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I enjoy using my bus pass and appreciate the benefit of free transport. Buses are frequent on our route although the No 6 which comes along just after 9am is always crammed full with other beneficiaries of the wonderful bus pass!

I usually prefer to sit towards the back of the No 6..... perhaps it goes back to my schooldays when my friends and I sat on the back seat of the coach when we were taken to and from matches. Our singing and laughter was LOUD.

However when I climbed on the No 6 this week it was clear that the bus was full and it would be impossible to make my way to the back. At the sight of me, stepping carefully with my walking stick onto the bus, a young lady immediately stood up and offered me her seat. I was relieved as the troublesome hip was making its presence felt as usual. I thanked her and sat down gratefully. At this point I looked out of the window and saw the following sign.

The kind young lady had actually done me a favour and made me acknowledge that I am now a member of a new category - 'the disabled', (temporarily, I hope). But I don't like the term 'the disabled'. If society has to categorise people I can't help thinking that the sign on the bus coming home was rather better phrased. It read

'Priority seat for elderly and disabled people'

I hope I catch that bus again.