Hello

Scrumminging about in the garage at Home I can across a box of Sparklers that had lain undisturbed for near on 40 years. They appeared in near 'mint' condition (if Sparklers can be deemed as being in 'mint' condition).

I simply could not help myself and as soon as darkness decended - too early as we gripe through our winter - I just had to light a few up and become a child again.

Memories of Cracker Nights and Guy Fawkes Nights came to the fore. Where Penny Bungers, Skip Jacks, Rockets, Tom Thumbs, Ha'penny Blasters and a host of bang, pop, fizzers and colourful fireworks would be let loose across an evening's sky. Our Street used to set up a Bonfire on a neighbour's vacant block and it'd be on for young and old, all quite harmless and safe. Such days are gone, sadly, except in occassional organised Fireworks displays. But it was the fun we had as children that still brings a smile in spite of the passage of decades.