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.
Open air theatre returns to Cuckfield
Professional Theatre Company Rain or Shine is set to delight family audiences once again this summer when they return to Cuckfield. This year the theatre company are performing ‘The Recruiting Officer’, a rakish Restoration comedy by Irish playwright George Farquhar. One of the most popular plays of its time, this is a delightful romp through 18th Century Shrewsbury. The story follows the mischief of crooked army recruiting officers, Captain Plume and Sergeant Kite, as they head to the county town of Shrewsbury to persuade men to take the Queen’s Shilling by any means, legal or otherwise! Plume has set his cap at the vivacious Sylvia, and their bumpy path to true love is mirrored by their closest friends, nervy, melancholy Worthy, and haughty, comically self-important, heiress, Melinda. Help and hindrance come in equal measure from Captain Brazen, the foppiest of fops. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the performance will take place at Cuckfield Recreation Ground on Friday 5th August at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door or in advance online via rainorshine.co.uk or by ringing Rainorshine’s hotline 0330 660 0541. Audiences are requested to bring along lowbacked seating or rugs, and a picnic to maximise their enjoyment of the al fresco performances.
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)