Village People: Clive Miller

By Mike Thatcher

I admitted to Clive, as we spoke in his kitchen at his cottage in Albourne, that I was as guilty as anyone that the High Street had lost its fishmonger; I loved the idea that it was there but didn’t use it enough and now regret its loss. Was he worried, in the long-term, that this could also happen to the butcher?

“No, I think there is always going to be a niche for butchers and people will always enjoy meat. And just as importantly they enjoy the cooking of it; from the sirloin joint to the everyday ‘St Lawrence’ sausage. The traditional roast at the weekend is still going strong, as well as BBQs during the summer.” Naturally, he is aware of changing habits and attitudes in the food industry as a whole. “We all care so much about what we eat and, in this day and age, we want to know it is of the best quality.

What people really care about is that what they’re eating has been well reared and enjoyed a good life.” It’s all a very different picture from when he started out in the profession. Soon after leaving college he got a job at Smith’s the butchers, in the building now occupied by Marrams.

[Read the full story on page 24 of September' 2019’s Hurst Life magazine]

Hurstpierpoint History: 150 years of St Lawrence School

What is now Players Theatre, used to be the village school in Hurst.

By Christopher Maidment

The act of commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Hurstpierpoint School with the planting of a replacement tree on the corner of Trinity Road and Cuckfield Road (Hurst Life, April 2019) warrants a brief reminder of the background of the school’s inception. It is worth noting that its original funding perhaps encapsulates the values of not only the Saint after whom the school is now named but also what is regarded by many as the village motto of ‘kind and charitable’.

The titanic work of documenting a more complete record of three centuries of education can be found in Ian Nelson’s book - Hurstpierpoint school ‘to be larned, not washed’. Snippets of this work are unashamedly plagiarised here, with Ian’s kind permission.

At the outset, it should also be a matter of recognition that it is in fact the 200th anniversary of the school’s original foundation at its previous location in 1819, at what is now the Players Theatre, and shown here. Following its life as a school, it became an off licence.

The surgeon Richard Weekes, who lived at Matts (now Norfolk House) in the High Street, recorded the event in his diary notes of 1818: ‘In the autumn of this year we bought by public subscriptions to the Methodist Chapel [Player’s Theatre] at Hurst for the sum of £460 and it has cost £600 to fit it up for a school for boys and girls’. This was very much in line with the national movement to expand elementary education to provide education for all children.

[see full article in September 2019’s issue of Hurst Life magazine]

Hurst's Young Engineers of the Year 2019

A team of Lower Sixth students from Hurst College took part in the Big Bang South East Region Science and Engineering Competition last month and won two special awards, the overall competition and the title of Young Engineers of the Year.

Bella Shepard, Matthieu Bridger, Olivia Hampshire and George Rodriguez were showcasing their Engineering Education Scheme and Gold CREST project on Improving Coagulation and Flocculation in Wastewater Treatment.

Since winning an innovation award in April they worked tirelessly on improving their experimental data and design of static mixers. They tested their revolutionary and totally organic chemical, chitosan, on actual treated sewage water, which produced impressive results to support its suggested use as a replacement for the currently used ferric chloride, which leaves a heavy metal residue. They also designed and 3D printed in array of static mixers, along with a creative modular system of incorporating the mixers into currently used sewage treatment plants.

The team were delighted to be given two special awards: the Electric Prize for Commercial Potential sponsored by Eurotherm and the Prize for Research sponsored by Photek. These were topped, however, by the team being announced overall winners of the competition and a place in the national finals.

The Great Fire of Hurstpierpoint

HURST HISTORY ARTICLE

By Christopher Maidment

On Friday 27th January 1882 Hurstpierpoint witnessed one of the most dramatic days of its history. The building known as Holdens, now the Nationwide Building Society, and the three adjoining houses were extensively burnt down. This was Walter Fitch’s General Grocery, Drapery Store and Warehouse. The scene over the next few days was reported in the Sussex Daily News. These reports were collated by Ian Nelson and are abridged here.

At 5.15am in the morning a carpenter named Windus and Mr Waller, an ex-policeman, raised the alarm. Flames were already bursting out of the east windows of the store and warehouse and threatening to burn the North House, property of Lawrence Smith, a retired lawyer. North House is now divided into the three properties that are The Odd Corner, Chichester House and Bielside.

‘By the time the inmates of the surrounding houses and the employees at the shop could be roused, the fire had obtained such a hold as to defy the ordinary means of extinguishing.’

Besides the grocery and drapery goods in Mr Fitch’s store, there were quantities of wines and inflammable spirits in the cellar, along with oils and 8lbs of gunpowder on the first floor! Little could be done to save it, so efforts centred on saving Lawrence Smith’s house to the east, and Bank House to the west, the latter, now West End Cottage, belonged to Mr Pierce.

At the time, Hurst had no fire brigade. Brighton Police, who ran the Volunteer Fire Service, and Burgess Hill Waterworks were sent telegrams! A contingent of the Volunteer Fire Brigade caught a train to Hassocks, and horse drawn engines arrived soon after them.

[An excerpt from page 10, August 2019’s Hurst Life magazine]

Stonepound Crossroads work started

Work has started at Stonepound Crossroads in Hassocks – which will leave Hurst Road closed until the end of the school holidays.

The project, which is a condition of the planning permission for 129 homes being built by Barratt David Wilson Homes off London Road, will take place in two phases and includes upgrading ‘ageing traffic signals’, which will improve the busy junction’s capacity.

The first phase also includes works to widen Hurst Road and preparation work to facilitate a new cycle route scheme between Sayers Common and Downlands School.

During the school holidays there will be three-way traffic lights at the junction, while Hurst Road is closed at the junction. A diversion is in place for those travelling between Hurstpierpoint and Hassocks.

All businesses are clearly open as usual during this disruption. Lindsay Thompson, speaking on behalf of Hurst Traders, commented: “As local retailers we want to be upbeat about the summer. We’re working hard as a group to introduce new programmes and fun offerings while this work is going on, creating even more reasons for you to visit the High Street in Hurst, which is still very much open for business. We are so grateful for the support we receive from you all, day in and day out, without which many of us wouldn’t still be operating.

For the next month or so, could we dare ask for that one extra purchase a week?” She went on: “It’s going to be far more pleasant taking a trip to the village; less traffic and fumes, safer pavements, a better chance of parking and, dare I say, no road rage!”

Hurst Road is due to be closed until 2nd September, after which the crossroads will use four-way temporary lights until early November.

A West Sussex Highways spokesperson said: “This type of work does cause inconvenience for residents, businesses and road users, for which we apologise, but every effort will be made by the developer and its contractor to limit disruption as much as possible. For example, there will be a dedicated traffic marshall for the duration of the project to operate the temporary traffic lights between 7am and 6.30pm.”

The second phase of this work is expected to be completed by 30th January 2020.

Hurstpierpoint wine merchants new owner

Hobbs wine

Hurstpierpoint recently welcomed Hobbs of Hurstpierpoint to the High Street, an off licence in between Tina Bucknall and Retrospective. Owned by Paul and Samantha Hobbs it joins their other branch in Henfield, and they employ a total of 11 staff. Residents of the village, they have children at both St Lawrence and Downlands schools.

Paul has worked in hospitality and retail since he graduated from University and is excited about opening a branch in his home village. “We look forward to establishing ourselves on the High Street in this great village. We love the sense of community and belonging and hopefully will be here for many years to come.”

They plan a few surprises and specials for the St Lawrence Fair and advise people to keep an eye out on social media for information.

Junk Orchestra inspires Albourne children

Albourne CE School celebrated World Oceans Day with the primary school children carrying out a range of activities, including taking part in a Junk Orchestra.

“Our focus was on preventing plastic pollution, and the children made fish from plastic bottles, turning them into shoals for display, as well as fashioning instruments and sea creatures from plastic and card packaging,” said Headteacher Mrs Claxton.

The Junk Orchestra held interactive workshops, with children playing instruments made from plastic barrels and flip flops and other bits of rubbish, with the whole school, dressed in blue or as sea creatures, dancing along to the junkyard beat.

One of the school parents, Mrs French, is rowing 100 miles along the Cornish Coast to raise awareness of the need to protect our oceans.

“The children learnt lots of facts about oceans through a quiz and about the damage caused by large scale fishing and plastic pollution. The children said, as two thirds of our planet is water, we shouldn’t be called Planet Earth but Planet Ocean,” said Mrs Claxton.

“It was a fantastic day of learning, making the children aware that when they throw rubbish ‘away’ it doesn’t disappear but becomes someone else’s problem. The fun activities carried a serious and important message of conservation and the need for everyone to play their part in raising awareness and taking personal responsibility.”

Community group for dads and kids

Dad la soul at Court Bushes Community Hub

A new group for dads and their kids launched last month at the recently refurbished Court Bushes Community Hub in the village, to an extremely warm welcome from 15 dads and over 25 kids, and a hardcore rap session from Brighton-based music charity, Audio Active.

The volunteer-run group called ‘Dad La Soul’ aims to eradicate the social isolation that can be experienced by dads and give them a fun, welcoming environment where they can spend time with their children. It will run on the first Saturday of the month, with each session being led by a different dad who will teach the group a new skill.

Dad La Soul offers activities including everything from film, music and zombie mask making to DJ and circus skills workshops, as well as soft play, science lessons, crafting and games.

The sessions have been funded by Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group which provides social housing in the local area and works with residents to transform their communities.

Father to a seven-year-old son, Dan Flanagan founded Dad La Soul having struggled to find groups for dads and their children in his local area. “We have been running in Worthing for the last year and a half and regularly have 70 or so dads and kids joining us. Being able to bring this over to Hurstpierpoint is fantastic. We had dads that recognised each other from the school run but have never spoken, chatting away like old friends by the end of the session.”

He continued: “Being a dad can be quite lonely at times, but men don’t like to talk about that. Through Dad La Soul, my hope is that dads, stepdads, granddads and carers can come together to have fun, make friends and learn new skills. We’re delighted to be working with Clarion Futures to bring Dad La Soul to Hurstpierpoint.”

To find out more or book your place email: dan@ totrockinbeats.com.

Ever wanted to keep a pig?

Mike Thatcher met up with Hamish Raby and other members of the village who were instrumental in setting up pig groups in Hurstpierpoint.

Around eight years ago Hamish was looking for a healthy, outdoor project to get him out of the house and he struck on the idea of keeping pigs. As with both the groups I spoke to, one based in Bullfinch Lane and the other in the grounds of Danny House, when you set up a group it is very much trial and error from the outset.

“When I started,” explains Hamish, “I approached Tim and Pippa Jones in Bullfinch Lane and, being lovely people, they said of course we could use their land. An old Arc was brought in from Washbrooks, fences were put in place and Mitch Miller plumbed in the water. Even though half the fencing was scavenged, there was an initial investment required.”

When it came to buying the first ‘wieners’ it was just a case of getting on the internet and seeing what was available. The groups have had, at various times, Tamworth and Saddlebacks, Gloucester Old Spots, Large Blacks, as well as Oxford Sandy and Black, who have a much better temperament, especially when they get older. All are sourced from local, small-scale farms and are same litter traditional breeds.

Each project ideally needs a manager and it relies on every member doing his or her job. Now throughout history in every society this sort of arrangement can lead to teething problems and things are no different in Hurstpierpoint in the 21st century. “We learnt over the years,” says Hamish. “The great thing is anyone can leave if they are getting bored or annoyed with the other people. When numbers are smaller, say six families with everyone enthusiastic, it can be easier then with more, when sometimes the slack is not always taken up.”

Court Bushes Community Hub, Willow Way, Hurstpierpoint

The Ex-Serviceman’s Club in Hurstpierpoint has been reinvented

By David Tingley

The Ex-Serviceman’s Club has been closed for nearly two years, but there has been lots of positive work going on in the background, thanks to Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC).

The club had experienced some challenges latterly which resulted in MSDC repossessing the building off Willow Way back in December 2017.

Unfortunately, during that month a fire was started in a wheelie bin outside the centre, which took hold and spread into the eaves and roof of the building causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage to the empty site. This gave the Council both a problem but also an opportunity.

There had already been a series of conversations with local interested parties to try to ensure that the club building was able to be used for the good of the community. District Councillor and Hurst resident Colin Trumble chaired and hosted a meeting back in November 2017 at Haywards Heath Town Hall. The result of that was the creation of a Steering Group whose members comprised of representatives from the Parish Council, MSDC, the Club, local churches and other community groups.

Following the repossession, fire damage and assessment, MSDC agreed a plan to spend money on renovating the site with Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council committing to take the lease for the building and grounds.

Paul Williams, Project Surveyor for MSDC, explained: “The fire damage was extensive and smoke had affected almost every aspect of the inside of the building.” Paul worked alongside the Steering Group to create a completely new plan for the space which would seek to be both flexible and practical. “Fortunately we were able to reuse some equipment and furniture from recently decommissioned Martlets Hall in Burgess Hill – which included the bar and kitchen equipment.”

The new building – named Court Bushes Community Hub – now comprises of three independent spaces.

A small room with a bar and kitchen is at the back of the building. This area has one wall which is entirely bifold doors and will open out onto a decked garden area.

On the opposite side of the site is a completely self-sufficient nursery premises, fitted with its own set of toilets, a manager’s office and separate entrance from the car park. This large, bright room includes access to a generous enclosed outside space too. The Parish Council have already agreed to rent this space to a local nursery school (Kiddie Capers) from September.

Then the main space is a large and bright room, now completely open, which includes storage facilities, a dancefloor area and a hatch through to a well-planned kitchen. This area also has its own bi-fold doors, opening out to the grassy field outside.

Each of these spaces can be let independently, and all enquiries should be direct to the Parish Council office on 01273 833264 or see the recently launched website: www.hurstpierpointvillagehalls.org

Colin Trumble explained: “I am delighted that this building has been given a new lease of life. Although it doesn’t always happen, this really is a triumph of ‘design by committee’ – as so many from the community have been part of what has now been built.”

“The original Ex-Serviceman’s Club was opened over 100 years ago in Hurst,” commented MSDC Councillor Joy Dennis, “as a response from the community to help those who fought for our country. Now, in different times, it’s great to see the revitalised Court Bushes site being open and available to be used for all in Hurstpierpoint.”

“To celebrate the opening of Court Bushes Community
Hub there is a Fun Day planned for Saturday 1st June
(1-3pm), which will include craft activities for kids, a soft
play area, café, bouncy castle, a DJ and Popsteps dance
classes – as well as officially cutting the ribbon! All are
invited to go along and see the revitalised building.”

Open Gardens in Sayers Common

A garden in Sayers Common is opening its doors in aid of St Peter & James Hospice at the end of the month. The Old Coach House will welcome visitors for the third time in ten years on 27th & 28th April 2019.

Owner Claudine Lower is well prepared and looking forward to welcoming as many visitors as possible. “Lots of friends have all been very generous, so there will be plenty of cakes, refreshments and raffle prizes on offer.”

Claudine remembers the Donkey Derbies which took place in the 50s and which started the fundraising for what was to become St Peter & St James Hospice and is keen to support the cause.

Those who have been before will notice an addition this year; a display of bluebells and a short walk has been fashioned in the grounds. Gates open at 11am.

New Inn, Hurst, wins best wine award

Residents who took over the New Inn when it came on the market three years ago are celebrating success after beating off competition from 2,700 pubs around the UK to be named best pub for wine in national awards run by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars.

Keen to preserve their beloved local, Chris and Murray Booker gave up their jobs in teaching and finance to take over The New Inn in 2016.

The couple have put a focus on offering produce from Sussex farms and suppliers, and their exceptional range of English wines and use of local vineyards, such as Albourne Estate, helped them scoop the prestigious award.

The New Inn was judged on stringent criteria ranging from the taste, smell and temperature of its wine to the composition of its wine menu and staff knowledge and came out on top in all categories. As well as being singled out for its selection of English wines, the judges specially commended the pub for its hand-picked wine list and unusual wines, its vegan and gluten free varieties and its wine and food tasting evenings, including its popular Taste of Sussex nights.

The Bookers received their award at a glittering ceremony at The Belfry resort in Sutton Coldfield from comedian Ed Byrne. The prize was a double celebration for Chris and Murray who are also marking their 30th wedding anniversary this year.

Chris said: “We’re delighted! When we took over The New Inn our only experience of pubs was as customers, so we’ve just tried to give people what we’d like to find. We’ve learnt a lot and loved every minute of it, but it has been hard work and it’s fantastic to have this recognition. We couldn’t have done it without our staff, the support of the village’s residents and the help of local suppliers.”

Comments Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs & Bars managing director: “This is a remarkable achievement for newcomers to the pub trade and well deserved.

The New Inn is a treat for anyone who enjoys a great traditional village pub, superb wine and excellent food. And Chris and Murray don’t just care for their wine, they pull a good pint too.”

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.

Shows must go on at the Players Theatre, Hurstpierpoint

Productions in the Players Theatre on the High Street will continue during the summer as it is proposed that the renovations will now take place in the autumn. It is hoped that the initial work will concentrate on new seating and heating system, making it an even more welcoming place to watch plays, productions and films.

The next production is Rope, by former Hassocks resident Patrick Hamilton, which is being presented by the Players Theatre 2nd-6th April. It’s a mysterious play, a why - rather than who – dunnit! The audience knows from the onset who is responsible for the gruesome murder. The contrasting collection of guests are assembled to enjoy a macabre supper party at the mercy of their hosts’ flawed personalities. Not a play for the kiddies!

Jo Kearns, the play’s director, explained: “Whilst I was suffering from serious illness a couple of years ago, the nurses encouraged me to plan for future events, and to place on a wish list ideas that had previously only been a figment of imagination. As I was keen to direct a play, ‘Rope’ became my directorial debut, which so far has been a challenging but highly enjoyable experience.”

Parish Council news - March 2019

By Stephen Hand

As many will have seen, the new Village Gateways have been installed at the entry to the two villages of Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common and in general have been positively received. Most people have commented that they do give a stronger sense of place, which was our intention in putting them in place.

Although New Year’s Day will be some weeks past when this page is published, I would like to thank everyone who made the effort to join the ‘Hurst Meadows Guided Walkabouts’ on that day. Some eighty people in total took part in the two walks and, from the lively discussions that took place, thoroughly enjoyed the guided tours of the three meadows which make up the fifty acres that now belong in perpetuity to the community. My thanks to Cllr. Claire Majsai and Advisory Board member Helen Brangwyn for organising the event, which will be repeated at Easter when the new orchard has been planted.

At its recent January meeting the Parish Council approved its budget for the year 2019-2020. In looking to next year we have taken account of our proposed management of the new Court Bushes Community Hub which will open in the spring. The new community building will be a flexible space that can be used in different ways by local community groups. A large hall area will be available for social functions or as a venue for activities like exercise classes and it is hoped that a nursery provider will use the space to provide local childcare. While MSDC has made most of the investment in refurbishing the building, it is proposed that the Parish Council will be responsible for the day to day financial operation of the Hub. MSDC will consider our management proposal in March, but meanwhile we believe that it is right for us to make provision to fund the early days of this hugely worthwhile project. In order to make sure we can do this while continuing to balance our budget, we have increased our Band D council tax by 5% which equates to an additional £3.42 per household per year. This budget and the financial results for the year 2018-2019 will be presented as usual at the Annual Parish Meeting in May.

Finally, in May there are local elections, including the chance to elect a new Parish Council. Anyone wishing to stand for election should contact the MSDC election office for further details. The deadline for candidates to submit nomination forms is 3rd April 2019.

Hurst College students sit on 'top of the bench'!

A team of students from Years 9, 10 and 11 at Hurst College won the Top of the Bench chemistry competition held in Lewes.

Lottie Ashton, Thomas Manchester, Saoirse Osbourne and Oscar Jaffe performed well in the annual competition run by the Royal Society of Chemistry, to take the title from Brighton College in second and Eastbourne College in third.

Both Year 9 students, Lottie and Tom, carried out an investigation into reactivity and displacement reactions. Saoirse investigated rates of reactions that involved reacting magnesium with an acid, and Oscar carried out a titration to determine the concentration of hydrochloric acid. The team then came together at the end to compete in the multiple choice quiz.

Tree conversation in Hurstpierpoint

By David Clarke, The Hurstpierpoint Society

Throughout the world there is concern about the vast number of trees being felled, especially in the rain forests. In Hurstpierpoint we have been planting and conserving trees.

Towards the end of 2018 the Hurstpierpoint Society planted five more trees, two in Chestnut Grove, one in Lynton Close, one in Weald Close and one in St Lawrence Way.

These continue the Tree Scheme started by the Society, on the initiative of Paddy Kehoe, in 2011.

Since then 116 trees have been planted, funded by the Society with grants and support from the Parish Council, Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Council. We receive requests from residents for either a new tree to improve the street environment or to replace a dying tree. The deal is that the Society will acquire the tree and arrange planting but local residents take on responsibility for watering and caring for the tree near their houses. An oak tree on Albourne Road was funded by the family of a former chairman of the Society.

The scheme has obviously been very successful. It was thought that it would end in 2017.

Four Liquidambar trees were planted on the recreation ground. This year we will plant a new oak tree outside St Lawrence School to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the school. Watch out for more details later. If you have a suggestion about further tree planting, contact committee member Stephen Baldey, email: scbaldey at hotmail.com.

Working close to home in Hurst

Hurstpierpoint welcomes a new business venture this month with the opening of Desk Village on the High Street. It has been established by Hurst residents Matt Rosine and Danny Chadburn who, between them, currently have five children at St Lawrence School. The pair have already had a lot of interest from business professionals in the village who are looking to work in a shared space, rather than working from home.

“Hurstpierpoint has an incredibly high concentration of professionals and business owners,” said Matt. “Many who work for global brands, television and record producers, for example, and we are looking to build a business community for those looking for human interaction during their working day.”

Matt has recently returned from 13 years in the USA working within professional football. Danny’s background is in web architecture and design, and he was responsible for the logo adorning the shop front.

The space will include a conference area, and the option for a permanent desk space will be available after three months as well as 24-hour access for those dealing with global time differences. Guest speakers and special events have also been planned.

For further information see: www.deskvillage.com

Hurstpierpoint Community Hub - building progress

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Community Hub in Hurstpierpoint

Local residents had their first chance to see how work is progressing on the new Hurstpierpoint Community Hub in mid-December. The former Ex Serviceman’s Club at Court Bushes Recreation Ground has been empty since December 2017, and later that month a serious fire destroyed the interior of the building. Mid Sussex District Council is working with Hurstpierpoint Parish Council and local community groups to bring the building back into use as a community facility.

The new community building will be a flexible space that can be used in different ways by local community groups. A large hall area will be available for social functions like wedding receptions and birthday parties, as a space for social groups to meet or as a venue for positive activities like exercise classes. An area will be provided for community meetings to be held and it is hoped that a nursery provider will use the space to provide local childcare for nearby families.

Councillor Colin Trumble said: “Since November last year we’ve been working hard to bring this community centre back to life. We are hoping that by the middle of February it will be ready to use, with an opening probably sometime around Easter 2019.”

Christmas Day lunch offer to community

By Naomi McBain

It is an exciting time of expansion for Hurstpierpoint charity Hope, which aims to encourage and support family life and reduce stress and isolation amongst families.

Working with a growing team of volunteers, many lives are being encouraged and equipped through our term time programmes of parenting conversations, small support groups called Sparkle groups, playtime fun and support of individual families.

On Christmas Day we are linking up for a second year with another local charity, Befriended, for a Community Christmas lunch. Last year was full of laughter, fun and delicious food.

This year we are looking again to make Christmas Day special for families and individuals who might otherwise find the day difficult, or are simply looking to spend the day with others in the community. Do help us spread the word to people you know who would like to come.

For more information on this event please contact: admin @befriended.org.