Sad days on the boat this week as I finally let my gorgeous navy blue London taxi go. Off with a kiss she’s left me drenched in geranium oil, dried petals between her seats, market tickets stuffed here and there, a copy of the Lady under the dashboard and several chandelier droplets clinging to oasis bricks in the boot.

What can I say about a beautiful blue taxi? In her glorious life as my steed she’s roared home through the french countryside, been bleated at by lambs and starred in fashion shoots. Set blossoming hearts a flutter. Carted trees down motorways to country retreats and driven me to pastures new delivering to couture houses a long the way and down bus lanes ticket-free.

Transported cats, dog, rabbits…toot tooted by Stephen Fry. Insulted by Lightening Seeds, been adored by Mr Blur, played a part in many a love song and driven two sweet sweet lovebirds to their I do’s. Happy days.

With five years of happy memories she’s been Harpers first chariot, run out of petrol in many a curious place, Buckingham Palace, we love you too. Driven old ladies to Weight Watchers and darlingly worked her hubs off as a flower stall. Lovingly been cared for by a lovely taxi gent called George. Eased an aching heart and carried many a happy one. And well, been terribly terribly loved.

My darling french music playing friend, I wish you love, luck and laybys as you leave with two lovely directors, to be saved forever on film.

Owning a cab? It’s a funny adventure but I couldn’t recommend it more.

xxx