PICTURES: Fantastic finale for Portgordon fireworks as display bows out with a bang
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PORTGORDON fireworks display went out with a bang as the event marked its last performance.
Amongst the fun and wonder at the scintillating bursts of colour lighting up the sky above the village last Friday evening there was more than one poignant moment as a lack of new members means Portgordon Fireworks Committee have been forced to call it a day.
Committee chairman Kenny Gunn said: "It was an extremely good evening, we had a fantastic crowd – our biggest ever – and the weather was perfect.
"I think a lot of people were glad to be back after Covid.
"It was a very poignant evening indeed, this being our last one. My wife Vanessa had the chance to set the fireworks off for the first time since we started this.
"I'm immensely proud of what we've achieved since 1993, I never, ever thought we'd grow to what we are today. It's been a phenomenal event, we've had people coming from as far afield as Aberdeen just to see the fireworks.
"It's time for the current committee to take a step back. I think we've done our best for the community; it's been quite an achievement for a place the size of Portgordon.
"There's a lot of effort goes into making the 20-minute display that folk don't see. Over the years there's been a lot more paperwork to fill in.
"It would be nice if other folk took it over and if there is anybody interested I'd urge them to get in touch soon."
Mr Gunn was one of the founder members of the fireworks committee in 1993. Through the then Portgordon Area Management Committee, with which Mr Gunn's mother was involved, the idea was floated by council community officer Ken Matthews that Portgordon should have its own fireworks display.
A box of fireworks was duly purchased from Slater Sports in Buckie for the princely sum of £150 with a cookers borrowed from the Round Table to provide burgers on the evening, with kippers also on offer. Thanks to the funds raised on the evening, the committee were able to buy two boxes the following year and, as time went on, the fireworks team went on training courses which allowed them to use more powerful fireworks.
Mr Gunn went on to pay tribute to the organisations, firms and individuals whose generosity had made the fireworks possible, as well as those who filled the collection buckets on the night of the event.
Among those praised were Colin Murray, for providing the field used as a car park, Springfield Properties for lending the committee crowd barriers, Moray Council for their help with the licensing and other matters and Mayne's Coaches for providing transport to and from the event.
The volunteer team certainly made sure their swansong was a stylish one with people from the local area joined by those from across Moray and further afield to enjoy the pyrotechnic spectacle unfolding in the heavens. People took up vantage points all across the village to take in the show.
Based at the harbour, there were the usual selection of stalls on hand to browse before the main event exploded into life.
Anyone interested in taking over the mantle from the fireworks committee should call Mr Gunn on 07790 102551.
BLOB For more fireworks photos, turn to page 5.
