Don’t let your Christmas market descend into Ever Decreasing Circles…get Mango!

Martin tutted and looked at the map of the Christmas market stalls.

“It’s all higgledy piggledy, Ann. There’s no rhyme or reason to any of it! A handmade wooden gifts stall next to a raclette stall selling smelly cheese, a local artist selling paintings next to a stall with handmade hats…”

He sighed.

“The food should be in one section, handicrafts in another, fine art in another. That would allow us to make the most of our time here.”

Ann smiled her patient smile.

“I like the smell of the cheese, Martin. Besides, isn’t wandering around and discovering lovely things the whole point of a Christmas market?”

Martin huffed: “And don’t get me started on the potential security issues here! How do we know that they have all the precautions necessary in place to help combat attacks like we’ve seen in Germany?”

Ann smiled: “Well, you could ask the organising committee chairman. Here he is now…”

Their neighbour Paul appeared from behind a nearby stall.

“Hello, Martin! Having a good time?” he said, with a mischievous look at Ann.

“No,” Martin replied. “I can’t have a good time until I know we’re all as safe as we can possibly be here.”

Paul nodded: “Well, we’ve been working with consultants at Penarth Management to ensure we have effective systems in place. I’m surprised you didn’t notice the anti-vehicle attack temporary bollards on the way in. Someone who appreciates detail like you…I would have expected them to remark on them.”

Martin huffed again: “I did, in fact, notice them. I was just going to ask you about them.”

Paul beamed: “Of course! All part of the measures we put in place after we undertook a detailed risk assessment. Like the security staff and communications equipment they use.

“We’ve been getting ready for the implementation of Martyn’s Law, which I’m sure you know about.”

Martin nodded: “Yes, the new anti-terror legislation named after one of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing, Martyn Hett.

“Mole Valley Valves is a sponsor of the Mole Valley Music Festival, and we’ve been using our project management skills to help them ensure their event is compliant.”

Paul shrugged: “So you’ve probably got Mango…”

Martin smiled: “Of course! It’s useful online compliance software that keeps all your information in the cloud. Did you expect me to think you meant the fruit, Paul?”

Paul laughed: “Never! It’s been a big help to us, meaning we can all access the documents we need wherever there’s an internet connection. No more piles of paper in the office.”

Ann sighed: “All this talk of mangoes is making me crave some hit fruit punch. Anyone fancy joining me?”

Martin sniffed: “I do need some more fruit for my five a day. I’ll join you.”

Paul shook his head: “I fear Father Christmas might have been at the fruit punch already. He’s asleep behind the yule log stand. Howard has kindly volunteered to step in, provided we have a matching Mrs Christmas costume for Hilda.”

Martin laughed: “Good old Howard!”

Ann smiled: “Maybe we’ll join you in the grotto later. Martin has always wanted to be an elf…”

Martin glared: “No thank you, Ann. I’m prepared to dress as a reindeer provided I don’t have to be the back end, though.”

Paul laughed: “Good to know!”

• Find out how Mango’s online compliance software could help your events. Book a free demonstration which will be delivered via Zoom. We can help you with a Martyn’s Law assessment, too. Call Penarth Management on 029 2070 3328 or email info@penarth.co.uk

• Need information on Martyn’s Law? Take a look at the programme of free seminars from our sister company The Protect Alliance: Events | The Protect Alliance (UK)