Mums and dads will remember when local children would collect wood for their own bonfire and stack it on spare land weeks in advance of the event.
They would make a den inside and post a guard in case the gang from the next street came raiding to steal their chumping.
Times have changed.
Bonfires and firework displays are now organised on a grand scale.
They may be safer but I have fond memories of when neighbours joined in to provide parkin, toffee apples, pie and peas and potatoes baked in the embers of the fire that were invariably eaten half raw.
Bonfire night is tomorrow, although I suspect most organised events will be held at the weekend.
We’ve had a small bonfire party in the back garden with non-banging fireworks: a pretty display with no loud noises.
Everybody is entitled to fun but just a reminder to have a thought for pets: cats and dogs can get freaked by explosions.
Save the big bangs for wide open spaces rather than back gardens. And be safe.
