the regatta had first started in 1826 so the organising committee had had more than enough time to get its act together , and so clipped to the back of it was a note : - would i be interested in becoming the start line for this , that and the other events - the finish line for a few more - the host for this , that and the other receptions - etc , etc , etc , and if i had time to spare , would i like to light the first firework on friday , ( i gathered from the wording that there would be a few more sparklers to follow it ) .