It is with much regret that we announce the death of Phyl Bowring.

Phyl died peacefully at her home in Cuckfield surrounded by her family on 30th December 2007, she was a remarkable 92 years of age.

Phyl with her husband Peter, who died in 1990, founded The Independent State of Cuckfield in 1966.

They both worked tirelessly in fundraising and community work for local organisations and charities. Over the last 41 years The Independent State of Cuckfield led by the dedication, enthusiasm and energy of Phyl has contributed to the life of the village in many ways. Established events like The Cuckoo Fair, The Mayoral Election, the Pensioners Christmas Lunch have embedded themselves into our way of life, and generated large sums of money to maintain and develop activities, and support the efforts of the people of Cuckfield to enrich the lives of all the inhabitants. Without Peter and Phyl Bowring this would not have happened. Their visionary leadership will be sorely missed, but The Independent State of Cuckfield will continue to thrive and be a constant and living memorial to this extraordinary lady.