Welcome to this Active English Experience. I’m Nick Simcock.

On the 5th of November there is a popular festival in the UK called Bonfire Night.

The festival is also known, more accurately, as Guy Fawkes Night, because it recalls the story of Guido Fawkes and his group who planned to blow up the English houses of parliament and the King in 1605.

However, Guido was discovered guarding the gunpowder, and was arrested before the explosion could happen.

For more than 400 years now, every 5th of November, people in England have been celebrating the failure of the Gunpowder Plot and the survival of King James I, by lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks.

Autumn was always a special time when I was a kid. October is my birthday, then there was Halloween, followed closely by the magic of Bonfire Night.

I remember that my Dad used to buy a selection box of fireworks and a few rockets. The whole family went out into our back garden after dark to watch my Dad set off these magic pyrotechnics. There was enormous excitement as they whooshed, banged and sparkled, briefly but very brightly illuminating the dark November night. It was a little dangerous, which made it all very exciting and magical. I can still remember the smell of the gunpowder and smoke.

I also remember going to the local village hall with my Mum, Dad and Sister to meet friends around a big bonfire. There was often a bigger organised fireworks display. Also effigies of Guy Fawkes, which we had made that week at home or at school from old clothes and rolled up newspapers, were thrown onto the burning bonfire. Unforgettable memories from my childhood.

So here’s your Active English Experience for today:

Choose one memory connected to Autumn.
If you need to take a pen and paper and make a few notes.

– It could be based around a traditional event, an activity like a harvest or a food like chestnuts or pumpkin.
– Maybe you have a specific memory connected to a family member.
– Choose something real and special to you.

Use the English you already have.
Keep it simple.
Speak out loud.
If you get stuck, don’t worry, make a note of what you wanted to say and find the English you need afterwards.

Remember, the goal isn’t to speak perfectly, it’s to make speaking English a normal way of expressing yourself.

I’d love to hear from you, so if you want to write to me and tell me about your memory.