Little Village, Big Voices

If you are looking for the Big Society, go to the village of Rotherfield where last night they held an evening of carols, poems and musical entertainment. Upon arrival I looked in vain for an order of service. ‘Don’t worry, someone knows what’s going on’ said my friend. Indeed, why waste paper? Someone knew exactly what was going on, though it was not the vicar.

The compere was one of the local highlights of the amateur dramatic society. He proceeded to mastermind the two hour medley devised by the Rotherfield Bonfire Society, assisted by a number of helpers and indeed Father Christmas himself. Though presents were for the children, the grown ups got a taste of Christmas cheer at half time with wine, mince pies, sausage rolls and a chance to chat.

The number of acts was impressive, including the big bell-ringers, the hand bell ringers, the local brass band, local actors, school children, pianists, soloists and of course the Bonfire Society themselves who were in fine voice and capped the evening by delivering two cheques for £500 each to local charities. But they have also bestowed £500 from their year-round fundraising activities on decorating the village with Christmas lights, increasing the already strong sense of community in this East Sussex Village.