Rodda's firework display from his pub

Woodpeckers had to go to her poetry writing course at the local Trinity Rooms hub, and as it was late and she was tired I offered to drive her. Earlier in the day she’d suggested that I could go to watch the fireworks display at our local pub, the Crown and Sceptre on Horns Road, which is only about 150 yards from our front door.

The pub’s fireworks displays are legendary and can often be experienced at other times than just on Guy Fawkes Day. Rodda Thomas, the publican is a local celebrity, and has run the pub for many years and made it into a terrific local hostelry at the heart of the community. Any chance for a special event is also a good reason for a fireworks display. Sadly he has announced he is selling up and moving on. I sense he wants to travel and spread his wings i and have new experiences,. So I have the feeling the annual fireworks might be his last. 

He has always had a penchant for a big display with mighty bangs. In recent years I think the cost of putting on the display has been daunting. He always packs a punch with a mass of fireworks all at once culminating in a massive single rocket which can be seen climbing very high in the sky before exploding into a huge wheel of flames, sparks and colours.

After dropping Helena I drove straight home but could hear bangs from inside the car. As soon as I got to our house I realised that Rodda’s fireworks were underway, so I only had time to get out my mobile. I filmed using its video as there was no time to set the stills features up for such a singular display. I’ve grabbed this frame from the video which does express some of the impact, but of course without any of the sound effects, but I’m sure you can imagine it. 

As soon as the last wiz-bang occurred a moment of silence was followed by the mass cheering of the crowds who would have been standing in Daisybank and in the grounds of the pub. Yay to Rodda, and I wish him well wherever he goes.