Golden couple set to light bonfire at Northiam's fiery celebrations

The Senlac group of bonfire societies, including Battle, Rye and Hastings bonfire societies, will descend on the village on Saturday (October 8) for an evening of fiery fun.

Karen Ayling, from Northiam Bonfire Society, said: “Visiting societies in their distinctive costumes will meet at the bonfire field (that’s where the bar is!) on the Hastings Road, leaving at 7.50pm to process into the village with drums and flaming torches.

“Spectators should have plenty of space to view the procession from the side of the road from the surgery car park all the way past the school and the vet’s to the field, and when it has passed by they should follow the procession into the field to view the bonfire and fireworks.”

And for one couple in the village, the bonfire event coincides with a very special anniversary.

Karen told the Observer, “This year, the bonfire will be lit by Trevor and Pat Brabon – our popular ‘lolly’ – who mans our school crossing patrol.

“They are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on the day, but are choosing to share it with bonfire revellers.”

Entry to the bonfire is just £1 on the gate, and everyone is encouraged to donate to this year’s charitable causes – the new Helping Hands scheme being set up in the village, and Little Gate Farm in Beckley, which provides supportive employment for people with learning disabilities.

More information about Northiam Bonfire can be found on the NBS website at northiambonfiresociety.co.uk

There is plenty more bonfire fun coming up in the next few weeks.

Next week (October 15) is the turn of Hastings, which will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

The dates of other local bonfire events include:

* Hastings (October 15)

* Ninfield (October 22)

* Ewhurst and Staplecross (October 29)

* Battle (November 5)

* Robin Hood (Icklesham) (November 5)

* Rye (November 12)

* Robertsbridge (November 19)

*Hawkhurst (November 26)

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