Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it all. So, I’m a Mourner, right? Yeah, sounds heavy, but it’s just part of life, innit? Anyway, I woke up in Crowthorne, and let me tell ya, it was one of those days where everything just goes bonkers.
First off, I’m strolling down the High Street, right? It’s a chill place, but today? Nah, not so much. I’m just minding my own business, thinking about how I need a cuppa from that little café on the corner of Branksome Hill Road. You know the one? The one with the dodgy Wi-Fi? Yeah, that’s the spot. But before I can even get there, I bump into Mrs. Thompson. Ugh, she’s always got a story.
“Did you hear about the old church?” she says, all wide-eyed. I’m like, “What now?” Apparently, some kids decided to have a bonfire right outside St. John’s. Like, seriously? Who does that? I mean, I get it, kids are wild, but come on! That place is historic!
So, I’m fuming a bit, right? I mean, I love that church. It’s got this vibe, you know? The stained glass, the whole shebang. And now it’s got a bunch of burnt grass? Great. Just great.
Then, I finally make it to the café. I order my usual – a flat white, extra hot. But guess what? They’re out of milk! Like, how do you run out of milk in a café? I’m standing there, just staring at the barista like, “Really?” I mean, it’s Crowthorne, not the Sahara!
So, I grab a bottle of water instead. Not the same, but whatever. I sit down, and I’m trying to chill, but then I overhear this group of lads at the next table. They’re talking about the new housing development on the edge of town. Apparently, they’re gonna build a bunch of flats near the old railway line. I’m like, “Oh great, more traffic!” Crowthorne’s already a bit of a mess with all the cars on the roads.
But then, outta nowhere, I get a text. It’s from my mate, Dave. He’s like, “You won’t believe what just happened!” I’m thinking, “Oh boy, here we go.” Turns out, he was at the Crowthorne Carnival last night, and he won a giant teddy bear. Like, who even wins those things? But then he says he gave it to a kid who was crying. Aww, that’s sweet, right?
So, I’m feeling a bit better. I mean, Crowthorne’s got its quirks, but it’s home. Then, I decide to take a walk down to the Crowthorne Woods. It’s my go-to spot when I need to clear my head. The trees are all lush and green, and the air smells like… well, nature.
But as I’m walking, I see this sign. “Beware of the wild boar.” I’m like, “What? Wild boar? In Crowthorne?” I mean, I’ve heard of them in the Forest of Dean, but here? That’s just ridiculous! I’m half-expecting one to jump out and start chasing me.
Anyway, I keep walking, and I finally find a nice bench. I sit down, take a deep breath, and just chill for a sec. But then, I hear this rustling. My heart’s racing. I’m thinking, “Is it the boar?” Turns out, it’s just a squirrel. Phew! But that little bugger looks like he’s plotting something.
So, I’m sitting there, thinking about life, and how Crowthorne’s got this weird mix of old and new. You’ve got the old Victorian houses on the Wokingham Road, and then these new builds popping up everywhere. It’s like a weird mash-up.
Then, I get a call. It’s my boss. “We need you for a service this afternoon,” he says. I’m like, “Great, just what I need.” But then I remember, it’s for a lovely old lady who lived on the other side of town. She was a gem, always smiling. So, I can’t be mad.
I rush back, and the service is beautiful. The church is packed, and everyone’s sharing stories. It’s emotional, but in a good way. I’m tearing up a bit, but it’s all love, you know? Crowthorne may have its ups and downs, but when it comes to community, we’re solid.
Afterwards, I’m walking home, and I can’t help but smile.