Cuckfield's mayoral election and procession 2021

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Here ye, here ye!

Election night will be on 15th October at the Rose & Crown from 8pm, with the result announced at 10pm. Every penny counts, so come along and vote on the night, or before, with your spare pennies and pounds, safe in the knowledge that all the mayoral funds go directly to good causes.

On Saturday 16th October, we welcome the new mayor as they process around Cuckfield supported by fantastic floats and marching bands. The procession sets off from Warden Park at 2pm, heading up London Lane to Brainsmead and then back down to the High Street. Here, at The Talbot, the new mayor will be presented with the keys to the town by the Sheriff of Cuckfield.

From the Cuckfield Mayor's Table...

Claire with ‘Sad Dads’ (pre lockdown)

By Claire Bellamy 

Well – where do I start? March has been possibly the most surreal month I’ve ever known. Covid-19 has seen changes to all of our daily lives and, whilst we are facing such uncertain times, it is wonderful to see a community co ming together to help.

Only this morning a local resident, Pauline, requested donations of unwanted children’s duvet covers so that she could turn them into theatre gowns for children at The Royal Alex Hospital. On my daily walks around the village I have seen boxes of books on doorsteps for people to take away and read. I’ve also heard that the Sears children have been making bracelets and selling them to raise money for the NHS, who are doing an amazing job whilst under such immense pressure. The clapping and whooping in a show of appreciation for the NHS last week was so loud throughout the village and so lovely to hear!

Shortly before our social distancing rules came into play I was invited to the Sad Dads ten year anniversary and awards party, held at The Talbot. A genuinely brilliant evening with hilarious awards such as the ‘The Most Social Only Member’ (Fraser Bellamy), ‘The Award for the Sad Dad with Actual Talent’ (Steve Barlow), ‘The Gold Award for 100% Attendance and Longest Continuous Member’ (Andy Burton) and ‘The Prince Charles Award for Next In Line to Lead Sad Dads’ (Will Nice). Under normal circumstances, Sad Dads meets weekly in the village and new members welcome.

Like everyone else I am looking forward to life returning to normal, but in the meantime stay at home, keep an eye on those around you and stay well. I think that a village celebration will be in order – perhaps a street party where we can not only socialise but also support the village businesses. But for now, follow the rules or I will be forced to dust off the Mayoral stocks and use them!

Hop along to ISOC's Easter Walking Race

The institution that is the Cuckfield Easter Walking Race returns this year on Easter Monday 13th April. Organised by the Independent State of Cuckfield, the event is almost 100 years old and is based on an approximately five mile road course around Cuckfield and Ansty.

The race starts and finishes at the Rugby Club on Whitemans Green and is open to anyone aged 16 and over. With a deviously complex handicapping system there are a number of trophies up for grabs depending on your ability, gender or speed. It’s a perfect way to burn off all those chocolate calories and to take in the spring sights around Cuckfield.

Entry is just £2 per person plus there is a free easter egg hunt for the kids. Walkers should register at the rugby club from 9.30am for a 10am start. The egg hunt starts from 10.30am. For more details visit www.facebook.com/independentstateofcuckfield or email: info@cuckfieldstate.org.

First published in March 2020 issue of Cuckfield Life.