By Marie Dormer
For many years there had been a successful Craft Market held in Queen’s Hall managed by Beverley Smith, and when it came to a close four years ago it was a great loss. Cuckfield Parish Council was hoping that someone would step forward and take on a similar venture, to keep a Friday event going for the community and others who visit the village. However, after a year no one came forward so the Parish Council decided to set up and run the market as a pilot for a year, and as a Parish Councillor at the time I volunteered to run it. I had recently retired from a long career in nursing and missed meeting new people.
This all changed after the first year of running the market. So, in 2019 I had completed my term as a Parish Councillor and decided to take over the running of Cuckfield Craft and Vintage Market on a Friday, five times a year. Beverley Smith returned to run the café selling the most amazing cakes and pastries that just melt in your mouth along with coffee or tea. The philosophy around Cuckfield Craft and Vintage Market is to give a platform for aspiring new businesses, local hobbyists and artists to sell directly to the customer, especially those who do not have an online business. There are a variety of stallholders and putting them altogether creates a unique shopping experience – it allows customer to meet the artisan and find out the story of their products.
It is also a community event to get people out and about, to meet up in the café, have a wander around the market and then on to Cuckfield High Street. This year Covid-19 nearly put a stop to holding the market as we went into lockdown. Fingers crossed we will be back on 25th September, same place, same time but with a difference. In line with social distancing, we ask people to enter through the front door of Queen’s Hall, use the hand sanitiser and follow the one-way signs through the market, adhering to social distancing measures.
Unfortunately the café is closed at the moment, but, as soon as it is safe, Beverley will be back with her scrumptious cakes. For those thinking or wanting to start a new business, the market is a perfect place for showcasing your products, meeting potential new customers and getting feedback about sales. Allowing your business to grow one step at a time will add to its success. On behalf of the stallholders, we are all looking forward to seeing everyone again, and if you are new to the market come along for a visit, entry is free. Open 9.30am-1pm. For further information please contact Marie Dormer (marie.c.dormer@gmail.com) or look up the Cuckfield Craft and Vintage Market on Facebook and Instagram.