Chatbox

I have seen the Yak 11 overfly the village a couple of times and it is easily recognizable by its inverted 'bathtub' shaped long canopy as well as the noise. The Hawker Fury flew close overhead on its first pass and its RAF roundels and tail insignia were clearly visible against the blue paintwork. Would the Yak owner be allowed to apply RAF insignia? I do not know the legalities on this, but I suspect there will be some. In addition, this plane appears to have had a Perspex bubble canopy. View the Sleap Yak on YouTube and then the Fury, there is no comparison, but I admit it is easy to be mistaken and I stand to be corrected. So, if there is anyone else who can confirm it had a single bubble canopy or otherwise, I would welcome their opinion to resolve the issue.

Fortunately my 3 hounds were not too upset, just howled.Shot out of a nice warm bed to keep them company only to find the youngster on the kitchen table not as one would expect under it.Bribed them with a couple of biscuits and all was well. Until snuggles up getting warm off they went again as private parties let there's off for about 10 minutes ,less noisy but seemed to have more effect.
Lets hope we have welcomed in a year to rid ourselves of Covid 19 and return to social gatherings but retain the spirit of friendship and help for others which emerged so powerfully last year
Chris

Thanks Maria – that would account for the red stars on the underside of the wings. Great to see him or her.
Happy New Year to Audlem.

Thanks for such clear concise up to date information thus far .

Happy New year everybody. Let us get back to normality soon.

As much as I dislike fireworks, I can't help but see and hear them as I let the New Year in here at home. This year though was totally different. I could hear them (unfortunately) but...see them? No. I know as I'm getting older, things are starting to fail me but my eye's aren't so bad that they wouldn't allow me to see the fireworks. As a matter of interest; where were they let off from? I can only assume a long way from Audlem. The noise would dictate otherwise though.

How exciting on Chatbox today . Diverse opinions on both subjects . To conclude on a lighter note . May I suggest that the Foche might have been a Messerschmit I really hope the spellings are correct Happy New Year everybody

I think the plane that flew over today was actually the Russian YAK 11 WW2 Fighter that is based nearby at Sleap airfield in Shropshire. We have seen it there and It has overflown the village a number of times in the recent past and I think there are previous AOL articles about it...perhaps the pilot has a friend or relative here in the village, as every year we get at least one visit, great to get one on New Year's Eve.

Ah – so that's what it was! I couldn't make it out and it sounded different to a Merlin engine.
It looked marvellous banking round in the blue sky. Thanks to whoever it was and Happy New Year when it comes.

On hopefully a more positive note and bearing in mind the need to become carbon neutral (whatever that really means) by 20diddly squat, as politicians inevitably move the goal posts or revise the definition, is there not a viable alternative to fireworks in the form of a lazer display, with or without musical accompaniment? I can imagine the use of drone technology to lend itself to future displays. A more ethical use of technology than that of dropping bombs on people although, naturally it is a poor second in our current world. Meanwhile, not being a great fan of fireworks myself, having nearly killed my sweet cousin Ruthie whom I prevailed upon to light the fuse of a home made rocket that I built back in our childhood- I was in mission control you understand- I thank Ralph and team for all their efforts over the last twenty years. People who do.

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