Hailsham town mayor joins celebrations marking 50 years of Cuckmere Buses

The Mayor of Hailsham, Councillor Chris Bryant, joined fellow Hailsham Town Councillors Paul Holbrook and Barbara Holbrook at a special anniversary celebration recognising 50 years of Cuckmere Buses and its invaluable contribution to rural communities across the area.

Held at the Alfriston Hotel recently, the celebratory evening brought together invited guests to mark five decades of community-led transport, reflecting on the organisation's remarkable journey, its achievements and the many volunteers who have helped keep its services running since 1976.

The event included a reception, dinner and anniversary presentations, with photographs and memories from the organisation's history providing an opportunity to look back at the people, milestones and experiences that have shaped Cuckmere Buses over the past half-century.

The Mayor's attendance, alongside Councillors Paul and Barbara Holbrook, demonstrated Hailsham Town Council's recognition of the important role played by the organisation in supporting residents across the Cuckmere Valley and surrounding rural communities.

Originally established in October 1976 following the withdrawal of commercial bus services to several rural villages, Cuckmere Community Bus was founded to ensure that residents could continue to access affordable and reliable transport. With initial support from East Sussex County Council and Southdown Motor Services Ltd, the volunteer-led initiative began with just two routes connecting villages in the Cuckmere Valley with Hailsham and Seaford.

Over the years, the organisation has grown considerably and now operates as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, with a fleet of nine 16-seat, low-floor minibuses serving 20 different routes each week.

Its continued success is made possible by just under 50 trained volunteer drivers, supported by a wider team of volunteers who give their time, knowledge and practical assistance to ensure the service remains available to those who depend on it.

The scale of its contribution was highlighted by figures for 2025, when Cuckmere Buses carried more than 88,000 passengers and recorded a surplus of nearly £10,000, which is being reinvested into its vehicles and services.

Hailsham Mayor, Councillor Chris Bryant, said: "Reaching 50 years is a remarkable achievement, and I was delighted to have joined Cuckmere Buses for this special anniversary celebration. Its history demonstrates what can be achieved when communities come together to meet a genuine local need."

"Reliable transport can make an enormous difference to people's everyday lives, helping them stay connected with friends and family, attend appointments and access essential services. The dedication of Cuckmere Buses' volunteers over five decades deserves real recognition, and enjoyed celebrating their achievements and hearing the memories that have shaped this important organisation."

Councillor Paul Holbrook, the Town Council's representative for Cuckmere Buses, said: "Cuckmere Buses is a wonderful example of community spirit in action. For 50 years, it has helped people stay connected, providing an invaluable service to residents across our rural communities. Its success is built on the dedication of its volunteers, whose time and commitment have made a real difference to so many people's lives."

"This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate everything the organisation has achieved, recognise the people behind its success and look ahead to the next chapter. My fellow town councillors and I are delighted to see Cuckmere Buses reaching this significant milestone and offer my congratulations and thanks to everyone who has helped make it possible."

Hailsham Town Council congratulates Cuckmere Buses on its golden anniversary and extends its thanks to its trustees, volunteers, supporters and everyone who has contributed to its success over the past 50 years.