[b]Charlie & the Shopping Trolley[/b]

Charlie & the Shopping Trolley

When Charlotte and Elizabeth were very small, Alison, like all new mothers was struggling to cope with the shopping and the 2 kids in tow. Visiting our local shops she hit on the brilliant idea of putting Liz in a back carrier, a rigid framed affair like a backpack. Charlie, being the grown up one (about 5 years of age) happily sat in the seat of the shopping trolley whilst Alison, with Liz securely strapped to her back, trundled the trolley down to the car park.
Now came the tricky part, to disentangle herself from the back carrier and get the shopping and kids into the car.

One likes a little time to do these things but, conscious of a woman patiently waiting in her car for Alison’s car parking space, was perhaps a little anxious to get it done as quickly as possible.

She hurriedly placed the trolley with Charlie sitting in it, by the car to leave both hands free to disengage herself from the carrier. Whilst doing this she failed to notice that, slowly at first, the trolley had started rolling down the slope of the car park.

The first she knew of any danger was when she heard a cry from the waiting car driver who was climbing out of her car to chase after the escaping child and trolley, by now gathering momentum, much to Charlie’s’ delight.

Panic! Alison quickly stood the carrier, Liz and all, by the car as she too sprinted after her shopping with Charlie “riding shotgun”.

She overtook the helpful woman driver, who had had to slow down to a limp as the exertion had caused her to pull a calf muscle. With a supreme effort she managed to grab the handle and halt the trolley before it caused any damage to parked cars or Charlie. Relieved, she paused for breath and turned to thank the now hobbling stranger for her efforts only to be interrupted by a loud wail coming from Elizabeth who, still strapped in the back carrier, was now face down on the ground where it had tipped over.

Needless to say the back carrier wasn’t used again.

Unfortunately I wasn’t there to film this. Just as well I suppose, as it would have been a hard decision whether to record it for posterity or join in the chase.

PS I understand the helpful woman climbed into her car and decided to find a parking space elsewhere.

Whilst at the time one's sympathies would have been wholely with Alison and the children it must be said the video would now be a joy to watch.

I hadn't wanted to say that, but I thought it very loudly too.