patrickescotland

A fascinating experience, watching true craftsmen and an insight into the fireworks industry. Great to meet other members too hopefully see you again!

Special thanks to RichardH, Rev Lancaster and his colleagues for keeping the spirit of fireworks alive.

Fireworks ready for a display.

Transporting chemicals to a workshop.

Rolling stars.

Finished stars.

Roman candle stars fresh from the press.

Phil inspects a large titanium gerb. "Phwooar!!!"

Ron signing copies of his book.

I would have no problem paying a premium price for British made fireworks, just like consumers who buy "Organic" and "outdoor reared" meats and produce.

There is also a good environmental argument against transportation of (Cat 2/3) fireworks all the way from China. I have read that single packs of fruit and vegetables that are shipped by air have the environmental cost of hundreds of grams of CO2. Obviously fireworks have to be transported by sea/ground, however and I am not sure what the environmental cost is in comparison.

Would a new company need to license use of some of the traditional names e.g. Traffic lights? I think a nice selection box of a dozen old favourites would be a great start. Some good marketing and buy in by the "premium" supermarkets like Waitrose might help bring British fireworks back.

Spectrum, many thanks for the info and insight into production of bangers at the factory. The sight, sound and smell of those little beauties will be missed!

Please reserve 1 place for me, and keep us informed. Thanks!

http://www.bookdepos...ice-4th-Edition

Re: Lancaster, I bought my copy here, it is expensive but delivered quick and a very nice book. I wonder if the Reverand would consider publishing online?

I did edit out some of the gaps, a few 5 second delays and approx 20 seconds while I "walked" down the steps to the river bank to light the finale cakes. I also reduced the duration of fireworks like the roman candles and fountains that went on for a minute or two.

The mines were all around 70-80 mm diameter, and had a visco fuse leading to the quick match. The price of the mines was £51 for 5 so @ a tenner each they seemed like very good value and had some nice effects. I particularly liked the silver tourbillions and red stars/crackle effects.

I used cable-ties (3 heavy duty outdoor) to strap the mines to individual wooden posts, hammered deep into the ground. I hope to build some racks for the mines in the future.

One of my other favourites is the bengal lights (colour or strobe) - a row of these by the riverbank and under trees would give a nice quiet effect. I think a (~200 people) wedding does not neccessarily have to have lots of noisy shells and cakes, a few spectacular effects are what people want and 5-10 minutes is probably enough.