30 Nov 08, 1.27am (Liuyang Time)
I have eaten some strange but extremely nice dishes in the cause of Fantastic Fireworks over the last few days. Dog, goat and perch to name just three - and all very tasty I might add, but one of the most memorable things about this trip, other than the fireworks and the hospitality, is the obvious way in which our world is changing...
I last visited China two years ago and remembered a country that was 'an emerging economy' with many obvious signs of the gulf between those that have and those that haven't. In those two years the changes here have been immense with many new high rise appartment blocks appearing on the Liuyang skyline, along with a really noticeable increase in the number of cars on the road and the number of people shopping on streets that now boast names like Armani and McDonalds.
We hear stories in the media that China is the world's fastest growing economy and that even in these times of global recession it has but 'slowed down'. However from here it is obvious that the growth continues. People have more disposable income now in the major cities and most of the old and rundown homes I remember from my last visit are being renovated and lived in.
With all the bad news about at the moment it is good to know that for people here things are getting better and the standard of living is improving very fast.
Later today we leave the home of fireworks and fly to the southern China city of Beihai before travelling back to the UK next week knowing that I will take back memories of a more prosperous China than I did on my last visit. For now though it has been another long day and whilst you all set out for your Saturday night on the town I must go to bed and get to sleep, resting on the thought that all our consumerism is making life much better for at least one corner of the world.
29 Nov 2008
Say it with Flowers!
29 Nov 08, 4.16pm
Steve promised to post his latest Fantastic Fireworks blog from China today on the subject of local cuisine. He was telling me yesterday about how he'd sampled dog for the first time. He's either suffering from in-dog-estion or he's gone back for seconds. While waiting to hear more about his dog's dinner, let me offer a morsel of advice on the delicate subject of birthday presents for a loved one. I once bought my wife a cookery book. Bad move. It was perceived as an insult to her culinary skills. Today I bought her flowers. There is no argument about flowers. They look nice, they smell nice and they brighten up the house. Happy birthday, darling!
Steve promised to post his latest Fantastic Fireworks blog from China today on the subject of local cuisine. He was telling me yesterday about how he'd sampled dog for the first time. He's either suffering from in-dog-estion or he's gone back for seconds. While waiting to hear more about his dog's dinner, let me offer a morsel of advice on the delicate subject of birthday presents for a loved one. I once bought my wife a cookery book. Bad move. It was perceived as an insult to her culinary skills. Today I bought her flowers. There is no argument about flowers. They look nice, they smell nice and they brighten up the house. Happy birthday, darling!
28 Nov 2008
The view from afar - from Chris in Sri Lanka
28 Nov 08, 3.19am
I hope you can read this OK. I send the blog from 5500 miles away in Sri Lanka. But if you can read blogs written in China I guess you can read mine. How the electricity gets the words all those miles and still manage to make them clear on your screen at Fantastic Fireworks I don't know. I just wanted to demonstrate my advanced grasp of IT.
Sri Lanka is a brilliant place to visit. I saw advertised a full-board/hotel/drinks/flights/everything two week package for seven hundred quid the other day. However if you picked the last 12 days (since I arrived here) you'd have seen about 5 hours of sun. Rain and cloud a-plenty in what is meant to be the dry season. I have a motor-bike here but resort to the trusty three-wheel taxis when it rains, which is frequent. However this morning is blue skies and bright hot sun, so perhaps one of the Sri Lankan Gods (you have several to choose from) was listening.
12 days of meetings, travelling to the north and south, visiting school-help projects, and re-acclimatising to the heat and humidity. Life is pleasantly hectic and we are getting back into the groove of daily life of the it-doesn't-quite-work-but-so-what Lankan lifestyle.
I hope you can read this OK. I send the blog from 5500 miles away in Sri Lanka. But if you can read blogs written in China I guess you can read mine. How the electricity gets the words all those miles and still manage to make them clear on your screen at Fantastic Fireworks I don't know. I just wanted to demonstrate my advanced grasp of IT.
Sri Lanka is a brilliant place to visit. I saw advertised a full-board/hotel/drinks/flights/everything two week package for seven hundred quid the other day. However if you picked the last 12 days (since I arrived here) you'd have seen about 5 hours of sun. Rain and cloud a-plenty in what is meant to be the dry season. I have a motor-bike here but resort to the trusty three-wheel taxis when it rains, which is frequent. However this morning is blue skies and bright hot sun, so perhaps one of the Sri Lankan Gods (you have several to choose from) was listening.
12 days of meetings, travelling to the north and south, visiting school-help projects, and re-acclimatising to the heat and humidity. Life is pleasantly hectic and we are getting back into the groove of daily life of the it-doesn't-quite-work-but-so-what Lankan lifestyle.
27 Nov 2008
Desert Island Dreams (2)
27 Nov 08, 9.30am
Not to be outdone by the office staff (Desert Island Dreams 17 Nov), I offer the following list of Desert Island Discs on behalf of the Fantastic Fireworks Firing Fraternity:
1. Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens
2. The Long & Winding Road - Beatles
3. Rhythm of the Rain - Cascades
4. Light My Fire - Jose Feliciano
5. In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins
6. Flash Bang Wallop - Tommy Steele
7. Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
8. Smoke On The Water - Deep Purple
9. On The Road Again - Canned Heat
10. Back Home - England World Cup Squad
And one luxury - how about some waterproof Probans ?
Not to be outdone by the office staff (Desert Island Dreams 17 Nov), I offer the following list of Desert Island Discs on behalf of the Fantastic Fireworks Firing Fraternity:
1. Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens
2. The Long & Winding Road - Beatles
3. Rhythm of the Rain - Cascades
4. Light My Fire - Jose Feliciano
5. In The Air Tonight - Phil Collins
6. Flash Bang Wallop - Tommy Steele
7. Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
8. Smoke On The Water - Deep Purple
9. On The Road Again - Canned Heat
10. Back Home - England World Cup Squad
And one luxury - how about some waterproof Probans ?
26 Nov 2008
A Night In The Life Of An FF Firer...
26 Nov 08, 3.30pm
Today Linda and I were struggling to find something to write about in our blog. It's been a relatively calm and gentle day in the office, and besides writing about VAT & taxes there's not an awful lot happening in the news either. Just as we were seriously debating starting an 'FF Pets Corner' (oh yes it really was getting that desperate), the lovely Emma Parkinson, one of our Firers, leapt to our aid with a very funny story which we decided we must share with you all.
So over to Emma:
" How about (blogging about) how working for Fantastic Fireworks helps you if you’re looking for an exciting nightlife?
Let me tell you a story about James Tossell and I getting shut on the roof of a shopping centre in Portsmouth last week. Somebody opened the lift door on the bottom floor, leaving us stranded in the dark with all our kit, the client gone for the night and nobody answering the radio.
We had to clamber over air con vents and all sorts to find the only other open door on the roof of the complex. We went through the mystery door and followed a funny little corridor down past staff rooms and notices and then… wandered straight out into Portsmouth’s branch of Tiger Tiger nightclub… Which was going on in full swing… In our grimy red overalls…
We had to walk all the way through the nightclub from the top floor, getting funny looks from all the dressed up punters and more than a few comments, too. And given some of the advances we got, if you’re out on the pull in Portsmouth you could do far worse than to go out wearing red overalls and a hard hat. "
I'm sure that story has made you all giggle/cringe sympathetically for poor Emma & James as much as it did me! And as for Emma's top tip of red overalls & a hard hat for your next big night out... well that's the Christmas party outfit sorted then ;o)
Today Linda and I were struggling to find something to write about in our blog. It's been a relatively calm and gentle day in the office, and besides writing about VAT & taxes there's not an awful lot happening in the news either. Just as we were seriously debating starting an 'FF Pets Corner' (oh yes it really was getting that desperate), the lovely Emma Parkinson, one of our Firers, leapt to our aid with a very funny story which we decided we must share with you all.
So over to Emma:
" How about (blogging about) how working for Fantastic Fireworks helps you if you’re looking for an exciting nightlife?
Let me tell you a story about James Tossell and I getting shut on the roof of a shopping centre in Portsmouth last week. Somebody opened the lift door on the bottom floor, leaving us stranded in the dark with all our kit, the client gone for the night and nobody answering the radio.
We had to clamber over air con vents and all sorts to find the only other open door on the roof of the complex. We went through the mystery door and followed a funny little corridor down past staff rooms and notices and then… wandered straight out into Portsmouth’s branch of Tiger Tiger nightclub… Which was going on in full swing… In our grimy red overalls…
We had to walk all the way through the nightclub from the top floor, getting funny looks from all the dressed up punters and more than a few comments, too. And given some of the advances we got, if you’re out on the pull in Portsmouth you could do far worse than to go out wearing red overalls and a hard hat. "
I'm sure that story has made you all giggle/cringe sympathetically for poor Emma & James as much as it did me! And as for Emma's top tip of red overalls & a hard hat for your next big night out... well that's the Christmas party outfit sorted then ;o)
Another Day, Another Airport Lounge!
26 Nov 08, 10.05pm
I wish I collected Air Miles as today Steve and I moved on to our next destination. After a short flight we landed in Liu Yang (home of the firework). As I sit here on the 19th floor of our massive hotel I can look back on another hectic day in search of even more Fantastic Fireworks! Today we saw some new and exciting products during a demo and were then whisked away to talk through some new ideas over the dinner table. In the morning we have some more meetings and another demo of new products to see. On a personal note I joked with Jon about not coming back before I left. Might not have been a joke?
25 Nov 2008
We Meet Again
25 Nov 08 11.48pm
Tom finally arrived in China this morning to tell me of the delights of second class hotels and much airline catering, looking like his 'red eye' flight did the trick..... I can't complain though as I was wined and dined by Mr Lee and Qi Hong in An Ping county and managed to eat enough, and drink enough, for both of us. After finishing business once we picked Tom up at the airport we were whisked around Beijing to do the tourist bit and see the sights, mostly from the backseat of Qi Hongs 4x4. We did however take a quick trip out of Beijing to the Great Wall only to find that we were both too tired to make it up the hill to the entrance, let alone walk along it. The day ended with a Peking Duck extravaganza, the only meal I've ever had where you are given a certificate, and a walk around the Olympic site with, hopefully, a full night's sleep to follow. Tomorrow, an early start sees us both, I hope, travel two-thirds of the way through China to Chang Sha and then another long journey by car to Liu Yang in the Hunan province where the fireworks should really begin...
24 Nov 2008
One Night In Paris!
24 Nov 08, 11.10 am
Picture a man with no luggage, no Euros, no clean socks and absolutely no grasp of the French language. That man is me. Here I sit blogging to you live from Paris CDG Airport (I know that's not in China). Due to the great British Weather my flight was delayed which meant I missed my connection to Beijing and Steve went ahead on his own. So I have spent the day being very bored in Paris. I feel sorry for the person who has to sit next to me for 10 hours on the plane as due to my lack of luggage I have been wearing the same clothes for 2 days! Hopefully my next blog will be from sunny China. See you all soon!
Picture a man with no luggage, no Euros, no clean socks and absolutely no grasp of the French language. That man is me. Here I sit blogging to you live from Paris CDG Airport (I know that's not in China). Due to the great British Weather my flight was delayed which meant I missed my connection to Beijing and Steve went ahead on his own. So I have spent the day being very bored in Paris. I feel sorry for the person who has to sit next to me for 10 hours on the plane as due to my lack of luggage I have been wearing the same clothes for 2 days! Hopefully my next blog will be from sunny China. See you all soon!
23 Nov 2008
A rose by any other name
23 Nov 08, 1.23pm
The firework season gets in the way of the gardening season, so it's only now that I'm able to get to work on the flower beds and greenhouse. One task involves cutting down and bringing in my Canna lily collection. These underrated and hard-to-find plants produce a spectacular blaze of late summer colour. Their long stems and explosion of orange and red blooms resemble the firework trail and burst of a lift of comet-tailed shells. Gardening and a love of fireworks seem to go together. I know my colleague at Kimbolton Fireworks, the Rev Ron Lancaster, to be a keen gardener, and so too was another scion of the fireworks industry, the late Chris Philip, who catalogued garden plants. It's a shame I couldn't copyright the name Fantastic Fireworks, otherwise I could charge a royalty on all the clematis, geraniums and roses which carry our name!
The firework season gets in the way of the gardening season, so it's only now that I'm able to get to work on the flower beds and greenhouse. One task involves cutting down and bringing in my Canna lily collection. These underrated and hard-to-find plants produce a spectacular blaze of late summer colour. Their long stems and explosion of orange and red blooms resemble the firework trail and burst of a lift of comet-tailed shells. Gardening and a love of fireworks seem to go together. I know my colleague at Kimbolton Fireworks, the Rev Ron Lancaster, to be a keen gardener, and so too was another scion of the fireworks industry, the late Chris Philip, who catalogued garden plants. It's a shame I couldn't copyright the name Fantastic Fireworks, otherwise I could charge a royalty on all the clematis, geraniums and roses which carry our name!
22 Nov 2008
China bound
22 Nov 08, 11.20am
Their passports, visas and toothbrushes are packed. Steve & Tom from our display department will soon be China-bound, searching out new and exciting effects for Fantastic Fireworks' 2009 showcase. Next week they will be posting regular blogs as they visit six factories, travelling from the sub-zero temperatures of northern China to the warmth of the south. Our Chinese hosts are always eager to please, most courteous and generous with their hospitality. In a country that has to feed more than a billion mouths one thing you soon discover is that few creatures escape the dinner table. However the Chinese are sensible to Western tastes even if, just occasionally, you have to avert your eyes when you spot the odd beak poking out of a dish! Which reminds me of a terrible joke one of our firers told me recently. A group of people go into a Chinese restaurant and place their order. When the dish arrives, to their horror they see the lid lift slightly and a watery eye looking out at them. Quickly they slam the slid down and summon the waiter. 'What's the problem' he asks. 'Well take a look,' they say. The lid lifts again and there is the eye looking out. The waiter swears. Then he summons his chef and shouts 'They order Chicken Chow Mein. This Peeking Duck.'
Their passports, visas and toothbrushes are packed. Steve & Tom from our display department will soon be China-bound, searching out new and exciting effects for Fantastic Fireworks' 2009 showcase. Next week they will be posting regular blogs as they visit six factories, travelling from the sub-zero temperatures of northern China to the warmth of the south. Our Chinese hosts are always eager to please, most courteous and generous with their hospitality. In a country that has to feed more than a billion mouths one thing you soon discover is that few creatures escape the dinner table. However the Chinese are sensible to Western tastes even if, just occasionally, you have to avert your eyes when you spot the odd beak poking out of a dish! Which reminds me of a terrible joke one of our firers told me recently. A group of people go into a Chinese restaurant and place their order. When the dish arrives, to their horror they see the lid lift slightly and a watery eye looking out at them. Quickly they slam the slid down and summon the waiter. 'What's the problem' he asks. 'Well take a look,' they say. The lid lifts again and there is the eye looking out. The waiter swears. Then he summons his chef and shouts 'They order Chicken Chow Mein. This Peeking Duck.'
21 Nov 2008
A Crucial Divide
21 Nov 2008 9:25
This week I enjoyed a couple of much needed days off. During my time at home one of my tasks was to make a bulkhead for my/Louis' (the puppy) van. After a morning session with the jigsaw I had fashioned something that should do the job. This doesn't sound very exciting, but there is only so much hair on the front seats, dirt on the front seats, gearstick chewing, handbrake chewing and carpet ripping that a person can take. My work of art has so far stood the test and kept the 34kg puppy at bay. I have to say I'm rather proud... and relieved.
This week I enjoyed a couple of much needed days off. During my time at home one of my tasks was to make a bulkhead for my/Louis' (the puppy) van. After a morning session with the jigsaw I had fashioned something that should do the job. This doesn't sound very exciting, but there is only so much hair on the front seats, dirt on the front seats, gearstick chewing, handbrake chewing and carpet ripping that a person can take. My work of art has so far stood the test and kept the 34kg puppy at bay. I have to say I'm rather proud... and relieved.
20 Nov 2008
How Clean Is Your Site?
20 Nov 08, 8.46am
This week the clean-up operation after the season continues. Myself and my band of merry men have been busy scraping pegs, bundling stakes, cleaning out tubes and tidying up cables. It takes months of preparation to get ready for the season and almost as long to clean up afterwards. So spare a thought for the brave souls who are out there now in all weathers cleaning mud from kit!
This time next week I will be doing my Blog live from China. I will be out there visiting all our current suppliers and some new ones in order to find some new ground-breaking effects for 2009.
19 Nov 2008
The Midnight Hour
19 Nov 08, 11.48pm
As the midnight hour approaches I've hurried back from our firers' dinner in order to report proceedings. This popular event on the FF calendar is a chance for all our pyrotechnicians to meet up and regale each other with stories of Bonfire Night heroics over chicken satay and Thai green curry. When I left there were still a handful of diehards huddled in the corner noisily discussing the merits of pyroclock fuse against plastic igniter cord. Or were they arguing over who should give Linda and Kate a lift home? I'm not sure but such is their passion for pyro, and our office staff, that I left reassured that the future of Fantastic Fireworks is in safe hands!
As the midnight hour approaches I've hurried back from our firers' dinner in order to report proceedings. This popular event on the FF calendar is a chance for all our pyrotechnicians to meet up and regale each other with stories of Bonfire Night heroics over chicken satay and Thai green curry. When I left there were still a handful of diehards huddled in the corner noisily discussing the merits of pyroclock fuse against plastic igniter cord. Or were they arguing over who should give Linda and Kate a lift home? I'm not sure but such is their passion for pyro, and our office staff, that I left reassured that the future of Fantastic Fireworks is in safe hands!
18 Nov 2008
The Pros and Cons of my visit, by Fred Wade
18 Nov 08, 1.37am
Fred Wade, CEO of our associate company Fireworks/FX in Canada, gives the lowdown on a wet week with Fantastic Fireworks helping on our Bonfire Night shows.
It can't be only a week since I came back to Canada from my stint in England, it seems like ages ago. We landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, last Tuesday, had to prepare as guest speaker for a Chamber of Commerce awards dinner for Thursday and had to fly to Ottawa on Sunday for 3 days of meetings, whew!
As with most things there were pros and cons with my visit this time, let's see if I can detail a few:
Guinness on tap PRO
the weather CON
staying at the Silver Cup in Harpenden PRO
the rain CON
driving to London with a sat nav phone on steriods CON
my crewmates PRO
drinking tea in the back of a lorry with the rain coming down PRO and CON
driving stakes CON
glancing around while setting up at Blenheim Palace PRO
pulling stakes CON
locking the keys in the truck CON
getting a cab home at 3:30 am CON
eating around town PRO
being in England PRO
learning the lingo PRO
tying on with wire CON
setting up in the rain CON
shooting in the rain CON
packing up in the rain CON
the scenery PRO
trying to guess what spotted dick was on the menu PRO
having a day off PRO
knowing that I wasn't in charge of anything at all PRO
knowing that I had to go home to be in charge of everything CON
did I mention the weather? CON
Seriously though I had a great time in spite of everything, and my hat is off to the entire Fantastic Fireworks team for such a magnificent effort. I shake my head in amazement in how many shows you pulled off under such yucky conditions.
Hope to make it over with a whole crew next year, we'll all wear red plaid shirts and suspenders so you can pick the Canadian lumberjacks out from all the rest.
Cheers,
Fred
Fred Wade, CEO of our associate company Fireworks/FX in Canada, gives the lowdown on a wet week with Fantastic Fireworks helping on our Bonfire Night shows.
It can't be only a week since I came back to Canada from my stint in England, it seems like ages ago. We landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, last Tuesday, had to prepare as guest speaker for a Chamber of Commerce awards dinner for Thursday and had to fly to Ottawa on Sunday for 3 days of meetings, whew!
As with most things there were pros and cons with my visit this time, let's see if I can detail a few:
Guinness on tap PRO
the weather CON
staying at the Silver Cup in Harpenden PRO
the rain CON
driving to London with a sat nav phone on steriods CON
my crewmates PRO
drinking tea in the back of a lorry with the rain coming down PRO and CON
driving stakes CON
glancing around while setting up at Blenheim Palace PRO
pulling stakes CON
locking the keys in the truck CON
getting a cab home at 3:30 am CON
eating around town PRO
being in England PRO
learning the lingo PRO
tying on with wire CON
setting up in the rain CON
shooting in the rain CON
packing up in the rain CON
the scenery PRO
trying to guess what spotted dick was on the menu PRO
having a day off PRO
knowing that I wasn't in charge of anything at all PRO
knowing that I had to go home to be in charge of everything CON
did I mention the weather? CON
Seriously though I had a great time in spite of everything, and my hat is off to the entire Fantastic Fireworks team for such a magnificent effort. I shake my head in amazement in how many shows you pulled off under such yucky conditions.
Hope to make it over with a whole crew next year, we'll all wear red plaid shirts and suspenders so you can pick the Canadian lumberjacks out from all the rest.
Cheers,
Fred
17 Nov 2008
Desert Island Dreams
17 Nov 08, 5.38pm
In these dark & gloomy days of winter it's only natural to dream of warm beaches & sunny skies. In the first of an occasional series (& with due homage to the BBC & Roy Plomley) I've asked the Fantastic Fireworks staff to choose their Desert Island Discs. My first castaway is our office admin manager, the lovely Kate McGing. Kate has been with us only a few months and has already proved herself to be a top ten hit with staff and clients.
In these dark & gloomy days of winter it's only natural to dream of warm beaches & sunny skies. In the first of an occasional series (& with due homage to the BBC & Roy Plomley) I've asked the Fantastic Fireworks staff to choose their Desert Island Discs. My first castaway is our office admin manager, the lovely Kate McGing. Kate has been with us only a few months and has already proved herself to be a top ten hit with staff and clients.
So Kate McGing, tell me about your choices...
Well Kirsty, I mean Jon, it was very hard but here goes...
1. R.E.M. – Losing My Religion (my all-time favourite band! Extremely hard to pick just one song!)
2. The Smiths – How Soon Is Now (again I love everything by The Smiths but this song just about pips the rest to the post)
3. Otis Reading – These Arms of Mine (gives me goosebumps!)
4. Johnny Cash – I Walk The Line (I’ve been slightly obsessed with Johnny Cash since seeing the film of the same name)
5. Blondie – Heart of Glass (just a great song)
6. Killers – Mr. Brightside (a more recent favourite than some of the above!)
7. Kaiser Chiefs – Oh My God (This song came out just as I was leaving home – it made me chuckle with the line “Oh My God I can’t believe it I’ve never been this far away from home” – just what I was feeling!!)
8. Take That – Rule The World (just to throw in a bit of cheese! I loved them as a teenager - think they’ve got better with age!)
I would have to take Jane Eyre with me as my favourite book, I read it for the first time 10 years ago and still love it now.
Luxury item would be my lovely little Burmese cat Coco (if pets are allowed!). Great company and she would keep me amused with her antics all day :o)
I think I would have to spend my time creating ‘101 exciting ways to eat coconuts’ which would surely be a bestselling cookbook once I am rescued and return home!
Thank you Kate for letting us hear your Desert Island Discs & don't forget to come back to work tomorrow!
Well Kirsty, I mean Jon, it was very hard but here goes...
1. R.E.M. – Losing My Religion (my all-time favourite band! Extremely hard to pick just one song!)
2. The Smiths – How Soon Is Now (again I love everything by The Smiths but this song just about pips the rest to the post)
3. Otis Reading – These Arms of Mine (gives me goosebumps!)
4. Johnny Cash – I Walk The Line (I’ve been slightly obsessed with Johnny Cash since seeing the film of the same name)
5. Blondie – Heart of Glass (just a great song)
6. Killers – Mr. Brightside (a more recent favourite than some of the above!)
7. Kaiser Chiefs – Oh My God (This song came out just as I was leaving home – it made me chuckle with the line “Oh My God I can’t believe it I’ve never been this far away from home” – just what I was feeling!!)
8. Take That – Rule The World (just to throw in a bit of cheese! I loved them as a teenager - think they’ve got better with age!)
I would have to take Jane Eyre with me as my favourite book, I read it for the first time 10 years ago and still love it now.
Luxury item would be my lovely little Burmese cat Coco (if pets are allowed!). Great company and she would keep me amused with her antics all day :o)
I think I would have to spend my time creating ‘101 exciting ways to eat coconuts’ which would surely be a bestselling cookbook once I am rescued and return home!
Thank you Kate for letting us hear your Desert Island Discs & don't forget to come back to work tomorrow!
16 Nov 2008
Stand up for Simon Brodkin
16 Nov 08, 7.44am
What do fireworks people do in their spare time? Well some talk fireworks morning, noon and night, even in their sleep. Others have homes, families and hobbies to look after. Linda has her Avon clients, Chris has gone off to Sri Lanka on a Rotary project and Ian plays in a band called The Electric Jellyfish. Me? I enjoy gardening, football and going out to the theatre and cinema. Last night I saw a very funny new comedian at our local theatre in Hemel Hemsptead Old Town. Simon Brodkin has created an Ali G-like character called Lee Nelson, the chav with charm. For an hour he had us rolling in the aisles with his take on everything from hoodies (that bird from Scottish Widows, she never stabbed no one) to romance (I love giving my girl flowers, lucky we live next to an accident black spot). He's currently appearing on Al Murray's ITV show. Catch him if you can.
What do fireworks people do in their spare time? Well some talk fireworks morning, noon and night, even in their sleep. Others have homes, families and hobbies to look after. Linda has her Avon clients, Chris has gone off to Sri Lanka on a Rotary project and Ian plays in a band called The Electric Jellyfish. Me? I enjoy gardening, football and going out to the theatre and cinema. Last night I saw a very funny new comedian at our local theatre in Hemel Hemsptead Old Town. Simon Brodkin has created an Ali G-like character called Lee Nelson, the chav with charm. For an hour he had us rolling in the aisles with his take on everything from hoodies (that bird from Scottish Widows, she never stabbed no one) to romance (I love giving my girl flowers, lucky we live next to an accident black spot). He's currently appearing on Al Murray's ITV show. Catch him if you can.
15 Nov 2008
Threats and opportunities
15 Nov 08, 11.46am
A week ago it was all systems go, the office buzzing, people arriving, vans departing. Today Rocket Park is deserted save for me and our cleaners Lynne & Charlie. In the office all is quiet except for the distant sound of a vacuum cleaner and a radio. Now and again I hear Lynne singing along to songs like You're So Vain. She can't be thinking of Charlie surely! The tidal wave of firework displays which swept over us this past 10 days has passed and I'm thinking about how we're going to plan for next year. Recession, a tumbling pound, increased costs. But hey, every threat is an opportunity. We'll be there, bigger, stronger, fitter and with a new spring in our step!
A week ago it was all systems go, the office buzzing, people arriving, vans departing. Today Rocket Park is deserted save for me and our cleaners Lynne & Charlie. In the office all is quiet except for the distant sound of a vacuum cleaner and a radio. Now and again I hear Lynne singing along to songs like You're So Vain. She can't be thinking of Charlie surely! The tidal wave of firework displays which swept over us this past 10 days has passed and I'm thinking about how we're going to plan for next year. Recession, a tumbling pound, increased costs. But hey, every threat is an opportunity. We'll be there, bigger, stronger, fitter and with a new spring in our step!
14 Nov 2008
The Tail Of Two Dogs
14 Nov 08, 1.54pm
Once upon a time at the end of Half Moon Lane there was a young lady walking her beloved Dalmatian. They had just reached Rocket Park when her companion went off to explore and vanished from sight. Despite calling and calling, he did not return. Fraught with worry the lady ventured into Fantastic Fireworks for help. She told the handsome display manager about her lost dog and he kindly took her number and went off to search.
Some hours later there was still no sign of the lost Dalmatian. However, a gentleman who was passing Rocket Park came into Fantastic Fireworks and said there was a lost dog walking around the Yard. Could this be the lost dog they were looking for? The valiant display manager rescued the lost dog and called the number on the collar at once. The owner was very relieved, but this was not the lost Dalmatian. Seeing the disappointment in the display manager’s ocean-blue eyes, the gentleman told him that he had also seen a Dalmatian only couple of hours earlier. He said it had been put into the back of a van in Half Moon Lane. Could this be possible, was the lost dog now a stolen dog!?
The charismatic display manager quickly rang the number he had been given by the young lady. There was no answer so he left a message explaining her much-loved companion could have been stolen. Having a dog of his own the prince - I mean display manager - felt the lady’s anguish and began to call the RSPCA and the police.
During the phone calls (which did not seem to be going anywhere fast) another member of the Fantastic Fireworks A-Team took a call from the young lady. She thanked FF for all the help and informed them that she had recovered her Dalmatian safely. Relieved, the display manger could only think that the gentleman from earlier had seen the lady recover her dog in her own van on Half Moon Lane. During the commotion the display manager, despite his acute sense of awareness, had not noticed the other lost dog being collected by its owner.
Finally the crisis had been resolved and the tail of two dogs had ended. The owners and their companions lived happily ever after.
Based on a true story. No dogs were harmed during the writing of this blog
Once upon a time at the end of Half Moon Lane there was a young lady walking her beloved Dalmatian. They had just reached Rocket Park when her companion went off to explore and vanished from sight. Despite calling and calling, he did not return. Fraught with worry the lady ventured into Fantastic Fireworks for help. She told the handsome display manager about her lost dog and he kindly took her number and went off to search.
Some hours later there was still no sign of the lost Dalmatian. However, a gentleman who was passing Rocket Park came into Fantastic Fireworks and said there was a lost dog walking around the Yard. Could this be the lost dog they were looking for? The valiant display manager rescued the lost dog and called the number on the collar at once. The owner was very relieved, but this was not the lost Dalmatian. Seeing the disappointment in the display manager’s ocean-blue eyes, the gentleman told him that he had also seen a Dalmatian only couple of hours earlier. He said it had been put into the back of a van in Half Moon Lane. Could this be possible, was the lost dog now a stolen dog!?
The charismatic display manager quickly rang the number he had been given by the young lady. There was no answer so he left a message explaining her much-loved companion could have been stolen. Having a dog of his own the prince - I mean display manager - felt the lady’s anguish and began to call the RSPCA and the police.
During the phone calls (which did not seem to be going anywhere fast) another member of the Fantastic Fireworks A-Team took a call from the young lady. She thanked FF for all the help and informed them that she had recovered her Dalmatian safely. Relieved, the display manger could only think that the gentleman from earlier had seen the lady recover her dog in her own van on Half Moon Lane. During the commotion the display manager, despite his acute sense of awareness, had not noticed the other lost dog being collected by its owner.
Finally the crisis had been resolved and the tail of two dogs had ended. The owners and their companions lived happily ever after.
Based on a true story. No dogs were harmed during the writing of this blog
13 Nov 2008
Target For Tonight
13 Nov 08, 9.30am
It was while firing to The Dam Busters that it occurred to me -
Rocket Park during the season resembles nothing so much as a WWII bomber base 'somewhere in England'. Especially in the early hours of the morning, when the vans return, low on fuel and covered in mud, thundering in through the gates, back from their 'missions'. They 'taxi' down to 'dispersal', and the crews climb down. grimy, sweaty, completely exhausted, to be met by Station Adjutant Chris with steaming mugs of hot chocolate.
"How was it ?" " Bloody awful. Weather was bad, worse than expected - couldn't see the audience, let alone the fireworks. Rain got in the electrics - had to fire by hand. And then the radios failed. Wizard show though."
"Well done chaps - now get off and have some sleep. We'll need maximum effort again tonight."
The only thing missing is the bacon and eggs. Next year perhaps, Chris ?
It was while firing to The Dam Busters that it occurred to me -
Rocket Park during the season resembles nothing so much as a WWII bomber base 'somewhere in England'. Especially in the early hours of the morning, when the vans return, low on fuel and covered in mud, thundering in through the gates, back from their 'missions'. They 'taxi' down to 'dispersal', and the crews climb down. grimy, sweaty, completely exhausted, to be met by Station Adjutant Chris with steaming mugs of hot chocolate.
"How was it ?" " Bloody awful. Weather was bad, worse than expected - couldn't see the audience, let alone the fireworks. Rain got in the electrics - had to fire by hand. And then the radios failed. Wizard show though."
"Well done chaps - now get off and have some sleep. We'll need maximum effort again tonight."
The only thing missing is the bacon and eggs. Next year perhaps, Chris ?
12 Nov 2008
Heartless thieves who nearly spoiled it for the kids
12 Nov 08, 4.30pm
I'd like to tell you about the sad tale about one of our customers whose fireworks display was nearly ruined this year by inconsiderate thieves. The day before their big show, their premises were broken into and the majority of their fireworks stolen! The customer organises the bonfire event for a large number of scout groups in his area with the aim of raising funds. It's such a shame because really it was the children who were being robbed of their fun. Needless to say we here at Fantastic Fireworks did all we could to replace the missing items so the show could go on. The stolen fireworks were eventually recovered from a stolen van but unfortunately in such a damaged state they couldn't be used.
To add insult to injury, due to the fact that the fireworks were found, the scouts' insurance company will not fulfil any claim, which to me seems very unfair. Perhaps there have been too many people trying to take advantage of a bad situation, leading to all these conditions that we must abide by.
After some research I have found some bogus/funny insurance claims made in the past mainly relating to motor accidents. Some of them you may have heard before...but the oldies are the best. Here are just a few:
"The guy was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him."
"Coming home I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have."
"I told the police that I was not injured, but on removing my hat found that I had a fractured skull."
"No one was to blame for the accident but it would never have happened if the other driver had been alert."
"Going to work at 7am this morning I drove out of my drive straight into a bus. The bus was 5 minutes early."
Perhaps after having these sorts of claims the insurance companies have every right to get stroppy and start making their demands...or maybe they are just greedy.
It was a happy ending for our customer in the end. The display went very well...one of the best ever apparently! And they are very excited about next year and their new security plans :)
Hope that gave you a laugh on this chilly Wednesday evening.
I'd like to tell you about the sad tale about one of our customers whose fireworks display was nearly ruined this year by inconsiderate thieves. The day before their big show, their premises were broken into and the majority of their fireworks stolen! The customer organises the bonfire event for a large number of scout groups in his area with the aim of raising funds. It's such a shame because really it was the children who were being robbed of their fun. Needless to say we here at Fantastic Fireworks did all we could to replace the missing items so the show could go on. The stolen fireworks were eventually recovered from a stolen van but unfortunately in such a damaged state they couldn't be used.
To add insult to injury, due to the fact that the fireworks were found, the scouts' insurance company will not fulfil any claim, which to me seems very unfair. Perhaps there have been too many people trying to take advantage of a bad situation, leading to all these conditions that we must abide by.
After some research I have found some bogus/funny insurance claims made in the past mainly relating to motor accidents. Some of them you may have heard before...but the oldies are the best. Here are just a few:
"The guy was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him."
"Coming home I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have."
"I told the police that I was not injured, but on removing my hat found that I had a fractured skull."
"No one was to blame for the accident but it would never have happened if the other driver had been alert."
"Going to work at 7am this morning I drove out of my drive straight into a bus. The bus was 5 minutes early."
Perhaps after having these sorts of claims the insurance companies have every right to get stroppy and start making their demands...or maybe they are just greedy.
It was a happy ending for our customer in the end. The display went very well...one of the best ever apparently! And they are very excited about next year and their new security plans :)
Hope that gave you a laugh on this chilly Wednesday evening.
11 Nov 2008
The Fantastic Fireworks Family
11 Nov 08, 12.20pm
Underneath all our gloss is the reality of real people with real feelings doing real work. The fact that our work is to set fire to things in the name of entertainment does make it a little odd.
The last dozen or so blogs allude to the stress of intense peaks and the combinations of fatigue and elation. The teams who contribute to putting the jigsaw together from the very first client conversation to the very last firework burst in the sky become with each other, as families do, intensely bonded and at times almost as intensely irritated. Emotions run high and shared exultation comes with frustration when things become testing. The Fantastic Firework Family is a disparate collection of enthusiastic, hard-working, dedicated people who, shock-horror, do not always see eye to eye, particularly when the stress levels peak.
But as families go, it endures and we remember not the grumpy times, but the happy times, of which there are many.
Underneath all our gloss is the reality of real people with real feelings doing real work. The fact that our work is to set fire to things in the name of entertainment does make it a little odd.
The last dozen or so blogs allude to the stress of intense peaks and the combinations of fatigue and elation. The teams who contribute to putting the jigsaw together from the very first client conversation to the very last firework burst in the sky become with each other, as families do, intensely bonded and at times almost as intensely irritated. Emotions run high and shared exultation comes with frustration when things become testing. The Fantastic Firework Family is a disparate collection of enthusiastic, hard-working, dedicated people who, shock-horror, do not always see eye to eye, particularly when the stress levels peak.
But as families go, it endures and we remember not the grumpy times, but the happy times, of which there are many.
10 Nov 2008
They think it's all over, it is now!
10 Nov 08, 4.03pm
As another season bites the dust, or in this case the mud, here are some stats that cover one of the busiest and most successful firework seasons we've undertaken. We fired 110 shows, employed 175 pyrotechnicians, laminated 748 pages of firing orders (resulting, according to Kate & Linda, in 20 slightly burnt & plastic-y fingers!), booked 76 beds & full English breakfasts and travelled nearly 10,000 miles, between Peebles and Polperro. It's a tribute to the training, dedication and professionalism of our firing teams that all this was accomplished in some of the worst weather we've had for years. We hope our audiences enjoyed the shows as much as our crews enjoyed firing them and look forward to seeing you all again next year!
As another season bites the dust, or in this case the mud, here are some stats that cover one of the busiest and most successful firework seasons we've undertaken. We fired 110 shows, employed 175 pyrotechnicians, laminated 748 pages of firing orders (resulting, according to Kate & Linda, in 20 slightly burnt & plastic-y fingers!), booked 76 beds & full English breakfasts and travelled nearly 10,000 miles, between Peebles and Polperro. It's a tribute to the training, dedication and professionalism of our firing teams that all this was accomplished in some of the worst weather we've had for years. We hope our audiences enjoyed the shows as much as our crews enjoyed firing them and look forward to seeing you all again next year!
9 Nov 2008
Bed said Fred
09 Nov 08, 11.25am
Spare a thought this morning for poor Fred. Just as I was writing about the ups and downs of the fireworks world in yesterday's blog, our Canadian guest Fred Wade suffered almost exactly the fate I described. Having worked tirelessly all day on a show at Blenheim Palace last night, got rained on and almost blown away, Fred was looking forward to getting home to a nice warm bath. He arrived back at Fantastic Fireworks HQ at 2am and was about to head home when he realised that not only had he locked the van with the keys still inside but that he'd left his lights on and the car wouldn't start. He was well and truly stranded in the middle of nowhere! Several taxi calls later Fred eventually crawled into bed at 4am. When I called him at 10am he was having a coffee and claiming to be 'bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.' You need that sort of spirit to survive in this business. I just hope the experience hasn't put him off returning for our annual battle with earth, wind and fireworks (& flat batteries).
Spare a thought this morning for poor Fred. Just as I was writing about the ups and downs of the fireworks world in yesterday's blog, our Canadian guest Fred Wade suffered almost exactly the fate I described. Having worked tirelessly all day on a show at Blenheim Palace last night, got rained on and almost blown away, Fred was looking forward to getting home to a nice warm bath. He arrived back at Fantastic Fireworks HQ at 2am and was about to head home when he realised that not only had he locked the van with the keys still inside but that he'd left his lights on and the car wouldn't start. He was well and truly stranded in the middle of nowhere! Several taxi calls later Fred eventually crawled into bed at 4am. When I called him at 10am he was having a coffee and claiming to be 'bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.' You need that sort of spirit to survive in this business. I just hope the experience hasn't put him off returning for our annual battle with earth, wind and fireworks (& flat batteries).
8 Nov 2008
If Carlsberg ran a breakdown service...
08 Nov 08, 11.01am
As the rain beats down on another soggy Saturday it's difficult to comprehend why we should all enjoy the fireworks game so much. You get rained on, your fingers and toes are frozen and one of your firing team has just cried off sick. To make matters worse an important part of your kit is missing and to cap it all, your van breaks down on the way home. Yes, all these things happen, not always altogether, but enough to trigger that oft-repeated thought 'Why am I doing this?' The answer is that fireworks is part of showbiz and we're the performers. The show must go on. When it's all over and the cheers go up for another dazzling display, we're on a high. All the stresses and strains are quickly forgotten and we can't wait for the next one. It reminds me of a motivational video about the Pike Place fish market in Seattle where the fishmongers have turned the messy business of selling fish into a performing art. They developed four key tenets for making their job enjoyable: Have Fun, Be There, Make Their Day & Choose Your Attitude. For all the trials and tribulations we experience at Fantastic Fireworks, we have fun, we're there for our audience, we make their day, and if our van breaks down on the way home, we calmly call our helpline. Within minutes a beautiful girl arrives with mugs of hot chocolate, marshmallows, and a breakdown vehicle complete with a reclining bed and a hot water bottle. She is of course from the Carlsberg RAC, probably the best breakdown service in the world.
As the rain beats down on another soggy Saturday it's difficult to comprehend why we should all enjoy the fireworks game so much. You get rained on, your fingers and toes are frozen and one of your firing team has just cried off sick. To make matters worse an important part of your kit is missing and to cap it all, your van breaks down on the way home. Yes, all these things happen, not always altogether, but enough to trigger that oft-repeated thought 'Why am I doing this?' The answer is that fireworks is part of showbiz and we're the performers. The show must go on. When it's all over and the cheers go up for another dazzling display, we're on a high. All the stresses and strains are quickly forgotten and we can't wait for the next one. It reminds me of a motivational video about the Pike Place fish market in Seattle where the fishmongers have turned the messy business of selling fish into a performing art. They developed four key tenets for making their job enjoyable: Have Fun, Be There, Make Their Day & Choose Your Attitude. For all the trials and tribulations we experience at Fantastic Fireworks, we have fun, we're there for our audience, we make their day, and if our van breaks down on the way home, we calmly call our helpline. Within minutes a beautiful girl arrives with mugs of hot chocolate, marshmallows, and a breakdown vehicle complete with a reclining bed and a hot water bottle. She is of course from the Carlsberg RAC, probably the best breakdown service in the world.
7 Nov 2008
Nearly there
07 Nov 08, 3.50pm
It's the final leg, only 2 days to go. Near the end of my first season and what a journey it's been. I feel like I have learnt more in the last 2 weeks than I did in the first 6 months at Fantastic Fireworks.
It's been tiring but exciting. Lots of laughs have been shared, shows fired, and panics averted. Many a hot chocolate (with marshmallows of course) have been consumed. I don't think I have ever had so many take-aways on so many consecutive days before...I have forgotten what vegetables look like and have gained at least an inch round my waistline.
Sleep deprivation has been so bad at times I have been unable to talk for fear of getting my words wrong.
My dog Louis (pictured here) has learnt fantastic bladder control as he waits patiently in our van for me to let him out to do his business. I just can't get away from my desk.
All in all it has been a very enjoyable season and I will look forward to the next one!
It's the final leg, only 2 days to go. Near the end of my first season and what a journey it's been. I feel like I have learnt more in the last 2 weeks than I did in the first 6 months at Fantastic Fireworks.
It's been tiring but exciting. Lots of laughs have been shared, shows fired, and panics averted. Many a hot chocolate (with marshmallows of course) have been consumed. I don't think I have ever had so many take-aways on so many consecutive days before...I have forgotten what vegetables look like and have gained at least an inch round my waistline.
Sleep deprivation has been so bad at times I have been unable to talk for fear of getting my words wrong.
My dog Louis (pictured here) has learnt fantastic bladder control as he waits patiently in our van for me to let him out to do his business. I just can't get away from my desk.
All in all it has been a very enjoyable season and I will look forward to the next one!
6 Nov 2008
The Tom Clark Congressional Medal Of Honour
06 Nov 08, 10.30am
In my previous blogs I have paid tribute to many of my personal hereos. Today I would like to pay tribute to two more. Due to a list of problems yesterday (not least of which was my van failing to start) I was massively delayed in getting to my Display. At the last minute I had to call upon the services of two members of staff who were not supposed to be standing in a muddy wet field with me but working in the relative calm and dry of the FF Site. Today I would like to give the Tom Clark Congressional Medal Of Honour to David Willsher and Turney Logan.
In my previous blogs I have paid tribute to many of my personal hereos. Today I would like to pay tribute to two more. Due to a list of problems yesterday (not least of which was my van failing to start) I was massively delayed in getting to my Display. At the last minute I had to call upon the services of two members of staff who were not supposed to be standing in a muddy wet field with me but working in the relative calm and dry of the FF Site. Today I would like to give the Tom Clark Congressional Medal Of Honour to David Willsher and Turney Logan.
5 Nov 2008
Remember Remember the 5th November
05 Nov 08, 10.36am
The season is here, almost nearing the end
The driving and firing and the hours you spend
Of rigging and setting those stakes in the ground
the cables, the wires, the lost bit's.......now found?
So many displays and the memories you'll treasure
So the audience gets their moment of pleasure.
Of watching the rockets, the shells and the mines
Fantastic Fireworks....music in perfect time
As the crowd start to gather for their firework fix
They've no idea your day started at 6.00!!
I had no inclination when I joined this team
Of the time it would take and what it would mean
The effort, the team work, endless hours in the day
The decisions and kit that make up a display
So thank you to all you've made dreams come true
Our SUPER FANTASTIC FIREWORK Crew..
It's thanks to you all we'll look back and remember
2008...the month of November....
The season is here, almost nearing the end
The driving and firing and the hours you spend
Of rigging and setting those stakes in the ground
the cables, the wires, the lost bit's.......now found?
So many displays and the memories you'll treasure
So the audience gets their moment of pleasure.
Of watching the rockets, the shells and the mines
Fantastic Fireworks....music in perfect time
As the crowd start to gather for their firework fix
They've no idea your day started at 6.00!!
I had no inclination when I joined this team
Of the time it would take and what it would mean
The effort, the team work, endless hours in the day
The decisions and kit that make up a display
So thank you to all you've made dreams come true
Our SUPER FANTASTIC FIREWORK Crew..
It's thanks to you all we'll look back and remember
2008...the month of November....
4 Nov 2008
Latest update from Field Marshal Ali
04 Nov 08, 11.24am
Army rankings start with a Field Marshal and work their way down through Generals, Brigadiers, Colonels and Majors to the humble Private. Our very own Field Marshal Ali, veteran leader of campaigns at Wimbledon, Morden, Stoke Park, Leeds and Blenheim Palace, gives her upbeat assessment of the season so far...
Army rankings start with a Field Marshal and work their way down through Generals, Brigadiers, Colonels and Majors to the humble Private. Our very own Field Marshal Ali, veteran leader of campaigns at Wimbledon, Morden, Stoke Park, Leeds and Blenheim Palace, gives her upbeat assessment of the season so far...
3 Nov 2008
When the going gets tough, the tough get wet!
03 Nov 08, 12.12pm
Our 100th blog comes on a day of aching limbs and webbed feet! Or it seems that way after one of the wettest firework weekends we can remember. But the good news is that all our shows went well and our crews are regrouping for battle again on Wednesday. I use 'battle' in the context of the elements which at this time of the year can be a very real adversary. It's a tribute to our teams, their training, professionalism and dedication that we were able to entertain so many people in such appalling weather. We have just received a call from the organisers of the Windsor Racecourse display thanking us for a wonderful display and expressing amazement that we were able to fire it at all. It's a similar story for all our teams in the South and Midlands. But up at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Steve Boothman's crew basked in sunshine all day and rocked the roller-coasters at showtime. Well done to you Steve but don't forget to pack your raincoat for Liverpool on Wednesday!
Our 100th blog comes on a day of aching limbs and webbed feet! Or it seems that way after one of the wettest firework weekends we can remember. But the good news is that all our shows went well and our crews are regrouping for battle again on Wednesday. I use 'battle' in the context of the elements which at this time of the year can be a very real adversary. It's a tribute to our teams, their training, professionalism and dedication that we were able to entertain so many people in such appalling weather. We have just received a call from the organisers of the Windsor Racecourse display thanking us for a wonderful display and expressing amazement that we were able to fire it at all. It's a similar story for all our teams in the South and Midlands. But up at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Steve Boothman's crew basked in sunshine all day and rocked the roller-coasters at showtime. Well done to you Steve but don't forget to pack your raincoat for Liverpool on Wednesday!
2 Nov 2008
Hot Chocolate
02 Nov 08, 7.37pm
Servicing the 100+ displays going out from FF HQ means early starts and late finishes. Crews will often be collecting vehicles ready loaded with equipment and fireworks at 7 or 8 in the morning prior to a drive of perhaps 2 or 3 hours before setting up the display. Depending on the complexity and size of the display between 2 and a dozen people will be working on site for 5 to 10 hours before the first firework is lit. Maybe 10 to 20 minutes of sparkling sky-filling entertainment later, the long haul of returning the equipment to the van and clearing up begins, to end with an arrival back at FF HQ before or sometimes after midnight.
And Cocoa awaits. My job, among many, is to make sure a steaming mug of delicious hot chocolate welcomes the firers back and sets them up for their final drive home.
Fantastic Fireworks. And hot chocolate. It's what we do. It's what we drink.
Servicing the 100+ displays going out from FF HQ means early starts and late finishes. Crews will often be collecting vehicles ready loaded with equipment and fireworks at 7 or 8 in the morning prior to a drive of perhaps 2 or 3 hours before setting up the display. Depending on the complexity and size of the display between 2 and a dozen people will be working on site for 5 to 10 hours before the first firework is lit. Maybe 10 to 20 minutes of sparkling sky-filling entertainment later, the long haul of returning the equipment to the van and clearing up begins, to end with an arrival back at FF HQ before or sometimes after midnight.
And Cocoa awaits. My job, among many, is to make sure a steaming mug of delicious hot chocolate welcomes the firers back and sets them up for their final drive home.
Fantastic Fireworks. And hot chocolate. It's what we do. It's what we drink.
1 Nov 2008
Linda speaks to the nation
1 Nov 08, 11.31am
All our shows are out on the road and all is calm at HQ. We have nearly 30 displays this weekend and another 60 in the coming week. As well as the firing teams, to make all this happen there is a backroom staff of 16 here today and they are all munching doughnuts! These mouth-watering delights come from Prudens, our local bakers in Markyate. To give you a flavour of the excitement surrounding this Saturday morning ritual, Linda has taken time out to record a 10-second promotional video. Over to you Linda...
All our shows are out on the road and all is calm at HQ. We have nearly 30 displays this weekend and another 60 in the coming week. As well as the firing teams, to make all this happen there is a backroom staff of 16 here today and they are all munching doughnuts! These mouth-watering delights come from Prudens, our local bakers in Markyate. To give you a flavour of the excitement surrounding this Saturday morning ritual, Linda has taken time out to record a 10-second promotional video. Over to you Linda...
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