It was the busiest of nights. It was the quietest of nights...
We were secretly all longing for the weather to be the best a Spring night can bring as we set up camp on our usual patch.
It very soon became apparent that a young lady sitting on a bench outside of The Brewhouse & Kitchen was not in a good state. Her partner was trying his best to encourage her but it looked to us the effects of alcohol were winning the battle (and we weren't in time to proffer the obligatory vomit bowl). One of our team did go over to offer our 'fashionab;le' flip flops as said young lady was currently sporting heels of a high nature. However flips flops were not what she needed and a bit later - they were both gone ...some taxi driver taking a risk on getting her home.
It wasn't the warmest of nights and we were all in our cosy Hi-Viz jackets but we are so often bemused by the clothing (or lack of) that some of the young ladies step out into the night wearing. It may be an age thing but it amazes us how some of these ladies don't suffer from hypothermia or frostbite! It also reminds us that we have to keep some foil blankets with us at times.
We undertook our regular 'two person' patrol around the block, thus giving us a flavour of the night atmosphere. On one particular patrol our team could here rousing singing coming from Market Street and on closer inspection realised that a bunch of 'lads' had managed to encourage a late night busker (yep, you heard right!) to play Oasis's Wonderwall to which they were responding in their best football terrace stylee at the top of their voices inviting us to join in with them as we were walking past with bemused expressions - they highlighted to us that such fun and bonhomie can be part of a night on the town!!
One youngish man came over to the table to tell us he had come across us 10 years ago and had highly valued us being there for him - he validated his thankfulness with a generous donation towards us being able to continue the work we do.
To be honest, thankfulness was clearly the theme of the night, as another young lad just stopped to thank us for all we do and then continued on his way. One of our team had been in a brief conversation with a man who was after a recommendation for a good Indian restaurant only to have the same person on their way back towards the taxis, stop by to say thanks for the recommendation and that he had had a fantastic meal!.... the hidden skills and knowledge that us Listeners have, eh?
Our two regular Welsh guys stopped for a chat (well it's more like a topical therapy session to be fair as they dont do 'brief'). They are lovely guys though.
Only one of our homeless people were spotted on this night. Though the night had its busy moments it also had some lulls and, after our routine chips had been dispensed and Jack Frost began nipping at some of our fingers, we looked to close up shop for another Saturday night..
We wish all our readers, supporters, funders and well-wishers a joyful Easter