Center for Fawkesian Pursuits Bonfire Consultancy

Important Announcement

2012-02-09T04:19:00.001-08:00

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
I would explain our transition from community event to the mode of family style backyard celebration and consultancy. I will not be inviting the general public- no invitations. No open house....etc....
This is not a retreat but a transition- the family Fawkes celebration is just as important as the large public event.
The experiment ran for almost if not 30 years!
It went off safely each year! Amazing.
Our run-ins with the law were more amusing than tragic.
We educated hundreds and hundreds without grant funding in the rituals of Guy Fawkes Bonfire.
This decision is primarily based upon old age. My wife can no longer help me lift the load, my daughter is not helpful and it has been most difficult to raise a sense of community- a problem both here and in the UK. I will gladly welcome the development of alternative celebrations elsewhere and will consult with organizers- but beware i am a stickler. I thank each and every one who has contributed to the success of these events over the years. It has been important and fun.- Conrad Jay Bladey, Senior Citizen Peasant

Bonfire wood for hastings bonfire in the mail

2011-09-13T11:23:00.001-07:00

Each year we excange bonfire wood with the hastings borough bonfire society here is this year's piece now on its way

Jewel Encrusted King james faxcimilie bible

2011-09-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

This will be for the procession this year as it is the 400th of the creation of the bible which would not have occurred if the plot had been successful we will be roasting the editors of the ten worst bible translations on the spine shown in first image is a piece of the true bonfire wood a piece of that sent to Hastings for the HBBS bonfire.

Invite With smaller images

2011-09-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

For larger images click on them

Help! yes you can! I have put up a flyer for posting Please download post and distribute!!!

2011-09-07T10:47:00.001-07:00

Yes! The work for this event is significant- so I need to reach the world! (even you in the UK who knows someone may be stuck here on the 5th and need a bonfire!)
We need to make the heavens roar with chants. All are welcome public free rain or shine...dress warm....

follow this link
when it opens

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B1cDsZ_hrBHiZGMxODY5YmEtZDM2Ny00YmE0LWE1N2ItMzRmMDQzZDk0M2E2&hl=en_US

hit download
open the word document and save print or distribute whrever you wish......Many Many Thanks!
Conrad

2011 Bonfire! Saturday November 5

2010-11-30T06:55:00.001-08:00

Mark your calendars!
Plan to be there!
FREE
402 Nancy Ave. Linthicum, Md. 21090
4:30 On
Details
cbladey@verizon.net

Scroll down for photos of 2010 Bonfire.....

More Photos from our November 6 2010 Bonfire

2010-11-30T06:53:00.000-08:00

Torchlit procession (D.Schulenburg)

Fawkes is Chaired (D.Schulenburg)

Amazement (D..Schulenburg)

Conrad as Parnassus Leads Chants (D. Schulenburg)

More Photos from our November 6 2010 Bonfire

2010-11-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

Conrad (as dr Parnassus) leads chant competition from new scaffolding by Samantha

The firey bishop Conrad by Cameron Blake Senich Albert

pagentry burning by Cameron Blake Senich Albert

Bills effigy goes on the fire by Cameron Blake Senich Albert

Torches by Cameron Blake Senich Albert

Bill Cooke and torch by Cameron Blake Senich Albert

Bonfire by Cameron Blake Senich Albert

Bonfire Bros by Cameron Blake Senich Albert

Behold the puddingby Cameron Blake Senich Albert

Bill Cooke brings in the Turkey from the earth oven by Orangerful

Arch of torches by Samantha

Conrad Gives Bishop's speech by Samantha

Torches by Laurel Fisher

Pagentry or Tableaux by Laurel Fisher

Pagentry by Laurel Fisher

Pagentry and torches by Laurel Fisher

Matt Lake Addresses his Effigy by Laurel Fisher

Pagentry set alight by Laurel Fisher

Pagentry and fireworks by Laurel Fisher

Pagentry Burns by Laurel Fisher

Don Plehn came as the Spirit of Election Past- with a poncho made from electioneering mailings- Photo by Thomas Atkinson


Poncho burning by Thomas Atkinson

Poncho burns by Thomas Atkinson

Bonfire 2010 Torchlit procession photos

2010-11-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

Photo by Margaret Bladey

Bonfire 2010

2010-11-08T12:27:00.000-08:00

A Wonderful bonfire 2010 thanks to all who helped!
Anna Pasqualucci

Anna Pasqualucci

anna paasqualucci


Anna Pasqualucci

You Are Invited! Guy Fawkes/ Bonfire November 6 2010 Please RSVP by Nov 2

2010-09-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

You are all Invited To Guy Fawkes Day 2010

402 Nancy Avenue! Linthicum, Md. 21090
Saturday November 6, 2010
Keg Tapped 4:30

Chants-Torches-Games-Toasts-The Guy! 5:30-6:00

Dinner-Rustic Election Turkey and BP Mola Oil Spill Turkey from the Earth Oven 6:00 P.M.

Drilling Platform Black Bean Soup! Assorted Veg. Delights in honor of our Guest of Honor

Mister Big Oil

Following Dinner-Sweets-Tarball Double Choco Cakes, Bonfire and….behold...
The Pudding
Soft Drinks, Beer, Wine, Dinner and Veg. Provided

Location: The Bladey Residence/Center for Fawkesian Pusuits
402 Nancy Ave. Linthicum Md. 21090
Please let us know that you will attend by calling 410-789-0930 or email cbladey@verizon.net
All are most welcome. Especially children! Please extend this invitation to others.

RSVP Essential

Guy Fawkes Bonfire 2010! Plan Ahead

2010-05-07T04:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings!
We are ready.....I can smell the smoke in the air already!

Details for our Celebration of 2010 can be found on the flyers that you can download and freely distribute. Yes to everyone you know! Musicians and performers welcome. RSVP important.
To open files linked below right click on the link and select save link location as. Then open on your computer. The first one is a publisher file and you will need publisher to read it.

http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/flyers/card42010.pub
http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/flyers/flyertopost12010.doc

>The Center for Fawkesian Pursuits

Guy Fawkes Day/Bonfire Night Celebration

2010 November 6

Remember, Remember the Fifth of November Gunpowder, Treason, and Plot

We see no reason why Gunpowder Treason should Ever Be Forgot!

Join us for a traditional celebration including flaming torches, fireworks, chants, effigies, bonfire, dinner- Celebrate The Discovery of the Plot in 1605!

FREE Open to the public all are welcome especially children

Date: November 6, 2010 Saturday

Time: Gate opens at 4:30 celebration starts around 5:30

Place: Center For Fawkesian Pursuits, 402 Nancy Ave., Linthicum, Md. 21090

Contact: 410-789-0930 or cbladey@verizon.net RSVP appreciated….

Rain or shine, dress for outside activities….

Musicians and performers welcome contact us for details.

Bring….sweet, salad, snack. Dinner and beverages provided. Fancy dress is encouraged-Make a Guy Effigy (scarecrow) and bring it to win a prize! (See the web pages below for examples) Illuminated artcars will be on display as it is also World Artcar Day-Artcars welcome!

For more information about the Gunpowder Plot, Guy Fawkes and the Celebration go to:

http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/guy/html/maina.html

For information about the center for Fawkesian Pursuits Go to:

http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/guy/html/center.html or http://fifthofnovember.blogspot.com/

We are non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration of the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of November 5, 1605 and related research.

More Photos-Thanks Rachael

2009-11-16T12:41:00.001-08:00

And another

2009-11-09T06:15:00.000-08:00

More photos thanks Margaret!

2009-11-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Celebration 2009

2009-11-08T15:06:00.001-08:00

Visit of Guy Fawkes to City Hall Baltimore and Zion Lutheran Church November 5

2009-11-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

Guy had a great time visiting the evil doers at city hall then welcomed for sanctuary by Zion Lutheran Church. He was not turned away as he was last year from the Catholic Prayer Garden on Charles Street.

Guy Visits the Evil Doers at Baltimore City Hall 2009

2009-11-05T16:51:00.001-08:00

Due to camera failures.....more asap....

Images of The Plot and Celebration

2009-10-17T07:43:00.001-07:00

Enjoy the slideshow fun! the plot and celebration through eyes of artists

Make a free photo slideshow

The Excitement Builds- Bonfire Toffee is ready!

2009-10-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

For more on Bonfire Toffee and other traditional foods go here click

Hastings Borough Bonfire Press Release Mentioning our Fort McHenry flag pole wood

2009-10-10T15:47:00.001-07:00

Hastings Borough Bonfire Society

Press Release

October 17^th Hastings Bonfire Promises to be as big as ever despite the recession.

The annual Bonfire in Hastings to celebrate the Gunpowder Plot of November 5^th and the Battle of Hastings will be as big as ever. Recent press reports have suggested that Sussex Bonfire is having problems but organisers at Hastings are confident that they can still put on one of the biggest and best displays in the Sussex Bonfire season. The event costs £16000 to stage and all of this is collected by volunteers throughout the year. Organisers stress that this is an event put on for the people of Hastings by the people of Hastings. It is not (as many think) a council run event.

This year for the first time the society will parade a piece of the flagpole from Fort McHenry in Baltimore, bombarded by the British in 1812 when the Star Spangled Banner’ was written. President of the Hastings Borough Bonfire Society Keith Leech said ‘The British were unable to take the US flag in 1812 but now we have ‘captured’ a piece of the flag pole and will carry it around to remind us of this part of our history. It was sent to us from the USA to burn but we couldn’t possibly do that when it will be much more fun to parade it around every year.’ In the 19^th century people living on reclaimed land in Hastings declared themselves part of the USA in protest against local taxes. An area of Hastings is still known as the ‘America Ground’ and the Bonfire Society parade the Stars and Stripes on one of their banners to commemorate this. The piece of the Fort McHenry flag pole will be placed on this banner.

Hastings Bonfire is usually regarded as the first big Bonfire in the Sussex season. Although the rest of the country only celebrates Guy Fawkes on November 5^th in Sussex the season runs for about 6 weeks. This is so each town and village can attend everybody else’s celebration. There are 32 towns and villages in the Sussex Bonfire Council. Hastings is unique because it has its celebration on the beach; the Hastings Borough Bonfire Society has been doing so for the past 149 years although it has grown over the past 12. Hastings boasts the largest bonfire in Sussex and one of the largest displays. There is always a secret effigy that is blown to pieces, usually a comment on local issues. Two years ago the celebrations were so large they could be seen from France and the Dieppe lifeboat was launched.

The event starts at 7.00pm with the lighting of the Hastings Beacon. The procession leaves around 7.15pm and 1066 torches are paraded around Hastings Old Town by members of Bonfire Societies from across Sussex in fancy dress. The procession then goes along the seafront to the town centre where at the Town Hall the Mayors of the Cinque ports, local MPs and Town criers of England (who participate in the national competition on the same day) join the procession to the beach. On the way to the beach the America ground is crossed and the Stars and Stripes banner lit. The Bonfire is lit at around 9.00pm by the Mayor and local MP Michael Foster. The traditional chant of ‘Remember Remember the Fifth of November’ is sung. The fireworks, (which cost £4000) are lit, followed by the effigy. Collections are made for local charities and at present all collections on the night are given away. The Bonfire Society are always disappointed that their efforts do not draw it more of a collection from the usually very large crowd. They believe this is because they think this is a municipal display paid from council tax. It is not, it is paid for by the volunteers themselves and local sponsors: although the assistance given by Hastings Borough Council is gratefully acknowledged.

Many Sussex Bonfires are being choked by too many spectators and the people of Lewes now actively ask spectators not to come. Given its location Hastings is one of the few Sussex Bonfires that still has the capacity to take large numbers of people.

Money is getting short and if the event is to continue more sponsorship will be needed next year.

The Bonfire Society asks people to remember that this is a traditional custom, not just a firework display and to stay safe. There will be fire, ash, smoke and a lot of noise, therefore wearing your best suit would be inadvisable. Children should be accompanied and not pushed to the front. Pets should be kept away and people of a nervous disposition should not attend. They ask that people do not bring their own fireworks, do not pick up any debris left on the road, do not cross safety barriers and that people keep away from the fire after the event because there are unexploded fireworks in the area and it is not safe. The Bonfire society cannot be held responsible for injury to people who deliberately cross safety barriers.

ENDS

Keith Leech Press Officer HBBS

bogiekeef@tiscali.co.uk

07947 43 9595

01424 716576

You Are Invited 2009 Guy Fawkes Day Celebration

2009-09-28T04:38:00.001-07:00

You Are invited to Celebrate Guy Fawkes Day 2009

November 7, 2009 Saturday
402 Nancy Ave.
Linthicum, Md. 21090
4 PM Onward
Guy Fawkes Welcomes Michael Jackson Guest of Honor
All Welcome Especially Children-Turkey from the Earth oven, beer, sodas, veg food, bring a snack or whatever you wish to contribute.
chants-fireworks-traditional foods-Christmas pudding
Rain or Shine Dress Warm
RSVP by November 6 to cbladey@verizon.net
FREE!

American Oak Reaches Hastings UK for their fire!

2009-09-28T02:13:00.001-07:00

Hastings Observer

Bonfire 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-10T05:06:00.001-08:00

The Most Magnificent Celebration Yet!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guy is chaired
Sermon under the torches

Fire Spinners

Street procession....cars going past and all...

Guy chaired leads the way.
Bill Cooke's Photos
effigy of Paulson "toxic debt"
Fire spinners by Michele Plehn
The Bonfire Sermon Video is delivered by Conrad Bladey Bishop of the Center for Fawkesian Pursuits

No tolerance or freedom for Mannequins- Guy Locked out of Catholic Prayer Garden in Baltimore November 5, 2008

2008-11-05T07:16:00.000-08:00

Guy locked out- the Pope Statue look on....
Today I took Guy Fawkes Mannequin to the prayer garden in Baltimore to sit and pray. We were told that I could come in but guy could not. It was private property after all. We reminded the official that we were not an effigy, were quiet and prayerful, we were not a protest and we did not collect money. He told us that Guy was not welcome and there did not have to be any rules posted as it was private property and they were free do do what they wished there. So we quietly took Guy Outside. Ironic as the message from the Pope on the stone wall is about tolerance and freedom. I guess the church wants to be tolerated and free but they do not wish to extend those rights to others. I would have hoped that more had changed since 1605. I noted to the official who could not produce a business card, that Guy represented the defeat of terrorism via a great deliverance by God. He still could not respect our wish to sit prayerfully together on a park bench bothering no one. In order to create the 1.5 Million dollar park the church had to use a legal technicality (freedom to worship) to tear down an historic building which the city and officials wanted to preserve as low income housing- an apartment building. The building was torn down even though a prayer garden could have been created on the roof. A simple garden could have also been constructed with far less tax free money. -Conrad

Baltimore Wood goes on the Hastings England Bonfire!

2008-10-27T14:04:00.001-07:00

Each year we exchange wood with the Hastings Borough Bonfire Society, Sussex, England.
Here is our wood just before going onto their magnificent bonfire.

This photo submitted by Paul Kelly
http://www.countyimages.com/articles_73351.html
http://www.countyimages.com/

He does wonderful work! Check out his collection with the links above!

Invitation 2008-Y'all Come-Free! Open to the Public

2008-10-09T04:31:00.000-07:00

The Center for Fawkesian Pursuits

Guy Fawkes Day/Bonfire Night Celebration

2008 November 8

Remember, Remember the Fifth of November Gunpowder, Treason, and Plot

We see no reason why Gunpowder Treason should Ever Be Forgot!

Join us for a traditional celebration including flaming torches, fireworks, chants, effigies, bonfire, dinner

FREE Open to the public all are welcome especially children

Date: November 8, 2008 Saturday

Time: Gate opens at 4:30 celebration starts around 6

Place: Center For Fawkesian Pursuits, 402 Nancy Ave., Linthicum, Md. 21090

Contact: 410-789-0930 or cbladey@verizon.net RSVP appreciated….

Rain or shine, dress for outside activities….

For more information about the Gunpowder Plot, Guy Fawkes and the Celebration go to:

http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/guy/html/maina.html

For information about the center for Fawkesian Pursuits Go to:

http://mysite.verizon.net/cbladey/guy/html/center.html

We are non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration of the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of November 5, 1605 and related research.

CELEBRATIONS 2007

2007-11-07T05:19:00.001-08:00

CELEBRATIONS 2007

2007-11-07T05:18:00.001-08:00

CELEBRATIONS 2007

2007-11-07T05:16:00.000-08:00

CELEBRATIONS 2007

2007-11-07T05:15:00.000-08:00

CELEBRATIONS 2007

2007-11-07T05:13:00.000-08:00

CELEBRATIONS 2007

2007-11-07T05:12:00.001-08:00

CELEBRATIONS 2007

2007-11-07T05:10:00.001-08:00

The No popouri girls tossing out popouri flower pedals until they have "no popouri"

CELEBRATIONS 2007

2007-11-07T05:08:00.001-08:00

celebrations 2005

2007-11-07T05:07:00.001-08:00

Celebrations 2007

2007-11-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

CELEBRATIONS 2007

2007-11-07T05:04:00.001-08:00

OUt in the street wondering what the people in the cars driving by are thinking!

cELEBRATIONSs 2007

2007-11-07T05:02:00.001-08:00

CELEBRATIONS 2007

2007-11-07T04:59:00.000-08:00

Bonfire on the National Mall DC

2007-10-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

Wartime Bonfire celebrating Loant to Britain in Washington D.C.

Guest of Honor for the 2007 Bonfire: Don Imus

2007-09-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Yes indeed folks! This year's guest of honor is Don Imus- portrayed on a cross of Hoes! Know for loosing his freedom this year.

2006-11-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

Celebration of the Fifth of November Bonfire Night 206

2006-11-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

more torches

2006-11-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

moretorches

2006-11-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

more torches

2006-11-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

The sermon

2006-11-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

more torches

2006-11-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

torches

2006-11-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

Torches!

2006-11-05T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Cardinal Greets all!

2006-11-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

sermon

2006-11-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

The sermon!

2006-11-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

Our new keg system-no more beer gone bad!

2006-10-30T09:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the preparations for Bonfire 2006. We will hold this on November 4 all are welcome free....402 Nancy Ave. Linthicum, Md. 21090 USA....This is our shield- it features our logo- Garnet's Corn

2006-10-30T09:37:00.000-08:00

Rocks that will be used to cook the 38 lb turkey in the earth oven!

2006-10-30T09:35:00.000-08:00

Guy 2006 an american guy!

2006-10-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

This year

2006-10-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

How to refurbish torches!This is an old torch- after second use. It would probably burn well enough but it would also shed little bits of flaming sacking which would not be so good. So we refurbish them by putting 3-4 turns of new sacking over the old- enough to cover it. An easy process especially if you can get a few together to enjoy the session. Not hard-so lets begin!....

2006-10-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Only a few simple tools are required. Most important is plenty of beer. I use roofing nails because they have big heads. If refurbishing go for the longer ones. Invest in sturdy wire as the fire will render thin wire useless. One can easily get 3-4 uses out of good wire. For sacking use natural jute burlap. No synthetics.

2006-10-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

Snip off the old wire at one of the two nails and unwind. Do not remove old sacking.

2006-10-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

Once the wire is removed wrap the sacking around the torch tightly be sure that the top end does not have sacking flopping around it needs support.

2006-10-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Once the torch is wrapped with the wire tightly making sure that loose ends are held down hammer in one roofing nail about half way in then wrap the wire around it two to three turns and hammer the nail the rest of the way! Easy!

2006-10-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Now! Thats a Torch! Cheers!

2006-10-19T10:19:00.000-07:00

A week or so ago Hastings Borough Bonfire society had its bonfire.....Hastings, England. It is burned on the beach. Concentrate on the area between the two wooden circles at center left. (Eventually the pile is faced with wood and decorated. This photo shows how it is constructed.)

2006-10-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

If you look to the center you will see a piece of wood with black writing! That is our wood! Hastings Burough Bonfire Society exchanges a piece of wood with us each year. A place of honor!

Visit our Store to help fund the event!

2006-10-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

Yes! You too can help!
visit our store and find unique bonfire society items!

http://www.cafepress.com/fawkeshop

2006-08-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

The magnificent new metal firepit structure! No more burning corner posts....

2006-08-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

Magnificent new pit shelter! All metal! no more burning corner posts :) The turkey never gets wet! Corner posts are painted as burning torches!

2005-11-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

Great Headline! This is the Gazette version of article that originally came out in the Capitol....of course they could not get it out until the day after....rumours of my death have been wildly exagerated....

2005-11-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

simon's first bonfire night......

2005-11-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

simon and larry learn their chants

2005-11-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

The torch arch

2005-11-06T11:45:00.001-08:00

sermon and arch of torches

2005-11-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

another sermon shot

2005-11-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

The wonder of it all

2005-11-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

sermon continues

2005-11-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

the arch and sermon

2005-11-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

torch arch

2005-11-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

volume competition

2005-11-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

competition for chant performance

2005-11-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

preparing for chants

2005-11-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

preparing for the chants in groups...

2005-11-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

The holy juice a sip for all!

2005-11-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

Reading every last word on the harveys...savoring the moment...

2005-11-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

Behold the pudding bedekt with flame...

2005-11-06T11:10:00.000-08:00

I could swear I saw them filling the buckets...

2005-10-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

The Shield of the Center for Fawkesian Pursuits Ready once again! It is a depiction of our crest logo showng the holy relic of Garnet's straw going up in the flames of bonfie! On the top there will be fireworks!

2005-10-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

Who are those strange figures in the distance?

2005-10-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson waits for his Jesus juice!

2005-10-30T08:30:00.000-08:00

Of course the pope looks wonderful in his tiara!

2005-10-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

Martha "Stuart" always in high fashion on her pole....

2005-10-30T08:27:00.000-08:00

Katrina swirls around....

2005-10-30T08:26:00.000-08:00

Four goulish figures to greet!

2005-10-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

The new light reveals figures in the back garden....

2005-10-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

Torches are ready for inspection and re wrapping...

2005-10-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

rocks stacked in fire pit ready to go...sump is on the right note red soil from 20 years of fires...

2005-10-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

Plutonic rocks from the Patapsco river tributaries are cleaned and ready to stack in the pit!

2005-10-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

Pit is dug dirt is in to wheelbarrows ready for quick dumpping in over the turkey over the hot rocks so there is no chance for cooling!

2005-10-30T07:36:00.000-08:00

Margaret digs out the sump in the corner so that the ashes can fall in when rocks are dusted off before cooking.