HOW does Britain commemorate the Gunpowder Plot? With bonfires and fireworks - that's how.

Never have I heard of a church service, although the bells symphony and choral works sound good.

I cannot understand why, given the fireworks are silent, they have to be over before the church services start.

In fact, according to Mr Boardman, the fireworks and Evensong at the Minster start at exactly the same time (Letters, October 27) so that's that argument blown up.

It would be so much better with a later start so we can watch while outside enjoying our own festivities.

Come on City of York Council, we are the only city who can truly commemorate Guy Fawkes, so don't let us end up with a damp squib!

Pat Bowness,

Barbican Road,

York.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, November 03, 2005