Tuesday 3 November 2015

Guy Fawkes Day

Guy Fawkes Celerbrations

  
Guy Fawkes can be alot of fun but did you ever wonder how it started.  With all traditions there is always a history behind it.
GUY FAWKES DAY - A HISTORY
In 1605, a group of provincial English Catholics colluded to plan the assassination of the protestant King James I of England and replace him with a Catholic head of state. However, an anonymous letter to one of the lords spoiled their plot, and Guy Fawkes – who was positioned as guard of the conspirators’ gunpowder – was caught in the cellar of the House of Parliament just after midnight on 5 November.
Thus, originally, 5 November was known as Gunpowder Treason Day and was a religious marker meant to commemorate the King’s survival. Whereas initially Protestants burnt effigies of the Pope and devil in celebration, in later years, it became customary to burn an effigy of Guy Fawkes, and thus, gradually, the day became known as Guy Fawkes Day.
While the holiday has definitely lost its connection to its political and religious origins, some commonwealth countries – South Africa included – still celebrate Guy Fawkes Day with elaborate fireworks displays and bonfires (a nod to what could have been had the conspirators emerged successful).











TO YOU IT'S WOW TO THEM IT OW!



The whizzing and banging of fireworks may look and sound pretty but your pet will tend to disagree with you. A dogs hearing is much better than ours.  A bang to us will sound like a WW2 invasion to them.  Dogs are more likely to run away during this time as they are scared and looking for safety.  
The effects of the noise can be long lasting, sometimes resulting in nervous, aggressive and damage-causing behaviour.
If you want to celebrate Guy Fawkes please only do it in the following designated areas.  Try not too leave your furry friend alone.

CELEBRATING GUY FAWKES DAY IN CAPE TOWN
in South Africa it has become illegal to discharge fireworks displays in backyards for safety and regulatory reasons; however, City of Cape Town officials have deemed certain parks and public areas safe locations for setting off certain sparklers and crackers.
Members of the public are urged to purchase fireworks from registered suppliers who can produce their permits issued by SAPS. Shop-bought fireworks discharged at approved locations are done so at the owner’s risk.

PLACES TO WATCH & DISCHARGE FIREWORKS FOR GUY FAWKES DAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2015 (BETWEEN 6PM AND MIDNIGHT ONLY!)
ATHLONE: Athlone Stadium parking area (eastern side) | Klipfontein Road
ATLANTIS: Wesfleur Sports Field | Reygersdal Drive
BISHOP LAVIS: Bishop Lavis Sports Field | Lavis Drive
CAMPS BAY: Maidens Cove parking area | Victoria Road
MACASSAR: Macassar Beach parking area | Macassar Road
MITCHELLS PLAIN: Swartklip Sports Complex | C/O Spine and Swartklip roads
MUIZENBERG: Sunrise Beach Parking Area | Sunrise Circle
Also, citizens are urged to not use so-called Chinese lanterns. These candle-powered airborne lanterns are not only illegal but also considered a fire hazard. What’s more, the floating lamps resemble that of emergency flairs, which the NSRI is required to investigate and thus is a waste of valuable and expensive resources.
Law enforcement agencies will monitor the aforementioned sites.
To report fireworks that are being illegally discharged, please notify the Metro Police Control Centre on 
+27 (0) 86 076 5423, or the SAPS Emergency Control Centre on 10111. 
In the event of a fireworks-related emergency, contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 107 (or +27 (0) 21 480 7700 from a cellphone).