Chatbox

At 12.30 today I was lucky enough to be in the garden to witness the Hawker Sea Fury do a couple of swift circuits over the village, its Bristol Centaurus engine roaring out a fitting end to 2020 What a beast of a plane. The last time I saw one flying was in the mid sixties. How time has flown.

Good on Ralph for trying to bring some happiness into the village and wave good bye to the horrible year we have all had. I understand people are worried about crowds gathering but if people use their common sense they will stay at home and watch the fireworks from their own gardens. Embrace the new year and be thankful you get to see it as some people won't get the chance.

Perhaps the car causing all the trouble on Shropshire Street is marking his spot from which to watch the fireworks. If everyone is sensible tonight and remains in their own home or even at a vantage point in their own car bubble then all might be well. Stay calm and remember face...space...and I can't remember the other thing but common sense and concern for others is a good maxim.

I greatly admire all the work that Ralph has done for the village over the years, and it's regrettable that there is rancor over this event. However, I would not wish any unpleasant consequences to follow from this proposal (some are referring to the police). It would seem to be in breach of Tier 4 rules, the first of which is "Stay at home" – if you live in Tier 4 you must not leave or be outside of your home or garden except where you have a 'reasonable excuse'. Watching or letting off fireworks won't count as such. How about leaving it until spring when the bulk of the vulnerable will have been vaccinated?
I think it would be advisable for AudlemOnline to issue a "stay away" warning.

Fireworks on new years eve is NOT a long standing tradition in Audlem. It was supposed to be a one off for the Millennium. We live in the middle of the village and we have two dogs who will be petrified and traumatized for hours not the 2 minutes that Ralph predicts.

We do not normally complain and whinge and appreciate that a lot of people enjoy the New Years celebration on the Square and for this reason we go away from the village every New Years Eve . The Law tells us that we cannot do this this year so we will abide by the rules.

This year therefore we will be trapped with two traumatized dogs unless we break the law... whilst it seems that Ralph and his assistants can ignore the law with impunity. Why can't the fireworks be put off for 12 months like everywhere else?

Not sure who Sidney is, maybe he's related to Sid from the old British Telecom "If you see Sid tell him" adverts. Anyway I'm looking forward to watching tonights fireworks, safely, maybe even sat in my car. So thanks to all that contributed, financially and physically. Lets hope for a quick successful Covid vaccine rollout and a great 2021.

Unless Ralph lets off the fireworks from his home (and they are domestic fireworks ) and home regulations are met AND he removes the incitement to " gather in the square" I think Ralph and landowners and attendees may be in some difficulties with the Cheshire Constabulary .
None of us like these rules but we abide by them. Why can't Ralph wait 12 months like everybody else or do they think that they are above the law?

Unlike my husband, I have never felt the urge to write into AOL as I'm a believer in 'live and let live'. But in this matter I have to say that I whole heartedly agree Andrew and Jeff. Contrary to what some may think, Audlem is not the centre of the Universe and to fly in the face of national advice and guidance is an act of total irresponsibility and dare I say arrogance. I sincerely hope that there will be a rethink and that common sense prevails.

In today's AOL headline article, Ralph's suggestion that Sidney (sic), New York, Singapore & London should "look out" for the Audlem fireworks display may fall on deaf ears. Half of those venues have, sensibly, already cancelled their annual displays – for obvious reasons.

I am fairly indifferent to the fireworks on New Year's Eve but am I right in thinking that if more than thirty people gather in the Square, having been told that it is the best place to see the fireworks, then the organiser of the event is breaking Covid regulations and could be subject to a £10000 fine? I only post this to suggest that this needs looking into for the protection of the people involved.

This car has now been parked outside our shop (Williams) for 2 days and is a regular fixture on Shropshire St over the past couple of months. The Community Officer I believe has already spoken to him some time ago, and we have also asked his Landlord several times, as it frequently inconveniences our newspaper & coal deliveries (as well as affecting our business). Sad to report all to no avail.

When I put my comment up I was objecting to the tone of the criticisms of Ralph in particular. Over the years I have been consistently lukewarm or even ice cold re fireworks but I do think this year in the absence of bells and the promised short duration it is a way of marking the passing of an annus horibilis.
All the best for 2021 but being a pessimist seems to be a forlorn hope.

Well said David Parry – I agree with you wholeheartedly, and it is totally wrong that you should be stigmatised for presenting your own (requested) opinion. In the current circumstances I believe it is both reckless and irresponsible to encourage people to gather for such an event, but I also respect that others might have a contrary view.

P.S. – Headline article on AOL today – "COVID cases soar in Cheshire East"

I agree with Mr. Parry It is inappropriate and irresponsible to encourage people to gather in the Square. The hospitals are at tipping point and cases are escalating at an alarming rate. Why have celebration now? Why not keep safe for a few weeks until the vaccinations kick in and then we will all have something to celebrate? We need to protect our villagers and the NHS.

Yes we did. But didn't know how long it would take for the owner to move it. Reaching out to anyone else who may of known who car it was. All sorted now thank you

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I only ever expressed an opinion on this under my own name and when invited to do so. I remain of the opinion that fireworks are inappropriate as is encouraging gatherings in the village but I do understand others think differently. Not sure I qualify as a wet blanket or gainsayer when i was invited to express an opinion – or was it only expressions of support that were invited?!

The simple answer is to inform our PCSO or local Police Officer who can PNC the number plate and contact the owner to move it.

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I can't see why there has to be so much vitriol heaped on Ralph re New Year Fireworks. The event is apparently due to last for 2-5 minutes and will be at midnight. As Ralph said pets can be safely indoors and we must hope that wildlife won't be too affected. I do not particularly care for fireworks myself, always used to have jumping jacks thrown at me around bonfire night as my fear must have shown, but surely given that we have been spared many fireworks this year a short display to mark the end of a fairly grim year shouldn't arouse such venom.
I will not be going to the Square myself and will put my headphones on so as to be able to see what it is possible to see from my bedroom window. Sad about the bells, well lack of them.

Would just like to apologise. My mobile number is incorrect. Its 07368908384

I would like the thank the driver of a silver pickup truck today on Kettle Lane who splashed my wife and myself with slush. I can not understand that when we stopped and moved to the side of the road he could not slow down to avoid splashing us.

I enjoyed Jeff Bryson's piece, and it puts me in mind of an experience I had on a business trip to Germany in the 1980's. As we drove to Cologne, my German friend turned to me and asked if I liked Germany. "Yes", I replied, "Everything is so tidy and new". He turned to me, grinning, and said, "yes, Jon, we had a pretty good demolition squad. They were called the RAF !" We had a good laugh at that.

I was just wondering if anyone could help. There has been a car parked outside the coop for 2 days the delivery drivers are refusing to deliver to us because they can't get the lorries close enough to the unloading area because of it. A delivery is due tomorrow at 7am and if it isn't moved they won't deliver to us.

My Remington office typewriter has a jammed carriage . I need some help to fix it. Anyone know of a possible contact for this 1970s technology?