Teams needed for Littlehampton bonfire collection

After reaching a record of more than £8,800 a couple of years ago, the collection total, al of which goes to support local charities, has fallen back since then and Littlehampton Bonfire Society is calling on a good response from spectators at this year’s event, on October 29.

This year, the army of collectors will be shaking their buckets for Arun Co-ordinated Community Transport, the Littlehampton Swimming Club, the 5th Littlehampton Sea Scout Group, Rustington District Guides and St John Ambulance.

The transport group will use its bonfire money to support services which are under threat because of cuts made to its funding.

Littlehampton Swimming Club’s grant will go towards computer software and subsidising club tracksuits for its members, as well as running a training clinic by an ex-professional swimmer.

The 5th Littlehampton Sea Scout Group will use its donation to replace canoes which were stolen, restricting water activities for members.

Renovation of the Rustington District Guides’ headquarters will be helped by the Bonfire Night cash and the Littlehampton Quadrilateral Division of St John Ambulance will put its money towards purchasing three items of equipment for use in the community.

To maximise the collection and, hopefully, set a new record total, the bonfire society needs more teams of collectors to enter its “Collection Challenge” competition.

Richard Cooper, secretary of the society, said: “We are asking for teams of people to give up a few hours to collect during the evening of our celebrations, along the procession route, and at the bonfire and firework sites. There is no limit to the number of members in each team. By law, all collectors must be over the age of 16, although children can accompany an adult collector.”

The team collecting most money will receive the Frances Harrison Trophy and a £100 donation to a charitable cause of their choice.

The runners-up receive the Laura May’s Collection Challenge Cup, together with a donation of £50 to their chosen charity. The third-placed group will receive the Henry Shine Memorial Cup and a similar donation of £25.’

Entry forms for the Collection Challenge are now available from David O. Jones, High Street, Littlehampton, or call Tyndall Jones on 01903 713146.