Fireworks and Explosives a talk by Joe Cameron
We all enjoyed a lively and appropriate talk for November. Joe introduced himself by his technical title of ‘Pyrotechnician’. Due to his military background, he was asked to organise fireworks displays as part of community relations. He has been involved with fireworks and
explosives since 1984 and now runs his own fireworks and special effects company which is called Fireworks Effects. He has represented England and Ireland in competitions in Belgium. It takes three years to train as an operator and all his family are qualified. He frequently performs at weddings and brides like to choose their colours of the displays.
He started his talk with a short video of a firework display, linked with music by an Isle of Wight orchestra, in Cowes Week. He is not involved with any manufacturing and never sells anything to the public. He seems to have set himself a self-imposed discipline clearly related to the dangerous nature of his work. The profession’s training manual is his bible: Rule number one is ‘Never buy indoor fireworks’, always go to an organised firework display.
It all started in China 2000 years ago with Chinese Crackers, slowly moving into India, slowly because of limitation by the caste system. In China fireworks were made by children after school for their pocket money. Ingredients (really gunpowder) were sulphur, charcoal and saltpetre (potassium nitrate). They were introduced to Europe in the 14th century and there was a firework display at the wedding of Henry VII in 1486.
Nowadays there is a very strict safety code with ear defenders and a specially shaped Perspex mask. Military equipment is the best source and wool is a good protection from flame. My main concern is that fireworks are intensely unpopular with cats and dogs – maybe they could all be made free of bangs? This used to drive us off the Island in Cowes Week but Joe says there is no such thing as a silent firework.
Joe came equipped with a tableful of demonstration material and his wife as assistant. He then moved on to explosives in general and how they can be misused. He showed us how a letter bomb was made and how it can be suspected if the envelope is stained. An explosive can be hidden between two sheets of paper which will detonate on separation. He made
some napalm in front of our eyes and showed us various detonators. Innocent looking sparklers are the only hand-held fireworks and are actually dangerous after use, with their hot sharp points left lying on the ground. To illustrate the complexity and danger of his job you should know that he carries a public insurance for £10 million. He did not tell us the
premium! After every performance he brushes and rakes the ground to make sure everything is safe and clear.
Although he did not mention Guy Fawkes once, Joe displayed a placard stating: “Guy Fawkes was the only person to enter Parliament with honest intentions.”
Our next talk, titled Vicountess Frances ‘Fanny Nelson’, will be by
Christine Mason on 8th January in the Reading Room at 7.30 pm.
We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Charles Villiers
Original News post
The Guild's next meeting will be on Wednesday 13 November at 7.30 pm in the Reading Room SP1 3LL, when Joe Cameron will deliver his talk "Fireworks and Explosives".
Joe Cameron of Firework Effects in Salisbury has been involved in the firework industry since 1984. It was due to his military background in Northern Ireland that he was asked during the 1980s by some County and Borough Councils in the Province, to fire various firework displays as community relations exercises. Joe was well placed to deal with the request as he had a background in lecturing on the impact that explosive material could have when in the wrong hands.
Joe moved to England in 1989 and formed his own firework and special effect company. His company has provided displays nationally and internationally and has competed in a number of firework competitions. The safety record of the company is exemplary. Joe continues to lecture on the dangers of explosive material as a member of the Explosive Industry Group.
In the talk Joe will cover the history of fireworks and how explosives can be used both as a means to provide families with an enjoyable spectacle or, in the wrong hands, to cause damage and injury.
Annual membership of the Guild is £15. Visitors welcome £5 per evening and includes tea/coffee/biscuits after the talk.
Enquiries: Jenny Stone 07511 226828 or 01722 334231.