Bonfire raises the roof

Roof battens salvaged from houses across East Sussex have been cut to size to use as torches during the night time processions to be held as usual on the first Saturday in September.

They have been supplied by roofing contractor Simon Darchez to help the bonfire society out of difficulty. Foot and mouth disease restrictions stopped them cutting their own wood from hedging earlier this year.

Some of the battens have come from well-known buildings like the old Maidens Head Hotel and from the Dawson Hart and Co solicitors premises which have been re-roofed.

Programmes are on sale, bands booked and final preparations under way for this year s extravaganza, according to bonfire society president Mel Watts.

Mr Watts has been involved with the annual event since he was eight years old and his family works alongside him in the organisation.

Wife Diana is vice-president, daughter Carol is secretary and 14-year-old granddaughter Louise helps too.

Years ago most Uckfield families were involved in the carnival but now only a core keep the spectacular going.

It s a sign of the times, said Mr Watts. A lot of commuters live in the town now. They leave early in the morning and get back late at night and don t have time to get involved in the community.

He recalls the most difficult decision he ever had to make in relation to the carnival was whether it should go ahead on the day of Princess Diana s funeral. In the end, despite abusive phone calls and hate mail, he decided to go ahead for the sake of charities which depend on the funds raised by it. Last year for example they benefited to the tune of 5,700.

Missing from the parades this year will be the town s Scout band which has folded through shortage of members. They have supported us for years and we are sorry they won t be joining us, said Mr Watts.

Among events planned are a firework display at the Holy Cross playing fields on the Friday night. Then on the Saturday afternoon there will be the children s procession and fancy dress at the Holy Cross playing fields. In the evening the adults fancy dress judging will take place followed by the torchlight processions. A fair will be based on the Luxford Field throughout.