I was on my way to the local clinic and striding along in my kilt, when up came this young woman and started to go on about my strange clothes.

This is not an unknown occurance as I have been a rocker and a hippy and a camp follower of John Lilburn's regiment of musket and pike in my time, as well as usually making my own clothes and costumes.

Now I did think this was a bit much from someone dressed in half a yard of denim which had seen better days and a blouse which was almost see through - but I have learned to answer mildly, even when more provoked. I explained that I liked the ability to walk easily - as she was in high heeled sandals which made me wince just to look at them I thought that the best line of argument.

However, as the woman seemed inclined to follow me and continue to go on, I took a short cut across the car park - in through the car entrance, over to the far corner, jump over the wall.

Now if it did not have a metal railing along the top she could have sat down and swung her legs over it, or if she had pulled up her skirt she might have managed to step up onto the brickwork, over the railing and down on the other side - but there were several men in the offing, so I grinned at her from the pavement and went on my way.