It was Friday 3 June & I was surveying Norman Street, off Porchester Road in Nottingham NG3. The semi-detached house had a house-name on a piece of wood facing on to the street, but that wood was very old. Only 2 metal letters remained attached to it, 5 more were missing and, in spite of a fading imprint left on the wood, I could not decrypt the original name.

In classic programmer-mode (anal-retentive & fastidious) I decided to ask the home-owner what that name was, had gone around the corner to the side door & knocked on it. A young girl — she was probably 3 years old — was staring at me through the glass of a small window ⅔ up the wall at the right-hand-side of the door & had shouted at her mum. Shortly after, Mum opened the door.

I explained that this was the first time that I had been called an “old man”, and asked her to give me a few moments whilst I processed that fact. The young girl was mighty pleased by all this & was beaming all over her face.

(I’m not denying the facts; the government awarded me my State Pension 18 months ago, but it was still a bit of a shock)

Just before I finish, allow me to recommend surveying for OpenStreetMap as a useful pastime for other old farts like me. It guarantees some fresh air & physical exercise — and particularly if you live in a hilly district like NG3 — and is a good reason to meet & talk to other people (none as lonely as the old). Plus, improving the Map is good for everyone, so helps to offset those feelings of being utterly redundant.

PS
Mum did not know what was on the plaque, so adding a house-name to OSM was abandoned.