Comments on: Maurice Evans, Firework Collector

By: James Briglia sr

James Briglia sr — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:25:44 +0000

Great stuff wish I saved all the stuff I had all the stuff now stinks

By: Allister McIlwrick

Allister McIlwrick — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 21:28:05 +0000

Thank you for a wonderful trip down memory lane. The story and pictures brought back the sense of expectation on the run up to the 5th. The saving pocket money, the trip to our news agents who had a great black tin trunk full with what I thought was sawdust. The delving into it and feeling about for a firework. Then there would be the collecting wood from all our gardens to build a bonfire. Rushing home to get your tea the rushing out to where the bonfire was.
I was always scared of the jumping jacks always hoped there would be more than one. The smell was just wonderful. Catherine wheels are still my favourite . The the next morning I’d be up early to collect them and if you were lucky you’d find one or two that hadn’t gone off. I’d keep them in my dad’s shed but by spring the following year they’d have mysteriously disappeared. I’m quite envious of this wonderful collection. I wish you well.

By: Norman Wilkinson

Norman Wilkinson — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 12:39:38 +0000

Well Maurice what an amazing collection of memorable fireworks. If it wasn’t for people like you all the original 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s fireworks would have been lost forever. It makes me want to design some of the old style label’s with a modern twist.

By: jim

jim — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 07:19:19 +0000

i have a 1950s flying torpedo but cant find anything about it hoping you can shed some light many thanks love your collection btw

By: Ron U

Ron U — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 22:36:10 +0000

Have About A Doz.Cherry Bombs,1965,They Worth Anything.Live,RON

By: Stuart C.

Stuart C. — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:55:40 +0000

What an incredible collection. Takes me back to bonfire nights of the 50’s & 60’s.
Wonderful site. Love the museum site too. Have made start on printing out old labels & constructing dummy replicas of old fireworks. Many thanks.

By: Adam Campbell

Adam Campbell — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:34:26 +0000

Maurice taught me display management and explosives safety and worked with him on a number of displays. Amazing chap.

By: Philip

Philip — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:25:47 +0000

Actually you can see what were called bengal matches, in one of the pictures. We called them flare matches you could get two colours red or green and they were made by Astra as I recall.

I think its the wrappers that bring the memories flooding back thanks for sharing it made me think of my Dad and the way he used to supplement the number of fireworks on bonfire night, I am sure without my mother knowing.

By: k skinner

k skinner — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 19:16:55 +0000

I wonder if maurice can recall what i called as a child “bingle matches”.

By: Ollie

Ollie — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 18:45:09 +0000

What a fantastically written article! Being Maurice’s grandson, this really made me smile and think back to being shown these personally by grandad and also to think of the fun times at the rifle shooting range in the cellar…one of the best grandparents you could ask for.