A Cuckfield/Canadian love story

Daphne Hall (nee Knight) was born at 40 (now 2) Glebe Road, Cuckfield in 1928. Writing in 2008 she remembered: ‘The Canadians held socials and whist drives in the Queen’s Hall, which is where I met my future husband in October 1942 when I was 14. It was the first time I was allowed to go, with my Mum. I was not impressed with this chap who asked me to dance, in his rolled up sleeves and braces showing, so I said NO! He sat beside my Mum and absolutely wooed her off her feet!! He had chocolate bars and cigarettes don’t you know!! Needless to say, he was a steady visitor at our house for many moons. His name was William (Bill) Moldowin.

Read full article on page 32.

Cuckfield ex-servicemen awarded Russian Ushakov Medal

Two former servicemen from Cuckfield have been awarded medals from the Russian government in recognition of their roles in the Arctic Covoys during the Second World War.

Bunny Watts (pictured left) and Don Cranefield (right), both now in their nineties, are proud recipients of the Russian Ushakov Medal. The medal, named after the Russian Admiral Fydor Ushakov who never lost a battle and was proclaimed patron saint of the Russian Navy, recognises the men’s courage and bravery during their service in the Arctic Convoys.

Read full article on page 25.

Village People - Robert Hammersley

From choir boy to conductor and composer, Cuckfield’s Robert Hammersley has had a distinguished musical career working with some of the country’s leading musicians and choirs. But one of the highlights of his year is the annual Remembrance Concert in Haywards Heath, when Robert picks up the baton to lead choirs of adults and children singing his own composition ‘Remembrance’. With rehearsals for this year’s event well under way and tickets selling fast, Robert spoke about his career and explained why leading community singing brings him such joy.

Read full article on pages 20 & 21.