4 Nov 2012

Remember Remember the 5th November


Remember, rememeber
the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot
I see no reason why
gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

I  remember as a child watching my Dad out in the pouring rain trying to get fireworks to light, make catherine wheels spin and rockets take off.  Standing in the warm living room, sparkler in hand, I took it for granted that that is what Dad;s are supposed to do.  The little box of Lion  fireworks didn't last long, but were always looked forward to.
Even as an adult with no children of my own I have always enjoyed celebrating  Bonfire Night, Firework Night, Guy Fawkes Night - call it what you will.


 
We have held some memorable firework parties in our time, the fireworks becoming more sophisticated and very expensive. 


 
A couple of years ago we invited some friends round for a firework supper which consisted of
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Fiery Hot Banger Cassoulet
followed by
Toffee Apple Crumble.
but I can still appreciate the simplicity of a baked potato wrapped in foil and put into the bonfire, a hot dog with fried onions or a mug of hot soup standing round the fire - my front burning hot and my back icey cold.
It nearly always rains on bonfire night - it is a tradition.
I feel sad when I see the 'GUY' go up in smoke after all the hard work that has been put into it.


Also as a child taking my 'GUY' door to door and being given pennies - do children still do that any more - not round here they don't.


 
This year we are going to the village Bonfire Party where we will meet up with friends and their children - their faces glowing with excitement in the firelight.
Loud bangs, the whooshing of rockets and my favourite - sparklers - I have never grown out of my love of sparklers, trying to get them alight, and writing my name as they crackle and fizz.
And jumping jacks - do I remember jumping jacks - we used to have an outside toilet when I was little, and I can remember vividly being scared to death  and screaming like a banshee when a jumping jack came in under the door. 

Hey ho!  Just a few of the joys of the 5th November.

9 comments:

  1. Oh, what memories! Mine are similar to yours. My friend's father always had a bonfire on his allotment and we would bake potatoes under the fire whilst he let off the fireworks like catherine wheels, roman candles and rockets. My friend and I would make patterns with sparklers and squeal and scream when her big brothers and their pals let off the jumping jacks near us and ran off laughing. Your firework supper sounds delicious:)

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  2. Oh you do always evoke memories with your posts Elaine, We used to buy penny bangers (so 12 for a shilling)light one to check the time the fuse was likely to burn for, pack in mud over the local pond, light hold in hand for a few seconds depending on how brave you were throw in the air to see high high you could get before it went bang, what would the H and S executive make of that now, and before you ask not one injury incurred with us boys, it all came to a end of course when Paynes firework factory went up with a bang literally, and boys of 12/13 were not able to buy fireworks

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  3. It's all come a long way since the humble catherine wheel nailed to the garden fence. I remember those times too..

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  4. We went to the local Rugby Club for a display last night. It was really fancy with loads of huge fireworks but - like you - I have fonder memories of setting off a small number of fireworks in the garden. Jx

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  5. WE were talking about jumping jacks recently and how they used to chase you up the path, but we loved them. Mum always put on a big bonfire do and usually most of the immediate neighbours came round with food and fireworks and a good time was had by all. Memories hey! Suzy x

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  6. You have brought back some special memories to me. How things have changed over the years.

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  7. I don't remember jumping jacks - but we did also have an outside loo!
    I remember catherine wheels, roman candles, volcanoes and most of all rockets stuck in milk-bottles and my father "lighting the blue touchpaper".
    The next morning, when it was always misty, you could find empty firework cases and sticks on the ground - and on the roof...
    Thanks for "sparking" the memories :)

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  8. That unmistakeable smell of bonfires and spent fireworks... and you made me smile with your description of a hot front and icey cold back. We used to turn around to defrost! Your bonfire menu sounds gorgeous!

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  9. I don't bother nowadays but your post, and photos, bring back lots of fond memories. Flighty xx

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