Firework Fiesta signs off by helping hospice

Firework Fiesta may have finished after 44 years, but its positive effects are continuing to be felt.

Peterborough Minster Rotary Club, which co-ran the popular event, said it wanted to “promote a legacy from the event” and has chosen to support Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice which has suffered a huge financial challenge due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

The event’s former manager Phil Branston said: “The end last year of Firework Fiesta presented a wish of Peterborough Minster Rotary Club to promote a legacy from the event.

“The club has now chosen to support the Sue Ryder hospice with the purchase of eight electronic syringe drivers at a

cost of £8,360. The new drivers are required to replace older models which are now needing regular repair.

“Earlier this year one of the club’s members was unfortunate to require the services of the hospice and the members of Minster Rotary Club were very thankful and wished to show their appreciation.

“The hospice can now go ahead and order the full set of 20 units they require.”

Firework Fiesta was a fixture in the annual calendar until costs began to ran too high. Over the decades it raised £600,000 for local good causes.

It has since been replaced by a new fireworks event at the East of England Arena and Events Centre.

Minster Rotary Club has previously purchased a Challenger sailing boat for Peterborough Sailabillty, at a cost of £8,600, due to Firework Fiesta.

Phil added: “Minster Rotary Club has unfortunately suffered from the coronavirus outbreak and been forced to cancel its now flagship golf day, raising money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. But the club did manage to raise a modest amount of cash from sale of quiz sheets prior to the outbreak.

“The virus outbreak also provided a need for support to the local food bank. Members answered a request to provide emergency supplies and were successful in providing, amongst others, 50 litres of UHT milk in a single day.

“The club has also decided to donate a further £500 in cash to the food bank to help them purchase food supplies and other items.”

The club is currently holding Zoom meetings until members are able to meet again at Milton Golf Club.

‘The members... wished to show their appreciation’ Phil Branston

Former event manager

Rotary has raised than for Sue Thorpe Hospice

Peterborough Minster Club more £8,000 Ryder Hall

Phil Branston with then Mayor of Peterborough Cllr Chris Ash and Mark Wells lighting the bonfire at Firework Fiesta 2018