The Bonfire Boys – The Fifth of November falling this year on a Sunday, the annual carnival in connection with Guy Fawkes’ Day was held on Saturday night. Up to a few weeks ago it looked as if the observance of this time honoured festival was likely to fall into abeyance. A few, however, of the younger inhabitants did not like the idea of no celebration on this tri-centenary of the Gunpowder Plot, and they determined that efforts should be made to duly celebrate the event for this year at least. A Committee was formed consisting of
Messrs. H Arnold, W. Webber, J. Lucas, S. Botton, A. Botton, W. Duffell, M. Arnold, B. Boxall, G. Arnold, R. Monnery, etc. The two former collected the subscriptions, and a large pile of combustible materials was quickly brought to the Green.

The fire this year is said to be the largest on record in Brockham. It comprised no less than 300 faggots and seven or eight wagon loads of hedge cuttings, trimmings etc. The procession started from the Duke’s Head the headquarters of the Committee shortly after seven o’clock. It was headed by the Brockham Drum and Fife Band under the leadership of Mr. A. Small. The numbers of characters represented was larger than usual, and much more original. A valuable addition was furnished by several friends from Nutfield.

Notwithstanding the adverse weather, the concourse of people on the Green was very large. There was the usual display of fireworks. The Committee are to be congratulated on the admirable manner in which the whole of the proceedings were carried out, and the behaviour of the large crowd was excellent.

Extract from the Dorking Advertiser, 11th November 1905 provided by Tony Hines MBE

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