Secret Seven Readathon for Bonfire Night

[Anita Bensoussane]

At this time of year it gets dark at 4.30 PM in Essex.

[Courtenay]

And not very much later than that in northern Kent! It's still all pretty new and exciting to me, even after three years - nowhere in Australia does it ever get so dark so early, even right on the winter solstice. (Well, except maybe in southern Tasmania, but I've never been there. )

I'm not a Secret Seven fan and don't have the books, but I'm glad everyone who participated enjoyed the readathon. Here, for a bit of fun, are some images from past Bonfire Nights in Lewes, East Sussex, famous for the burning of topical and often politically incorrect effigies... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazin ... r-29915270" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Poppy]

I think it is a bit sad when the nights start getting darker so suddenly. There is such a limited range of things to do, whereas in the summer, after my lessons and when my sister comes home from school, there is plenty of activities to do outside. I don't mind, though, when I get used to the sudden darkness on an evening, because it becomes cosy and enjoyable to snuggle up with a good book or some new craft project!

It has seemed like a really long Bonfire night(s) for us. There is lots of really, really loud firewroks going off in our area, and Dino is terrified of them!

[Julie2owlsdene]

So is Morgan, Poppy. One of the reasons why I don't like fireworks, I hate to see animals in distress and terrified. Happily Bonfire Night wasn't too bad in our village, not many fireworks going off, and I had the TV on loud and all the doors closed so Morgan couldn't hear a sound outside. And when he was relaxing on the settee I had my hands over his ears! It's hard work when you're trying to keep your pet dog from being terrified.

[Courtenay]

Our Sandy also has hysterics whenever there are fireworks, although mercifully we don't have Bonfire Night in Australia. But there's always New Year, or sporting events, or who knows what else. She has the same reaction to thunder as well, bless her.

[Moonraker]

I think it is a bit sad when the nights start getting darker so suddenly.

I love the dark nights. We draw the curtains and light the candles and it is so cosy. Of course, I wouldn't like it like this all year long, but I love it in the winter.

[Daisy]

The nights only get darker "so suddenly" because we change the clocks.

[Poppy]

And when he was relaxing on the settee I had my hands over his ears!

Dino had some Ear-muffs on!!

I love the dark nights. We draw the curtains and light the candles and it is so cosy.

Oh yes, I like them after a while, too, but it's just a bit of a shock after the long days.

[Lucky Star]

I love the dark nights. We draw the curtains and light the candles and it is so cosy. Of course, I wouldn't like it like this all year long, but I love it in the winter.

I agree. There is nothing finer than sitting indoors on a dark stormy evening enjoying the contrast between your home environment and the elements outside. It's part of what makes Autumn my favourite time of year.

[Deej]

I don't mind the dark nights. Don't get me wrong, I like the long, bright summers where you can sit in your back garden until half nine in the evening. However, I also like the colder, darker nights where I can get snug, read a book and drink hot chocolate

[burlingtonbertram]

Bonfire night seems to be a lot quieter recently around here ; don't know if it was the recession or a change in the regulations.There were a few mid-evening on the Saturday, a few mid-evening on the 5th, and a handful last night. I think there were a few more domestic bonfires than normal though.

So; are there any Secret Seven books set at Christmas for another Readathon?

[Poppy]

So; are there any Secret Seven books set at Christmas for another Readathon?

Not necessarily based on the festivities of Christmas, but several are based in the Winter:

The Secret Seven
Secret Seven on the Trail
Shock for the Secret Seven

[Nick]

I don't mind the dark nights. Don't get me wrong, I like the long, bright summers where you can sit in your back garden until half nine in the evening. However, I also like the colder, darker nights where I can get snug, read a book and drink hot chocolate

I too like the dark nights. I love getting home, getting the log burner going (not so much fun if there is no kindling and I have to go out in the rain and chop some) and snuggling up with a hot tea and a good Blyton.

[John Pickup]

Unlike most of you, I don't like the dark nights. I can't play bowls outside, I can't go for a walk with the wife along the path by the river and I can't sit in my garden reading. It's too dark to do any of those.

[Nick]

Anyon else re-reading these right now?