Hurst & Sayers Common Parish Council News - August 2024

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273 Bus Improved Timetable

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Following on from the request for better public transport from the villages made at the Annual Parish Meeting, we have heard much positive reaction from residents to the introduction of an improved 273 service to Brighton and Crawley, now including buses on Sundays and Bank Holidays. A single bus ticket to Brighton (or indeed to anywhere) is still only £2 – an absolute bargain we think! Especially as it means avoiding driving on the busy A23 and saving the cost of fuel and parking in the town at the same time! The new timetable is available here https://www.metrobus.co.uk/services/MB/273 we have asked Metrobus to supply some paper timetables, and these are available at the Parish Office. Real time bus information boards will shortly be installed at the Bus Stops at the Village Garden, War Memorial, and Willow Way. We have also requested the same for the 2 stops on the London Road in Sayers Common. Use it or lose it!

To read the full newsletter, please pick up a copy of August’s Hurst Life or click to enlarge the images.

Hurst’s David Thompson wins BAFTA

David Thompson

David wins a BAFTA

Hurst’s David Thompson, who has lived in the village for nine years, has won a coveted BAFTA award for his editing on the documentary Ellie Simmonds: Finding my secret family. “I wasn’t expecting it at all, so it all felt surreal to actually win it; we were all in a bit of a daze going up on the stage.” In fact, he almost deleted the email telling him he had been nominated, thinking it was spam, until he saw he had a missed call from the director.

At first the project was very secretive, because only a few people knew Ellie Simmonds was adopted. When he was finally told what the documentary was going to be about, he knew it had the potential to be powerful. “It seemed likely that Ellie would discover she’d been put up for adoption because of her dwarfism: something that was viewed as a disability but has been central to her success as a Paralympic athlete. That felt like an emotional story to explore.”

His favourite part of the documentary was when Ellie phones up the children of the foster mother who cared for her for a few months when she was just a baby. The foster mother had recently died but her daughter said that when the mother had seen Ellie in the Olympics in 2012, she recognised her as the baby she’d taken in, and wanted to get in touch but didn’t want to intrude. “That is the first time in the film where Ellie really cries. She is not just crying about missing the chance to connect with her foster mother; there are a lot of other emotions going on underneath and this is the first time she lets them out, so that was very moving.”

David, who on most Saturdays can be found running the line for the Hurst Colts U13s, has been interested in editing since he was a teenager, when using two VHS players joined by a SCART cable, pressing play on one and recording on the other. “At university I learnt to edit with celluloid film - slicing it with razor blades and taping it back together. Then one of my flatmates got a Mac with actual editing software and I borrowed it to learn and cut films for local charities.” A chance followed to help cut a documentary that was running behind schedule, with only a week before it was due to broadcast. With another editor, he worked almost every hour, day and night, for four days. “We got it done, it got decent viewing figures, so suddenly I was a freelance documentary editor.”

The ceremony itself was hugely exciting, but also bittersweet. “The television industry is in the midst of a crisis, and the mood reflected that. There’s a perfect storm of falling advertising revenue, license fee freezes and cuts to streamer budgets, and what it means is that programmes aren’t being made. Reports say 68% of the freelance workforce are unemployed.”

Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish news - July 2024

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Twinning Association

It is almost 20 years since the Twinning Agreement was signed between the Parish Council and representatives of the village of St Martin de Boscherville near Rouen in July 2004. To mark this occasion a party of villagers will be visiting the Parish to celebrate this link and the founding of the Festival in the same year. The Twinning Association has invited a French musician and singer, Roddy, to perform at a concert on the afternoon of 21st September at Danny House. He will be singing a selection of songs in both French and English. A weekend programme for the visitors is being planned and the Association will be looking for host families. If you would like to get involved, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about St Martin de Boscherville and what the village can offer. They will arrive on the afternoon of Friday 20th September and depart on Monday 23rd September.

Sayers Common Tea Party with Mid Sussex Older People’s Council 5th July

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Following a successful application for Grant Funding from the Parish Council, we are delighted to confirm that Mid Sussex Older People’s Council will be running the first of their Sayers Common Tea Parties on 5th July in the Sayers Common Village Hall from 2pm – 4pm. If you would like to attend, please phone 01444 242760 and leave a message stating clearly which event you are booking for, and the name and telephone number of each person attending. You can find out more about MSOPC and events that they run via their website: www.msopc.org.uk

To read the full newsletter, please click on the images to enlarge them or pick up July’s Hurst Life today.

Mid Sussex District Council July update - 2024

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WORK WITH US!

These are exciting times in Mid Sussex. Our focus is on creating a place where everyone who lives and works in Mid Sussex can thrive. We have ambitious plans to ensure we achieve this vision, and we welcome driven, motivated and forward-thinking individuals, to join us in delivering outstanding services. We are especially looking for a Senior Planning Solicitor, but all our vacancies can be found by visiting: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/job-vacancies

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To read the full newsletter please pick up your copy of Hurst Life or click the images to enlarge them.

Watoto Children’s Choir comes to Hurstpierpoint

Watoto Children’s Choir

The Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda is currently on a 3-month UK tour, where they are set to perform to nearly 100,000 people in churches, schools and community spaces across the nation. In years gone by they have performed for Her Majesty The Queen, US Presidents and countless governments in parliaments across the globe, sharing their stories of hope through song and dance. The Watoto Children’s Choir has recently released a new album ‘Better Days - There Is Hope’.

The Watoto Children’s Choir will be performing in a free concert this month, taking place at Holy Trinity Church, Hurstpierpoint on 24th May at 6.30pm.

Executive Director of Watoto UK Andrew White says: “We are delighted to continue the UK tour in Hurstpierpoint, as we seek to raise awareness of the incredible work of Watoto in caring for vulnerable women and placing the orphans in families across Uganda and South Sudan.
”Other than going to Africa yourself, what better way to learn about all the good work Watoto is doing, than through this heartwarming, musical performance. The proceeds made from the album will help Watoto continue to provide vulnerable children with an education, medical care, a safe place to call home, and most of all, the love of a family.”

Mid Sussex District Council May 2024 update

Planning is approved for Burgess Hill Centre for Outdoor Sport

The planning application for the new state-of-the-art Centre for Outdoor Sport in Burgess Hill has been given the green light, marking a significant milestone in the town’s sporting landscape, with works set to start this spring. Situated on an 8.6-hectare block of land within the Brookleigh development, the Centre for Outdoor Sport (CfOS) will provide first-class facilities for the district and would not have been possible without the support from Homes England. The sports mix, refined over three years through extensive engagement, consultation and data analysis, will complement the district’s existing sports infrastructure, offering a variety of sports. The development of the CfOS is one piece of the jigsaw of sports provision across the district.

Mid Sussex Matters

Sign up to our digital newsletter! We have launched a digital Mid Sussex Matters newsletter, a monthly email to help residents stay up-to-date with what’s going on at the Council and in the wider District. It will include local events, opportunities to share feedback about new initiatives, and stories that impact our communities. To sign up, please visit our website and search ‘Mid Sussex Matters’ to subscribe.

To read the council’s full newsletter please click to enlarge the images provided, or pick up a copy of May’s Hurst Life.

Hurst Village Cinema's upcoming listings

Thank you for your support this year, it has been a pleasure to be able to put on films for you and once again, thanks to the Players Theatre for providing such an amazing venue.

We start with Parallel Mothers (15) on Thursday 9th at 8pm. Two women, who are both unexpectedly pregnant, meet in a maternity room. Janis (Cruz) is middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatised. Janis tries to encourage her while they move like sleepwalkers along the hospital corridors. The few words they exchange in these hours will create a very close link between the two, which by chance, develops and complicates, and changes their lives in a decisive way. Vintage Almodavar, with bright colours, sense of theatre and plot twists.

Then on Friday 24th at 8pm we screen Paterson (15). A long overdue appearance at HVC for a Jim Jarmusch film, this gently observed film centres on a bus driver (Adam Driver) who lives in Paterson, New Jersey, home to many famous poets and artists. As he goes about his routine life, he observes life and picks up snippets from his customers, using them as inspiration for his poetry. His wife Laura is very supportive and champions his gift for writing. There is a gentle rhythm to the film, not unlike a poem itself and Driver gives a wonderfully understated and restrained performance.

Our final offering is The Miracle Club (12) at 3pm on Sunday 26th. Set in 1967 the film follows the story of three generations of close friends, Lily (Maggie Smith), Eileen (Kathy Bates), and Dolly (Agnes O’Casey) of Ballygar, a hard-knocks community in Dublin, who have one tantalising dream: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes. When the chance to win presents itself, the women seize it. However, just before their trip, their old friend Chrissie (Laura Linney) arrives in Ballygar for her mother’s funeral, dampening their good mood and well-laid plans. The women secure tickets and set out on the journey that they hope will change their lives, with Chrissie, a sceptical traveller, joining in place of Chrissie’s mother. Warming Sunday afternoon fare, with a stella cast.

Hassocks Hotel presents Bomb Bomb Bingo with Cherry Bomb

Bomb Bomb Bingo with Cherry Bomb

Join us for a fun-packed evening with musical bingo, games and cabaret with Brighton Drag Queen Cherry Bomb.

Friday 31st May, 7-11pm at Hassocks Hotel, BN6 8HN

£25pp - all proceeds will go to local disability charity, Kangaroos

Tickets here

Hurstpierpoint Parish Council News - May 2024

Dementia Safe Places

Have you noticed these f lower stickers on the windows of some of the shops, offices, and other premises around the villages? The flower sticker shows that the building is a “Safe Place” location. The ‘Safe Place’ project was created by the Parish Council to ensure that people living with dementia feel understood and able to maintain their independence and lead fulfilling lives in their local community. It gives the person somewhere safe to wait if they are feeling lost or upset rather than having to be taken to the police station which can be extremely traumatic for them.

Staff in all the Safe Places have received training from a local charity on how to support lost and distressed people in this situation. The Parish Council would like to expand this project by extending the number of shops and other premises taking part. Training and full information would be provided. If you would like to be involved with this project by becoming a ‘Safe Place’ please do contact the Parish Office by the end of May. If you are currently a “Safe Place” and would like more training or information, please do also get in touch.

To read the full council newsletter, please click the images to enlarge them or pick up your copy of May’s Hurst Life and turn to page 36.

Hurst Open Gardens seek new participants

By Prue Heron

Open Garden will take place on Sunday 16th June, 1pm to 5.30pm, providing you with all the treats you have come to expect from Hurst Open Gardens – including that hidden-away oasis of peace, the majesty of a manicured lawn, views to die for, flowers of every variety – with plenty of locally grown plants to buy for yourself. There’ll be tea and home-made cake, entertainment to soothe you, stalls with local goodies and much, much more.

We have had a wonderful response for our call for gardens but need a few more to complete the event. If you’re thinking you’d like to but are unsure, then one of our last year’s gardener’s comments should reassure you: “I am an enthusiastic and seasoned punter of Open Gardens events across Sussex and Hampshire. They are always an inspiring and motiving celebration of people’s outside personal spaces shared for the joy they bring and for charitable ends. I fought my imposter syndrome which questioned whether my 10m by 7.75m north facing back garden with challenging clay soil was worthy or sufficiently interesting and, setting aside my doubts, agreed to take part. The bubble of chatter from the constant flow of visitors snaking to and from the garage all afternoon dispelled any misgivings I may have had. It was lovely to take part and maybe my garden has inspired you.”

Bakers – we welcome your home-made cakes with open arms – ditto gardeners with plants to spare – they really help swell the final coffers – all of which go to our local St Peter and St James Hospice.

We’d love to hear from you. Please phone Prue on 07769 904724/01273 835064 or email on prueheron@ gmail.com. Contact details are also on our website and FB page. Keep an eye on both for regular updates about the event, including tickets information. www.hurstpierpointopengardens.co.uk

Hurst & Sayers Common Parish Council News - April 24

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Are you interested in local nature?

Save the Date - Annual Parish Meeting Tuesday 21 May

We know many of our residents, value and want to protect nature and the countryside. The theme for this year’s Annual Parish Meeting will therefore be “Beyond Your Doorstep: Discover the Hidden Nature in our Parish.”

We have some interesting speakers booked and we have invited our local environmental and wildlife groups to have stalls. Come and find out about Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common’s swifts, barn owls, frogs and other resident wildlife and what you can do to encourage and protect them.

If you are part of a local group and would like a (free) stall at this event, please contact the Parish Office.


To read the full newsletter click the images to enlarge them, or pick up a copy of April’s Hurst Life and turn to page 14.

Mid Sussex District Council news - April 2024

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Funding available for energy efficiency upgrades with the Warmer Homes Programme

The Warmer Homes Programme offers significant funding of up to £25,000 for various energy-efficiency upgrades like insulation, air source heat pumps, and solar PV panels, all aimed at lowering your energy bills and keeping your home comfortable year-round. This opportunity is available until March 2025, so take advantage of this chance to strengthen your home against weather extremes and reduce your carbon footprint.

By joining the Warmer Homes Programme, you not only enhance your living conditions but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Get in touch now to see if you are eligible, and to experience increased comfort, lower energy costs, and a greener community. For more details and to see if you are eligible, please visit www.warmerhomes.org.uk/programme or call the team for free on 0800 038 5757.

To read the full newsletter click the images to enlarge them, or pick up a copy of April’s Hurst Life and turn to page 30.

Recommendations to visit Hurst Library

Book review - Bullet Train by Kotaro Isaka

By Clair Stanton

Onboard the Bullet Train heading from Tokyo to Morioka are five killers with their own personal agendas who spend the journey trying to outwit one another. The train makes very few stops and is sparsely occupied, making the characters’ movements through the train a balancing act as they try to conceal their activities whilst avoiding alarming the other passengers. (Which makes Brad Pitt a surprising choice to play the lead in the film version!)

A suitcase of money, an unlucky assassin, and a criminal obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine are just a few of the elements involved, so it’s fair to say that this is not a very realistic thriller: but it rattles along at breakneck speed and it’s a fascinating glimpse of a Japan far away from the clichéd image of geishas and cherry blossoms.

Are you taking part in the West Sussex Libraries Reading Journey 2024? As March’s theme is ‘A bump in the road: a book about travel’, this title will fit. Pick up a copy on your next visit to Hurst Library, there will be copies on display throughout March.

Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council news - Feb 24

We need you!

The Mid Sussex District Plan proposes to more than double the number of existing dwellings in the immediate area through the addition of nearly 4,000 new homes. Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) is currently reviewing the Mid Sussex District Plan that was adopted in March 2018.

In accordance with legislation and national policy the Plan must be reviewed every five years and updated as necessary. In December 2022 the Parish Council commented on the first draft of the revised District Plan published by MSDC and those comments can be found on our Hurst Life website here.
This Plan if enacted will radically change the nature of our parish. We would urge all residents and interested local groups to take the time to respond before the deadline of 23rd February.

The MSDC website address is www.midsussex.inconsult.uk/districtplanreg19 where there is an online questionnaire, but you can also email: policyconsultation@midsussex.gov.uk or write to Planning Policy, Mid Sussex District Council, Oaklands, Oakland Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1SS. You can also contact the Planning Policy Team by telephone on 01444 477053.

Comments may carry more weight if any criticism of aspects of the plan is accompanied by suggestions of positive alternatives.

More information on the detail of the Plan and the likely response from the Parish Council (as well as the rest of their newsletter) can be found on the images provided - click to enlarge, or inside February’s issue of Hurst Life from page 28.

Mid Sussex District Council news - Feb 24

We have advanced to the next stage in our District Plan making process

Mid Sussex District Council has given the green light to the latest stage of its District Plan, marking a major milestone in the plan-making process. The Regulation 19 submission draft, enhanced with key additions and protections based on community feedback, is now open for public consultation.

This achievement is the result of months of hard work and collaboration with various stakeholders, including invaluable input from local communities. Robert Eggleston, Leader of the Council, emphasised that reaching this stage has been challenging but underscores the hard work and compromises made by everyone involved.

The new District Plan aims to protect the local area while meeting the needs of the population, both now and in the future. The Mid Sussex District Plan 2021-2039 sets out a visionary framework, outlining the vision, strategy, and policy framework for the District until 2039. It also commits to essential policies and environmental protections for climate change and biodiversity in all new developments.

To find out more about the District Plan and the intricacies of the plan-making process visit the Mid Sussex District Council website and search ‘District Plan’. This also includes links to the Regulation 19 Consultation which runs from 12th January to 23rd February.

Mid Sussex District Council has also made a short video explaining why The District Plan is important for the future. The video makes it easier to understand the process of creating the plan and how it benefits the District’s future. To find out more and view the video, visit: www.midsussex.gov.uk/districtplan

To read the full newsletter please pick up your copy of Hurst Life today and turn to page 24, or, click the images provided to enlarge them.

January's listings for Hurst Village Cinema

By Mike Thatcher

Thanks for your continued support of the village cinema and I hope you find something in January’s films to suit you.

We start on Thursday 11th at 8pm with Freemont (12A, 91 mins). Donya, a former translator for the US in Afghanistan, now works for a Chinese fortune cookie factory in San Francisco. In a moment of sudden revelation, she decides to send out a special message in a cookie, which is not without its consequences. It contains perhaps one of the best off-screen sound effects I have ever heard (you’ll know it when you hear it) and Gregg Turkington portrays possibly my favourite movie shrink ever. A charming, wry, thoughtful and funny film.

Then on Friday 26th at 8pm we screen Shiva Baby (15, 77 mins). ‘Painfully funny’ is all too often used for comedies but it absolutely applies to this film. College student Danielle attends a Jewish funeral service with her family and is seemingly judged whichever room she enters; whilst being outshone by her ex-girlfriend she also comes face-to-face with her sugar daddy and his family. Each room brings a new set of unpleasantries which ramps up our levels of buttock clenching. Shiva Baby is a comedy that feels both universally relatable in its depiction of awkward family dynamics and very specific to Danielle’s experience of watching her sex life collide with her religious community. It is no surprise to learn that it is largely autobiographical for first-time director Emma Seligman, as it feels very personal and real; a cultural comedy that is imminently relatable to everyone. And very funny.

Finally, we show The Great Escaper (12A, 97 mins), starring Michael Caine, on Sunday 28th at 3pm. Based on a true story about pensioner Bernard Jordan who, in 2014, absconded from his care home in Hove to attend an event in France marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world; Bernie seemed to embody the defiant, ‘can-do’ spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. Glenda Jackson’s last performance before she died and Michael Caine hinted it would also be his last offering and they are both superb in this. A moving and surprisingly nuanced drama offering far more than flag-waving nostalgia. On paper The Great Escaper looks like the softest of tearjerkers, but Caine’s performance and an unsentimental script, lends it unexpected gravitas.

Tickets from www.hurstfilms.com or at Mishon Mackay.

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