Nominate your community champions

Following the great success of the first Mid Sussex Applauds Awards last year, nominations are now open for 2020. The Awards, organised by Mid Sussex District Council, aim to highlight the fantastic work of individuals and organisations across the district. Through each of the eight categories the Awards seek to recognise our connections and celebrate our community. With categories ranging from young achievers to green champions, those who help support active lifestyles and who work to bring communities together, we hope to highlight all our community VIPs. The categories are: Good Sport Award – a club or individual who has made an outstanding contribution to activity or sport Young Volunteer of the year – recognising those young people who have made a difference Stronger Communities – a community group or organisation that has helped to bring together cultures and communities Young Achiever Award – against all the odds, someone who has overcome significant obstacles and made a positive difference to their own lives or to other young people Take Pride in Mid Sussex – This award will recognise residents who dedicate their time and energy into keeping Mid Sussex clean and green Business in the Community Award – recognising a business which supports or makes a positive contribution to benefit and enhance community life Lifetime Achievement Award – an individual who has made a substantial commitment to the community Stronger Together – an individual who has helped to bring together cultures and communities through a local project or community activity Mid Sussex District Council Chairman Councillor Colin Trumble commented: “2020 has been an exceptionally challenging year for all in the community. I have been extremely impressed at the way organisations and individuals have risen to those challenges giving vital support, especially to those most in need.” Residents are encouraged to take part in the straightforward nomination process, which will be open until 18th September. Just visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/applauds for details of how to nominate.

Published in August’s issue of Cuckfield Life.

100 years of tennis

Warden Court circa 1900

By Doug Mower, chairman In the heart of Cuckfield village, by the lush green recreational ground stands the Cuckfield Lawn Tennis Club comprising of three tennis courts. This year was supposed to be its big 100th year filled with big celebrations.

A brief history!
- 1920 – The Cuckfield Lawn Tennis Club was formed from two smaller clubs, played on two courts in the Vicarage Field, and was led by a committee of six under the chair of Miss Payne. Later that year Mrs Richard Worsley presented the recreation ground to the village.
- 1921 – A further court was added and the joining fee was set at ten shillings.
- 1927 – Three grass courts were constructed on the recreation ground.
- 1938 – The Council agrees to construct one hard court, with a rent set at £25 per annum.
- 1943 – Play continues during wartime. The AGM reported 30 members and the Club won the Challenge Cup against Haywards Heath.
- 1969 – A clubhouse was erected and each member was asked to lend £100 for the project, and each member was repaid.
- 2000 – The Clubhouse was extended and professionally clad by the members.
- 2014 – The Club becomes a registered company and a charity, and takes responsibility for the courts from the Council.

This year the celebrations got off to a brilliant start with a new logo by Louis McKay and an anniversary letter from His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, President of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, congratulating us on reaching our centenary. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the other events planned for this year were postponed. Yet thanks to a surge in popularity, the tennis club’s celebrations are likely to be bigger and better for next year. In June the government gave the all-clear for tennis to restart again. This has grown from just singles to now doubles and even social tennis games every Tuesday and Saturday with good attendance. Coaching has also taken off in terms of demand. The club’s in-house coach, Patrick Armstrong, said: “There has been a really positive response to tennis in general and the coaching has really taken off too, which has been fantastic.”

For more news and information about current restrictions and to find out how you might be able to help the club with some of your own Cuckfield tennis memories, see the full article in August’s issue of Cuckfield Life.

Changes in BVCIC Board of Directors

Bolnore resident Chris Belton stood down as Chair of the Bolnore Community Interest Company with effect from the end of April. The board thanked Chris for all the time and effort he put into the role over the years. ‘His dedication to the role of Chair has certainly improved the environment of the Village for all residents’. Carlos Leon took over as Chair from 1st May. ‘Carlos has already been a Director on the board for several years. He will bring a wealth of experience to the role and we are looking forward to working more closely with Carlos over the coming months ahead’. Martin Heath has decided it is time to step down as a director. ‘Martin was involved in BVCIC from the outset and has provided valuable input over the years. We would like to thank Martin for the support he has provided to Pembroke and the community’.

Published in July’s issue of Cuckfield Life Magazine.