Firework fan tries to ignite interest in a village display for Hawkhurst

A HAWKHURST man is hoping to re-ignite some community spirit by bringing back a tradition which fizzled out around 40 years ago.

Pyrotechnic fan Robin Palmer, 52, has launched a campaign to reintroduce a village bonfire and firework display following the success of a display held at Christmas.

Having grown up just doors away from his current home in Basden Cottages, Mr Palmer has fond childhood memories of the displays which were held in the village.

"For years when I was growing up they used to do these displays.

"You would go to the field nearby and the whole estate would be there too.

"You'd pick a day, everyone would come to it, and this continued for about 15 or 20 years. People just love fireworks."

It's his love of pyrotechnics that leads him to try to attend as many of the local events as possible. He is keen to establish a Hawkhurst Smugglers Bonfire Society.

He said: "I go to most of the displays in the area – Rye, Hastings, Lewes.

"Everyone is dressed up and it is just such a great atmosphere. Around 30,000 people attended the last one in Rye."

And it is this atmosphere which Mr Palmer would like to bring to Hawkhurst.

"The last large bonfire displays in Hawkhurst used to be organised by the Boys' Club. It used to be held in a car park, on the site where Budgen's Jempsons stands now.

"But they stopped in the 1970s when the club disbanded."

Mr Palmer is so keen on fireworks that when he is not working with Southern Gas Networks, he helps out with Cranbrook-based business Pyrotronics.

"Last year I worked on the displays in Wadhurst and Marlborough House School," he said.

"I was also part of the team that did the fireworks for the Merry Christmas Hawkhurst event in December. It had such a good response that I thought it would be good to bring trade back to the village.

"People from Hawkhurst all go to displays so I think having one here could be good if we can get enough support."

Mr Palmer has written to Hawkhurst Parish Council to see if it will back his idea. He has set up a Facebook page, handed out flyers and is appealing for people to come forward and help bring the event back to the local community.

"If there are any local people who wish to keep this famous tradition alive and put Hawkhurst back on the map, get in touch with me," he said.

If you can help with the fireworks, contact Mr Palmer on 07720 869438 or e-mail hawkhurstsmugglers@hotmail. co.uk