Unattractive Pouting

 I went to Trentham Gardens today to buy an annual pass. Somewhere different for Nell the Poo and I to walk. We used to go when she was a puppy - it’s a pleasant place to walk as there’s lots of pathways to take, and the woodlands, gardens and lake are a constant changing beauty. There’s also the lure of an adjacent shopping village and huge garden centre, and buying an annual pass to the gardens means a shopping discount. 

Anyway, off we went today, me driving, Nell riding shot gun, and we presented ourselves in the visitor centre.

‘I’d like to purchase an annual pass,’ said I. 

The customer service lady took a few details and announced that as I am now 60, I qualified for the senior pass which is £5 a year cheaper than, well, the not senior pass. 

‘There are three levels of membership,’ she said, and continued bravely onwards with her sales patter, outlining the conditions of the Platimum, Gold and Standard memberships. I admit to switching off a bit at this point because I’d already perused the different memberships on the website and decided that the Standard membership was just right for me and Nell. But I smiled politely and tipped the occasional nod to show I was paying attention. Sort of. 

‘Most people go for the Gold membership,’ said the lady. ‘It’s £3 cheaper if you sign up to renew annually by direct debit.’

‘That’s not going to happen,’ I said, but then she wasn’t to know that I am not most people. ‘I might change my mind when the year is up. Membership might be a hideous experience that I don’t want to repeat.’

I got a bit of a look at that point, but she continued doggedly onwards. 

‘For just £2 more you get extra discounts in our gift shop,’ she said. 

‘I’ll stick to the Standard membership, thank you,’ I said. Smiling.

‘For the sake of an extra £2 to get the added benefit of our bigger discount?’ said the lady, sounding a tad incredulous that I should reject this magnificent offer. 

And do you know what she did next? She only stuck out her bottom lip in the manner of a petulant and pouting toddler being told that no, they can’t have more sweets! It’s not an attractive look on a woman of a certain age. 

Honestly! As you can imagine, I was resolute in my determination to purchase only what I wanted to purchase and not be swayed by the temptations of an extra 5% off a toy beaver or a mug printed with a kingfisher. The customer service thermostat fell a degree or two, and my membership card was printed off and presented with a light side serving of sullenness. I smiled inwardly to myself and Nell and I enjoyed a brisk walk in the gardens. 

A few years ago, Trentham introduced a few beavers to their lake, and they have, by all accounts, settled in very well. One can even book to go on a beaver safari! A new tree sculpture has been added to the existing collection. I thought it was rather lovely…