Common Interests June/July 2022

Common Interests Team

Jane Pedgrift – Editor in chief, Refreshments Co-ordinator

janepedgrift@gmail.com / Whatsapp only 07429 038870

Matt Shaw – Sports Editor, Local Reporter & Paparazzo

Jo Harrison – Art Director & Layout Wrangler

jo@jo-harrison.co.uk | @joelizaharrison

Rebecca Redfern – Advertising Manager, Music Correspondent

Michael Kenward OBE – Copy Boy

Welcome to Common Interests … we have a new team and a new look, and we’re launching with a special edition to celebrate the fantastic village events of last month’s Platinum Jubilee weekend.

We hope that you all had a chance to experience some of the events. If you didn’t, you will feel like you did after reading this!

The June bank holiday weekend was the first time the village has been able to come together properly since Covid restrictions were lifted. Its fair to say that we made the most of it!

It’s been a strange and sometimes difficult few years for most, but the pandemic made many of us realise how lucky we were to live in a true community that is mutually supportive. The events organised for, and by, the village to commemorate The Queen’s 70year reign were a great example of what a community can achieve collectively. We hope you agree how important it is that these efforts continue for many years to come.

In this issue, we delve into Staplefield’s Archives for some history on how the village has celebrated QEII in the past, as

well as looking back at the history of the village fete or May Fair, as it was first known. The story of The Staplefield Beacon, from origins to lighting party, is also featured, along with St Mark’s Jubilee, a recent cricket tour and other local info.

We thank the previous Common Interests team of Katherine Sowden and Michelle Drake, who kept it going digitally throughout the pandemic, and to Maggs Chamberlain, who filled in and kept us informed temporarily with her monthly email newsletter.

Common Interests is the magazine for Staplefield: we want it to represent the best of what the village has to offer, be it nature, history, events, businesses and, most importantly, the people … it’s about you. We need you to tell us, and everyone else, what’s happening! Find out in more detail how we would like you to contribute on page 11.

Finally, thanks to the local businesses, and others, who have supported us with their adverts. In turn, please support them. See page 11 for advertising details.

Jane Pedgrift, Common Interests Editor

There is a long tradition of lighting beacons to mark royal events such as weddings, coronations and jubilees, both in this country and across the commonwealth. For this year’s Platinum jubilee, lighting a chain of beacons was the first event to launch the four-day bank holiday celebrations in June. Beacons in 1897 celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, and in 1977, 2002 and 2012 for the milestone jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as her 90th birthday in 2016.

The Staplefield Beacon was the brainchild of Kaye Baker, who was inspired by seeing beacons while travelling for horse events around the country. These reminded her that there was a beacon for the golden jubilee on Whitemans Green, Cuckfield, which was a fun community event.

That was a temporary structure made from scaffolding poles. Kaye was determined that, with a collective effort, Staplefield could produce a lasting memento of the Platinum Jubilee using local resources and people. She brought together a team of enthusiastic villagers and engaged the services of Chloe and Sam, young blacksmiths based in Staplefield.

WHEN STAPLEFIELD SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE

By Jane Pedgrift

A chance meeting on a dog walk brought village resident Alistair Bowmar into the project. Alistair, a civil engineer by trade, generously donated both materials and his time, and acted as advisor/mentor to Chloe and Sam.

Kaye contacted Staplefield Association, through which she was able to apply for a grant from MSDC. They were awarded £1513 towards the fabrication, with villagers invited to donate to the beacon fund via the Association. As well as being fabricated in Staplefield, the beacon was mounted on a locally grown oak post that was sawn at Balcombe Sawmill.

All that remained was to organise an event for the ceremonial lighting, as part of a nationwide chain of approximately 1500 beacons. Villagers came together to organise food, drink and entertainment , on the evening of Thursday 2nd June …a memorable celebration and the first significant gathering of the village after Covid restrictions were lifted.

BEACON PARTY

By Matt Shaw

On June 2nd Staplefield’s Jubilee Beacon lit up the night sky as the village came together to start the celebrations for the long Jubilee weekend.

This unique event saw food, fine ale, Prosecco and great company shared by all. A local band, Euphoria, performed a rocking set on a stage decorated with hay bales, bunting and the royal colours of purple and gold.

Created by local blacksmiths (see page 8), the beacon, stacked with local firewood, became the centre piece of festivities. The lighting honours went to some of Staplefield’s most seasoned residents; Jessica Appleford, Peter Charlton, Brenda Rowe, Margaret Waghorn and David & Elizabeth Hooper, who, between them, have lived here for over 500 years!

The beacon remains in situ for the time being before moving to a more permanent. prominent location in the village.

A massive thanks to Kaye Baker and all the organisers and volunteers for putting together a truly memorable event that saw young and old party together on a glorious summer’s evening.

THE MAKING OF THE STAPLEFIELD BEACON

By Jane Pedgrift

The beacon project, from start to finish, was a “true Team Staplefield effort”, according to Kaye Baker, who conceived the idea. The blacksmiths who worked on it, Chloe Farrage and Sam Sheppard, have had their workshop at Home Farm, Staplefield for the last 18 months and were excited to be approached by Kaye to be involved, as, since they relocated to Staplefield everyone they’ve met has been so friendly and welcoming, they were eager to ‘give something back’ to the village.

Chloe and Sam trained at Plumpton College on their 3 year blacksmithing course, and have been operating their workshop part-time, as they have both currently have full-time careers. It is, however, their dream to give up their careers and earn a living full time from blacksmithing if their business takes off in the future. Previously, most of their projects had been small scale domestic work, so the fabrication of the beacon was a welcome challenge, and the first structural public

piece they have tackled. They were helped enormously by the input of Alistair Bowmar, who has years of experience in engineering, and was happy to share his knowledge and expertise, as well as donating materials and tools necessary to do the job. He freely gave his time to work alongside Chloe and Sam, and they “can’t thank him enough” for the mentoring and support he gave them.

CLASSIFIEDS

Norma Leppard

Therapeutic Reflexology For All

Facial | Foot | Maternal

Indian Head Massage | Essential Oils

Neals Yard Consultant

Call: 07971494959 / 01444 400150

Email:norma reflexologytherapy@gmail com

Dillions Vineyard is a small, family-run vineyard run by David and Lisa Trott at the top of Tanyard Lane in Staplefield.

We sell award-winning Bacchus and Rosé wines with plans to produce a red wine and a sparkling wine in the future. More information can be found on our website at www.dillionsvineyard.co.uk or follow us on Instagram at #dillions_vineyard.

Join our members club Dillions Uncorked for regular newsletters, invites to exclusive events and offers.

Please note visits by appointment only.

Why not do your bit for both charity and the environment by choosing to go reusable?

• 2 x rainblow plate, bowl, cup & cutlery sets for hire

• Serving dishes • Bunting

• Grimms celebration ring

midsussexpartykits@gmail.com

Mid Sussex Party Kits

Advertise in

RATES

• Classifieds - £5 pcm or £50 p.a.

• 1/4 page - £20 pcm or £200 p.a.

• 1/2 page £30 pcm or £300 p.a.

Why not take this opportunity to advertise to our wonderful community in this much-loved village paper, delivered to over 200 households and distributed in our two great pubs, school & churches.

• Full page £50 pcm or £500 p.a.

• Advertorials for full page subscribers - £100

• Flyer inserts £100 per issue

For more information, please contact Becs Redfern via Whatsapp: 07792976409 or email: commoninterestsadvertising@gmail.com

DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER EDITION AUGUST 18th

Contribute to

LOOKING FOR PIECES ON:

Favourite walks

Nature photography

Upcoming events/ past event reports

We’re looking for local contributors!

Would you like to add to this great publication by writing a piece or sharing something creative you’ve done or that interests you?

Get in touch by email: commoninterestsadvertising

@gmail.com

DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER

EDITION AUGUST 18th

Food and drink

Villager Profiles

Health and well-being

Style/fashion

Cycling

Real Ale reviews

Environmental issues

Arts and Crafts

Travel

Science & Technology

Music, Entertainment & the Arts

PLATINUM JUBILEE FETE AND CAR SHOW

by Rebecca Redfern

After a tremendous evening the night before at the Jubilee Beacon Lighting, Staplefield awoke to a glorious day full of promise (and a few raindrops) ahead. With great excitement, those who weren’t involved in the set up trundled on down to the common at midday to see what the day would bring. There were a variety of transportation methods used –from good old feet to small tractors with trailers brimming with children! My children thought this was pretty incredible, and on the spot asked why we didn’t have one…

Upon reaching the Common, a great sight was to behold, rides galore, children dancing around the Maypole, and the incredible car show to the right. After being fleeced for the rides, we ventured further up the field to look around at the stalls, and to sample the food on offer. I can attest to the Pulled Pork being absolutely delicious! We were spoiled for choice with drinks too – for those who like a drink you could have a pint of Harvey’s or some fragrant wine from our very own Dillions Vineyard. Over in the Pavilion you could also purchase a cup of tea and a piece of cake – what better way to sit and listen to the band on a sunny afternoon?

The car show was once again a highlight – such a wonderful range of vehicles on display, and nostalgic in many cases! The raffle was also a huge hit – Jessica Appleford said that she sold out of raffle tickets in record time this year. I personally couldn’t believe it when my husband’s name was called out for winning the most incredible bunch of Sidnye Flowers! The colours matched the spectacular butterfly that the face painting team did for my daughter.

The dog show was well attended, and the dogs were all superbly behaved - well done to everyone taking part!

A huge thank you to everyone who made the fete happen – from the organisers, those who set up and took it down (in the rain), to those helping on stalls & those who donated raffle prizes as well. It was absolutely wonderful to have this village event back on after the last couple of years.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THE FETE HAPPEN

A FAIR TO REMEMBER

By Jane Pedgrift

The origins of Staplefield Fete (variously known as Funday, May Fair, May Pageant) are tied in with the history of Nymans and its former owners, Leonard and Maud Messel. As well as transforming the house and gardens in Handcross, the couple were also leading lights in the local community.

Leonard spent many years on the Staplefield Parochial Church Council, and in 1936 became High Sheriff of Sussex, as it was then. Maud was a force in the local British Legion, Mother’s Union and Women’s Institute.

Maud was a member of the entertainment committee of the Handcross Women’s Institute, which came up with the plan to

“revive May Day in all its old joy”, according to Maud Messel’s longtime assistant Daphne Dengate, who wrote an account of the early days of the fete.

The Messels regularly held fancy dress balls at Nymans. Maud was fascinated with Shakespearean

Original fete poster designed by Eric Gill of Ditchling. This version, which is one of many, is on display in the village hall.

characters and mediaeval history. This evidently influenced the first ‘

May Pageant’ in Staplefield on May 22, 1919. The procession featured locals dressed as characters such as Puck, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, The Fairie Queen and St George and the Dragon.

Daphne Dengate’s account says that the early May Pageants or May Day Fairs also featured maypole dancing, the crowning of a May Queen and ‘dancing and feasting at Nymans’ and in 1921 there was the addition of Old Country Games “played and sung by the tiny children”.

STAPLEFIELD CELEBRATING THE QUEEN

By Jane Pedgrift

Right royal knees ups in Staplefield Staplefield marked the coronation of The Queen in 1953 in a similar way to this year’s celebrations, combining festivities with the village fete on the common. There was maypole dancing by the children of St Marks school, as well as a tug-ofwar contest and a children’s decorated bicycle competition.

of Staplefield. Mrs Dengate stepped in to deputise for Maud Messel of Nyman’s and planted a silver maple tree on the south side of the common, between The Victory Inn and Green Lane (see pic). We aren’t sure if the tree is still there, as there are several silver maples in

Local children and pupils at St Mark’s received souvenir mugs from Cuckfield Rural Parish Council along with a copy of Richard Dimbleby’s book, “Elizabeth Our Queen”, generously donated by Mr A.B. Horne of Ditton Place and presented by the village’s oldest resident, Mrs Packham.

There was also a tree-planting ceremony, performed by Mrs W A Dengate, widow of a former vicar

the vicinity. This was intended to be the first of many commemorative trees, with plans to plant more when The Queen celebrated her future milestone jubilees.

Thanks to fundraising events and months of work by the Silver Jubilee Committee (Chair, John Drake), the silver jubilee in 1977 also involved ceremonial tree-planting, with “an avenue of flowering almond and cherry trees between Staplefield crossroads and St Mark’s church.” They also planted three ornamental trees on Upper Common”. (Staplefield Silver Jubilee Programme) Anyone who walks up this part of Brantridge Lane will see

that these flowering trees are still going strong and are particularly glorious at this time of year!

association happened to be our very own Vic Newnham, landlord of The Victory Inn!

The Golden Jubilee in 2002 saw Staplefield carry on partying, with three consecutive days of events, starting with a village party ”featuring music, dancing and magic”. This was followed by an ecumenical Songs of Praise on the common, featuring bell ringers and the Salvation Army. The fete was held the next day and alongside all the usual attractions, there was an exhibition of the village archive in the village hall.

The 1977 fete went ahead as usual on bank holiday Monday, followed on Tuesday 7 June by a programme of special events on the common. This time there was a fancy dress competition, Morris dancing from the Broadwood Men of Horsham, and, of course, maypole dancing and Tug-of-war! The children received commemorative mugs, tea was served in the marquee, and evening festivities commenced with a barbecue and barn dance. Mid Sussex’s publicans, also keen to help people to celebrate, were the first of many across the country to request extended opening hours through licensed victuallers associations. The chair and spokesman for the Mid Sussex

Fundraising efforts for these festivities were helped along by the production and sales of a Staplefield Golden Jubilee Toothpaste, organised by Gordon Diaz of Grange Stud in Tanyard Lane ..…. please let us know if you still have a tube in the back of a cupboard!

STAPLEFIELD TAKES ON A NATION

This June The Staplefield Village Idiots Cricket Club (SVICC) made their delayed return to international competition. With New Zealand tied up against second-tier opponents the SVICC First XI made an arduous trip to the Mediterranean to once again play the Balearic champions – Ibiza.

The first test in 2019 saw a stunning victory with the cream of Staplefield’s young men battering their opposition. This year the assembled team of

gardeners, vets, traders, retired food outlet directors and even a Queen’s Council member proudly strode out onto the fast, dry pitch to retain the trophy.

A great opening batting partnership between Wiseman and Fyfe jnr was followed by good knocks from Dobbs, Fyfe snr and Deighton, assisted by a handy, if not a little unorthodox, stint from Bentley. At 137 runs from 20 overs, the Idiots knew the score was tight. But after tea beer headed out to

Steve English, Chief International Sports Correspondent & Matt Shaw

field, carrying the hopes of Staplefield on their broad, manly shoulders.

Three wickets were taken; English and the Fyfe brothers doing the honours. With some good work from Carlisle, Sowden, Drake and Shaw weighing in with economical figures also. But alas, they were caught and less than an hour later it was confirmed - there would be

no open top Land Rover parade around The Village Green.

After much soul-searching at Pikes Nightclub and an extended Paella lunch the next day, it was a sombre trip home with only Gatwick Cars as the welcome party at LGW. With the series now tied at 1-1, next time it’s the big one – winner takes all.

CRICKET FIXTURES

JT is the Jolly Tanners cricket Team / SCC is Staplefield Cricket Club

TSSCC is The Sunday Seconds Cricket Club / Fixtures that show “res” is a reserve match in case bad weather forces a change of plan.

ST. MARK’S PRIMARY SCHOOL PLATINUM JUBILEE PARTY

Dan Holmes, Assistant Headteacher

On Friday, 27th May, the community of St. Mark’s Primary School celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

It was a glorious sunny day and it was wonderful to have so many members of the local community in attendance. It was a time both of reflection, and of looking forward, as the children shared their thoughts, dreams and hopes for what the next seventy years would hold for their lifetimes.

The playground was decorated with bunting that shared the children’s ideas and imagination and work was on display and celebrated. Each of our four classes performed

a dance to a popular music classic from one of the decades of Her Majesty’s reign. Those in attendance were treated to: Rock Around the Clock, Walking on Sunshine, Cotton Eye Joe and Boogie Wonderland.

The Revd. Carl Smith led a time of reflection on the Queen’s reign and the Friends of St. Mark’s kindly served tea and refreshments many of which were home-made by our splendid parents and carers.

It was a wonderful afternoon and we look forward to hosting many more community events.

www.st-marks.w-sussex.sch.uk

COMMUNITY MATTERS

It has been a real joy to witness and be a part of the Jubilee celebrations, seeing communities come together to mark the 70-year reign of Her Majesty the Queen. In the events I attended I heard one theme time and time again: “It’s so good to see everyone together”.

This has been hard to do over the past two years but, if we are honest with ourselves, we may not have made the effort to do it as often as we would like to. During the pandemic, especially during lockdowns, we learnt more about what is important, about the people that matter most to us, and how time with them is precious. I wonder if we need to hold on a little tighter to some lessons from those times.

As a Christian, I believe that we were made to be in community because we are made in the image of a God who is perfect community: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The weekend after the Jubilee, we celebrated Trinity Sunday. The three aspects of the Trinity have individual roles within the life and worship of God’s people, yet are inextricably linked together. All genuine communities are a reflection of the kind of community that God is in His very nature.

May we know that we were made to be in community because we are made in the image of a God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. May we extend the gift of community to those around us and in doing so discover more of the life that can be found in being together –after all, it will always be “good to see everyone together”.

Grace and peace

Rev’d Carl Smith Rector of St Mary’s & St Mark’s

ST

MARK’S CHURCH JUBILEE FLOWER DISPLAY

CHURCH TIME TABLE

3rd July | 9am

St Mark’s | BCP Communion

10.45am

St Mary’s | All Age

5th July | 7.45pm

St Mark’s | Prayer gathering

10th July | 9am

St Mark’s | Morning Prayer

10.45am

St Mary’s | Communion

17th July | 9am

St Mark’s Common Worship Communion

10.45am

St Mary’s | Informal Praise

24th July | 9am

St Mark’s Common Worship Communion

10.45am

St Mary’s | Morning Worship

31st July | 9am

St Mark’s | Morning Prayer

10.45am

St Mary’s | Informal Praise

MONEY RAISED BY THE STAPLEFIELD PLATINUM JUBILEE FETE 2022

We are pleased to report that the village fete made a net profit in the region of £7,000. An excellent result. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it a success.

The profits were down on 2019, but this was understandable. The knock-on effect from Covid and competition from other Jubilee events in the area possibly resulted in the reduced number of paid-for pitches. Expenditure was up, especially on bins, porta-loos, PA system and catering.

The profits will be divided equally between St Mark’s School, the Village Hall and St Mark’s Church.

In preparation for the Fete Committee’s next meeting and AGM in the Autumn, we would like feedback on what went well on the day and what didn’t. We welcome suggestions for improvements plus fresh ideas for the future.

Please email Maggs Chamberlain on maggs49@btinternet.com.

SUBS/STAPLEFIELD ASSOCIATION

We won’t be asking for subscriptions to Common Interests until December, as many of you paid your annual subscription in December 2021, but if you’d like to donate to Staplefield Association, which funds and benefits from the proceeds from Common Interests, please do through our Paypal account (commoninterestsadvertis ing@gmail.com).

Staplefield Association has a history of funding projects and events, such as the Staplefield Beacon, with the aim of maintaining and enhancing village life for its residents, and can continue to do so through your donations. They will also welcome suggestions for future projects and events .

Maggs Chamberlain on behalf of the Fete Committee

THE VICTORY INN STAPLEFIELD

FIND US

Warninglid Road, Staplefield West Sussex, RH17 6EU

CONTACT US

info@thevictoryinnstaplefield.co.uk thevictoryinnstaplefield.co.uk

01444 400463

thevictoryinnstaplefield

OPENING HOURS

Closed Monday (except Bank Holidays), Tuesday and Wednesday

Food Served:

– Thursday, Friday & Saturday 12-3pm | 6-8.30pm

– Sunday 12-5pm

Takeaways available during food service hours. Pre-order recommended. Available for functions/private hire.

Useful Numbers Useful Numbers

Princess Royal Hospital - Haywards Heath 441881

Doctor’s Surgery - Handcross 405750

Doctor’s Surgery - Cuckfield 458738

St. Mark’s School - Staplefield 400398

Warden Park School - Comprehensive 457881

Sussex Police 0845 6070999

St. Marks Church (Carl Smith) 400221

Our Lady of Fatima Church (RC) 401818

Community Bus – Christina Hampstead 400212

Staplefield Village Hall - Pat Brixey 400617

Refuge 0808 2000 247

The Samaritans 116 123

Scan the QR code to join the Staplefield Village Facebook Group, or search for ‘Staplefield Village Group’ on Facebook