Yeah! what I think the Pyro Society should do now is plan the next one- build on the momentum , so to speak. Given that this one was such a success, I'm sure that a similar event would see more pyros turning up, more people joining up etc- and that could really blossom! So, good stuff!
Generally the convention-style events with a day of lectures and a reasonably large organised display take place once a year, and we supplement the calendar with other events. For example this August we are planning a social gathering and marquee at the Firework Champions event at Stanford Hall. We also try to organise 'Meet the UKPS' events and encourage networking.
I will definatly join as soon as I attend an event! I'm not techno-phobic, of course, its just that I like to do things face to face.
I think its a question of (to paraphrase JFK ) - Ask not what you can do for the pyro society , ask what the society can do for you! If people see lots of benefits to being a member- ie invites to interesting and regular events- then people will have a real incentive to join, I think.
In reality
it is a question of what our members can do for the society. We rely on a lot of our members getting involved to make things happen. Encouraging people to play an active role in organising events and getting involved in our work is absolutely essential. I think we can all agree on that.
But is that the sole purpose of the Pyro Society?
The statement from the first page is that - the pyro society " exists to represent the heritage, science, history and art of pyrotechnics in the United Kingdom. "
I have always got the impression that the goal of the Pyro Society was to cover a wide range of pyro topics?
Personally, I have no interest whatsoever in making fireworks. But I AM interested in Heritage, History, and the Art of fireworks.
It is true that one of our main aims is to establish the amteur pyrotechnics scene in the UK, but clearly we have other goals, as outlined in our documents of incorporation, and as briefly outlined on our soon to be expanded web pages. Heritage is particulary important given the decline of the UK manufacturing industry in the last couple of decades. Promoting fireworks and pyrotechnics in a positive light, and in a way that connects with the general public is very important for us. We are not a trade association, we exist to represent people from all walks of life who have an interest in the subject.