Events and Special Displays
Cuckfield Museum continues its policy of having constantly changing displays with two new ones for the beginning of 2008.
"Bringing up Baby" is a theme close to the hearts of all parents and it is fascinating to see items and articles from the past.
The old fashioned scales used to weigh the baby and the bell which was rung at Cuckfield Hospital to call the doctor when he was needed for a difficult birth are two of the most interesting things in the display.
A string "Nursinette" was the precursor of all the complicated baby carriers of today – just fold it up and pop it in your pocket! A double ended bottle too – who can remember those?
This display also celebrates the life of Nurse Stoner, Cuckfield’s first district nurse, and her portrait has recently been cleaned and refurbished. It now hangs in pride of place above the fireplace in the museum and we are selling copies of her diary at the special price of £5 at the moment. This is a fascinating account of life in Cuckfield in the late 1800s.
Evelyn Stenning, a Cuckfield resident, has also lent much material from her days as a midwife at Cuckfield Hospital.
Safe in Cuckfield
The new displays in Cuckfield Museum at the moment describe the life and times of wartime evacuees. The Museum has recently published a collection of reminiscences of former evacuee children who were sent to the safety of the Sussex countryside from war-torn London. Entitled “Safe in Cuckfield” the booklet is available at the Museum, cost £5. The photographs give a vivid image of Cuckfield at that time.
The displays complement the new publication and also show what home life was during World War 2.
Programme of Events September to December 2008
Tuesday September 9th 2.30pm: "Memories of a Cuckfield Butcher"
Peter Humphrey is the speaker for this afternoon talk. He came to Cuckfield in 1966.
A member of a butchery and farming family he traded for 18 years at Seldons of Cuckfield and employed local people. He has many interesting tales to tell.
Admission £3, Members £2, including refreshments.
Tuesday October 7th 8.00pm: "The Secret Sussex Resistance"
Following the discovery of a wartime explosives training manual in Cuckfield Museum local military historian, Stewart Angell, talks about the Auxiliary Units, the secret patrols who formed
'The British Resistance'. Who were the men who belonged and what were they
prepared to do for this country if the Germans had invaded?
Admission £3, Members £2, including refreshments.
Friday November 21st 7.30pm for 8.00pm: "From Burgess Hill to Cuckfield"
Mark Dudeney, who is a well known local historian, is our guest speaker for this year’s "Champagne Lecture."
Incorporating a slide show of the interesting things that can be seen on the journey between the towns, with special mention of Ansty, he will highlight the points of interest and refer to the historical features along the way, with anecdotes about the people and places.
(Contact Robin Whyte 01444 457920 whyterr@btinternet.com to obtain tickets)
Admission £12, Members £7, Patrons Free. Drink and canapes included.
Monday December 15th 10.30am: "Members’ Christmas Coffee Morning" - The start of the Festive Season!
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