Halloween Nightmares for Some.
Halloween comes round again in a few days' time. This idiotic and dangerous evening might well have its pagan origins among the Celtic people (even if jealous Christians tried to get in on the act by craftily creating All Hallows Eve), but that's no reason to encourage the absurd antics of hordes of rampaging children.

Whatever else they think they're doing as they sling eggs and flour at front doors and windows, it's got nothing to do with the ancient belief that, on the night, the barriers between our world and the spirit world are at their weakest.

So weak, say the ghoulish believers, that the souls of the dead can return to earth in search of the warmth and light of their former lives.

What a lot of tosh! But it's this business of trick or treat which has really caused consternation and worry, particularly among the elderly or those living alone. The thought of answering the door on a cold, dark night, to be confronted by kids in hideous masks threatening retribution if you don't cough-up, is pretty terrifying.

Among the amusing "tricks" in Bristol last year: Cars kicked and damaged, at least two sprayed with cans of paint, garden plants and trees up rooted and a garden shed set on fire! All pretty funny, isn't it?

Strangely, many think this bizarre custom is an American invention, but its history is easily traced back to the early celebrations of All Souls' Day in Britain.

Apparently, the poor would gobegging at front doors and kindly housewives would give them special treats called soul cakes, a custom which was eventually taken over by children who then received sweets, apples or buns.

How that turned into young thugs demanding treats with menaces is anyone's guess, but the reality now is that much older "children" are getting involved and, given the widespread fear of crime and violence, it makes for a dangerous and bewildering night for householders.

Source: Western Daily Press Turners View www.westpress.co.uk

Happy Halloween Poster Campaign
A poster campaign introduced by Wiltshire Police aims to reduce the number of elderly people who are frightened by the "inappropriate behaviour" of some Halloween visitors. Children who go out trick-or-treating are being asked not to visit houses displaying the posters. Full details click here

Wiltshire Police Website www.wiltshire.police.uk Police Headquarters London Road Devizes SN10 2DN Wiltshire Tel: 0845 4087000