Ukrainian students are welcomed at Warden Park Secondary Academy

By Jennifer Osborn

Привiт. WPSA staff and students were delighted to be able to welcome three Ukrainian refugees. Our new arrivals have thrown themselves into Academy life and have joined a diverse community at WPSA. Staff and students have learnt some Ukrainian phrases to be able to make our guests feel more at home. One of the students, who has joined us, was not a fan of school in Ukraine, but he is actually really enjoying Warden Park. His host mother said: “We can’t thank you enough for being so accommodating and supportive as a school. It means a lot to his mother. “One of our teachers mentioned that another new starter is doing extremely well in lessons and that the WP students are being so welcoming and helpful.” WP students themselves said: “We make sure that our new students know what we are doing in lessons. “I am really proud that our school, Warden Park, has become a school for these refugees.” It has been daunting for our three guests but they are extremely courageous young people who are receiving, as well as a full curriculum, professional pastoral care from a very supportive staff body, a very warm welcome from fellow students and bespoke EAL (English as an Additional Language) lessons. It’s been a real privilege and joy to have all three Ukrainian students join Warden Park Secondary Academy.

Open air theatre returns to Cuckfield

Professional Theatre Company Rain or Shine is set to delight family audiences once again this summer when they return to Cuckfield. This year the theatre company are performing ‘The Recruiting Officer’, a rakish Restoration comedy by Irish playwright George Farquhar. One of the most popular plays of its time, this is a delightful romp through 18th Century Shrewsbury. The story follows the mischief of crooked army recruiting officers, Captain Plume and Sergeant Kite, as they head to the county town of Shrewsbury to persuade men to take the Queen’s Shilling by any means, legal or otherwise! Plume has set his cap at the vivacious Sylvia, and their bumpy path to true love is mirrored by their closest friends, nervy, melancholy Worthy, and haughty, comically self-important, heiress, Melinda. Help and hindrance come in equal measure from Captain Brazen, the foppiest of fops. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the performance will take place at Cuckfield Recreation Ground on Friday 5th August at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door or in advance online via rainorshine.co.uk or by ringing Rainorshine’s hotline 0330 660 0541. Audiences are requested to bring along lowbacked seating or rugs, and a picnic to maximise their enjoyment of the al fresco performances.

HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee in Cuckfield - 3rd June 2022

Platinum Jubilee Street Party in Cuckfield, West Sussex. Image: Kirsty Warren, Ⓒ Cuckfield Life

Over 1,200 people sat down and enjoyed the special Friday Bank Holiday for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The High Street had been closed from first thing in the morning, and an army of volunteers set up with chairs, trestle tables and decorated them with red, white and blue tablecloths and ribbons on lampposts.

The event went off without a hitch and was a huge success. Many helpers were involved but the main organisation and planning was done by a team of eight – Den Jordan, Dean Harding, Mike Schlup, Belinda Campopiano, Andrew Leask, Steve Wilcock, Sam Heynes (Parish Clerk) and Lindy Elphick – who all organised this incredible day, which truly brought together all ages and stages to eat, drink, sing and dance on the special occasion.

Partying on the streets in Cuckfield. Images Ⓒ Cuckfield Life magazine 2022


 

We are excited to report that Cuckfield will be having a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The date is Friday 3rd June and the plan is to close Cuckfield High Street for the afternoon and host a street party for 1000 guests, including entertainment for young and old.

People can bring their own food and drink although there will be options to purchase drinks and food at the event. More information on ticket prices and event details will follow in due course. The event is being organised by a wide range of Cuckfield locals including Cuckfield Parish Council and the Independent State of Cuckfield.

For all the latest event news keep reading Cuckfield Life or check the ISOC Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/independentstateofcuckfield

If you would like to get involved please email info@ cuckfieldstate.org


UPDATE: Tickets will cost £10 for adults and £5 for children (under 16). These will go on sale on 9th April 2022 from 9.30am to 11.30am at both the Cuckfield Local Market (Rose and Crown car park) and from the The Talbot courtyard. Tickets are on a first come first served basis and payment by cash would be preferred.

Demand for the last street party was huge so we recommend you buy your tickets as soon as they go on sale to avoid disappointment.