WI triumph at South of England Show

Picture shows, from left: Barbara Fairs, Anne Upton, Carol Grossman, Janine Watts, Doreen Gregory (hat) and Marion Davison.

Picture shows, from left: Barbara Fairs, Anne Upton, Carol Grossman, Janine Watts, Doreen Gregory (hat) and Marion Davison.

By Claire Cooper
Talented WI members ensured that Cuckfield was well represented at this year’s South of England Show.
     Entries from the Cuckfield Evening WI could be found in many of classes in the annual competition which attracts entries from all over Sussex. From a spiced parsnip and raisin cake to a decorated hat, the members impressed the judges with their work.
     A joint entry, created by three members, which celebrated the work of popular author JK Rowling with biscuits, flowers and a decorated photo frame, was a particular hit with visitors to the WI Marquee. Other WI members could be found among the many volunteer stewards over the three day show.

Also available on page 6.

There's ain't no party like a Glebe Road party!

Families from Glebe Road enjoyed a successful street party last month, opening the event to the whole village!
     The party followed the success of last year’s celebration, providing an opportunity for neighbours to get together for an afternoon of fun and entertainment. And with circus acts, a live jazz band, bouncy castle and barbeque, there was certainly enough to keep everyone occupied.
     Much of the entertainment was provided by the residents themselves with Sarah and her All Stars ‘Trad Jazz’ band performing all afternoon. Artist Cameron Bennett was also kept busy capturing children, adults and even pets in caricature!
     Families from Cuckfield Pre-School playgroup did a roaring trade selling cakes and refreshments, while children were given lessons in juggling, diablo and spinning plates from Dodgers Circus. 
     The idea for a street party came when Glebe Road resident Sheila Gilbert won an Affinity Sutton ‘Shine’ Good Neighbour Award, after being nominated by a fellow resident.
     “I won £1,000 which had to be used for the benefit of the community,” said Sheila. “My first idea was to buy a bench, but then we came up with the idea of a street party.” The event was such a success that Sheila, and friends June, Sarah and Jo, soon decided to organise a second event this summer. 
     “We were delighted to get generous donations from Affinity Sutton and Stirland builders which enabled us to stage the event this year,” said Sheila. “We also had some wonderful raffle prizes from village businesses including Cuckfield Golf Centre, JoJo Boutique, Cuckfield Pet & Country Store and the Wheatsheaf. I’m sure it won’t be long before we’re busy planning and fund raising for next year’s event!”

Also available on page 9.

Cuckfield Bell Ringers

For hundreds of years church bells have been ringing out over Cuckfield village marking many memorable occasions and events. Housed in the church steeple, the eight bells cast in bell metal are an impressive sight, but equally impressive are the team of dedicated ringers, who bring the mighty bells to life. Claire Cooper visited the Church to find out about the history of the bells and meet some of the volunteers who are keeping this British tradition alive.


A board in the bell tower commemorates the donors – including some families with descendants still living in the village today.
     “The casting of the bells was undertaken by Mr J. Mears Bell Foundry of London which still exists under the name of The Whitechapel Bell Foundry,” said David. “This is the same foundry that cast Big Ben.” A new frame made of oak to mount the bells was also installed.
     “Everything was completed in time for the new peel to be rung on 4th September 1815 and was no doubt a significant event and achievement for the parishioners,” David added.
     Since then no major work has been necessary, however on 1st May 1980, fire broke out in the spire.
     “The spire was completely destroyed but, due to the skill of the fire fighters, the bells survived although some of the wooden fittings were damaged.

Full article available on pages 16/17.

By Claire Cooper
This year sees the 200th anniversary of the bells in the tower of Holy Trinity Church in Cuckfield. Originally there were six bells dating from 1633 but in 1815 they were re-cast and two more added to give the set that still ring out today. “The original bells were probably cast in the church yard by itinerant bell founders who were paid according to the weight of the bells,” said Tower Captain David Wilson.
     “As the cost was based on weight and there was no way of checking it, I suspect it may have been quite profitable for them if they decided to cheat!”
     The new bells however were weighed – the lightest coming in at 5 hundredweight (250 kilos) and the heaviest 15 hundredweight (750 kilos), about the same as small car. 
     The cost of the work was met by public subscription with 63 villagers and benefactors contributing £297 - 4 shillings. The two highest donations were 23 guineas (£24.15p) and the two smallest were 10 shillings (50p).