What an incredible weekend in Uckfield at Weald on the Field for its 10th anniversary edition. Coming literally hot on the heels of another successful series of East Court Live in East Grinstead. Thank you to our Town Councils, staff and volunteers for a brilliant bunch of events.
I was thrilled to be there this Saturday alongside councillors, volunteers, and residents from not only Uckfield, but from all over our patch and our local villages. This most recent event really did bring everyone together showcasing amazing local food and drink, great groups and local charities with brilliant bands and local performers.
A huge thank you to everyone involved behind the scenes who helped organise another fantastic event. I can’t wait for next year and to join more summer events – from the Newick Food Fair to many the villages fetes and events I have joined from Ardingly and Balcombe to many more - there is so much happening this scorching Summer.
Wednesday 30th September I am back out for another ‘Meet Mims’ Q&A event. This is a free, ticketed event for all residents in East Grinstead, Uckfield, and the villages. We meanwhile will have further dates, tours, and local engagement as it’s one of my favourite parts of the job!
Tickets are limited in line with venue capacity - register here - https://Meet-Mims-Uckfield-September-2026.eventbrite.co.uk
You may have seen on my social media and website I’ve also launched a petition to bring back the Copthorne Hotel.
This is an official Parliamentary petition declaring the Copthorne Hotel to be returned to its former use as a major local employer, valuable Gatwick Airport accommodation and a highly valued community hub, in line with the Mid Sussex District Council motion passed in September 2025.
The petition is a paper petition with wet signatures which count towards the numbers I will present in Parliament – please do email me if you’d like to sign it.
Alternatively, I also have an online petition for those who would like to sign online and can’t provide a wet signature, this is different to the official Parliamentary petition, but I will be referring to the number of signatures on this online petition when I present the paper petition in Parliament.
Please sign the petition if you believe the Copthorne Hotel should return to its former use - https://www.mimsdavies.org.uk/petition-copthorne-hotel-return-its-former-use
Our too often dire train services here in EGU and the deep frustration and stress this is causing is not acceptable. Short formed services, people being kicked off with early terminations the frustration is palpable.
Rail services are a lifeline for many across our constituency - whether travelling to work, visiting family, accessing education, or enjoying leisure time. As our railways undergo significant change, it's important residents have the opportunity to share their real experiences and expectations.
It’s why I have my online survey for constituents about what's working, what isn't, and what you want to see from a newly publicly owned railway.
Your views will help with my discussions with Government Ministers who I have already been in contact with:
https://www.mimsdavies.org.uk/nationalisation-rail-survey
The weather remains scorching with water at a premium- thanks for the swift reports of any issues and for being mindful of overuse. As the lawns sizzle we know we urgently need rain for crops, food security, and to keep food prices down. Let’s hope it arrives soon.
