It's not every day the county council, based 53 miles away in Northallerton, remembers this far-flung village.
Rarer still to offer us something we’ve asked for, without success.
Like mending the roads.
But our Tory masters giving us summat we haven’t asked for? For nothing? Get away with you. That’d be a first.
So it came to pass. Elderly people were invited to a “Slipper Social” in our branch library to meet fellow villagers over a cup of tea and biscuits – and pick up a pair of free slippers! Not any old footwear but special anti-slip slippers (if that’s not a contradiction in terms).
Why this unheard-of generosity? “For many older people,” says the council, with just a hint of patronisation, “who may be mentally fit but physically frail, having a fall can result in a loss of independence.
“One of the most common causes of falls by older people is loose, worn or backless slippers. The free slippers have rubber soles and are wide-fitting to make it easier for people with restricted mobility to get them on and off. They also have a velcro fastener so they will not slip off.”
Well, summat for nowt (er, actually on the rates) is irresistible. I’ve been shuffling round in the same much-repaired leather moccasins for 30 years, waiting for this occasion. The library was crowded with Tyke bargain hunters, some disbelieving.
“You really mean they’re free?” I heard several times.
Volunteer Norman found me some size 8s and I bore them away with a bag of advice and stretch-thing for my physio.
A good afternoon’s work but I won’t be throwing away my patched-up moccasins just yet. Too “comptiful”, as my toddler daughter once said.
