Diary Of A Busker ~ Day 56

Diary Of A Busker Day 56 Tuesday March 8th Winchester High Street (1. opposite Whittard, Time: 12:38-2:50pm, 2. opposite WH Smiths, Time: 3:25-3:45pm, 3. corner of Marks And Spencer, Time: 4-4:45pm.)

A chaotic day spent zig-zagging about, playing in three different locations. An almost mild day, the sun was out but people were keeping their money to themselves. A man stops in front of me – “That’s a nice guitar, you keep it in good shape don’t you?” “Yeah, I do. It’s an Epiphone Casino. I polish it everyday. I put the Bigsby on myself.” “How long have you had it?” “Oh, about six years.” “I like people who look after their things.” “Yeah, so do I!” “Be quiet” he suddenly says! He doesn’t say it aggresively and he doesn’t raise his tone, he just says it out of the blue. It’s bizarre! He then repeats – “Yes, I like people who take care of their things. Oh well, goodbye” and off he walks…
I say goodbye to a constant companion of these last few months – my large 1981 Charles and Diana Commemorative coin given to me by the Spaniard on Day 19, which I use to weigh down my hat at the start of my sessions. The French lady, who’s always wearing the full length Burgundy coat, was sitting on a bench opposite me. She came over, gave me some money and saw the coin in my hat. She really liked it – I told her it was almost worthless but she could have it if she wanted. I was quite surprised when she said, yes, she would like it. Oh well, I played La Vie En Rose as she left with my coin.

Later on, a lady I’ve met before – Mabel gives me some money, looks at me and says “You must be as old as me – I’m seventy-three.” Not this again. She said this the last time. “I’m 48.” “Really? Your hair’s very grey, isn’t it – mine’s not grey at all.” “No, and I know your name – you’re Mabel, and I also know you’ve been banned from driving by your doctor and you’ve written six books and one of them has been translated into Spanish and you haven’t got a bike.” She seems surprised I know all this and obviously can’t remember meeting me and telling me before. Oh dear, it must be dementia. However, my music makes her feel cheerful, she says.

…after more than two hours, I’ve not made much and decide to move on and walk down to the toilets near the corner of Marks And Spencer. Frank had put down his accordion and was taking a break. He was set up at the side of the bench in front of the shop. There was no one sitting on this bench at the time. I’d seen Frank earlier, as he’d walked past me, intending to set up at The Buttercross. However, Darren, who plays the diggeridoo – the diggeridooguy I think I’ll call him, was diggeridoo-ing. I said to Frank he could have my spot, as I was going to leave soon anyway. Frank fancied going back to the corner, but maybe later he might come back here. I said I’d visit him when I’d finished and let him know if the diggeridooguy was still there. I had a chat with Frank, said hello to the flower seller, went to the toilet and came back. “You’ve got competition today” says the flower seller, nodding towards Frank who’s started playing again. I look over and see the bench is now occupied – on the far side from Frank, who is playing right next to the bench, is a man playing a harmonica. “I see Frank’s got some accompaniment today. Is that other guy playing in the same key? – I can’t hear him.” “I think only HE can hear himself, to be honest”, says the flower seller. But there is one other person on the bench – an old man sitting in the middle, sandwiched between Frank on one side and this nutter on the harmonica on the other who’s leaning right into him. It’s pretty obvious that what has happened is the old man has sat down in the middle of the empty bench to have a quiet rest and take a load off his feet. Then Frank’s started up and then this harmonica bloke has sat down and started blowing, or the other way around. Either way, they’ve both started within seconds of each other and this old guy’s quiet, restful siesta has been transformed into a nightmare! He’s wearing a flat cap and the most miserable expression I’ve ever seen. The flower seller says “See that man there? When he sat down he had a smile on his face.” Ha Ha! Very funny – not for the poor old guy, though.

I make my way up to the WH Smiths pitch via the ‘scenic’ route – through the cathedral grounds, past The Slug And Lettuce – not the most scenic bit, stopping to read the prayer cards in the entrance to the small church at the end of the alleyway. Among the usual “Pray for all the animals of the world”, I saw this one – “Dear Mr. God, I am tired of waiting here, condemned by the church. Please let me die.” I wonder what it means and if this sad person has ever walked by me in the high street… I’m into my second session, opposite WH Smiths and it’s Mabel again. She reaches into her purse. “No Mabel, you’ve already given me something today!” I say. She can’t remember, but insists I allow her to give me a little bit more, as (once again) I make her cheerful. After twenty minutes Frank suddenly appears. “Hi Frank, here – you can have this spot, I’ll be gone in a minute.” Frank plays, not right where I am, but where he always does, a few yards further up at The Buttercross. I think he’s had an altercation with someone in one of the shops, so doesn’t play in front of it. However, The Buttercross is too near my spot, so two people can’t play at the same time. I head back down the road to where Frank’s just left. I get started sharpish, kicking off with The Theme From The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, to the delight of the flower seller. I’d played this earlier, during my second stint, and a woman walking by said “Oh! That’s my favourite!” “Well, you’ve walked by at the right time.” “It’s great, can you play it again?” “Sure, it’s only twenty-five seconds long!” Then, after tuning down – Yellow Bird. I’ve extented it as I’ve collected two £2 coins during the first minute…and it’s Mabel again! And again she’s opening her purse – she’ll be broke, she’ll get home and think she’s been robbed, which she has been, in a way! I give up trying to dissuade her from giving me more. She can’t remember seeing me half an hour ago, poor woman. “Anyway, I like your music so much – I don’t mind giving you some more.” She’s joined by a lady of similar age, who says “Ooh, this brings back memories of when I went with my husband to Martinique.” “Isn’t it lovely!” says Mabel. Yes, Yellow Bird is proving very popular with the over 70s. Anything that triggers a memory goes down well.

Earnings: £29.10p