A MR FAWKES will be lighting up Bonfire Night when members of an ancient York gild gather for a memorable social occasion.

But it will not be the 17th Century gunpowder plotter Guy Fawkes who will be turning out at when The Company of Cordwainers holds its annual feast at Bedern Hall, in York.

Instead, shoemaker Ashley Fawkes, one of the gild's newest recruits, will be among those tucking into a feast of fine fare when the Martinmas feast is held on Friday.

Continuing the conspiratorial theme will be guest speaker Trevor Mulryne, the master of St Olave's Junior School. Pupils who go through the school head on to St Peter's School, where Guy Fawkes was a student.

Born and raised in York, Guy Fawkes has gained immortal notoriety for his role in the plan to blow up Parliament and King James I in 1605.

The Company of Cordwainers has existed in York since the 13th Century. Judith Williams, master of the gild, said the company's members would be keeping a very close eye on the modern-day Mr Fawkes when festivities got under way on Bonfire Night.

"We will be making sure Mr Fawkes doesn't get up to any mischief," Judith said.

"Particularly next year, when it is the 400th anniversary of the plot.

"I think Ashley sees the irony in the name and the day of the event, but we will have to take precautions on the night.

"We can't be sure if he is actually a relative of Guy Fawkes. History can't tell us if Guy Fawkes had any children. But, as master of the gild, I will be checking him for gunpowder when he comes in!

"Ashley is a new member of the gild and we are delighted. I have set a theme of Bonfire Night, so we are having venison sausage with roasted vegetables and orange crme brulee because it is burned! And instead of after-dinner mints, we are having parkin."

Updated: 11:04 Thursday, November 04, 2004