The end of the sports field where the fireworks will be lit. This is the view before work connences...
A weather forecast is obtained from The Met Office.The wind will be from the Northwest, light to moderate. The rocket racks are laid out in the Northeast corner of the field.
The wind has caused a number of problems. To ensure spent fireworks do not land in the crowd the location for firing the fireworks is carefully chosen. It's best not to smoke on the job - don't worry, that's masking tape, not a cigarette!
Safety of the crew is also on the agenda. For this reason electric ignition has been used for the last two years. Not quite as exciting perhaps but far safer.
The hub of the electric circuit is laid out and individual circuits are unwound in a radial fashion.
This is the control box. It is powered from a heavy duty 12v battery. The box has several safety features not least a number of keys. Each of the crew carries a key which prevents the control panel from being operated.
This view shows the fireworks at a safe distance from the control box.
The ground fireworks have been wired up in this view.
A test rocket is now sent up. There is some discussion about the angle of the rack. Rockets track into the wind. However the spent rocket falls back to earth with the wind. The conference ends and the rack hammered into the ground. A rocket is fired and its tradjectory noted. Adjustments can then be made as appropriate to the other racks....
.... of which there are many! All the racks have to be secured firmly in the ground without damaging the rockets.
The task of wiring up the electrics to the racks begins..
Rockets in the rack are fused to ensure each one fires a second or so after the previous one. This saves control wires and simplifies operation.
The chief electrician unwires the circuits. Everything at this stage is disconnected and the circuits are quite safe.
The light begins to fade as the final racks are wired.
Some final adjustments and ....
.... everything is ready.
These ground fireworks look like they mean business.
There are pictures of them below after the event!
Everything is ready. The peace of the Henfield Saturday afternoon is apparent to the crew who have time to admire their handywork.
We admire a rainbow - then hurriedly cover the rocket racks with bin-bags until the isolated shower moves away.
Time for a well deserved cup of tea. The plunger in the foreground is used to begin the display. The winner of a raffle has the honour of starting the ball rolling. The plunger, connected by a long cable will later be positioned safely near the crowd.
Before the day, many hours are spent selecting the fireworks, devising a running order, assembling rocket racks etc. A bonfire this size needs some work as well. In addition all the crew had to view a safety video and discuss clothing requirements.
At 6pm on 6th November 1999 the final school bonfire of the millennium was lit.
The crowd eagerly await the display. Profit from this event, organised by the PTA, is used to provide additional funding for the school. The evening represents a cheap family evening out; safety is paramount and sparklers etc. are not allowed. Visitors from local villages are encouraged, and the reputation of the event ensures a good attendance. The fireworks are arranged to ensure everyone gets a good view.
Hard hats, visors, safety glasses and fireproof clothing are a must.
The crew get near the action, although this shot exaggerates this a bit!
Someone is constantly on standby with a 'portfire' in case of electrical failiure.
But nothing goes wrong, and the crowd are thrilled by the continuous display.
After the fun comes the clearing up. And this is all the more difficult in the dark.
The electrical circuits need to be stored neatly to avoid tangles next year!
And finally the spent fireworks - quite impressive.
Thanks to everyone who supported the school for this fund-raising event this year; And if you didn't attend this year make attending next year your new millennium resolution!
