Group dynamics are a difficult thing but it’s noticeable that Friday afternoon, when the owner and I are on our own in the shop, is more productive and relaxing than most other days. We’ve known each other for over 30 years (he is more sociable than I am and came over to introduce himself at an antiques fair we were both standing at Granby Halls) and it’s a bit like being married – as long as I do what I’m told it all goes well.

Granby Halls was demolished 20 years ago, how time flies. I’ve just looked it up and am amazed by how historic it was – I’d have taken more notice of it if I’d realised. If you have read the article behind the link you will now know what me, Mick Jagger and Sir Oswald Moseley have in common.

This isn’t to say that we don’t get on when all three of us are in, but it’s different. Personally, we have no problems, but I don’t feel we work as well as we could do as a group. When there are two of us we work as boss and peasant and it all goes quite well, as I see my role as doing what I’m told and being paid for it. With an extra person there, we seem to lose focus. He’s not yet been beaten down sufficiently by life to take on the roll of a peasant.

Shakespeare £2 coin – comedy. I put it in here because I fulfi8l the role of Fool to the owner’s Lear, though I don’t actually call him Nuncle. NOt that Lear is a comedy, but I thought the hat and rattle fitted here.

One of the things that influences my attitudes to groups is that I’ve been fortunate to be in some good teams over the years – nearly always by accident, as they seem to form and then become successful without a lot of talk or planning. The key thing, I think, is that “a star team will always outperform a team of stars“. Once you’ve been in a good team it becomes easier to become part of another.

I’ve also been in one or two bad teams over the years , such as the rugby club committee where the Chairman eventually fell out with us and resigned, taking the post protectors with him. We had to run round and borrow a set for Saturday. If I were writing a play about a dysfunctional Rugby League team I wouldn’t dare include that in the script because it’s so hard to believe.

Shakespeare £2 coin – history