Members of Lindfield Bonfire Society are gearing up for the 121st village bonfire celebrations on 5th November.

Programmes are currently on sale at SWALK, Glyn Thomas Butchers and Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning in Haywards Heath. The programmes include a colouring competition for children with prizes generously provided by Masters and Sons.

The itinerary for the 5th November is;

6.30pm – Fancy Dress Competition at the King Edward Hall. (The competition is free to enter and open to both the public and Bonfire Society members.)

7.30pm – Torchlit Procession The procession moves off from the King Edward Hall at

7.30pm. It will then go via Black Hill, Hickmans Lane, The High Street and onto The Common. (Torches will only be given to members of the Lindfield Bonfire Society and those attending from other Bonfire Societies who are in their stripes, costumes or fancy dress.)

8.15pm – Lighting of the Bonfire – preceded by the Traditional Bonfire Prayer

8.30pm – Grand Firework Display on Lindfield Common Please do not cross the safety fence at any point during the evening, even after the fireworks have finished. It’s there for your safety as there may be unexploded fireworks after the display has finished.

9pm to 9.15pm – End of show

9.30pm – Roads reopen to traffic

Members of the Bonfire Society fundraise all year in order to keep the event free with events including coffee mornings, a craft fair and Village Day. “We’d like to thank all those who support our events,” said secretary Mark Tampion-Lacey.

“We’d also like to congratulate Martin Durrant on building his 40th Guy!” (You can read more about Martin’s creations on pages 18.)

Mark added that the society recently welcomed several new members, including some who joined at the recent Badge Night at the Stand Up Inn.

“New members are always welcome and can join and support the Society by completing a membership form available in this year’s programme or on the website www.lindfieldbonfiresociety.co.uk,” said Mark.

A few reminders for a safe and happy bonfire night:

• Don’t bring sparklers, fireworks or bangers into the village or onto the Common as it is dangerous and against the law (yes, even the sparklers!)

• The society operates a strict no fireworks policy outside the display.

• Leave your pets at home.

• Please be considerate to fellow residents before, during and after the event.

• The Red Cross will be positioned at the top of the Common in the Bowling Club car park.