Ready for Friday 2 November: chairman Lor Cole with rockets
The new group, which has taken over Whaley Bridge’s annual fireworks display, has got down to work after the Town Council agreed to underwrite the popular event.
Local resident Lor Cole, who came forward after reading the SOS in the council newsletter, is chairman of the group.
Lor, 33, runs her own air safety company based at Manchester Airport, processing aircraft black boxes. Her business plan to save the fireworks display, presented to the council, got the thumbs up. Councillors are backing the event, which in the past has attracted over 800 spectators.
Lor, originally from Cambridge, said: “We are committed to keeping the fireworks display going. We want to make a wonderful display, that will please families, and to make sure the event goes on into the future.”
The group is growing, with a dozen or more pledged to help organise this year’s display. It will be based at the Whaley Bridge Bowling Club, on Friday 2 November – just ahead of Guy Fawkes Night. The fireworks will be set off by professionals from the adjacent playing field at the primary school. A tall hedge will keep spectators well clear of the fireworks. Says Lor: “Safety is our priority, alongside providing a spectacular evening.”
Lor has a degree in aerospace engineering from Coventry University and an MSc in air transport management from Cranfield University, Bedord. Secretary of the group is Kath Dranfield. Sam Gray, who is also secretary of the Water Weekend, has been a key part of the build-up of the fireworks group.
Six of the group – with rockets for a photocall props – held a planning meeting at the Bowling Club. The group has already decided on the admission cost – £3 for adults, and £1 for children. They want to link the fireworks in with the Christmas Lights switch-on on Friday 30 November, under the umbrella of WWW – Whaley Winter Warmer.
Advance tickets will be on sale at the Bowling Club, the Mechanics’ Institute, other outlets and through a door-to-door campaign by group members and volunteers. There will be Christmas Market-style stalls, including Whaleyburgers, successfully launched at the Water Weekend in June.
Volunteers or people who want to help in any way can contact Lor Cole, chairman, on Mob. 07724 103 964.
Rockets at the ready: Fireworks group gets ready for the big display at the Whaley Bridge Bowling Club Bowling Club (Seated: Keith Hufton, Dorothy Ankers, Lor Cole, Kath Dranfield. Standing, Paul Evans Memorial Park Ranger and Sam Gray)