Chairman’s Chat Spring Edition

It might feel odd talking about bonfire season when we’re enjoying such lovely weather, but the planning for the big night is a year round job!

October and November may seem far off, yet with summer just around the corner, bonfire season will be here before we know it. Bonfire season is something I look forward to every year – a brilliant social occasion and a great way to make new friends.

As mentioned in our earlier update, we held our Annual General Meeting at the end of February, which brought a few changes.

I’d like to take a moment, and on behalf of NBS recognise Andrew Brooks, who has stepped down as Captain of Fireworks after more than 40 years in the post. I’m sure you will agree, we’ve seen some brilliant and very colourful displays in that time. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication, Andrew. We are pleased that he will continue as part of the firework team with new Captain, Steve Novis, taking the lead.

Looking ahead, we are holding our Summer fete again this year. It takes place on Sunday 19 July and is a fantastic family day out. Please do keep an eye out for further information on our social channels for more details and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there. We’re also looking for volunteers, so if you are a NBS member and would like to get involved, please let me know.

Katherine Wilkins

Chairman

Community chat Edition 3

Spotlight: Golden Lion Children’s Trust

For many, many years, the Golden Lion Children’s Trust (GLCT) has been a proud part of the Newick Bonfire Society street collection, sending a brilliant team of volunteers to shake buckets, raise smiles, and come together to support great causes across our community.

GLCT was founded in 1973 by staff from British Caledonian at Gatwick Airport, and—just like their founders—they continue to operate independently, funding their own projects and working without premises (other than storage!).

Their mission is simple but powerful:

Support children in Sussex with special needs

Help disadvantaged young people experience joy, learning, and unforgettable opportunities

Thanks to funds raised—including those collected on Newick Bonfire Night—GLCT makes magical moments possible each year, such as:

Theme park trips, cinema & theatre visits

Adventures at Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre

Showjumping at Hickstead

Activities at Hindleap Warren

A very special pre-Christmas ride on the Bluebell Railway Santa Special, complete with their own Santa Claus, elves, gifts, entertainers, and musicians

Even opera performances at Glyndebourne for children who love music

These trips create lifelong memories for children who might not otherwise have the chance.

GLCT shares that they feel warmly welcomed every year by Newick Bonfire Society—an organisation rightly proud of its history and traditions. The kindness of villagers, visitors, and parade spectators who drop coins (and notes!) into their buckets truly makes a difference.

A heartfelt message from GLCT to Newick Bonfire Society and the community:

“Thank you to everyone at NBS – and everyone who supports our bucket collectors with such good humour! Your generosity means the world to us and to the children who benefit from the funds raised. We are grateful for the chance to join you each year on such a special evening. Thank you, and our warmest wishes for Newick Bonfire 2026!”

Watch out for more community chat posts over the next few months ….. or catch up on our NBS website on the News & Media page https://newickbonfire.com/gallery/

Hilary Clothier

Captain of Street Collection

Chairman’s Chat
Winter Edition

Happy Belated New Year!

This time of year is always quiet although our members are still working hard in the background!

Firstly, I would like to thank all those who brought tickets or donated prizes to our Christmas Raffle in December. It was a successful fundraising event.

We hold our AGM on Wednesday 25 February in the Community Centre at 8pm. All are welcome but you must be a fully paid up member to vote. If you would like more information, please do get in touch with us via the website.

We have several fundraising events coming up so please do keep an eye on our social media posts for more details. We are always looking for new ideas and / or help with running events and if you would like to get involved please do let me know.

We are also trialling a members only area on a website- this will provide details of outmeetings and info on how to book the coaches – more on this to follow.

I will update you after the AGM with any changes to positions.

Katherine Wilkins

Chairman

Community Chat Edition 2

Some of us at NBS have Bonfire in our blood- pushed in prams through torchlit processions before we could walk! I was born Sussex, but it wasn’t until we moved to Newick that my own Bonfire journey began. It started with sewing costumes for my girls and rattling collection buckets, in support of local charities and good causes.

So I encourage you all to come to Badge Night or Badge morning (or both) to support NBS, find out more, become a member and continue or start your own Bonfire story

Now, let’s hear from a few of our local good causes that are involved in our street collection

1 – St Mary’s Church, Newick

We wanted to say a huge thank you to NBS for their donations. Your generosity enabled us to support a young person to attend our MayCamp weekend, which they wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. A great time was had by all 38 young people we took from Newick & Chailey.

The donation towards the pastoral care team has enabled them to reach out to individuals and families in various ways of financial and practical support.

Thank you NBS for all you do.

With much love from St Mary’s Church, Newick

2 – Newick & Chailey Brownies

We wanted to say thank you so much for the generous donation to Newick & Chailey Brownies from the Bonfire collection. We used it for an activity day at Blacklands farm, the girls loved the crate challenge and climbing.

3 – Lewes Windmill Rangers

Thank you so much to Newick Bonfire for their generous donation. Lewes Windmill Rangers used it towards funding an international trip to Switzerland, the Rangers had an amazing time and created memories that will last a lifetime, thank you again.

If you would like to be involved with shaking a bucket at Newick Bonfire, or you would like to find out more …. then please email me at nbsstreetcollection@hotmail.com

Hilary Clothier
Captain of Street Collection