FEATURE: Help keep Robertsbridge Bonfire burning

It is a much-loved event and does no end of good for local businesses, with pubs and B&Bs among those benefitting.

But whereas everyone enjoys the party and the benefits it brings, it’s proving difficult getting support for the necessary preparations and fundraising throughout the rest of the year.

And without strong support from the community, Robertsbridge bonfire is in constant danger of ceasing.

Robertsbridge’s bonfire tradition goes back decades, but by the 1980s it had been reduced to a poorly supported display at the village youth club.

But thanks to the efforts of Kate and Mike Noble and John Goldsmith, Robertsbridge bonfire burst back onto the scene in 1991.

The event has gone from strength to strength and Robertsbridge Bonfire Society boasts a healthy membership.

There’s a small core within the society working hard throughout the year to keep it going. Some of them helped re-establish the tradition in 1991.

But for the society to continue in the future, it’s now essential that the younger generations in the village become actively involved, and are willing and prepared to take over the reins.

John Goldsmith, president of Robertsbridge Bonfire Society, said: “We started 25 years ago and those that started, including myself, are getting a lot older.

“We worked so hard and with so much commitment over the years.

“But now not enough people will put themselves forward and share the load.

“No-one wants to take over the roles of chairman or secretary. It’s a shame.”

Bonfire itself costs £8,000 to stage, with insurance costing a whopping £4,500 in 2014 – a far cry from the £50 charged in 1991.

So plenty of fundraising events are needed throughout the year to reach this total.

At the end of the month, the society will hold its annual Auction of Promises and it is appealing for local businesses or residents to offer services, vouchers or experiences. Among the lots currently lined up for auction are a Ferrari ride, jewellery and holiday accommodation for two people for bonfire night itself.

The fear within the society is that poor support from the village for these events will again contribute towards the demise of the society.

This would mean not only the loss of Robertsbridge’s bonfire night, but also the end of so much that contributes towards the village’s tradition and sense of community.

On bonfire night itself, every single penny collected goes to local good causes.

Since the bonfire was revived in 1991, the event has raised £34,000 for causes including Robertsbridge Children’s Services, the school association, youth club, Scout and Guide groups, cricket and football clubs and St Michael’s Hospice.

A portion of the funds also go to an annual dinner for senior residents of the village.

But even the 10,000 people who enjoy the celebrations on bonfire night could be doing more to help the event thrive.

Last year’s bonfire only raised around £2,000 for the society’s chosen charities – the equivalent of 20p for every reveller.

Which is a pretty small sum for an event which year after year delivers a lively torchlit procession, some spectacular pyrotechnics and, of course, some outstanding effigies.

In recent years Robertsbridge has delivered some belters, from Vladimir Putin sporting gold hotpants to a blunt, four-lettered message under the face of former education secretary Michael Gove.

And of course last year’s talking effigy – thought to be the country’s first – was the talk of bonfire societies across the county.

John has some fond memories of his 25 years at the centre of Robertsbridge Bonfire Society.

He said: “My highlights are getting the event off the ground, because I do not think people believed it could happen, but it did and it was very successful.

“And I particularly enjoyed the 25th anniversary last year as we had some great fireworks and an animated effigy, which was spectacular.”

But in order to keep bonfire burning for the next 25 years, John has a stark message for villagers.

He said: “It’s use it or lose it.

“If we do not get the support, the thing will go.

“The more people that come and help, the better.

“If there are not the people to organise it and run it, it won’t happen.”

Anyone interested in joining, and those who are already members, are welcome to go to the Robertsbridge Bonfire Society’s meetings at the Robertsbridge Club on the third Thursday of the month.

Or call in to the Floral Boutique in the village and ask Sandie for a membership form.

Forthcoming fundraising events for Robertsbridge Bonfire Society

* Friday May 27: Auction of Promises at Robertsbridge Club

* Sunday June 12: Soapbox Derby at Salehurst

* Sunday June 26: Car boot sale at the recreation ground

* Sunday July 31: Car boot sale at the recretion ground

* Sunday September 4: Family Flower Show and Pet Show at the village hall

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