Back in the wondrous days when the Hunter ruled the skies from Chivenor hardly any Friday night TGIF passed without the ritual slaying of a piano. Before burning, the victim had to be dismantled and the components passed out of the bar through the smallest window. Destruction was usually achieved by heavy attack with empty metal beer barrels. Just outside the window was the Mess well tendered flower bed. After a while there were more burnt patches than flowers! The supply of pianos was, however, never a problem. Nearby Barnstaple held an open auction on a regular basis and the Mess maintained an established bid of £5 for any piano which was offered for sale.