On 6 Aug 2007 at 11:29am Nosey wrote:
What were the fireworks on Sat evening in Lewes for??
On 6 Aug 2007 at 11:37am lewes trousers wrote:
the proms in the park, I beleive
On 6 Aug 2007 at 1:11pm NOSEY wrote:
Bleedin noise pollution
On 6 Aug 2007 at 1:50pm Amethyst wrote:
It was an accompaniment to the 1812 Overture being played by Lewes Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band at Proms in the Paddock.
On 7 Aug 2007 at 9:11am CSBS wrote:
whinge whine whinge, NOSEY.
On 7 Aug 2007 at 10:26am Miss Deameanor wrote:
As always, it was a damn fine evening - well done CSBS!
On 7 Aug 2007 at 10:46pm ExiledfromLewes wrote:
I went to last year and it was fantastic and had a really good evening out, I'm sorry to have missed it this year. Hopefully the societies can keep up these public events.
On 8 Aug 2007 at 10:07am CSBS wrote:
Gets difficult when the Londoners start complaining as they have to be up early to get their train to work.......
This is supposed to be a nice peaceful quaint town they've moved into, not one with a soul.
On 8 Aug 2007 at 10:39am Winterbourne Wanderer wrote:
I don't suppose many 'Londoners' (generic term of abuse, it seems, for anyone with the temerity not to have lived in Lewes for the past 200 years) would be getting up for a train to work on Sunday morning. It's annoying to keep reading this simplistic black and white split between 'I love fireworks and I was born here and therefore I have a soul' and 'I am a London robot who works 9 to 5 in the city and have muscled my way in to this sweet li'l own town full of yokels'. is it really like that here? Or are there, whisper it, people born here who aren't really all that into bonfire, and outsiders who've embraced it whole-heartedly? I guess I am a but mystified by the implication, quite prevalent on this forum, that if you weren't born here you've got nothing of value to contribute to the town.
On 8 Aug 2007 at 10:47am CSBS wrote:
Sorry, maybe I was being a tad generic with my comment. If it touched a nerve, I apologise.
However, my thoughts are normally taken to such places as Brands Hatch when comments, normally and most vocally from people to have moved to the town, about noise and firework disruption are voiced. Residents surrounding Brands Hatch (and indeed other motorsport venues) are continually complaining about the noise generated at the circuit/s. These are people who have moved (proven by independant research) into an area next to an already established source of entertainment, and yes noise, and can't see the irony in their protests.
It was there before you moved to the area, why should it now change just because you didn't do your homework? There was even a case of some new arrivals in a village campaigning (and succeeding) to have the village church bells silenced for specified periods.
The world has gone mad. Surely the onus is on the new to merge with the old, not the old to be abolished by the new?
I'll climb back down from my hobby horse/ivory tower/soap box now.
On 8 Aug 2007 at 12:31pm Rookie wrote:
Just like some of the residents of Mountfield Road complaining about the football. Lewes have been playing there over 100 years. I would think a football ground is quite noticeable when viewing a new home.
On 8 Aug 2007 at 1:57pm ExiledfromLewes wrote:
Theres complaints about the dripping pan, 'I would think a football ground is quite noticeable when viewing a new home.' I would think a football ground was quite noticeable when the houses were first built.
On 8 Aug 2007 at 1:57pm Amethyst wrote:
Yes there are born and bred Lewesians who are not members of Bonfire, but they tend not to complain and enjoy the spectacle although they may complain about the amount of people entering the town on the 5th. There are also new Londoners who get fully involved, I don't mean just dressing up on the night, but joining committees and they have a lot to give. I agree that the odd rookie going off at irregular times is a little annoying but cannot be blamed on the bonfire societies, usually some spotty youth showing off. This is Lewes and we are famous for bonfire and it will continue like it or not - enjoy the free displays. If you don't like it I see they were advertising for families to move to the Orkney Isles it's quiet there!
On 8 Aug 2007 at 2:13pm Hippy wrote:
I was listening to Richard Thompson in the tent next to the football ground and he also played an impromptu version of the 1812 on the guitar. When in Rome!!!!!!!!!!!!
On 8 Aug 2007 at 9:46pm For The Record wrote:
I was talking to a council employee earlier today and they were bemused that so many complaints were received by the council over the weekend regarding the fireworks! No doubt their switchboard will be red hot before/during/after the 5th (to those who do not understand, the 5th November is celebrated feverishly in Lewes).
Before I get attacked for being a parochial local*, I'm not a Lewesian - I originate from the Dark Side (West Sussex). However I have embraced this town, it's people and it's traditions. In turn this town and it's people have made me feel most welcome and proud to call Lewes my home. It's possible that due to my out of Lewes experience I can recognise the problems that outsiders moving into the town experience, but feel that they can only blame themselves for their inadequate research of the area prior to moving to the town.
*Yes, Lewes is parochial, but that is not a criticism. I have never experienced a town with such a supportive community spirit as Lewes. It helps that Lewes is located in a fantastic location, with a wealth of history and beautiful architecture, but it is the people that are the icing on the cake - the real jewel of the town.
On 9 Aug 2007 at 9:06am Cliffe Boye wrote:
Well said, sir.
On 9 Aug 2007 at 11:29am Lewes Born and Bred wrote:
Cobblers, These firework obsessives make me sick. I've lived in lewes ALL my life and I'm fed up with them going off what seems like every weekend during the summer, most of the Autumn and the Xmas/New Year....it makes 5th Nov to be less special as we are over exposed to fireworks
On 9 Aug 2007 at 12:20pm CSBS wrote:
But it's not, is it? It isn't every weekend during the summer, it isn't most of the Autumn etc etc.
Agreed, Lewes probably has more firework ignitions per populous, but it's not a constant barrage of noise and colour. Were all the people in the Paddock last Saturday 'fireworks obsessives'? No, they were people out for a pleasant evening that included a small fireworks display.
The Newhaven Youth Marching Band make me sick, but I'm not about to start complaining about them being noisey when they practice.
Little bit of moderation and maybe some give & take requried I think.
On 9 Aug 2007 at 12:51pm LBand B wrote:
Why does everything have to end with fireworks?? Art wave is to have a firework display, and no doubt other events will.
On 9 Aug 2007 at 1:44pm Its Not Rocket Science wrote:
Its quite simple Lewes Born and Bred - people like fireworks. Just because you dont doesnt mean people who do are obsessive. As for noise, I used to live in the centre of town and from there I probably heard most of the fireworks that were let off in the town. Not a problem, and certainly nowhere near as many as you claim. Its funny though how many people enjoy the reputation and image that Lewes has, in a great part thanks to Bonfire, its history, and its huge contribution to life in the town, but are the first to complain when anyone lets off a firework ! Get a life - or some earplugs !
On 9 Aug 2007 at 3:17pm Lewes girlie born and bred wrote:
This is a never ending debate..bonfire has been going for years why oh why are people complaing as much i dont remember it ever being like this 30 odd yrs ago or in my youth..i grew up with bonfire so pehaps that makes a difference you were in the thick of it as soon as you could walk and i feel it was safer then ive only been hurt once 2yrs ago when couldnt march the only year i havent been in due some silly students from btd thinking it was funny to throw a firework into the crowd watching..its the few that spoil it for the many as us lewisians make it a safe and fun evening. I moved away from Lewes in Feb for a few months due to working in london so im now the outsider and it has surprized me how many londoners know of Lewes bonfire some slate it others praise it. Cant plz everyone so us lewisians should carry on with our tradtions for the people of Lewes who it was always for ............. I miss Lewes but am home for bonfire season you can take the girl out of Lewes but not her heart...I'll be back.........
On 9 Aug 2007 at 3:50pm Deaf Aid wrote:
Everything doesn't have to end with fireworks and it doesn't. Cliffe Independance Day? Nope. Guitar Festival? Nope. The list could go on and on.
On 9 Aug 2007 at 5:17pm The Honest truth wrote:
What about weddings? There are far more weekends in Lewes associated with fireworks from weddings than Bonfire societies.
Combine weddings with birthdays and they probably account for 40-50 weekends per annum.
I think the Bonfire societies should compete as this makes them look a bit soft!
On 9 Aug 2007 at 5:39pm Its Not Rocket Science wrote:
Yes, but who do the people getting married or having birthdays go to when they want a firework display ? - yes, the Bonfire Societies !
On 9 Aug 2007 at 6:05pm Chav wrote:
Its like moving to Kemptown, then complaining that you keep seeing blokes snogging each other. As you know, it makes me puke so I won't be renting a bedsit there. Especially a furnished one. Imagine what the mattress smells like.
On 9 Aug 2007 at 6:56pm Winterbourne Wanderer wrote:
I have it on good authority from a very gorgeous young man, Chav, that your mattress takes the biscuit when it comes to stinkiness.
Do us a favour: keep your tragic repressed homophobia to yourself. It's telling us all a lot more than you probably wish us to know about your cramped little psyche.
On 9 Aug 2007 at 8:10pm The Super K wrote:
The Chav did have a good point till he went rambling on. Lewes has fireworks (personally I don't think they are excessive) You don't like them, don't live here.
Kemp town has Man on man action, you don't like seeing it don't live there!
On 9 Aug 2007 at 8:15pm Winterbourne Wanderer wrote:
I was just marvelling at how Chav can slip his overwhelming fear of gay men into a completely unrelated topic, Super K, completely diminishing the point he was trying to make. Can we all club together to buy him a few sessions of therapy?
On 9 Aug 2007 at 8:19pm me wrote:
Chav is spot on here. It's exactly like moving to Kamptown and moaning about "Badger spotters" on dukes mound.
Winterbourne Wanderer yawn.............
But also since when were fireworks neccesary for weddings and or birthdays?
Rocket science i very much doubt the bonfire societies get involved in wedding firework displays because if they were they wouldn't sound like the fifty shot repeater that homebase sell for about £50. Just don't think it would be that profitable. could be wrong though
On 9 Aug 2007 at 10:30pm Spinster Of This Parish wrote:
Bugg*r Chav!
Let's ban weddings!
On 10 Aug 2007 at 8:47am LB&B wrote:
Fireworks are a hazard/frightening/nuisance for animals (wild and domestic). young children and the elderly. I suppose you Firework Freaks would suggest moving all these people and animals out of Lewes just so you can have your fun.
On 10 Aug 2007 at 9:16am Deaf Aid wrote:
Blimey LB&B, it's all very black and white for you, isn't it. (not a bonfire reference BTW)
Lets go through your statement. (I'm going to paraphrase a bit and also talk in terms of organised displays)
Fireworks are a hazard:
yes, they are, if used incorrectly. The people puttting on public displays are trained in their use. Ergo, the hazards/risks have been minimised.
Fireworks are frightening:
So are lots of things. The world would be a very surreal place if nobody knew what fear was. Fear is a prerequisite of human life, but by the same token, fear can be managed and also conquered.
Fireworks are a nuisance:
Define? A firework display normally lasts circa 20 minutes (again, I'm using organised displays as my examples). 20 minutes of one day is interrupted by a dazzling display of light and effects with a little bit of noise. Is that such a hardship, such a nuisance?
Local resdents (as well as Environmental Health) are normally informed in advance of the event if there are to be fireworks so there is ample time for them to manage their animals (please don't tell me all animals are terrified of fireworks, it's plainly not true), comfort their petrified little children all wrapped up in cotton wool and maybe arrange an evening out for old Aunt Mildred if she's a bit nervous of them.
I also find the term firework freak a little bit amusing, I mut say. What makes them/us a freak? Nobody has suggested evicting all the non-peckers out of Lewes just becasue they don't like fireworks (although now you mention it....) but maybe a little bit of tolerance is required? Hell, lets ban everything that might injure/scare/make us slightly uncomfortable, then we can all drag our little kids in fairy costumes and wellies around all the lovely antiques shops. Sorry, this is still the real world, things happen you might not like, but sometimes you just have to suck it up and tolerate them. A lot like Londoners......
On 10 Aug 2007 at 9:26am LB&B wrote:
Patronising ars*hole....
On 10 Aug 2007 at 10:44am Deaf Aid wrote:
Maybe, but one who has managed to counter your statements with opposing facts, whilst not resorting to name calling.
On 10 Aug 2007 at 12:09pm LB&B wrote:
The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds)
"I would like to see a severe restriction on the sale and use of fireworks at the very least. I find it strange that we have restrictions on weaponry in the UK yet fireworks are now equivalent to minor explosives in power."
Ian Peters, Wildlife Advisor
"Having worked in animal shelters for a few years, in the UK I have witnessed first hand the increase in lost pets and strays coming in during traditional firework seasons."
L. Jenkins, The Dogs Home Battersea
On 10 Aug 2007 at 2:02pm Amethyst wrote:
I was in the paddock with my family ranging from 5 to 89 who all loved it!! Also my cat likes to come outside with me on a summers evening when I am watching the fireworks at Pelham House which is very close!! (I must say that has only been about 3 times this year). It is generally the neurosis of the owner/parent that stresses pets/children out. By the way I know a senior bonfire member who is an employee of the RSPB. I think you will find that the use of fireworks at weddings/birthdays/festivals is not limited to Lewes and it happens all over the country - even the throwing of rookies by spotty youths in metropolitan areas.
If anything is unusual, strange and new it can be a bit scary - you just have to take the time to reassure and nurture and show that there really is nothing to be scared of.
If we thought about all the consequences of our actions we would not leave our houses/go to work/eat/play etc etc because somewhere along the line someone/thing suffers - thats life.
On 10 Aug 2007 at 2:11pm Deaf Aid wrote:
Thnk you LB&B, a reasonable response.
However, I have to say I have never denied the fact that some animals can be adversely affected by the misuse of fireworks (as lets be honest, it is the misuse that has the greater effect).
We do have restrictions on fireworks. The public are restricted as to what they can buy, now more so than ever, and that is a good thing, but to ban them as a completely knee jerk reaction would be plain madness as you would then drive such activites underground which would negate any positive effects controls would have.
It does seem to be a peculiarity of this country though, i have to say, with regards to such extremes of attitudes towards fireworks. It appears much more relaxed on the continent with no perceived detrimental effects on civilisation.
As Amethyst says, that's life.
On 10 Aug 2007 at 2:47pm The Honest Truth wrote:
It's all about exposure.
Maybe we should have fireworks more frequently and thus desensitise the sensitive.
Interestingly, none of the animals and small children I observed in Valencia during the non stop 5 day firework extravaganza. showed any signs of distress (or hearing loss) and I suspect their exposure to fireworks was the key to their relaxed attitudes.
On 10 Aug 2007 at 3:22pm Animal Mad wrote:
People in Spain/Italy don't give a monkey's about animal welfare.....bull runs, bull fighting to name but a few disgusting practices,....... chucking goat out of towers, shooting migrating birds etc
and so they don't care either about fireworks..
On 10 Aug 2007 at 4:50pm The Honest Truth wrote:
Many European cultures treasure their pets and would be offended by the above comments.
In fact, I would go as far as to state that many European cultures probably care for and treat their pets better than we do in the UK. I suspect that the UK is one of the worst offenders in the Western world when it comes to abuse and neglect (of animals and humans).
On 10 Aug 2007 at 10:47pm Spinster Of This Parish wrote:
My pooch hates fireworks, but as a responsible dog owner I ensure that my pooch is booked into kennels over the 5th each year.
Animal Mad - my pooch hates thunder storms too (as do many animals) - does that mean that higher powers don't care about the welfare of animals (as well as the Spaniards and Italians)?
On 13 Aug 2007 at 7:09pm Northern Bigot wrote:
More chance of peoples pussies and pooches ending up as part of the £5.95? "buffet" at a Chinese restaurant near you, than them coming into contact with a firework!
On 15 Aug 2007 at 10:19pm Spinster Of This Parish wrote:
Maybe that is the "International Menu" that Dancer refers to in his comments regarding his proposed nightclub in Lewes! (Sorry Dancer - couldn't resist)
On 18 Aug 2007 at 4:57pm Thats me in the corner wrote:
The Sussex Express reports (yesterday) -
"Fireworks and bangers will be banned from being thrown or dropped during this year's Lewes bonfire night processions.
Police have announced a crackdown and anyone who breaks the rules faces an on-the-spot fine or arrest.
The officer in charge of policing on November 5 said fireworks had become much more powerful and the changes had to be made to keep the public safe.
Supt Cliff Parrott said: 'In the past we have tolerated fireworks within the procession but in the last two years the legislation has changed and it is no longer legal to discharge a firework in a public place.
'In the past two years the general feeling is a lot more fireworks and bangers have been set off during the procession, and also the fireworks have been louder and more powerful.
'This was especially true last year, and this was the belief of the police, the public and some of the societies themselves.
'I think it's a wonderful tradition, the procession will be as good this year and more of the public will enjoy it because it won't be so frightening.' "
On 20 Aug 2007 at 10:43am Lewes born and bred wrote:
Excellent news.....
On 20 Aug 2007 at 11:21am Matt wrote:
1stly let me adderss the issues raised earlier about outsiders moving to lewes and disliking the noise and disruption of our displays and tradition.
From a legal standpoint. If you should move into a property where an outstanding annoyance or disruption exists (for example, moving next door to an operating factory) then you have no legal rights to press charges for nuisance.
Thus what was said earlier (although in a ratehr brash manner) of if you don't like it, don't come here. Can be said to be supported by society in a sense.
Personally I think we can all have a bit of tolerance for one another and allow others the fun a freedom they deserve (and we see slowly diminishing in this country). So long as it is not a persistant disturbance, it doesn't seem unreasonable.
Then theres the arguments behind upholding tradition, which I feel fairly strongly about. Espeically considering the over legislating and 'nannying' direction of law and order in this country currently.
My real nag right now isn't goign to come happily to those opposed to the fireworks and general noise level of November the 5th and surrounding days.
I'm particularly dissapointed to have heard the recent news regarding discharging firewroks DURING THE PROCESSION on bonfire night.
Yes I march for a society, my opinion is my own and none others. I also have aright to it.
I love bonfire, the noise, the spirit, the history and the power of the tradition. On the night so sacred to us as novermber 5th, the societies co-operate with everyone to help run a safe, and excitign event for locals and (the increasing amount) of 'out of towners'. I'm deeply sadend to see the police hoping to make arrests for what has become a well mannered existance in our procession.
Yes the fireworks have got more powerfull, but that is for the proper authorities to look into the legalities and availability of agricultural explosives, which are the bulk of 'bangers' used on the day.
We are responssible with our fireworks, and those who arn't are quickly reminded of our responsibilities by the marshalls, who are largely to thank for the safety and smooth running of the night.
With regard to the police officer's comment on a change in legislation, this seems warped somewhat. It has NEVER been legal to discharge fireworks in the streets, the ammendments made to the legislation 2years ago didn't change this, and they certainly didn't introduce this.
Lastly, bonfire is our day. The people of lewes have a right to uphold the tradition and history that has taken place on it's streets for the past 150 years. I hope we can work with the authorities to keep the safety standards and enjoyment of the event at their maximum, rahter than arrest law abiding citizens for one night of fun.
I know for one, I'll be trying tomake more noise than ever this year. I give my heartfelt condolances to those who are upset by this, but please, let me have my fun for one night.
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