Sir, I watched Dundee’s fireworks displays from the beach at Broughty Ferry, a wonderful sight reflected across a glassy calm Tay.
It was cold under the clear moonlit sky, but a welcoming bonfire was blazing comfortingly on the beach and a friendly group of families were enjoying their own private fireworks before the main event.
Astonishingly impressive was the way the twin displays at Balgay and Baxter Parks were synchronised great explosions of golds, greens, reds and blues rising together in perfectly timed pairs from both sites.
Some thoughts struck me:
In this, the centenary year of the Great War, how much a 1914 artillery regiment would have appreciated today’s technology to synchronise their barrage.
I then pondered how such co-ordination might have been possible in the days of Dundee’s 1824 Frigate HMS Unicorn.
Even flintlocks were a novelty then and the time from pulling the firing lanyard to the gun going off could vary by several seconds or more.
Not much chance of accurate timing there, then!
Perhaps most importantly, I was happy at the way we can still enjoy the fun of fireworks both at an individual family level with children and also at a grand public display.
Long may both continue.
Well done, Dundee!
Roderick Stewart. Dronley.
Proud moment at unveiling of war memorial
Sir, As a member of RAF aircrew who survived the Second World War, it was a very humbling and proud experience to witness the unveiling of Falkland’s long-awaited war memorial on Sunday, November 2.
Well done Falkland, all your meticulous planning was carried out in an exemplary manner. With all three services represented and led on parade by the Scots Guards Association Pipe Band, every single member of the planning committee should be justifiably proud of their attention to detail.
As reported in The Courier (October 31), Falkland children’s awareness of those who paid the ultimate price was enhanced by their involvement in preparing a time capsule which was buried in front of the memorial. Their interest was sustained by placing in it items associated with 100 years ago and their vision for the next 100 years.
It was a very poignant moment for families of the fallen and for those who like myself had personal memories represented by each name appearing under the title of World War Two.
Even more significant for me, personally, was the fact that the new war memorial has been built on the site of the house (now demolished) where I was born 90 years ago.
Jack Burgess. 49 Aboyne Gardens, Kirkcaldy.
Hardy souls in days gone by
Sir, Having had visitors recently, I have now had time to catch up with my Couriers and would like to make the following comments on some of the topics I came across:
Let’s go back to paper, pen and postbox I never left them! I’ll admit to using a very old computer to type my letters, but it’s only suitable for use as a glorified typewriter.
A case of (very) cold comfort Have never had central heating and I still heat only one room. Never having had it, I don’t miss it. I see no point in heating rooms not being used.
I’ve never slept in a heated bedroom but do admit to heating the bathroom when I have a bath. I see nothing derogatory in the above heading.
Freezing dips in the pool I was brought up before there were any heated pools, indoors or out. However, we still went to the pools and learned to swim. I think this activity was still available all through the Second World War.
We were hardy souls in those days. A heated pool was never even envisaged!
Mary Smith. Maryburgh, Blairadam.
Savings more important…?
Sir, With reference to the letter from E Marr in Thursday’s Courier I heartily agree with the comments made.
The old street lights were effective while the new items, I hesitate to call them lights, cast a very small glow and very wide shadows.
They are dangerous, particularly for pedestrians and I would imagine for someone walking in the evening it could be a rather frightening experience.
It would appear that to those running Perth and Kinross Council, saving money on street lighting is more important than the risk of injury or worse to the citizens.
Andrew Manson. 8 Highfield Road, Scone.
Translation, please
Sir, It was good to read that our local electricity supplier, SSE, has plans to keep the lights “blazing” over the coming months, but could they explain in English (not Gaelic) what role is played by their “priority services external partnerships coordinator”?
Garry Barnett Campsie Hill Guildtown, Perth.