Standing at the bus stop at the top of the hill, I noticed a young couple in the phone box. It’s not often that anyone uses the public phone nowadays. In fact, it must be several years since I’ve seen anyone in it. 

They seemed to be a little aggitated, dialling a number, quickly hanging up, then making their way (with some haste) to the nearby bookmakers’ establishment. 

This process was repeated several times in just a few minutes. However, they’ve now been inside the bookie’s for a little while now. They’ve probably needed to exchange a banknote for some change for the phone.

Anyway, I noticed that the young lady was wearing a burka; unusual apparel in Gateshead. Particularly when worn with sportswear. 

And then I realised that it was a towel. Which, of course, is normal attire on the hill. She’d obviously washed her hair before remembering some urgent phone calls.