Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being an elevator operator in Matlock is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety harness. So, I roll into work, right? It’s a typical Tuesday, or so I thought. I’m stationed at the old building on Smedley Street, the one that looks like it’s been around since the dinosaurs.
First off, the weather was all over the place. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring like the heavens opened up. I swear, I saw a couple of ducks waddling down the street like they owned the place. I’m just tryin’ to keep my cool, but then this lady storms in. She’s drenched, hair all frizzy, and she’s like, “Get me to the top floor, NOW!” I’m thinkin’, lady, chill out! It’s just an elevator, not a rocket ship.
So, I hit the button, and up we go. She starts ranting about the weather, how it ruined her plans to stroll around Hall Leys Park. I mean, who doesn’t love a good park? But come on, it’s Matlock! It rains here more than it shines. I’m nodding along, but inside I’m like, “Lady, you’re in Matlock. Get used to it!”
Then, outta nowhere, the elevator stops. Just stops! I’m like, “Oh great, just what I need.” I can hear her breathing all heavy, and I’m sweating bullets. I’m pressing buttons like a madman, but nothing. I’m thinkin’ I’m gonna be stuck here forever, and she’s gonna start a podcast about her traumatic elevator experience.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the doors creak open. We’re on the top floor, and she bolts out like she’s escaping a horror movie. I’m just standing there, heart racing, thinking, “What just happened?”
Next up, I get this old bloke, right? He’s got a walking stick and a grin like he just won the lottery. He’s all, “Young man, take me to the basement!” I’m like, “The basement? You sure?” But he’s insistent. So, down we go. Turns out, he’s just looking for the old coal cellar. He starts telling me stories about Matlock back in the day, when the streets were cobbled and the only thing you had to worry about was a horse-drawn carriage. I’m loving it!
He’s going on about how Matlock Bath was the place to be, with all the fancy spas and the river. I’m picturing it, and it’s like a scene from a movie. I’m laughing, and he’s laughing, and for a moment, I forget about the crazy lady from earlier.
But then, just as I’m getting comfy, the fire alarm goes off. I’m like, “Seriously?!” I’m rushing to get everyone out. I’m yelling, “This way! Follow me!” It’s chaos! People are panicking, and I’m just trying to keep my cool. I’m thinking, “This is not in my job description!”
We finally get outside, and it’s still raining. I’m soaked again, but at least I’m not stuck in an elevator. I look around, and there’s a crowd forming. Turns out, it was just a drill. A DRILL! I’m fuming! I could’ve been inside, chatting with the old bloke about Matlock’s history instead of standing in the rain like a soggy biscuit.
After that, I needed a break. So, I head over to the café on Bakewell Road. Best scones in town, I swear! I grab a cuppa and just sit there, watching the world go by. I see kids playing, couples walking hand in hand, and I’m reminded why I love this place. Matlock’s got its quirks, but it’s home.
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. I’ve met some wild characters, survived a fire drill, and learned a bit more about my little town. I’m heading home, thinking about how tomorrow’s gonna be another adventure. Who knows what’ll happen next? But hey, that’s Matlock for ya!