To believe that fireworks shouldn’t be available to the general public?

[FatNoMorePat]

Fireworks at this time of night!!!

I’m partial to a sparkler don’t get me wrong, but I just don’t agree with fireworks being readily available for joe public. Particularly when people let them off after 11pm!

I’m not saying get rid of them all together but make it stricter so they’re only let off in safe environments by people who’ve had adequate training who then clean everything up and it’s all done and dusted before 11pm.

Am I getting old??

Fireworks and bonfire parties are one of the enduring happiest memories of my childhood. My mother let me and my friends set off all the fireworks, collect the wood for the bonfire, and light it. We camped in the garden overnight in a tent.

Like dozens of other things you can readily buy in a supermarket they are dangerous if you ignore the printed instructions.

Don't ignore the printed instructions and they're not dangerous at all.

HelenaDove why would you be pretty sure that fireworks don't remind the elderly (of course not all!!) of the war? Or younger people of war either although I realise you didn't mention them.

A lot of people don't understand the affect fireworks have on animals, I've currently got a terrified dog, cowering and shaking in the corner, trying to escape but she has no idea where she wants to escape too. And this is her on tablets to try and calm her. It's horrendous.

The Dogs trust did a survey and found nearly 40 % of dogs and cats are stressed out by fireworks. Horses, livestock, pet rabbits. It's the worst night of the year.

Me to gingerlover. My 2 year old lab/shepherd rescue is currently shaking behind the sofa.

It really sickens me all that money going up in smoke in minutes whilst there are people and animals living on the streets.

I can never remember a time when people complained about fireworks tbh, until recently that is.
I wonder what's changed recently, that people are complaining.

What's changed is than the period of letting them off became longer.
Add Diwali to that, and it can a very protracted period of fireworks.

Sounds like I'm in a bloody war zone, even has me jumping out of my skin. I live in a (usually) quiet/extremely dull cul-de-sac where the detached houses aren't spaced that close to one another but It appears everyone is setting off fireworks. Odd considering how many of our neighbours are retired.

I imagine fireworks remind a lot of people of war, the Elderly, Military personnel who have served, immigrants who've come here from war torn countries, so many suffer from PTSD, you'd be surprised at how loud, sudden noises can affect them.

My brother was a Vietnam vet, lived in Mississippi when Katrina hit, he had a full blown psychotic episode because the helicopters flying up and down the coast sent him off. He never recovered and sadly committed suicide 8 years later

tinstar

Not sure if it will help but Classic FM are playing soothing music especially for pets between 7-9pm ,,here is the link

www.classicfm.com/radio/schedule/

"HelenaDove why would you be pretty sure that fireworks don't remind the elderly (of course not all!!) of the war? Or younger people of war either although I realise you didn't mention them"

I never said any of this. Why are you gaslighting.

I DONT AGREE WITH FIREWORKS BEING SOLD TO THE PUBLIC AS MY PREVIOUS POSTING ON THIS VERY THREAD HAS SHOWN.

WTF do you think i said that its hypocritical to wear poppies while dismissing how frightened vetarens from all wars will be by fireworks.

i was quoting another poster.

and then put my remark about poppies underneath.

Ginger - that's very kind of you! We've currently got Strictly on VERY loud to try and drown out the bangs (which will no doubt go on until past midnight 🙄)

This is shocking and very upsetting this horror stories, the suicide ..how dreadful. But the problem is lack of good rehabilitation. I think it was like for every 40 lost to war, 80 will commit suicide after. There are many and varied things that can set off an episode, standing too close behind someone with PTSD would be one.

I will not stop supporting the poppy appeal because I like fireworks.
I'm not understanding why its surprising that retires ppl like having fireworks? Odd? There's also the possibility they are DGPs and indulging DGC and all having a great family time

I am not gaslighting. The first line of your last post was and I am pretty sure that elderly people do not find it reminds them of the war.

If that was from a post previous to yours then I apologise but as it wasn't bolded or made otherwise clear I believed those to be your words. The poppy comment made no sense to me after that opening sentence.

Just seen your next post as I was posting above; please accept my apologies, it was a genuine misinterpretation.

tinstar Yesterday has an "80s TOTP2 on.

@RomanyRoots

I can never remember a time when people complained about fireworks tbh, until recently that is.
I wonder what's changed recently, that people are complaining.

I can understand some animals are bothered and for some people with asd it can bother them, but neither are these things new concepts.

I agree with this, something has changed over the past 5 -10 years or so, or maybe a few things.
I definitely think the fireworks are louder than they used to be, and I think that's an issue definitely.
I think there has also been an increase in anti social behaviour in general, or maybe the level of anti social behaviour is the same but the type is worse? As kids we drank in parks as teens and walked around after the 'youfy disco' but were all home by 11 and we were terrified of the police catching us, and our parents (though I'm pretty sure they knew!)
I get the bus to work on nights and at one particular stop there are kids running on and off the bus, throwing things at the driver, hanging off the side...... And nothing seems to be done about it. He can't just drive past because there's people actually waiting for that bus. I'm getting a lift tonight and so glad because I've seen on FB that fireworks are being thrown at the buses now.
We just wouldn't have done that, and anyone in our group who suggested it would have been left out pretty quickly.

I think that a lot of 'adults' are buying these for their teens, to be honest, knowing fine well how they'll be used and they don't care because they did and do the same, and think it's funny. Knowing fine well that the police don't have the resources or the backup to do anything about it.

No worries @DeadCertain

our neighbour is currently letting off huge rockets This is a housing estate all made up of flats and car parks so im a bit anxious. Sorry for overreacting

I can never remember a time when people complained about fireworks tbh, until recently that is.
I wonder what's changed recently, that people are complaining.

When I was a child people ONLY set fireworks off on 5 November. Not for a week either side or at other times in the year. And then the only fireworks available to buy were low level - sparklers, Catherine wheels, Roman candles etc. Sounds like WW3 outside at the moment.

Fireworks were only on 5 November when I was a child and that made that one night really special and exciting.

i remember there always used to be a couple of fireworks in the box that wouldnt go off There was always a couple of duds.

There used to be a public information film "never return to a firework once lit"

and my dad always used to transfer the fireworks from the box to a Rover biscuit tin after he bought them.

@Shitlandpony if you don’t mind me saying you could potentially get help with your water bill if you get your GP to write a letter explaining how the water soothes her. Give your water board a call and see if there’s a scheme you’re eligible for.

@Gingerlover2 I’m so sorry to hear about your brother

I agree with everyone saying that the fireworks on sale are COMPLETELY different to the ones we grew up with and it seems to be every night from September to January. I’m glad I’m not the only spoilsport

YANBU. I've been walking my dog in the afternoon rather than in the evening over the last two weeks and even then idiots have been letting them off at 2pm.

My dog's currently shaking and panting behind the sofa cushion. Apart from vet prescribed medication we've tried everything to no avail so I think that's going to be the next step. He's getting more terrified as he's getting older.

MadisonAvenue

Exactly the same, as are my sisters/sisterinlaws/friends dogs, we are all in the same boat, playing classical FM and chatting on FB

FatNoMorePat

Thank you, it was 5 years ago on the 10th of November, very tragic situation

What's different about Bonfire Night?

I'd say how readily available and easy they are to buy. Years ago everyone went to the local event and had a banger and some soup, and twirled a couple of Sparklers around. It was for ONE night. Now it begins mid October and will keep going for at least another week while the shops sell off their unsold fireworks in the sale. l just don't think they should be so easy to get hold of considering the problems they cause.

Call me a misery all you want but if you could see the state of my usually happy go lucky dog, maybe you'd understand.

YANBU, also slightly off topic but when did bonfire night stop being about an actual bonfire? it seems to just be fireworks night. I know bonfires can be tricky if you don't check for hedgehogs but there seem to be hardly any of them now.

I'm currently feeding BF DD. DH is out looking for the cat. He went out early afternoon and the plan was to keep him in once he got back. However he hasn't come back and is now most likely shitting it in fear in a bush or under a car as he's terrified.

Every time we thought it had quieted down we opened the door to call him, another fucking one set off. It's just ramped up in the last half hour. There's no bloody need.