Thanks Norman.Yes a joke a day keeps the doctor away.
As a matter of fact I did happen to have a world war2 stirrup pump to hand plus a bucket of sand just waiting for this special day. When I phoned the fire service they refused to turn out, said " It was too dangerous:Not true of course. But I am pleased to have survived to fight another day.Lots of people brought loads of presents mainly of the alcoholic brew. There is an old saying--"As one door opens another one closes. Two days before my birthday I was put on some blood thinners, SO !1 alcohol became TABOO. . You could not make it up. Cheers.