Back in the day as we’re sure many Looking Back readers will recall, exciting as Bonfire Night was, it was the couple of weeks leading up to the event which actually proved to be the most fun. Possibly the biggest pile of bonfire wood ever assembled in Bolton - unwanted packing crates belonging to Musgreaves Spinning Company on Chorley Old Road, Bolton. Sadly the photo is undated (Picture: Newsquest) In the days before organised bonfires and when there was plenty of waste ground around Bolton, every street seemed to have its own bonfire.
Leading the way would be gangs of children scouring the area for anything which could be used to build the biggest bonfire possible. It was also a great way for families to get red of unwanted large items - this was long before health and safety remember. Raids on neighbouring street’s stashes weren’t uncommon and often youngsters would keep watch over their precious finds.
Here we’ve been into the archives to pull out a few photos which capture the spirit of those bonfire night preparations. Perhaps you have some photos of your bonfire gang. If so, we’d love to share them with Looking Back readers.
Email them with your bonfire memories to [email protected].
