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Rural living

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Bonfire etiquette!

3 replies

Firebrickblue · 16/10/2023 13:48

Hi, just wondering what other people consider to be normal etiquette when neighbours have a bonfire? I live very rurally and have done all my life and would always warn neighbours if w we’re going to have a bonfire so they can shut windows etc.

Our new neighbours have just moved from London and seem to have a lot of bonfires. I suppose in London you can’t warn everyone so you just get on with it?! Anyway they are regularly having one when my washing is out. This morning I’m quite frustrated as it’s really smoky and the washing is ruined. I can’t keep on top of my washing as it is! We have small kids and use reusable nappies so there is always so much washing to do.

i don’t know whether it’s reasonable to say something? I find the man quite intimidating in fact he once was quite patronising when I asked how long he was going to block the road when he had a sofa delivered and scoffed’ this is the countryside you need to be patient’ which given that I’ve always lived here and he hasn’t seemed quite cheeky! Anyway what would you do?

Thank you

OP posts:
Speckson · 17/10/2023 02:06

I think it's perfectly reasonable to say something - or if you don't want to I suppose you could plan to do the washing when the wind is predicted to blow their smoke away from you?
Do people where you live refer to Londoners that move in as DFLs ("Down from London"), as we do here? There are loads of holiday homes where I live and some of the weekenders seem to regard the locals as uneducated peasants.

Katherineryan1986 · 05/11/2023 20:22

Let them know that on several occasions your washing has had to be redone due to smoke from their bonfire and ask them if they could let you know when they intend to light a bonfire, or ask them to have a look and see if your washing is out.
We have occasional bonfires, maybe once or twice a year and wait until the wind is blowing away from the houses across the fields.
If they are burning garden clippings etc, do your council have a garden waste collection service? If so, point that out to the neighbour.

Firebrickblue · 06/11/2023 06:06

Thanks for the replies both, I doubt there will be any more bonfires or washing out for a while now as the weather has turned! I feel like I missed my opportunity to say something. I shouldn’t be so intimidated.
Theres always animosity towards people who’ve moved down from London around here because they price out the locals but I try to see it from everyone’s perspective. The way this man has been though and I might change my mind! He behaves like he’s the most important person!

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