Who We Are

Voted again this year as President, Les Pike, and his wife Gill began resurrecting the Society after a hiatus over 20 years ago. They rallied the villages and breathed new life into the commerative Society we know today. It is thanks to Les and Gill, and their vision, that Society has continued to grow and welcome more and more members into its ranks.

Rotherfield born and bred, he is passionate about supporting the village and wider community. Steve's love for all things traditional shows itself in all of our events; from heritage bus running to vintage horticultural garden machinery collections! Steve says: “Thank you to everyone for their support, I am immensely proud of being a part of such an amazing team of volunteers and to be Chairman of our Village Society”.

Wendy was born and raised in Rotherfield, and has been involved with the Carnivals for over fifty years, having carried out various roles including Director, Chairman and Secretary over the years.

She is our official 'Sensible Voice' unless it has anything to do with Santa's Grotto... then she gives in to her inner-child!

John is well known in Rotherfield and Mark Cross. He is a great source of bonfire knowledge and history. Digging deep often into his own pocket, he has been instrumental in keeping the torch making going and provides amazing support to the wider team.

Soon to be updated!

Iona moved to Rotherfield in 2011. After busy, corporate work she now works at RSM and enjoys every aspect of Village life. She started walking with the Society in 2012 and stepped into the role of Events Lead in 2024. She is proud to be part of such an amazing, inclusive tradition and her goal is to bring the community together organising fun events for all, raising the profile and funds for the Society.

Jo lived in Rotherfield for 18 years before recently moving to Wadhurst. Having spent earlier lifetimes in Lewes, East Hoathly and Old TownHastings she has loved introducing this unique and exciting Sussex experience
to friends and work colleagues from other parts of the UK and overseas,
including China and Iraq. She first becameinvolved with R&MCBS back in 2020 when she was appointed as a director and treasurer. Re-appointed as treasurer again in 2025, Jo is delighted once more to be working with old friends in the society and the
village. She hopes she brings to the role a strong sense of professional ethics and financial transparency, combined
with an equally strong belief that working together to enhance our local community should, above all, be enjoyable and fun.

I’m a Self-Employed Management Systems Consultant by trade. I’m proud to support the Rotherfield and Mark Cross Bonfire Society in all matters relating to health and safety – helping to ensure that our events are not only enjoyable, but safe for everyone involved.

Being part of the society means a great deal to me. It’s a wonderful way to give back to the village, Charlotte and I have been here for 4 years now and love our community. Ive always found there is something special about the Sussex bonfire tradition – it brings people together, celebrates our shared heritage, and adds light to the darker months.

As someone born and raised in Sussex, I feel a real pride in keeping these customs alive. Supporting the society is not just about safety – it’s about helping to preserve a tradition.

I’ve been a part of Rotherfield & Mark Cross Bonfire Society since the age of 7… walking in beautifully hand crafted pioneer dresses made by Gill Pike and friends.

As the years have gone on, I’ve gradually become more and more involved with the society, and welcoming my second year on the committee for 2025.

On Bonfire Night, I am your lady behind the scenes, running around with walkie-talkies ensuring the evening runs smoothly and safely alongside the help of others!

In the meantime I do my best to assist with annual events for the society, and write up the busy Bonfire Night Programme.

I truly believe that R&MCBS is all about ‘For Village & Society’, with their many fundraising events drawing the community together and I am so proud to be apart of it.

Katy has been a R&MCBS member since 2015 and joined the committee in 2025. Her enthusiasm and community-mindedness has helped her in her mission to bring members and the local community together to enjoy Village life!

Soon to be updated!