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.
-
help: Jo Lee, vice-chairman of a Mayfield bonfire society
-
help: Jo Lee, vice-chairman of a Mayfield bonfire society
-
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
Kent vs Surrey – Friends Life T20 South Group –Surrey swept aside by sublime Kent - Bettor.com
Kent vs Surrey – Friends Life T20 South Group –Surrey swept aside by sublime Kent
An unbeaten half-century by Robert Key helped Kent to beat Surrey convincingly by 8 wickets in their Friends Life T20 South Group game, played at the Kent County Cricket Ground, on June 17, 2012.
The visitors did little to make their advantage count after skipper, Rory Hamilton-Brown, opted to bat first. Only Steven Davies and Gary Wilson managed to post respectable scores in an otherwise disappointing batting performance which saw them posting a lowly 116 for 7.
In reply, the home side made easy work of the run-chase with Key anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 51, partnered by Darren Stevens, who was also not out on 43, aided by four sixes.
Surrey found themselves in trouble as early as the first ball of the innings after Jason Roy hit Mark Davies’ delivery straight to the cover region. Hamilton-Brown’s stay was also short, where he managed just 7 before falling off Matt Coles.
The batting side added just 25 in the Powerplay and did little to improve in the subsequent overs. Tom Maynard uneventful knock was brought to an end by Adam Ball and when Steven Davies fell after scoring the major portion, 31, Surrey score read 51 for 4 in 11 overs.
The second half of the innings saw the away side accelerating, courtesy Gary Wilson, who ended on 53. The middle-order batsman made most of the dropped chances and smashed 4 fours and a six to give respectability to the score.
In reply, Kent was always in command after Key and Sam Billings added 40 in the first six overs. Jade Dernbach intervened to give his side a much-needed breakthrough, catching the latter in front of the stumps.
Azhar Mahmood, the former Surrey player, came out to bat but had only posted 6 before being stumped by Davies off Zafar Ansari. The match at that point was evenly poised but the third-wicket stand between Key and Stevens took the game away from the visitors.
The Kent skipper struck five fours and one six in his knock, while his partner bludgeoned four sixes to compile 43 off 25 balls as the hosts chased down the target in 16.2 overs.
Source: blogs.bettor.com
Sussex animal welfare activist hosts charity ball - thisissussex.co.uk
VOLUNTEERS have been praised for their hard work and commitment to charity fundraising by international animal welfare organisation the Brooke.
The Sussex Brooke Supporter Group, led by Diane Price of East Grinstead, raised over £16,000 last year to help alleviate the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules in some of the poorest communities around the world.
-
caring: The Brooke's Diane and Jemima Price at Bliss Saddles War Horse event
"I've supported the Brooke for many years now," said Diane. "Some of my greatest memories are from the trips that I've been on to see the work of the Brooke first hand. I've travelled to Egypt, India and Ethiopia, and just seeing the necessity of the veterinary care and education makes you want to work even harder when you get back.
"We hold collections and stalls at many events to raise money and we are hosting a black-tie dinner and auction on June 9, which is going to be a fantastic event.
"Right now we are funding mobile vet teams in Egypt and Pakistan. Reaching the target to fund them was such a great achievement and very rewarding for all our hard work."
The Brooke operates across Africa, Asia and Latin America, providing vet treatment, training and community programmes around animal health and wellbeing.
Tickets for the black-tie ball, in aid of the Brooke, are priced at £45 and include a three-course dinner, auction and raffle. The event is taking place on Saturday 9 June at High Rocks in Tunbridge Wells. For tickets, e-mail Diane diane.brookesussex@live.com
Source: www.thisissussex.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment