November 6th 2004 the Kings Head public house.
The night before had been fantastic but as a member of the Cliffe bonfire society it was seldom anything else. The banter was of a bonfire nature and it was only a matter of time before someone mentioned how nice it would be to start Southover Bonfire Society up again. I have forgotten how many times I had heard this, but on this occasion it stuck and with good reason - there was a rumour afoot in bonfire circles that Southover was to become a car park for the 5th the following year. If there is one thing I know, it’s that once something is done, ninety nine percent of the time it can’t be undone, especially where the police and bonfire are concerned. So I made the fatal mistake of proposing that it was now or never. Initial support was good but with the exception of Mr Steve Watts and myself this support quickly dwindled. However, the word was out and now refuelled by the taunts of “pie in the sky”, “it will never happen” and “the town does not want another bonfire society” myself and Steve set about the challenge. We were worried about whether the people of  Southover wanted a bonfire society, so to test the water we printed and delivered leaflets asking for a yes or no, the leaflets came back with a resounding yes. By Christmas the stalwarts of today’s society had shown their faces and although mostly new to bonfire their commitment was assured.  

On Thursday the 24th of February an open meeting was held at Anne of  Cleaves house in Southover and the society was reformed. It was a proud moment to read the statement of intent, and for myself and Steve to have our photo taken holding up the  William of Orange banner that had been gratefully returned by Pete Martin. Even prouder still was when Mr. Keith Austin volunteered to be the secretary. The priory monks of St Pancras Southover were chosen as 1st pioneers and buccaneers as 2nd pioneers. The smugglers colours were to be black and red, which tied our support with Lewes football club also situated in Southover. A week later the officials and committee were announced and the good ship SBS was launched.

5th November 2005 The society marched with less than 100 members joining the Lewes Borough Bonfire Society for the united grand procession. 500 torches were made. There was much praise for our remembrance service at the memorial in Southover. No fire site was expected for a good 5 years. Programme voted the best and the society celebrated the 400th anniversary of the gunpowder plot in all its glory.