It never ceases to be amaze me just what items go up for sale on eBay, and that amazement is only surpassed by the fact that there are people out there who actually bid on them. 

Today we looked at just one such iconic offering, the word “THE” which has been written on a scrap of paper. The Australian seller, “SWEATYMAN” lists the item as ‘a versatile word that can be used in literally thousands of sentences’.

‘Ideal for any situation, this fun-loving item fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, wallet, or purse,’ he continues. 

If that wasn’t enough to convince you to part with your money, the seller has also included the postage for free.

Astonishingly the scrappy note has already and inexplicably attracted bids of more than AU$102 (£56).

If you are interested you have until May 29th to bid on the item but note that, probably widely, the seller has said he will not accept any returns.

On a more serious note, in the second hour of today’s programme I was joined by CARL MERRY for another ESSEX TALE. Last week Carl looked at the Battle of Maldon, and sticking (albeit loosely) to the battle theme, this week’s tale from Carl revolved around Edith Swan Neck, the mistress of last Anglo-Saxon King of England, Harold who, as all school children will know, fell at the Battle of Hastings.

If you missed it, you can listen again to the tale by clicking on this link: –

See you next time,

Scott