Sorry, I seem to have done something silly, and can't remember where the message quoting advice is. The chat system has snipped my reply and repeated the original post. :-( I thought I was quoting correctly (i.e. reply after the OP). Anyway, here is my reply again, without the quote: I enjoy a really good display, but I'd go as far as to ban the private sale of fireworks completely. If someone suggested *starting* to sell dangerous explosives to the public, there would be an outcry. Most of the people who buy them probably have no idea of the origin of bonfire night anyway, and in my view the continuing celebration of the thwarting of a Catholic plot to blow up Parliament and the King is plain silly (and yes I do realise I would either be out of a job or be celibate if they had succeeded, but that's not the point!). As this year is exactly 400 years since it happened, let's make this the last one, go out with a bang ;-) and lay it to rest for ever. If we must make lots of noise about something, at least let's use a bit of imagination and celebrate something a bit more relevant to our lives. I-would-say-this-wouldn't-I, but I think fireworks at Christmas or Easter would make more sense, or perhaps a more recent national deliverance, like Trafalgar Day, or VE Day? Grace and peace, David. -- Rev David Chamberlin Rector of Milton, Diocese of Ely The Rectory, Church Lane, Milton, Cambridge, CB4 6AB t: 01223 861511 :: m: 07761 630775 www.revdc.net :: www.allsaintsmilton.org.uk