When you walk across the town bridge in Bradford on Avon, three things are likely to strike you. The first is the wing mirror of a passing car.
The second is the town lock-up which is affixed to the bridge. Apparently here, back in the day, drunken rascals were locked up for the night. I’ve seen inside (as a non-drunken rascal) and apart from the iron beds and the cold, it looks quite a nice place to spend the night. Certainly the views of the river are worth waking up to. Even with a punishing hangover.
The third thing is a gold gudgeon on top of the lock-up. In terms of being a fish, a gudgeon is small, edible and usually used as bait. It is also, I think, an easily fooled person and a spindle or pivot.
But most importantly, The Gudgeon is the name of the local magazine, a wonderful monthly issue that celebrates life and living in Bradford on Avon. And this month I’m in it! Double-take. Triple-take. But it’s true. You can see how I spend my day.
I think you should go and buy it immediately.
Categories: The Gudgeon
JAMES ELLIS in words 
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