I was a little worried about the test. With the bad weather and other commitments, Pootle has been a bit neglected this year, and our friend who was a genius mechanic and who helped keep her on the road, sadly died after disturbing an African bees nest whilst on holiday, so the old girl hadn't had as much attention lavished on her as normal.
But I'm happy to report that she passed with flying colours, with just an advisory about needing new tyres.
It was terrible. His wife tried to save him but was stung too. He had existing health problems, so it probably contributed to it.
He was a lovely bloke and really looked after us. He worked on Pootle and our other cars for peanuts , and just liked helping people.
But it will come to us all at some point, and he had a colourful and interesting life in the 50 odd years he was alive, so at least he lived whilst he had the chance.
Anyway, sorry to be so depressing. Mick would be laughing his head off if he knew I was now trying to tinker with Pootle myself.
with just an advisory about needing new tyres. 
Pootle Power!
