Open for business!

'Is it open yet?' asked Annie.

'Not quite,' said Norma.



'Now?' asked Annie.

'Nearly,' said Norma.

'Now?' asked Annie.

And Norma was just about to reply when Queen Phoebe got to her feet and spoke.

'Right, are we all 'ere?' she asked.

And everyone who was there said they were.

'Jolly good!' said Queen Phoebe with a smile. 'Now we are 'ere so my hubbie, King Otto, this is 'im, aint he lovely, retorical question...so my hubbie can open up the KING OTTO, just needed to emphasis that point, Grand Christmas Handmade Don't Forget To Leave Him A Prezzie Type Fair. You are of course, free to have a shufti and part yourselves from the folding and if anyone asks what you think of it, say nice things because you never know if it's the press what you're talking to and they'll take any opportunity to tuck us up like a kipper, right get on with it!'

And without waiting for King Otto to cut the ribbon, Queen Phoebe hoisted up her robe and ran towards the nearest stalls.

'Now?' asked Annie.

'Now!' said Norma.

Christmas as a business opportunity

You've missed him! (no you have), He's back with a Yo Ho Ho!

Iiittttttttttt'ssssssssss CYRILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!



Morning my little chumlettes, Tis the season to be full of Christmas Pud!

Have you missed me? Silly question! You'll note I've notched up on the handsomeness...and it's all just for you!

Now, as you're no doubt aware, even a most succesful product can sometimes do with a bit of rebranding. So I'd like to be the first to invite you to 'Cyril's Christmas Fair'! Come along, buy, sell, just leave some money or a cake, you're all welcome!

To save confusion, best to deal with yours truly only. You'll find me around the back of the castle and possibly down the sides at the same time, I tend to get around a bit...actually I tend to get a bit rounder with every passing day!

Take care and remember, if you can't get here you can always put a prezzie in the post, there's still time!

Your Pal

Cyril

christmas cheer!

Morning all, your Captain speaking. I think it's reasonable to suggest that I'm not quite my usual sunny, positive self.

I like a traditional Christmas.

At home!

You know the sort of thing, waking up early, snow on the ground, presents around the tree, a log fire, a glass of vintage grass port......trying to find half a mince pie that Cyril hasn't eaten!

Arguing with Bertha.....

Trying to get Annie out the tree....

More arguing with Bertha...

Fighting to get the bottle back off of Norma...

Bertha etc, etc........

Horace's Christmas Poem (actually quite good)

Ber...Oh, you've got the picture....

Maybe Christmas at King Otto's isn't such a bad idea!

It was far too late to get the veggies on anyway!

Captain Bill

christmas fair....you will be there!

Right here we are, testing, testing, Queen Phoebe with you!

Now I am talking down to you today because my hubbie, King Otto, don't you just love him! He's decided to put his name to a totally spiffing Grand Christmas Fair (all proceeds straight into his sky, it's only right). But, it's come to my attention that there's still a few pitches left and we need 'em filled.

Sooooooo, at the suggestion of my new and very temporary business partner, Count Cyril of Offshorebankingltd, I am putting out this carefully worded but slightly threatening message, to say get yourselves down here pronto!

It'll all be very nice, you'll sell lots of stuff (I'd prefer it if it was pretty jewelry and such like, but frankly it can be mashed frogs as long as you ante up with the folding).

So it starts on Friday, grand opening and all that....see you there...

Thank you

Queen Phoebe (a smile, a crown and a dungeon)

the art of collective decision making

'Well it's too late now anyway,' said Bertha,'I've said we will!'

'But you had no right to do that!' mooed Captain Bill,'....you know I like to be at home at Christmas!'

'Oh, I don't think it'll hurt for 1 year,' said Norma,'and I do think that Queen Phoebe was feeling a bit guilty about all the trouble that she put us to.'

Captain Bill stared at Norma.

'Well as close as she gets to feeling guilty!' added Norma.

'And it'll be nice to be around some other people who actually enjoy Christmas,' said Bertha.

'I enjoy it!' replied Captain Bill,'perhaps not in an outward showy way, but I'm happy on the inside!'

And Bertha and Norma said nothing.

'Anyway,' continued Captain Bill,'I can't see that it'll be any different being here!'

'But there's going to be a party!' said Norma.

'And before that there's a Christmas fair opening at the weekend!' said Bertha.



'So that'll mean shopping I suppose?' suggested Captain Bill.




'Possibly!' replied Norma and Bertha together.