Smokey Skies, Ghouls and Ghosts

On Wednesday, it will be Halloween….. that spooky, dark, scary night with ghouls, ghosts and vampires all around us.

Pumpkins seem to pop up all over the place.   They have been transformed into incredible carvings with candles flickering inside these gourd-like fruits with ghoulish faces illuminating the dark night air.

I have had so much practice I have to say I am quite skilled when it comes to carving pumpkins and have been busy creating the pattern I want to use – a real original by yours truly! 

I usually treat myself to a new costume to go trick-or-treating but this year I decided to adapt one that I already have – it will be my very own recycled creation.  I may even patent the idea you never know – where it could lead to.  I was thinking of something along the lines of hidden pockets that would have these buttons you press and out pops an enormous spider or even a bat coming out of my hat.  Well there is supposed to be a trick there after all!!

Of course, children adore Halloween and it seems to be getting more and more popular in the UK , whereas in the USA it has been an enormous success for years.

Although Halloween is a fun time for children and adults, we must remember that there are many elderly and vulnerable people within our community who do not want tricks played on them with eggs and flour splattered on their doors or people scaring them.

It’s a sad fact that many thieves will prey on the vulnerability and trusting nature of some of our elderly neighbours at this time of year.  At the very least this kind of behavior is completely and utterly anti-social.

Let’s keep Halloween for the youngsters and keep the elderly and vulnerable at a wide berth.

This weekend we have Guy Fawkes….. ‘Remember, remember the 5th of November’ as the saying goes!

After attending Cassiobury’s Firework display last year where I had so much fun, I have decided to go again this Saturday, 3rd November.   The event is hosted by Vibe 107.6 FM.  The stage entertainment starts at 6.00pm with the main firework display starting at 7.30pm.

One thing is certain, I always prefer attending an organised event, rather than lighting fireworks in the garden.  Accidents can happen so quickly. There is something really special about a firework display, it takes on an aura of the unknown with a hazy, smokey atmosphere and the aroma of bonfires burning.

Excited children holding their sparklers in the air, excitedly making patterns that hold their shape for seconds and then disappear into the cold night air.

To keep warm, well that is my excuse you just have to have – oh dear I need to make another decision is it a jacket potato, tomato soup, toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate or even toffee apples??  I love them all!!

Let’s not forget our furry friends at this time of the year, with so much noise, it’s much better to keep them safely indoors in the warm.  It may even be necessary to keep them inside for several days as fireworks often take place on several dates either side of November 5th.

Please remember that safety is paramount when it comes to fireworks – the idea is to have a fantastic time, but keep safe!!

To find out more information on this or anything else happening at the Trust, please contact me on trusty.house@wcht.org.uk.

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