A RECORD crowd travelled from far and wide to enjoy “the best yet” Chiddingfold Bonfire Night, on Saturday night.

Nearly 500 revellers took part in the torchlight procession from St Mary’s Primary School to the village green to set the bonfire ablaze and, thanks to the dry autumn, it flamed up almost immediately.

It took the 20-strong Chiddingfold Bonfire Association team six weeks to build the towering 28ft-high structure, helped by the gift of 15- year-old timbers from St Mary’s church roof which had to be replaced as part of the major restoration project.

Traffic on the A283 through the village was diverted around the green from 5.30pm until around 10pm and shuttle buses were in operation from Witley station to ensure as many people as possible could enjoy the event, fortified by food and drink served up at different stalls by village pubs The Crown Hotel and The Swan Inn.

Chiddingfold Forge stayed open so visitors could see blacksmiths at work in the historic building on the edge of the green.

Special guest for the night was Hindhead’s Stepping Stones School, which was given its own marquee with a ringside view.

Its parent teacher association (PTA) teamed up with Chiddingfold Village Nursery to sell glow sticks, splitting the proceeds.

Stepping Stones PTA chairman Naz Saeed said: “Chiddingfold Bonfire Association have been really kind to give us this spot and the opportunity to fly our flag and fundraise. It’s wonderful to have our own area, as the majority of pupils wouldn’t normally be able to come to a big bonfire night because of the crowds and the noise.”

Award-winning company FI Pyro ensured the firework display was a dazzling spectacle when it launched at 8pm, and the winners of the grand draw were announced shortly afterwards.

“This year’s event was the best one yet,” bonfire committee chairman Simon Manuel said. “All the money raised from the event goes back into the village to support many worthwhile causes and provide vouchers for elderly members of the village, which are redeemed at our village stores.

“It was a record crowd and we raised a huge amount, thanks to all the very generous people who came out to support it from far and wide and dug deep into their pockets.

“I’ve been chairman for 11 years and we have never had such good dry weather before and also on the night. It went amazingly well and everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a magnificent procession. We had to stop selling torches because we had reached the safety limit.

“I’ve got the most amazing bunch of volunteers and I’d like to thank them all for making it such a big success.”

Pictures by Pete Gardner