[Growltigga]

Rockman, you are partially right about the English not celebrating Halloween. We do celebrate it but it used to be in a different way to the North Americans.

When I was a child, trick or treating was unheard of. We used to have Halloween parties which were basically a standard kiddies party, save that you dressed up as werewolves, vampires, devils, witches etc and spent most of the evening going "Woo Woo" and eating jelly. Bobbing for apples featured highly as I recall.

When I got to about 16-17 (ie circa 1987), trick or treating was starting to kick off, but I do remember chaperoning some youngsters and whilst quite a few people entered into the spirit of things, a lot of people told you to go away or they would call the police. At this time, Halloween parties for teenagers were de rigeure and I can still remember it being the first time I saw my childhood sweetheats in leather and fishnets (they were dressed as witches)

Now Guy Fawkes Night is incredibly important and I am slightly surprised you celebrate it in Kiwi-land. It is a big thing for me (my surname is really "Fawkes" although no relation). It is a great night for attending big bonfires wherre you burn the Guy, lots of big fireworks, good food (baked potatoes, sausages and steak and kidney pudding) and of course, as much strong ale as you can get down your gullet in 2 trys - I just love this time of year