Town mouse has an invasion
As David Cameron battles mice at 10 Downing Street, Clive feels sympathy as his son sees one in his bedroom

You might expect this column to be in sympathy with the plight of small rodents attempting to get by in the city, but I'm with the Prime Minister. When a mouse recently scuttled across the floor of 10, Downing Street, Mr Cameron is reported to have flung a fork at it. A good effort, although he missed. Forgive the family one-upmanship, but my father once hit a moving mouse with a thrown slipper. Having happened long before I was born, it became a family legend.
I don't remember having seen house mice when I was young. But when my wife and I bought a Northamptonshire cottage, we found that we shared it with more than the children. The limit was reached when one jumped out of a box of porridge I was pouring. That explained the huge range of storage jars available in local shops. In London, intermittent scuttling noises persuaded me to install sonic devices that are supposed to hurt mice's ears.
All was quiet until our 10-year-old son Charlie saw one of the creatures in his bedroom. With a female German exchange student about to arrive, it was time for a no-nonsense solution. Our visitors seem to have enjoyed the special food we've left out for them, but I don't think they'll be back for seconds.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Bringing the quintessential English rural idle to life via interiors, food and drink, property and more Country Life’s travel content offers a window into the stunning scenery, imposing stately homes and quaint villages which make the UK’s countryside some of the most visited in the world.
-
Everything you need to know about Hampstead: The real star of 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy'
From Protestant Dissenters to Dame Judi Dench, Hampstead has long been synonymous with liberal values and prosperity — which is what makes it different from other parts of London. Now, it's stealing hearts the world over in the latest Bridget Jones film.
By Carla Passino Published
-
Guess the country house price, David Stirling and the King without a moustache: Country Life Quiz of the Day 19 February 2025
Have a go at Wednesday's Quiz of the Day. Good luck!
By Toby Keel Published