An update on the roof at Cuckfield's Holy Trinity Church

By Brian Cutler

The refurbishment of the external stonework of Holy Trinity Church in Cuckfield is being undertaken by DBR London under the direction of our inspecting Architect, Jonathan Cerowski. The extensive damage to the masonry is primarily the result of weathering, exacerbated by the use of hard cement pointing in the middle of the last century. The majority of the work has involved cleaning the stone, removing loose debris (defrassing, re pointing and repairing or replacing stone as necessary). Work is also underway to prepare new coping stones to replace the most severely damaged stones on the battlements at the top of the tower.

Work on the project started in mid July 2021 and is expected to last until the end of the year. Extensive scaffolding has been erected at both the east and west ends of the building to enable access. In some areas, the stone is not as damaged as had been feared while in others it is worse, and a more extensive repair will be necessary. Inevitably there have been some surprises. A rotting roof rafter hidden by facing stone at the east end and the building of a Victorian buttress to the tower built against a pattress plate that has now corroded and damaged the stone of the buttress.

1st Cuckfield Scouts centenary

The Scout group is incredibly excited to be celebrating its 100th birthday! Originally consisting of 18 Boy Scouts, the group was first registered by Scout Master Lawrence Wilfred Siggs in Haywards Heath on 30th September 1921. As one of the oldest groups in the country, 1st Cuckfield Scouts continues to go from strength to strength.

The current troop, led by volunteers from the local community, comprises of over 75 young people, within three sections - Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Today’s Scout leaders support the young people in their development and growth of character and with a sense of purpose, echoing the original aims and values of the Boy Scouts Association.

Young people learn how to be can-doers and give-it-agoers, having lots of fun playing games, working in a team and taking on new challenges, with friends and new acquaintances. To commemorate this significant milestone, the group put on a successful event at Haywards Heath Rugby Club on 1st October. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, their families, as well as wider community members - not forgetting Cuckfield’s very own mayor - came together for a fun-filled afternoon of food (very generously provided by Oxford Knight), drink, games and activities. Funds were raised, which will prove invaluable in securing the continued operation of the group.

Another, slightly less glamorous but no less important, community event took place in the early evening on 13th and 14th September. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts were all busy picking up litter around Cuckfield to help keep our community clean and tidy and to raise awareness about the environment we live in. Mind you, participants all had an added incentive on this occasion, as they were rewarded with fish and chips, which was generously subsidised by Cuckfish. Further information can be found on www.1stcuckfield.org.uk. Donations to ensure that the group continues to flourish are always welcome!

Ansty Open Day October 2021

There’s a big opening coming soon in Ansty and everyone is invited. After more than eighteen months of construction and three months of trial running, the new £1.25m Ansty Village Centre is staging an Open Day, with the aim of attracting as many visitors from across Mid Sussex as possible.

Already, the centre hosts a range of sporting and community activities but it has some determined ambitions to be a thriving hub for the village and a leading venue in the area. “We want everyone to drop in and see what we have to offer,” said Maureen Gibson, chair of the Ansty Village Hall Trust. “Over the last few months we have had a lot of bookings from Tai Chi to birthday parties, but we still have a lot more to offer.”

The centre exhibition will be open from midday until 4pm on Sunday 17th October, after a short stakeholder event, attended by Mid Sussex MP Mims Davies. “There will be a variety of stands in the village hall and sporting activities from women’s cricket to snooker,” said Jon Gilley, chair of the Ansty Village Centre Trust.