The Cuckfield Village Show is in August this year - 2022

The annual Cuckfield Village Show will take place later this month. Traditionally taking place in September – the event has been moved forward by the organising committee of volunteers under The Cuckfield Society. Although some classes in the competition will have required some effort and planning before now, there is still time for you to get involved, as the closing date for entries is not until 24th August.

If baking is your thing, how about throwing your hat in the ring and trying for The Katie Stewart Cup? This is awarded for the best Victoria sponge cake using the late-great Katie’s classic recipe. Or perhaps you are particularly proud of a photo you took over the Jubilee weekend – maybe even at the street party on the High Street? Class number 48 is a photograph with Jubilee as a subject. But there are also themes of a building, flora and fauna, and a gate or doorway in Cuckfield.

For children (under 14 years old), they can submit ‘Something I Made at School, Three Flapjacks or A Poem – to name only three in the juniors category. You can collect a full show schedule now from shops in the village (Nisa, Candy Store, Cuckfish, Artologie or Co-op), or download from www.cuckfield.org.

To enter for one or more classes, simply drop in your entry form and the fee to Artologie no later than 4.30pm on Wednesday 24th August. Admission to The Cuckfield Village Show (held at Cuckfield Baptist Church on Polestub Lane) on Saturday 27th August is free, where you will get to marvel at the skills and creativity of the village, plus enjoy a coffee and cake, or something stronger from the bar. The fun starts at 2pm.

1st Cuckfield Scouts centenary

The Scout group is incredibly excited to be celebrating its 100th birthday! Originally consisting of 18 Boy Scouts, the group was first registered by Scout Master Lawrence Wilfred Siggs in Haywards Heath on 30th September 1921. As one of the oldest groups in the country, 1st Cuckfield Scouts continues to go from strength to strength.

The current troop, led by volunteers from the local community, comprises of over 75 young people, within three sections - Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Today’s Scout leaders support the young people in their development and growth of character and with a sense of purpose, echoing the original aims and values of the Boy Scouts Association.

Young people learn how to be can-doers and give-it-agoers, having lots of fun playing games, working in a team and taking on new challenges, with friends and new acquaintances. To commemorate this significant milestone, the group put on a successful event at Haywards Heath Rugby Club on 1st October. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, their families, as well as wider community members - not forgetting Cuckfield’s very own mayor - came together for a fun-filled afternoon of food (very generously provided by Oxford Knight), drink, games and activities. Funds were raised, which will prove invaluable in securing the continued operation of the group.

Another, slightly less glamorous but no less important, community event took place in the early evening on 13th and 14th September. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts were all busy picking up litter around Cuckfield to help keep our community clean and tidy and to raise awareness about the environment we live in. Mind you, participants all had an added incentive on this occasion, as they were rewarded with fish and chips, which was generously subsidised by Cuckfish. Further information can be found on www.1stcuckfield.org.uk. Donations to ensure that the group continues to flourish are always welcome!

Fish and Chip shop coming to Cuckfield...

Cuckfish due to open in Cuckfield in July 2019

After two years the new fish and chip shop on Cuckfield High Street is finally opening. The shop – named Cuckfish - was beset with various difficulties, including planning and utilities supply, but owner Mustafa Dilek and wife Jan are now expecting to open the restaurant at the end of the month.

Mustafa, who has owned a kebab shop in East Grinstead since 1993, was drawn to Cuckfield’s village life and the surrounding countryside after having driven through it many times and was reminded of his childhood growing up in a village in Turkey. This inspired him to open a traditional fish and chip restaurant that reflected the character of the village.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of this community and getting involved,” Mustafa said. After launching a competition to find the perfect name he was delighted to have over 300 entries, including seven suggesting ‘Cuckfish’.

The first person to have given the name will receive a £50 voucher for the restaurant and the other entries suggesting the same name will enjoy a £25 voucher.

Although opening times are still to be confirmed, Mustafa is expecting to make good use of the seated terrace during the summer.