1. Membership
Membership entitles a member to process with Barcombe Bonfire Society (BBS) in costume and represent the Society at Barcombe Bonfire Night and at pre-agreed outmeetings and events during the bonfire season. This is not permitted without valid membership.
Membership is open to anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or religious or political belief.
All membership fees must be paid in advance of taking part in any outmeetings that BBS is invited to. The Membership Secretary retains the right to refuse membership requests on the night.
Membership expires on 31st May each year. This will be publicised in advance via the Barcombe News.
Members must always display a valid membership badge when representing BBS.
Rates are currently set at £20 for full membership (18 + over) and £6 for juniors (17 + under).
These rules will be made available when paying for membership and will be delivered by e-mail or hard copy by request to the membership secretary.
Taking out membership infers that these rules have been read and agreed by the prospective member.
Membership may be terminated, suspended or refused at any time at the request of the committee if rules are found to have been broken or actions of a member or potential member bring the society into disrepute.
Members are firmly encouraged to assist in the fundraising, preparation and running of BBS. All members have a right to stand for or be co-opted onto the committee. Contact the secretary to find out more.
2. Conduct
General
Members must follow all instructions from the BBS committee and from any appointed marshals, delegates, hosting societies or members of the emergency services when representing BBS at outmeetings or BBS’s own events.
If no committee member is available at an outmeeting, an appointed delegate shall assume the authority and responsibility of a committee member.
Members must follow the rules, requests and instructions of the host society at outmeetings at all times, which may be different to those of BBS. Any particulars of the evening received by BBS will be made available to members before the outmeeting.
Respectful and orderly conduct is requested at all times. Excessive drunkenness or use of illegal substances may result in expulsion from the procession and subsequently from BBS. Reckless, dangerous or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in expulsion from the society.
Junior Members
Juniors (17 and under) must be accompanied by an adult member (over-18) AT ALL TIMES. The adult member must have agreed to be responsible for them on their membership form. This must have been signed by the junior member’s parent or guardian.
Junior members must process at the front of their respective section in the procession. Their responsible adults must be alongside or in the rank behind.
The responsible adult must be in approved dress as detailed below. If there is no responsible adult or the adult is not in costume, both will be expelled from the procession.
Responsible adult members assume all responsibility for the conduct of their junior members.
No under-18 may be in possession of fireworks or alcohol. We have specific rules for under 18 year olds in the society. Please read and agree to the Barcombe Bonfire Society Under 18s Policy .
Fireworks
There is to be no discharging of fireworks on the public highway: this is a criminal offence.
Where fireworks are permitted at the fire site by the host society, there are to be no “blues”, home-made or any other illegal fireworks not permitted for sale in the UK.
The use of flares, boom boxes and any fireworks is at the total discretion of the host society as per their rules and requests. The firework area at the fire-site is off-limits to all members at any display.
Procession
When representing BBS, Members may only process with BBS itself or with the hosting Society after prior arrangement with the hosts by the committee.
The order of BBS procession shall be: banner, first pioneers, second pioneers, other costumes, smugglers as detailed below.
Members must process in orderly ranks of three across the whole road. Repeatedly ignored requests to process in this fashion could result in expulsion from the procession. Respect any remembrance services or unique traditions of host societies or BBS, particularly the removal of head-wear as a sign of respect.
Torches
Age restrictions on the use of torches is at the discretion of the host society and their insurance policy.
Do not light torches until requested to do so by the hosts.
Discard used torches sensibly, away from large groups of people or parked cars. Make use of dousing stations or tar barrels if possible. Do not allow members of the public to obtain torches.
3. Dress
Members must be dressed in costume when representing BBS. Members should expect to be expelled from the procession if they are not wearing appropriate costume. It’s a matter of pride for the society and the tradition of bonfire.
All costumes should be made from non-flammable material and be adequately fire-proofed.
Sturdy footwear such as walking boots is encouraged.
First pioneers are traditional Saxon.
Second pioneers are Victorian and Edwardian gentlemen and ladies.
The smugglers costume consists of a black and red hooped knitted jumper (NOT rugby shirt), white cotton trousers or jeans (NO other colour), a red spotted scarf.
Other costumes are permitted and must process between the second pioneers and the smugglers. A general black and red theme is encouraged.
Responsible adults must also be in costume or neither they nor their junior member can process.
Costume requirements will be published periodically in the Barcombe News and clarified when membership is bought.
The committee can advise on where to source certain items and pictures can be provided on request.
4. Sanctions & Amendments
Anyone found to be contravening these rules or bringing the society into disrepute can expect to have their membership suspended, terminated or refused at the request of the committee; or in serious cases, immediate expulsion from the society by a committee member.
Anyone found bringing the society into disrepute through disorderly conduct or illegal behaviour can expect to have their name passed on to the Sussex Bonfire Council and/or the police.
A meeting of the committee has the final say on any dispute regarding a member and the society.
The rules are subject to change at any time after a vote by the committee. New rules will be publicised to members. By following these rules we can help to ensure safe and enjoyable bonfire celebrations for future generations. Breaking these rules jeopardises Sussex Bonfire as a whole.
5. Disclaimer
As a member you are covered by BBS’s public liability insurance when representing BBS. This is available to all members on request.
Following these rules can help reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of injury at bonfire celebrations. They are made available to members to reduce that risk and must be agreed by members when taking out membership.
BBS must stress that all participation is entirely at your own risk and that they cannot be held responsible for any injury, loss or damage sustained while celebrating Bonfire.