Some very quiet London roads made for rapid progress towards Mrs P's flat in central London and I was buzzed in and met by her carer, who provided me with a list, a reusable bag and an off-menu request to see if I could also get a replacement mini light bulb that had blown.

All the desired goods were within walking distance of her place, so I first enjoyed a trip to the delightful People's supermarket to pick up the two newspapers she had requested. Both were sizeable Saturday editions so should stand to keep her busy for a while.

Then I ventured a short way down the road to the local butchers to collect the rest of the items on the list. I can't remember the last time I was in a butcher's shop (maybe this was my first time) but I was most surprised by how cheap it all was and the £20 more than covered everything on her list including the additional desired items.

I wasn't especially confident about finding a replacement bulb but as luck would have it, whilst queuing for the butchers I had noticed a nearby corner shop that had some hardwarey stuff just inside the door so I checked in there as a first port of call and miraculously there was a delightful array of bulbs, and the assistant was quick to point out which one I needed.

I dropped it all off at Mrs P's and enjoyed a nice chat with her carer who it transpires has family that live just down the road from me. Small world! With pleasant goodbyes and well wishes exchanged, I set off for the cycle back home.