Sussex Express July 17th 1891

A right hearty “welcome home” greeted Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Charles Warden Sergison at Cuckfield, on Tuesday, on returning from their wedding trip in Switzerland, to take up residence at Cuckfield Park, the ancestral home of the Sergison family. The inhabitants of the pretty old-world Sussex town were en fête, and all classes united in doing honour to the happy occasion.

The whole of the arrangements were admirably carried out by a Reception Committee, composed of the following well-known residents:—The Rev. Canon Cooper, Major Maberly (honorary secretary and treasurer), Mr. T. W. Best, Mr. Wm. Payne, Mr. Geo. Knott, Mr. T. Bannister, Mr. T. I. Symons, Mr. W. Webber, Mr. W. Butler, Mr. S. Knight, Mr. J. Gander, Mr. J. Langton, Mr. J. Howe, Mr. S. Caffyn, Mr. R. Caffyn, Mr. T. Bunting, and Mr. E. Dumsday. The cordial way in which the inhabitants co-operated with the committee in doing honour to the event of the day, bore full testimony to the high esteem and respect in which the Sergisons have been held for many generations in this district.

The decorations en route from Hayward’s Heath to Cuckfield, and in the principal streets of the latter town, were very tasteful, and at places even profuse. The festal adornings commenced at Butler’s Green, more than a mile from Cuckfield. Bunting and designs in evergreens and flowers, with Venetian masts, and festoons stretching across the road, made a most pleasing and effective display. All the lamp columns, too, bore flags and festoons. At Ivy Bank and Stonecroft were trophies of flags over the road, and opposite the Wheatsheaf Inn appeared flags and other decorations.

Over the entrance to Warden Court were streamers, and stretching from there, across Broad-street, was a line of flags and evergreens. From the house of Mr. E. Norris to the telegraph post opposite another festoon of flags and evergreens was suspended. At the entrances to Hatchlands the lamp posts were prettily entwined with evergreens, and above the lodge-house at Mytten, the residence of Mrs. Maberly, a large flag was suspended, supported with designs of evergreens and flowers.

A number of streamers were hanging over the street from Mr. Harris’ shop, and another line from Mr. W. E. White’s to the Clock House. At the Talbot Hotel there was a good display of bunting, and from there to Mr. E. Anscombe’s, at the post-office, flags were flying. Mr. Anscombe also had a design above his shop, with the monogram, in gilt letters, “C. F. S.,” and, beneath, the wish “May every blessing attend you.”

The establishments of Mrs. Wilson and Mr. A. W. Knight, across the road between Mr. Rich’s and Mrs. Anscombe’s, was a fine banner with the inscription, “May every blessing attend them,” and from the upper part of the houses of Mr. J. Duke and Mr. S. Pierce streamers were also flying across the street, the adjoining establishments showing bunting and evergreens. Mrs. Brigden, in addition to flags, displayed a number of bright-coloured Chinese lanterns.

As usual, upon such occasions, the well-known King’s Head Hotel was elaborately adorned. Over the principal entrance was a star surmounted with flags, and bearing the words “God bless them both.” On either side were suitably designed shields, one bearing the expressed wish “With every blessing,” and the other the word “Welcome.” On the Church-street side of the same hostelry was another shield bearing the monogram “C. and F. S.” The pillars to the entrance gates were also festooned with evergreens.

The railings opposite Mrs. Knowles’ house had a pretty dressing of foxgloves and evergreens. The Drill Hall made a display of flags, and Mr. A. J. Goodwin also decorated his establishment with flags and evergreens, a string of flags being drawn across Mr. Goodwin’s to Mr. Knight’s workshop entrance. Mr. Sayers had a motto across the street—“May God be your guide.” At Mr. P. Gard’s house—“Ye White Harte Inne,” another design was stretched across the street, wishing the happy couple “Health and happiness.”

In the upper part of the town strings of flags were stretched across the street from Messrs. Hobbs and Avery’s to Mr. S. Caffyn’s; from Mr. S. Willett’s to Mr. Grant’s; from Mr. T. Lewin’s to Mr. B. Bates’; from Mr. J. Wood’s to Mrs. H. Mitchell’s; and across from Dr. Byass’. The road from the town to the park gates was bordered with masts in red, white and blue alternately, and surmounted by large flags, and at the entrance gate to the park was a triumphal arch bearing the words, in white letters on a scarlet ground, “Health and happiness to bride and bridegroom,” and on the clock tower at the end of the noble avenue and near the house, flags were also hoisted.

It was amidst these bright and cheerful surroundings that the townspeople, and indeed the whole country side apparently, assembled in goodly numbers on Tuesday afternoon to welcome home the young squire and his bride. Mr. and Mrs. Sergison arrived at Hayward’s Heath by train about half-past four, and entering their carriage were soon on the way to the scene of festivities. As they approached the town, the bells in the tower of the old parish church rang joyous peals.

The chief place of assembly was at the Clock House near the Talbot Hotel, where the two Cuckfield companies of the 2nd Sussex Rifle Volunteers formed a guard of honour and lined the road. The officers present were Major Maberly, commanding, Captain J. J. Lister, and Lieutenant Bevan. The Cuckfield Town Band (under Bandmaster Butler) played selections of music while waiting the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Sergison.

The Reception Committee, headed by Mr. T. W. Best, chairman of the Cuckfield Local Board, the tenants of the Cuckfield Park Estate, the workmen of the estate, &c., also gathered at this point. Shortly before five o’clock the carriage was seen approaching, and in a few moments, as Mr. and Mrs. Sergison drove up, they were received with bursts of hearty cheering and waving of hats and handkerchiefs. A scene so animated or a crowd so enthusiastic is rarely witnessed.

The young and happy pair were evidently in the best of health and spirits, and submitted with good grace to the showers of rice and flowers which fell around them. As soon as the cheering would permit, the following address of welcome was read by the Chairman of the Local Board (Mr. T. W. Best).

“To Charles Warden Sergison, Esq., J.P.

“Dear Sir,—We, the inhabitants of Cuckfield, desire to express our heartfelt pleasure at welcoming you and your bride to the home in which your ancestors have dwelt for so many generations.

“We feel assured that the traditions of devotion to the interests of your neighbours which you inherit from your father, and the example of kindness of heart, especially towards the poor, set by your mother, will be faithfully followed by yourself and Mrs. Sergison.

“And so we bid you both God-speed in the long life of happiness and usefulness which we trust is before you.

“Signed on behalf of the inhabitants,

“T. W. BEST,

“Chairman of the Cuckfield Local Board.”

Mr. Best, continuing, said he had great pleasure in handing to Mr. Sergison an illuminated copy of the address.

Mr. Sergison briefly, but in very cordial terms, returned thanks, and three cheers were heartily given, led by Mr. Howe.

Mr. Sergison, when the cheering had subsided, said he must again thank Mr. Best for the beautiful address so kindly presented to him. At that moment he could hardly find words to fully express his thanks for the hearty and cordial reception given to him and Mrs. Sergison by the people of Cuckfield. He then alluded to the approaching departure of his mother (Mrs. Warden Sergison) from Cuckfield, and said he hoped she would still be able to come among them from time to time. He thanked them most heartily for the hearty reception they had given him and Mrs. Sergison.

Mr. Best having assured Mr. and Mrs. Sergison that both the address and the reception had been the outcome of hearty good feeling on the part of the people of Cuckfield, a procession through the town was formed.

The horses being taken from the carriage, ropes were quickly attached, and the route was taken for the park, the carriage being drawn by workmen on the estate. It was quite a triumphant progress. The town band led the way discoursing a spirited march. Then came the tenantry, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Sergison in their carriage. The volunteers presented arms as the newly-wedded pair passed them, and the people crowding round the carriage showered flowers into it. The cheering was renewed again and again as the procession wended its way through the town.

At the park gates the Hon. Mrs. Sergison was presented with bouquets by Miss Kate and Miss Minnie Bleach. Along the well-kept avenue leading to the mansion the children of the Cuckfield National Schools, under the care of Mr. and Mrs. Morfee and the teachers, and the children of the Cuckfield British School, under the care of Miss Payne and the teachers, were arranged in line. The youngsters were well laden with flowers, which were thrown into the carriage till the bride and bridegroom were verily embedded in summer blossoms.

Mrs. Sergison received her welcome and his bride at Cuckfield Park. Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Sergison afterwards came back to the Clock House gates, and acknowledged the hearty manifestations of the great crowd which filled the avenue. The band marched back to the town with the huntsmen and the school children. The bells rang out merry peals during the evening, and the band also played selections in the High-street.

There were several festive gatherings in the town in honour of the occasion. The volunteers were entertained to dinner at the Talbot Hotel, Major Maberly presided, and honour having been done to the loyal and patriotic toasts, submitted “Health and Happiness to the Bride and Bridegroom,” which was drunk with enthusiasm.

The school children, to the number of about 400, were entertained at tea at the Drill Hall, each child being also presented with a mug commemorative of the auspicious event.

The principal gathering took place at the King’s Head Hotel, where the Cuckfield ringers, the Cuckfield town band, and others were entertained. Several members of the committee were present. Mr. J. Howe presided, supported by Mr. S. Knight, Mr. Jesse Gander, Mr. Bleach, Mr. F. Butler, &c., those present numbering about 40. The repast was admirably served, and reflected much credit upon the proprietor of the hotel. After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts,

The Chairman submitted the toast of the evening. They were met that evening, he said, to finish up the day of welcoming home their young Squire and his beloved bride (loud applause). He had only to mention the name of Sergison to commend the toast to all who live in Cuckfield (hear, hear). The Sergisons had been connected with Cuckfield for about three centuries, and he only hoped the name would be known for three times three centuries longer (loud applause).

Mr. Sergison had endeared himself to all at Cuckfield, and no one in the neighbourhood could say a bad word of him. He was ever ready the sentiments of all present in saying he sincerely hoped Mr. Sergison had married a loving wife, who would, in the time to come, endear herself to the people of Cuckfield (loud and continued applause). He hoped Mr. and Mrs. Sergison might have every happiness, and all the health that God could give them, and have wealth and riches in order that they might bestow upon their poorer brethren that which the poorer brethren sometimes required (applause).

They had seen Mr. Sergison in all aspects and in all atmospheres. He was willing at all times to do what he could to benefit anyone in the neighbourhood (applause). To use the words of the song just sung, he was “a soldier and a man” (applause). Mr. Sergison could not but have been gratified with the reception he had received that day. It showed the respect and esteem they had for their Squire, and no doubt his wife shared those feelings (applause). Long might they live, and happy might they be, and long might they remain at Cuckfield to do good in that neighbourhood, and to be known as they were known then, as friends and neighbours.

He proposed “Health, long life, and happiness to Mr. Sergison and the Hon. Mrs. Sergison” (loud cheers and musical honours).

Mr. F. Butler (in the absence of his father, who is bailiff to the Cuckfield Estate), in a few words, acknowledged the toast.

The remaining toasts were “The Ringers,” “The Band,” and “The Chairman.”

Some excellent harmony was contributed by Messrs. Bunting, Gibb, Weller, Hems, Pierce, Bristow, &c., a most convivial evening being spent.