THANK God Bonfire Night's over with - at least the neighbourhood no longer sounds like the rougher end of Baghdad and the cats can come out from under the bed.
We had some Aussie relatives - or "rellys, mate" - over recently and they could not believe we allowed high explosives for sale ... at corner shops ... to 16-year olds.
( Personally I've bever been a fan of cornershop fireworks since Johnny Baldwin put a Little Demon in the hood of my Parka in 1969. )
Down Under it's strictly regulated and exhibition fireworks only and for once the Aussies may have a point.
I love the idea of Bonfire Night . At least its our history some some bloody American import like Trick or Treat.
Plus it's celebrates Papist iniative and that shouldn't be lost but it's also noisy and dangerous.
One night - preferably Nov 5 - is fine but the bangs start the night the things go on sale and end sometime around Jan 2.
We bought some for our kids - which I lit nervously holding an old bin lid - and received nothing but scorn from the ungrateful little bastards having spent the thick end of £20 . If they gave GCSEs for sarcasm, these two would be world beaters. (Actually I bet they probably do give them for sarcasm, only it's called Advanced English or something )
Teens are hard to please outside of Millennium style light shows so the odd Catherine Wheel - which have NEVER worked in 20 years and only burn the fence - doesn't cut the mustard.
Ban the free sale and let's and stick to organised shows. On Nov 5. Then I can get some sleep.
