or How Not to Organise a Bonfire Party
Tonight is bonfire night. For some reason my nephews chose to celebrate last Saturday when it was drier than tonight, but perishing cold.
The theory is that Saturday is better for children, but there are only two children who can still be called children - William whose birthday is on November 5th and who hates loud noises, and his little brother Henry. Grandma, who was the one who made the fuss about children's bedtimes didn't turn up, and Josh who is the chief 'organiser' told everyone different start times so that some of their friends arrived after the fireworkd! Several other friends also didn't come, and will possibly even turn up tonight. So they ended up with too few people (around 25 rather than the anticipated 50), too much food, too early, on the wrong night, with the fireworks too far from the viewers and the fire too far from both, with miles of dark, empty, muddy ploughed field between them.
By the way, there is a myth that all dogs and cats are terrified of fireworks and should be kept indoors. Believe me, gundogs are seriously not bothered. This is Bramble (Joe's neighbour on the other side) enjoying a burger (although I am amazed that anyone - even a dog - did enjoy them as they were horribly over-seasoned, and the sausages were even worse - Josh's purchase, I'm afraid, and by no means cheap)
and the birthday boy (who is bothered) being distracted by an early birthday present -
Jacob also had a nasty run around when buying the fireworks. He went to the place in Lincoln and was told that he had to be 21 to buy them (he is 20) so he showed the sales assistant his gun licence and assured him that the law says 18 years old. In the end he came home fireworkless. Grandad gets on the phone, and speaks to the manager. No, they do not have a policy of refusing sales to people under 21, just of asking for proof of age. Grandad explains that he showed them his gun licence and was still refused. They are very, very sorry, and if he comes back they will knock another 20% of the already discounted fireworks. Jacob goes back, and there is the same sales assistant with the same stubborn attitude. This time Jacob asks to speak to the manager to whom he explains what has happened, what happened before and reminds her of the conversation with grandad. Huge apologies, more discount and a load of freebies!
Shame Josh couldn't get organised for more friends to enjoy them!
Maybe they'll have their party on the right night next year.
skip2468
Bang!