The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Tactical Rifle & Carbine => Topic started by: ericire12 on November 28, 2008, 05:53:48 PM

Title: UK -- 400 yr old custom of firing muskets to mark Christmas BANNED
Post by: ericire12 on November 28, 2008, 05:53:48 PM
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1981257.ece
Quote
A 400-YEAR-OLD custom of firing muskets to mark Christmas has been banned — in case it scares children.

Historic re-enactment buffs in full 17th-century militia garb traditionally fire blanks when the festive lights are switched on in Wimborne, Dorset.

But deputy mayor John Burden, 62 — in charge while the mayor is away — has now banned them.

He said: “Last year there were kids who were very upset and crying.”

Town crier and militia volunteer Chris Brown, 53, said: “Loud shots make you jump but we give plenty of notice.

“It was originally to scare off evil spirits but now it adds a bit of pomp. Most people enjoy it.”

Chris and his pals plan to boycott the event.
Title: Re: UK -- 400 yr old custom of firing muskets to mark Christmas BANNED
Post by: Big Frank on November 29, 2008, 03:14:13 AM

I bet the reindeer were more scared then the kids were. Mmmm, venison.  :P

Seriously though, tradition means nothing to gun-haters anywhere in the world.