Editor David Tingley explains and shows what content goes into the monthly community magazine and what makes Hurst Life difference from all the other free magazines out there.
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West Sussex County Council are urging parents to make sure they’ve done their homework when submitting school place applications.
Recent changes mean that schools will no longer send out reminder letters and so it falls to parents to ensure that applications are submitted on time.
If your child’s date of birth is between 1st September 2012 and 31st August 2013, it’s now time to apply for a school place. This can be done online at the website www.westsussex.gov.uk/admissions. If access to the internet is a problem, free access to apply is available at all West Sussex libraries and Children Family Centres.
This is the preferred method as the website provides the required information for completing an application, including details of all schools in West Sussex, the criteria for each and the relevant catchment area. Alternatively, a paper application form can be obtained by calling 03330 142 903.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 15th January 2017 and if received on time will take priority over those that are late. Online applications can be made from 3rd October. Contact should be made to schools directly for prospectuses and details of open events.
By Emily Volkert
With over 20 local artists showcasing a range of contemporary and traditional arts and crafts, the Hurstpierpoint Open Studios will once again be hosting its annual event, welcoming the public to view exhibitions and take a peek inside the artist’s workspace. Spread out over two weekends, starting 12th-13th September and concluding 19th-20th September, visitors can expect to take a walk through ‘a magical trail of local art’ spanning across 18 different venues throughout the village.
Often found in an old garage or the back room of a house, strewn with colour swatches, unfinished canvasses and inspirational artefacts; an artist’s workplace can really give people an insight into the creative process and the creative mind. The Open Studios experience offers up a unique opportunity to take a ‘behind the scenes tour’, whilst you absorb yourself in the plethora of local talent on our doorstep. Folk will not only have the chance to view and purchase art but will be able to meet the artists themselves and even discuss commissioning individual pieces.
Running into its 12th year, the event was first set up by local sculptor and painter Mike Cheetham, also an exhibitor, who was inspired by the Brighton Open Studios. “It was after visiting the Brighton Open Studios that I thought, ‘what a good idea for Hurstpierpoint’,” explains Mike. “I discovered that many other people shared the same view, so I got a group together, which was initially seven and it’s gone from there.”
With a growing audience and an impressive artist line up, it’s evident that Mike and his band of supporters were indeed on to a good thing. There’s going to be a pre-event taster happening 10th August - 7th September, so keep an eye out for some of the artists’ work in various shops around the village. I was lucky enough to catch an exclusive glimpse of what’s to come and meet some of this year’s contributors at the home of veteran HOS exhibitor and event co-organiser Sylvia Thornhill.
Full article available on page 13.
By Emily Volkert
The scent of freshly cut grass and barbeques fill the air; cloudless, lazy, hazy days stretch out for what seems like an eternity before us - the summer holidays are finally here. Whether you are emptying your piggy bank or saving the pennies for a rainy day, the summer is full of endless opportunities to suit any kind of budget. Armed with a little imagination and a few good ideas, you can transform any threats of boredom and squabbles into a magical whirlwind of excitement and happy memories.
As well as fun filled days at home, kids will love planning a few special trips out. September will soon be looming, so before the holidays run away with you - sit down together, put pen to paper and come up with a shortlist of fun things to do which everyone can enjoy. Luckily, with lots to do right here on our very doorstep, you don’t even have to go far. Here are a few ideas to get you started…
Many of my fondest childhood memories were those spent at our local outdoor swimming pool. It was a place to catch up with old friends, make new ones, perfect dives and practise dance routines; the fun was endless!
Pells Pool is the oldest documented freshwater, outdoor, public swimming pool in the UK. There’s a paddling pool for younger kids, a tree lined lawn and a snack bar. The queues are infamous so, unless you head down super early, be prepared for a long wait – they operate a one in / one out policy.
If you don’t have access to a car, you can catch the train from Hassocks or hop on the 273, where you will find links from Brighton.
I recently found out that in the summer the Triangle strips off its winter coat to reveal a fully-fledged, heated, outdoor swimming pool!
Full Story available on pages 22/23.
With the coast almost a stone’s throw away, we have the beauty of not having to endure too many ‘are we there yet,’ – so make the most of it! Splashing in the surf, walks along the promenade, people watching, collecting shells and stones; the seaside has a timeless allure that appeals to kids of all ages.
If you like to be in the hustle and bustle, or you have older kids to entertain, then Brighton pier is your best bet. If that doesn’t float your boat or you fancy somewhere a little quieter, then West Hove is a better option - if you’re lucky, you will even find the odd bit of sand. You can get there by car in around 20 mins, catch the train from Hassocks or jump on the 273 towards Brighton.
If you’re up for venturing further afield in search of sandier shores, then Camber Sands is well worth the drive. There are miles of unspoilt, golden sand dunes to explore and if you fancy a bit of culture on top of that, then the medieval town of Rye is a few miles from the beach. You can get there by picking up the A27 towards Eastbourne.
The puffin crossing will remain in the same place outside Fat Fish.
Further along, in the direction of Hassocks, the existing give way priority will remain in place.
During the works the contractor is hoping to reuse as many of the attractive granite kerb stones as possible.
“We are hoping that the new layout of the High Street,” Stephen continued, “will encourage drivers to park in designated spaces which will therefore not obstruct the flow of traffic.”
The Parish Council are already in discussion with Mid Sussex District Council about the possibilty of increased frequency of traffic wardens on the High Street to enable those spaces to be more readily used for shoppers ‘nipping in’ to local shops rather than all day parking.
During the period of the works buses will be diverted via Jane Murray Way in Burgess Hill, so bus users should expect slightly longer journey times. The Parish Council has also just announced that it has put on a special shuttle bus which links the west of the village to Hassocks. The ‘33C’ is a FREE service running from Willow Way through to Pyecombe and Hassocks. For more details of this service and other bus route diversions see www.hurstpierpoint-pc.org.uk
Drivers travelling from one end of the village to the other are being asked by the Parish Council to avoid using College Lane and Cuckfield Road, as these are not part of the formal diversion and will become congested very easily.
The contractor will be working on-site from 7.30am until 5pm, Monday to Saturdays during August. For any more information residents can visit the Parish Council website or go into the Parish Office on Trinity Road.
All information also available on pages 16/17.
So, after many years of talking about it, the High Street is being transformed this month to include new features such as wider pavements, a new traffic flow system and cycle racks.
The work, which has been researched and commissioned by Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council, will start on Sunday 2nd August when the High Street will be closed to vehicles at both ends. The closure will remain in place until Friday 28th August.
It is important to note that pedestrian access to the High Street shops will remain open throughout the works period.
Parish Clerk Stephen Hoyles commented: “This work has been in the pipeline of the Parish Council since 2007, so it’s good to finally be starting the project. The primary reasons for the work to be carried out are that of pedestrian safety and to slow traffic speeds down as they pass through our village. We have been talking to residents over this long period of time and we know people are worried about this in Hurstpierpoint.”
One of the major parts of the project is making the very narrow section of pavement on the other side of the road, opposite Nationwide, wider. At some points it could be nearly twice as wide. The extra width is being created by narrowing the road on that stretch and introducing a give way priority system.
Outside Nationwide the pavement area will be dramatically increased and will continue along to West Furlong Lane.
On the south side of the High Street an entirely new pavement is being created outside West Furlong Court, which will continue up to Mansion House. The existing pavement here will be replaced with new keyblock paving and a nib is also being created in front of the steps of the house.
There will be space allocated for a new loading bay outside The New Inn. This will operate in the mornings and become a short term parking bay thereafter.
Outside the Post Office there will be a new crossing point created, and just further along the street another give way priority will be put in place. This will enable drivers to see all the way down the High Street before proceeding down the single lane.
They’ve been cutting your hair for almost a year, while Stephen’s cheeky quips have been amusing the nation on Channel 4’s Gogglebox. But what drew Daniel Lustig and Stephen Webb to Hurstpierpoint? Get to know the village’s newest hairdressers …
Daniel started hairdressing at Toni & Guy in Brighton aged 19, and since has worked at other salons around Brighton. “I used to work for an independent salon called Ash and I was the manager there for six years,” he says, “then I went to work for Rush for about three years, then I went to work independently for seven years, but the Lustig & Webb whole time I was desperate to open my own salon.”
Both harbouring the same dream, the two moved to Hurstpierpoint after meeting in a quintessentially British fashion: “We met at Hove Town Hall in the queue,” Stephen laughs. “How romantic!”
Since moving Daniel and Stephen have embraced village life. “I think Hurstpierpoint’s brilliant,” says Stephen, “because there’s a real slice of life here. I was in Hampers Deli the other day and Bob, the owner, pointed out this lady and said she’s lived here all her life, she’s 103! So there’s people who have lived here all their lives, there’s ex-Brightonians, ex-Londoners and I just think there’s a lot of people from different backgrounds. It’s a real mixed bag here and that’s what I like about it, and everyone just gets on. I just think it really works because it’s on a small scale but there’s a bit of everyone here.
See full article on pages 16/17.
By Hattie Parish
Previously an interior design shop, Lustig & Webb opened at 99b in the High Street in September 2014. Along with colleague Jacqui and their two dogs Barbara and Betsey, Daniel and Stephen feel they’ve filled a gap in the Hurst hairdressing market. Decorated with striking paintings of iconic hairstyles painted by Daniel’s father, the salon has a modern yet cosy feel.
“We were thinking about opening up in Brighton first, but then there’s five salons on every street,” Stephen explains. “Even though when we opened we were the seventh kind of hair establishment in the village, we just thought we could fit in. Every salon in this village caters for a different crowd. We just thought we could attract a different clientele that’s maybe going to Brighton or London to get their hair done.”
Stephen started hairdressing when he left school and in 1992 moved to London to train with Toni & Guy. “I moved down from London about three years ago to Brighton and I’d never heard of Hurstpierpoint,” says Stephen. “Then one day we took a drive over here and as soon as I pulled into the village I just fell in love with it right away.
In response to the increase in numbers of young children in Hurstpierpoint, the decision was taken to increase the annual intake of pupils from 60 to 90 from September 2012 onwards. Temporary changes were made to accommodation to take the enlarged cohorts in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Finally, in June this year, the building development to enable St Lawrence to increase to 630 pupils was completed.
On 4th June, the Bishop of Chichester Martin Warner, in company with Nick Herbert MP, officially opened the new buildings. The school now has six new classrooms, a library and a second hall as well as a new entrance and office space. The playing field and play areas have not only been preserved but have seen the addition of an all-weather pitch.
Head Teacher Paul Dyer said: “This has been a huge and complex project but the outcome for the children and families of Hurstpierpoint is outstanding.” Mr Dyer expressed his thanks to the community, especially new neighbours, for their understanding during almost two years of contractors‘ traffic in and out of the school. “Hurstpierpoint has wonderful children who daily display a love of learning and care for each other. They have the facilities they deserve,” he added.
The school is now seeking to raise funds to cover its swimming pool to enable pupils to swim all the year round.
See full article and all pictures on pages 10/11.
By David Tingley
This month sees a change to our team after only announcing a new editorial assistant in the June issue! Hattie Parish has left us after being offered a full-time role elsewhere, so whilst I’m sad to say goodbye, I’m also delighted to introduce Emily Volkert to you.
Emily moved to Hurstpierpoint from Brighton last year and has already fallen in love with the place! She lives with her partner Matt and their two year old son Oliver.
After studying journalism at university, she started her career earning her stripes working on The Daily Star, something she describes as “an eye-opening experience”! Her working life has been varied since those times, including working in marketing, public relations, running her own vintage business and being a learning mentor to Key Stage 4 pupils.
Emily commented: “Hurstpierpoint is a really great village with a vibrant community, which I’m delighted to be part of. I’m really looking forward to getting to know more of the people and places that make it such a great place to live and sharing their stories with you.”
As well as meeting folk and writing content, Emily will be on the other end of the editor inbox too. She will also be joining me at our ‘meet and greet’ stall at the St Lawrence Fair on 4th July - so do come and say Hi, tell us a story or give an article suggestion while you are at it!
THEIR ONLY UK FESTIVAL DATE THIS YEAR!
SUSSEX, UK (June 2nd 2015) - BOOMERANG, Hickstead is excited to announce SIMPLE MINDS will join this year's line up and headline the first night of the new two day music event on Saturday, 12th September. Following their recent UK tour, the legendary live act will bring their famed show to Sussex to perform a mix of greatest hits and songs from across their illustrious career, including tracks from their latest album 'Big Music'. As their only outdoor performance in the UK this summer, Boomerang offers fans and music lovers alike the chance to catch this prolific band on the open stage in the unique surroundings of Hickstead's International Arena.
“When we started Simple Minds, our objective was to be considered as one of the great live bands. A band that had the desire to go all around the world – playing everywhere and anywhere,” says frontman, Jim Kerr. “That challenge is ongoing and we relish touring all over the UK.”
As one of Britain's most successful bands, Simple Minds have provided the soundtrack to people's lives for the last 35 years with tracks such as Promised You A Miracle, Don't You (Forget About Me), Alive & Kicking, Waterfront and many more. Their sound has influenced acts as diverse as the Manic Street Preachers, Primal Scream, Moby and The Horrors and they have provided memorable movie moments for numerous, much loved and iconic films including The Breakfast Club, Elizabethtown and most recently, Pitch Perfect.
Simple Minds join previously announced Boomerang Sunday night headliners, Jessie J and The Vamps on a weekend bill that will close the summer in style. In addition to watching some of the world’s most renowned and critically acclaimed artists there will also be an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere at gourmet pop up restaurants, indulge in delicious street food and sample alternative entertainment away from the main stage.
Further line up details for both the Saturday and Sunday will be announced over the coming weeks and with something for everyone, we guarantee you won't be disappointed, in fact, you'll keep coming back for more!
For up to date information like Boomerang on Facebook at Boomerang Hickstead and follow @BoomerangHicks on Twitter.
TICKET INFORMATION
Early Bird Day Ticket £39.50
Standard Day Ticket £45
Weekend Ticket £75
Tickets are on sale NOW and available from www.BoomerangHickstead.com
Albourne School will be holding their Family Fun Day on Saturday 20th June at the school in Albourne.
It is a traditional fair that includes stalls plus arena events throughout the afternoon set in the school grounds surrounded by beautiful countryside.
All are welcome at the event which takes place between 2pm and 4.30pm.
By Prue Heron
The final count has been made and this year’s Hurstpierpoint Open Gardens will have no less than eight gardens opening, centred around the Trinity Road car park end of the village. The charity event takes place on Sunday 14th June 1-5.30pm.
We have a real variety of gardens to welcome you - from the ‘blink or you’ll miss it’ 13 Western Road, to the splendid walled garden of Norfolk House built in the last quarter of the eighteenth century, as well as seven other beautiful gardens offering everything in between! Crammed with plants and vegetables and offering fantastic views, you won’t fail to have a happy afternoon. Two gardens are offering teas and cakes and others are offering elderflower cordial, ice cream, glasses of red wine, as well as sales of plants, jams and chutneys, cakes, lavender bags, art and energy bars.
There is free Sunday parking in Trinity Road car park and a hop-on, hop-off minibus. Last year was a huge success and St Peter and St James Hospice was delighted with the remarkably large £6,000 donation from Hurstpierpoint. We hope to make a substantial donation again this year and that you will help us by supporting this colourful and convivial annual Hurstpierpoint village event. Keep an eye out for posters around the village and see our website www.hurstpierpointopengardens.org.uk which has more details.
Also available on page 12.
reMEmber, the Hurstpierpoint/Hassocks based charity which helps people who have ME (Myalgic Encephalopathy, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) has events taking place this month.
A VE Day Anniversary Dance takes place at Danny House, Saturday 9th May 7.30pm. Dance or listen to the Glenn Miller Big Band Sound with Michael Gverny, Jo Kimber and Helen Bartlett. Sponsored by Mishon Mackay. Tickets £20 (includes light supper) from Mishon Mackay or the Mint House. Or by post from reMEmber.
Then, later in the month, the ME Awareness Conference is on at Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill, Saturday 30th May at 2pm. Key speakers are Dr Charles Shepherd (medical adviser to the ME Association), Dr Clare McDermott on research and her work with severely affected patients, and Sue Luscombe, dietician, on irritable bowel syndrome and helpful diets. Tickets £3 available from reMEmber.
reMEmber has always operated from Hurstpierpoint and our focus has always been on local adults and children who have the disease. However, we immediately attracted interest from patients all over Sussex and beyond.
Also available on page 26.
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