ABOUT 30 years ago I came close to making a job application to Buckingham Palace.

Memories of this came back to me as I drove past the Cross Hands at Old Sodbury.

Thirty years or so ago the queen stayed the night there.

Drifting snow had prevented her from reaching the M4 to take her back to London.

Those who know how open and susceptible to drifts the A46 is from Nailsworth onwards will not be surprised at her majesties problems.

They will be surprised however at the route she was taking.

The queen had been staying with her daughter at Gatcombe Park near Minchinhampton and her chauffeur was using the A46 to reach the M4.

This meant he either descended from the common into Nailsworth or went via Avening, Tetbury and Didmarton joining the A46 at Petty France.

Either way was the wrong choice as hills were involved as well as the likelihood of drifting snow.

Those readers who know the Cotswolds are well aware of the route he should have taken.

Leaving Gatcombe, head for Aston Down taking the road to Cirencester, and then head along the A419 to Junction 15 at Swindon.

There are no hills apart from a gentle slope at Blunsdon and apart from Chapmans Cross little chance of drifting snow.

With this vital and relevant information at my fingertips I sensed an opportunity.

The post of Royal Route Master was surely vacant.

The best ways to Balmoral and Sandringham could have been researched and being already inch perfect regarding Highgrove and Gatcombe the post would surely have been mine.

A small retainer perhaps and an extra bob or two for special journeys would suffice.

There was an upside however to this unnecessary incident.

The Cross Hands received welcome publicity.

It still possesses the Queen Elizabeth Suite where I am sure her majesty was splendidly looked after, in true Cotswold fashion.

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