Hurstpierpoint Society celebrates 60 years

September 2022’s issue of Hurst Life has eight wonderful pages dedicated to the Hurstpierpoint Society’s amazing 60 year anniversary!
Below is the start of an in-depth look at the society’s history, Hurst’s history, the society’s founder and much more. To read the whole piece by Lyn Williams, Julia Kirby, and Christopher Maidment, turn to page 21.

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Welcome to this commemorative snapshot to celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of The Hurstpierpoint Society. The Society was founded in 1962, and has developed over the past 60 years to ensure the retention of the fabric and legacy of heritage passed onto us, continues to be maintained and enhanced to the benefit of residents; past, present, and future.

“Hurst being the Anglo Saxon for a ‘clearing in the forest’, (a uniquely Sussex and Kent term of many places formed in the Forest of Anderida. See right).”

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Click to enlarge Forest of Anderida

The new Hurstpierpoint Heritage Trail

By Kate Folley

As a resident of Hurstpierpoint for a number of years, I felt I was pretty familiar with its hidden gems and historical nooks and crannies. When visitors descended I would happily, with a mock air of authority, point out local landmarks, quote dates and the Domesday book and make links to William the Conqueror. That, however, was the extent of my knowledge.

So, when asked to review the ‘Hurstpierpoint Heritage Trail’ produced by the dedicated and highly passionate members of the Hurstpierpoint Society, I was truly delighted. I was presented with a beautifully designed pamphlet. The historical scene set in two brief paragraphs then … follow the arrows … 32 points of historical interest to explore in the village.

A map, a ‘start here’, picture clues and even QR codes - a veritable treasure map of the past. My son pointed out that it was the kind of quality pamphlet you pick from the AirBnB folder, whilst leaving the other garish ones aside (you know the ones I mean).

So armed with a husband and an enthusiastic teenager we rose to the challenge and set off to and trial the trail. Starting at the village garden, past the village’s namesake you are guided through 400 years of history embodied in a coaching inn, communal wash house and lavatories. You then pass through Policeman’s Lane (origins of the name intrigues me - this is where we used the QR code or you can click here) and weave between a collection of beautiful cottages (by the way, turn left after Cowdrays and continue along the footpath to the Brighton Rd, otherwise you’ll end up on an equally but delightful walk but through the fields).

The trail continues back up onto the High Street but you are quickly whipped away from the contemporary bustle to Furlong Lane and flint towers that were supposed to deter the French from invasion. Continue through to where cattle grazed, now the recreational ground for the locals and past magnificent 19th century villas. Take time to breathe in the heady scent of the eucalyptus as you swing by and wander towards the church and Millennium gardens, where the wooden tree folk will give you an excuse to rest a while. The trail continues back onto the High Street and you feel satisfactorily ‘circled’, just before cornering by Hampers Deli (perfect snack point).

I particularly liked the note of the old graffiti carved into the sandstone wall, something I have never noticed and became fascinated by: ’ R.Bartley 1904’ and ‘M @ Haz’ sit side by side. A few more landmarks are noted in the High Street, with a kindly nod to the shops and encouragement to visit ‘the many purveyors of sustenance’ in Hurst. A thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours discovering a village I thought I knew. I encourage you all, locals and visitors alike - go trial that trail.

Join the trail through us, right here! Use this link to start your adventure today: https://hurstpierpointsociety.org.uk/hurstpierpoint-heritage-walk/

Next annual meeting of the Hurstpierpoint Society

By David Clarke, secretary, Hurstpierpoint Society

The Hurstpierpoint Society will hold the Annual General Meeting for all members at 2pm on Saturday 2nd October. This will be in the Main Hall at the Village Centre, allowing members to sit well distanced. In 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the AGM had to be held remotely, though nearly twice as many members participated by sending in proxy voting forms, making helpful comments and asking useful questions.

So, at this AGM there will be a resolution that for all future general meetings members will be able to vote through a proxy. However, in order for this to be introduced, there must be at least 30 members actually present in the room in October. Another important item on the agenda will be the Hurstpierpoint Heritage Trail. This guide to the history of the village, told through its buildings and the people who lived in them, should have been launched by the time you receive this copy of Hurst Life. The Society is very grateful for the support of the Parish Council. More details next month. Full details of the agenda for the meeting will be included for all members of the Society in a newsletter to be delivered to their houses in early September.

Judy Parfitt to celebrate 150 years of Hurst school

By Mike Thatcher

Hurstpierpoint Society patron, star of Call the Midwife and village resident, Judy Parfiit was recently joined by Year 6 House Captains and other residents in planting a new tree outside St Lawrence School.

Twenty years after opening the school fete with her husband she returned to take part in this ceremony organised by the Hurstpierpoint Society to mark the 150th Anniversary of St Lawrence School. “It is a delight to continue to be involved in village matters, especially here at the school which is so central to our vibrant community, and working with Hurstpierpoint Society to create a new village heritage landmark,” Judy said.

After a short blessing by Rev Will Kemp, Judy took up the spade and completed the planting job at the junction of Cuckfield and Trinity Road. 116 trees have been planted in the village by the Society over the last ten years, including most recently, two in Chestnut Grove, one in Lynton Close, one in Weald Close and one in St Lawrence Way.

Cllr Colin Trumble, Vice Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, said: “I am sure, along with everybody in the village, that we wish our excellent St Lawrence School a very happy 150th birthday. It will be great to see once more a tree growing next to the school, replacing the much loved horse chestnut that we lost a few years ago. This is a welcome example of the continuing success of Hurstpierpoint Society’s Tree Scheme.”

The ceremony was preceded by a robust Q&A session with Judy and the Year 6 pupils. Any fears that there would be no questions were soon dispelled as a sea of hands appeared and remained in the air all through the session. Judy gave them tips for acting, lessons for life and told them many stories from her varied career. Where mentions of Olivier, O’Toole and Hopkins were met with quiet respect, being told her favourite singers were Rag’n’Bone Man, Adele and Robbie Williams were greeted with gasps of approval.

The questions ranged from either her involvement in Call the Midwife and acting to questions starting ‘What is your favourite…?’ or to the somewhat leftfield. ‘Who is your least favourite cameraman?’. She finished with some welcome tips for those who had solo parts in the upcoming Robin Hood production, which were appreciated by her young audience.

Membership forms for The Hurstpierpoint Society can be collected from Columbines in the High Street or email: hurstsociety @gmail.com.