On Friday 28th November East Grinstead Soroptimists met for coffee and mince pies. Not only did Angela share her house with us all but she had made over 70 mince pies. Helen brought along her fabulous homemade craft gifts as well as her famous fudge. Jane provided a bric a brac stall. All proceeds went to Sackville College.
East Grinstead Community Bonfire
On the coldest night of the year so far, East Grinstead members were ‘warmed’ by a presentation from, Jon, Cam, Adam (Chairman) and Alison of the East Grinstead Bonfire Society. Chairman Adam delivered a very passionate presentation on their work.
The foundations of East Grinstead Community Bonfire were laid in June 2019 and in 2022, with the support of East Grinstead Town Council and Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC), East Grinstead Community Bonfire Society was formed. Fundraising began in earnest at the Lions’ May Fair and the Society’s badge and banner were designed. Burgess Hill Bonfire Society provided East Grinstead with much help including practical experience in running an event. Early in 2023 East Grinstead members began coppicing wood for their torches ready for their first event to be held that October. None of this would have happened without a generous grant from MSDC. The audience learned of the significance of the Orange and Green Jumpers that indicate East Grinstead. By all wearing the same ‘uniform’ it was – in days gone by – more difficult to be identified if problems arose at events. Some would wear masks, others would blacken their faces to avoid being identified. Each Society has different colour stripes in its jumpers.
The Society, a Community Interest Company (CIC), seems not only to have made a huge impact within the Town of East Grinstead but also within the community of Bonfire Societies across Sussex. These societies are not all about fires and fireworks but also about raising money for charity whilst spreading ‘joy’. Profits made are reinvested into the community. During the month of October, the Bonfire Societies of Sussex have events most weekends. After that the cycle of preparation begins again as they plan for the next year’s processions. The residents of East Grinstead would not have enjoyed any of this without a generous grant from MSDC. As the Community Bonfire has gained more members as well as more grants and donations being received, the Society’s dreams and aspirations have grown and the event has become bigger and better. Thousands of spectators attended in 2025 raising over £3000 for charity.
This was an informative, interesting and enthusiastic presentation – a huge ‘Thank You’ to Adam, Jon, Cam and Alison!
Rosemary Stone
Beryl keeps fantastic pictorial diaries of all her Soroptimist experiences, travels, and conferences. Her detailed artistic work is delightful. Here she is, at the Conference, with Professor Suzie Imber, who will shortly feature in the latest collection by this talented artist. Incoming President Roxanne St Clair also features.