Fireworks Committee Meeting Notes - 6 March
Fireworks 2026
Record of Meeting No 3 held on 6th March 2026
Present
Andy Crawley, Kim Farr, Simon Farr, Sean Topley,
Apologies for absence
None received
Committee
Discussion took place regarding the make up of the fireworks committee and it was agreed more members were required
2025 Finances
AC explained that there were still outstanding sponsorship pledges to be paid and some bills to settle, but that the overall position was indicating a surplus on this event even after donations have been made. ST agreed to chase outstanding sponsorship pledges.
AC reported that he was awaiting news of a donation from the Sports and Social Club
Gratuities and Donations
It was agreed that we would make a gift of appreciation to Jonathan Betts. SF dealing
2025 Lessons Learned
Parking was identified as an issue. AC has approached Peter Sowerby to see if he had any parking space he would be willing for us to use. The only space he has available is on the field off his entrance drive which is not surfaced. It is thought this will be unsuitable due to the possibility of vehicles getting bogged down.
Discussion took place about use of the beet pad by the cross roads. This was deemed unsuitable due to health and safety concerns regarding lighting and crossing the road.
It had been suggested we publicise in advance of the event that parking is limited and ask local people not to bring cars.
Enquiries have been made with Galaxy regarding carpet lighting. They do not have this but may be willing to hire in at additional cost. It was felt that this will be too expensive and we could possibly buy additional battery operated lighting to provide low level lighting before and after the event.
It was agreed to ask the Playing Field to delay reseeding areas of the field until after the firework event
Extra lighting will be required for entrance adjacent to Police Office. AC will purchase additional battery operated lighting.
It was agreed that we need to monitor numbers entering and therefore AC will purchase some clicker type counters for use on the entrance gates. To be bought nearer the time.
The speaker we borrowed and damaged last year is being repaired although the cost of the repair is unknown at present. We have purchased a heavy duty BOSE speaker, currently stored at the home of a volunteer
Additional attractions were discussed and it was agreed to book pick and mix sweets (friend of Sammi Glow sticks), as well as retaining Franco Ice Cream and Glow Sticks who have already been booked.
SF suggested asking Gala team if there are any stall holders who may be interested in having stalls at the fireworks. If so then we may need to consider erecting marquee to house them which will have implications
for the amount of volunteers needed
it had previously been suggested the possibility of having an online check system for actions and progress. KF suggested there was an app available
Sponsors thank you
AC reported that he had placed an article for publication in News and Views. SF undertook to get Cllr Clayton to put an article on the Caythorpe Village Facebook page and CFPC website including that donations had been made to the Scouts, Playing Field and Preschool. These have all now been published.
Publicity
News and Views and Caythorpe Village Face book page will be utilised nearer the event. Cllr Clayton to use Face book boost function. KF suggested use of Radio 2 event publicity. CFPC website also to be used.
It was agreed to canvass opinion about which causes to support from any surplus funds. Following discussion it was agreed to review this once final outcome known as there will be significant financial challenges this year with the increased costs of the display. Discussion took place regarding minimum donation suggestions and SF will talk with a parishioner about how this can best be approached.
Date for 2026 display
It was agreed that the display will be on Saturday 7th November 2026
Fireworks provider
Galaxy have been booked and a deposit paid
Catering
It was agreed that Sf and KF would provide hot dogs, mushy peas and jacket potatoes with cheese and beans. Additional staff to be deployed taking cash and card payments to cut queues.
It was agreed to investigate the provision of mulled wine and kinder punch and also hot chocolate with alcoholic nips for sale. Adult volunteers will be required to run this KF and SF dealing
This may require another stall with gazebo and lighting.
Volunteers
AC was confident that we can attract enough volunteers to staff the 2026 event, even though there may need to be some adjustment for the Sunday clear up and cash count to allow for Remembrance Day. SF will enquire regarding getting some DOE candidates to help
Credit Card Readers
It was noted that there were some failed transactions. KF agreed to investigate why this was and see what can be done to prevent repetition.
Next Meetings
The next meeting was agreed for 6pm on Wednesday 12th May 2026 with subsequent meetings on 15th July, and dates to be arranged in September, October and November 2026.