Tin-kettling makes a comeback

My German grandparents told stories of going Tin-kettling in their community on the Darling Downs in the thirties and forties. It generally took place after a couple returned from their honeymoon. Their friends assembled with noise making objects and made a raucous and uninvited call on the newlyweds where a celebration commenced.

So with Covid restrictions in place last year a group of us reprised this old tradition to celebrate a friend’s birthday. We parked near her front gate, took our pots and pans and lids and wooden spoon and marched up her long driveway singing happy birthday and creating as much noise as we could. She was very surprised and quite touched as well.

We had loaded our camping chairs and food and drink into one vehicle which was then retrieved from her front gate. We spread out on her front lawn. It was a beautiful day spent enjoying the companionship and laughter while adhering to the Covid safe rules outdoors in our very picturesque valley.