2023 - Stillington News Report

The Great Stillington Bonfire

The annual village bonfire and fireworks extravaganza took place on Saturday 4th November. It was our second time attending and the four of us were part of the high-spirited crew selling tickets on the gate. Quite a few spectators rolled up early, but some of us gate crew still managed to find a lull in which to fuel ourselves before the procession from the village hall engulfed us. The bonfire got going and didn't hold back. All of a sudden everyone had arrived and the gate went quiet; we dropped off the hi-vis jackets and melted into the crowd. We realised that those who hadn't followed the recommendation to wear wellies were in deep trouble.

It was joyful. The weather held off perfectly as all ages ooh-d and ahh-d at the fireworks and warmed themselves near the blazing heap of village pallets and tree prunings. The crowd was thick and every face was to the sky. When the fireworks eventually came to an end the bonfire carried on with a vengeance for those who stayed. We tried to spot our own broken furniture in the inferno. On paper it does seem like a bizarre activity to carry out in November, given that few of us seem to pay much heed to its historical origins these days. For me at least though, the sparkle and the chill ignite a sense of adventure and an escape from the everyday. They are a reminder of the childlike joy that all ages can experience and they hint at the wonder of the festive season to come. We weren't involved in the evening's organisation but it's also quite moving to me, when I watch the shimmer and glitter, that a small team of people work so selflessly to bring this enjoyment to other people, year in and year out.

Thank you to Andy and the whole team for all of your time and care. The small and large details that are carefully attended to are too numerous to list, but are greatly appreciated. Thank you too to farmer Sparrow for the generous use of his field, without which there would be no event. Wishing you all a sparkling December!

The Bowles family

2022 - Stillington News Report

The Great Stillington Bonfire

 Guy Fawkes Night is annually held on November 5th. It is sometimes known as Bonfire Night and marks the anniversary of the discovery of a plot organised by Catholic conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London in 1605. Many people light bonfires and set off fireworks, and this year was no exception. My friend and I, (Jack Armitage and Jack Bain) volunteered to help at the Stillington Fireworks display by collecting the tickets at the entrance. It was nice to see so many faces from Stillington and surrounding areas coming to support our village. The impressive food stall soon accumulated a large queue and the choice of mouthwatering food was too hard to resist. The break in the rain that evening gave way to a clear night, allowing us all to enjoy the spectacular display of colour and loud bangs, whilst being warmed by the impressive bonfire. The event organisers and all the volunteers did such an amazing job and we cannot wait to join in on next year’s Guy Fawkes Night

I walked past the bonfire field towards the end of October and saw that there were still potatoes to be lifted.  This is going to be interesting, I thought.  The wet weather didn't help and when I arrived to help with preparations on the day, the field seemed to me to be something of a quagmire.  The more experienced "veterans" of bonfire preparations were more relaxed and the general consensus was that it would be alright, although there was a little bit of discussion about how we would manage to remove cars from the parking area if they became bogged down.   In the event, there was absolutely no problem . 

Last year, I had thought that the bonfire and firework display were excellent.  Could this year's event match it,  particularly, when I had heard about the rising cost of fireworks and the increase in the cost of insurance.  I really should be more optimistic because it was brilliant; even better than last year in the opinion of quite a few people.  The parade led by the ageing Land Rover was even longer than last year;  the bonfire was enormous and when it was lit, it gave off a tremendous heat and must have been visible from miles around; the firework display was spectacular and made even better because of the way it seemed to frame the Hunter's Moon; and the excellent food was all consumed so that in the event only drops of tea and coffee were left.

Of course, none of it could have taken place without the work of a small army of volunteers who made sure that the thousands who turned up on the night could watch it in safety.   Enormous thanks need to go out to all those who helped in whatever way.   In particular, however, we should thank the farmers who co-operated with and supported the bonfire preparations by making the field available and then, amongst many other things, by providing the equipment necessary to collect material from the village and to build the bonfire with the expert use of a high loader.

So, we can now look forward to next year's bonfire.  But, what will lead the parade as the Land Rover is retired and will the bonfire be bigger and the fireworks even better?    The answers will again depend in large part on the volunteers.  Why don't you keep an eye out for announcements in next year's Stillington News about how to become involved as I can assure you that, if you do volunteer, you will thoroughly enjoy the whole experience. 

Dick Tregea 

2016 - Stillington News Report

Stillington Bonfire - A Newcomer's view

The bonfire coincided with us having lived in Stillington for exactly 6 months, a period during which we have been made most welcome by so many locals.  I had heard a great deal about previous years' bonfires and fireworks displays but wasn't really sure what to expect.  But having seen the bonfire grow in size over the preceding weeks, I was expecting great things.  I wasn't disappointed.

In fact, the bonfire and fireworks were everything you could ask for.  The fire was massive and the heat intense - something which was much needed on such a cold night - and the fireworks display was noisy and spectacular.  But what impressed me most was the involvement of so many people: from the committee members who organised the event so that it took place safely and without any hiccups; to the very many volunteers who worked so hard to make the event a success; to the hundreds who took part in or watched the torchlight procession through the village; and to the thousand or so who turned up to enjoy a great evening.

I thought the bonfire was big when I walked past it through the woods early in November but could not believe how it grew so quickly in the last couple of days.  The amount of combustible material - from unwanted furniture to garden cuttings, including some fair sized trees, fencing and even an old dog kennel and a rabbit hutch - that was collected on the Friday and Saturday was amazing and the two tractors and trailers had to make repeated trips to take the material to the fire.  I enjoyed joining with those volunteers who helped load the trailers and we were all well rewarded by an unexpected break for coffee, scones and cupcakes - very many thanks.

On the night, the forecast rain kept off and so it was with a clear starry night that we all enjoyed the event.  afterwards all I could hear as people drifted away were positive comments about the fireworks ("really brilliant" and "even better than last year"), about the food - the baked potatoes seemed to have gone down particularly well - and about the general organisation with access and parking made so easy.

And when it was all over, the volunteers cracked on with dismantling the tent and other equipment in another display of just getting on with a job that needed doing .  In the morning there was very little evidence that such a big event had taken place.  The fire was still burning but there was remarkably little litter and just a few signs that needed to be removed.

So, it is a very big thank you to everybody involved.  I thoroughly enjoyed Stillington Bonfire and Fireworks 2016 and look forward to another successful event next year.

Dick Tregea

2014 - Stillington News Report

2013 - Stillington News Report

Remember, remember: the 2nd of November

Weeks in the planning, days in the construction, the final hours approached as the evening of the 2^nd grew dark. Promise of a glorious bonfire with guy atop, baked potatoes and soup to ward off the chill, and a sky alight with fire and sparkle. But wait, what’s this? Evening approaches early today! And then, with the final countdown to the bonfire procession ticking by, the heavens opened in a tribute fit for King Lear himself “Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage! Blow!” For a short while, all involved await with bated breath. To venture out would mean a soaking to the skin. Children and adults alike peer from windows at the tumultuous storm, cars pull over as the downpour rendered even driving a blind experience. Then, as quickly as it started, the storm dissipates.

As the time draws towards 7.00, the fireworks are primed, soup is bubbling, and the organ strikes a tune to celebrate its release from a muddy field 10 minutes earlier. At the far end of the village, the procession is gathering. Torches ablaze, they wind their way towards the waiting bonfire, soaked but eager to fulfil its purpose. At 19.30 the sky lights up with military precision, this year sees the promotion to ‘firework lighter’ for select individuals eager to fulfil childhood ambitions. And they are very excited. Flashes of light streak across the sky from exploding rockets, with crashing booms shaking all around. Roman candles sparkle and crackle as people cheer and peer up into the night sky, trying not to burn fingers on hot soup and potatoes. As the display culminates in a ferocious burst of light and sky explosions, peace returns and only the roar of the bonfire can be heard as the village moves contentedly on to home and pub.

A success for all concerned and a huge thank you from the whole village to everyone who participated in making it such a memorable evening. You are all what makes Stillington a special place to be, and long may it be so.

Andrew Grant