1. Northiam Bonfire Society (NBS) will support other Societies’ processions.

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2. Only fully paid-up members are permitted to march in processions.

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3. All Junior members must be accompanied by an adult member responsible for them at all times.

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4. Anyone wishing to march should register their intention with the Marshal. For the Home procession, preference will be given to the members who have attended at least one other Society’s procession (either marching or assisting) safely and appropriately.

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5. COSTUMES

5.1 Any member wishing to march in processions is required to wear appropriate NBS themed costume as follows:

5.1.1 Highwayman/woman costume consisting of black trousers or skirt, white, purple or black shirt, tricorn or lady’s riding top hat and purple accessories. The outfit is usually completed with black cape or black coat and black eye-mask (cloth or paint).

5.2 Members not conforming to the Society’s costume requirements may be asked not to join the procession. The Final decision shall rest with the Society’s Marshals for the event.

5.3 Alternative costumes may only be worn by charity collectors at home and away events.

5.4 Costumes should be fire retardant and/or treated with fire retardant spray.

5.5 Sturdy (preferably leather) footwear must be worn. Footwear should be well fitting and comfortable as some processions are a considerable distance and variable terrains.

5.6 Both eye and ear protection is recommended, especially for junior members.

5.7 Backpacks/Rucksacks are not permitted when marching instead members should use canvas or leather shoulder bags.

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6. ALCOHOL

6.1 Members shall not openly drink alcohol whilst marching in a procession.

6.2 Members shall not drink alcohol to excess before marching in a procession.

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7. TORCHES

7.1 Torches must not be lit until instructed by a Marshal or a representative of the host Society

7.2 Torches will occasionally flare or the flame run down the stick. In such incidences you should remain calm and hold the torch with the head down and away from you until it settles.

7.3 When in procession hold torches tilted away from you, where appropriate, if you are in an outside rank hold torch in your outside hand slightly in front of you. This looks better and ensures the safety of those around you. Torches must be kept within a safe distance of any members of the public at all times.

7.4 When discarding torches, drop the torch in the gutter at the side of the road where possible or if you are in the middle rank of the procession then drop the torch on the road directly in front of you.

7.5 Only Members over 13 years old may carry a torch with a naked flame.

7.6 Torches shall not be discarded anywhere near flammable material or property along the procession route.

7.7 If you see a member of the public pick up a discarded torch, you should firmly and politely relieve them of the torch. If you do not feel comfortable or meet resistance you should immediately bring the matter to the attention of a Marshal.

7.8 In no event shall torches be handed to members of the public.

7.9 Inappropriate use of torches may result in the removal of the torch from the individual or individuals and ejection of the individual/s from the procession.

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8. MARSHALS

8.1 The Society shall select an appropriate number of members to act as Marshals for processions. Such Marshals shall be easily identifiable to other members and other societies, members of the public and emergency services

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9. NBS RANKS

9.1 Members shall process in smart ranks of three across the entire road. Exceptions to this may be where Junior members wish to be close to their parent/s.

9.2 Each rank should maintain a distance of at least one metre from the rank in front.

9.3 Members must be able to keep pace with the procession or temporarily leave the procession.

9.4 Any member who leaves the procession and then wishes to rejoin must do so in a safe manner, taking need of the ranks, and spacing, currently in place.

9.5 Members must take instruction from the appointed Marshal/s at all times.

9.6 If you see anything that concerns you whilst marching, immediately bring the matter to the attention of a Marshal.

9.7 Members are reminded that they represent the society under the NBS banner and should conduct themselves safely and appropriately. Anyone bringing the Society into disrepute may find this results in them being removed from the procession with immediate effect and they may be subject to having their membership revoked.

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10. FIREWORKS

10.1 NBS accepts no responsibility for its members who discharge fireworks on the public highway.

10.2 It is a criminal offence to make and discharge homemade or illegal fireworks or illegal incendiaries.

10.3 All members are required to abide by the rules and restrictions set out by the host Society and NBS (in the case of its own event) relating to the use of drop downs etc.

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