Bonfire Night in Penistone

Our Bonfire Night Tradition
"Remember, remember, the fifth of November; gunpowder, treason and plot." - so the saying goes, referring to a plot to destroy parliament and all within it, with more than thirty barrels of gunpowder. Bonfire Night is a strong English tradition and some people have called it "Our five-eleven", referring to the date of the foiling of the plot, 5/11/1605. The 400th Anniversary of Guy Fawkes' plot was in 2005. The word 'bonfire' comes from bone fire.

Every 5th November (or Saturday closest to it), skies throughout the UK come alive with smoke from roaring fires, flashes of firework displays and loud crackles and bangs. At home, people hold small firework parties with neighbours and friends. They eat hot jacket potatoes with butter, toffee apples and (in Yorkshire) Parkin, which is a cake made of treacle and oats. And, in Penistone, we always have a great fire and fireworks display. An effigy of Guy Fawkes is traditionally burnt on top of the bonfire. For some reason there were several effigies in 2005 but I don't know if they were all Guy Fawkes or old scores were being settled.

The 2007 bonfire was lit at exactly 6.45pm. It did not appear to have a Guy Fawkes but the fireworks display went on for over twenty continuous minutes to make up for it. A loud cheer and applause greeted its finish. I wondered if a loud and colourful firework ought to signify the fire-lighting as a kind of call to attention. Just an idea.

In these safety-conscious (compensation culture) days, there are far fewer garden bonfires and Guy's effigy is seen less often. Bonfires are now usually organised by the grown-ups as garden bonfires are not liked by the power-hungry authorities, who want to legislate on everything that is fun. Catherine wheels and jumping jacks were banned many years ago and kids don't drop lit bangers in dustbins any more.

'Penny for the Guy?' was the old demand from groups of young kids, usually pushing a Guy Fawkes effigy (in grandad's coat) in an old pram. They raised a few pennies for fireworks and sweets. Hallowe'en has now crossed the pond and obliterated our old custom, probably because the dates are close together and parents buy the fireworks now. We always had bundles of bangers in our pockets in those times but it is now illegal for anyone under 18 to buy fireworks in the UK.

Why Have Bonfire Night?
It sounds naff to call it Fireworks Night, as that ignores the old bonfire tradition. All my mates had bonfires in their gardens when we were kids and young lads often formed raidingparties to nick wood from other fires being built. Sometimes they would have to post a guard overnight, if it was a good one.

Here's my spin on the history. Guido 'Guy' Fawkes was a famous Yorkshireman who reached breaking point over the serious oppression of Roman Catholics. He plotted with friends to blow up and devastate parliament when the king and other oppressors would be in session. But as they developed the plot, more people had to be let in on the secret.

News leaked out and the authorities heard about it through a warning letter, throwing them into a state of utter panic. After a thorough search, Guy was arrested as he guarded the cellar with the gunpowder barrels. He stayed at his post to the end, in spite of warnings that arrest was imminent.

The plan became common knowledge. Arrested and, with expected torture, he was resigned to his fate. Tortured on the rack, he refused to name the others until it was clear that they were already discovered. Remaining conspirators were rounded up and Guy was hung after about three weeks of torture. Their heads were then put on poles as a warning to the people. Ah, the good old days.

So our annual bonfire ceremony commemorates the rescuing of parliament from what would now be called a terrorist attack by religious extremists. It has certainly stood the test of time. The original burned effigy was that of the Pope! An account of the Gunpowder Plot was in 'Famous Yorkshiremen' in Penistone Library but it was an old book and might have been removed in the 2007 refurb.

Bonfire Night in Penistone
Penistone always has a big bonfire on the showground, these days organised by the Round Table society and overseen by local firemen. It is the one day a year when they can get away with a bit of fire-raising. Their torches are very dim and I usually stand in the crowd with a bright one to help them find their matches.

There is always a good turnout on what is often a bitterly cold night in an exposed field. Traditional parkin (treacle oatcake), treacle toffee and other refreshments are usually available. Elsewhere, traders sell coloured lights and luminous necklaces for the nippers. In 2005, a disc jockey was belting out very appropriate music through the tannoy. 'War of the Worlds' was a hoot, as the low cloud reflected coloured flashes from many miles distant, just like an invasion of extra-terrestrials. 'Fire Raiser' was another good one.

Penistone always has a good fireworks display, which must cost a fortune. The crowd 'oooh' and 'aaaah' at the fireworks but it soon becomes self-parody and dissolves into giggles. Small children weave patterns and words with sparklers and coloured LED widgets. Gunpowder smells, distant fireworks and other bonfires add to the atmosphere. It must be thrilling to fly over the UK on Bonfire Night.