107 replies to this topic

[phildunford]

As a registered body we need to have an annual meeting to elect officials, present accounts etc.

However we always try to make the event as interesting as possible.

This year we are hoping to show some pyro films, have some talks and demos and end with a firework display. Refreshments will also be provided - and it's all free!

I've managed to obtain the use of one of the conference and computer suites at the school where I work in S London. This is a very comfortable and convenient venue, with projection, computer facilities, on site free parking and a grass area for the display. The address is Bishop Thomas Grant School, Belltrees Grove London SW16 2HY. Travel details etc are on the school website at btg.ac

We very much hope that a completely different location may attract some new members to attend who do not normally like to travel North. However we very much hope that members from all over the country will come as well. Friends, interested parties and SO's are very welcome, although only paid-up members have voting rights.

The date is Saturday 21st March 2009 and we expect the event to run from about 14-00 to 19-00 - so you might even have time to take in a show!

We will publish the full agenda as soon as it's finalised.

PLEASE could you reply to this post or pm me if you will be able to come as it's important that we get a reasonable idea of numbers.

PLEASE try and come if you can, it's a chance to have your say on how UKPS will develop.

[crystal palace fireworks]

Phildunford,

I shall be there!,........please remind us by posting a notice on this forum a week or so before the event!

[portfire]

A little toooo far for me but pencil me in

[Arthur Brown]

Is there a 365 day firework shop nearby that can support a "group buy visit"? The nearest I know are 20 miles away from the venue.

[phildunford]

Arthur, I'm sure I can find out, but this thread is really about who is coming to the AGM, we need to know as if it's too few, it just won't happen.

[Arthur Brown]

I was thinking that anything that encourages interest and attendance would be good! A sub-quorate meeting wastes time money and enthusiasm.

[crystal palace fireworks]

To try and drum up business,....is it not worth trying to get an article published in the local newspaper the week before the meeting telling the public about us and our goals? and the free film/refreshments/and firework display!

or perhaps making contact with the towns local radio station for an appeal to attend the meeting?

[phildunford]

Hi Keith,

For this event, it's only really important to get UKPS members to attend. Although guests etc are fine, we don't really want/need the 'general public' turning up.

I agree that at some stage we should put on a display for everyone, but not this event I think.

Incidentally, we have produced a flyer advertising UKPS which is going out with John Bennett's excellent Fireworks Magazine (due out shortly). This will target about 500 dedicated 'fireworks nuts' and we are hoping to get some new members out of it...

[David]

The date is Saturday 21st March 2009 and we expect the event to run from about 14-00 to 19-00 - so you might even have time to take in a show!

There is a coach service called "Megabus" that do long distance returns for very low prices.

There is one that leaves Preston at about 7am and gets to London 1.30pm, and a return late at night at about 23.45pm, getting to Preston at 4.35am. A long day, but sleeping on the coach is do-able, plus it would be only about £13.

If anyone is interested in doing this, and we could travel together.

Train is currently £41.50, and that is restricted times. F that.

I've managed to obtain the use of one of the conference and computer suites at the school where I work in S London. This is a very comfortable and convenient venue, with projection, computer facilities, on site free parking and a grass area for the display. The address is Bishop Thomas Grant School, Belltrees Grove London SW16 2HY. Travel details etc are on the school website at btg.ac

How far, in public transport terms, is it from London central ie Euston Station/Victoria etc.

The other question is timing- if the event is due to finish at 7pm, is that late enough for the display? IE will it be dark enough?

I was thinking that anything that encourages interest and attendance would be good! A sub-quorate meeting wastes time money and enthusiasm.

I agree, anything that encourages people to come is a benefit.

Edited by David, 18 January 2009 - 06:53 PM.

[David]

sc

Edited by David, 18 January 2009 - 06:52 PM.

[David]

sc

Edited by David, 18 January 2009 - 06:52 PM.

[portfire]

Although I do agree with CPF, I agree more with phil, I just don't think we're ready to go "public" just yet.

[David]

Although I do agree with CPF, I agree more with phil, I just don't think we're ready to go "public" just yet.

Yeah, and more generally I'm not sure if there would be any public interest out of "season"- this sort of hobby is in many ways a specialist hobby, so its better to be promoted through Fireworks Magazine etc.

[Vic]

I will definitely try to make it- I will know for certain nearer the time. Mode of transport and all that has to be considered - I have not driven round the south circular for twenty years

[phildunford]

To be blunt (I don't want to upset anyone!) an AGM is a required, proceedural meeting for a registered organisation such as ourselves. It's a legal requirement, very much about UKPS and not of any interest to the public. To be honest if the 'public' knew about it we would probably end up with a load of 'objectors' who think we are bo*b making terrorists!

The committee realise that just running the 'bare bones' will be unlikely to attract anyone from a distance, so we are trying to make it more interesting by adding some other events.

I think it could be a very enjoyable afternoon - almost like a mini-convention. The first one (which was held at Stafford) was certainly excellent with hands on demos of Maltese shell-making from Karl among other things.

However, it not going to work if we don't get a minimum of say 12 people, preferably 20 or more.

Travel from main-line stations should not be a problem. Broad local travel details are on the school website at:

btg.ac

If you have any specific travel problems please PM me