The Mid Sussex Times April 24 1981

Cuckfield’s Easter walk was won, rather appropriately this year, by Pastor Errol Hulse, of Cuckfield Baptist Church.

The race, an annual tradition held to raise funds for Independent state of Cuckfield charities, took place amidst sunshine and showers. But for Pastor Hulse there was nothing lukewarm about his first walking race, which started with a last-minute decision to enter.

Leading by a respectable distance towards the end of the race, he cut a very determined figure. His only concession to the fact that it was a race was a red sweatband. For the rest of the race he was in weekend casuals, slacks and a pullover.

Although it was a handicap event, grey hair got a head start, the winners time was only three minutes slower than the fastest time for the testing 5 miles, done by Mr J. Swain.

The route took walkers, who had the energy to enter after three days of Easter celebrations, from Cuckfield to Ansty and back to Cuckfield via the muscle mutilating hills of Deaks Lane.

Returning walkers were cheered in by the crowd, coated and scarfed against the chilly wind. Amongst them was Bridget Baird Murray. Cuckfield Mayor in her mayoral gown.

The puffed winner admitted, tongue in cheek, to being in his late 40s. A keen runner and squash player, he has never taken part in a walking race before but with the boost his win gave him he said "I'll be back next year.”

Breaking with tradition, the media reporter this year rather unsportingly followed the race by car instead of on foot, his argument being that a car gave more mobility and a better insight into how the race was developing. 

Plus the fact that he had to save himself for covering the jumping at Hickstead in the afternoon.