18 replies to this topic

[phildunford]

We are delighted to announce that this year's AGM will be held at the Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey on Saturday 15th March 2014, starting at 1.00pm and ending at 7.00pm with our traditional firework display

 

Website http://www.royalgunpowdermills.com/

 

Sorry to be so late with this announcement, but it still gives us 5 weeks notice.

 

The venue is an excellent one for us with it's history of gunpowder manufacture and an association with fireworks. The site will not be open to the public on the day, but if we have enough interest the exhibits will be available for us to see. A site tour should also be available. A buffet will be provided in the site's cafe, relieving the committee of one of the day's tasks. We will have to make small charge for this & other expenses, which will probably be about £8 per head. In the unlikely event that anyone only wishes to attend the short 'official' part of the AGM, this would of course be free as is our legal obligation.

 

Full details soon, but highlights include:

 

UKPS Election

Interesting speakers (TBA)

Site tour

Firework display

& much more

 

We would love you to bring anything (firework related!) along for a show and tell.

 

Camping will be available on site on the Saturday night.

 

The nature of the site means that the event may be of even more than usual interest to Significant Others, family & friends. We would love to see as many as possible.

 

Please note that exact timings are yet to be worked out. If we find we have more than we can fit in we may start a little earlier. We will put up a provisional agenda after the management meeting on Wednesday 12th Feb.

 

Many thanks to those who have suggested venues etc.

[portfire]

Sadly I won't be able to make it this year, as at 1pm on the 15th I'll be about to feel the awesome power of a mascleta!! :-)

[Vic]

I will be there as usual, are there any facility's to go with the camping.

[phildunford]

Although it is not a camping site as such, I believe facilities are available.

 

I'll get Fruitful Steve to confirm exactly what they are...

[fruitfulsteve]

There are toilets, hand basins and a tea ern, no showers (yet) but there is a outside tap

[phildunford]

You should have received a very professional looking newsletter (brilliant job Bob Twells!) by email telling you about the AGM & some other stuff.

 

If you are not on our mailing list, please let me know and I can add you. That way you can keep in touch with what's going on at UKPS.

[Karl Mitchell-Shead]

That date clashes with Las Fallas.

[phildunford]

That date clashes with Las Fallas.

Well that's the date it is...

[phildunford]

OK folks - here is the draft agenda for the AGM - still subject to some minor tweeks:

Arrive from 12:30pm for a 1:00pm start

 

1:00pm - 1:30pm AGM / elections

 

1:30pm - 2:00pm Nathan Munson from the Home Office will give a presentation, followed by an opportunity for questions. He is part of the pre-cursor regulations team, so we should have plenty to ask him, Followed by Wayne giving us an update on the Explosives Legislation Review.

 

2:00pm - 2:20pm Malcolm Smith worked as a firer for Brocks in the ealrly '70s. He was also involved with special effects for Pink Floyd, Queen and many other famous performers. He's recently been involved in the remake of Thunderbirds, recreating the miniature pyro effects which were such an important part of the original series. He has also been involved in the feature film 'Monuments Men' staring George Cloony & Matt Damon.

 

Malcolm will show us how he created the Thunderbirds effects & then give us a live demonstration.

 

2.20pm – 2:40pm Steve Miller will give an explosive lecture! - Contects TBA

 

2:40pm - 3:00pm Malcolm Smith. Thunderbirds Special Effects - live demonstration in the 'Mad Lab'

 

3:00pm - 3:45pm Refreshments & Show and Tell in Gunpowder Cafe

 

3:45pm - 5:00pm Tractor/ Army Lorry Tours of the Gunpowder Mill site. Exhibits will also be open, including (TBC) the armoury.

 

5:00pm 7:00pm Set up display in field

 

7:00pm Firework Display

 

7;20pm Fireworks cool down

 

7:30pm Fireworks clear up/pack up - All to help please, so we get this done as quickly as possible.

 

8:30pm onwards - Social/Meal

Edited by phildunford, 16 February 2014 - 09:32 PM.

[crystal palace fireworks]

Well done Phil and any others who have been involved in securing this great venue for the AGM.

 

Hopefully I will attend with one or two others.

 

Question;- Who is collecting the money (£8) to pay for buffet and other stuff? and can this be paid on the day or in advance?

[Bob Twells]

Question;- Who is collecting the money (£8) to pay for buffet and other stuff? and can this be paid on the day or in advance?

 

This will be collected on the day (probably just an honesty box to save hassle), no need for advance payment.

 

Should be a good day!

[Pyromancer]

I'll be there and dragging Cynthia along too.

[megabusa]

Unfortunately, I can't make it, I have a kitchen arriving & I don't think it will fit itself !

 

Looks like my Rothy will get used for it's designed purpose for the first time in its life !

 

I look forward to more experimentation days.

 

 

Cheers,

 

Phil.

[martyn]

Would it be possible for someone to video this as in previous years please.

I'm working nights that weekend and so far it doesn't look like I will be able to arrange a shift swap so I probablywon't be able to attend, but as always, I'd be really interested to hear the speakers.

Cheers.

[Bob Twells]

I will try to film what I can like in previous years, but is down to individual speakers if they are happy for it and also whether the location lends itself to it (re. lighting etc.). If we do they will all be posted on Youtube and linked from the forum.