I had my accident last Thursday teatime at my regular Skoda Garage. Betsy had been in for her 70,000 mile service and annual MOT (the UK vehicle inspection scheme). Their four garages aren’t anywhere too handy for where I live but the Bradford one is about a mile north of the City Centre on the way to Shipley andthey have a good arrangement with courtesy cars so I generally get my service work done there.

D M Keith are a small family firm (although they have expanded considerably on the success of the Skoda range) ran by two brothers, Dougal and Angus. We have bought several cars from them now over the last decade or so, from my first Felicia to Karen’s most recent Fabia. (I even bought the Racing Green Octavia that Dougal wanted at the launch but he was happy to sell me it and wait a further couple of weeks for another one, after all, business is business). That is not to say they are perfect- after all, they are used car salesmen! (I have had several robust conversations with them over the years but it has always been resolved amicably).

However, last Thursday, they gave exemplary service. I returned the loan car, paid the bill and was heading back out of the door towards my car in the drizzle when I lost my footing. (The garage has a forecourt with a brick path surrounding the building, in good condition). My right foot slipped away from me, there was a burst of excruciating pain and I found myself lying on my back in a puddle with a sore leg, back and head. I had my Crocs on (of course) and they generally give great traction but they can be slippery under certain conditions, particularly moss.

Anyway, finding myself unexpectedly doing the Tiswas dying fly dance I took stock. Attempts to lower my right foot suggested some additional lateral movement typical for a ball and socket joint but not for a hinge arrangement. No-one was in sight and whilst I could see people bustling around in the showroom, there was a car in the window mostly hiding me from view. Here we go, get the mobile out.

• First call- 999, UK emergency number. Ambulance requested, I couldn’t tell them the name of the road (which seemed to be a showstopper on their computer system) but a couple of local landmarks helped them pinpoint me.
• Second call- to Karen, can you pick David up? Only I might be a bit late…
• Third call- to the Garage. Oops- the Leeds one. (I’ll bet that confused them).
• Fourth call- I’m lying outside your front door, I could do with a bit of help…

At that point the staff came running, I was covered with coats, given another one as a pillow, someone held an umbrella, they checked my leg, confirmed it was a break, said I was bleeding. Eventually the ambulance turned up and I was taken away. They said they would look after my baggage and take care of the car. To their credit, the following day the garage delivered my car to my house, locked my bits & bobs in the boot, put it in the garage and posted the keys through the letterbox. They didn’t have to, but when Karen rang to thank them, they said it was the least they could do.

At that point, I reckoned a box of chocolates back to them was in order, but I’d leave it until I got out of hospital (& found where Karen had put my wallet).

This morning, someone knocked at the back door. When I eventually hobbled there and got the door open I was surprised to find an Interflora man holding a jug full of flowers. The card read

Mr. Gray we hope you are feeling better soon. Regards all at D M Keith Ltd

(OK, they spelt the name wrong, but methinks that was the florist). The flowers were slightly better arranged originally- Karen took them out to put in the plant food and struggled to get everything back in the jug. It was very thoughtful of the Garage to follow through like this, although I’ll bet they have had the steam cleaner over the forecourt as well just in case. Thanks Guys, you come well recommended and have now received the Shades Seal of Approval.

Images from DM Keith website, I’m sure they won’t mind