It’s that time of year when you like your front garden to look at its best. We have a tenant moving in to a property we own on Tuesday, so this weekend was an ideal opportunity to cut the lawn and spruce up the hedge.

Peter Allison was going to do some ground work for Phillip Milburn, (The neighbour) so he said he would trim up the hedge while he was on, and what a cracking job he did. The top of the hedge was so level I believe Peter could have a future in cutting hair!

I got the lawn cut, swept up and stood back to admire the pristine front garden.

Philip was sat in his garden enjoying the sunshine.

“Cracking job lad” says Philip.

“Aye lad” says I, “The new tenant moves in on Tuesday, he’ll be well impressed.”

An hour or so later, I was snoozing in my garden when I was woken by the distant wail of a fire engine.

“Someone’s in bother!” says my wife.

“Aye, and on such a nice day too” says I, never thinking!

To say I got a bit of a shock when I walked around the front is an understatement!

HALF of my lovely hedge BURNT to the ground!

Philip had been sat enjoying a smoke, and flicked the offending dump into the hedge.

“Peter must have spilled some petrol!” say Philip, looking rather sheepish.

Never mind, no one was hurt and the hedge can be replaced.

My wife Diane presented Philip with an ashtray filled with sand, and I’ll leave him to explain to the new tenant what had happened!!

Mid Week Party Night… The Middle House is putting on a party, on Wednesday night from 8pm.

The singer ‘O J Reece’ will provide the entertainment, and there will be a free buffet.

ALL are welcome