The most beautiful on the Ilot

Part 1 – The most beautiful on the Ilot

Arnold Cobbett walked the heaths every day of his long life. For a long time, he had lived and worked on the Ilot of Life, in the heart of the heathlands. Then he married and started a family. Hard though they tried, Arnold and his wife could not grow enough food on the poor heathland soil to feed their children. So, they moved to the town to find work.

Arnold did not resent the heathland for its poor soil. In fact, he loved every inch of the wild, heather and gorse covered ground. The simplicity and rawness of heathland nature gave him energy. The sight of Black Darter dragonflies, Silver-studded Blue butterflies and Tiger Beetles lifted his spirits. Discovering lizards and snakes, and ground-nesting birds always delighted him. And what of other humans that Arnold met on the heathland? Well, that depended a lot on what the humans were up to. Perhaps we will find out more find out more in this story!

An early May morning, and Arnold is feeling the Sun’s warmth, tasting the freshness of the air, hearing birdsong and sensing the energy of a new spring. The closer Arnold comes to the Ilot, the more his spirits rise. The Ilot is surrounded by streams, lakes and ponds. So, Arnold has to cross a small wooden bridge. Arnold pauses in the middle. On this bright May day, the Ilot is the best place on the Planet. It’s all there for Arnold to enjoy. All for him, all calm.

And then Arnold sees not quite everything is calm. Away to his right, he can see a human figure, a woman in bright clothing. A dog is running around, and he can just hear the sound of voices. He thinks he can see birds fluttering around. Arnold is always keen to meet others, and very keen to ensure his precious heathland is respected. He crosses the bridge and walks toward the group.

As Arnold gets closer, he sees that the woman is his old friend Vesta, Goddess of Fire, beautiful as ever in her blue outfit and red headscarf. The Goddess had been on our Planet right from the start. She had magical powers to contain and control fire. KAPOW- with one hand she could create fire. KAPOW- KAPOW- with the other hand she could freeze and control fire. With these enormous magical powers, Vesta had shaped and moulded the Planet and helped create the beautiful green home we share today.

Vesta was having an animated conversation with a dog, and two small birds seemed to be involved. The Goddess paused, and looked up. She saw Arnold approaching. She left the group and walked towards him.

“Well, hello my chuckaboo,” Arnold greeted Vesta. “What brings you back to the beautiful heathland of the Ilot of Life?”

“Arnold, Arnold – you already know the answer to your question.” Vesta’s tone was warm, as you might expect from a fire Goddess. The way she spoke to Arnold made him blush, despite his advanced years.

“The Ilot of Life is one of my favourite places on all the Planet. I adore the heathland landscape. Between the Surrey Hills, and the Ilot – it’s a close call which is my favourite. However, there are a couple of particular reasons for my visit. To see your smiling face of course, and catch up on news. Also, I heard rumours that there were things threatening the beautiful natural landscape of the Ilot. Perhaps fire was involved?”

“Don’t get me started on the threats to this wonderful place.” Arnold jumped in. “Once I get started, we’ll be here forever. You would think sometimes that you and I, my chuckaboo, were the only people who really appreciate the wonderful nature of the heathland on the Ilot. The things I see! The damage that gets done! It’s all about those who think only of themselves. No thought that others might have things they like to see and do on the Ilot. No thought that we might wake up one morning and find that the beauty of the Ilot heathland is gone forever. No thought that……”

“You told me not to let me get started- or we will be here forever. I don’t mind at all listening to your wonderful words – but because you told me to, I’ll jump in and stop you.” Vesta intervened calmly.

Arnold blushed again and stopped his tirade. He knew he needed to change the direction of the conversation.

“You are right, my chuckaboo. I can go on and on. So, tell me, what’s going on over there with those birds fluttering around, the dog getting all excited, and all the noise and kerfuffle?”

“Well,” said Vesta. “It all kicked off when Jessica Nightjar returned to the Ilot from Africa. She was the first female Nightjar to arrive back this spring. She is an exceptional flyer. So, she was up and excited and all full of herself the moment she landed.”

“Seems reasonable,” said Arnold. “I’d be pretty excited if I had flown all the way from Africa. Matter of fact, I’d be pretty excited to just visit Africa. Furthest I’ve ever been is Farnham and Chertsey. And let me tell you, my chuckaboo, that was exciting enough for me.”

Photograph of a mottled brown bird on a branch, she says "I’m Jessica Nightjar! Rrrrrrrrrr-ooooooo! I’m an exceptional flyer!"

“What happened, though, was that Jessica’s celebrations got up the nose, or perhaps I should say the beak, of Jack the Warbler. Jack’s a bit like you, Arnold. He has never travelled far. So, I think he just got annoyed by Jessica going on about her wonderful African experiences.”

“Seems understandable,” said Arnold. “No harm done. I would think that everything will calm down nicely once Jessica starts building her nest.”

“Maybe not as simple as that. You see, once the kerfuffle started, Good Egg the Labrador had to throw his opinion in. He’s such an excitable dog, and so full of energy, he wants to be part of everything. Left to his own devices, he can get a bit of a problem. I don’t know where his owner is today. Probably completely lost in his favourite activity. Bird watching through his binoculars.”

“Oh, I begin to see, my chuckaboo, how things got complicated.”

“You haven’t heard the full story yet, Arnold. With all the noise and shouting, Sandy the Sand Lizard was disturbed. He’s the quietest of creatures normally, and difficult to understand. But once he’s involved, watch out!”

“Well let’s walk over and offer the experience of our long lives to these young things. I’m sure we can restore peace and order.”

“Before we do Arnold, I should tell you that I too pitched in to the discussion. You know I’m a modest person, but I do think that I have contributed to the beauty of the Ilot of Life. So, I said so. Quite forcibly in fact. Particularly to that excitable dog!”

“My chuckaboo. I think you have made wonderful contributions.” Arnold blushed again as he said this. “So, let’s walk over, and just listen to start with.”

The group hardly noticed their approach. Jessica the Nightjar was in full flow.

“rrrrrrrrrr-ooooooo,” she called. “rrrrrrrrrr-ooooooo. Listen up Sandy, and you too Good Egg, and most particularly you Jack. You will learn something for sure.”

“Drubbie – ya – ta- ta” Interrupted Jack the Warbler. “Drubbie – ya – ta – ta. I think it’s more likely you could learn from us. We spend all our time on the Ilot.”

“Hush now Jack – you will get your say. After I have explained why I, Jessica Nightjar, am the most important thing on the heathland.

We Nightjars are not the most exotic birds. We’re not Parrots or Flamingos flaunting their colours. We’re not Peacocks showing off their plumage. But we are the most exotic things on the Ilot. Why? Because we live in Africa for half the year. Africa with its rhythms, its rich scents, bright skies and huge open landscapes. The warm people living there. We bring some of the exotic back to the Ilot. I even have a beautiful African name – Abiona. The name means one who is born on a journey. How romantic we Nightjars are! With us, nature on the Ilot is more varied and interesting.

What’s more, we fly thousands of miles every year. With respect – this is beyond your imagination. Hours and hours of flying high in the sky. Huge seas and mountain ranges laid out underneath us. If that’s not enough, I, Jessica, am the fastest female flyer. I am a champion Nightjar.

So, you see, I am your superstar. I am the one that attracts visitors. Without me, the heathlands would be nothing. I am the most beautiful on the Ilot!”

For a moment, the group was stunned by the passion of Jessica’s words.

Then the quiet but clear whisper of Sandy the Sand Lizard. “Green for go…. Green for go.”

“Do be quiet, Sandy.” The group shouted the poor lizard down.

Photograph of a green lizard, he says "I’m Sandy the Sand Lizard! Green for go!"

“So, it’s down to me to reply to Jessica, and give you the real low down on the Ilot” chirped Jack the Warbler. “Drubbie – ya- ta -ta. Drubbie – ya – ta – ta. Truth is, I’m the one who looks after the Ilot twelve months a year. While friend Jessica is swanning around in exotic Africa, I’m the one who is loyal to the Ilot. Everyone knows me, and everyone knows I know everything about the Ilot. Everyone comes to me with questions. No good looking for speed flying Jessica. She’s probably up in the air over some African desert.

Don’t get me wrong. Jessica, you are welcome on the Ilot. All living things are welcome. As long as they behave, of course. But this is my patch, and I’m your loyal servant here. I make this place special. And also, to tell the truth, I am prettier than Jessica. I’m the most beautiful on the Ilot.”

At that, Sandy came in with his chorus. “Green for go. Green for….” The little lizard was shouted down even more quickly this time.

“I better tell you about myself, before my owner returns”, jumped in Good Egg the Labrador. Good Egg had got tired of listening, and was dying to become the centre of attention. “I am obviously the most beautiful on the Ilot. My beautiful coat, my tail that wags all the time. My energy, my friendliness. Why, we even call the Ilot dog-friendly in my honour. Everyone loves to see me running here and there, snuffling and exploring the dense gorse and heather….”

“Stop you right there,” jumped in Jack. “You snuffling and exploring the undergrowth frightens us. It can destroy our nests, breaks our eggs. If you want to be beautiful, you need to behave better. Drubbie -ya -ta-ta.”

Good Egg was shaken by the force of Jack’s criticism. “I do try my best to behave well.”

“Trying is no good,” jumped in Jessica. “Do you think I want to fly thousands of miles each spring, for the pleasure of seeing some excitable dog break my precious eggs? And while we’re on it, what’s all this about the Ilot being dog friendly? The llot needs to be friendly to all living things. And the only way that works, is for everyone to respect each other. Dogs don’t have some special right to behave as they want.”

The atmosphere in the group had become really tense. Good Egg was shaken. His tail between his legs. Arnold jumped in to calm the situation.

“Well my chuckaboos, let’s calm things down a little. I’d like to hear what Sandy has to say. He’s the quiet one.”

“Green for Go. Green for go. It’s simple. Sand Lizards change colour in the spring. About now, we go bright green. How amazing is that? We are obviously the most beautiful on the Ilot.”

Vesta had been listening carefully, and stepped in before the others could shout Sandy down. “Thank you, dear Sandy. We have heard so many interesting opinions today. Thank you all. I am going to suggest we all take a rest and think about things. Then we’ll organise a day when everyone presents their ideas to all the living things on the Ilot. Then we’ll vote on who is the most beautiful. We’ll make it a bit of a party for the whole Ilot.”

A little to Vesta’s surprise, and as soon as she said “party”, everyone liked the idea. Everyone except Good Egg that is. He was totally out of sorts – a sorry figure.

“What’s up, you sorry mutt? Lost your tail?” asked Jack.

“I feel I have let myself down today. I do need to think about how I behave. There are many other dogs that might make a better presentation than me. But how to decide which dog?”

Arnold felt sorry for Good Egg. He wasn’t a bad dog, but his energy did get him into trouble. He had been devastated by the truths he had heard about his behaviour. Arnold had an idea that he knew would cheer the dog up.

“Listen my four-legged chuckaboo,” he said. “Why don’t you and I organise a big contest – a sort of dog Olympics on the Ilot. It will be fun, and we can make a few points on respecting others on the heathland. That way, we can find the best mutt to make the presentation.”

“Woof, woof” and lots of tail wagging gave Arnold his answer. Good Egg was back on side.

“Just one thing before we break up,” said Jessica. “Vesta, earlier on you were telling us all how much you had done for the Ilot. And Arnold, you’ve been quiet today about what you’ve done over the years. So, will you two be putting yourselves forward as the most beautiful on the Ilot?”

“Chuckaboos. I’m far too old to be beautiful. So, I’ll just be helping out.”

“As for me,” said Vesta, “Arnold has persuaded me I am the most beautiful on the Planet. So, it wouldn’t be fair if I was the most beautiful on the Ilot at the same time.”

At these words, Arnold blushed as never before in his long, long life.

Photograph of a small bird with brick-red chest, he says "I’m Jack the Warbler! Drubbie-ya-ta-ta! I look after the Ilot 12 months a year!"

 

Part 2 – Top dog Olympics

In the first Ilot of Life story we met Arnold Cobbett, Vesta Goddess of Fire, Jessica Nightjar, Jack the Warbler, Sandy the Sand Lizard and Good Egg the Labrador. Characters who love the Ilot of Life in the Thames Basin heathland. Characters with strong views on who is “the most beautiful on the Ilot.”

The first story ends with a decision to hold a grand meeting. “The most beautiful on the Ilot” will be chosen. Jessica, Jack and Sandy all think they can win. But Good Egg was unsure he was the best-behaved dog. Arnold agrees to set up a dog Olympic games, to find Top Dog.

GETTING READY.

“Right my chuckaboos,” shouted Arnold through his megaphone. “These here dog Olympics are going to be the best. Tomorrow is the day. Lots of people coming. Everything has to be set up right.

We’ll need to work hard, and remember the rules.

First, respect the plants and wildlife of the Ilot. Stick to the pathway. No trampling on the heathland. All dogs on leads.

Second, I’m the boss. Follow my instructions.

Third, enjoy!”

About twenty energetic dogs and owners were ready to help.

Spaniels wagged tails. Labradors pulled on leads. Greyhounds looked on quietly. Jack Russells pricked up their ears.

“We’ll have four events.

All the events must be prepared on the paths. No disturbing plants or wildlife.

First event, long jump. Spaniels, you prepare this. There are nice wide paths in the middle of the island. Choose one, and use fallen branches to mark out the long jump pit. Off you go!

Second, pitch and fetch. The owner throws a tennis ball. It has to reach the end line or no points. If it leaves the path, penalty points!

The dog then fetches it back as fast as possible.

My favourite event. Skill and speed needed here. And by the way, my chuckaboos, I’m a champion tennis ball pitcher!

Jack Russells. Set this one up.

Third event, tug of war. This is for you Labradors. Find some old towels and blankets at home. Knot them into a long rope. Find a nice big space on a pathway.

Final event – the grand marathon! Two laps on the path that runs around the Ilot. Greyhounds and the rest of you, mark the route out clearly.

At sundown, weary dogs and owners gathered in the centre of the Ilot.

“Great work my chuckaboos,” shouted Arnold. “All events look beautiful. No wildlife disturbed. The games start at midday tomorrow, get some rest!”

 

TOP DOG

Word had got out that a big event was happening on the Ilot. By ten o’clock, crowds began to arrive.

A little market sprang up in the car park opposite the Ilot.

Demand was huge at the homemade cake stall.

The butcher’s hot pies sold out in an hour.

A long thirsty line up for lemonade.

Families came with picnics, looking for a great day in the open air.

Local Mayors arrived, wearing their splendid chains of office. Looking for anyone who wanted to talk to them.

The local doctor and policeman arrived together, to keep an eye on proceedings.

A reporter and cameraman from the Heathland Times rushed across the bridge and held a “Breaking News” conference. Not much quotable from Arnold and Vesta. More input than they could handle from Jessica Nightjar, Jack the Warbler and Sandy the Sand Lizard!

A front-page splash in tomorrow’s Times was promised.

Excitement and tension built. Dogs and owners started warming up. Crowds formed around the event areas. Nudging and jostling for the best viewpoint.

At one minute to twelve, Arnold stood on his favourite tree stump, lifted his megaphone, and bellowed, “Let the games begin. Four tough events. Then we’ll name the overall best performer – Top Dog.”

 

“FASTER, FASTER, FASTER” shouted the crowd as each dog ran up to do the long jump.

“OOOH – AAAH” – the cry as records were made, then broken.

The Spaniels were the early favourites. Sidney Spaniel jumped six feet.

“OOOH – AAAH”

Then clever owners began to run alongside their dogs as they accelerated to the jump.

“FASTER, FASTER, FASTER.”

An amazing seven feet by a Jack Russell.

“OOOH – AAAH”

Good Egg’s owner stood at the far end of the jump – with a treat in his hand.

A huge jump of eight feet. Got to be the winner.

“OOOH – AAAH”

But everyone had overlooked Gloria Greyhound. A sprint at jet speed.

“FASTER, FASTER, FASTER”.

Then an amazing, graceful jump. Nine feet!

“Nobody can beat that!

“OOOH – AAAH”

“I can beat it” Jessica Nightjar chirped in. “I do a jump of many thousand miles every time I go to Africa. I should be the winner.”

“Nice try Jessica!” shouted Arnold. “Sorry, you just don’t qualify as a dog. Gloria Greyhound wins it.”

Cheers and applause.

But disappointment for Good Egg.

 

“PITCH AND FETCH, PITCH AND FETCH.”

Greyhound owners led the chorus, boosted by their long jump triumph.

Then total disaster.

Tennis balls fell short of the end line – or ran off the path. No successes. Only penalty points.

Dog owners were simply no good at pitching the tennis ball.

Except the two who had asked Arnold for tips.

The event was saved.

It came down to an exciting final. Sidney Spaniel versus Good Egg.

“PITCH AND FETCH, PITCH AND FETCH.”

Two accurate pitchers. Two fast dogs.

A superb pitch. A great run and fetch by Good Egg. The Labrador was about to record a record time. Then he barked a celebration – and dropped the ball.

Sidney Spaniel triumphed. Big celebrations.

Another disappointment for Good Egg.

 

“HEAVE, HEAVE, HEAVE”

The chant at the Tug of War arena. This was the toughest, craziest event. The crowd was at fever pitch.

First up, six beefy Labradors pulled against the Spaniel team.

“HEAVE, HEAVE, HEAVE.”

The Spaniels pulled with all their might. But at the end, tired by their efforts, they were no match for the Labradors.

Five Jack Russells, anchored by a huge Bulldog, took on the Greyhounds.

“HEAVE, HEAVE, HEAVE.”

The Greyhounds pulled with great energy. But they could not budge the Jack Russells and their Bulldog anchor. A long battle. Then the Jack Russells found new energy, and triumphed.

The grand final, and the beefy Labradors are the clear favourites.

“HEAVE, HEAVE, HEAVE.”

From the start, the Labradors were in charge. They were just too big. Too strong. Even the giant Bulldog was finding it tough to hang on.

“HEAVE, HEAVE, HEAVE.”

Just as the Labradors were about to triumph, Good Egg slipped on some rough ground, and the Jack Russells saw their chance. They put everything they had into one big tug. They won the day.

“The Jack Russells, with big help from their Bulldog pal, are the champions,” Arnold announced.

Roars from the crowd. Again, disappointment for poor Good Egg. He so wanted to be Top Dog. He had to win the last event!

“Now to the Marathon.” Even with the megaphone, it was tough for Arnold to be heard over the crowd’s noise.

“It’s two full laps of the Ilot. The start and finish lines are by the bridge. Run clockwise – keep the water on your left.

No nipping or barging. Keep to the paths and follow the markers.

After three Olympic events, it’s a tight contest. So, it’s winner takes all now.”

Crowds lined the route.

A chant spread like a Mexican Wave.

“ON, ON, ON.”

Vesta raised the starting flag, counted down from three. The dogs were off.

A leading pack formed. Mostly Greyhounds, with some Spaniels and Labradors hanging on bravely.

“ON, ON, ON.”

Poor Good Egg was last. He was the only dog on a lead. His owner had listened to Arnold, and understood the importance of keeping to the paths.

At the end of lap one, the Greyhounds were nearly five minutes ahead of the chasing dogs. The race was all but over. The crowd quiet.

Then, the leaders became over confident. They began to look to the right and left. The heathland looked so inviting.

“We are so far ahead, a little exploring and scrabbling can’t hurt,” said Gloria.

“Well, if it’s all right for the Greyhounds, it’s OK for us.” All the other dogs became distracted too.

All, except Good Egg. His master kept him on the straight and narrow. Steady pace. He caught the other dogs up. Nobody noticed. By the time Gloria Greyhound finished scrabbling around, Good Egg was virtually home. Even a final sprint could not stop Good Egg crossing the line first.

“Good Egg is the winner, and is named Top Dog.” Arnold screamed with excitement.

“He won the marathon. He kept to the Ilot rules. He stuck to the paths. All you others wandered into the heathland. That can cause damage.

Looking towards the reporter, Arnold shouted, “Here’s a message. Sticking to the rules helps you win! You can quote me on that in your Heathland Times. Tell everyone Good Egg will be Top Dog representative when we decide the most beautiful on the Ilot. Four weeks from today.”

 

Part 3 – Crowning glory

In our previous story we heard about the dog Olympics on the Ilot of Life. Good Egg the Labrador became Top Dog, and will represent dogs at the meeting to choose “the most beautiful on the Ilot.”

“GOOD EGG TRIUMPHS AT DOG OLYMPICS.” Arnold read the Heathland Times headline to the group.

“Sticking to the rules helps you win,” said Olympic organiser Arnold Cobbett, after the Labrador made a last-minute dash to become Top Dog. The obedient mutt will go forward to “the most beautiful on the Ilot” contest in four weeks’ time. Make sure you come!”

“Well, my chuckaboos, this gets bigger and bigger. We had better prepare.

Good Egg, Jessica, Jack and Sandy. You all think you’re the most beautiful. Brush up on your speeches. There’s going to be a lot of people listening.

I will organise a team to set up a presentation stage – and seats so people can be comfortable.”

“We’ll need judges” jumped in Vesta, the beautiful Goddess of Fire. “I’m happy to volunteer. And I think you should too Arnold.”

“If you insist,” said Arnold with a big smile. “Let’s see if we can come up with a third judge. Meantime, we’ll meet here every day to check preparations.”

The group was calm. There was lots to do. They had time.

Next day’s Heathland Times shattered the calm. “KING TO ATTEND MOST BEAUTIFUL ON THE ILOT CONTEST

The King read our newspaper yesterday. He loved our Top Dog story. He told us “I will be on the Ilot for the “most beautiful” contest.”

Good Egg, Jessica, Jack, and Sandy went into a spin. “The King. The King is coming. We must re-do all the plans. Re-write all our speeches!”

“Calm down,” said Vesta. “We are a good team, and we are all good storytellers. We all trust each other. Everything will be fine.”

“Well at least we’ve found our third judge,” said Arnold.

Contest day. Bright sky. Cooling breeze. The Ilot packed.

The King travelled in a glorious horse drawn open coach. Arnold had strengthened the bridge, allowing coach and horses to cross. Once on the Ilot, Arnold and Vesta joined the King in the coach. As the coach rolled along the Ilot path, they told the King about the unique plant life on the heathland. They pointed out the animals, birds, insects and reptiles who made homes there. Arnold and Vesta could see that the King, like many others, was falling in love with the unique Ilot landscape.

The noise and excitement mounted as they approached the centre of the Ilot. Waving, cheering, shouting. People liked the King. They loved being on the Ilot. They were excited about the “most beautiful” contest.

As soon as the coach stopped, Arnold offered a warm Ilot welcome to everyone.

Then he and Vesta introduced the four contestants to the King.

“Jessica Nightjar, Sir,” said Arnold.

“Good day and good luck,” said the King.

“rrrrrrrrrr-ooooooo, Sir,” replied Jessica.

“Jack the Warbler, Sir,” said Vesta.

“Hello. I look forward to your speech”, said the King.

“Drubbie- ta- ta- ta, Sir,” replied Jack.

“Sandy the Sand Lizard, Sir,” said Arnold.

“Splendid to meet you,” said the King.

“Green for go. Green for go, Sir”, said Sandy.

“And finally, Top Dog, Good Egg the Labrador, Sir,” said Vesta.

“How lovely. Just like my own dogs,” said the King.

“Woof, Sir,” said Good Egg.

“I must say,” said the King, “you are all looking in splendid shape. And the Ilot itself, is simply magnificent. It’s a magic carpet of living things. I feel so lucky to be here. Don’t you agree, Arnold?”

“I certainly do, my chuckaboo, Sir.

Let the speeches begin. Jessica is first up.”

The crowd hushed, Jessica calmed her nerves: “I am going to tell you my amazing story. I am sure you will decide I am “the most beautiful on the Ilot. Rrrrrrrrrr-ooooooo.

Every year I fly thousands of miles……………”

Jessica paused. Smoke in the air. People smelt it, saw it on the breeze. Fire! The biggest threat of all to the Ilot heathland. Unchecked, fire can spread fast, destroying vegetation and wildlife in its path. Fire can make people panic, and put all life in danger.

“Fire can spread faster than I can run.” The frightened voice of Sandy.

Jessica and Jack flew up to a tree top. “The fire is on the west of the Ilot.” called out Jack.

“It’s where we built our ground nests last year,” chirped Jessica.

“This looks like one for your magic powers,” said Arnold to Vesta.

“No need for magic here,” replied Vesta.

“The Ilot fire control rules are clear for all.

I will ensure they are followed. The megaphone please Arnold.

Stay calm everyone. With your help, the fire will be controlled.

Arnold, take Good Egg and make sure everyone is in a safe area. Calm is the word. No panic.

Sir,” she turned to the King, “please call the Fire Brigade on 999. They are sure to come quickly when they know who’s calling. Tell them the fire is on the west of the Ilot.”

No surprise. The Fire Brigade arrived at top speed. They put out the fire. It had been started by a barbeque. The shamefaced cook got a very stern lecture from the Fire Service.

Back at the arena, Arnold reclaimed his megaphone.

“Thanks to everyone, particularly Vesta, no harm or serious damage. Another example of why it helps to stick with the rules!

“Back to today’s event…….”

“If you don’t mind my interruption,” said the King. “I think we all know what is the most beautiful thing on the Ilot. I certainly do.

Look, there are many amazing birds, animals and insects to admire. You are wonderful people. You have found many ways to enjoy the Ilot. You have very good, simple rules to ensure the Ilot remains a great place for all to visit.

When the fire threatened today, we realised that without the heathland there would be nothing left to admire. Everyone worked together to save the beauty of this unique place.

So, for me, and I think for all of us, the most beautiful thing on the Ilot, is the Ilot itself. The heathland is the magic carpet that makes everything so special.

I say we make the Ilot itself the winner of the “most beautiful” prize. I say we keep working together, as we just did, to keep the Ilot beautiful. I say we get straight back to enjoying this beautiful Ilot day.

Let the party begin!”

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