Remembrance and fireworks

After many nights of being scared by the bangs and pops of fireworks we ventured outside this afternoon for a walk to stretch our legs a bit.

Fire show puddles

With big grey clouds on the horizon, we took a short car journey towards the town and our usual walking venue of Bitts Park.

Last night the annual bonfire and fireworks event took place here.

Usually around 35,000 people attend the show which is listed as one of the top 10 bonfires in the UK by The Times newspaper in 2007.

Grass line

Two thousand fireworks and a bonfire, made to look like a local landmark, all went up in flames and smoke.

Although the metal crown barriers have been removed you can see where they were as a clear green lines criss cross the field.

Barriers awaiting collection

All the recent rain has made this area very muddy and at one stage it was thought that the event may need to be cancelled on safety grounds.

It is a shame that the park looks quite a mess today, especially if you are a visitor to the area.

Autumn colours

Lets hope the council will be out early tomorrow picking up the litter and emptying the overflowing dustbins.

Falling leaves

Autumn has arrived and the leaves are falling from the trees quite quickly now.

Paths in nearby Victoria Park are covered with golden shapes and piles of leaves bursting with new sniffs.

The leaves are almost gone

With the low sunshine, trees take on a magical glow, as branches are highlighted against backgrounds hidden during the summer.

Some leaves are managing to hang on, but the first winter winds and the cooler evening temperatures will soon relieve them of their grip.

Also taking advantage in the calm dry break in the rain, were many other dogs taking their owners for a walk in the park this afternoon.

Sniffs in leaves

People were also playing tennis on the outdoor courts and inside the tennis air dome.

Roses in full bloom

Some of the leaves have gathered on the sides of paths around the park. One or two of the larger piles attracted our attention as they did seem to smell a little different.

Rose

Maybe a hedgehog had tried to set up home at some stage, using the leaves as a sort of blanket to keep out the rain and cold evening air.

One of the more unusual sights on our walk was a red rose in full bloom.

A small bud also was visible on the same plant.

Mum wondered if the plants were as confused as we are with the changing temperatures.

Remembering our fallen

Today many of the humans have been remembering friends, colleagues and family members in annual Remembrance Day services.

We also took a moment to think of some of us who have been killed or injured serving our masters.

Dogs have been used for centuries to relay messages, in a search and rescue environment, mascots and to protect people and property.

When mum was watching the remembrance day parade in London, she said that this year was the first year in which one of the Military Dog handler’s sections had been represented.

Our own Victoria Cross

During the First World War we had our own school, the War Dog Training School, where we were taught to leap wire fences and get through the lines.

It was important stuff and had serious consequences for a human if they hindered us with our progress.

In cases of exceptional courage, bravery and loyalty we may even be awarded, by the Mayor of London, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, The Dickin Medal.

Memorial

Throughout the world a number of memorials have been erected to those of us who have lost our lives in conflict or battle.

Here are a few that we are aware of. Please let us know via the comments or the contact us form if you can add to this list.

USA

March Field Air Museum – March Air Force Base, Riverside California – Further details >>
Sacrifice Field in front of the National Infantry Museum, Fort Benning, Georgia - Further details >>
The War Dog Memorial – University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine - Further details >>