23rd May 25 Aylesbury, Bournemouth, to Alfreton. Via London.

This was always going to be a challenge. Leaving early enough to get to Christchurch NR Bournemouth for opening time. I took the slightly risky but educated guess that the independent dealer, the Nissan X-Trail, I collected yesterday was going to this morning. Would be someone, old school. Gets into the business early and gets things done before opening time. When very few customers arrive anyway.

The drive was in glorious sunshine again and it was just an amazing early morning drive down through the new forest dodging the ponies. I had to stop at one point as a few preferred the road to eating the grass for breakfast.

I was right. Upon arrival at just after eight am. There were two middle aged blokes on the forecourt arguing over how the cars should be lined up. Probably been having this same argument for the last twenty years. With the same outcome. All facing the road with boot lids and tailgates open and bunting in place.

They accepted the car and signed my appraisal. Without looking at the car again and I was already walking off their badly organised forecourt and summoning an Uber by 8.35am.

This gave me a fighting chance of getting the day finished in time.

The next leg was to get to Alfreton, Derbyshire.

This was to collect a car for my customer in Aylesbury. So I wanted to make sure this car gets to them the day they want it.

In this business, you can't afford to let your customers down once. There is no real loyalty in business. So this was always going to be a tough day.

The train left Christchurch at about 9.30am and arrived at Alfreton at three in the afternoon. But it was doable. There was a wait at St Pancras station. But that's never a problem as always something to see.

First leg was simple enough from Christchurch to London Waterloo. Just under two hours.

I decided to take the Jubilee line and change at Green Park then swap to the Victoria line to King's Cross - St Pancras. Far less stops that way. And avoids the northern line.

I had time so dived into Kings Cross and use the toilet there and grab a coffee.

Never fails to amaze me that. No matter the time of day and I've seen queues at 6.30am. How many people are waiting for the photo opportunity that is platform 9 and 1/2 . It truly shows the global interest in Harry Potter. Certainly Chinese interest anyway.

Harry Potters followers

Walking back to St Pancras international to catch the 12.32 to Chesterfield on the way to Alfreton is a short walk and I always remember this area when I first moved here. It's changed beyond recognition.

It used to be an area to be avoided . Around Kings Cross it was run down, dirty and dangerous to go off track. Known for its street prostitution and seedy shops. The old St Pancras Renaissance hotel had long closed down and was about to be demolished by British Rail. It was only a petition by some people who wanted to save the historical building . It was given grade 1 listed building status in 1966 because of these people

It was finally renovated in 2011 and is an amazing place and a great welcome for travellers on the Eurostar trains today

St Pancras international

I got the 12.32 to Chesterfield with a few minutes to spare. Settled in and started working on the laptop to get some paperwork done.

Arriving at Chesterfield to change trains in plenty of time.

Then it was a short wait to catch the next train to Alfreton then it's a ten minute trip to get there.

From the station to the dealership to collect the Ford Focus to get back to Aylesbury was a 20 minutes walk. So I jumped in a taxi to save time today. Because I know it's tight, time wise to get back to Aylesbury before closing time.

Christchurch to Alfreton

I arrived at the dealership and the car was good to go. Appraisal done, signed and it didn't even need fuel. Result !

It's a two and a half hours journey non stop so leaving around 15.30 was cutting it fine for arrival before 18.00

I called them to discuss if anyone was working late.

But I had forgotten. They were open until 19.00 now in the used car department.

No need to hurry now. A long day but very rewarding. Especially as the planning made it possible to get it done.

I can't tell you how important this is.

But we can help you with all this and more. This job is all about your customers and being professional. You have no idea how many people in this business couldn't care less and defend the unprofessional people.

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To help you do a better job than most and make it rewarding for you. Join now and find out about this life on the road and how to make work for you.