[Mattylad]

Now that we have a garden, we have the odd BBQ when the weather is just right.

Of course, er indoors has to prepare all the salad, the rolls & the drinks etc, I just have to burn the food on the BBQ & get to tell her "isn't it nice that you get a rest while I cook for a change" :D

As for lighting them, Don't put loads of paper screwed up in them to light them, it only winds up floating off all over the place if a wind takes it.
The lighter blocks seem the best, parrafin wax blocks that sit at the bottom & burn away helping to light the charcoal.

There are packs of charcoal that come in fuel impregnated bags that you just put the bag on & light the corner, these do well.
Asda do some bags of loose charcoal that's rather naff & hard to light.

Whatever, light them & let the charcoal burn till it's white & the flames have gone out before you start to cook, it lasts for ages once it's at that stage.

keep a bucket of water handy just in case... :D