Guy Fawkes. Remember the 5th of November
Posted in: DOC>Anglais, Nouvelles du Cercle/ Newsletter, By: admin, At: novembre 9th, 2008
L’an dernier, le cercle avait célébré la bonfire night chez Martine, et cette année j’ai demandé à nos amis anglais de Cleveon de nous écrire ce que représentait pour eux le 5 novembre. Pour plus d’informations sur Guy Fawkes et la Bonfire Night reportez vous aux articles de l’an dernier sur ce même blog en cliquant sur le Tag Guy Fawkes dans la colonne de droite.
Voici les réponses que j’ai reçues de Malcolm, Karen et Janet:
Dear Friends,
Janet told me you wanted a piece on November 5th, which we call ’Guy Fawkes Night’ in memory of the attempt by conspirators to blow up King James I and Parliament. He was caught ‘red-handed’ by the Yeomen of the Guard who even today carry out a search in their colourful Tudor/Stuart costumes every night. I will not tell you of the torture Guy Fawkes endured to make him reveal the names of his fellow conspirators, but his confession signature was barely recognisable.
When I was a boy, soon after the War, everyone bought their own fireworks and let them off around their own fires or those of neighbours.
There were many accidents, however, and gradually individual bonfires and firework shows have gradually been replaced by large bonfires arranged by organisations, with fireworks being let off by professionals, who can provide a far more spectacular display.
Malcolm
Clevedon, le 14 octobre 2008
Chers amis d’Epernay
J’écris de la part de Janet qui prend ses vacances à Venise cette semaine.
Merci pour votre lettre par e-mail, Je l’ai lue à notre groupe de conversation vendredi dernier. Chacun d’entre nous a trouvé votre histoire du 5 novembre très amusante.
Je continue en anglais:-
In response to your request we discussed the way in which we celebrate November 5th and personal memories of this annual event.
The build up to Guy Fawkes or Bonfire night seems to start earlier and earlier each year as the sky is lit up most evenings with fireworks for the best part of a fortnight.
Lots of families choose to celebrate in their own back garden around a bonfire with a guy on top made by the children. A mug of hot soup soon warms cold hands with hot dogs to eat and sparklers for everyone.
However many people prefer an organised display. Here in Clevedon we are treated to an amazing show on Dial Hill. (A large open space normally used for playing cricket). This is put on by the ‘Clevedon Lions’ a charitable organisation working in the community.
From time to time the Pier is ablaze with colour as people line the route to watch a spectacular display over the sea.
So as you can see we have a lot of fun celebrating November 5th. Of course occasionally things don’t always go to plan.
Several years ago the people of Clevedon met on Dial Hill to enjoy the evening with a huge Bonfire and firework show put to music. This annual event always attracts a large crowd. The anticipation was extreme as we all looked skywards, Handels firework music began and the signal to light the fuse was given.
However as you know Clevedon is a seaside town and from nowhere a heavy mist suddenly descended across the area covering everything with a dense fog. We couldn’t even see our hands in front of our faces! Imagine the disappointment as we heard every firework exploding high above us but absolutely no sign of this spectacle as every single one disappeared into the mist.
More recently the town had a shock as we witnessed an early display. ‘ Firemagic’ a local firework factory situated on the outskirts of Clevedon tragically caught fire. I think the whole of Clevedon was woken up that night. Fortunately there were no serious casualties.
So here we are in the middle of October and preparations for this years events are well under way.
In schools and on television children are warned of the dangers involved, with health and safety being paramount. We also have to think about those who do not enjoy the celebrations, for example the elderly and many of our pets.
Our house becomes a mini Zoo as guinea pigs, rabbits and tortoises move in for a few days! and I believe Janets dog Jess spends a lot of time hiding under a duvet with Jan reassuring her.
So there we are, I hope that gives you an insight into some of the highs and lows of this traditionally British celebration. It certainly looks to be firmly fixed on our calendars as every year the fireworks get bigger, brighter and louder than ever.
Sending our best wishes to you all
Karen and the Friday conversation group.
