cuckfield mayor

It's time to pick your new Cuckfield Mayor

By Mike Schlup

With election night rapidly approaching we bring you a rundown on this year’s candidates for the 2018 Independent State of Cuckfield Mayor’s election.

Leanne Knapman - This will be the 14th year that Leanne has stood for Mayor, and over the years she has raised more funds for the community than any other candidate. Leanne comes from a famous line of Cuckfield Mayors with both of her parents having successfully campaigned in previous years. Leanne is passionate about supporting the local community and helps to organise many events during the year including the Cuckoo Fayre.

James Clark is a familiar face to anyone visiting the Rose & Crown where he works as a kitchen porter. James has strong links to Cuckfield through his family although he spent many years studying gravity on the ski slopes of North America. James’ campaign slogan is ‘Make Cuckfield Great Again’ and, if elected, he has promised to build a great wall between Cuckfield and Burgess Hill, which Burgess Hill will have to pay for.

Edward Hill is a relatively recent addition to Cuckfield’s growing population and is the manager of the Talbot in the High Street. Edward’s campaign message is: ‘All states are independent but some are more independent than others’. On a personal note Edward admits that he has always wanted to run a tyrannical dictatorship.

Paul Leppard is a long time Cuckfield resident who has campaigned in the election for several years but so far unsuccessfully. His message is very simple: Vote for somebody rather than nobody, as the money goes to very worthy causes.

So, if you want to make a difference you can vote at any of the pubs or join in the fun on election night which takes place on Friday 19th October from 8pm at the White Harte. Remember to bring your pennies and pounds. The winning Mayor will then parade through Cuckfield on Saturday 20th October. The procession starts at 2.30pm from Warden Park school arriving around one hour later at the High Street where the Mayor will be presented with the keys to the village. It’s a fantastic event which includes music and entertainment for the children.

Cuckfield Mayor's Election 2017

“Mayor’s Election Night – Friday 20th October 2017
Mayor’s Procession - Saturday 21st October 2017”
— Independent State of Cuckfield

By Kate Fleming

Will this be the year for Leanne or will Evelyn be donning the robes in October? Will the people of Cuckfield be joining the international political arena and electing a female Mayor to lead and promote our rapidly developing community?

Right now the second question looks like a serious possibility, as Leanne Knapman and Evelyn Stenning are the sole runners for this prestigious role.

Our current mayor, Wilf Knighton, will also automatically become a candidate, but at the moment he is the only man standing. It is, however, early days and the opportunity to stand is still open. So gentlemen, this is your chance to represent your pub, club, organisation or simply stand as an independent candidate.

The two lady candidates are well known around the village, albeit in slightly different surroundings.

Leanne is a member of the Murphy family, many of whose names shine forth from the Mayors of Cuckfield board in the Queen’s Hall. She is a busy working mother of three, married to Gareth and involved with village life. She has been associated with The Independent State all her life and is a valued member of the committee, bringing new ideas and support to the organisation. Last year she took responsibility for the Pensioners Christmas Lunch, which was a resounding success. This will be her 13th attempt to become Mayor. Could this one be lucky for her?

Evelyn Stenning is a formidable opponent for Leanne or indeed any candidate. She is a retired midwife who has worked locally and so will know many of the population in an extremely special way! She is working tirelessly to gather funds for her campaign. She has organised coffee mornings, supervised a village quiz and has gathered together sponsors for a 5k walk. All this so that on the big night she can deliver the most money needed to become Mayor.

So, lads of Cuckfield, this is your moment to balance the competition. We need more males to accompany the reigning Wilf. This will lay the foundations for a competitive election night at The Rose and Crown and the ability for The Independent State of Cuckfield to create and sustain important activities for both young and old in our community