LEST WE FORGET… VILLAGE BLAZES REMARKABLE TRAIL OF
REMEMBRANCE FOR ITS WAR DEAD

Villagers in East Hoathly who are famous for creating spectacularly ambitious wooden bonfire sculptures as part of their Remembrance parade, will this year make a unique attempt to ‘build’ a photo from the Great War.

The haunting, 30ft-high image of a local private from the Royal Fusiliers, who was killed on the first day of the Battle for Messines Ridge in 1917, is intended to honour the millions of ordinary foot soldiers who lost their lives in World War 1.

It will form the centerpiece for the annual East Hoathly and Halland Bonfire Society event on November 11, which involves dozens of other societies from across the country in a torch-bearing procession through the two villages, culminating in a firework display and bonfire.

The bonfire’s architect, local wood engraver and sculptor Keith Pettit, whose family have lived in Hoathly for generations, used a black and white photo of his great grandfather Reuben Burgess as inspiration for this year’s centrepiece.

“His is one man’s story that reflects the entire story of the Great War and the experience of families right across the country 100 years ago,” says Keith. “Reuben was 36 when he was killed at Messines Ridge on June 7, 1917, and my great grandmother was heartbroken. But she wasn’t the only one grieving. This village was tiny compared to what it is today and yet it lost 20 men in the First World War and 11 in the Second.”

Their names are recorded on the War Memorial where villagers will pause as a sign of respect during a two-hour long procession.

Last year, strictly enforced access and parking arrangements were introduced on the night of the parade, which attracts thousands of visitors each year. Only limited parking will again be available for those who arrive before 5pm, with no parking on the busy A22.

Police have warned there will be road closures in place during the procession along with temporary speed restrictions on the A22. Parking enforcement will be in place and cars parked in the no-waiting zone will be towed away for the evening.

Organisers strongly advise spectators to make alternative travel arrangements to avoid disappointment. Those walking to the event are advised to consider their safety when walking home in the dark and come prepared with torches.

“The history of the carnival and bonfire at East Hoathly dates back to the First World War when the then headmaster of the village school decided the men who had lost their lives should never be forgotten,” says Society chairman Tim Laker. “The parade has attracted more and more people every year, but the 100^th anniversary of the Great War is especially important for us, We welcome everyone, but we would urge visitors to respect that the access restrictions are in place for their own and other’s safety.”

Volunteers began constructing the bonfire in mid-October using carefully positioned planed white wood strips to help build up a 3D image, which comes to life against a dark night sky.

“Although it will be an anonymous portrait to anyone visiting the bonfire, I do wonder what my great grandfather would make of his face appearing in front of thousands of people,” says Keith. “He was an ordinary bloke… beyond ordinary. But then, in many ways, that’s precisely the point.”

…end…