Firm’s foil freebie furnishes frivolity for festive fan
IT’S that time of year again, when thoughts turn to getting the box of Christmas decorations from the attic and trimming the tree.
Or, if you’re Carl Jones from Bargoed, you celebrate the festive season by covering your entire living room from floor to ceiling in tin foil – again.
The 47-year-old ambulance driver hit the headlines last year when he decided to turn his home silver to save on the tinsel and spray snow, much to the horror of his poor wife, Lesley.
And this year he’s pulled out the stops even more because the people at Bacofoil, having read WalesOnline’s previous coverage, decided to give him a ton of foil wrap free of charge.
“Yup, the vouchers they sent me meant a big saving, so I even did behind the cabinets and the TV this time – no scrimping,” laughs Carl, adding that the manufacturer’s freebie has allowed him to really “take things to the max” for 2018.
“With the money I saved I went and bought a white carpet and laid it while the wife was out.
“I also threw loads of glitter down, which helped create a lovely snowy scene.
“Lesley’s not happy, though, because she says it’ll wreck the Hoover the next time either of us decide to take it round.
“So, this year, I’ve let her decorate the tree by way of appeasement,” says Carl.
He also admits to having toyed with the idea of expanding his budget decorating prowess into the front passage.
“But, at the time, the wife was standing in the kitchen sharpening a knife with a funny look in her eye, so I thought better of it.”
Inspired by the reflective silver decor he saw while dropping off patients at a local care home one December, Carl says he now wants to try brightening up his ambulance station in Cardiff’s North Road by using the same technique.
“Ours is a tough job, and for some people Christmas can be a rough time – so I figured why not cheer the place up a bit?” he explains.
“But I also get why some might find it all a bit much – not everyone can be like my other half, who’s learned to live with my craziness for a couple of months each year.
“So me and my workmates are going to put it to a vote.
“I’ll let you know in whose favour it swings,” smiles Carl.