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You can see Jim's pictures of this year's carnival in the link below. The set includes images of the bonfire build, torch- and banner-making, and the flame-and-firework-heavy event itself.

https://www.jimholden.co.uk/community/east-hoathly-and-halland-carnival-2024/

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Nov 9Liked by Rebecca Holden

Take good care. Thinking of you.

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So kind, Amie - thank you! x

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Nov 9Liked by Rebecca Holden

My daughter and her spouse chose November 5 for their wedding day, in part because of "Remember, remember, the fifth of November." A good way to never forget the anniversary! It's so true now that the date is getting larded with events, personal and epic, so that it's even harder to forget. Even though sometimes you might wish you could forget....

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Nov 9Liked by Rebecca Holden

GREAT pictures, by the way!

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Thanks! I’ll pass your feedback on about the photographs - which reminds me, I’ll pop a link to Saturday night’s event pictures in a pinned comment in a second.

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That’s clever thinking! Love that! I’ve got friends who got married on 050505 for similar reasons! 🤣

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"...Leaving aside this historical near-miss assassination as an excuse for a party..."

That's nothing- The U.S. used to have a holiday named for the genocidal Spaniard who allegedly "discovered" North America, but have increasingly turned the day over to honoring people of the kind he victimized.

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Oh, gosh!

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I am also not a fan of live fireworks events, but mostly because I don’t like crowds.

And it was delightful to read your fireworks story again! Love your art and the photos Jim made.

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Awww, thanks, Jen! I hear you re crowds - I can’t stand them either! xxx

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Incredible photos. Love the art. And I love your choice of viewing station, attire and beverage. Well done. 🤗🤗❤️

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Thanks, Beth! I’ve passed your photo feedback on to Jim! He took some nice shots on Saturday, too - you can see a slideshow here of the night, as well as the work that happened ahead of that to make it a successful event - https://www.jimholden.co.uk/community/east-hoathly-and-halland-carnival-2024/

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Nov 9Liked by Rebecca Holden

I love this revision, Rebecca. I agree with the indoor viewing. As do all the dogs and cats who hide under the bed or in the back closet until it is over. Thank you for the commiseration about our November 5 debacle. I have no words. How does one address mass madness? I think I may go hide in the back closet myself...or under the bed...

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Thank you for reading, Sharron! I think Bonfire Night needs a ‘mute’ button for anyone watching it live who doesn’t like the bangs.

It’s dusty under my bed. I’ll hide IN it, thanks! ☺️

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Nov 11Liked by Rebecca Holden

Good plan!

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This is just how I feel about fireworks. We’re about a five minute walk from the nearest park which does fireworks once a year that we can see from our window. I can do without the crowds.

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Ha, it’s not just me then! It would be so nice if they were silent! x

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Enjoy! Nice artwork!

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Thanks, Margreet! x

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To commemorate the event, each year, before the Sovereign's arrival at Parliament, the Yeomen of the Guard, the royal bodyguards, ceremonially search the cellars of the Palace of Westminster for explosives. They do so with a naked flame. What could go wrong?

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Oh wow, I had no idea, Terry! That’s both fascinating and deeply worrying! 🤣

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Lovely, Rebecca. Thanks for the soothing story of comfort and delight on your terms. I did something similar on the 5th, instead of watching the "fireworks" in my pajamas, I binge watched Colin from Accounts until it was time to go to sleep, a very humorous show on Paramount. The result of the election which I was dreading would wait until the morning. Love the artwork of the fireworks. 💚

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Thank you, Sue! Oh, I’ve been meaning to take a look at Colin from Accounts - and now I will, thanks to your recommendation! x

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It's a fun watch, season one particularly funny!

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Bravo! And Happy Birthday! You get to spend your special days any way you like. Frankly, fireworks are better viewed from a distance anyway.

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Awww, thanks, Sue! x

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Nov 9Liked by Rebecca Holden

Safe and warm with a cup of tea in the most comfortable of clothing in a quiet place is the very best way to watch anything. ❤️

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You’re describing my favourite situation in the world, Mary! 😘

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I did recognize it from the beautiful sketches, but it was lovely to see and read again, like an old friend ☺️

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Oh, what a lovely compliment - thank you, Bryn! 😊

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Jim's pics are really impressive! There is absolutely nothing wrong with being in your pajamas (at any time, I say!) and appreciating the fireworks in a different, many would say, superior way.

I always enjoy the memory of burnt jacket potatoes and sausages that I routinely associate with Guy Fawke's. Very well written, Rebecca and so sorry to hear you are not feeling the best - hugs and good vibes are being sent now. P.S. Your drawing too was pretty ace!!

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Awww, thank you, Sue, for such lovely compliments - both to me and to Jim (which I have passed on to him)!

Burnt jacket potatoes and sausages - gosh, yes, a perfect bonfire combo. I remember cook-outs with the Girl Guides - both would always feature - and of course blazing and scorched marshmallows which we’d wave like torches! 🔥 (Don’t try this at home, kids!)

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