The Diddy Men assembled at the corner of Forty Green Road and Dower Close in Knotty Ash-Green whilst the boss waved her tickling stick ………..………….actually a she-devil was trying to keep in order a band of ghoulies, ghosties, a ‘cereal’ killer and various victims, pumpkins, witches, temptresses, vampires, Dracula plus wife and couple of old codgers (one closely resembling the GM). Oh and two or three muggles.
The task tonight was to follow a trail of flour which might be on the right or left or in the middle or washed away by the rain. Get it right and a warm bonfire and treats would be the reward but watch out for a few tricks along the way!
So off they went following no flour - tricky start! Before reaching the oldest pub in England they were diverted off to the left along afoot path into the woods. Some nice shiggy had been laid on for an extra treat and cries of urrrgh! arrgh! ooohhh! resounded in the still night air. Then a trick - the group were called back from a false trail. As the mist fell they skidded onward in the darkness until a halt was called and a choice had to be made. Whether to take the long route home or the short that was the question.
The tired and lame were eager for their treats so went the shortest route via Penn church and the Crown pub down a lane or two through a wood or two, across a field or two, through a gate or two and round a house or two over a 666 to arrive at a roaring bonfire. While these lazy folk munched and drank and lit sparklers the energetic ones followed the Chiltern Way across the fields in the mist into Penn village via Beacon Hill. Along the main road and a left into ‘Witch’ells Wood towards Penn Bottom they sped.
It was definitely a night for moussing as several poor souls hit the deck including one devilish old man. Back past the Crown they were homeward bound and with mysterioussssssly new pristine flour, the sight of the bonfire, the smell of mulled wine, soup and beer to follow they romped home. There was much jollification around the fire with oohs and aah’s as the fireworks sparkled and crackled into the night sky.
Thanks to Jane and Tony for the treats and a great hash.