Bunnet

For some reason I keep thinking about my late Grandpa at the moment. It’s probably because just the other day whilst struggling through the mess of the kitchen cupboard I found the bunnet he gave me. For those who do not know the term ‘bunnet’ you may read it as ‘flat cap’. I’ll try to find a picture of one. Aah, here’s one.

It’s more of an old-man’s hat, (as you can see,) but I keep it anyway. In fact, it’s about the only item of clothing that I keep for purely sentimental reasons.

My Grandpa was a fiercely practical man. He had a tool for every job, just in case he ever had to do that job. I guess he had a fear of being caught in a DIY situation without having the right tools. His favourite shop, I’m sure, was Cornes DIY in the village.

My Grandpa had the most impressive collection of picture hooks and picture hanging implements that I have ever seen. It’s as if he couldn’t pass a DIY shop without going in and couldn’t come back out without buying some picture hooks ‘just in case’ he needed to hand a picture.

I inherited his toolbox, and I’ll never need to buy a picture hook ever again.

I’ll always remember when he and my Gran went on holiday. When they came back he had always bought be some kind of practical gift. No toys from my Grandpa. They came back from holiday once with a screwdriver and socket set for me. I’m not complaining though – it helped to make me the geek I am today.

That’s the reason I love that bunnet. It wasn’t long before he died and me, him, my Dad and my brother were out for a pint or three. This is the one time I was ever out for a pint with him. We went back to see Gran and he showed us his new bunnet that he’d bought that day. So convincing was our delight at new bunnets that he donated his old bunnet to me because it would be chilly on the way home. The old bunnet was identical in size, colour, make and condition to the new one.

I love that bunnet because it’s the only ridiculous thing my Grandpa ever gave me. It reminds me of him because it’s so not him. Apart from that walk home all that time ago, I’ve never worn it again.

Add comment April 16th, 2004