Yeovil residents breathed a collective sigh of relief this week as local legend Tommy Lauchlan not only survived the recent storms but also celebrates his birthday in style today. The town’s favorite character, often the subject of playful jabs about his "aerodynamic" ears, became a beacon of hope (and humour) during the tumultuous weather.
A Close Call for "Flight-Risk Tommy"
With gusts strong enough to uproot trees and send trampolines flying, many locals feared for Tommy, affectionately dubbed “Flight-Risk Tommy” thanks to his impressive ear-span. Some even joked that the Met Office had issued a special warning just for him, stating: "Secure all loose objects, including Tommy Lauchlan, during high winds."
Tommy’s family took the warnings seriously. His loving daughter, ever the practical joker, suggested he wear a backpack filled with bricks to keep him grounded. “It was either that or tie him to the garden fence,” she quipped.
The Man Who Defied the Odds
Despite the playful panic, Tommy took the storm in stride, sporting his trademark grin and declaring himself “too stubborn to be blown away.” Neighbours reportedly saw him walking h during the worst of the weather, with one resident claiming: “I thought I saw him lift off for a second, but he just leaned into the wind and carried on!”
A Birthday Bash to Remember
To celebrate his resilience (and his birthday), Yeovil residents are throwing a surprise party in his honour. The highlight of the event will be a custom cake shaped like a pair of ears, complete with a miniature windsock on top. Fears of Tommy reading about the party prior are non existent as his daughter explained ' We just fold his lugs over his eyes,when it comes to surprises.'
Tommy himself speaking exclusively to YRN said;
“I know I’m the butt of the jokes around here, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said, raising a pint to his friends and family. “And for the record, these ears aren’t just for show – they’re great for listening in on all your gossip!”
A Local Legend Lives On
For Yeovil, Tommy is more than just a local character; he’s a symbol of the town’s spirit. As one resident put it: “If Tommy can survive storms, we can survive anything.”
So here’s to Tommy Lauchlan – the man who weathered the winds, dodged the turbulence, and lived to celebrate another lap around the sun. Long may he "fly" (safely grounded, of course)!