Every year Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Society holds an event which is an age-old tradition in Sussex, which involves a fire-lit procession through the streets, made up of our society members, visiting societies, and drumming bands. The procession progresses through the streets to a huge bonfire and spectacular fireworks finale. The donations that are generated during our street collection at this event are divided between annually elected causes or charities. Between all societies in Sussex, on average £65,000 is raised for local causes per year. For more information about the bonfire tradition in Sussex, and the fascinating history that predates Guy Fawkes, please visit our website www.rotherfieldbonfire.com or by clicking on the link above.

The Committee fundraises all year round to ensure the event continues. Literally, a handful of people, raise in the region of £10,000 to enable the event in Rotherfield to take place. There are many elements within the event that the society fundraises for, everything from security, road closures, emergency fire and medical crews, insurance, bands, fireworks, toilets, safety clothing, kerosene, boards, and staples, to mention but a few.

I wanted to do something myself which could help to raise these funds and when I (Ed Paterson, Chairman) heard about the 100-mile hike across The South Downs, I thought perhaps this is a challenge I could possibly complete, and so it was decided, with a friend who is also walking for The Hospice In The Weald, and we began our epic walk on May 20th 2023. We were camping along the way, which meant carrying everything we needed to stay dry and warm plus our food and essentials.

Not being a practiced long-distance walker as such, in fact, never having walked a long distance, this was a real challenge. One thing is for sure, there were lots of hills to climb and blisters after the first day, I might add it was on

e of the most painful experiences of my life.

You can follow us on our journey by watching the video blogs of our hike and we hope you will donate generously to a cause that benefits so many in our community. The whole village turns out for our bonfire carnival, with visiting family members and friends and the place is buzzing. It is clear that everyone has a great time. This is your opportunity to give something back and be part of our treasured heritage. Please help by giving generously and enjoy watching us walk 100 miles across The South Downs on 7 consecutive days.

Listen to Ed talking about it all on Ashdown Radio https://www.ashdownradio.com/player/on-demand/items/ed-paterson1/?fbclid=IwAR1UGTO7rrlVYjKL6MO6gzRGWIwIgEDObzlTafjB7-oZcbwlNvbHwtfYwOs

Day 1 & 2 of an epic trekking adventure across The South Downs Way, a 100-mile trail on the South Coast of England. Fundraising for Fire Rescue on behalf of Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Society. Enjoy going on this journey with Ed & Mick, watch their progress in this, the first episode of 4. We dedicate this episode to @HazeOutdoors who was the main inspiration for us choosing this particular trail. We hope you enjoy it!

The journey starts to become more difficult and there are testing times ahead. See day 3 & 4 of this epic adventure across The South Downs Way, raising money for charities along the way. In this episode see the deliberations, driven by damaged feet.

Day 5 & 6 of Ed & Mick's amazing adventure as they walk 100 miles along The South Downs National Trail starting at Winchester and finishing in Eastbourne. This episode features the views form Ditchling Beacon towards Beachy Head, kind people along the route and the trials and tribulations of camping and hiking long distances. Look out for the final episode in the series and don't forget to subscribe to the YouTube channel, click on the bell so you get a notification when the next video is ready to watch.

The final episode in the South Downs Way Series features Ed Paterson & Mick Bond as they take on the final push of the last two days of their epic journey from Winchester to Eastbourne. This episode includes various facebook live moments as they climb Firle Beacon and The Seven Sisters to Beachy Head and down to the finish line. The Seven Sisters where a much bigger challenge than they expected but by this time nothing surprised them anymore. Watch all the way to the end and get a real feel for what they went through, their reasonings for doing it and all the emotions, challenges and determination it takes in which to complete 100 mile hike.

We thank you for your support!