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From the Baldon Event Committee, Dec 06
Fireworks on the 4th November went with a real bang and we would like to thank all of those that volunteered as stewards and also those that came along on the Saturday to set the marquee up and man it in the evening, also for those that came to help clear away on the Sunday. There were probably about the same numbers this year as last and the parking seemed to work a lot better using the two areas. Certainly the exiting was quicker as the sign asked everyone to turn left to Golden Balls roundabout. The good news is that we raised approximately £2,000 which will be going towards the fireworks next year and to various village causes.
Particular thanks go to Lou and Stefan for setting off the fireworks and to Sid, Cindy and Budge for the Funfair rides, also for their kind voluntary contribution from their profit which was very generous.
We would like to ask the villagers at this stage for their views on asking each car to pay as they arrive for the fireworks. It appears that there are few firework events that are free entry now and there were quite a few visitors this year who contributed only a few pence to the bucket collection, which then takes the better part of the next day to sort and count. This effectively means that the villagers are subsidising the visitor's fun. Also, any other suggestions on how to improve the event for next year?
BEC has received a complaint from one irate mother who says her daughter was very nearly hit by a rocket thrown onto the fire. A group of unaccompanied young teenagers from the village (they were recognised) threw fireworks onto the bonfire, these young adults knew or should have known the dangers, we would ask all parents to remind their offspring of the dangers (as minors the parents are ultimately responsible). If someone is injured not only would they not have been insured as they had crossed into the roped off area, but it would also mean that we would have to stop the event for future years.
In the near future BEC will have purchased all of the equipment that is needed (marquees, tables, lighting etc.) which the village as a whole can use. From then onwards we will be able to contribute most of our profit to village causes. If anyone can suggest additional worthy causes please let us know.
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