Now that the smoke has cleared and we've had a chance to catch our breath, I wanted to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Deepings Fireworks Extravaganza such a tremendous success.

The event was once again incredibly well attended, proving just how much our local community loves what the club puts on. It was wonderful to see so many families and friends enjoying the evening, and wherever you looked there were smiling faces. Thank you to everyone who came along and "ooohed" and "aahhhed" at the bangs and sparkles in the sky. We hope you enjoyed the food, the games for the kids, and the hospitality of the club!

Events like this simply would not happen without the efforts of a huge team of volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who gave up their time before, during and after the event. There were countless jobs that needed doing, including:

• Putting up banners and, when the wind had other ideas, putting them back up again!
• Sweeping mud from the patio areas.
• Moving indoor furniture and lifting outdoor benches into place.
• Manning the gates and processing payments.
• Marshalling the playing fields and helping to keep everyone safe.
• Putting up and taking down fencing.
• Setting up and running the outdoor bar.
• Liaising with the firework display company, food vendors, charity stalls and games stalls.
• Advertising and promoting the event.
• Counting and reconciling the takings.
• Repairing, installing and dismantling the event lighting.
• Clearing litter throughout the evening and helping with the clean-up afterwards.
• ...and probably a load of other jobs!

Each task, however big or small, played an important part in delivering a safe, enjoyable and successful event for the all of the people who attended.

Our thanks also go to the partners, families and friends who supported those volunteering behind the scenes. Community events of this scale are only possible when so many people are willing to give their time and energy.

Deepings RUFC has always been about more than rugby. Events like this demonstrate the incredible community spirit that exists throughout the club.

Thank you once again for the hard work, commitment and support of the volunteers. And for the support of the public each year! It was a fantastic evening and a credit to everyone involved.