By Claire Cooper

Drizzle and clouds failed to dampen the spirits of stallholders and villagers who turned out in force to support the popular Cuckoo Fayre.

The event, at Cuckfield Recreation Ground, saw a range of groups and organisations based in and around the village offering a variety of stalls and sideshows. Hot dogs and home-made cakes went down a treat, while children enjoyed radio-controlled cars, a bouncy castle and traditional fairground games.

The wet weather led to the cancellation of the two arena events, but the Village Band and children’s entertainer Tomfoolery provided music and fun throughout the afternoon.The event, organised by the Independent State of Cuckfield, as opened by Mayor Ken Gregory. He was joined in the arena by 20 former Mayors, some of whom will be standing for election this year as the ISOC aims to attract 50 candidates to celebrate its Golden Anniversary.

Some of the potential Mayors ran stalls to help fund their campaigns, including four members of the Woods family who are going head to head in this year’s election.The event also saw the official unveiling of the Mayor’s portrait (see page 9) and a chance for budding young artists to create their own drawing of the Mayor.

Four legged friends weren’t forgotten either. Always a popular addition, the annual dog, show, organised by Mewes Vets in Haywards Heath, attracted dozens of entries.

Martin Ingebretson, from the ISOC, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who braved the cold, damp weather to make this year’s Fayre an enjoyable event for the whole community. We are delighted that the income from the day totalled £1,200, a good contribution to the running costs of £1,700.”