Further explanation from the book indicates that the ‘Chief Flag Waver’ had the duty of keeping the pole and flag correct – and so the house came with the job. So much easier to keep things tidy from up there – though perhaps not much fun for the family members of the CFW, who would also have lived in the house.

Understandably, many ‘pole families’ did produce several of the greatest acrobats and gymnasts. At least, one went into military service working on the top secret “sky-hook” project.