Ross Lions Firework Display, the annual organized firework event, took place in the grounds of the Chase Hotel on Saturday, 8 November this year and proved to be as spectacular as always with the bonfire being lit at 7 o'clock by the torches of the cubs and scouts. Strangely, taking photographs meant that, although I was there I didn't really 'see' the fireworks myself as I was busy concentrating on the camera and trying to 'get it right', but judging by the bangs, flashes and frightened young children crying plus the tempting smell of hot dogs and hamburgers, the display was enjoyed in the usual tradition by thousands of families in Ross-on-Wye.

As a child, I remember 'firework night' in the United Kingdom being November 5th with a few sporadic flashes and bangs (some caused by myself I have to confess) just a few days either side of this date. Nowadays, 'firework year' seems to begin on January 1st and end on December 31st with the odd 'silent night' in between. Wouldn't it be nice if the Ross Lions Firework Display and others around the country, along with perhaps welcoming in the New Year were to remain special events, and if Aunt Mable's Birthday or the anniversary of the passing of the goldfish were to be celebrated in the more traditional fashion of quaffing mead and feasting on wild bore, rather that half a dozen earth shaking explosions!