What do we think about Bonfires?

What do we think about Bonfires? Should we have them or not? Good points: A social occassion, during a wet cold season. The brightness lights up the darkness. Opportunity to dress up warm and go out in the fresh air in the dark. Smell that evocative "Wood Smoke smell". To see the expressions of fear and/or delight on small childrens' faces. Opportunity for Grandma or Grandad to get in crafty cuddle as they offer safety and security to frightened children. If you are the right age, first romance, first kiss, first fumble! Chance to eat parkin, toffee apples, jacket potato, sausages. "What would you like to drink?", is a welcome question, alcholic? or tea, coffee?

Excitement, noise, music, fireworks, people, movement. The joy when you get home, have a hot drink maybe a shower/bath, put on some somfy clothes, turn the T.V., on, settle down.



Bad points: Comes at wrong time of year when everywhere is wet and cold. Got to put layers of clothes on and boots. That awful wood smell that clings to your clothes for days. Dealing with over excited or over anxious children and dogs. Oh! the dogs, the panting, dripping and shivering that goes on while they try to find somewhere to hide. All those greasy sausages and buffet food, that drip down your best jacket. The marks where sparks have burned your cclothes. All the excess alchol, the hang over? Don't those fireworks hurt you ears, and make your headache. Why bother going out, when there is something good on the telly, why not just chill out?



Well, what do you think? Are you for ? Are you against? Is the jury still out? Is there an "age" for going to bonfires? Do you get too old and grumpy? Is it just too dangerous? Should Health and Safety ban it?