It was a good club night on the Tuesday of Pancake Day this year, with three full courts in use.  All worked up a good appetite for some toasted waffles with toppings following the tennis.  After the play, the group decamped to the Sports Club bar for a drink and the toaster was brought forth, along with toppings of chocolate, syrup, lemon juice and squirty cream.

This is where the heat goes on, but just as quickly goes off.  The toaster was set and the first batch of waffles made, nicely done.  However the toaster is an old piece of equipment and probably in need of a clean.  You're thinking that the appliance failed due to a faulty plug or that the waffles were unedible due to some unknown dirty substance within the toaster.  You'd be wrong.

Unfortunately due to excess use and the heating grills in the toaster probably containing the burnt embers of previous bread slices, it produced quite a burning smell.  Unbeknownst to those present, just above the toaster, in the ceiling, sat the smoke detector.  And here the heat goes off, as does the fire alarm.

Doors were quickly opened, the toaster hidden, and apologies made to bar staff and the Camera Club, having a meeting in the main room of the Sports Club.  Rather than risk the fire brigade coming out or further enraging the other users, it was decided to have the waffles cold, but just as nice in this writer's opinion, with toppings.

Plans are already underway for Pancake Day next year.  It is likely that any hot food will be had in the clubhouse at the far end of the courts, where there are no smoke alarms.  Let health and safety wait on appetite.