It was 1959, I was pregnant with my first daughter and
working in an accountant’s office in Manchester City Centre. It was a hot
sunny day and I was thirsty. I needed a nice cool drink so at lunchtime, I strolled
out into the busy streets. I craved for some Vimto. I didn’t want the Vimto
that was available as a cordial. No. I wanted the Vimto that was sold in small
bottles ready to drink.
On my travels I came across a newsagent’s. I went in,
but all they could offer me was the cordial type Vimto, so I shook my head and
left the shop. This scenario was played out in one shop after another, but like
Felix, I just kept on walking.
Eventually, Eureka!!! I found what I was looking for. Success
was so sweet. Never before or since, had Vimto tasted so good. But, without
realising it I had walked three miles towards home. The shop was only five minutes
walk from my house. So I continued home for a bit of a rest.
I realised my colleagues may have been worrying about
me, and as we didn’t have a telephone in the house in those days, I returned
to the office, using the bus this time and arrived back from my lunch, just
in time for afternoon tea and biscuits. I explained what had happened, considering
they were all bachelors, they were very understanding and fussed around me like
a load of preg-nant fathers! My long walk for a drink of Vimto was worth it.
Eva Moffatt
