
This week Lauren has asked us about our memories and feelings about our childhood experiences with fireworks.
1) What are your earliest memories of watching fireworks?
I think I was probably three and I can remember being carried around by my eldest sister. I was wrapped in a blanket, I remember the light and heat from the huge bonfire. The noise and the pretty lights. I remember feeling warm and safe and tomato soup hot and warming.
2) Were you more afraid or excited at the time?
I was excited but mainly I was tired but I remember good feelings.
3) What occasions were celebrated with watching fireworks?
When I was a child it was only Guy Fawkes night Nov 5th ….one of my bothers got married on that date I guess it was a good way of never forgetting his Anniversary!
4) Did you travel to fireworks shows, or did your family have their own, safe and sane explosives?
I don’t remember the family ever traveling to a display. We had a small back garden but our nextdoor neighbours had a huge garden that ran down to the Cemetery…it was huge. Most years we had a party there with a big bonfire that neighbours and friends would spend a couple of days building. There were always lots of people there . Everyone brought fireworks but it was the duty of about four of the men to be in sole charge of the display.
There were always jacket potatoes and tomato soup and usually a pudding too.
5) Did you ever light off illegal fireworks?
I don’t remember ever doing so but I was a scary cat! I remember my brothers would throw “jumping jacks ” around and ‘bangers’ too and that used scare me . I know of several people who were maimed or blinded my rogue fireworks or misshandled usage.
6) Did you typically have a family celebration before the nighttime display? What did it include?
We always had a gathering before we all went next door and often afterwards too. Usually some food, alcohol and drinks for the adults. It was always impromptu and when I was old enough to join in fun!
7) As you grew older, did your feelings about fireworks change?
No, not at all they are fine at a distance and properly organised. I am not keen on big displays …I don’t like, crowds or noise . As our boys got old enough to enjoy fireworks we always, if hubby was around or on my own if he was working, went to the Guy Fawkes night parade from our town centre up to the big field where a bonfire was lit by the Mayor. There was always a fun fair and food and drink stalls. The boys loved it. I was always exhausted when we got back because I had had to pretend it had been fun!
8) Now the thinker: Many places are restricting fireworks now because of the trauma it can cause to pets, young children, and sensitive adults. How do you feel about restricting fireworks?
I totally agree, they should not be on general sale. If you want fireworks you should go to a properly organised display. All too often these days people let fireworks off for birthdays, weddings, parties, New Year’s any old excuse.
Unfortunately these days fireworks sound like guns and bombs and are very unsettling for pets, nervous people and children alike. There is a new reason too we have many Ukrainian refugees staying in the UK there some staying near to us , I doubt they want to hear them a odd times..
This is part of Lauren and Maggie’s brainchild, Throwback Thursday.
Jun 23, 2022 @ 15:33:12
Thanks for joining in Willow. I agree that there are many people that feel fireworks are too close to sounding like gunshots. At this time in most countries, especially mine, gunshots are already too prevalent.
It is nice that you felt safe as a kid. Good for your sister taking care of you.
Jun 23, 2022 @ 16:43:40
I was very lucky having three older sisters to look after me 💜💜👍
Jun 23, 2022 @ 18:11:40
Yes you were
Jun 23, 2022 @ 18:12:30
💜
Jun 23, 2022 @ 16:01:31
Fireworks have always been favourites of mine!
Jun 23, 2022 @ 16:41:51
Yes I guess you do Diwali 💜
Jun 23, 2022 @ 16:36:52
Great track Willow
Jun 23, 2022 @ 16:39:27
Yes I love it 💜
Jun 24, 2022 @ 19:14:35
Fun to read about your fireworks memories! Great song to go with the post, too. 🙂
Jun 24, 2022 @ 19:24:13
Thank you it was a lovely post to write 💜💜💜
Jun 25, 2022 @ 08:54:23
🙂 ❤
Jun 25, 2022 @ 11:38:15
Since 1985, we have held the International Fireworks Competition every summer. I cannot believe it is still so popular. They close the Jacques-Cartier bridge so the pedestrians can watch from up there. Pretty crazy. we used to drive out to one of the shopping malls on the south shore and walk to the bridge. Fun times.
Jun 25, 2022 @ 11:42:08
That sounds amazing I very much doubt they’d close bridges to traffic here, it would not be free you’d have to pay….even from a bridge. Yes it sounds great 😊
Jun 25, 2022 @ 12:44:22
You can go to our amusement park, where they are held and pay extra for fabulous seating (we did it once or twice). It’s become an “oh well, don’t go out on Saturday night unless you plan on being home after 11 pm!)
Jun 25, 2022 @ 13:05:51
You need to wrap up well whatever 💜💜
Jun 25, 2022 @ 13:15:18
Or just stay home 😉
Jun 25, 2022 @ 13:17:26
Yes indeed 💜 😂
Jun 25, 2022 @ 11:38:39
Oh! I hit send too quickly. Nicely done!
Jun 25, 2022 @ 11:42:18
Thank you 💜
Jun 27, 2022 @ 19:08:31
I love fireworks–and agree with what you said, that they need to be in a controlled organized showing. I watch the televised programs in the USA, for New Year’s and July 4th–it’s a better view, very enjoyable and no traveling and being in the crowds 🙂
Jun 27, 2022 @ 20:41:03
Also no danger, best views and comfortable seats 💜
Jun 27, 2022 @ 22:29:07
Yes.
Jul 03, 2022 @ 04:06:18
fireworks are scary☹️
Jul 03, 2022 @ 06:56:59
Yes especially in the wrong hands
Aug 07, 2022 @ 18:51:23
Happy new year 2023 to everyone
Aug 07, 2022 @ 19:52:16
Thank you ☺️