Is she being mardy or are we in the wrong?

FairyNormal · 25-10-2005, 20:57

I'd apreciate honest, sensible opinions on this please and I hope it doesn't turn into an 'anti guying/begging' thread as that's not what it's about.

My two kids have made a fantastic guy fawks. They spent a lot of time doing it, as they do every year. We live in Hillsborough, on a busy street and every year, they stand on the corner and do a spot of guying. They don't hassle people, always say please and thank you, even if someone declines them a few pennies. They don't scream and shout or make nuisances of themselves and they don't stay there for long periods of time.

Our house is next but one to the corner. They don't do it outside our house as it would cause an obstruction on the pavemene so they stay on the corner where there is more room so not to get in peoples way. As they are so close, it also means I can keep an eye on them and make sure they are ok.

They have done this for the past few years with no problems.

Today however, out neighbour came out to complain. It was about 2pm, so not early nor late and they had only been there for about 10 minutes. She complained and said she hoped they weren't going to be doing it there. She was really funny with them so I came out to see what was wrong. She said she couldn't hear her TV because they were talking!! They weren't stood bang outside her window, but stood near the wall on the corner. We live on a very busy street that is very rarely quiet so how them chatting could be causing such a disturbance I don't know!!

She was adamant that they should go somewhere else as they were causing her so much bother! I tried to explain that it was a couple of days a year (I don't let them go and do it all day every day) and by being on the corner they were making the least disruption they could. (not blocking the pavement etc) She wouldn't hear any of it was ended up walking off and slamming her door!

You could be mistaken for thinking she is some crotchety old lady but no, she is about 25 with no kids!

Do you honestly think that a couple of well mannered kids, stood on the corner for a short time is such a huge problem? Or do you think she was being a mardy so-n-so?

Sidla · 25-10-2005, 21:07

If you want my honest opinion, I think this 'penny for the guy' malarchy is a load of bobbins, and I'd get narked off if someone was begging out side my house too.

I've never seen any kids doing this 'penny for guy' thing anywhere outside Sheffield and I think it's a stupid idea.

Having said that, as it is a Sheffield tradition the woman maybe could have been a bit more understanding. Maybe she only moved in this year, and doesn't know about this wacky tradition?

saxon51 · 25-10-2005, 21:07

Judging by your description of your kids, and their politeness, I'd say she's a miserable old spinster who ought to get a life.

2pm and can't hear the TV? Hasn't she got some ironing to be getting on with?

There's a similar minded old git on our street. He's been retired for ages now, so has the entire week to himself - to do as he pleases. Is he happy?........Nah!! He complains about kids playing in the street outside his house on a weekend, during the day.

"Can't even get some peace and quiet at the weekend around here!"

Excuse me you old git, there are five days when these kids are at school. Grab some peace then!! ... and bugger off out at weekends so the kids can play in peace!

Don_Kiddick · 25-10-2005, 21:08

Yes she was being mardy.
Silly Biatch.

My lad was moved on from a nearby shop 2 years ago, again I'd positioned him away from entrances & thoroughfares but where I could keep an eye on him without cramping his style.

The shop owner was out like a shot & shifted him way round the corner without checking if he had parents or guardians or owt nearby.

Or without checking whether or not my lad has Autism and would be frightened or upset by this sudden outburst.

Result, cancelled papers, boycott of shop, loss of 3 customers.

Pye Lark.

Pity you can't boycott her or something.

Bide your time, what goes round comes round

clogginchris · 25-10-2005, 21:25

I agree that she was being mardy (what a wonderful word!). I certainly wouldn't complain if two well behaved kids who lived nearby were standing outside my house.

Penny for the Guy is not just a Sheffield tradition - it's a national one. It's started to die out a bit now, but still happens a lot in some areas.

Deavon · 25-10-2005, 21:26

I wonder where you stand legally?

I think collecting for the guy is a pretty wholesome tradition really. This time of year is magical for the kids. Let them enjoy it while they can; they will grow out of it eventually.

That neighbour of yours should realise that there is much worse behaviour than that about. She should wind her neck in and try being nice instead!

FairyNormal · 25-10-2005, 21:29

What does annoy me is that the often have friend and relatives round to stay and make a fair old racket but I never complain. They chose to do DIY at 9 or 10pm and wake up my son but I don't complain. They often have their TV/music on so loud that we have to turn ours up to hear it but I never complain.

I might think twice next time.

Sidla · 25-10-2005, 21:31

Quote:

Originally posted by clogginchris
Penny for the Guy is not just a Sheffield tradition - it's a national one. It's started to die out a bit now, but still happens a lot in some areas.

Just consulted with my mother on the matter, and seems you are right. It must have stopped here at least 25 years ago though, as I don't ever remember doing it.

Maybe Sheffielders like living in the past...

Don_Kiddick · 25-10-2005, 21:32

As I say FF, what goes around comes around

saxon51 · 25-10-2005, 21:37

Don't bother FF. Let THEM be the villains and you be the decent ones. That way you will always have the upper hand.

As far as I can see, your kids are within their rights as long as;

A: They aren't obstructing the highway.
B: Are being polite and courteous.
C: Aren't being intimidating.
D: Are staying on public property.
E: Aren't causing a nuisance.
F: They have a Guy worthy of donation.

Mathom · 25-10-2005, 21:58

Does the house have a front garden or is it right on the pavement? If the latter then it probably is noisy, and I'd just move them back to the front of your own house to save any trouble. Your kids sound like decent kids (like most are!) and you don't want them 'labelling' as horrible when they've done nothing wrong.

But in future, make sure to complain about any noise after your kids' bedtime!

Remember for a lot of people (most people?) kids equal trouble makers, sadly.

D2J · 25-10-2005, 22:01

Quote:

Originally posted by saxon51
2pm and can't hear the TV? Hasn't she got some ironing to be getting on with?

Oh its the silly things that make my day!

depoix · 25-10-2005, 22:04

Quote:

Originally posted by Sidla
Just consulted with my mother on the matter, and seems you are right. It must have stopped here at least 25 years ago though, as I don't ever remember doing it.

Maybe Sheffielders like living in the past...

what do you suggest fetish fairy does next then,edit and put it in sheffield history and ex pats,

sheffielders,living in the past ? dont think so

Appolo · 25-10-2005, 22:15

Hi Penny For The Guy is a Rooted Tradition & not just in Sheffield . I think your neighbour was definately being mardy.
As long as the Guyers are not pestering people & are doing it safely,there should be no objections.We've all been there & done it

I was born on Bonfire night ( Mother said " came out with a bang & been crackers eversince " .

Probably explains a lot

burnttoast · 25-10-2005, 23:14

Suppose the "old Sheffield traditions"of tick or treatin and Christmas carolins out then....

Sounds like a reit mardy arse. Come to think of it, is being a mardy arse an old Sheffield tradition? There seems to be a lot about lately

Hels · 25-10-2005, 23:27

When we were kids we always went out with out 'Guy' but were only allowed to do it in the one week before Bonfire Night.

I love to see the kids with their Guys - especially when they've obviously spent a fair bit of time on them. But, I never give anything until the week before Bonfire Night. I always laugh when the kids say 'penny for the guy' and usually tell them it's worth more than a penny!

The American import of Trick-or-Treat I don't mind either - as long as it is only on the one night, the kids that come round early (as much as a couple of weeks last year

) were told to come back on Halloween.

Yup, she was being a bit mardy, maybe she had a hangover? But, if she is so insensitive to make as much noise as you say - then i'd take no notice and let the kids carry on.

dnairn8417 · 26-10-2005, 00:59

I'd rather have kids doing penny for the guy than the "trick or treat" thing.
Last Halloween we ran out of sweets so started giving money to the kids. Word must have got around cos then we started getting gangs of teenagers coming to the door, we ended up turning off the lights and not answering the door.

26-10-2005, 07:21

Your kids sound nice and polite and I'd have no trouble with them, she does sound an miserable so n so.

However, there are some kids for whom guying is like collecting money with menaces!!
If you have no change then in exchange you get a load of verbal! Language to turn the air blue!
And often their 'guy' is no more than a plastic bag roughly the shape of a face and one of the other kids coats!

dawny1 · 26-10-2005, 07:36

Not keen on Penny for the Guy thing myself and my kids don't do it but I think this woman is a mardy arse.

Why don't you see if you can get a picture of her face and stick it on the guy!!!