Mid Sussex Times April 12 1985

All fair at Cuckfield

The young and old of Cuckfield brave the wind and rain on bank holiday Monday to ensure that the annual walking races and Easter bonnet parade were a resounding success.

The event has been a traditional Cuckfield occasion for more than 50 years. The Mayor of the Independent state, Mrs Kate Fleming, helped judge the Easter Bonnets and presented the prizes for the walking races.

First prize for the bonnets went to 3-year-old James Lindley whose headgear was a feathered Easter egg. Tracy Smedley, 2, came second and six-year-old Sadie Rolling third.

The event was held on Cuckfield recreation ground, which was the starting and finishing point for the walking races. Judging of the bonnet took place during the races.

The 5 1/4 mile walk around Cuckfield was done in the fastest time of 44 minutes 52 seconds by Jim Swain, his ninth win in nine years.

He said afterwards: "I did not think that I would win it this year. I usually play a lot of sport, but since Christmas I have been rather inactive.”

The men's handicap trophy went to Brian Qualter, while Jenny Goben won the women's trophy.

Fiona Pelly had the fastest women's time, completing the course in 51 minutes 32 seconds.

Mrs Phil Bowring, who last week celebrated her 70th birthday, completed the walk in 60 minutes

For more on Cuckfield Walking Race history please visit Cuckfield Museum https://cuckfieldmuseum.org/