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Uckfield Arts Forum

Uckfield abounds in a large number of Art and Cultural interests, from visual arts, performing arts and music, through to festivals, carnivals, films and photography. The Arts Forum was formed to capture all these interests within the town and it’s outlying areas, in order that all of the enthusiasts could join together and share their experiences and successes. The Forum, under this ‘one body’ is also able to apply for grants from national funding sources.
For further information contact barryknights@btopenworld.com or Tel. 01825 760646.

Uckfield Bonfire and Carnival Society

Uckfield Carnival was originated 177 years ago and was organised by shopkeepers on a Wednesday afternoon, early closing day, latterly moving to the first Saturday every September. The Society spends most of the year fundraising and several months preparing and making 3,500 torches for the torch light procession, which is supported by other Bonfire and Carnival Societies of Sussex, bands, Majorettes, and decorated tableaux.

The Society’s motto is “We burn for charity” and each year the Society donates thousands of pounds to local charities and deserving causes.
The Uckfield Society for the parades wears medieval costumes. Everyone is welcome to join and attend the meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at Uckfield Civic Centre at 8.00pm.

For further information, contact The Secretary Tel. 01273 473662 E mail carolwattsarnold@aol.com

Uckfield Festival

The Uckfield Festival Association celebrates and promotes the skills and talents of Uckfield residents and fosters a sense of community spirit. The Festival takes place in July commencing with the ‘Big Day Out’, street entertainment, displays of dancing, music, the European Market, amazing High Street procession and a host of stalls with representatives from the Uckfield societies and businesses. The Festival Club provides a varied selection of entertainment during Festival Week to suit all moods and tastes - modern jazz, traditional jazz, country and western music and cabaret style songs from the shows, classical and pop music feature in the programme at different venues around the town. Art exhibitions, displays, photography, musical and theatrical youth productions are an important part of the week. In the past story telling and poetry have featured in some shape or form. For those interested in local and natural history, a number of fascinating and interesting town walks to whet the appetite and satisfy the curiosity are arranged. Whatever your interests or preferences, there is something for everyone. If not, then join the Festival Committee, they are always seeking pro-active support.Contact: Patricia Bentley 01825 762294. Patriciabentley@btinternet.com www.uckfieldfestival.com

Uckfield Film Society

Uckfield Film Society is non-profit making and is run for the benefit of the Members and the local cultural scene. A monthly programme of films are shown from September till June, as well as special events for members. Films chosen cover a wide range of both contemporary and classic movies. Guest speakers often introduce showings, and discussion and membership participation at each session is encouraged. Membership is thriving!

Further details can be obtained from the Box Office at the Picture House, Uckfield (01825) 764909 or www.picturehouseuckfield.com

Uckfield and District Lions Club

Uckfield and District Lions Club undertake many fund raising activities in the Uckfield area. Their motto is - ‘We serve’

They are committed to providing help and service to groups and individuals in the local community wherever possible. This is done through financial help and by purchasing services or goods as required. Uckfield and District Lions Club also run a community mini bus which is available to hire for local groups and organisations. They are always interested to hear of ways they can help in the local community and will consider all requests for help. For further information please contact- Secretary: Lion Lynne Ireland Telephone: 0845 833 984 Email lynne@uckfield-lions.org.uk
Community Mini Bus Information: Lion David Airey Telephone: 01825 763154
Email david@uckfield-lions.org.uk

Uckfield and District Preservation Society

The Society was formed in 1968, initially to protect and preserve Nutley Windmill - and to encourage interest in the local environment. In 1983 it took over and renovated Bridge Cottage, an important Wealden Medieval timber framed house, as a Heritage Centre on behalf of the Uckfield Town Council. Since that time the Society has continued to expand it’s activities and it has a good reputation as an important source of opinion and advice in the local history and environmental fields. Within the Society, there is a Local History Group who organise a series of winter talks and summer outings all with a local bias. The Nutley Mill Group focuses on maintaining the mill to a high level of working order and welcomes visits and assistance in running this unique heritage site. In addition they publish a newsletter three times a year, an annual research journal - ‘Hindsight’ - and produce information books and leaflets. Bridge Cottage is open most Saturdays throughout the year; plans have now been agreed with architects which will make the building more accessible for community use and provide storage space for archives.
The Society is a voluntary charity and depends on the support of its members. New members are always welcome. For further information, ring the Membership Secretary Tel: 01825 733711.

The Rotary Club of Uckfield

The Rotary Club of Uckfield, has over its 56 year history, supported many international projects and this year they are helping people in Africa and India to become self-sufficient and responding to disasters worldwide. The Club is particularly active locally helping, amongst others, schools, youth groups and senior citizens, initiating and supporting the ‘primary schools’ Kit Car Grand Prix, and has also provided the town with several environmental improvements such as Elizabeth Gardens. To mark the centenary of Rotary International the Club has given a town sign to Uckfield. As well as fund raising, the Club enjoys many social events, with the emphasis on friendship and fellowship. This year they have welcomed lady members. The Club meets every Monday (except Bank Holidays) at the Halland Forge Hotel at 7.30pm. Please contact Martin Wilson on 01825 763621 for more details.

Uckfield Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is a vibrant, active and lively group of local businesses with a current membership of around 170, meeting 6 times a year in January, March, May July, September and November at venues around the Uckfield area. The Chamber elects an Executive Committee of between 4 and 12 members who meet every month. Good networking opportunities. If you are interested in joining a significant body in the community please contact the Secretary at the address below:

Ian Blackaller - Secretary, Uckfield Chamber of Commerce, Cedar Lodge, 39 Church Road, Newick, East Sussex BN8 4JX Telephone: (01825) 722607 Email blackaller@iblackaller.freeserve.co.uk

Uckfield FM

Local Community Radio Station, Uckfield FM, broadcasts on a Restricted Service Licence each year, supporting the Uckfield Festival and events going on around the area. From the new studios at Bird-in-Eye Farm, the radio station is on air 24 hours a day with music spanning the last four decades, news, weather, travel updates, local and festival events plus on air interviews with representatives of groups within the town and surrounding villages. Advertising, sponsorship of programmes and the offer of prizes for on-air competitions are just three ways of promoting a business or company name.

Further information can be obtained by calling Uckfield FM on (01825) 890150 or visiting the website www.uckfieldfm.co.uk

Uckfield Regeneration Partnership

Uckfield Regeneration Partnership was set up to ensure that the Town’s Community as a whole is able to participate in the town’s well being and development.

The Partnership has a steering group of volunteer members from a wide range of interest groups within the town who freely contribute their time and labour to meet on a regular basis to discuss the many projects and concepts, which will ensure the continual enhancement and prosperity of our unique town.

Excellent support is also received from the local authorities, Members and Officers from Uckfield Town Council, East Sussex County Council, and Wealden District Council, who all contribute a great deal towards the success of the Regeneration Partnership.
Contact with the community is always welcome, and anyone with an interest in the town’s welfare, business or residential, are encouraged to get in touch with the Town Co-ordinator. barryknights@btopenworld.com or telephone 01825 760646.

Uckfield & District Twinning Association

The Association was formed in 1989, in order to foster friendship links with Quickborn in Germany and with other towns with which Uckfield may develop friendly contacts in future. A twinning charter, which is a written friendship agreement, was signed in Quickborn at a ceremony in 1989 attended by the Uckfield Scout and Guide Band and many individual visitors. A similar ceremony took place in Uckfield in 1990. Many visitors from Uckfield have been to Quickborn, and there have been numerous return visits from the Quickborners. Each year there is an International Youth Camp, to which Uckfield, Quickborn and other towns with which either town has friendship links or twinnings are invited and the teenagers who attend enjoy a wide range of cultural activities, sports and visits. The Association also has active links with Forges-les-Eaux, near Dieppe in France and there are annual visit to Forges, with a return visit to Uckfield, by rambling groups in both towns The Association has around 50 members, and runs an active programme of social and fund-raising events.

Annual membership costs only £5 and new members are always welcome. For further information contact the Membership Secretary Mrs Marie-Claude Frost: 01825 763292, or Chairman David Sudbery Tel: 01825 733318 or details are available in the Uckfield Public Library.