Guy Fawkes/Bonfire night (again)

Bealman · November 04, 2019, 02:59:21 AM

Just looking at an old thread (2013) about this very subject, that moderator of the time Pengi locked. The only reason I bothered at all is a pretty obscure one..... Bealman's budgie died last weekend, and it sort of almost coincides with the 50th aniversary of a young Bealman's budgie carking it in 1969 - on Nov 5th.

Anyway, got me thinking..... do you still have fireworks over there? Bet you don't - not like when I was a kid and I'd buy box loads of 'em. Penny bangers.... ~~throw 'em through letterboxes~~ nah, I would never do such a thing

When I arrived in Australia back in 74, they had an annual cracker night with bonfires in the middle of the Aussie winter which lasted up until the early eighties, but that's long gone now.

Tomorrow is a big day here too, but for a different reason - Melbourne Cup Day.... "the race that stops a nation", so no doubt Bealman's pocket will be a bit lighter by the end of the day

weave · November 04, 2019, 06:43:44 AM

Hi George,

Of course we still have fireworks over here. Little bit harder to buy, I think Sainsbury's have stopped selling them as they're 'protecting public safety' although an insider said it's really because they're a nightmare to store and get rid of if they don't sell so 'not very profitable' or something like that.

Mrs weave and I might go to this.....

https://farnhamroundtable.org.uk/fireworktickets/

Not a great link but apparently a good show with lots of beer (see the sponsor) and sausages

. Have missed it for the last 3 years due to rain, on holiday and then rain again. Sod that so let's hope it's dry.

We can't have our own one as we have 4 dogs and one, especially, is absolutely terrified of them.

Cheers weave

PS. Enjoy the big race.

Bealman · November 04, 2019, 06:50:43 AM

Fireworks are not available for sale here, full stop.

Oh, except for.... guess.... Australian Capital Territory.

weave · November 04, 2019, 07:09:57 AM

Blimey, didn't know that AND I hear you can't smoke in the Street now so presume not on a beach either. Can't afford to go back but it's becoming less appealing even if I could. What's next? prohibition

maybe

.

Cheers again weave

Bealman · November 04, 2019, 07:20:20 AM

If that happens I'll be rowing back to Blighty, mate.

Bealman · November 04, 2019, 07:25:14 AM

Oh, for wot it's worth, I'm putting my money on Raymond Tusk tomorrow.

Why? As I was writing the names down in the sweep on Saturday night, everytime I wrote that name, it came over the microphone shortly after.

Real expert, me!

Snowwolflair · November 04, 2019, 09:41:28 AM

I think the supermarkets are getting the hump after insurance premiums went up due to stupidity in some stores. Where are the best places to put firework cabinets? Next to escalators and fire escape doors of course.

We have a lot of organised displays near us but far fewer in private gardens so far this year, but Saturday was the big night. New Years on the Thames is fantastic.

Bealman · November 04, 2019, 09:54:52 AM

Shows like that are ALL we get here in NSW.

However, nowt beats putting on your own show in your backyard.

The emergency rooms probably aren't so busy though.

Newportnobby · November 04, 2019, 10:14:18 AM

Quote from: Bealman on November 04, 2019, 02:59:21 AM

Anyway, got me thinking..... do you still have fireworks over there? Bet you don't

Being a party-pooper I'd like to see fireworks limited to Public Displays or events such as 'Big' birthdays e.g. 18,21,50,65 etc.
I am sick and tired of a 6 week Bonfire night and pray for rain apart from on the actual day. What's more - no one does 'Penny for the Guy' any more (haven't seen one for about 15 years) but they all like to come out on Hallowe'en and extort what they can from you or throw eggs at your windows/key your car if you don't answer the door.
Sorry, George. You set me off on one of my pet hates.

Bealman · November 04, 2019, 10:19:47 AM

No problem....

You have answered the question in my op quite clearly!

Keep calm and carry on N gauging (preferably with a VB)

Bealman · November 04, 2019, 10:22:44 AM

Anyway, this time tomorrow night it'll be just about over and the Melbourne Cup will have relieved me of a few dollars if last the last few years are anything to go by

Newportnobby · November 04, 2019, 11:26:35 AM

And going off on a tangerine - who decided it's a good idea to have fireworks on New Years Eve and why? Grrrrr

njee20 · November 04, 2019, 12:55:38 PM

I've never understood why anyone would ever buy their own fireworks. Given they explode in the air regardless, and you can view displays people have spent thousands on, why spend your own money on a rubbish equivalent?

As for Halloween, the Americans can't take that back soon enough. Absolutely ghastly.

Malc · November 04, 2019, 02:03:36 PM

We get them at New Year, Bonfire month and Diwali. Doesn't bother me personally, but I feel sorry for all the pets out there.

daveg · November 04, 2019, 02:23:55 PM

We're out in the sticks a wee bit so don't see fireworks, however:

On my 70th, mates came up and we had a bit of a do and as was tradition (40th, 50th & 60th) mate No 1 brung fireworks. The earlier celebrations were held in other places.

Just a few rockets and some sparklers for the under 70's, we'd already checked there weren't any sheep in the field backing onto the launch site and Blue cat was safely tucked in his bed.

Evans the farmer came bowling up halfway through the 10/12 minute display telling us off for scaring his dog (half a mile away) and would we please give him notice of the next event. That'll prob be my 80th, if I'm spared, and I don't think it will be bothering his dog!

Hope you picked a winner, George!

Dave G