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Parallelogram

Thanks for that, I had not heard of that tradition. We just get the trick or treat nonsense in Wigan, and though I had bought loads of sweets for callers on Halloween, I am afraid (or not, actually) that no witches, ghosts or whatever appeared this year.

Parallel, Grunger

I would have appreciated such visits, but there were none here too. Nor did I notice any bonfires last week, and have not been approached for a penny for the guy for many years. Are these traditions fading out?

"Trick or treat" has almost completely supplanted "penny for the guy" (though fireworks remain very common, distressingly for our dog).
Around here the children are very disciplined and rarely ask for sweets unless a lit pumpkin is displayed - we had the pumpkin this year but didn't get round to carving it, and only had two visits.

We used to have Mischief Night the evening before bonfire night, when we would go around the village lifting gates off their hinges and other silly pranks.
I'm glad that has died out now.

trebornotlaw

Thanks. The mischief night here is the night before Halloween. Some serious stuff unfortunately.

"If it has an apostrophe, it's supposed to have an apostrophe, then it will have an apostrophe." - Quite right:-)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-67457675

When The Times had this story today there was reference to the lack of a full stop in St Mary's Street. I did read a rule once, but I can't remember where, that an abbreviation should have a full stop unless the last letter of the actual word occurs at the end of the abbreviation. Thus St Mary's Street is correct because Saint ends with t. However, Regent St. is also correct because that t is the second letter of street. So there is a nice distinction.

Mr Smith is correct (misteR), as is Mrs Smith (MistresS), though one often sees a full stop inserted.

I am glad to say that The Times leader was fully supportive of the residents.

jigjag

It was nice to see your favourite dish in a clue in the Times today:

When one’s potentially had puddings, as breakfast sometimes served outside (3,5,3)

That reminds me - when you ordered upside-down eggs on toast, and upside down cake, at the market a few weeks ago, was the dessert served the right way up, or indeed upside down? Are you going again soon? Please let us know how you get on.

Grunger

If I remember correctly, it was pineapples with sponge on top. I dont know whether that was upside-down or not, as I have never had the pudding before.

jigjag

I think they had a little joke with you. It is baked upside-down, but should be served the right way up, with the fruit on top.