By Peter Grenville

Published at 16:51, Friday, 10 August 2012

IT’S been a tough week. I’ve had to say farewell to three trusty friends who’ve been with me for a long time. I was deeply saddened to see them go.

Peter Grenville

This may seem somewhat pathetic to those of you who lack a sentimental streak, but I find it hard to let go of possessions that have served me well.

FAT FACE SLIPPERS (aged two and a half)

A lifesaver in my never-ending battle against poor circulation. Even in summer I have cold tootsies. Having tried some fluffy tent ones I still found my feet suitable for keeping ice cubes chilled and got these as a “surprise” birthday present from my mother in law. “Surprise”, as in I gave the product code and size, and my wife purchased them. Sturdy soles prevented cold penetrating upwards but I’d superglued them back together, and the bald bits (the slippers, not me) were a source of much annoyance to Mrs G. They’d also stretched so much I shuffled everywhere to prevent them falling off.

Reason for demise: Decrepitude. Replacement: Thinsulate slippers

FRENCH CONNECTION JEANS (aged over 10 years)

Purchased at a point in time when an epic battle between baggy and flared, and skinny and so tight at the ankle you needed a shoehorn to get them off, was in progress. I went with baggies, instantly rendering skinnies victor in that round of the trouser coolness wars. Featuring worn/patched bits, and painty marking to make it look like you’d had them for years, I had, coincidentally, had them for years. My mum hated themand I couldn’t wear them anywhere as they were always the wrong side of respectable, whatever the situation. My trouser rebelliousness has died with them.

Reason for demise: Crotch hole I could no longer get away with.

Replacement: None.

SONY TV (aged about 15 years)

Only my second TV and an ex-display model, I wasn’t worried it didn’t have Teletext capability, as I wasn’t much for up and coming technologyHaving outlived a couple of VHS and DVD players being plugged into its only scart socket, its trusty service had enthralled me since my 20s.

Reason for demise: Red lines in corner of screen/ failing eyesight/ out of step with technology/ wifely complaints and hints.

Replacement: Gigantic TVcausing any footage of Wayne Rooney to have us hiding behind the sofa fearing an imminent troll invasion.

Have a, renewingly, good weekend. If you can.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk