Sussex village's bonfire futures looking bleak - thisissussex.co.uk

Sussex village's bonfire futures looking bleak - thisissussex.co.uk

BONFIRE celebrations in some East Sussex villages could be a thing of the past if local groups continue to struggle for money.

Mayfield and Fletching bonfire societies said this year's events would go ahead but after that the future was bleak unless people were prepared to help or give money.

1. help: Jo Lee, vice-chairman of a Mayfield bonfire society

2. help: Jo Lee, vice-chairman of a Mayfield bonfire society

3. burning out: Mayfield Boyes and Belles Bonfire Society carnival and procession

Crowborough's organisers also said they are "struggling".

They have blamed the lack of community spirit in their villages.

Jo Lee, vice-chairman of Mayfield Bonfire Boyes and Belles Society, which has been running for more than 50 years, said each year they had to start from scratch.

"Funds we collect on the night just go to charity. None of it comes to us at all," she said.

"In years gone by we have managed to raise enough to have a slush fund. Paraffin costs are rising and people are not spending on entertainment.

"You have villages, such as Rotherfield and East Hoathly where people have a community spirit.

"Mayfield is different. It is a commuter village.

"People are quite happy to invite friends down for the event but don't want to help.

"Basically my message is 'support us or lose it'."

Sarah Bradford, chairman of Fletching Bonfire Society, said it cost £10,000 to put on the event each year and fundraising had not been as good as in the past.

"We are going to try and plod on as long as we can," she said.

"We get no support from the village. A lot of people have come from outside. They use the village at a weekend. Most of our fundraising is supported by family and friends of the committee."

Nigel Cassford, chairman of Crowborough Bonfire Society, said the group had been struggling for the past three years.

He said: "People are working longer and don't have as much time. Getting sponsors is harder and harder because they don't have as much money to give.

"We have had to economise. For example we dropped the fireworks display a few years ago. We are not in difficulties as such but times are tough."

But Les Pike, chairman of Rotherfield Bonfire Society, said his group had great support. He said: "We have well over 100 supporters. There is a fantastic community spirit in the village."

Source: www.thisissussex.co.uk