Gearbox Found on Moon, Bridgend Man Interviewed
A special report from Chief Editor, Jonathan David Abraham
The world's scientific community is in turmoil after the discovery of a gearbox on the surface of the moon. Astronomers at Greenwich Observatory were studying the Moon's Sea of Tranquillity using the Hubble telescope last weekend, the first time Hubble has been used to study the moon, and the observers were shocked to discover a small metallic object on the surface.
'X' marks the spot where the Gearbox was
discovered
Magnification
The magnification of the telescope was increased to more closely study the object and scientists were able to read, quite clearly, the words 'TOYOTA Hi-Ace' etched into the side of the object. The indication of a stub end at the side of the manifestation clearly identified it as a gearbox.
Schoolboy
On hearing the news, Mr David Oakley of Bridgend, South Wales, former public schoolboy and erstwhile carpet layer, leapt to his feet in shock, for Mr Oakley owns a Hi-Ace van which currently has no gearbox.
Shaft
In February of this year Mr Oakley was having some difficulty engaging the gears of his van. The van is essential to Mr Oakley's Stonemasonry business and so its loss would be detrimental to his financial solvency. It obviously had to be repaired so with the help of Mr Paul Rogers, a close friend and business partner, he removed the 'box to ascertain the damage. On inspection, they found that the shaft was bent and the stub end blistered.
Samaritan
Being somewhat financially embarrassed this spelt real trouble for David as he could not afford a replacement gearbox. Luckily, or so it seemed at the time, a good Samaritan at David's local pub, The Five Bells Inn, offered to straighten the shaft for him.
Chum
David happily handed over the gearbox to his chum and eagerly awaited its return. That turned out to be the last time that he would hear anything about the 'box, until now. Desperate, and with his business nearly ruined, he immediately contacted NASA about the possibility of chartering a Shuttle to the moon.
STOP PRESS
Mr David Oakley was last seen driving a fast car towards Heathrow Airport. He is rumoured to be flying out to the Kennedy Space Centre within the next few days.