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David Whysall
Display Fireworks Supervisor, Level 2
Supervisor # D01843
Early in my career I became involved with the British
Space Program through my work with Haley & Weller (Benwell Fireworks).
In the early 1960's there was a need for accurate pyrotechnic delay units
within the space vehicles. Much of this fundamental research gave me a
practical and theoretical understanding of the nature of pyrotechnics. In
particular, I was able to witness first hand the effects of pressure,
vacuum, spin, and burning in inert atmospheres. In addition, and perhaps
more importantly when applied to fireworks, the effects of changes in
particle sizes of oxidizers and fuels, mixing procedures, granulation
techniques, the effects of consolidation pressure and dwell time,
variations in pressed density, and the effects of high and low temperatures
on performance.
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When this program concluded I became the Government approved
chemist on site, and a Licentiate of the Royal Institute of Chemistry. I
was responsible for leading a team of technicians involved in the routine
chemical testing of components, chemicals, sub-assemblies, and every
pyrotechnic mixture used in the production of military noise-makers, smokes
and flares. When I moved into production, I was able to apply this solid
technical knowledge to each stage of the production process. I spent many
years manufacturing military pyrotechnics, fireworks, pistol caps,
sparklers at Benwell until I moved to Canada in 1982 to work with Hand’s
Fireworks. My technical background has been a major factor in the development
of some of the interesting colours, effects and designs available today,
and is the primary reason behind the excellent quality of our products.
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David's Phone: (519)
766.3004
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Doug Fraser
Display Fireworks Supervisor, Level 2
Supervisor #: D06609
I moved down here from Timmins in 2000 to take over
managing the factory in Kenilworth. Before then, I had my Display Fireworks
Supervisors license, and had worked on a few displays, as I was a volunteer
on the South Porcupine Fire Department. We manufactured both Family and
Display fireworks at the factory, and I was responsible for overseeing all
aspects of shipping/receiving, quality control, purchasing, sales,
inventory, and human resources. During this time, I also gained a wealth of
experience on all types of shows all over Ontario, and overseas. When
Chinese product was legalized in Canada, it was no longer profitable for us
to continue manufacturing at the Kenilworth factory. So, we began the
overwhelming process of authorizing our products to be manufactured in a
Chinese factory.
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My job then changed to include many aspects related to the
authorizations, as well as a change in concentration to wholesaling. I also
continued to gain even more experience on displays. I estimate that I have
supervised in the region of 250 displays since I moved down here. My
highlights during this time include; * doing the Millenium display in
Guatemala City, with 3 firing sites, * travelling to China for quality
control trips, * doing many displays in my hometown of South Porcupine, *
having the privilege and honour of working with the Niagara Parks
Commission and the Winter Festival of Lights for the past 5 years
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Doug's Phone: (519)
831.0710
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Beth Whysall
Display Fireworks Supervisor, Level 2
Supervisor #: D01842
I guess fireworks have always been a vital part of my
life. As a kid growing up in England, my Dad and my Grandmother both worked
at the local fireworks factory. When we moved to Canada, we let off
fireworks at every family celebration, from Mother's Day to Christenings,
as well as saw a tonne of shows that Dad was involved with over the years.
When I was 16, we lived in Australia, and I witnessed my first ever
extemely large show set-up. That was also when I allowed to start visiting
the various factories, and when Dad realized that I could do all the crappy
jobs that he didn't want to do. When back in Canada, I worked for many
years at the factory, both making the shells, and in the office.
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Dad wouldn't let me work there full time until I got a
degree. I ended up obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the
University of Guelph (and half a Bachelor of Science), and a Bachelor of
Education from the University of Toronto, while continuing to work at the
factory, and on shows, part time. The first show I ever fired was in
Niagara Falls in 1996. I assisted on over 30 shows before Dad actually let
me supervise and fire my own. But, since then, I have worked on, and
supervised, hundreds of shows all over the world. I especially love the
musical shows :-) Fireworks will always be an integral part of my life. My
entire family's life has always revolved around the fireworks seasons, and
it always will. It is a family business through and through. My goal for
the future - I am now attempting to master the world of scripting and
choreography - stay tuned.....
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Beth's Phone: (519)
766.6390
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Main Office
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182188 S.R. 20
Orton, Ontario
L0N 1N0, Canada
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Office Phone: 519-928-3334
Fax: 519-928-5905
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