The Annual Parish Meeting predates today’s cycle of accessible Parish Council meetings, and is an ancient custom designed for those on the parish electoral roll to discuss parish affairs. It must be held between 1st March and 1st June and not be before 6pm.

Previously, the forum has taken place in the Village Centre, but in 2020 it was cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and was replaced by an Annual Report published on the Parish Council’s website. Last year, anticipating further COVID-19 induced uncertainty around meetings, the Parish Council published its Annual Report, but also embraced technology and held a very successful meeting via a webinar on 18th May 2021.

This year, we were determined to hold it in person and to showcase the facilities at the Court Bushes Community Hub; what we had planned to do in 2020. The theme was ‘Working Together for our Community’. Parish Council matters were truncated and the majority of the evening was given over to pitches from local groups, both as stands and as one minute or ‘elevator’ pitches, and speakers such as the Headteacher of St Lawrence School, Hurst Rethink, Mid Sussex Ukraine Support Group and Age UK. About 85 attended, which was well up on previous meetings and, as a number commented, there was a real buzz in the room. It was evident that much networking took place across the community. Sustenance was provided in the form of teas, coffees, soft drinks and some excellent cake from the team that run the Melting Pot Café at the same location on Thursday mornings.

All could leave with a copy of the Parish Council report, a free sustainable support local Hurst bag, and leaflets/offers from local groups and traders. We would welcome any feedback via office@hurstpierpoint-pc.gov.uk about the event, and what we should aim to do next time.