NEW! Cuckfield Arts Festival planned for 2017

Cuckfield Arts Festival - early plans - starts on 24th June 2017

By Kate Fleming

Cuckfield has always had the potential for an arts festival simmering away and at long last it is being realised. The basic ingredients for success are already here - a beautiful church, a picturesque historic village situated in an arts-laden county, home to a wealth of artists. Why hasn’t it happened before we cry in amazement? Well now it is. Cuckfield Arts Festival has been created and will start on 24th June and run for two weeks.

This year the focus will be on music, but, as the naming of the festival indicates, other art forms could feature as the event grows. Music, however, is an ideal starting point, as the village is becoming known for musical activities, which are increasing in popularity and commanding a serious place in the life of the village.

The Singing Allsorts, our own Cuckfield all-female choir, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. The choir has gone from strength to strength under the talented baton of Jane Haughton, singing for our community its varied repertoire of African, Gospel, Classical, Broadway and Folk music. Over the last decade the Summer Charity Concert has raised £10,000 for local and international charities and this year’s event has been incorporated into the festival in Holy Trinity Church on 6th July.

The unique sound of Ensemble Reza will start the festival. These virtuoso musicians got together so players could enjoy performing music closer to home in Sussex and the South-East. When these highly respected professional players with leading orchestras get together to play the performances are breathtaking. 

[Article extracted from full page in May 2017's Cuckfield Life magazine, p.9]

Staplefield Village Fete & Car Show - BH Monday 29th May 2017

One of the best and most traditional village fetes in Sussex looks set to attract crowds once again this Bank Holiday Monday, 29th May.

The Staplefield Village Fete and Car Show is a village tradition dating back to at least the early 1920s. “Many people return to our event year after year, whatever the weather,” said organiser Maggs Chamberlain. “Last year one of our Grand Draw winners said she always attended the Fete with her mother when she was five, she now lives away but comes back every year.”

The aim of the event, which runs from 12 noon to 4pm, is to provide a fun day out for all the family and raise money for St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s School and Staplefield Village Hall, all vital for maintaining village social life. “Among our many attractions this year are Maypole Dancing, a Fun Dog Show courtesy of Raising Hopes Dog Behaviour and Training organisation, photo opportunities with Ghost Busters, Marky Wild’s Punch and Judy show, fairground rides, bouncy slide and face painting,” said Maggs. “We also have our very own Elvis (aka ‘Philvis’), while the highly acclaimed Perdido Players will be providing music.”

Running alongside the fete is the Car Show which includes unusual exhibits and a range of classic cars.  Food and drink on offer will include Pavilion teas and cakes, pulled pork, BBQ, Pimms, Prosecco and strawberries.

“We are really hoping for some warm sunshine this year but whatever the weather we’re sure you’ll have a great day out,” said Maggs. “Many local businesses support us by generously providing Grand Draw prizes and taking stalls on the day and we would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to contribute, take a pitch or exhibit a vehicle.”

For more information contact Maggie Chamberlain: maggs49 @btinternet.com, 01444 484825, or Tracey Millis: tracey @xtannersmead.fsnet.co.uk, 07538952835.

Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Talks

Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Community Talks

Book a talk about our life-saving work

The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance is inviting local groups, clubs, societies and other organisations to book a talk (free of charge) to find our more about the work of the charity.

By inviting one of our volunteer speakers to your group, you will be helping to raise awareness of our work and therefore ensuring we can be there for those who need us, now and in the future.

For more information or to book a talk, please contact us on: 01622 833 833 or talks@kssairambulance.org.uk