Cuckfield mayoral elections 2021
By Iain Pringle
Now that we are well into summer, our thoughts are now to moving towards the upcoming mayoral elections, which will take place on Friday 15th October. For those new to the village, the mayoral elections are run each year by the Independent State of Cuckfield (ISOC). The rules of the election are pretty straightforward being, whoever raises the most money wins.
The election itself has been running since the 1960s, based on a simple system that now appears to have been adopted by many of the major democracies around the world. Just remember where you saw it first!
On a more serious point, all of the money raised goes to towards helping local causes chosen by the Mayor and the ISOC committee. This year alone, ISOC has helped a long list of organisations including the Cuckoo Choir, Time 4 Children, New England Wood Trust, St Barnabas Hospice, Mid Sussex Community Garden, Holy Trinity School, Cuckfield Playgroup, the Singing Allsorts, Next Step Nursery, Orchard House, Cuckfield Scouts, Holy Trinity Church, The Cuckfield Society, Cuckfield Cosmos, Cuckfield Brownies, Cuckfield and Lindfield Inner Wheel and the BPM dance academy.
There is still plenty of time to throw your hat into the ring as a potential candidate. Thus far, no formal candidates have applied for the competition - but by getting involved in one or two events and helping to raise funds you could well be in the running and it could give you an excellent chance of winning!
If you are interested in running for the position please contact Mike Schlup at info@cuckfieldstate.org.
Come on folks, your village needs you!
Cuckfield Mayor's Election 2020
By Jacqueline Elmore
2020 has been a very different year for the Independent State of Cuckfield (ISOC). September is normally a time when the State is gearing up for the Mayor’s election. This would normally involve inviting some of the local schools to help dress the floats and take part in the Mayoral procession that nearly always happens in mid October. It’s a huge event for Cuckfield. Sadly, this year’s procession will no longer go ahead as planned. The news comes after many months of lockdown restrictions and social distancing measures due to the Coronavirus pandemic. As Mike Schlup, Chairman of ISOC, explains: “ISOC has decided that with the current guidelines around public events we simply cannot see a way to organise a procession and the crowds that come with it in a safe environment. Naturally, we are very disappointed but we hope to bring the procession back in 2021.”
In addition to the postponement of the mayor’s procession, ISOC has also decided to cancel this year’s ‘Cuckfield Old Folks’ Christmas Dinner in December.
Iain Pringle
Iain has lived in Cuckfield for nearly 20 years and ISOC has provided a familiar calendar of events that have become part of his family traditions. “Over the years we have sat on and decorated numerous floats in the mayor’s procession, sold and drank mulled wine at Christmas shopping and entered our dog into the dog show enough times to know that he has no chance of ever winning anything.” Iain’s first experience with the mayor’s election was soon after he and his family arrived in the village. “Nick Rowe (Cuckfield Mayor in 2007) had arranged a cycle ride to Aumale. Taking part in this ride kick-started my induction into village life and sowed the seed that I might repeat the plan someday in the future. As I am 50 next year I felt that now was the perfect time to pick up the challenge!” Being part of the community in Cuckfield is really important to Iain. “I play cricket each Saturday during the summer for the cricket club and run Sad Dads, an evening sports class that meets at Warden Park on Wednesday nights during the winter months. Through these activities, and having two daughters (16 and 14), I like to think that we live the Cuckfield life to the full and running for mayor is a chance to give something back.” Iain’s hopes for the future of the community are simple: “I want to give people the space and support they need to make a positive contribution to village life. In an age of social media it is easy to object to change or suggest actions for others, but it is only by taking positive action to join groups and take an active part in activities that we really support each other and build the links that make Cuckfield such a wonderful place to live.”
Sarah Galbraith-Gibbons
Sarah was born in the old Cuckfield Hospital and has lived in the village most of her life (except for a couple of years when she was living in Haywards Heath). Her dad, Martin, has also lived in Cuckfield all of his life. Sarah is married to Andy and they have three boys. Over the years, Sarah has been very involved in the community helping to raise money for some great causes. Her decision to run for mayor may have been an impulsive one but, given her background and the work she has done in the past for many different groups in the area, better late than never! Sarah explains: “I never really thought about running for mayor until last year when a group of friends persuaded me to. I will be 50 in November so I just thought why not? And they all offered to help me with the fundraising. Over the years I have been involved with ISOC. As a child I used to take part in the processions as did my own children when they were young.” Sarah adds: “ISOC is such a great organisation. They put on some wonderful events and support many local charities and groups. My favourite one would have to be the Christmas lunch at The Queen’s Hall. I have been involved in that particular event for quite a few years now, helping to collate numbers and providing assistance on the day.”