First there would be the bonfire to be lit. It
would have been built during the previous few weeks. I’m sorry to say
that I don’t ever remember checking for hedgehogs!
There was a slug of magic stuff, which looking back I
think was probably paraffin, a strategically applied match and whoosh!
We’d stand around for a few minutes watching that and then there would be the
first fireworks. Daddy was the only one allowed anywhere near them but we
would have told him the order he was allowed to let them off. First would
be the Roman Candles which my sister and I thought were very dull. Then
Catherine wheels – much more exciting as it wasn’t unknown for them to detach
themselves from whatever they had been attached to. My sister, despite
being several years older than me, didn’t like Jumping Jacks or Bangers so
she’d retire to a safe distance whilst those were let off. Then the grand
finale was rockets. Aah, rockets. Just a few seconds of pure
pleasure. Compared to the wonderful displays of today they were very dull
but we thought them wonderful.
After that Daddy would rake around the ashes of the
fire and pull out the old cocoa tins which had jacket potatoes in them.
As an adult I realise that they must have been cooked in the house because no
way was there time for them to cook in the bonfire but we always said that
bonfire night spuds were the best potatoes of the year. There would be
chestnuts and cinder toffee and we would retire to bed tired but happy.
(This is a rehash of a post from many years ago. It seemed to fit in with my recent reminiscing.)
Memories of childhood fireworks...
ReplyDeleteThey were lovely, weren't they.
DeleteTalk of fireworks reminds me of a lecture that I went to many years ago given by Rev Lancaster, at the time the only private individual licenced to make fireworks. He was a chemistry teacher at Kimbolton School, and ran a fireworks company in his spare time that for many years was responsible for big occasion displays (including the late Queen's 25th Jubilee). It was a fascinating insight into the inner secrets of how the fireworks were made to get the results we see, and, of course, with some demonstrations!
ReplyDeleteI remeber someone telling me about him several years ago. I can feel a rabbit hole opening!
DeleteThank you for sharing the memories of your childhood bonfire nights. There was nothing like that when I was growing up and nothing like that over here, either. Fourth of July is when the fireworks light up the night sky over here.
ReplyDelete5th November here but these days quite a few other times as well.
DeleteThose were such good days.
ReplyDeleteLovely, weren't they. Hope you continue to improve.
Delete45 years ago today my Dad died suddenly. My husband was working away in Shetland and had bought fireworks for our 5 year old daughter. My neighbours rallied round and looked after her until my lovely in laws arrived to take care of her as I had to go down to be with my Mother. She had her firework party with the neighbours and grandparents and I explained to her the next morning that her adored Grandpa had died. Sorry it’s a sad memory from me today but it’s as clear in my mind today as it was in 1980. Catriona
ReplyDeleteOh how sad! It sounds as though you had wonderful neighbours, though.
DeleteWe would always have fireworks on July 1st Canada Day. I kind of liked "The Burning Schoolhouse", though I really did like school. We would finish the evening with sparklers.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
You must have had to stay up quite late for fireworks in July!
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