We were wandering around Swanage in Dorset last week when we saw this sign, and Child Two nearly died laughing. She insisted on taking a picture. Well, I agree, it is funny. What does it mean, exactly? It’s not really a warning, or it would be outlined in red, wouldn’t it, I dimly remember from swotting up my highway code the night before the driving test? It’s not an advert, exactly. It’s not accurate, even, as it is placed right outside a playground, where the average age is under six. Is it just a proud statement? If so, I salute it, and all elderly people. Good for you. You should have more large signs advertising your presence. In the meantime, it’s performing a useful function in allowing teenagers to have a good long laugh. Being elderly is no laughing matter, of course, but Child Two will find that out soon enough, thanks to the mysteries of time.
It all reminds me of Mr Bennett’s wise words, from Pride and Prejudice, ‘For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?”