and things could have been very different….

So, this week started very well in fact – riding off the back of a very pleasant afternoon out on Sunday, visiting the National Trust Hidcote gardens. Got some good inspiration from seeing some of the early Spring planting schemes and putting some ideas together for a client’s border improvements.

I had a positive response from my job application with the National Trust and was invited to attend a job interview later in the week (Wednesday).

The week ahead looked very promising with confirmed gardening rounds now in place, and the potential of additional work to be confirmed shortly.

Dodged a few rain showers on Monday and Tuesday while removing roses (my pet hate) and severely pruning and re-training some winter jasmines (Jasminum nudiflorum).

Wednesday duly arrives, and the interview takes place at Snowshill. All appears well as I make my journey home. That is until waiting to rejoin the B4077 road near to Ford I am involved in a car accident. Whilst stationery and waiting close to the road junction, another vehicle coming at speed from my right-hand side takes action to avoid hitting a car crossing the road from opposite me and collides into the drivers side front wing with such force that my Ford Focus is re-orientation 90 degrees to the left and propelled 2 car lengths into the road side verge. Air bags explode, head collides with the side window, air-bag burn/abrasion to my left arm and I’m left wondering what the … happened there. With the burning smell coming from the exploded air bags my initial reaction was get out quick the car’s on fire. Thankfully my driver’s door worked ok.

Suffice to say had I been waiting 2 or so metres closer to the white road markings at the junction I probably would not be here. The driver side front wing and wheel was hit with such force (guessing at least 50mph impact speed) that it was embedded into the engine compartment. My car is a write-off, the body twisted.

Thank the Lord..

Others in the colliding vehicle were taken to hospital with what looked like neck and whiplash issues – but I really wasn’t paying much attention.

Checked out at the hospital later that evening to ensure no concussion or lasting damage. Seems ok. Large bruised bump on my head with sore forearm. Today (Thursday) a head-ache, and little patience to make and receive countless telephone calls to insurance / garages / hire-car folks. And really hacked off that I’ve lost a good reliable car to boot.

Still things could have been very different.

Wednesday evening did end on a positive note – you are now reading the blog of a National Trust employee! J Really please about this – and something to get my gardening fingers stuck into as well as my own business.