Out with the Old and in with The New

It was very noisy in the last hours of the Old Year.

In our neighbourhood there was a barrage of fireworks around 11pm which I can only attribute to parents placating sleepy younger children who would not be able to stay awake to celebrate the arrival of 2019.

That burst of explosion in sound and visual effects is just a pale rehearsal for the minutes either side of midnight.

Being a Seaport there is also the distinctive tone of ships' sirens and hooters penetrating the urban background noise which can be heard some 2 miles inland on a still and cold night.

A few local households were hosting family or friends and taking advantage of the unseasonably mild winter weather to stand around in their gardens with a barbecue, small bonfire or brazier as the focal point.

Some of my family made their way up to a local landmark tower with a flask of wine and by doing so perpetuated a bit of a custom.

We overlook a City Park and large groups of revellers had gathered in the open space to make their own party or just to participate in the great pouring out of emotions with the demise of 2018 and with each and every one of them anticipating or hoping for a change of fortunes in their lives and circumstances in the months ahead.

Our dark haired son brought in the New Year in the tradition of our Scottish ancestors although the usual requisite of a lump of coal could not be found in our chimney-less era of house.

Talking to colleagues on my return to work today many had opted for a quiet night in with the family although it was a case of watching the clock and to give mutual encouragement to stay up.

The last of the Christmas food is used up and a bottle of bubbly retrieved from its careful hiding place especially for a well wishing or a reflective toast.

One sound at midnight which I had not at all considered was mentioned by a resident of a nearby village.

The place is rather dominated by a large establishment run by Her Majesty's Prison Service.

Although its inmates will have been confined to their cells at the usual lights out time earlier on in the evening there is a great pouring out of shouts and cheers that can be heard for some good distance around. 

It is quite a unique and poignant accompaniment to the marking of the New Year.