Cuckfield Preschool Playgroup celebrate 'outstanding' Ofsted inspection

By Becca Chatterton, Chair

Despite the recent lack of suitable summer weather, the sun managed to peep out from behind the clouds for a couple of hours on Sunday 26th June to join us in celebrating the ‘outstanding’ Ofsted inspection for Cuckfield Preschool Playgroup.

Staff, committee, parents and children enjoyed the Cream Tea Party with outdoor games, scones, cake and the odd glass of fizz. We were also delighted to welcome Parish Council Chairman Nigel Page to the event, which was planned immaculately and at relatively short notice by Angela Wade (Vice Treasurer), Liz Thurlwell (outgoing Secretary) and Leigh McKay (incoming Secretary) and a lovely afternoon was had by all. From the contributions of food and drink, including a splendid cake crafted by a friend of Sarah Moss (Treasurer), to the final clear up the sense of teamwork shone through as always. Sarah Paterson (Manager) was presented with gifts by the committee to commemorate the third ‘outstanding’ inspection in succession.

Although many of us have children moving on to big school in September, we will remember the positive impact the enthusiasm of this outstanding team has had on our little ones. Does anyone have a tissue, please?

Staplefield Village Fete - 2016

Budding young circus performers enjoyed picking up tips from the experts at the Staplefield Village Fete and Car Show on Bank Holiday Monday last month.

The workshops, run by Circuswurx were a new attraction at the popular annual event, held on the village green.

Opened by Mid Sussex MP the Rt. Hon. Sir Nicholas Soames, the traditional event offered the usual popular stalls and sideshows including fairground rides, Pimms and strawberries, a barbeque and beer tent, traction engines and the classic and vintage car show.

Children from St Mark’s School delighted the crowds with Maypole dancing, while the Magog Ladies Morris Dancers entertained onlookers in the Victory Inn car park.

The ever popular Punch and Judy Show went down a treat with families, while dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes paraded in the ring for the annual dog show, sponsored by Cuckfield Pet and Country Store. With categories including Bad Hair Day, Golden Oldie and My Dog’s Got Talent, there was a chance for every pet to win a prize!

Organiser Maggie Chamberlain said the event had been a great success: “We had spent the morning in trepidation, wondering if it would rain, but we were lucky. The weather stayed dry and the crowds turned out!” She added that the village was delighted to welcome the return of Elvis impersonator ‘Philvis’, and dog show compere Clive Panto, who travelled from his home in France to take part. “We are already building this year’s experience and searching for new attractions for next year,” added Maggie.

All money raised from the event is donated to St Mark’s Church and the Village Hall, with a donation to St Mark’s School, and other worthy causes.

The Chequers, Slaugham, reopens its doors

Excerpt from full article By David Tingley, p.10 Jun/July 2016 Cuckfield Life

When a pub changes hands, as they can be prone to do, it feels like a new dawn rising. The Chequers Inn, in nearby Slaugham, is no different since it came into new ownership three months ago, and it opened its doors once again (after a significant refurbishment) last month.

“The meal was simply delicious - just the best steak I have ever eaten!”

I met with General Manager Lukas Ackermann and Executive Head Chef Brett Duarte to find out what their plans were.

The pair are both part-owners in the business which has bought the pub - The Rare Breed Pub Company - and their vision is to create the best steakhouse in the country! Lukas is very clear about that: “We only want to be fantastic at what we do - just good isn’t an option,” he explained.

“Running a pub in a small village like this is a privilege and a responsibility,” Brett said, “and one that we take very seriously.” After signing contracts they attended a public meeting to meet the locals and explain what they were hoping to do with the historic inn. “For us it’s about being part of the community, so we are listening hard to the feedback we get every day.”

On this score the company has future plans to open a farm shop next door, selling meat and produce, milk, juice, eggs and newspapers.

The idea which became The Rare Breed Pub Co was formed while Lukas and Brett (and others) worked alongside each other at a pub in Esher, Surrey. In fact they are still running The Albert Arms, which they hope will become the training ground for chefs and waiting staf alike. “The Albert is a family business run for last 35 years and has become even more popular in the six years we’ve been involved,” Lukas explains. “Last year we began to look for a village pub which we could take on and apply the same theory to; The Chequers is in such an idyllic setting and rural community, we loved it straight away.”

(full article printed in Cuckfield Life magazine)

www.the-chequers.pub