As we say hello to November, the final month of autumn.
What does November bring to us?
- Bonfire Night
On 5 November 1605, the infamous Gunpowder Plot took place in which some Catholics plotted to blow up the English Parliament and King James l, on the day set for the king to open Parliament. The men were angry because the king had treated them badly and they didn't like it. The story is remembered each 5th November when 'Guys' are burned in a celebration known as "Bonfire Night".
- Diwali
Diwali is the Hindu "festival of lights" which celebrates the New Year. Diwali is one of the most popular Indian festivals.
- Armistice Day
At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the Allies and the Central Powers ended WWI with the signing of an armistice agreement. People remember the millions of soldiers who died in the two World Wars and in other wars by wearing a poppy and taking part in a two minutes silence at 11am.
- Thanksgiving
America celebrates Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a harvest festival that dates back to 1621, the year after Pilgrims from England arrived in Massachusetts.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you…
THINK SAFE. WORK SAFE. HOME SAFE.
With Bonfire Night / weekend nearly upon us, below are some useful tips from the Fire Service to help keep you and your loved ones safe:
- Keep bonfires small and manageable and build them away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and bushes
- Never use flammable liquids – paraffin or petrol – to light the fire
- Keep everyone away from the fire – especially children – and keep pets indoors
- Avoid drinking alcohol whilst in charge of a bonfire or fireworks
- In case of an emergency, keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready
- Make sure your fireworks conform to British Standards BS 7114, EN 14035 or EN 15947
- Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time
- Light the firework at arm’s length using a taper or fuse wick and stand well back – never return to a firework once it has been lit
- You cannot buy fireworks under the age of 18
- You can be fined or imprisoned for buying or using fireworks illegally
- Only children over the age of five are allowed to use sparklers and should be supervised by an adult at all times