But as soon as oil prices started falling in the late 1980s and early 1990s, we let Detroit get us readdicted to gas guzzlers, and the price steadily crept back up to where it is today.

For the others, storage awaits. Some are already on Death Row. Two sets have already been identified for a one-way trip to Newport Docks and a date with the scrapman's torch, with more to follow.

As the Jacky Howe was identified with the canecutter so too were the canvas sandshoes which were worn till the canvas rotted.

D'ye ken John Peel with his coat so grey?