Buxted Bonfire Society
Buxted Bonfire Society was established sometime prior to 1893 - One hundred and twenty four years later it was re-formed by a trio of local villagers who thought there may be an 'appetite' to bring bonfire back to Buxted. After several false starts and the departure of one of the trio the two remaining stalwarts went it alone and Buxted Bonfire Society was reformed.
In 2017 the revitalised society were privileged to be invited to most of the popular local 'out meeting's and with their chosen theme of 'Huntsmen' and 'Forrest folk' they have made their mark once again.
With over twenty active members the society is determined to keep up the momentum and put Buxted back on the bonfire map.
History: BBS was formed sometime before 1893. Through reports in the local paper, the Sussex Agricultural Express, it would seem that they met once a year to report the financial accounts and other activities at a diner held either in the White Hart or the Buxted Hotel. In November 1894, the Bonfire Boys ‘sat down to an excellent repast provided by mine host, Little, at the White Hart.
Having done ample justice to the spread, Mr Little read the report and balance sheet, its chief feature being a deficiency of 1s & 8d, which he attributed to the late starting in the year of the fundraising, but he had every reason to believe in the future of the society (loud cheers)’. During the evening, the band, under the conductorship of Mr H Tourle, gave several selections, the Gipsy’s Bride being greatly appreciated.
In 1898, the annual supper was held at their headquarters, the Buxted Hotel, when about sixty members and friends were present. The finances had improved and expenditure was being done on a more elaborate scale. More torches and collecting boxes had been bought and double the usual amount had been spent on fireworks, and last but not least, the chairman had awarded prizes for the best costumes. After all expenses had been paid the treasurer still held a balance of £2.
The following comments from the chairman, Mr G J Lenny make an interesting social comment. At this point in time the society had been growing and for the past three years, the meetings had been held at the Buxted Inn. It is interesting to note that the Bonfire Society in Buxted was for the working men with limited wages, had very little to look forward to except such convivial gatherings, the rich had their own amusements.
In 1900, the Bonfire Boys met again at the Buxted Hotel where a splendid spread had been provided. From a profit of £2, £1 was given to Uckfield Hospital. The firework display had been grander this year than ever before and the Boys were congratulated on the making of Guy Fawkes and Rule Britannia. There was much patriotic support for the ‘Imperial Forces’ who were presently deployed in South Africa (The Boer War).
The society was still operation in 1952 when they joined forces with Firle at the Southover Bonfire procession at Lewes.
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Buxted Bonfire Society[edit]
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