They are building the bonfire already. In the dip where winter flooding sometimes creates a small lake, the wood and branches are being piled.

A massive board has been nailed up announcing that ‘No More Material Is Required. By Order of The Bonfire Association.’ Therefore: ‘No Dumping.’

But someone has dared to disobey the order of the Bonfire Association, and has heaved an old blue sofa into the hollow.