The these boxes started off as points of refuge for the patrols; they’d contain tools and spares so the
patrols could restock (and take a break). If you were an AA member, you’d have a key so you could use the phone inside—essential in the days before mobile phones. Now, of course, in the days of high technology, fewer people break down, and I’m sure the cost of looking after them and the risk of them being broken into became an issue, which is a sad thing.
There aren’t many of them left, but Box 530 is one that remains. It’s situated up on the North Norfolk coast, and we had a gorgeous drive along there that afternoon. One of the reasons we were up there was so I could poke my head around this place! It’s just in a lay-by. We had stopped off at the White Horse in Brancaster and had a fantastic pint overlooking the island known as Scolt Head. I used to live in Islington next to a pub called The Scolt Head and never quite appreciated that it was a little island off the North Norfolk coast, so that reminded me of home, which was nice.
or at least he tooted his horn at me! Lou and Thomas seemed singularly unimpressed with it, but you know, when you’ve got to tick off your ABCs, you’ve got to tick off your ABCs. It was a lovely little nod to the past, to the history of our country, and to the marvellous institution that was the AA. A real nod to times gone by.
MAP