“Remember, remember – the fifth of November…
Gunpowder, Erith, and plot”…Five Fawkes and Fireworks Facts…
A Wise Guy’s Guide…
Is it me, dear readers, or has Bonfire Night lost a little of its – ahem – sparkle?...
When I was a young Blognipper, it was one of the highlights of the year; sausages, baked spuds, “penny for the guy”, steaming mugs of cocoa, bangers, rockets and scorched eyebrows – but now?...
Are bonfires banned?...
Are we forgetting Fawkes?...
So, in my never-ending quest to bring you sound, reliable and trustworthy nuggets of public interest information, AND to keep this traditional English festival at the forefront of our thoughts, I unveil for you, dear readers, Five Fawkes and Fireworks Facts:
1. Mr Fawkes was, historians now believe, a ginger northerner…(and we all know what that leads to…)
2. The Gunpowder Plotters actually met in Erith…honest!
3. Fireworks were first used in ancient China…they originally used their vast reserves of saltpetre (a key element of gunpowder) to preserve food – but, surprisingly perhaps, not to barbecue it.
4. Bexley Libraries have a rather fine collection of books with a Gunpowder Plot…but, obviously, not this one…
5. Want the biggest, best and boldest Bonfire Night around? Well, Bexley has it…BANG!
Have fun!
TTFN.
5 comments:
Apparently Guy Fawkes avoided the full force of his intended punishment of being hung, drawn and quartered - as the rope was put round his neck, he jumped from the ladder which broke his neck.
What you lucky Southerners probably don't know (neither did I, a Midlander, until I came to live in Yorkshire), is that Bonfire Night has a sinister opening scene. 4th November is designated Mischief or Mischievous Night, which differs from Hallowe'en only in that it lacks any element of choice. So on 31st October it's demanding money with menaces, but you can at least buy the little ******s off; on 4th November it's criminal damage pure and simple. It makes Mr. Fawkes and his buddies look quite saintly.
Judith R.
I'd heard of Mischief Night but I didn't know it was still happening. I read that it used to be things like removing garden gates and leaving them further down the road. I thought trick or treat had taken over, so it's a real surprise to hear otherwise.
I saw a sign yesterday that said "Guy Fawkes, the only man ever to enter parliamant with an honest intention"
Thanks for your comments, Peter...
Now, some people may well agree with that particular notion, but - obviously - I couldn't possibly comment...
TTFN
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