Staplefield Village Fete & Car Show - BH Monday 29th May 2017

One of the best and most traditional village fetes in Sussex looks set to attract crowds once again this Bank Holiday Monday, 29th May.

The Staplefield Village Fete and Car Show is a village tradition dating back to at least the early 1920s. “Many people return to our event year after year, whatever the weather,” said organiser Maggs Chamberlain. “Last year one of our Grand Draw winners said she always attended the Fete with her mother when she was five, she now lives away but comes back every year.”

The aim of the event, which runs from 12 noon to 4pm, is to provide a fun day out for all the family and raise money for St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s School and Staplefield Village Hall, all vital for maintaining village social life. “Among our many attractions this year are Maypole Dancing, a Fun Dog Show courtesy of Raising Hopes Dog Behaviour and Training organisation, photo opportunities with Ghost Busters, Marky Wild’s Punch and Judy show, fairground rides, bouncy slide and face painting,” said Maggs. “We also have our very own Elvis (aka ‘Philvis’), while the highly acclaimed Perdido Players will be providing music.”

Running alongside the fete is the Car Show which includes unusual exhibits and a range of classic cars.  Food and drink on offer will include Pavilion teas and cakes, pulled pork, BBQ, Pimms, Prosecco and strawberries.

“We are really hoping for some warm sunshine this year but whatever the weather we’re sure you’ll have a great day out,” said Maggs. “Many local businesses support us by generously providing Grand Draw prizes and taking stalls on the day and we would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to contribute, take a pitch or exhibit a vehicle.”

For more information contact Maggie Chamberlain: maggs49 @btinternet.com, 01444 484825, or Tracey Millis: tracey @xtannersmead.fsnet.co.uk, 07538952835.

Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Talks

Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Community Talks

Book a talk about our life-saving work

The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance is inviting local groups, clubs, societies and other organisations to book a talk (free of charge) to find our more about the work of the charity.

By inviting one of our volunteer speakers to your group, you will be helping to raise awareness of our work and therefore ensuring we can be there for those who need us, now and in the future.

For more information or to book a talk, please contact us on: 01622 833 833 or talks@kssairambulance.org.uk

Cuckfield History: Alfred Browne

Easter Sunday Hero

By Kate Fleming

In order to imagine the setting, I would like you to travel back in time one hundred years to Easter Sunday 1917, and gently place yourself in our beautiful Holy Trinity Church. The people of Cuckfield are gathering for Evensong, as indeed they still do today, but then the times were different. Great Britain was at war, and had been for over two years, the young men had gone to fight for King and Country, and those left behind were under pressure to increase the war effort. There were food shortages, and patriotism was wearing thin. Rev Maddock, officiating at the service, was recently back from the front and the congregation, in a world deprived of immediate first-hand news (unlike today), was keen to hear about how its boys were faring in the seemingly distant world of mud filled trenches and lethal flying bullets. Mothers, wives, sweethearts, daughters and sons of men at the front have gathered to worship and pray for peace in the world, their thoughts and desires busily weaving through their minds.

Also busy about the church was the Verger, Alfred Browne. Having already prepared the church for Easter with festival white altar cloths and hangings in place of the sombre violet of Lent, he had one more task to fulfil before he supposedly joined the established congregation. As compiled meticulously by him in the Verger’s List of Duties, he needed to strike the Union Jack flag at sunset, and, as this was already underway and darkness imminent, he had to make haste. He must have crept silently up the staircase to the battlements so as not to disturb the start of Evensong, and carefully opened the door. When... Shock! Horror! Flames sprang from the door accompanied by fumes which could only mean that the spire and maybe the church full of worshippers were in grave danger. Alfred Browne needed immediate help to avoid a major disaster.

[Read the full story on page 22 of April 2017 Cuckfield Life magazine]