Bonfire & Firework Spectacular

Previous Displays

November 2003

All the images below are from the 2003 Wotton display.

This display is the main event we organise each year. It takes several months of preparation, though the main effort is in the last month with publicity, bonfire building, final organisation, site preparation, the night itself and clear-up.

This year was the first where Wotton Tablers did not fire the display themselves. Insurance for non-professionals - despite proper training - is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. Also the professionals can set off larger shells than we are permitted to do. It's more expensive (and less fun!), but the event did well in 2002 so we were able to fund the change this year; and it gave us more time for other preparations.

We couldn't hold this event without the assistance of other organisations such as 41 Club and Ladies Circle, the Lions and the Scouts; our thanks to them for providing food stalls and manpower on the night. Also to British Red Cross for providing first-aid cover, to the Sports Foundation for permiting us to use the site, and KLB for car-park facilities.

Thanks also to Bill Guy who with some colleagues provided a much bigger fairground than usual, as well as generators and lights. Also to the retailers who sold tickets for us, and to Downton's Transport for the old pallets for the bonfire.

And of course thank a big you to everyone who turned up and supported the event!

So how did we do?

This year we raised about £2300. A bit less than last year, but this was not entirely surprising since the fireworks were more expensive, and we reduced the gate price for children compared to last year.

All the money raised from the fireworks display goes to good causes, the large majority being local. These are just a few examples of the ways this money has been used in recent years:

• RT Children's Wish (for terminally ill children)
• Bournstream Trust
• Sponsorship of local youth sports teams
• Individual sponsorship for young people to experience voluntary work overseas.
• Local Guides & Scouts
• Playgroup & School equipment
• Bristol Eye Hospital
• Mobility aids for the elderly or disabled

In addition to the fundraising aspect, we want the event to provide good value and safe entertainment for our local community. An organised display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks, and we have been privileged to be able to bring such an event to the town for many years.

Thanks again from myself and the rest of Round Table,

- Mike Davison (Chairman).