November 3, 2004

Bonfires and Birchwood

Well, it looks like Birchwood isn't going to have a bonfire again this year! Instead we're getting a fireworks display

WRAP UP warm and prepare to celebrate Guy Fawkes night at Birchwood Forest Park on Saturday, November 6, with music from 6.30pm and fireworks at 7pm.

This is a pretty sad development in the scheme of things. When we moved here over 6 years ago Birchwood and surrounding areas were proud of the fact that they had a fabulous bonfire and fireworks display arranged by the rangers every year. Two of the most memorable were the "Merlin" and "Trojan Horse" themed ones...

It seems that, because of some whingers saying "... but hot ash flies around and it might go in my hair," we must give up on having a bonfire every year.

It was PERFECTLY SAFE at the bonfire, as there was always a rope boundary keeping people at least 100 yards away from it. All the times we went it was a really enjoyable hour or two. Yet we, as a community, appear to be willling to give up on this because some people "might get ash in their hair."

What a shame...

Bring back the Bonfire!

Posted by Garry at November 3, 2004 10:34 AM
Comments

I totally agree that this was an event to look forward to. It was creative and involved the community.
Obviously if there is a strong wind there can be incidents and weather conditions on the day may very well affect L A officials decision to let the bonfire be lit.
But on the whole losing the sculpture (bonfire) completely is a retrogade step.
Eventually we'll all be too frightened to do anything in case we hurt ourselves or end up being sued.

Posted by: Alison at November 5, 2004 4:04 PM

my family have lived hear for over 20 years we all locked forward to the birchwood bonfire we went as kids and never heared about anyone getting burnt we all have kids and have been taking them to the bonfire every year since thay were born,they were very disappointed lost year not to see the bonfire. most of the family that lives in manchester came everyear to see the bonfire as well bring back the bonfire.

Posted by: jayne at November 6, 2004 12:55 PM

I loved this bonfire. it was super. don,t bother anymore. become soulless like the rest, great pity. love mike.

Posted by: M LATIMER at November 6, 2004 1:39 PM

Totally agree. We have become a totally risk averse society. Ironic really when you think of the risks we're willing to subject the Iraqi public to.

Posted by: Shooting Parrots at November 9, 2004 5:23 PM