We, Robertsbridge Bonfire Society, are a group of people that spend our leisure time organising many fundraising and charity events throughout the year. This enables us to support numerous good causes within the village and its surrounds, as well as hold the biggest annual event in the village to celebrate Guy Fawkes night in November.
The evening itself starts with a torch lit procession, with approximately 30 visiting societies from all over East Sussex taking part. It Begins from Station Road, heading up George Hill, then comes back down the hill and all the way through the village to the A21. Its then about-turn again back to the Recreation ground, where during the day a very large bonfire has been skillfully constructed! Once everybody is in the ground, the Firework Spectacular can begin, again after a long day spent by our firework crew setting up. The evening ends with the destruction of an Effigy that represents a prominent feature of the year!
We also attend processions held by other Bonfire societies across East Sussex. To see which bonfires we will be visiting this year go to the Bonfire Dates.
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This year the Society is celebrating its '18th Birthday'! |
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The earliest records that we have found of a Bonfire Society in Robertsbridge is 1895, but this was discontinued in 1906 when the government banned such street celebrations. It was re-formed again in 1938 but then the following year it was wartime and that was the end of it for many more years.That is until John Goldsmith and Kate Noble were chatting one night in the George Inn and the seed was sown.On December 6th 1990 the Society was re-formed yet again and has continued to thrive ever since.
The event itself is free to anyone in the village, with a street collection on the evening to help raise money for the charities, good causes and associations in the area. It would be very nice if each person that attended the evening managed to put at least £1 into a collecting box. This would make such a massive difference to the overall total. It is surprising what is donated on the evening: Foreign coins, buttons, washers and sweet wrappers do not go far these days!
But there has been very great generosity over the years with nearly £25000 having been collected and donated. Please continue to give generously and then we in turn can give even more. If you would like to make a donation, please contact us.
we are always on the lookout for new members, so if you are willing to lend a hand here and there, or just want to join in the fun we'd love to have you. All you need to do is read the constitution and if all is agreeable, complete a membership form. All applications need a proposer and to be seconded before membership is entertained.
