The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Farewell fabulous Firework Fiesta
The Firework Fiesta steering committee recently met for the final time, at Peterborough Milton Golf Club, along with wives and partners. It was a celebration of the last 44 years collaboration between Rotary and Round Table in staging one of Peterborough’s most successful charity events.
In total the event raised over £500,000 for local charities and provided Peterborough with one of the top five firework displays in the country, with a 100 per cent safety record.
At the dinner the retiring event manager, Phil Branston, thanked committee members for their work and effort and expressed sadness that Firework Fiesta is no more. Chris Browne, immediate past president of Peterborough Minster Rotary Club, presented Paul Harris Fellowship
Awards to Rotarians Marcus Horrell and John Dewis, both of Peterborough Rotary Club, for their support and commitment over the years. Regret was expressed that the goodwill deal agreed with Live Promotions (the new promoters of Fireworks at East of England Showground), was not honoured by them or their subsequent partners Vivacity Peterborough.
The first fiesta was held in 1976; the idea formulated by the late Robert Horrell MBE. At the time he was heavily involved with the East of England Agricultural Society, President of Peterborough Rotary Club and was still well connected with Round Table.
Robert came up with the concept of Firework Fiesta, which allowed all three organisations to work together for the benefit of the local community.
St Ives Rotary helped to • stage a Fabulous Fashion Show at The Corn Exchange. It was a great night when, together with Acorn Cancer Support
Trust and Colours Fashion Shows, they brought an evening of style and bargains to the Corn Exchange Catwalk. Not only did everyone have good fun, but nearly £900 was raised in support of the Acorn Cancer Support Trust, money well spent indeed.
Huge thanks to everyone who put in a shift on the night; in particular to Shirley Hand, Carolyn Bussetil, Leah Bussetil-Humes and Rotarians Moira Penney, Beccy Roberts, Sally Heffer-Martin and Simon Townend. And of course, even more thanks to everyone who went along and made it such a smashing night out.