One of the benefits of reaching retirement age is being issued with a bus pass.

A lot of people shy away from using public transport but I have no qualms, especially as it’s free.

My pass arrived yesterday, about a month after applying via the local council with a covering letter explaining where and when I can use it.

The where is any bus in England and the when is usually after 09:30 or all day on weekends and bank holidays.

The pass can be used before half nine but a reduced fee of £1.50 is payable – still cheaper than the government capped two quid fare (soon to rise to three pounds).

Today, being my last day at work and with the promise of a couple of beers afterwards, I decided that driving wouldn’t be wise so tried out the new bus pass.

After paying my £1.50 I settled down and let someone else do the driving. I alighted at the university and took a one mile walk, partly along the canal, to arrive at work a little before eight.

It feels a bit strange, pottering about but I have a few loose ends to tidy up before taking another little walk to The Old Crown at around five thirty this afternoon.

I was rather surprised and very humbled when, on arrival at my desk, I was greeted by a card and little pressie from our cleaner, Akissi.

The gift was a dog themed mug – well she got that about right. Thank You.

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