Secretary – Buxted Bonfire Society

Buxted Bonfire Society (BBS) was proudly reformed in 2017, continuing a tradition that stretches back over 100 years. We are a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, dedicated to keeping the spirit of community celebration alive in Buxted.

Our mission is to raise funds through organising local events throughout the year. These funds help us cover the costs of the following year’s bonfire night and procession. In the true spirit of giving back, all money raised from our bucket collections during the procession is donated directly to local charities.

We are proud to be part of a long-standing Sussex tradition that brings the community together while supporting good causes.

The Secretary is a core member of the Buxted Bonfire Society’s Committee and plays a vital role in the organisation’s operations. This position is best suited to someone who is well‑organised, a good communicator, and able to manage administrative tasks with care and accuracy.

This is a permanent volunteer role, suitable for someone looking to get involved in the local community.

• Meeting Administration
  • Schedule committee meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM), ensuring all members are informed in good time.
  • Prepare and circulate meeting agendas in advance.
  • Accurately take and distribute minutes of meetings.
  • Maintain records of attendance and key decisions for transparency and continuity.
• Communication
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all general enquiries and official correspondence.
  • Direct queries to relevant committee members where appropriate.
  • Liaise with fellow bonfire societies, local councils, community groups, and charities to support collaborative efforts and compliance.
  • Send out regular updates to members and volunteers regarding events, meetings, and Society news – either electronically or by post/hand, depending on the recipient.
• Record Keeping
  • Maintain up‑to‑date records of members, contacts, and key stakeholders.
  • Keep Society documentation organised and accessible, including policies, licences, and historical records.
  • Support with compiling documentation for insurance, safety plans, and event risk assessments.
• Event Support
  • Assist in coordinating the permits, permissions, and required paperwork for events, especially the annual Bonfire Night celebration.
  • Ensure all necessary forms and submissions are completed accurately and submitted on time to relevant authorities.

Remote with occasional in‑person meetings in Buxted and surrounding areas.

• Driving licence required – preferred but not essential.
• IT skills required – must be confident using email, word processing (e.g. MS Word or Google Docs), and basic spreadsheets.
• DBS check required:
  No.
• Age limit:
  None – volunteers of any age are welcome.
• Expenses:
  This is an unpaid volunteer position. No expenses are covered, as none should be incurred in carrying out this role.

A couple of hours a week, whenever suits you, with peak activity around meetings and event planning (especially in the lead‑up to Bonfire Night). Some flexibility required for meetings and occasional in‑person involvement.

For more information please either come in and see us at Wealden Volunteering, or call us on  or email us at offic