The Club’s thanks went to our Rotarian member, Julian Waller, who stepped in relatively at the last minute.

Due to the unavoidable cancellation of the arranged speaker, Julian gave a thoroughly entertaining talk (well he was a Red Coat at Butlins in the distant past) to members, partners and guests about his many years of involvement with fireworks.

Rotarian Julian Waller

There is not a lot that Julian doesn’t know about fireworks through his previous ownership of shops selling fireworks; pyrotechnics company Star Burst Effects; Rotary displays, festivals, weddings and celebratory events – he’s been involved in them all.

The history of fireworks, first invented in China 2000 years ago, principally to ward off evil spirits, not reaching Europe until the 1300s provided an interesting background as did “safe” samples of different propellants, fuses and types of fireworks. He also presented us with a couple of videos of what not to do, brought home the importance of professional knowledge and memories of what we got up to with fireworks as kids!