I caused a bit of a commotion yesterday.

We needed a few items from the shops so off I trollied down to the village.

Having completed the shopping and having dumped the spoils into the car then as sure as night follows day I was compelled to visit the coffee shop. There was a problem though. I still have a dicky stomach and the idea of a strong coffee didn’t really appeal. However the natural order of things stated that I had to have something.

Normally when I enter the shop there is a chorus of Howya Grandad from the staff, and whoever is nearest the coffee machines will ask if I want my usual. This time I plucked up the courage and asked for a pot of tea. There was a stunned silence. The staff started muttering amongst themselves. “Did he ask for tea?” “You must have misheard.” “That can’t be right.”

So I grabbed my usual table in the corner outside and the tray was brought out – a mug, a pot of tea and a jug of milk. I should point out that I had a golden rule – I never drink coffee at home and it’s a pleasure reserved exclusively for coffee shop visits. This was indeed an upset to the natural order of things.

Presently I was joined by my pal Dave. He did a double-take at the sight of the tea pot and inquired after my health. Apparently if I’m drinking tea I must be ill. I suppose a stomach upset does qualify? I was actually enjoying the tea and I asked what brand it was. It transpired that I was imbibing Barry’s Tea when normally I drink Lyon’s Tea. We got chatting about the latter and shortly started singing their little jungle which used to be on the television at regular intervals.

I miss that jingle.

I wonder why they scrapped it?