Mid Sussex Times- Tuesday 20 May 1913

A POLICE CONSTABLE’S 'LAST BEAT'

A familiar figure of authority on the streets of Cuckfield has been celebrated for his sterling service to the town and elsewhere in Sussex. PC Day on Thursday last completed 25 years with the police force, and thus earns a well deserved pension.

Although PC Day has spent nearly half his length of service at Cuckfield, he has acted as a guardian of the peace in seven other districts, including several mid Sussex towns and villages, and local residents will remember him as having done his duty in a courteous manner, without loss of prestige to his position.

Entering the force in 1888, PC Day was stationed at Lewes until the autumn, and while at the County Town he struck up a strong friendship with another constable who completes his term of service today, Tuesday, PC Cheall, of Ardingly. Mr. Day was then transferred to Newhaven, where he spent three years, and next had a short period of four months at Moulscombe. He had only been at the latter place a month when he effected the capture of a notorious foul stealer, who had been playing havoc in chicken runs in the district for some time, but whose career was cut short when PC Day caught him red handed and the thief was sent for a lengthy term of imprisonment.

On getting married Mr Day was drafted into Mid Sussex, and spent four and a half years at Balcombe, and from there he went to Hassocks, but after three months he was again removed, this time to Bolney, where he resided three and a half years.

Eighteen months spent at Hurstpierpoint preceded his removal to Cuckfield in 1901, which has turned out to be his last 'beat', and good wishes of all who know him will go out to him in his retirement.

It is also interesting to note that during his stay in Cuckfield, PC Day has not only mastered the art of swimming himself, but has also lent a helping hand to many boys who frequent the local swimming bath.

For more on PC Day's career at Cuckfield see forthcoming Cuckfield Connections articles and visit Cuckfield Museum where his family have kindly donated iconic artefacts.

Visit Cuckfield Museum for ‘Horsepower – Before machines altered the pace of life forever’ display and much, much more. Follow the link for details https://cuckfieldmuseum.org/