Village People: Luke Bohanna & Kat Chase (BPM Dance Academy)

By Claire Cooper

When Luke Bohanna and Kat Chase launched a Saturday morning street dance class in the  Old School in 2011 they were delighted when eight children arrived, as it meant they’d covered their costs. But just six months later the pair were sharing their passion for dance with more than 100 students and today their academy is regarded as one of the most successful street dance schools in the south.It’s been a whirlwind few years for Kat and Luke as BPM Academy has surpassed their wildest dreams. But, when they’re not dancing, Luke and Kat’s feet are firmy on the ground as they plan for the future, and attribute their success to shared goals, work ethic and a strong friendship which began at Warden Park School.

Read the full story in the Dec/Jan issue of Cuckfield Life magazine

Cuckfield's Spice Village restaurant

Last month Cuckfield’s popular eatery Spice Village celebrated its third anniversary and invited all to come to a special evening which included a free glass of bubbly. The Indian restaurant was opened by owner Mofozzul Miah back in 2012. He saw the opportunity to open his own place having always worked for someone else up to that date. And so Spice Village was born. “We took over the building after the previous business had ceased trading. I knew there was a market for this kind of food in Cuckfield, e just had to do it right,” Mo explained. When perusing the menu - Poppadoms already in hand - we could have enjoyed a range of starters including King Prawn Butterfy, Sheek Kebab or Chicken Chat Puree. In the end we decided on Vegetable Pakora and Onion Bhaji; both of which were light and very flavousome. For mains there were many options to choose from. The very hot Chicken Naga, prepared with the notorious Bangladeshi naga chilli. The classic Madras made with either lamb, chicken, king prawn or vegetable; but in the end we decided on something milder. The Lamb Bhoona (similar to a Rogan, we were told, but less tomatoey) was extremely pleasant and went especially well with the Pilaw Rice we had ordered. Alongside (and shared 

by agreement!) we tucked in to something we had never tried before: Chicken Handi. Mo suggested the yoghurt-based dish as something a bit diferent from their Signature Dishes menu. The taste was amazing, and it looked great too with a bright red sauce and green peppers. Accompanying our mains was a side of Saag Aloo (spinach & potato) and the most delicious Peshwari Nan. You could certainly taste the coconut and sultanas, with the soft bread also having some sweet, crunchy  edges too. For pudding we were treated to a speciality Indian dessert made from vermicelli (known as shemai in Bengali). The sweet, served cold, was a creamy texture with the fine pasta, sultanas and cashw nuts. It was a simple and light way to finish a antastic Indian meal.  Mo and his team did a great job and always ensured we were happy, glasses topped up and had what we needed. Spice Village is open seven days a week (including bank holidays) from 5.30pm. Call 01444 441373 to book your table in the restaurant on Ockenden Lane. They are even taking bookings for Christmas Day at just £29.95 per person. If you just fancy staying in on Friday night, then takeaway is no problem either. See  the website www.spicevillagecuckfield.co.uk for the full menu. 

Water Upgrade near Cuckfield by South East Water

After 11 bursts in five years, South East Water is planning a project to upgrade 1.3 kilometres of old pipe in Borde Hill Lane near Cuckfield to reduce the risk of homes and business in the area going without tap water in the future.

The work will be taking place between the junction of Copyhold Lane and a point 400 metres north of River’s Road, just south of Upper Rylands Bridge. 

Access to all businesses along Borde Hill Lane, such as Borde Hill Garden, will be maintained at all times. Work starts on 11th January and will last approximately 18 weeks. The diversion route will be clearly signposted and take motorists through Haywards Heath, Cuckfield and Balcombe.

For more information visit: http://bit.ly/1NvOyG6