The largest display locally and set to a fantastic musical soundtrack
 

The Story of Curbridge Fireworks display and an update on this years display

Please note these comments are from the editor of the Curbridge web site and are in no way associated with the Curbridge Social Club

The Curbridge Social club was formed in 1993, by the then landlord of the Merry Horn Pub (now closed), John Pole.

Things all started with a small Fireworks display at the Merry Horn Pub in Curbridge. Followed by the the revival of the Village Fete the following year and a slightly larger Firework display, this time held on the Village Recreation ground next to the Lord Kitchener.

Things progressed from there and each year the fireworks became a little larger and a little more professional. A Guy competition was introduced and the winner would assist in lighting the bonfire.

After a change of Fireworks suppliers to Giles Sports in Carterton, and later mail order from Fantastic Fireworks in Luton, it soon became apparent that to continue to improve and grow the display the Club would need to use professional Fireworks. This would mean either employing a professional display company or training their own people and joining with a Fireworks company in order to use their services.

Originally 3 then later 4 of the Committee members were trained and still continue to work for display companies meaning they were then able to use professional Fireworks and grow the display further.

With the display being held in the Village recreation ground next to the Lord Kitchener, it meant parking was only available in the Village lanes and with people having to cross the main Witney to Bampton road, it became too dangerous to continue to hold the display in the recreation ground. It was an accident waiting to happen.

The are three suitable fields within the Village all with access onto Well Lane, however there is very limited parking. The use of fields as parking was discounted due the the November weather and the high risk of people becoming bogged down.

The Committee took the brave decision to move the display to Witney Town's ground in Downs road. This provided additional parking and a safe access to the ground. It was also within parish boundary, so was still technically part of Curbridge. All weather protection was also available within the stands and the low wall around the pitch provided a barrier between the crowd and the very explosive Firework shells. The display still at this point remained FREE to everyone.

The following year it was decided to charge a small fee for tickets to the display, this would enable the Club to bring in a better sound system and reduce the huge subsidy the Club provided in order to fund the display. In excess of £800.

The display continued to grow in both quantity and quality and included a small fair, bouncy castle and novelty sellers. The Club also changed suppliers again to Alchemy Fireworks in Luton. This more than doubled the fireworks without increasing the cost and brought in new creative ideas. The 2010 display was the best the Club has ever put on and attracted many more spectators, and some high profile local councillors. The local internet TV station Witney TV also filmed the display and it's profile within the local community was high. The loss to the Club was also reduced to just £400.

On the back of this it was forecasted that with the increased attendance and word of mouth from those that attended the Club would be in a position to make a profit this year, which would go, as all funds do, to help pay for the Clubs activities including the Village OAP's meal and Santa's visit to bring the Children Christmas presents.

However the Committee has this year decided not to hold the display, ending 18 years of Curbridge Social Club Bonfire & Fireworks history.

At it's meeting on 11th January Curbridge Social Club Committee voted not to hold the Fireworks display this year.

 Jamie Gibbard, the then Chairman of the Curbridge Social Club commented :-

 "The decision has been made by Curbridge Social Club not to hold the 2011 firework display at Witney Football Club. The possibility of other venues are currently being considered."

In the months since this decision, there has been no further word on the 2011 display and the Club has been asked to provide some words for this page, the following is an update from the Committee following its meeting of Tuesday 20th September :-

"The outcome, following a short discussion, was that the statement made by the then Chairman Jamie Gibbard, having been based on discussions which took place at Committee Meetings before, during and after the 2010 AGM, stands as stated and voted on by the Committee at that time".

"There will be no display this year but the subject is open for discussion in the future".

If you would like any comments passed on to the club please e-mail Fireworks@curbridge.net

Or leave a message on the curbrige messageboard - Click Here

Click below to see the video of out 2010 display courtesy of Witney TV