As November 5th approaches, there is one particular bonfire night that has stayed in my memory for a very
long time.
I had been to visit friends in North Fylde and as we crossed the border from Blackpool to St Annes, a red glow lit up the horizon, like a magnificent sunset as far as the eye could see.
'The Corporation have gone to a lot of trouble tonight,' I remarked to the taxi driver sleepily.'That's the biggest firework display I've ever seen...'
'I don't think Guy Fawkes has got anything to do with it, Miss,' he replied. 'That's one heck of a big blaze.'
I opened my eyes wide. This was 1974 and St Annes Pier was on fire. The architecturally-acclaimed Moorish Pavilion was completely destroyed whilst the fire caused serious damage to the floral hall, jetty and some of the vital substructure that had been in place since 1885. All that could be seen the following day at the end of the pier was blackened ruins.
Today, the pier's length is reduced to 182m (600 ft) but is still a 21st century attraction to people from all over the country.
Looking back, it's a good job I wasn't on duty that night - I'd have missed the story of the decade.
long time.
I had been to visit friends in North Fylde and as we crossed the border from Blackpool to St Annes, a red glow lit up the horizon, like a magnificent sunset as far as the eye could see.
'The Corporation have gone to a lot of trouble tonight,' I remarked to the taxi driver sleepily.'That's the biggest firework display I've ever seen...'
'I don't think Guy Fawkes has got anything to do with it, Miss,' he replied. 'That's one heck of a big blaze.'
I opened my eyes wide. This was 1974 and St Annes Pier was on fire. The architecturally-acclaimed Moorish Pavilion was completely destroyed whilst the fire caused serious damage to the floral hall, jetty and some of the vital substructure that had been in place since 1885. All that could be seen the following day at the end of the pier was blackened ruins.
Today, the pier's length is reduced to 182m (600 ft) but is still a 21st century attraction to people from all over the country.
Looking back, it's a good job I wasn't on duty that night - I'd have missed the story of the decade.
1 comment:
Who says drink doesnt colour your vision! I remember it too, sad :(
Post a Comment