tartan bunker

The number of cobblers in our lives is rocketing. And I’m not talking of the skilled repairers of boots and shoes, now in decline thanks to cheap footware made by enslaved infants for less than a pittance. No, these cobblers are of an official ilk, and include in their number a health and safety inspector who visited the school where a friend teaches. All went well - maybe too well for statistical purposes- until this Official Cobbler espied two boxes on top of a cupboard. “They’re a safety hazard,” said the OC. “They’re there in case we have to return the computer and the printer. And they’re empty,” said Friend. “But should the cupboard topple …” said the OC. “The cupboard is fixed securely to the wall with strong brackets and has been for more than the 30 years I’ve been at the school. Never once has it never fallen over or shown any inclination to so do, “ said Friend. “I’ll take down the boxes so you can tick your box. When you’ve left, I’ll put them back up again.” At least the OC had the decency to smile and nod sympathetically.  But in a few years, with more droned OCs . . .