self. We got a wave, think it was a wave from one of those large BMW X5’s, ones with the chequered pattern and blue disco lights on the roof. They slowed as they went past and the passenger waved and smiled.

We stopped at the Shell garage at Mill Hill and topped up the tank. The digital readout said 44.1mpg but I worked it out to 39.7mpg.
Around to Michaels to find him in a flap, lost his parking space outside the house. So he was parked up the road. I reversed onto the drive, which is now minus the tall grass. Looks a lot different now the garden has been cleared.

Off to meet a mate for a beer in Barkingside this afternoon, Michael is tagging along as well.

Disaster has struck this evening......................
 

....................................... resulting in me having to wait over 3 hours for breakdown to come out to a stricken Banana. Cold, tired and totally stressed by the time recovery got to us. Resulting me missing the surprise birthday party. Annoyed? Who me? So that’s all this weekends plans scuppered.

We had been out yesterday to Barkingside and met up with my old mate Bob for a beer or two. Home to a lovely meal cooked by Michael. Really looking forward to be seeing my god daughter today, and the bonus being was her god mother was going as well, my friend Emma.
Collected Emma at 11am and off we went to Earls Colne. Banana running ok, but the gear changing was starting to get difficult to operate. But after awhile she seemed to be ok.

Got to Earls Colne OK and parked Banana up. My god daughter, Kirra, was waiting for me. Got a lovely hug and kiss from her, she was taken back a bit to see Emma with me. But I’ll not go there for now.
Kirra’s brother Dominic was waiting in the garden with the dog, a Beagle called Peppa. A right live wire she turned out to be.
Emma had taken stickers and sweets for the kids. I also took sweets for the kids plus some beer for dad and a bunch of roses for Mum.

We spent a very lovely afternoon with them all in the garden. Plenty of chat and playing with the dog. I declined anything to eat, a bad move, as I was looking forward to the meal in the evening. Emma just had a sandwich. The time was rolling on and it was approaching our time to leave. Kirra wanted me to stay and got quite upset when I said I had to get back but I stayed a bit longer in the end.we had to play unicorns and princesses, guess which one I was.

We finally said our goodbyes and away we went. Banana was running ok and changing gear ok. We chatted on the way back.back down the A120 and onto the M11 we sailed, turned off onto the car park, traffic was running ok. Soon at the Holmes tunnel and onto the A10. The traffic was heavy, stop start. Now and again Banana seemed to stutter but kept going. Turned off into Emma’s road and again the car stuttered a bit. Dropped Emma off and said our goodbyes.
I got back onto the A10 towards the A406 at Cambridge Circus. Still running ok.

I kept thinking about the forthcoming evening, really looking forward to see my friend Steve’s face when he saw us all. We had our instructions for the evening, Steve would think he was in an ordinary restaurant but not in a function suite.
Turned off at Palmers Green ok and made my way towards Michaels via the back doubles. Still running ok till we turned into Russel Lane N20. Again she stuttered and started to mis-fire. Got just past the petrol station when the engine just died. No warning lights came on, the engine just died. Luckily iHad got across a cross roads and managed to coast into the side of the road.

She would turn over but not fire. All the lights were ok and went out whilst trying to start. Nothing happened.
Then started the breakdown saga started. I was annoyed that she had broke down but not too bothered as I was close to Michaels. Phoned breakdown and gave them all the details including the policy no. No it had expired back in August. No it hadn’t. Then I remembered I was now on the multi car policy. Finally I got through to the right department.

Recovery will text me a time that they will be with me. I had broke down at 18.45, breakdown would be with me by 19.57. Ok, hazards were on and the bonnet was open plus I was under a streetlight so easily seen. Then another text informing me the time was now put back till 20.37. I phoned Michaels and left a message, phoned Allen and again left a message. Then I phone Steve’s sister to let her know I was going to be late. Phoned Emma and said it was her fault, just to ease my nerves. Starting to get chilly, but I had my jumper with me.

20.37 came and went, no sign or message. Phoned the breakdown office again, very nice lady said to remain calm, no doubt she could hear the stress in my voice, and she would find out where the recovery truck was. Still on his way was the answer, stuck on the A406. Thanked her.
21.00 came and went. 21.25 and the recovery phoned me. Not to panic he said but I’ve been stuck in traffic. Me panicking? No but I was tired, hungry, needed a drink and a wee. Was annoyed at missing the party but was thankful we hadn’t broke down on the motorway.

Finally at 21.45 the van turned up, just a van. The mechanic explained that if he was unable to get me going then I would have to wait for a piggy back truck to collect me. I gave the keys to the mechanic and told him what had happened. Now the panic was hitting home, what would I do? Recovery back to Saltash this evening? Or just back to Michaels. My mind was all over the place.
Then a familiar sound as Banana burst into life. Ticked over but a bit lumpy with it. He plugged in the magic box.

Nothing wrong was the answer, then a couple of blips on the throttle and she died. Refused to start. He gave her a few minutes and she started again, this time the tick over was steady, blipped the throttle again and all ok. He tried pulling away in gear with the handbrake but she refused to stall. Stopped her and started her again All was fine. Turned off. And checked the leads under the bonnet, checked the coil packs, all were sparking. Everything that he checked was ok. The only fault the mechanic said he thought it might be was the crankshaft sensor playing up once the engine got hot. Now it was cold it was running ok.

Now I’m 270 miles from home. He suggested that we drive around to my brother in laws house. And let her cool down overnight. He phoned into the office and told them that he had got the car running but he, the mechanic, had advised me not to drive it any long distance. He suggested to the office that the car would need recovering back to Cornwall at some point.
So now I have to phone breakdown tomorrow to arrange for Banana to be recovered home.
I thanked the mechanic for his help, he said now go and sit down and relax for awhile. And with that he was gone.

So that’s how it lies at the moment. I’m no wiser what is wrong just glad to be back at Michaels.
Bless him he had a pint of beer waiting for me and a light dinner. I had gone too long without food and was starting to feel a bit lightheaded. Not wanting to be unwell I sat down and ate the food, and drank the beer.

So we’ll what tomorrow brings, now I must turn in. Very tired now.

Goodnight all and thanks for reading.

Just glad you are safe and (almost) sound. Have a good night's sleep - it will hopefully feel better in the morning.

What a worry for you Bob. Have a peaceful and restful night, wake up in the morning feeling recharged and ready for your next challenge ;)

Oh that's not good news Bob.
Nothing worse than a flippin intermittent fault, had that in my old SD1 turned out to be a broken wire in the loom but the outer covering was fine.
Could you not get banana to Mike Stafford at least he can give the car a proper check for you mate.
Hope you can get it sorted soon

Assume you’re coming down the M3/A303?

We’re about half way on your trip back - can’t do anything on the M3 obviously but if you have an issue off motorway - do give me a call or post on here.

I’ll pm you my mob.

Many thanks, pm replied to.

Mike has been in contact from Turkey, on holiday the lucky person. Will see if the recovery company will take her to his garage. Then I'll get the train home.
Not had the best of nights either. Gutted I missed my friends party.

I am hugely grateful................
 

.................................. for all the offers of help. Makes me proud to belong to such a great club.

Not the best of nights, was ill for most of the night. Stress related hopefully and not Michaels cooking. Going to chill out for the rest of today. Might travel up to London for a walk round. Will no doubt pop along to the cemetery and have a chat to Val, take some nice flowers then wander back to the pub. For medicinal reasons of course.

Offers of help have come via Trikey, Allen, Darcydog, Mike Stafford and now my god daughters mother has offered to lend me her Yellow Focus ST.
Going to phone recovery company later on and see if they will recover Banana to Mike’s garage in Sussex then I’ll get the train home.
But first more tea is required.

Again Thank You all for the offers of help, it is much appreciated.

Travelling home, the options...............
 

................................................ getting home from Littlehampton by train will not be the best of trips. Michael who is an expert on rail travel has shown me the various options.

1- 4 trains and 4 changes to get to Plymouth. Could take up to 8 hours allowing for connecting trains but without any further hold ups.
2- get the train back to Victoria then across London, not far, then get the fast train back to Plymouth. That will take 5 hours. Plus any hold ups along the way.

Option 3, suggested by Matt Darke, is to hire a car for a week.

Been up to the cemetery and had my long chat with my Val, daft it may seem to some but I get comfort from talking to her.
My friend Steve phoned me and told me off for not attending his surprise party, only joking of course. We have arranged to meet this evening for a beer. I said I had his card and present, with that he laughed out loud and said, “ Ha! If the present is what I think it is then I’ve no idea what I’m going to do with all of these yo-yo’s.

When Steve emigrated to Oz with his family his most favourite toy was a yo-yo but it got lost somewhere on the way.
Well, Steve’s sister suggested to all the party guests that they gave him a yo-yo as a present, just for a laugh. Any other presents were fine to be given. We was to stand in a queue and give him his card and present. Would have loved to seen the this, 100 guests giving him a yo-yo each.
He told me how thrilled he was to see so many friends but he said that his heart sunk not to see me in the queue till his sister explained to him. So we will have our own little party this evening and will explain to me the reason for his return to these shores after 61 years.

Michael has insisted that we have some lunch before we do anything else. Slight change to my plans to get ole Yella and me home. One day is not going to make a lot of difference. Michael just wants me relax a bit, he says my colour is returning. I’m thankful to him for him being more calm and sensible than this gibbering wreck sitting before him.

Again many thanks for the offers of advice and help.

Picture of Banana resting behind Michaels Focus.

Bob, you were missed to day too!

I know what you mean, that chat can produce some wonderful no-nonsense answers to our problems.

I knew a bloke once who promised he could get me a deal on some cheap Yo-yo's, and there'd be no strings attached.

Sorry to hear about Banana Bob, hope you get her sorted without to much upheaval.

Slept like the proverbial baby.................
 

................................. after having a relaxing day yesterday thanks to Michael taking control.
I put back contacting the recovery company till today.

So yesterday after my visit to the cemetery we had a spot of lunch and then Michael introduced me to the NGS, National Garden Scheme. This is where just ordinary folk like you and me open their gardens to the public for a fee. The money raised goes to either local of national charities. The garden we went to was in Moor Park just North of Harrow. Was on a huge private luxury housing estate.

I’m used to Michaels erratic driving, tis an experience travelling with him. But we got to the house with only the a few other motorists tooting at him, all which he ignored. The house that we was visiting is being totally rebuilt but the gardens are original. The charity being supported by this house is the same one I support. MS, Multiple Sclerosis which Val had. So I knew the money was going to a good cause. There was also refreshments being served with the cakes being donated by local residents, again all the money raised was going to the same cause.

Needless to say we started with some tea, and cake for Michael. Loads of people there milling around the water features, raised beds and through the stunning rose arch. Naturally I had my small camera with me and took some pictures of the large raspberries that were growing, not like the small ones you buy in the shops. People were ever so friendly and spoke to us. After awhile we went out into the front garden not as spectacular as the rear but still quite appealing. The people that own the house had very tastefully hidden the building equipment behind curtains, very well done as well.

Then we left and made our way via a few no through roads, well they were not no through roads the last time Michael drove along. We found our way crossing over the M25 and finally parking up in Chorley Wood next to the cricket pitch, where Sunday afternoon game was being played. After parking the car we crossed over the road and passed the Memorial Gardens we went for walk through the woods, went a circular route around the river Chess, past the pumping station then back up the long hill, past where the Alpacas were grazing and back past the Memorial Gardens and back to the car.

Home was via the M25, luckily it was running smooth. It took Michael time to wind the elastic band up but we was soon keeping up with everyone else. Turned off at South Mimms. Michael goes home a different way to me as I generally stay on the A1 and turn off by the Shell garage. But Michael turned off just after we went under the M25. And down past the Green Dragon pub and into Barnet, then around the back of The Spires shopping centre. Cut through a few side streets and past where Barnet Football Club used to be, the ground has now moved to Edgware. The road brought out back into Totteridge Lane by the church, where Val and her Mum and Dad are.

Parked up in front of my baby sitting there topping up her Sunspot. Indoor for tea, and a quick shower for me. I felt everything drain away under the trickling water, don’t expect the water to come out fast after all the shower is about 70 years old. But it revived me made me feel like my old self again. And all thanks to Michael.
I got dressed and presented myself downstairs to find Michael had got changed, he had been invited to our little get together in the evening. As we was meeting at the Orange Tree their was no need to take the car.

To be continued.......................

Update on the recovery............
 

.......................................... the recovery company will be here this morning to transport Banana and me to MJS in Sussex. I phoned Martin at the garage and told him, and he said will look at her straight away to see what’s what. Hopefully getting me on my way home today with Banana.

Fingers crossed its nothing major Bob.

A further update on the failure...........
 

.............................. of the recovery company. After me making a second phone call to find out where the truck was they said it would be here by 10.30, 30 minutes later than I was told.

What turns up? A small van. Having now explained the mechanic he then precedes to report in that the car will not start and needs recovering by flat bed to MJS. He apologised for the mix up. And then having the office contacting him he tells me the low loader will not be here till 12.30.

I’m currently on the phone to the office to find out why no low loader. Why send a small van? Nice lady on the other end of the phone has gone to speak to her supervisor.

Right that nice lady has now phoned me back to tell me that the recovery company had to send a small van as that is their company policy to confirm the car will not start. She asked the recovery company then why they did say that they was sending a flat bed when it was obviously a lie. They came back with load of tosh.

So now the update is that there should be flat bed here by Noon. I’ve kept MJS informed of the outcome.
Michael has kept me topped up with tea.

Have broken down again.......................
 

............................ Waiting on recovery which will not be with till almost 10pm.

After this mornings problems I was finally collected and taken to MJS. Martin could find nothing wrong, he checked everything but she started OK and ran sweetly. He waited till she got up to temperature and the fan kicked in, then turned itself off as it normally would. He plugged in the magic box but no fault codes were evident. Martin then took her for a road test and she behaved.

It was then up to me whether I took a chance at getting home or finding a hotel and staying overnight but I decided to take a chance. Everything was fine till I got 33 miles up the road, then without warning everything went dead. My managed to get the hazards on a coasted to a stop. No hard shoulder just some zig zags. I was almost on the M27. But now in a dangerous position. I have never been so scared in my life. Had to phone the police to come to my rescue. They got me out of the car and safely over the barrier.

To cut long story short I was collected by one recovery company and taken to there yard in Havant. Banana was then transferred to another flat bed. They were taking part of the way then a second flat bed would collect me and take me all the way home.

And that is where I'm now, waiting the second flatbed that is coming from Weymouth to collect me. No other trucks available. Not expected to get to me till about 10pm. So I'm sat in a Tesco's car park in Hamble waiting to be collected. Luckily my small ipad has picked up a signal so that I can get the good news to you all.

Will report with further news when I can.

Crikey Bob, banana is not playing ball at all!!

I'd recommend T4 to check all live data, something must show up somewhere to cause a stop like that.

That car is so ungrateful after all you have done for her, :eek: cant be anything serious other wise she wouldn't have got you 33 miles up the road, hope you get it sorted pretty soon.

Rev

Bob if you don't feel you can tackle the whole trip tonight get the driver to drop you off close to Weymouth and I'll pop out and pick you up and you can overnight with us and then I'll run you home in the morning.

Very kind of you Ian but I’m home now, at 2am Tuesday morning. Totally exhausted by the whole affair. Will no doubt sleep for a week.

Will give you all an update at some point.

I know how you feel Bob, I had trouble all night with my sheet tangling round my feet in bed - Seriously, you must be absolutely bushed, I hope the new day brings better news for you.
Fred (planenut)

A nice man in a YELLOW Van...................
 

................................................ came to Banana’s rescue.

Allen came round this morning and between us we checked all the earth points, everything seemed to be ok. Banana started perfectly ok and ticked over sweetly. No mis fire, no irregularities in the tick over. We let her sit there till she was up to temperature and the fan kicked in, ran for a minute then it shut down as per norm.

Allen suggested that we took it to the garage he uses out near Truelfoot, but I was dubious about driving her. Last place I wanted to breakdown was on the A38 had one scare yesterday, and didn’t want another one. Doubt if my heart could take it.
So Allen took me out to the garage in Ratty. We explained to the guv’nor the faults. He thought it was the crankshaft sensor. If I could get the car out there then they would have a look. I asked if the 19 plate Aston Martin Vantage was the courtesy car. That was a NO then. Belonged to one of the bosses.

Then Allen hit upon an idea, he was able to call out the AA, as he is covered by the policy in relation to whatever car he is in. So back home we went and phoned the AA at 11.30, and by 11.45 the YELLOW van was here.
He plugged the large box of tricks in and the fault was...........
........................................ fuel pump relay.

Possibly the crankshaft sensor could also be at fault but the code pointed at the fuel pump relay. He swapped a couple of relays around and the fault code went out. So that look st to be the fault.
So with the towing eye back in place, as a precaution, I led the AA van with Ratty following we drove up to Allen’s garage and Banana never missed a beat. Pulled up the steep hills like the proverbial train.

Parked outside the garage. The AA man told the guv’nor that he had left the fault codes on the system, pointed out the swapped relays and suggested that the crankshaft sensor be changed just in case. And with that he was gone. So Banana is now in yet another garage. As soon as she is ready, I’m in no rush, Allen will run me back out there to collect her.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR OFFERS OF HELP, ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN ME GETTING THIS SORTED.

Means a lot to be a member of a great club.

I’ll continue the story re meeting my long lost friend tomorrow.

Photo of our 3rd ride on a flatbed.

Wow, and hopefully that's it.

What a rapid turn out from the AA, and it appears, complete with someone who knew their business.

The AA man has a landy with a 1.8 K series engine.

That's handy; my daughter has the same, I'll stick with my 75!

.......................and he wants my Turbo engine.

Sunday evening meet up..............................
 

........................................... did not go as planned. Got a phone call from Steve saying that he was unable to meet up, he made a joke about his wheelchair breaking down.................. We have made other arrangements to meet up. He is coming down to Plymouth in a few weeks time, he has relations living down this part of the world which he wants to see.

I had to ask him why he had back after all these years. I thought maybe it was to die here, perhaps his injuries were far worse than first thought. But it turns out not to be. He is going on a world tour, Steve wants to visit as many countries as he can, not just staying for a week but up to 6 months if he can. Not a bad ambition for a 70 year old man in a wheelchair. He has sold his house in Perth, sold the business to a rival with the promise that the rival keeps all the staff employed. That has been agreed and is all in writing, seems the Australian rules require this with businesses being sold.

Sold everything including his cars, boat and holiday home. He is divorced from his first wife, his second wife passed away about 15 years ago. He has a partner of 4 years and she will be accompanying him on this epic trip, she was a nurse and that is how they met.
His two daughters, by his first wife, live here in the UK. Both are teachers and both are married. Steve's brother, Stephen has retired from working for BT and his sister, Stephanie, is still working in the retail trade.

So there it is where we left it. He said to keep his card and present till we meet up. He is going to donate most of the yo-yo's to various hospitals to help people restore the use of their arms after accidents. He will keep a few back for sentimental reasons. I cannot wait for our meet up.

So just Michael and I continued up to the pub for a meal and a few falling down waters, just what I needed.

Photo of Banana

That seems like a line of a joke, perhaps Stefan would need to reply.

Steve’s fathers name was Steven, and Steve is named after him, and his mum’s name was Stephanie.
The various siblings of the family keep the tradition going by naming their children after the initials of the parents. It was just a coincidence that Steve’s parents initials began with the letter S.

Now Steve’s sister in laws name is Brenda, so the children have a name that begins with the letter B, or S after Stephen. I could go on but it gets very complicated after awhile.

The parts......................
 

............................ have arrived to get Banana repaired. Hoping to get her back either today or tomorrow morning. Going to join the AA as well as they seemed more clued up on getting the cars diagnosed with the various faults.

And she is......................
 

..................................... home. They have fitted genuine parts, hence the delay in getting her home. New fuel relay sensor and crankshaft sensor fitted.
Allen dropped Ratty off yesterday for her MOT, so Val collected me along with Allen we went and collected our cars.

Parked in the Bears place, will swap them around tomorrow after I get the Bear clayed and waxed ready for the winter.

That's great news Bob. :}

Its back to normal activity again now then, cant keep a good man down; as they say. ;)

Next adventure will be in November.

Is the car ok now Bob? what was the problem?

Yes all fixed. It was fuel pump relay that let us down. We had that replaced along with the crankshaft sensor. We have covered a further 300 trouble free miles since the repairs.