'We're trying to save trug making in Sussex'

Tucked away in a workshop near Herstmonceux, one of the few remaining trug making companies has plans to "save the Sussex trug".

A trug is a shallow, wooden basket, traditionally used for carrying garden tools or produce.

"The future I feel is undecided really but we're working hard to make it a positive future", said Robin Tuppen, owner of the Sussex Trug Heritage Centre.

He said: "We're looking to stabilise the industry because at the moment there's only about 10 people who work in it."

Tuppen says they are going for National Lottery Heritage funding to help pay for trainees and apprentices, new equipment and potentially a new workshop.

"We do need support from local people, Sussex Day is one way in which that can be highlighted."

Sussex Day was founded by Ian Steedman from Brighton in 2006 with the aim of showcasing and celebrating the area's rich heritage and culture.

Tuesday is the feast day of Sussex's patron saint Richard, a 13th Century Bishop of Chichester whose shrine at the city's cathedral used to attract nearly as many pilgrims as Thomas Becket's in Canterbury.

Lewis Fuller, who has been working for three years in the trug industry, also works part time alongside two other jobs.

The 23-year-old said he was "proud to be one of the very few" who work in the industry.

"We're trying to change and help the future, save trug making almost. We hope if we keep going, we can get support from people around us. It's a dying craft or dying trade, as they say," he said.

The creator of the Sussex trug was Thomas Smith, who was also from East Sussex village.

The Sussex Trug Heritage Centre said it was hopeful for the future if it can secure funding to get more young people into the industry.

Meanwhile, 15 miles (24km) away in Lewes, another Sussex tradition is said to be thriving.

Pub game Toad in the Hole involves throwing brass coins at a lead-topped table with a hole in the middle.

The game has proven most popular in Lewes, where they host world championships.

There has been a team championship tournament running since 1995, and the World Toad Singles Championship was launched in 2022 at Lewes Town Hall.

"It's very popular, it's growing and getting bigger every year. We've even had a team from Canada," said Declan Rowell, landlord of the Black Horse Inn.

"Various pubs have tournaments, it's a good drinking game as well. It's ideal for a pub game."

Graham Powell, who plays in one of the local teams, said: "The World Championships, you have 300 people packed into a room all enjoying the game. It's thoroughly enjoyable but can be frustrating like all games."

In Crowborough, Sussex Day will be celebrated with the town crier reading the Sussex Charter, along with refreshments and activities from 15.30 BST.

In Lewes, Morris dancers were joined by around 15 other groups from around the county for a day of dance at various locations, which finished with a massed dance at the Harvey's Brewery.

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