On today’s programme we looked at an incident involving police breaking down the door of at a flat in London in response to a strange “999”call from the occupant.
After the call was received, police became concerned when the call abruptly ended so rushed to the flat.
On arrival their fears were heightened by the sounds of shrieking from within, and being unable to make themselves heard, proceeded to batter down the front door.
On gaining entry they discovered that the call had seemingly been made by a cat, called BRUCE, whilst the shrieking was the result of a feline dust up between Bruce and his flatmate, Audrey.
Once the mystery had been solved, police stayed on site to await the return of the property owner, James Cocksedge to explain why he was now going to be facing a hefty repair bill for a new door.
Mr Cocksedge explained that ever since they’d had the landline installed, Bruce always rushes to the phone when it rings.
It seems that he’s also fascinated by buttons, which he likes to press so presumably he had somehow managed to press the numbers for the emergency services, thereby landing his owners with, a no doubt, unwelcome expense!
Of course being a Tuesday, I was once again joined by local historian, Margaret Mills.
This week Margaret was looking at one of her predecessors, an Essex historian, who in 1858 produced a HISTORY OF ESSEX, which were provided in instalments.
Born in Ingatestone in 1805, his name was DUFFIELD WILLIAM COLLAR.
Well before starting his research into Essex history, he started out as a shoemaker, which would no doubt stand him in good stead later in life.
But before that he obtained employment with a Chelmsford based publisher, Meggy & Chalk, who’s office was next door to the Chelmsford Chronicle, with whom he would eventually become reporter.
During his time at the Chronicle, he realised that there was a huge demand for information on local history, so in 1858, he launched his HISTORY of ESSEX.
In order to research the historical facts he was reporting he actually walked to every town, village and hamlet in Essex, also visiting every Grand House.
You can listen again here to what Margaret told me about this man: –
I very much hope to see you again next week,
Scott