DEVON COUNTY SHOW – COMPETITION RESULTS

Thank you to all of those who visited our stand at the Devon County Show. It was wonderful to meet so many of our clients - past, present and hopefully future.

For those of you who weren’t able to come along you missed the opportunity of a free wine tasting, after which those taking part were asked to try and identify the genuine Champagne from the sparkling wines.

43% of those who entered correctly guessed that bottle number one contained the real Champagne.

For those of you interested bottle number two was a brut and number three a demi-sec.

The first out of the hat and the winner of the jeroboam of Moët & Chandon Champagne is Jill Taylor from Shillingford St George, Exeter.

The 10 runners up, who each get a wine guide signed by writer Susy Atkins are:

Bruce Cadbury – Pinhoe, Exeter
June Allman – Braunton
Sissy Gerschwiler – South Molton
B. Plummer – Doddiscombsleigh
A.L. Thomas – Heavitree, Exeter
Jay Colenso – Barnstaple
Karen Martin - Exeter
J.R. Guilleband – Clifford Bridge, Drewsteignton
June Evans – Exeter
Nicky Daniel – Tedburn St Mary, Exeter

Again thanks to all of you who took the time to enter the competition, play the grab machine or just stop for a chat. We look forward to seeing you next year when we hope to have an even bigger and better competition to test you with.

Bouncy Castle Judgment Causes Parents to Rethink

Many parents will be left wondering whether they should hire a bouncy castle for their children following a recent ruling in a case involving a young boy who suffered brain injury at a friends party. The injury was caused when the child suffered a kick to the head whilst playing on a bouncy castle. The Court ruled that the parents who hired the inflatable were responsible for his injuries as adequate supervision had not been provided.

Although the decision may be appealed it is bound to cause worry and apprehension amongst parents. In the last few years it has become increasingly common for bouncy castles and other inflatables to be hired for children’s parties and other events.

The Court didn’t think that the bouncy castle itself was dangerous but criticised the level of supervision which it said was insufficient and inadequate. So where does this leave parents?

Anyone who now contemplates hiring an inflatable must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the children using it are safe. A common sense approach should ensure that this is the case.

• Check to make sure that the inflatable is located in an area away from obvious hazards such as overhanging branches
• Do not allow other play equipment, such as bikes, to be left in front of the inflatable in case anyone falls off and lands on them
• Do not allow children to eat or drink whilst playing on it
• Make sure that the children do not have any sharp objects in their pockets which could cause injury to themselves or others eg. Pens
• Do not allow too many children to use the inflatable at the same time
• Make sure children take off their shoes before using the inflatable
• Always supervise the children when using the inflatable
• Always follow the guidance given by the hire company.

With these simple precautions you should be able to ensure that children are able to play safely. And should an accident occur you should be able to show that you were aware of the danger and took steps to minimise the risks

Fortunately in this case the parent was insured. So if you are planning a party this summer and are thinking about hiring a bouncy castle you might just want to check your insurance policies before you arrange anything.

John Hasson is a solicitor specialising in personal injury at Slee Blackwell and can be contacted on 01392 429132