Cash-strapped Hailsham Bonfire Society faces disbandment
A CRISIS has darkened the future of Hailsham Bonfire Society.
Thousands of people enjoyed the annual bonfire procession and fireworks event last October.
But the society may disband unless more volunteers and funds are found, the Express has learnt.
Rose Piggott, society secretary, said urgent help was needed.
She said: 'If the general public want us to carry on doing it, they need to come and help us.
'Unless we get more people to come and help it will fold.
'We will be alright for this year but I don't know about the future.'
The bonfire group was re-started in 2005 after a 16-year gap.
Geoff Rowe, honourary vice-president and a town councillor, said there was 'a lot of public happiness' when the society was revived.
He said: 'The bonfire tradition is an old Sussex tradition and for Hailsham to join in was a feather in our cap.
'Everybody knew it was going to require a lot of hard work.
'It is done by a few extremely dedicated people and they need more help.'
Society members raise funds, marshal events, make fire torches and undertake other duties.
Volunteers come from all walks of life, Cllr Rowe said.
He added: 'Any volunteers would be most welcome.'
This year the society has raised 3,000 for the main bonfire event on October 17.
About 6,000 is still needed to pay for the popular spectacle.
Ian Broderick, vice-chairman, said there was a dire need for both volunteers and funding.
He said: 'It is only a small core of us doing it all.
'We have got some members who do everything.
'And there are some members who are just members – and that is it. We don't see them at all.'
Hailsham Bonfire Society marches at events all over Sussex.
Stella Henstock, honourary president and a town councillor, said: 'It is ok for people to come and walk but work also needs doing in the meantime.'
Hailsham Bonfire Society will hold a crisis talk at The George pub in George Street at 8pm on June 1.
Any interested parties are welcome to attend.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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