THE day had the makings of a disaster. First, there was no one to talk to on the park-and-ride bus – an essential to start the day for yours truly – only three women, heads buried in mobile phones. One tall, slim woman, probably in her mid-20s, wearing a dark business-like suit, had no fewer than three phones of various sizes, plus a tablet. All were put to use.

Two people I had hoped to tap for items for Cabbages and Kings were not available. I had ‘dressed’ for the occasion – long-sleeved shirt, white-spotted red-silk tie, trousers (of course) and a double-breasted blazer – and the temperature was topping 30C.

The man in white shorts and T-shirt told me he was 88 – why I can’t think – while making no bones about declaring I was over-dressed.

SUDDENLY things changed. Sabrina, pharmacist at one of Boots’s Banbury branches, smiled into view. It was her day off and she had arranged to meet girl friends for lunch in Oxford. The gong was still some time off and after a little persuasion from me we headed for morning coffee. Sabrina, from Algeria, is always guaranteed to brighten the day. She doles out happiness with her pills and potions. She is a delightful to know.

We had no sooner parted than wonderful sounds from soprano Josephine Organ-Jennings filled the air of Cornmarket Street.

I was delighted to hear her for several reasons. A few weeks ago she had unnecessarily been made to feel unwelcome and I feared this Manchester Royal School of Music graduate might not return to add a little culture to Oxford’s busking circle. Josephine, from Witney, embarking on studies for her Master’s degree, was singing in Oxford for two days only and this was her second day. She seemed as happy to see me as I was her.

I hadn’t seen Big Issue salesman Darren for some months. He is an Arsenal Football Club supporter and we always enjoy a chat about the ‘beautiful game’. We did again – but I resisted comments on his club’s indifferent start to the season. Why spoil a good day?

I thought my cup was well and truly running over, but then I heard Ian, the busking tuba player, booming out Ilkley Moor to accompany me down the street. I acknowledged the gesture with a gracious wave.

But the cup kept pouring forth. A well-dressed American woman, Shona McHugh, sitting with her equally smart daughter, Bethany, in Queen Street, raised her hand and stopped me.

“I love to see men smartly attired and wearing a tie. It shows they care,” she purred.

So the over-dressing was not in vain. Life is wonderful.

email:cabbagesandkings@oxfordmail.co.uk