This wasn’t in the contingency plan …

Flying at 2,000 feet under a clear blue sky, with the Australian outback unfolding below, life had never felt better for flying Doctor Clyde Fenton.

Also known as the flying larrikin, Fenton’s parish was larger than England, and his trusty De Havilland DH.60 Gipsy Moth was the perfect means of transport when patient visits could easily be 1,000 miles apart.

One moment, he was in utter bliss; the next, utter horror.

Noticing a small movement out of the corner of his eye, it suddenly dawned on him that he had a most unwelcome passenger.

A snake.

This slithery brute just happened to be the fourth-most venomous snake in the world, and it was gradually making its way along the cockpit floor towards his feet.

If bitten, he’d have been rendered senseless within minutes and dead within the hour.

There was only one thing for it.

He was going to have to land. And fast.

Clambering onto his seat, that’s exactly what he did, and somehow without mishap.

This story came to mind while taking part in a contingency planning exercise so beloved of earnest lanyard-wearing consultants.

The sort who want a plan for a 100-million-megaton meteorite hurtling towards us at the speed of light.

If that were to happen, we’re probably f****d anyway, but they still want an answer.

That’s not to decry that sort of exercise because it does make us think, but these seminar wallahs do get carried away sometimes.

How the heck Dr Fenton could have planned for what happened to him is anyone’s guess. But he still got out alive.

The only contingency planning I’d worry about right now is your spring marketing.

Whilst others are hiding under the duvet waiting for everything to blow over, now’s a great time to steal a march on the competition.

If you’ve got a project, event, or campaign coming up and you’d like the print side to look sharp and run smoothly, we’re here for a quick chat.

Until next week, and wishing you a well-earned great Easter break.

Alec

PS The snake didn’t survive. Fenton dealt with it once he’d landed. Not a recommended in-flight procedure.