66 replies to this topic

[phildunford]

I have no intention of getting into any sort of argument over this, particularly in open forum.

I can assure you I listen to the membership. I probably spend at least an hour every day on UKPS related business.

If you wish to have more influence on how the society functions i suggest you stand for election at next years AGM.

[portfire]

I think I may have the answer. UKPS Display Team? I think it's very important that people know how to fuse/rig etc but maybe along side that we have a small competent group of firers, just for the "job in hand".... Food for thought I'd say!

[wayne]

first this is not a argument, in fact im quite interested what you think your members want. i think you did a grand job for the day. but by saying the display has no place at the agm says you dont know what your members want.

second this is a great place to discuss in a open forum so other members can say what they think, last i knew the UKPS was very open and transparent.

Paul, while I understand your point of view and the obvious interest for all of us in the display, I have to agree with Phil that the display shouldn't take over the AGM proceedings. Its quite obvious that the membership wants to get up close an personal with real pyro (as much as I do) but an AGM is not all about the thrill of handling shells, its also about keeping the society running as well as the the other areas of pyrotechincs such as science, legalities, history, etc.

I would suggest that in for future AGM's that the AGM is split over 2 days to allow for time for the general AGM matters together with the display or the display is scaled back to a size that allows for enough time for everyone to get involved in everything.

All that said, I would like to say a big thankyou to you and Phil for providing such a fanstastic display. It was a massive effort for both of you (and your helpers) so please don't take this is a critisism, we just need to find a way that the membership can do everything without having to choose what they miss out on.

Kind regards,

Wayne.

Edited by wayne, 10 April 2011 - 06:35 PM.

[Epic Fireworks]

Here is some aerial footage of the firework display -
Many thanks guys and gals :-)
The Epic Team.

[Richard H]

The fireworks are a nice end to the day. The AGM is an important date to discuss the progress of the society over the past year, and more importantly what is planned over the next 12 months. It is important that the fireworks don't take over the real meaning of the day. I suggested with some of the others, that I think a full day event where people can be given the opportunity to get some hands-on experience and rig a display under the tuition of the various companies that form a part of the society is the way forward. I would be happy to be involved in this along with Wayne, and I'm sure other companies (Paul?) would not think twice about giving up a bit of time to show interested members the ropes.

I'm very, very grateful to Phill C and Paul for their hard work and the lengths of time they gave for no charge into making sure the display went ahead. It is not easy trying to get so much into one day. For instance I think the fusing workshop could be vastly expanded, with several hours being dedicated to it, and in much smaller groups.

Just my thoughts...

[Bob Twells]

Thanks to all involved with the organising, another great AGM! The talks were really interesting and showed the enthusiasm of some of our members for all different aspects of pyro. And the display gets bigger and better each year, so well done to those involved with that. Those Birthday party guest couldn't have been much luckier!

Hoping we'll get to have some other events throughout the year this year!

[Richard H]

More events are definitely on the cards. If anyone has any specific ideas, let any of us know and we will raise in the next meeting!

[crystal palace fireworks]

Firstly, apologies for not attending this years AGM get together for reasons beyond my control.

Secondly, its great to know that there are many dedicated and generous pyro addicts out there who give there voluntary time, effort, and expense to put on the AGM`s for us mere mortals.

Thirdly, its very difficult to please everyone given the various factors involved that can happen on the day, I guess this year the weather was exceptional whereby nobody wanted to be stuck in a room when they would rather be outside in the sun, but for example, if it were raining or damp & cold, would there be as many volunteers to help out in the field?

Here`s my suggestion for future AGM days;

1, AGM starts at 12 oclock midday with 10 min formal introduction.

2, Not more than 2 hours for demos/talks/films etc with a 15 min tea break in between

3, 2 hour lunch break/free time to get to know each other (you must wear your forum name on your badges) and view exhibits/buy tee shirts at ones own pleasure & pace.

4, 30 mins AGM business/voting, then tidy up and clear the hired room.

5, The rest of the afternoon is for everyone to learn and physically get involved with fusing & setting up the display, the display starts around 7.30 to 8.00pm if possible, this will give more time to pack up and go to the pub/curry house/live music venue, overall this will allow for those who would rather just set up the display to turn up later.

Edited by crystal palace fireworks, 10 April 2011 - 10:25 PM.

[Karl Mitchell-Shead]

My solution:

AGM Early in the year, no fireworks.

UKPS 'Gathering' Later in the year, firework orientated event.

Problem solved, review the attendances after year one......................

[Karl Mitchell-Shead]

And to add, the thought of a large group of incompetent people handling Cat 4 fireworks is not my idea of a fun day, I had to pull more than one person up on basic safety critical but lethal practices yesterday and many more actions that could have caused other serious problems. The display IMO should be treated like any other, would you let members of the public at a GFN show get hands on for their curiosity?

[whoof]

Thanks to all who made it all happen.
I found it all very interesting an learned a lot.
As a fair number stayed overnight anyway , why not make it a 2 day event ?
Perhaps over a bank holiday ?
A fireworks night/ meal followed by the AGM would eliminate the time pressures we encountered.

[Karl Mitchell-Shead]

I didnt mean incompetent in a nasty way BTW perhaps untrained would have been a better word.