The afternoon went great!
I had an audience of about twenty, and everyone seemed to really enjoy the presentation. After several cold damp days, today the weather warm and sunny. I set up on a table they provided on the basketball court. I'd left the handgonnes at home because I didn't think I would have room for everything, but that was when I thought I was setting up in their day room.
Could have brought them, but we had plenty to talk about as it was.
Because the clientele is a mix of elderly and younger patients, some with significant physical and/or mental handicaps, it was decided against photos during the presentation. Some of the patients might have been uncomfortable being photographed.
As it was, it was a relaxed setting and everyone got to get a good close look at the pieces and photos. I described each piece, how they worked, and the history behind the designs of the guns and carriages, as well as my own experiences building them. I also explained in detail the loading and firing sequence that I would follow, and the importance of safety even with a blank charge. Then they were invited to ask questions (and there were quite a few), before moving off to the safety zone while I prepared the cannon.
After switching the Napoleon over from the Marsilly to the field carriage and moving it to the firing area, I loaded the prepackaged 500 grain Fg powder charge. I fired the gun with the linstock using my newly prepared VisQuick fuses with NC lacquer/FFFFg priming. The shot went off perfectly. A few jumped at the noise, and a couple even squealed, but everyone cheered afterward.
I have an open invitation to come back again.
