Free Shelley the Lifeboat Labrador by John Periam Page B

her to run off into the road.  
     
    Being also part of a lifeboat crew it was often the case that one called into other stations when travelling – it was like one happy family. If in Wells Next to the Sea or Cromer and if the station was open it was always time for a chat and a welcome cup of tea.  Shelley knew her way around boathouses and to her they all seemed the same.  If it was possible she would make her way to the end of the slipway and have a swim.  Of course at stations like Cromer this was not always possible as the slipway was situated at the end of a small pier and there was no access via the beach at low tide hence she had to be content sitting in the crew room.
     
    I did have other friends on the East Coast.   A couple I had worked with many years ago when I was at Portex had moved to a place called Tivitshall St Margaret which was near Diss. Situated nearby was disused airfield that was a bomber base in the Second World War used by the United States Airforce.  The Hollywood actor James Stewart was based there for a while returning several times to visit it in his later life.
     
    John and Maggie did what one would call ‘The Good life’ and like the television series ran a small poultry business from there with a small holding.  I stayed several times.  They were real fun and we had many happy times together (apart from a visit to a local cider farm which I still remember to this day – or rather don’t).  Shelley was often out all hours chasing rabbits around the garden. It was a very large period farm house with big open fireplaces and a large kitchen. The up-stairs had creaky floorboards and if one wanted to spend a penny at night it was a tip toe job.  As a couple they made many friends and there was always an open house. The local pub ‘The Railway Inn’ was down the road and frankly was not what I would call an appealing place with a bit of a dower land lady.  I still keep in touch with John and Maggie and they now live in Norwich with a small apartment in Italy so seem to commute between both.
     
    Their claim to fame was a Victorian toilet pan made by the Crapper Company with ornate floral decorations inside.  They had a visitor’s book by it and you had to sign if you used it in the sitting position. I must ask them if they still have this book.
     
    The car became Shelley’s second home and the back seat her empire with a nice rug to keep her warm and ample views out of all windows.  She loved resting her chin on the back seat looking out the rear window and sometimes her little head would pop over my shoulder giving my ear a re-assuring lick of comfort.  I did from time to time give her the rare opportunity to move from the back to the front sea. She got used to the seat belt around her listening to Radio Four most of the time – always my favourite station.
     
    There was the odd accident from time to time as like all humans dogs can over eat or pick up something in their travels.  I recall the time I put a bottle of milk in my holdall on the floor at the back. A big mistake as the top was removed and her ladyship tipped it onto its side and licked up the full contents from the car’s carpet.  I was totally unaware of this until an hour or so later when she was sick all over the back seat.  I had to contend with the car reeked of stale milk for many months and this did not please any passengers I took with me.  Passenger wise Shelley was very good indeed and apart from the initial hello lick she left them alone sleeping most of the time.
     
    I carried on working the East Coast for many more years and we returned many times (more about this again later and Shelley’s Pheasant adventures at Orford). It was a great time of my life and each day was a new adventure for us both – she was my right arm and best pal and we had become a well respected team with my friends and the many clients I saw each day. 
     
    End Chapter Eleven
     
     
     
     
     
     
    KENT –