On Sunday morning, as the first rays of a warm autumn sun began to pierce the mist lingering over the Barrow Hills Sports Field, a hardy group of souls arrived. Armed with hammers and drills, and a nail gun, they set about the work of erecting an edifice to rival the Great Pyramid of Giza, but hopefully without any children inside this one. Under the careful guidance of engineers and architects, ground was levelled, pallets were manhandled, dragged, broken down and built back up, spirit levels were employed to perfect the art, and adjustments made as the base rose. Brave men climbed the structure to raise boxes higher. The peaceful Surrey countryside was so torn apart by the sound of metal on metal and splintered wood that even the Head was awoken to bring much needed tea and sustenance. Finally, after at least an hour and a half of hard toil, the pyramid was crowned and the expertly crafted Barrow Hills pennant raised high for all to see. Like a phoenix from the ashes of last year, a new monument has arisen.
Now to burn it again: tickets are available on classlist and at the bacon butties stall.
Thanks to the following people for helping to build the bonfire: James Pateman, Graeme Symon, Crispin Payne, Erdal Atakan, Chris Foxall, Pat Steele, Tim Curtis, Andy Shaw, Anthony Thomson, Aaron Guy. And thanks to Mr and Mrs Oldroyd for the coffee and tea. Finally, a big thank you to the Jewsons for donating and delivering pallets.
