As huge numbers of Monmouthshire residents stormed to the polling booths to have their say on the EU referendum, a tree in Llanfoist mysteriously fell onto the canal towpath, leading many people, current estimates suggest at least three, to speculate that it was an omen for the future of Britain outside of the European Union.

“Why would an apparently healthy tree suddenly fall to the ground on such an historic day?” asked many, whose leisurely evening ramble along the picturesque Monmouthshire and Brecon canal was ruined by an abrupt blockage of foliage, bark and branch.

“Who but a druid versed in the lore of the old ways could decipher the fathomless meaning of such an omen and what it means for the future of Britian?” demanded others.

Semi-professional long-distance runner Johnny Parsnip was one such individual who had his evening run along the towpath ruined by the inconsiderate tree.

Parsnip explained, “As usual, I was pounding the path, feeling the burn, and really going at it, but yesterday evening I stepped it up a gear and my workout was a little bit more intense than usual because I had just voted and was extremely excitable.”

Alas, Johnny’s physical exertions were brought to an abrupt half after his access was denied by the mysterious tree which had fallen and completely blocked his route to fair Govilon.

“My motto is ‘go hard or go home,’" explained Parsnip, "but there was just so much tree in my way, what was I supposed to do? If I had a can of petrol with me I could have poured it all over the tree and set fire to it, but I’m not sure if that sort of thing is allowed these days.”

Deciding that retreat is the better part of valor, Johnny decided to quit his workout and run to the nearest pub, where the EU referendum was the hot topic inflaming everyone’s opinions.

Parsnip explained, “A few jokers in the pub said the fallen tree was an omen about the future of Britain, but to me that’s just superstitious nonsense. What will be will be. I just hope someone clears the mess up soon.”