The Independent State of Cuckfield (ISOC) teamed up with Mid Sussex Round Table for the third year in a row to bring Santa to the streets of Cuckfield in December.
Over two consecutive evenings, Santa visited most of the village on his musical sleigh, greeting all the good children with a cheery smile and festive spirit - raising over £1,000 for local causes in the process. Organiser, and village resident, Gareth Nelson said, “As ex-members of Round Table, Steve Wilcock and I had supported the Christmas collections in and around Burgess Hill for many years. We approached Round Table in 2021 to see if we could organise the same in Cuckfield with the support of the ISOC. We were delighted that Mid Sussex Round Table agreed. Now in its third year, the event has become a popular annual activity which we hope will continue for many years to come. It is truly wonderful to see the smiles on the faces of children and adults alike. We’d like to thank Mid Sussex Round Table and the ISOC for their continued support and the whole community for their generosity.”
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.”
Cuckfield Mayor's Procession - 18th Oct 2014 (video)
Watch the full count in this years LARGEST Cuckfield Mayor's Procession - which took place on Saturday 18th October 2014.