Shoreham Bonfire Society announces closure...
It is with great regret that the Shoreham Bonfire team have announced the decision to close the Bonfire Society with immediate effect. Sadly, this means that the Society will not be running a Family Bonfire and Fireworks in this, or future, years.
The decision was taken against a background of ever-rising costs and the unreliable income generated from an unpredictable winter outdoor event. The organisers felt that the financial risks had finally become to significant, even with the support of sponsors and the local community.
Although the team had taken a 2-year break, work had been progressing for this year’s event but a recent review of finances revealed that the free to the public event was no longer viable or sustainable.
From small beginnings in 2000
Formed in 2000 by Jonathan Marshall, Shoreham Bonfire was built on the belief that the Shoreham community would support and fund a family bonfire & fireworks event.
Jonathan was quickly joined by Stuart Lanham, Tim Goldsack and a small band of enthusiastic volunteers. Shoreham Bonfire quickly grew into a fun family-oriented night that attracted over 3,500 people each year.
Not only was Shoreham Bonfire self-funding, it also raised thousands of pounds for local charities and groups including Chestnut Tree House.
A few thank you’s
None of our successes could have been achieved without the tireless backing of some stalwart supporters and sponsors.
Thanks also to our suppliers, including Chris Verdehaven of Frontier Fireworks and George Pewsey of EMS Security who have made our lives easy though their sympathetic treatment of this great community event.
Finally…
Jonathan Marshall comments:
“We are very sad to make this announcement but with costs spiralling, on everything from equipment to insurance, we know it is the right decision for all involved.
It has been a real pleasure working with everyone involved over the years and a big thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed our event and who made it work.”
As we will be winding up the Society, any remaining funds will be distributed to our chosen local charities.
Shoreham Bonfire Society
www.shorehambonfire.co.uk
PREVIOUS NEWS
£500 more raised for Chestnut Tree House
We are delighted to say that the 2016 Shoreham Bonfire Society Family Beach Bonfire & Fireworks which took place on Saturday 12th November helped raise £500 for Chestnut Tree House.
2016 charity: Chestnut Tree House
Shoreham Bonfire Society is proud to again be giving part of this year's bucket collection to Chestnut Tree House, the Children's hospice for Sussex. In 2015 we gave £1,000 to Chestnut Tree House and 5 local community groups received £200 each.
2016 main sponsor: SHOREHAM PORT
Welcome and a thank you to Shoreham Port for becoming a community sponsor of Shoreham Bonfire in 2016.
One of the largest cargo handling Trust ports on the South Coast, the Port's commercial property portfolio is the biggest in the Shoreham area with over 90 units to rent including office, warehouse and industrial buildings and open areas of land all conveniently located.
2016 main sponsor: DENNIS WATKINS & CO
A big thank you to Shoreham based insurance broker Dennis Watkins & Co are a community sponsor of Shoreham Bonfire in 2016 for the second time.
Established in 1960 by Dennis Watkins and incorporated in 1963 as Dennis Watkins and Company Limited, the company has been providing insurance broking services for over fifty years to business, industry and commerce and to the individual.
2016 main sponsor: FITZHUGH GATES
As always a huge thank you to all of the team at the solicitors and notary Fitzhugh Gates who are a community sponsor of Shoreham Bonfire for a fourth year in 2016.
Fitzhugh Gates are a team of 40 staff with offices in Shoreham by Sea and central Brighton. They have served individuals, families and businesses in Sussex for over 200 years with a well deserved reputation for being clear, open, honest and approachable.
£2,000 RAISED FOR CHARITY & LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS
We are delighted to announce that the 2015 hugely successful bonfire and fireworks night on Shoreham Beach, raised £2,000 for charity and local community groups.
Shoreham Bonfire was able to give Chestnut Tree House a cheque for an amazing £1,000. What's more, thanks to the generosity of the crowd and our sponsors, a further £1,000 was donated to local Shoreham community groups. The 5 local community groups receiving £200 each were the 3rd Shoreham Sea Scouts, Beach Bateria Samba Band, young musicians Shoreham Allstars, Shoreham Fort and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
2015 Photo Album
Take a look at some of the images of the 2016 and 2015 Shoreham Bofnire & Fireworks on Facebook.