The Virtual Pub

Come Inside... => Saloon Bar => Topic started by: Pastis on November 01, 2007, 06:16:47 PM

Title: Bonfire night
Post by: Pastis on November 01, 2007, 06:16:47 PM
I won't be in the vicinity fortunately, although they've started already  ::), but I had a conversation last night with a friend who was convinced that we celebrated the burning of Guy Fawkes and hence, pro-government. I've always been of the view that we were celebrating the plot to blow up the effing government  ;D

Mind you, said friend is French and thereby lives with the history of having thrown out his ruling elite some years later so his rationale may be excusable..  8)

What think we?
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Darwins Selection on November 01, 2007, 06:18:41 PM
What think we?
BURN THEM ALL
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Pastis on November 01, 2007, 06:24:35 PM
Well, that's succinct!  eeek:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Sour Puss on November 01, 2007, 07:39:08 PM


What think we?

I was going to answer this myself, but after a quick google, this about sums it up.  whistle:

For 400 years, bonfires have burned
on November 5th to mark the failed Gunpowder Plot.


The tradition of Guy Fawkes-related bonfires actually began the very same year as the failed coup. The Plot was foiled in the night between the 4th and 5th of November 1605. Already on the 5th, agitated Londoners who knew little more than that their King had been saved, joyfully lit bonfires in thanksgiving. As years progressed, however, the ritual became more elaborate.

Soon, people began placing effigies onto bonfires, and fireworks were added to the celebrations. Effigies of Guy Fawkes, and sometimes those of the Pope, graced the pyres. Still today, some communities throw dummies of both Guy Fawkes and the Pope on the bonfire (and even those of a contemporary politician or two), although the gesture is seen by most as a quirky tradition, rather than an expression of hostility towards the Pope.

Preparations for Bonfire Night celebrations include making a dummy of Guy Fawkes, which is called "the Guy". Some children even keep up an old tradition of walking in the streets, carrying "the Guy" they have just made, and beg passersby for "a penny for the Guy." The kids use the money to buy fireworks for the evening festivities.

On the night itself, Guy is placed on top of the bonfire, which is then set alight; and fireworks displays fill the sky.

The extent of the celebrations and the size of the bonfire varies from one community to the next. Lewes, in the South East of England, is famous for its Bonfire Night festivities and consistently attracts thousands of people each year to participate.

Bonfire Night is not only celebrated in Britain. The tradition crossed the oceans and established itself in the British colonies during the centuries. It was actively celebrated in New England as "Pope Day" as late as the 18th century. Today, November 5th bonfires still light up in far out places like New Zealand and Newfoundland in Canada.


Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Pastis on November 01, 2007, 07:57:18 PM
What think we?

So, since 1605... bastards... and they were celebrating the safety of the Monarchy?... bastards!... I KNOW they're thieves, pillagers, scoundrels, ne'er do wells, idiots of the first water... I'll celebrate in my own style I think.  evil:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: grumpyoldsoldier on November 01, 2007, 08:46:18 PM
What think we?

So, since 1605... bastards... and they were celebrating the safety of the Monarchy?... bastards!... I KNOW they're thieves, pillagers, scoundrels, ne'er do wells, idiots of the first water... I'll celebrate in my own style I think.  evil:

Maybe we could burn sumfink? whistle:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Berek on November 01, 2007, 08:49:17 PM
I was so chuffed to see a couple of lads with a "Guy" the other day I gave them some money. Nice to see kids carrying on some of my childhood traditions, all we need is for them to start playing Knocky Nine Doors and the country is saved !!
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Shy Talk on November 01, 2007, 11:47:40 PM
I was so chuffed to see a couple of lads with a "Guy" the other day I gave them some money. Nice to see kids carrying on some of my childhood traditions, all we need is for them to start playing Knocky Nine Doors and the country is saved !!

iNice to see kids carrying on some of my childhood traditions ------Do they still play  "I'll show you mine if you show me yours ! lol: How I use to love that quaint ol' kids game  eyes:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Barman on November 02, 2007, 04:41:44 AM
I was so chuffed to see a couple of lads with a "Guy" the other day I gave them some money. Nice to see kids carrying on some of my childhood traditions, all we need is for them to start playing Knocky Nine Doors and the country is saved !!
Knocky Nine Doors = ASBO  noooo:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Bar Wench on November 02, 2007, 08:39:25 AM
It's an excuse for a bonfire. Do we really need to look any deeper than that?  eeek:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: grumpyoldsoldier on November 02, 2007, 09:15:38 AM
I was so chuffed to see a couple of lads with a "Guy" the other day I gave them some money. Nice to see kids carrying on some of my childhood traditions, all we need is for them to start playing Knocky Nine Doors and the country is saved !!

iNice to see kids carrying on some of my childhood traditions ------Do they still play  "I'll show you mine if you show me yours ! lol: How I use to love that quaint ol' kids game  eyes:
You could get arrested for that at your age....
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: grumpyoldsoldier on November 02, 2007, 09:16:39 AM
It's an excuse for a bonfire. Do we really need to look any deeper than that?  eeek:
It's a man thing.. we just love to prod...
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Bar Wench on November 02, 2007, 09:42:42 AM
In my family fires are a woman thing. We have personal poking staffs
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Marley's Ghost (Imbiber of Spirits) on November 02, 2007, 09:48:23 AM
In my family fires are a woman thing. We have personal poking staffs


 eeek:

Bloody hell!

 eeek: eeek: eeek:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: grumpyoldsoldier on November 02, 2007, 09:49:15 AM
In my family fires are a woman thing. We have personal poking staffs
I think I love you.. do you take paying guests?
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: chuntering again on November 02, 2007, 04:21:52 PM
I was so chuffed to see a couple of lads with a "Guy" the other day I gave them some money. Nice to see kids carrying on some of my childhood traditions, all we need is for them to start playing Knocky Nine Doors and the country is saved !!

"Knicky Knocky Nine Doors" - what a classic passtime. Also, calling people up and shouting "bollocks" down the line, though caller ID and itemised bills rather put the kybosh on that.
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: tel on November 02, 2007, 04:23:33 PM
"Knock down ginger" maybe?
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Darwins Selection on November 02, 2007, 04:35:17 PM
"Knock down ginger" maybe?

Still played on Hampstead Heath (allegedly).  eyes:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Marley's Ghost (Imbiber of Spirits) on November 02, 2007, 05:46:06 PM
"Knock down ginger" maybe?

Still played on Hampstead Heath (allegedly).  eyes:

 drumroll:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Pastis on November 04, 2011, 07:13:13 PM
Here we go again .... it's started round here though it's difficult to tell the fireworks from the guns  rubschin:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: GROWLER on November 04, 2011, 07:15:40 PM
Here we go again .... it's started round here though it's difficult to tell the fireworks from the guns  rubschin:

Lashing down here, has been for ages, but still the scrotes are blowing their giro cheques/drug money into the sky. ::)
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Barman on November 04, 2011, 08:14:57 PM
Quiet here like....
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Nick on November 04, 2011, 08:16:13 PM
Jim is shitting himself  noooo:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Barman on November 04, 2011, 08:17:22 PM
Jim is shitting himself  noooo:

doh:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: GROWLER on November 04, 2011, 08:42:17 PM
Jim is shitting himself  noooo:

Well stick a cork up its arse then dork. ::)
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Grumpmeister on November 04, 2011, 09:41:45 PM
Jim is shitting himself  noooo:

Surely after being exposed to all the calamities you usually cause a couple of fireworks wouldn't scare Jim?  rubschin:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Darwins Selection on November 04, 2011, 09:55:01 PM
Here we go again .... it's started round here though it's difficult to tell the fireworks from the guns  rubschin:
lol: lol: lol:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Miss Demeanour on November 04, 2011, 11:00:55 PM
What a waste of money  noooo: noooo: noooo:

Fireworks should only be sold to organisers of proper displays .

Was out with a friend tonight and we were having a drink by the window seats of the restaurant. Next thing you know hoooge feckin firewerk goes off outside and caused my voddy to spill  evil:. Little hooded scrote rats run past laughing  evil:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Pastis on November 05, 2011, 06:38:57 PM
Sounds like a war zone here  ...   noooo:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Nick on November 05, 2011, 06:39:53 PM
Mahoosive civic display starts here soon. I can see from here  cloud9:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: GROWLER on November 05, 2011, 06:46:05 PM
Wish they'd all piss right off.  evil:

Sitting 'ere on me own, stuffin'me face with boredom having to listen to this basturd piggin racket outside. Banghead
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Nick on November 05, 2011, 06:48:41 PM
Bonfire night was always a disaster at NIck Towers #1  noooo:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Barman on November 05, 2011, 06:59:32 PM
Awesome display on the base... worthy:

All fer free like....  whistle:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Pirate on November 05, 2011, 07:03:35 PM
Awesome display on the base... worthy:

All fer free like....  whistle:

Turks invading again prolly...
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Nick on November 05, 2011, 09:13:08 PM
My windows are rattling  scared2:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Pastis on November 05, 2011, 09:21:58 PM
It's night time here in Kabul  Sahf London.  The sound of explosive charges continue to break the silence with increasing rapidity. The Afghan  Sahf London night sky lights up periodically with flares and burning material.  Taleban forces   mad partygoers seem to have the run of the place and there seem to be no end to their festivities.
Shortly UN troops the Met Police chopper will be heard overhead and their machine gun fire infra red cameras will be strafing the perpetrators with little mercy.
It will be a long night in Kabul  Sahf London and only dawn of the next day will reveal the carnage from the night before.

This is Mr P ... for VP News ... Kabul ... Sahf London   ::)
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Barman on November 06, 2011, 06:14:39 AM
It's night time here in Kabul  Sahf London.  The sound of explosive charges continue to break the silence with increasing rapidity. The Afghan  Sahf London night sky lights up periodically with flares and burning material.  Taleban forces   mad partygoers seem to have the run of the place and there seem to be no end to their festivities.
Shortly UN troops the Met Police chopper will be heard overhead and their machine gun fire infra red cameras will be strafing the perpetrators with little mercy.
It will be a long night in Kabul  Sahf London and only dawn of the next day will reveal the carnage from the night before.

This is Mr P ... for VP News ... Kabul ... Sahf London   ::)

 lol: lol: lol:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Snoopy on November 06, 2011, 08:23:47 AM
I blame that  Dr Fox  razz:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: The Moan Ranger on November 06, 2011, 09:00:55 AM
Definitely not the night you needed to send up a distress flare...
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: GROWLER on November 06, 2011, 05:13:43 PM
Rozzers attention turning more towards that bloody gormless pointless firework display and bonfire as a possible/probable cause of that horrendous smash on Friday evening on the M5 now.
Can you just imagine how all the relatives of the deceased and injured are going to feel IF that is proven the main cause that started that horrific chains of events?

Time this utter pure shite and gross waste of money was totally banned ...for good. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Darwins Selection on November 06, 2011, 09:12:24 PM
Notwithstanding the actual tragedy, the daft reporting is irritating.
"More than 34 vehicles involved"
I assume that means 35.
If they are unsure of the number, why not just say "at least 35".

As for it being caused by the bonfire, I seem to recall it is illegal to have a fire where smoke is likely to blow across a main road.

Health and safety will have a feast with the rugby club.

Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Nick on November 06, 2011, 09:13:57 PM
And, contrary to what Growler hopes for, will not BAN bonfires. So much stuff is banned in this wretched country now noooo:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Just One More on November 06, 2011, 09:39:58 PM
Notwithstanding the actual tragedy, the daft reporting is irritating.
"More than 34 vehicles involved"
I assume that means 35.
If they are unsure of the number, why not just say "at least 35".

As for it being caused by the bonfire, I seem to recall it is illegal to have a fire where smoke is likely to blow across a main road.

Health and safety will have a feast with the rugby club.

IIRC, the Act use to say within 70' of the centre of the highway, so it's highly likely they wouldn't be contravening that particular law
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Miss Demeanour on November 06, 2011, 09:43:29 PM
Oban community fireworks fiasco (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6QtigLJD_4#ws)

A technical hitch saw all the fireworks at Oban Community Firework display on November 4 2011 released with in a minute. Should have been over half an hours worth  lol: lol: lol:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Darwins Selection on November 06, 2011, 09:47:19 PM
Notwithstanding the actual tragedy, the daft reporting is irritating.
"More than 34 vehicles involved"
I assume that means 35.
If they are unsure of the number, why not just say "at least 35".

As for it being caused by the bonfire, I seem to recall it is illegal to have a fire where smoke is likely to blow across a main road.

Health and safety will have a feast with the rugby club.

IIRC, the Act use to say within 70' of the centre of the highway, so it's highly likely they wouldn't be contravening that particular law

You are bound to be right. I knew there was something about it.
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: GROWLER on November 06, 2011, 09:49:00 PM
Notwithstanding the actual tragedy, the daft reporting is irritating.
"More than 34 vehicles involved"
I assume that means 35.
If they are unsure of the number, why not just say "at least 35".

As for it being caused by the bonfire, I seem to recall it is illegal to have a fire where smoke is likely to blow across a main road.

Health and safety will have a feast with the rugby club.

...and rightly so.
I'm no H&S fan at all, quite the opposite in fact,  but basic common sense procedures are a must where folks lives are possibly being put in great danger.

DS is correct in the fact that a fire with its inherent smoke, started deliberately for whatever reason near a motorway is both grossly irresponsible and  illegal...iirc. rubschin:
Absolute friggin' madness, and it doesn't take a nuclear rocket scientist to work it out either ffs! Banghead

I was reading on Sky News earlier that some local firework supplier has refused to organise and run a display at that very same club in the past, simply because of his concerns with regard to its close proximity to the motorway.
Says it all really imo.
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: apc2010 on November 06, 2011, 09:50:13 PM
Oban community fireworks fiasco (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6QtigLJD_4#ws)

A technical hitch saw all the fireworks at Oban Community Firework display on November 4 2011 released with in a minute. Should have been over half an hours worth  lol: lol: lol:

Have witnessed the same ..........best 2 minutes of fireworks ever ......... lol:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Nick on November 06, 2011, 09:50:34 PM
Scottish ginger mongs  point: point: point: point:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: GROWLER on November 06, 2011, 09:53:41 PM
Notwithstanding the actual tragedy, the daft reporting is irritating.
"More than 34 vehicles involved"
I assume that means 35.
If they are unsure of the number, why not just say "at least 35".

As for it being caused by the bonfire, I seem to recall it is illegal to have a fire where smoke is likely to blow across a main road.

Health and safety will have a feast with the rugby club.

IIRC, the Act use to say within 70' of the centre of the highway, so it's highly likely they wouldn't be contravening that particular law

Nor aware or privvy to the exact distances involved regarding the law.
Just shouldn't be within 5 miles imo.

Is that a mere 70 FEET that you are quoting there btw JOM? eeek:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Miss Demeanour on November 06, 2011, 09:55:25 PM
Notwithstanding the actual tragedy, the daft reporting is irritating.
"More than 34 vehicles involved"
I assume that means 35.
If they are unsure of the number, why not just say "at least 35".

As for it being caused by the bonfire, I seem to recall it is illegal to have a fire where smoke is likely to blow across a main road.

Health and safety will have a feast with the rugby club.

...and rightly so.
I'm no H&S fan at all, quite the opposite in fact,  but basic common sense procedures are a must where folks lives are possibly being put in great danger.

DS is correct in the fact that a fire with its inherent smoke, started deliberately for whatever reason near a motorway is both grossly irresponsible and  illegal...iirc. rubschin:
Absolute friggin' madness, and it doesn't take a nuclear rocket scientist to work it out either ffs! Banghead

I was reading on Sky News earlier that some local firework supplier has refused to organise and run a display at that very same club in the past, simply because of his concerns with regard to its close proximity to the motorway.
Says it all really imo.

It may well have been a contributing factor but no one really knows yet and it may be that we may never know. The need to find a scape goat quickly in these situations is typical.

The weather had been appalling - I spoke to my brother on the night who gets off at that junction and had left it about half an hour prior to the accident and he said the conditions on the road were atrocious.

It could have been some distractions from the fireworks , smoke from bonfire , weather , idiotic driving in poor conditions, who knows yet. Lets not jump to conclusions.
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Pirate on November 06, 2011, 10:00:44 PM
Or a deer...
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: GROWLER on November 06, 2011, 10:03:33 PM
I'm sure it was a contributing factor as there was 'a localised fog/whatever' in that area.
Bit of a strange coincidence, but as you rightly hint, we are not judge and jury.

The rest will be down to the ususal human element unfortunately.
BAD driving, ie, driving too close to the vehicle in front.
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: bodiam on November 07, 2011, 07:30:06 AM
No matter whether smoke, fog, rain or snow, people don't drive to the conditions. As Growler said, too fast, too close to the car in front, foreign drivers who just pull out to overtake a vehicle going 1mph faster( i am not bitter).
Witnesses have said there was bad weather in the area and cars were still doing crazy speeds....it's not rocket science. noooo: noooo:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: bodiam on November 07, 2011, 07:31:58 AM
just noticed my posts were up to double Nelson. Best get off that number  whistle: scared2:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Just One More on November 07, 2011, 07:38:05 AM
Notwithstanding the actual tragedy, the daft reporting is irritating.
"More than 34 vehicles involved"
I assume that means 35.
If they are unsure of the number, why not just say "at least 35".

As for it being caused by the bonfire, I seem to recall it is illegal to have a fire where smoke is likely to blow across a main road.

Health and safety will have a feast with the rugby club.

IIRC, the Act use to say within 70' of the centre of the highway, so it's highly likely they wouldn't be contravening that particular law

You are bound to be right. I knew there was something about it.

Nothing there about 70', however Section 161a says

[F1161A Danger or annoyance caused by fires lit otherwise than on highways.

(1)If a person—

(a)lights a fire on any land not forming part of a highway which consists of or comprises a carriageway; or

(b)directs or permits a fire to be lit on any such land,

and in consequence a user of any highway which consists of or comprises a carriageway is injured, interrupted or endangered by, or by smoke from, that fire or any other fire caused by that fire, that person is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(2)In any proceedings for an offence under this section it shall be a defence for the accused to prove—

(a)that at the time the fire was lit he was satisfied on reasonable grounds that it was unlikely that users of any highway consisting of or comprising a carriageway would be injured, interrupted or endangered by, or by smoke from, that fire or any other fire caused by that fire; and

(b)either—

(i)that both before and after the fire was lit he did all he reasonably could to prevent users of any such highway from being so injured, interrupted or endangered, or

(ii)that he had a reasonable excuse for not doing so.]

I suspect the 70' distance is hidden somewhere in case law
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Grumpmeister on November 07, 2011, 09:54:03 AM
Scottish ginger mongs  point: point: point: point:

So you've never had an accident with fireworks before?  rubschin:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Nick on November 07, 2011, 09:55:45 AM
I did set fire to a lawn once  redface:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: GROWLER on November 07, 2011, 10:00:06 AM
I did set fire to a lawn once  redface:

Funnily enough, so did I, but it was a bbq that caused it, and I was actually pissed out of me crust at the time, not that that had any bearing on it like. whistle:
Title: Re: Bonfire night
Post by: Grumpmeister on November 07, 2011, 02:09:42 PM
I did set fire to a lawn once  redface:

Your's or is it another in the long list of places you are banned from going near again.  whistle: