A Touch Of Magic

Lisa had reason to want to ignore Halloween, but this year she was determined it was going to be special

- DELLA GALTON

Having a birthday on Halloween isn't all it's cracked up to be. Everyone is too focused on spooky goings-on to remember any other occasion. My birthday celebrations disappear under broomsticks, witch's hats and trick or treat.

One year even my boyfriend (ex-boyfriend now) forgot to send me a card. This year, my thirtieth, things are going to be different. I have a plan to put my birthday in the spotlight.

Step one is a trip to the charity shop the week before. I visit the British Heart Foundation in the High Street. They know me there. I'm always donating things, but today I'm buying.

As I expect, their window display reflects the occasion. Maureen, the manager, is great at stuff like that. She once confided that in another life she was a window dresser for Harrods.

She's done herself proud this year. A row of pumpkins nestle on autumn-colored shredded paper and flying above them, suspended on black cord, is a witch on a broomstick. The witch wears a purple pointed hat and a matching purple shirt. Her face is a mask complete with a hooked nose and chin. She also has pink hair. I'm not entirely sure about the purple and pink, but she is at least wearing a black cloak. There are several pointy hats, festooned with cobwebs, strung from the ceiling.