After winning his second term of office, Jem Lee took part in this year’s Mayor’s Procession through the village, joined by many groups and organisations all celebrating this annual tradition.
Village People: David knows where to go...
By Jacqueline Elmore
Every year, The Queen’s Birthday Honours list confers titles and honours to deserving individuals in recognition of their achievement or service; the most well-known of which are MBE’s, OBE’s and CBE’s.
This year’s list was no exception, making it one of the most diverse with many recipients from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, healthcare workers and school teachers all being acknowledged for their contribution to the country.
In October, Cuckfield resident, David Curtis-Brignell was awarded his very own MBE for services to tourism. His nomination was in recognition of the decades of voluntary work he did in support of the industry.
“I had no idea I had been nominated for the award so when an email from the Cabinet Office arrived, it was a complete surprise. It was lovely to be appreciated for all my years of work in tourism. I felt very proud.”
David grew up in Pembury Kent and attended school in Tunbridge Wells until he was 13, when the family moved to Worthing because of his father’s job.
“That was a difficult time for me. The transition and adapting to a completely new environment was hard because most children had already got their established friendship groups so it was a little alien to me. I decided once my O-levels were finished that that was it; I was going to find a job and go to work.”
David’s very distinguished career in travel began in local government working in established British resorts. One of the most interesting parts of David’s story is how he got there.
“A job came up in the entertainment and publicity department of Worthing Borough Council which meant getting involved in everything to do with leisure and tourism. I was really very lucky because my first boss was an industry guru. He was a legend in the sector and really quite brilliant. He always encouraged me to try new things and to never be afraid to say, ‘I’ve got an idea’.”
It was very varied - David had to buy equipment needed for rehearsing the local team for the BBC’s ‘It’s a Knockout’ and ‘Jeux Sans Frontieres’ programmes.
Later he had 13 weeks looking after the Pavilion Theatre summer season and would get one night off a week – all on top of the day job.
“It was exciting, but that experience is probably what taught me that theatre management wasn’t for me and that I was more interested in marketing and tourism.”
He was also given the opportunity to project lead on major sporting events and created a new summer festival.
[The above is an excerpt from the full article printed in December 2020 issue of Cuckfield Life magazine)
75th Anniversary VE Day celebrations in Bolnore Village
Image: Dan Weaver
The residents of Bolnore Village know how to party - even if it is a socially distanced one!
Enjoy here the collective range of images and video from the 75th Anniversary celebration of VE Day on Friday 8th May 2020. From a very impressive set up in Renfields, but also including notable mentions from Roundway, Whitebeam Mews and also Cattswood Lane.
Thank you also to Brighton Jive for this amazing drone footage of a lovely 40’s street performance. Colin and Sue only moved in to Bolnore ten days ago!
Thanks to Louise Ferguson Photography for the following images, taken during a walk to the shop…
Video shot by resident Dan Weaver on 8th May 2020 during the coronavirus lockdown in West Sussex. Colin Tenn and Sue Walker-Reilly gave the residents of Renf...