R.T. Cain
David Boyd is a Policeman at a time now accepted as being the
'Heydays of British Policing'. These Chronicles of his service with the Lancashire Constabulary during the 1960's into the 1970's are intertwined with intimate details of his personal life. Highs as well as lows are humorously related including a time when from being an elite 'Z' Car Driver he finds himself at the opposite end of the
'Status ratings'. Sudden marriage causes a real downside in his career when he finds himself posted to Foot Patrol Duties as an
''Hour-end Policeman' in a small Town called
'Lapley Vale'. Fiction really is based upon fact. Readers are treated to facinating insights into
''Warts and all Policing'. From start to finish natural, unspoilt, humour is ever prominent and prevails. Many of the Police Officers of today might feel envious of the high levels of respect and popularity extended to
'Boydie' and his Colleagues by the General Public. They were left alone to decide upon their adequate and acceptable levels of law enforcement, albeit by the use of radically diverse methods, to achieve their desired goals. Many who were fortunate enough to have shared similar experiences to those of
'Boydie' might justifiably feel pangs of nostalgia and perhaps long for the return of those
'Halcyon Days''.
'R.T. Cain' is a former Police Superintendent. He served with the Lancashire Constabulary until amalgamations moved him to the Merseyside Police. He retired prematurely in 1988 as an inevitable result of the long term effects of a serious injury which he sustained whilst on duty as a Constable in 1964. He is invariably at his best when interacting with people from almost every type of background or ethnic origin. His keen observations of ordinary people's natural, unspoilt, comical behaviour always guarantees that stress free humour will never be too far away in everything he writes.
David Boyd and Marilyn, just married, have moved into their Police House. Boydie is about to report for duty at Lapley Vale Police Station for the first time.
"There that's the curtains seen to now...I'll start my next job on the list right away before I stop for a few minutes to collapse from exhaustion".
She stares at her Husband. She sounds impressed.
"Oh David...You really do look rather fetching in your helmet...I don't think I've seen you in it before...It makes you look taller as well."
Boydie, grinning, gently teases her.
"What a perceptive observation Mrs Boyd...Fancy little you noticing that placing a dirty great big helmet on one's head makes one appear taller....My Oh My...You are the smart one aren't you?"
She takes a playful swipe at him. He easily swerves out of her reach. Smiling he says.
"I haven't worn a helmet for a couple of years or more...And despite the fact that you consider I do tend to look...Fetching....And taller....You must take my word for this my Dearest...Helmets are not the most comfortable things in the World to wear...It's going to take me some time to get used to it again..Anyways...I can't dilly dally around here all day...There's work to be done...Serious crime to be investigated...Criminals to be arrested and put away where they rightly belong."
Boydie's face visually saddens. His enthusiasm swiftly wanes as he finishes speaking. Marilyn, who appreciates his true feelings, stops chuckling to sympathise with him. They hug and embrace. She holds him tightly as she whispers into his ear.
"Never mind you'll still be paid your wages...Just the same as you did when you were chasing around after those nasty types with Snatch Gregson in that Crime Car....Cheer up Lover Boy...It's not the end of the World."
He pushes her away slightly pretending to give her a stern, warning, look.
"I wish you knew what you were talking about Dear...I...Well...I just don't know what to expect...I feel lost at the moment...As if I've lost my job."
Early days. The adventures are only just beginning. Read on......
