Guy Fawkes Day

Jeff from Glendowie

Hi all.

I recognise it is a controversial subject to talk about Guy Fawkes night and promotes a level of emotion, so trying to distill the subject down to basic facts....

Fireworks night (actually Guy Fawkes Day): A celebration of Guy Fawkes attempt to disrupt a parliamentary process in the United Kingdom in 1605. An act that is controversial in itself.

Those who are more connected with history than me will appreciate the significance of the event and in turn understand why we as followers of British legacy should indulge in celebration.

It would be a surprise, if canvassed “on the spot”, many of those who purchase fireworks would be able to recite why we burn up so much income on basic indulgence.

I do know that having raised children, post university not one of them mention the great days/nights we spent as a family sparking up gun powder as a measure of our success as parents. In fact one of them is completely scared of fireworks.

20-20 vision is an easy fall back, but I now know that there is little reasoning behind my own indulgence into purchasing explosive devices and then setting them alight in front of family/friends, This act does not make any sense. It is crazy and now regret the fact I am one of those parents who did indeed buy a few cheep fizzers.

Agree there is excitement in showing some children the sparkles and flashes of gunpowder and that as parents we can make this happen when we decide, but faced with reality I am confident most humans would not agree with the effect it has on other humans and animals.

I am sat here now writing this post. I hear fireworks blasting into the sky at 10:00 PM on 7th of November. As each firework explodes the dogs bark. As the dogs bark I hear owners trying to calm them. It is sad. In fact heart breaking.

I also now know the explosions will continue into the weekend justified by the fact we as parents need to extend the child entertainment after (work) school hours.

Clearly, the fireworks are not – in any way – related to history, but an attempt to justify our own indulgence into making everyone think we can burn money in a false blanket of entertainment.

Simple question ---- If I asked, would you purposely create stress for an elderly person or an animal, would you say yes?

There are many pleads from pet owners that ask for your consideration. I haven't even touched on the effect it has on our own aging family but from experience know it is not good.

Please – Please do not support the importers of pyrotechnics and just have a good old BBQ with your friends and family.