Rising culinary star from Cuckfield’s manor

Freddie Innes, Ockenden Manor - Masterchef

Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa’s Senior Sous-Chef Freddie Innes is cooking up a storm on this year’s season of MasterChef: The Professionals. The 25-year old Chef flew through the first round and won the judges over with his signature pan-fried sea bass with parsnip puree, fondant potato and a red wine jus.

Born and raised in Sussex, Freddie developed a love for cooking from his grandparents, who he spent a lot of time cooking with as a child. From baking with his grandmother to joining his grandfather, a gamekeeper, on local pheasant shoots in the Sussex countryside, Freddie grew up surrounded by people with a passion for food.

Following a year at catering college, Freddie decided to dive into the world of fine dining by joining the award-winning restaurant at Ockenden Manor in Sussex as a Commis Chef. Freddie commented: “At Ockenden Manor, no two days are the same – that’s why I enjoy it so much. You meet different guests, create new dishes and meet local suppliers, all while always working as a team.”

Last year, while on holiday in Spain, Freddie was encouraged to apply for MasterChef: The Professionals by his girlfriend and her mother. In spring he was selected as one of the 48 contestants from thousands of applicants.

Along with the full support of his home county, Head Chef at Ockenden Manor Stephen Crane is proud to champion the talents of this rising star: “We’re very proud of Freddie. The most natural step for me is to encourage the next generation of chefs. I enjoy building positive relationships and inspiring youth to realise their dreams and fulfil their potential.”

Boost for Cuckfield school's outdoor classroom fund

By Sharon Howe

Following our article in the September issue of Cuckfield Life, we’re delighted to let you know that we’ve recently had some big boosts to our fundraising pot for our outdoor classroom at Holy Trinity.

We want to thank the community of Cuckfield for donating so generously both through our online donation page and supporting us as your charity of choice in the Co-Op’s Local Community Fund.

PTA members Laura Henger and Sharon Stewart, along with Parent Governor Nicola Brewerton, recently attended the Whitemans Green Co-op for the presentation of a cheque for £2,386.05 from the Big Co-Op Payout.

We have also been successful with a £5,000 grant from Southover Manor Trust. This is a charity providing grants and funding for schools, colleges and other educational institutions in Sussex and Brighton & Hove. These contributions, along with previous donations and pledges from the Cuckfield Bonfire Society, Cuckfield Local, Waitrose and other PTA fundraising, are a good chunk of the funding we need, however we still have another £5,000 to go to reach our target. The children and staff at Holy Trinity Primary School are really excited that they could soon be using a new outdoor classroom. We are working hard to get funding for the last £5,000, but the school’s PTA would welcome any donation, large or small, to contribute to our outdoor learning facilities.

Donations can be made via this link: https://bit.ly/34GMHLb

HH Rugby Club show visual of new clubhouse

By Tracey Spuyman

The vision of creating a new multi sports pavilion at Whitemans Green - with assistance from Fairfax and its education foundation Fairfax Building Young Futures - is becoming reality for Haywards Heath Rugby Club – as these realistic visuals indicate.

One glance at how the MSDC approved plans will look once built gives an idea of the transformative nature of these proposals resulting in expanded parking facilities, which will make the nearby roads safer for all Cuckfield residents to navigate. The project will also provide massively improved sport and social facilities, allowing for expansion of the Club and development of girls and ladies rugby and a 21st century community facility for use by other clubs of all kinds.

If anyone is in a position to help HHRFC accelerate efforts to build the new Clubhouse or contribute in any way to its fundraising activities, perhaps by donating an auction prize, please contact: rugby@hhrfc.co.uk.

Full information is available on the Club’s website at www.hhrfc.co.uk