Tag: Guy Fawkes Night

How to stop your plans for November 5 going up in smoke

Guy Fawkes Night will be different this year, but it can still be fun. And what better opportunity to teach your children about the origins of the celebration? Former primary school teacher Catherine Lynch of education resource experts Plan Bee tells you how…

It is likely that most larger bonfire night events won’t be able to go ahead this year.The rule against social gatherings of more than six and added restrictions in parts of the UK mean that garden fireworks parties are also set to be smaller. A family-only event may be low key, but if you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space you can still have a great evening.

A couple of packets of sparklers, delicious jacket potatoes and toasted marshmallows to eat, will lift the spirits of youngsters and adults alike.

And this year is a great opportunity to make sure that your children know what this annual celebration is all about.

When and why

Bonfire Night takes place on 5th November. On this night in 1605, Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators attempted—and failed—to blow up the Houses of Parliament.   

Who?

Guy Fawkes, also known as Guido Fawkes, lived in an era when Britain was riven by terrible religious intolerance and violence between Protestants and Catholics.

The Gunpowder Plot

It was planned that Fawkes would light the fuse, get across the Thames and then escape to Europe. However, news of the plot was leaked. On 5 November 1605, Fawkes was discovered underneath the Houses of Parliament guarding the gunpowder. He was arrested and tortured. 

On 27 January, Fawkes and eight of the plotters stood trial. The jury found them all guilty and the men were killed on 31 January 1606. 

For years, the failed Gunpowder Plot was marked by bonfires, special sermons and public events like the ringing of church bells. Over time, Bonfire Night has become the more commercial celebration we have today that includes firework displays, funfairs and hot food like jacket potatoes.

Five fun Bonfire Night facts:

1.          Guy Fawkes was born on 13th April 1570. He died on 31st January 1606.

2.          Guy Fawkes was Catholic. He didn’t think a Protestant monarch should rule Britain..

3.          There were 13 members of the Gunpowder Plot: Robert Catesby, Thomas Wintour, Robert Wintour, John Wright, Christopher Wright, Thomas Percy, Guy Fawkes, Robert Keyes, Thomas Bates, John Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, Sir Everad Digby and Francis Tresham.

4.          Fawkes was found with 36 barrels of gunpowder. There was enough gunpowder to reduce the Houses of Parliament to rubble.

   5.    An Act of Parliament named 5 November as a day of thanksgiving for the “joyful day of deliverance”. This act was in force until 1859.

Click here for FREE Bonfire Night resources for primary school-aged children.

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NHS 24 urges the public to stay safe this Bonfire night

On the 5th of November, celebrations and fireworks displays will take place across Scotland and Dr Laura Ryan, Medical Director at NHS 24, is asking members of the public to put safety first. Continue reading NHS 24 urges the public to stay safe this Bonfire night

North Edinburgh dispersal zone set for fireworks period

Four dispersal zones are being set up in Edinburgh to combat anti-social behaviour and disorder over the Bonfire weekend. Continue reading North Edinburgh dispersal zone set for fireworks period

Bonfire Night safety plea

Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham has urged people across Scotland to enjoy organised fireworks safely and responsibly this November 5th, stressing that anyone who puts lives in danger faces robust action.

The call follows a number of incidents last year where Police Scotland officers and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crew members were injured by projectile fireworks.

The Scottish Government has been working in partnership with Police Scotland, the SFRS and the two HM Inspectorates to ensure that services are well prepared for this year’s celebrations and can respond robustly to any anti-social behaviour.

Ms Denham was in North Edinburgh this morning to discuss on-going preparations with local community partnership members who have been working to promote the safe and responsible use of fireworks.

Ms Denham also met police officers and fire crew staff who have previously experienced unacceptable abuse on or around Bonfire Night.

Speaking after the visit to Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, Ms Denham (above) said: “Bonfire Night is an opportunity for local communities to come together and for families to enjoy fireworks responsibly and I would encourage people to attend officially organised displays where fireworks are controlled in a safe environment. 

“The safety of the public is paramount and we need to ensure a selfish minority do not spoil the celebrations for others. The use of fireworks as a means of inflicting injury on individuals, including members of our emergency services, is completely unacceptable and illegal. Robust action will be taken against anyone who puts lives at risk.

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to hear first-hand from officers and firefighters about their experiences of dealing with abuse and anti-social behaviour on what is one of the busiest nights of the year for our blue-light services. I would urge members of the public to report any criminal or anti-social behaviour to Police Scotland or their local council, or otherwise through Crimestoppers or their neighbourhood watch.”

Lewis Ramsay, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Response and Resilience, said: “These firefighters are your father, mother, brother or sister – someone’s family. It is beggars belief when I hear that they have either been physically assaulted or verbally abused when trying to assist their communities.

“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues including the police when they have to escort us at the scene.

“But be left in absolutely no doubt that it is often down to a very small minority of individuals within those communities. In the run-up to bonfire night I would ask communities to watch our social media channels and website as we launch our #DoNotAttackMe campaign – this will shine a spotlight on the impact these attacks can have on our people behind the uniform, and our response to emergencies.

“Once again, violence against our crews will not be tolerated – our firefighters absolutely do not deserve to be met with such behaviour.”

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Anderson, Police Scotland, said: “For the vast majority of people, last year’s Bonfire Night was either spent at home, or enjoying an appropriately organised fireworks display.  However, a small group of individuals were responsible for localised incidents of disorder, which included the targetting of emergency services personnel.  Such behaviour is unacceptable. 

“To assist our divisions, a range of specialist resources will be at their disposal to deal with any incidents which arise and officers across the country are continuing to liaise with relevant partners.  We are working with our communities and we want people to enjoy themselves over this period but we will take positive action against anyone participating in disorder and antisocial behaviour.”

 The Scottish Government has been working with Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, as well as the related Inspectorates HMICS and HMFSI, to review any change in trends and any further work that can be progressed to address antisocial behaviour on Bonfire Night.

This review is available online – Bonfire Night 2017: briefing paper

Bonfire Night safety advice is available on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.

Bonfire night in Scotland – 9 quick tips from Police Scotland.

 

 

Attacks on firefighters blight Guy Fawkes celebrations

Scotland was once again marred by a number of attacks on firefighters in various locations across the country last night. Crews were faced with missiles and fireworks being thrown at them on a reported 11 occasions as they worked tirelessly to keep people safe on Bonfire Night.

Continue reading Attacks on firefighters blight Guy Fawkes celebrations

Fire chief condemns attacks on firefighters

Attacks on firefighters who are working hard to protect communities during Bonfire season will not be tolerated, says a top fire chief. Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Lewis Ramsay hit out after crews were last year targeted by missiles and fireworks in the course of their duties. Continue reading Fire chief condemns attacks on firefighters

Madness: fire crews attacked while protecting communities

Wet weather plays a part in ‘quieter than usual’ 5 November

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People who chose to attend organized Bonfire Night events helped to protect their communities by ensuring firefighters were able to quickly get to real emergencies on Guy Fawkes Night. No major incidents were reported in Edinburgh, but sadly crews in Larbert, Govanhill and New Cumnock were threatened and attacked while trying to keep the public safe. Continue reading Madness: fire crews attacked while protecting communities

Help protect your community from bonfire tragedy

Choosing to attend only organised displays is the best way to keep yourself, your family and your community safe. Continue reading Help protect your community from bonfire tragedy