We’re in France on holiday with the grandchildren, and the other day their father took them to the local playground and on the way back came past the local fire station. The youngest grandson is mad about Fireman Sam, all kind of fire engines and any emergency service vehicles, so can you imagine their delight at being allowed – let alone invited – to climb up into the cabin of a fire engine and pretend to drive it! They were over the moon and apparently said Bonjour and Merci to the fireman and firewoman on duty. Can you imagine any fire officer in the UK being able to do the same? Any number of health and safety regulations would have probably caused them to lose their jobs instantly. I do regret that we’ve lost that kind of innocence and simple friendliness so that everyone looks over their shoulders, unable to act instinctively and more worried about insurance than real health and safety. The grandchildren were obviously in the very safe hands of their Dad and two professionals and had an absolute ball.
