Our central heating boiler went pop on Thursday. The feed pipe got blocked, the boiler ran dry and the heat exchanger went bang.

So we’ve now been three days without heat and hot water.

It was like we’d taken a time trip back a decade to our student days living in flat above a row of shops in Canley. That was cheap and cheerful – but cold. So cold that icicles formed on the inside of the windows!

But I’m sure every student worth their salt has done that gig.

It’s not so much fun when you’re forty with two young children. They don’t see the funny side of our winter climate.

We thought we got it fixed. A local plumbing and central heating company, managed to send two of their people round on Friday morning.

They quickly replaced the blocked pipe and we were looking forward to warmth again. But no play. The cracked heat exchanger was then discovered.

Heavy stuff – a replacement heat exchanger could take a couple of weeks. No way.

The only other option a brand new boiler. And Phil and his team could fit us in as a special on Saturday morning.

Wayne and Darren worked feaverishly to get all installed. It was looking good.

Mivi and I went to Safeway expectantly to buy a celebratory feast. But then as we were waiting at the checkout the bad news came on the mobile.

The boiler is faulty.

And we’ll have to wait until Monday for a replacement.

Two more cold nights and dirty days.

So if any hotel out there wants to swap a warm family room and a hot bath for a year’s free advertising on CWN email me now on werereallycold@cwn.org.uk !