The Banners of the Chiddingly Parish Bonfire Society

​At the very front of any bonfire society in Sussex, during customary torchlit processions you will find the society’s ‘banner’, proclaiming to the crowds which society the members walking behind it proudly belong to. Originally, in the mid-19th Century, these banners were made of a fabric material held aloft with two wooden poles either side. However, at some point during the 20th Century these banners began to be fashioned out of wood and/or metal, resembling a placard, which was more practical and allowed them to carry fiery torch sticks in addition to the individuals of the party following it. It is convention should the torches during the procession begin to be extinguished, the torches of the Society banner should always remain lit! Let’s have a look at the banners which belong to Chiddingly Parish Bonfire Society…

​The ‘Original’ Banner

The Society’s inaugural banner was designed by Brady Ells and Neil Parkes and is a unique shape. The Society’s boar emblem is its focal point and our motto ‘Loyaulté me lie’ can be found at its base. This was constructed in parts by the founding members during the early months of C.P.B.S. in 2020. It was hand painted by Neil Parkes using heat-resistant paints and is made of solid wood, so is on the heavy side. At the rear of the banner, decorated in C.P.B.S. smugglers stripes, are five tubes to hold torches - this includes two wide tubes to bear chunkier torches which are used in the far eastern parts of Sussex.

​The ‘Bell’ Banner

This banner was hastily but effectively designed and digitally printed by Rob Merrills, and constructed by Captain of Banners, Simon Parks at a week’s notice so that the Society could attend two bonfire outmeetings on the same night in November 2021. It features the boar symbol of CPBS and is in the shape  of a bell with reference to our HQ, the Six Bells pub. This is the Society’s most used banner at outmeetings and has three tubes to fix torches into.

The ‘Bonfire Boys’ Banner

The shield-shaped ‘Bonfire Boys’ Banner made its debut at Heathfield District Bonfire celebrations on Saturday 23rd October 2022 where fifty C.P.B.S. Members made this trip up the road to this outmeeting. This metal banner, designed by Brady, is in tribute to the village’s bonfire forefathers, the Chiddingly Bonfire Boys who were an established bonfire society whose celebrations are recorded in 1912 - see the ‘CPBS History’ page. This two-tubed striped banner embraces the letter styles and imagery of the 1910s and is the lightest of our banners (except the 'Humbugs' banner).

The 'Humbugs' Banner

This miniature banner was introduced for our juvenile section - the 'Chiddingly Humbugs' and made its debut at East Hoathly & Halland Bonfire on Saturday 9th November 2024. This creation was designed by Roz Bassford, printed by Rob Merrill and constructed by Simon Parks. This lightweight banner can host two torches.

The County Flag of Sussex

Within the ranks of CPBS Smugglers the flag of the County of Sussex is proudly displayed. During the Victorian and early 20th Century it was commonplace to find flags within the participants of Sussex’s bonfire torchlit processions, and this is our salute to these authentic times and celebrates the fine local tradition which we partake in. The six gold ‘martlets’ (mythical heraldic birds) on a field of blue has definitively represented Sussex since at least 1611, however is most probably derived from the 14th Century arms of Sir John de Radynden – ‘Knight of the Shire’ (medieval Member of Parliament) who bore six silver martlets upon blue. During his tenure, de Radynden provided 140 armed footmen and 400 archers from Sussex to campaign in France. It is said that the six martlets highlight the six ancient subdivisions of the county – Chichester, Arundel, Bramber, Lewes, Pevensey and Hastings.

​The Badges of the Chiddingly Parish Bonfire Society

Another large part of Sussex Bonfire is badges.  Firstly, there are ‘membership badges’ which have been used for well over a hundred and fifty years. These badges which identify who belongs to which society were originally printed on paper and pinned on costumes. Over the last 50 or so years they have become tin badges - usually (but not always) produced at a size of 38mm.  It is traditional to receive one’s membership badge on ‘Badge Night’ at a local venue where much bonfire merriment occurs.  CPBS hosts its annual Badge Night during August, prior to the commencement of the Sussex Bonfire Season in September.

Additionally, there are  ‘supporter badges’ which can be bought as part of fundraising efforts. These badges are not limited to members but are also worn by followers of a society to show support.

Here are the Chiddingly Parish Bonfire Society badges that have been produced over the years, including our ‘special badges’ which are available to purchase…

MEMBERSHIP BADGES

2020 - This badge was given to those founding members which set the Society up at the Six Bells on Saturday 10th October 2020.
- Unavailable

2021 - Inspired by the famous photograph of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso’s visit to Chiddingly in 1950 it also references the Bonfire ‘prayer’ - “Remember, remember…”
- Available (Members Only)

Since 2022 - The Society has enjoyed a bold and simple design of membership badge with the respective year clearly marked in the centre, and all incorporate our boar symbol in a ‘couchant’ pose.
2022 - Unavailable
2023 - £1 - Limited Availability (Members Only)
2024 - Join C.P.B.S.

Committee Badges - Members of the C.P.B.S. Committee have worn these 59mm badges, since 2023. Each badge shows the relevant role held. 
– Unavailable

SUPPORTER BADGES

2020 – The Society’s inaugural supporter badge portrays the image of a Fordson Dexta tractor - then owned by CPBS Vice-Chair Rob Puttick -  in its traditional blue and orange livery.  The tractor has a relevance to Chiddingly's rural location and the "Start 'Er Up"  reference relates to  both the starting of a tractor and the beginning of the new Society. 
- Unavailable

2021 – The Society had two supporter badges in this year, the first being a blue boar. It is, affectionally known as the ‘Looney Tunes’ badge given its similarity to the opening sequence of the 1930s American cartoon…
- Unavailable

2021 - The second supporters'  badge, the design of which followed a competition at Chiddingly Primary School. It again features six bells as well as two tractors. 
£1 – Limited Availability

2022 – Following a badge competition within the Society, this design by Neil Parkes was chosen as the 2022 supporter's badge. It features six bells, a reference to CPBS's headquarters at The Six Bells, Chiddingly.
£1 – In Stock

2023 – At the suggestion of Ollie and Bliss at the Society’s Annual General Meeting of this year, a badge in tribute of the much-cherished cheesy local delicacy – the ‘Paul’s Special’. A dish synonymous with the Six Bells pub and “the Pride of Chiddingly”.
£1 – In Stock

SPECIAL BADGES

Pewter Badge – Designed by Rob M. our beautiful pewter badge was produced by local craftsman Neil Turner.
£10 – In Stock

Enamel Badge - Again devised by Rob M. , our attractive and alluring enamel badge is a striking design which presents a Chiddingly boar’s head at its heart.
£5 – In Stock

2021 Herstmonceux Castle - This badge, of a medieval knight in the blues and gold of C.P.B.S., was given to the members who helped the Society at England’s Medieval Festival held at Herstmonceux Castle during the bank holiday weekend of August 2021.
- Unavailable

2022 Chiddingly Boars Stoolball - This Stoolball badge was allotted to participants who represented the Society in Cliffe Bonfire Society’s annual tournament of this fine Sussex game. The ‘Chiddingly Boars’ successfully won its group with 11-year old George Hardy defeating the entire South Street team single handedly!
£1 - Limited Availability

2022 Diamond Jubilee I - This year saw the late Queen Elizabeth II reach sixty since her accession to the British throne - the Diamond Jubilee. This badge is made up of the years 1952 to 2022 at the centre and a Union Jack in the Society’s colours surrounded by the wording “Send ‘er Victorious” and “Lovely Jubbly” - recalling misspelt Chinese-produced souvenir plates which had been produced earlier this year.
£1 - In Stock

2022 Diamond Jubilee II – This Jubilee badge was also produced without the exterior wording.
£1 - In Stock

2023 ‘Streets to Pekes’ - This large 59mm celebratory badge marked the first torchlit procession through the streets of Chiddingly for many decades. At its centre is seated a cat - the crest of the de Burgh (Burke or Bourke) family, owners of the 15th Century Pekes Manor for many generations. Pekes Manor would become the home of the Society’s new firesite in this year. Either side of this feline are two ‘rose en soleil’ in reference to the Society’s new second pioneer dress launched in this year, Richard III – Wars of the Roses
- Available

2024 ‘Health to the Jolly Blacksmith’ - This large 59mm commemorative badge honoured the first time Chiddingly Parish Bonfire took place on 23rd Novemeber - the Feast Day of Saint Clement, Patron Saint of Blacksmiths. This badge was designed by James Webb and includes an anvil at its centre - highlighting the iron industry, and is surrounded by the phrase "Health to the Jolly Blacksmith" - from the opening line of 'Twankie Dillo', the blacksmiths' anthem.
Available

​2024 CPBS Torch Team  - This badge was worn by members of the Torch Team at Chiddingly Parish Bonfire Night on 23 November 2024. It was designed by Roz Bassford in collaboration with Ashton Hylands, Captain of Torches.
Unavailable

​2024 Burgess Hill Torch Tractor Team - This badge was presented to those members for their hard work with the tractor, at the back of the torchlit procession, collecting torches at Burgess Hill Bonfire this year - Hetti Kidd,  Jevan Keeys, Lottie Hardy and Rob Puttick.
- Unavailable

Chiddingly Chunderer - First awarded to Simon Parks in 2021, after an event at Herstmonceux Castle, this title has been earned several times by those members who have suffered 'digestive malfunctions' at official occasions.  It is presented at the Society's Annual Awards Dinner. 
- Unavailable

BADGES FOR SALE

If you wish to acquire the badges shown above, please contact [email protected] 
​Please note there will be an additional charge for postage and packaging.