One of the highlights of the annual Rye Bonfire procession is the appearance of the impressive, fire-breathing green dragon, Scorcher, which is pulled around the town belching smoke and flames, delighting the crowd by leaning towards them as she passes.
In the early 1950s Scorcher was invented by local engineer Francis Bellhouse and was an exciting part of the bonfire celebrations throughout the 60s, 70s and into the 80s. During this period, not only did Scorcher take part in bonfire celebrations, she appeared at carnivals, charity shows, even pantomimes.
In the mid 80s the Bonfire Society ceased, putting a stop to the annual celebrations and procession and Scorcher was put in storage. With the reforming of the Bonfire Society in 1994 the pageant was revived. Scorcher was in need of some refreshing: the head and the workings were redesigned and rewired and the original acetylene-powered flames guns were replaced with propane.
Scorcher is stored, maintained and operated by Graham Fellows and his sons. Graham drives the tractor which pulls the dragon through the streets. Inside the body are the controls which operate Scorcher’s movements. Her head moves sideways and up and down, she blinks and breathes fire and smoke, and her tail sways. The flames that shoot out of her nostrils automatically switch off when the head is lowered. To add to the drama, Scorcher is brightly lit and roars loudly. A generator powers the hydraulics and the lights.
As well as appearing in Rye, Scorcher excites the crowds at the bonfire celebrations in Staplecross and Northiam. She will be out breathing fire and swinging her head to surprise people lining the streets at Rye’s Bonfire parade on November 9.
2025 will be the 30th anniversary of the new Rye & District Bonfire Society. Each year more money is needed to cover the costs of fireworks, insurance, safety and security. The whole night requires around £20,000 which the society needs to fundraise throughout the year as they receive no public funding. To help keep this incredible tradition going in the future you can donate to crowdfunding here.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , Mary and Mick Design .