Event review

Bonfire

It was a breezy and cold evening as we set off on a car journey up to Ripon, dressed in coats, hats, gloves. On arrival at the farm, we could feel the wind whistling around our ears. We handed over the carefully selected fireworks we'd brought along. They came in a variety of sizes and mine were looking a bit pathetic against some of the larger specimens. It was then time to head off into the pitch darkness of the large nearby field, but it was OK because we were to be transported to the waiting bonfire. Our transport came in the form of a large trailer attached to a tractor. We all climbed aboard and perched ourselves on either side, using bails of hay for seats. I hadnt spent many Monday nights like this, I had to admit, and so it felt like an adventure. We set off to the middle of the field, trying not to spill the soup, when we eventually came to a halt. We filed out of the trailer like an army on manoeuvres and made our way towards a very large pile of old junk and branches, with a Guy perched on the top. The fire was lit, and the flames quickly climbed into a very impressive bonfire. We were glad of it because (a) we could now see where we were going and (b) it was kicking off a lot of heat. An instant catering service was set up, providing hot soup. I tried the white bean and butternut squash, which was great, but there were other varieties including pear (!?) if I heard right. This was followed by Jacket Potatoes, so we were well fed. The fireworks followed to round off the evening and then it was back on the trailer and a wave goodbye to the dying bonfire. Many thanks to Paul for organising this event, along with everyone else who helped out.