By Mike Schlup

October 2018 saw the annual election of the Independent State of Cuckfield’s Mayor. The event took place at the White Harte on the evening of Friday 19th October, with five candidates standing. Votes are cast in the form of pennies and the candidate with the most pennies, or votes, at 11pm when the polls closed is declared the winner. It soon became apparent that Leanne Knapman was heading for a landslide victory and, sure enough, she finished with a phenomenal total of over one million votes! It’s only taken her 14 years to finally win but during that time she has raised tens of thousands of pounds for local good causes, more than any other candidate.

Overall this year, the candidates raised almost £11,000 which will be distributed to local good causes. More details on this in future issues.

On Saturday the sun was shining as the new Mayor began her procession from Warden Park school, along London Lane, around Brainsmead and down to the High Street. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets to welcome the new Mayor, cheering and clapping as she passed by in her open top car. The procession was supported by the fantastic Burgess Hill Marching Youth Band and the Surrey and Sussex Drum and Bugle Corps.

There were many fabulous floats but the winners were, in 1st place, Holy Trinity School, 2nd Cuckfield Scouts and 3rd Cuckfield Preschool. Winning the prize for best walking group were BPM with their silent disco and fantastic make-up. The new mayor was welcomed at The Talbot by the Sheriff of Cuckfield where she was presented with the keys to the town and a celebratory drink. The Talbot also kindly provided all the event marshals and helpers with a drink for their efforts.