THERE WAS a great fright night at Coalhouse Fort at the weekend and the borough is set to continue its Halloween celebrations tonight.
But the authorities have warned those that take the opportunity to cross the line that they will be dealt with robustly.
From tonight until bonfire night, police joined by community protection officers will increase their presence on the streets.
Portfolio holder for public protection, Lynn Worrall “Residents are concerned about anti-social behaviour in their areas which is committed by a small minority of people to the detriment of the whole community.
“This trial will enable us to respond to calls quickly and effectively as well as offering our residents peace of mind.”
Anyone wishing to report incidences of anti-social behaviour to Thurrock Council (taking place outside normal office hours) can contact the council’s out of hours service on 01375 372468.
If the trial proves successful the crackdown could be rolled out at other times of the year.
Loved the video, very nicely done, the music sent a shiver through my spine. As for kids getting dressed up and demanding money with menaces, for that is what it is, I do feel that it has to be outlawed. It is an insidious habit that has come over from the States and should have no place in this country. Tonight we shall probably not put the lights on in the house until well after 9 O’clock and ignore any knocks on the door.
Don’t give out cash, sweets are more of the tradition than cash, and the tradition goes well past the Americans.
Halloween’s origins date all the way back to the Celtic festival of Samhain (actually pronounced “Sow-in”). The 2,000 year-old Celtic culture, which originally thrived in portions of what are now known as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, held a celebration on November 1 that commemorated the beginning of a new year. This “new year’s day” symbolized the end of summer and the harvest season, and in sharp contrast, also signified the beginning of a dark and dreary (not to mention cold) winter for the Celts.
This particular time of year was often associated with high human death tolls as well. In fact, many in the Celtic culture believed that on the night before the New Year, the threshold separating the world of the living and the world of the dead became harder to distinguish. It was on this night-the night of October 31st- that they celebrated the aforementioned Samhain, during which it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to the earth. Celts believed that the presence of the ghostly spirits in the human world made it easier for the Celtic priests (Druids) to make predictions about the future.
To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. It was also during this celebration that the Celts wore pagan costumes, which many times included the donning of both animal heads and skins. It was also during this celebration that the Celts attempted to tell each other’s fortunes. When the celebration came to an end, hearth fires were re-lit in order to help protect their health during the coming winter.
Embrace the traditions of the old religion and celebrate Samhain….