I was just in Crewe seeing a man about a fish. Needed to get some things from the shops; ash is cooking tonight and she needed eggs and oil. Trips to Crewe are now fairly routine: I know what I want, and go get it. I must admit I enjoy the change of scenery too.

This afternoon’s trip went well. The sun was out at last; Crewe town centre was crowded, and the bus home was packed. I feel that people treat me with a reasonable amount of dignity; the shop assistants were very helpful. Its all very pleasant.

Yet it was as I was wheeling back up hassall road that I passed three boys in hoodies. I was reasonably cheerful, minding my own business, when, as they passed, one said ‘spacker’. Why? Why did he say that? I wasn’t doing any harm. Why did he insult me for no reason. I hate such people: people who cling to outmoded stereotypes. People who think they’re being big. What puzzles me is why he said it. I don’t understand.