Puzzling problem starting.

[stook]

Turned ignition on, all seemed normal. Ignition lights on, petrol pump clicking etc. Pulled starter - nothing. Opened bonnet and pressed starter switch - nothing. Turned engine over with handle - not firing. Removed a plug turned engine over with handle - no spark. Shorted out starter switch - nothing. Checked electrics, fuses ok, headlights, wipers, horn etc. all working.
Had to go out so took modern car. Returned in evening after pondering problem all day and decided to try again. Of course it fired up on the first pull of the starter! Any suggestions gratefully received.

[bmcecosse]

Starting is never anything to do with fuses..... Probably a bad battery connection - or less likely - bad earth (since it would earth through the cables and the retaining wire anyway).