Bolnore Scouts

Bolnore Scouts

The day started with an update from Marco van Dijk, Chairman of Bolnore Scouts, on recent developments and equipment purchases for the group, including the imminent arrival of two inflatable marquees to replace the ageing, leaky canvas one!

This was followed by games and activities, including Nerf shooting, tombola, making smores, a BBQ and, most important, soaking the Group Scout Leader, Nigel, with waterlogged sponges. In addition the leaders all clubbed together to make a donation to douse him with a bucket of iced water!

This article is an extract from the July 2018 issue of Cuckfield Life magazine

David Foord-Brown Antiques in Cuckfield

David Foord-Brown and Sean Barry

By Joe Wayte
Behind the Counter takes a peek into some of the things you may not know about our beloved shops and their owners. In this first edition we meet David Foord-Brown of David Foord-Brown Antiques, along with his partner, Sean Barry.

David grew up in Cuckfield and always had a passion for antiques. “When I was younger there were six antiques shops in Cuckfield,” David mentioned, “and my parents didn’t always see the trade as anything more than something that took place in a local village. I really wanted to take myself further.” David begun his career by buying and selling items based out of his home before joining one of Bond Street’s finest antiques and silver dealers. He then set his sights on the London markets such as Portobello.

Sean started life in the north of England and studied a degree in Fine Art at Preston Polytechnic. He started work at a printing business putting his skills to use before meeting David at a dinner party and moving to Sussex to start his own design business. “I packed up my things and hired a van,” Sean explained, “knowing that for a good career I would need to move to London. I drove down on a Saturday and I was offered a role in the printer’s by the following Tuesday.”

This extract was taken from an article published in the July 2018 Cuckfield Life magazine.

Bolnore Village's Royal Street Party - 19th May 2018

By Jim Hoodless

On Saturday 19th May the sun was shining and the streets of London were lined with supporters of the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Further afield, residents of Bolnore made their way to The Woodside for a classic British Street Party.

As soon as the wedding was announced, plans were being made by the Bolnore Village Events Team to bring everyone together and raise money for charity. 

WellChild, the National Charity for Sick Children makes a big difference in people’s lives and, with Prince Harry as a supporter, seemed the perfect choice.

Guests started arriving from 2pm to be greeted by the happy couple, or at least life-sized cardboard cutouts. Welcomed with afternoon tea including an array of sandwiches, cupcakes and scones with jam and cream, adults and children alike were treated to a taste of British tradition. Music and games were provided by Jojo’s disco keeping the kids entertained while some of the grown-ups relaxed with a cold beer or prosecco for the main event. To add to the atmosphere, Tiaras and Top Hats were the theme of the day and there were some great, and some comedy, efforts on show.

It was a really fun day and night that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local businesses including W J Armstrong Ltd, The Bay Tree, Collingwood Batchelor and many more. They, as well as residents, put in time and effort and donated raffle prizes, some of which are still to be claimed. Not least Yellow 317 who have a box of Moet waiting for them on Friday or Saturday night.

More than £700 has been raised for WellChild so far. You can still boost that total. Just visit www.wellchild.org.uk and, when asked why you’re donating, please put something like ‘donating on behalf of the Bolnore Village Royal Wedding Street Party - celebrating Harry and Megan’s nuptials as well as raising funds for a very worthy cause.’

Thank you to everyone who supported the event, took part, made the most of a wonderful day and raised awareness for Wellchild. We’ll find an excuse to do it again soon.

If you want to find out what else is happening at the Woodside, follow us on Facebook. If you’re interested in getting involved in the events run by the Bolnore Village Events team, please email Alison Armstrong on alison.events@ bolnore.org.uk.