The Coltishall piano burning occured during the dining in night for a very senior NATO visit - lots of starred ociffers. Station master (who shall remain nameless) had organised two very old pianos to be burned in the almost empty car park to amuse the assembled very senior officers. It was supposed to be a tradition from WW1 that pianos were burned when a sqn disbanded. ( I think a Coningsby sqn was disbanding).
Said pianos were set on fire when Staish said to a JP"is that yours which has failed its MOT and is awaiting the knackers". YES. So Staish and many senior NATO officers get on board and aimed between the two pianos. Didn't make it and got stuck. Station fire section called but all domestic fire incidents also go to local fire brigade. Call intercepted by local press. Next day in Daily Mail or Sun or something was story of hooligan officers. Staish then asked to explain action of his officers by AOC. Then all went quiet!