TLAP thrives in Cuckfield

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TLAP is the slogan: THINK LOCAL, ACT PERSONAL

The Cuckfield community already has a wide range of activities specifically designed for those who live alone in their retirement. In the face of successive government failing to tackle care in the community from top down, now is the time to engage with local charities and organisations to make their respective resources better know.

Many individuals already keep an eye out for their neighbours who fall into this age range, who have health issues, have suffered recent bereavement or are struggling with increasing technology.

Below are listed some of the local activities already in place. The parish council is acting as a hub and will assist you with other contacts.

Cuckfield Baptist Church:
office@cuckfieldbc.com
01444 473531
Friday coffee mornings, occasional lunches, and golden years events.

Cuckfield Parish Council:
clerk@cuckfield.gov.uk
01444 454276
Silver Sundays, Tuesday tea afternoons, and Christmas hampers.

Holy Trinity Church:
pa@holytrinitycuckfield.org
01444 456461
Lunch ‘n’ Linger, last Thursday in a month, and crafts on Thursdays.

Good Neighbours CARE:
careinhaywardsheath.co.uk
01444 455955
Volunteers assist with shopping, hospital visits and visit you at home.

Cuckoo Choir:
info@cuckoochoir.org.uk
Friday afternoons at The Old School

Independant State of Cuckfield:
info@cuckfieldstate.org
01444 454336
Christmas lunch for elderly and benefactor of many local charities.

VE Day with Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield

By Rev’d Daniel Valentine of Holy Trinity Church

Easter tells the story of hope in the face of despair. It begins with grief and loss— but ends with resurrection. The stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. Out of sorrow comes new life. VE Day was, in its own way, a national echo of that pattern: people emerging from the long winter of war into the possibility of spring—both literally and spiritually.

This year, our Cuckfield events will form part of national commemorations across the UK. At noon, the bells of Holy Trinity will ring out across the village and again at 6.30pm in joyful solidarity with churches and cathedrals nationwide calling us to remembrance, gratitude, and togetherness. At 7pm, all are warmly invited to a Church Parade Service of Thanksgiving and Peace at Holy Trinity.

Whether you’re a regular in church or have never been before, you’ll be most welcome. We’ll reflect on stories of courage and reconciliation, pray for peace, and give thanks for those who gave so much. Afterwards, we hope you’ll stay for a traditional fish and chip supper—an opportunity to share food, stories and friendship (booking details and venue to be confirmed). At 9.30pm, we’ll close with a rousing chorus of “I Vow To Thee, My Country”—a powerful reminder of the values of service, love, and sacrifice that shaped a generation.

This year also marks the re-establishment of the Cuckfield Branch of the Royal British Legion—an important way to honour those who served and support today’s armed forces’ community. I’m honoured to have recently been elected Chair and warmly invite anyone who feels a connection to this cause to consider joining. You don’t need to have served in the armed forces to be a member—just a shared commitment to remembrance, support, and community. To join, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk When registering, please indicate you’d like to be associated with the Cuckfield Branch so we can grow our local community together.

Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield

As the festive season approaches, with Christmas little over a month away, many of us feel the pressure building - shopping lists, holiday plans, and the rush of year-end tasks. In Cuckfield, much revolves around our famous Christmas Tree Festival which is taking place on 6th, 7th and 8th December.

But alongside these preparations, the season of Advent offers something different. Starting four Sundays before Christmas at the beginning of December, Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and is about slowing down and creating space for reflection, hope, and anticipation. While we often think of late November and early December as the buildup to Christmas, Advent invites us to pause and prepare emotionally and spiritually for something deeper. In Christian tradition, Advent is a time to prepare for the coming of Christ, but its themes—hope, peace, joy, and love— speak to anyone, regardless of faith.

Advent reminds us that even in our busy lives, there’s room for quiet reflection. It encourages us to think about our hopes, what brings us peace, and how we can share love with others. It offers a meaningful counterbalance to the materialism of the season, helping us focus on what truly matters.

For those seeking something spiritual and really special, you might consider coming to our the Candlelit Advent Carol Service taking place at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, 1st December 2024, at 6.00pm. Through carols, scripture, and prayer, we will explore Advent’s themes, pausing to reflect on the quiet beauty of waiting for Christ’s light.

You are also warmly invited to join us for Candlelit Sung Compline (Night Prayer) on Wednesdays during Advent – 4th and 18th December at Holy Trinity Church and 11th December at St Mary Bolney. This peaceful, ancient monastic and reflective service at the close of the day offers a chance to experience stillness, prayer, and gentle music in a candle-lit setting, providing a moment of calm amid the busyness of the season.

Advent is about more than material preparations. It’s an opportunity to nurture our inner selves and prepare for whatever life holds next. So, as you check off your festive to-do list, consider setting aside time to slow down, reflect, and find calm amid the busyness. It’s a small change that can lead to a deeper sense of meaning and fulfilment.

With every blessing,
Daniel
Rev’d Daniel Valentine