During this visit, Erik lost his passport. We smuggled him back over the borders of Holland and then France by putting him in a corner of the rail carriage and organising a session with himself playing bones. The customs officers took one look and passed on! When we got to Calais, we arranged to be last onto the boat - and a bit late - so they rushed us all on board without too many checks. This was 1987 remember, some hope of doing this nowadays! At the Dover the customs officer recognised Erik, 'from the telly'. But was overheard after Erik passed through, muttering 'stupid old b****r, must be off his trolley'.
It is very sad that Erik died some years ago, but we commemmorate him each year with 'Erik Day' when we meet up with our friends from Earlsdon Morris Men for a day of dancing and drinking. Erik started the custom by leaving us £100 in his will