Bringing back the community spirit
our children deserve.

Growing up, it wasn’t always the big things we remembered. It was being out with our friends, seeing familiar faces, and sharing a night with family and neighbours. There was a warmth to it — a feeling that we belonged to something.

I feel we’re losing too much of that. Things we loved growing up are disappearing from our communities, and I don’t want our children to miss out on the memories and sense of belonging we were lucky enough to have.

That’s what this night means to me. A few hours surrounded by friends, family and neighbours. Children looking up at the fireworks instead of down at a screen, laughing together, enjoying the music and making memories they’ll talk about long after the night is over.

“I can’t bring back everything we’ve lost. But I’m determined to do something — and if this night helps bring a little of that community spirit back for our children, every bit of the work will have been worth it.”

This began as one person’s vision, but it has always been about the whole community. It’s taken three years, countless conversations, meetings and a huge amount of work with planning and licensing to get here. Making it official has been a far bigger task than I ever imagined.

I’ll be honest: there were a couple of times I almost gave up. Then I’d look back at the pictures and read everyone’s comments. Seeing how much it meant to people reminded me why I started, and gave me the push to keep going. The council and the planning and licensing teams have been helpful throughout, and I’m grateful for their support.

There is still a huge amount to do. We’ll need everyone’s help to follow the event instructions, respect our neighbours and look after the park. I want this to be something we can keep bringing back, and something our children can grow up looking forward to.

I’m funding the event with Innovation Flooring Direct so entry can be free. If you’re able to donate, your support will help Whitecrook Community Action Group SCIO provide Christmas presents for local children and food parcels for families. If you can’t, you are every bit as welcome.

For me, this is about more than fireworks. It’s about looking around on the night and seeing our community together — and knowing we’ve given our children a memory worth keeping.

David Woodcock
Innovation Flooring Direct