Hurst Rethink brings Hurst community activities this spring

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Hurst Rethink groups are busy over the next few months with several projects on the go. Here’s a round-up of our main activities.

First up is Hurst Village Market, a collaboration between the Hurst Rethink Green Consumer group and The New Inn. The market will take place on the first Saturday of each month until July, when St Lawrence Fair takes over the village.
The market has two halves; in the covered marquee in the back garden, we have food and drink stalls, all featuring local Sussex produce. In the function room of the pub, we have homewares, beauty, jewellery and arts/crafts. If you’re after a present or a treat, it’s the perfect place to go and you’ll be supporting a local business run by one from our community. Please support our market as a huge amount of effort goes into putting it on from the Hurst Rethink team. Equally, if you have any suggestions for improvements, we’d love to hear them.

Secondly, our Biodiversity group is launching a ‘Save Our Swifts’ project. With funding from SOS - the Sussex Ornithological Society, we are installing ten nest boxes in the Weald Close area, to help migrating swifts breed successfully this year. The boxes are being installed by Attic Asset on Saturday 11th March and we will have a team in Weald Close that day to chat to locals about the project. Please come down if you can. We also hope to hold a swift event later this year so watch this space.

The Hurst Rethink Community Group are also busy organising a follow up to last year’s incredibly successful Hurst Jumble Trail. This village wide event will take place on Sunday 2nd April and is the perfect chance to declutter and have a spring clear out. We had over 130 households take part last year and would love the same, if not more, this time. To get involved, please email your name, address and postcode to hurstjumbletrail@gmail.com by 5th March. For all details on our events, check our website: www.hurstrethink.org

Virtual Fun Run before the St Lawrence Fair 2022

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By Benny Coxhill, race director

As reported last month, the real Fun Run on St Lawrence Fair Day – 2nd July – will start from the front of the procession. However, the virtual Fun Run will still be available for anyone who cannot, or does not want to, run on the day.

This can be run any time in July and has the same long and short course options as the real run although there will be no route markers, water stations or marshals, and there is no insurance, so you take part at your own risk.

The route will be slightly different to the real run and if you would like to take part send an email to stlawrencefair.funrun@gmail.com and we will reply with links to the route map and directions. There will be a medal for everyone who completes the course and sends us evidence. That could be a photo of your stop watch, a screenshot from your smartphone or a link to a fitness app activity, such as Strava. Please let us know which course you have completed and your time (the elapsed time rather than the moving time for those on Strava).

Medals will be available for collection at Pierpoint Pet Supplies in the High Street until early August. We will compile a list of results, send it to you and publish it on social media, although you can let us know if you would rather not have people know your time. To qualify for the winners’ prizes, you will need to provide evidence from your running app, rather than just a stopwatch photo. St Lawrence Fair activities begin on Friday 1st July with picnic, kid’s disco and the famous band night in the evening. Fair Day is open from midday on Saturday 2nd July, with the procession leaves Marchants Road at 1pm.

For last month’s information and the Fair’s timetable please click here.

St Lawrence Primary in Hurstpierpoint says goodbye to Crossing Patrol Officer

She has been a familiar to sight for over 30 years on Cuckfield Rd during term time, as the Crossing Patrol officer, but Helen Smith finally hung up her high-vis jacket and prepared to pass on the ‘lollipop’ baton, to take a well earned retirement this summer.

She was presented with flowers and well-wishers’ cards at the school by some Year 6 students and she wrote this note to children and parents of St Lawrence:

“Dear all. The time has come for me to hang up my rather unflattering hat for the final time and retire! I have enjoyed every minute of being St Lawrence School’s Lollipop lady and will miss you all. The children have been an absolute pleasure to work with, always friendly, polite and well behaved - they are a credit to themselves, their parents and the school. All being well, arrangements are in hand for cover to be provided from the 9th of June but there is now a vacancy for a full time School Crossing Patrol. I can thoroughly recommend the job and if anyone is interested, I would be happy to answer any questions they might have. Wishing everyone at St Lawrence all the best for the future.” Helen Smith

VE Day in Hurstpierpoint

The residents of Wickham Hill in Hurstpierpoint decided to host a Stay at Home Street Party on Friday 8th May, as handmade flyers asked homeowners to decorate houses in red, white and blue - and then head to front gardens for 4pm.

Thank you to Catherine Tong for sending in these photos of the celebrations - albeit rather different from those that would have been planned just a couple of months ago.

Hurst drummer Terl Bryant takes part in Drumathon Relay 2020

Terl Bryant #DrumsForNHS

Professional drummer Terl Bryant - who lives in Hurstpierpoint - was invited to take part in a huge Drumathon Relay today, in which 14 drummers each take a 12 hour stint on the kit, the equivalent of eight 90 minute sets back to back. The mammoth sessions mirror the amazing effort that NHS workers put into 12 hour shifts every single day.

Terl expained: “I count it as a real privilege in helping to raise money for the NHS and care workers through this initiative. I’m so conscious that these guys are out there all these weeks, and it’s not over yet, working tirelessly long shifts and many of them really burning out now. This is a way (a small way) in which we can cheer them on and raise much-needed funds to help them in their task and help them behind the scenes.”

The Drumathon was the concept of drummer/producer Errol Kennedy - who is the original member of funk/soul band Imagination. Along with his wife Bev Sage, the idea of a global marathon was born - the list of world-class drummers have beaten drums for Craig David, Stevie Wonder and The Feeling, to name just a few.

Participating drummers include Errol Kennedy, Paul Stewart, Jose Joyette, Vince Dunn, Jack Heslewood, Terl Bryant, Vincenzo Infusino, Meg Learmonth, Mel Gaynor, Loz Colbert, Mairi Newberry, and Tim Reynolds. And the relay started on 8th May at 9pm with Errol Kennedy.

The fundraising target for the event is £25,000. Midway through Terl’s delay stint, they had reached almost £10,000 for NHS Charities Together. Donate here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/DrumForNHS

Paul Dyer (headteacher, St Lawrence School, Hurstpierpoint)

Paul Dyer

After 27 years as Headteacher of St Lawrence School Paul Dyer stands down this month (at time of going to print). Mike Thatcher met up with him to hear him reflect on his time at the helm of the village school.

Paul Dyer is a fiercely private man; he told me that in so many words. So interviewing him about his life, rather than solely about his role as Headteacher of St Lawrence, proved a challenge. His skills as a speaker and for setting the agenda of any meeting far outclassed any journalistic skills I may, or may not, possess but it mattered not, as the passion and emotion with which he described his tenureship at the school was a privilege to hear. A generation of students and parents will never have seen him out of a tie and trademark blue V-neck jumper, most often congratulating pupils after a performance or assembly, his head swinging suddenly round like an owl to address all parts of the Hall. He clearly likes it that way.

He was raised in Shoreham and has nothing but fond memories of growing up: “What an idyllic childhood that was; we just played all the time in the street. I formed my own football club, Adur Royals FC, which then became Buckingham FC and we entered a local Sunday league. I then became chairman of that local Sunday League before I went to college.”

He was a Sussex athlete and, following in the footsteps of an inspiring young teacher at his school, went to St Luke’s College in Exeter to do PE, putting his academic journey on hold. “For years I was head of a PE department but I wanted to do everything else as well; so I taught French at the same time, then history and literature,” Paul continued. “Later, I took a maths degree as I wanted to teach maths. I still teach a little, but not a lot.”

Within a year of going to St Luke’s he’d became secretary of the athletics club, having turned down a request from their football club to do similar, showing clear signs of being an administrator from an early age.

“After a year as a teacher I became head of department but never wanted to be a Head. But I guess it was inevitable; I had experience in London of being an interim deputy then I took a deputy headship in Surrey as we wanted to move out of London.”

He was one of eight interviewed for the post at St Lawrence School, six of whom were serving Heads. He was offered the job at 8pm on the second evening, and a passing corridor comment of ‘you’d better be good’ left him with no illusions about the scale of the task.

“Nothing prepared me for Hurstpierpoint and Headship 27 years ago. For example, I had never had to deal with Social Services and my first term here was dominated by attending SS meetings.” However, he felt personally welcomed, and was indeed invited into many houses in the village for dinner, but he did sense an anti-school feeling in the village.

[Read the full article in April 2020 issue of Hurst Life magazine]

Neighbours Support group set up in Hurst

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Hurstpierpoint residents, Prue Heron, Ebony Buscema, Lucy Groenewoud, Hazel Constantine, Sian Tai and Ellie Carter are leading a local initiative to bring together Hurst residents to help and support their neighbours who are vulnerable or self-isolating during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Prue initially set up the Facebook group earlier in March and said: “Before I knew it we had over 450 people join the page, and nearly 200 volunteers. It’s amazing and shows the real community spirit of the village.”

Volunteers are currently distributing fliers across the village with their contact details, and posters are on display in public areas. Four area co-ordinators are ensuring that every street is being covered. Area co-ordinator Ebony Buscema explained: “The aim is to ensure that everyone who needs support has a nominated local volunteer who they can reach out to. Volunteers are offering to collect shopping and prescriptions, walk dogs, post mail or be available on the telephone for a friendly chat.”

If you would like to volunteer, or need support and don’t know who to contact, please get in touch with the Group via their Facebook page – ‘Hurst COVID-19 Neighbours’ Support Group’ - or call Prue Heron on 01273 835064 or Ellie Carter on 07834 170669.

CV-19 - could you help on a Telephone Befriending Scheme?

By Gail Millar

 COVID-19 Coronavirus will have a huge effect upon all of our lives if not already but certainly in the coming weeks and months. This is our greatest opportunity as a nation, community and neighbourhood to care for those around us we all need to be looking out for the needs of others.  

The most vulnerable group of people who will be most affected are the elderly, very soon if not by the time you read this, they and maybe us all will be asked to self-isolate. The facts of loneliness and isolation in this country are already shocking, this will increase exponentially. There will be a silver lining to all of this, neighbours will care for neighbours, strangers will show kindness to one another, we will share what we have and support one another through difficult circumstances.

Hurst charity Befriended has created a Telephone Befriending Scheme that you can be a part of.  If you would like to ring someone who is in self isolation to chat to them, support them and encourage them please apply to be a telephone befriender.  If you would like to be a call handler and have your telephone number on a list to receive calls and take down details please get in touch.

If you would like to distribute befriended cards around your neighbourhood please contact us.  We need you.  Together we can make a difference. I look forward to hearing from you.

Call 0300 7727703 or, to be a telephone befriender, visit our website: www.befriended.org    

Linda's new venture

Linda and Floss take a break

Having spent the last two years running her own trade stand at various local shows, including South of England, Hickstead and the Kent Show, Hurstpierpoint resident Linda Wood has decided to move to a permanent base. Her new shop, Charlotte Grace, selling ladies fashions, greetings cards, gifts and other items, will open at 40 High Street in Hurst on Tuesday 3rd March.

Linda and her husband Bob have lived in Hurstpierpoint for nearly 30 years, and both their children, Thomas and Nicole, attended St Lawrence and Downlands schools. They share their home with four-year-old Cavapoo ‘Floss’. She says that when the sun is shining and the crowds are out selling at shows is a great experience. However, she is looking forward to a break from erecting marquees, battling with gale force winds and getting soaked in torrential rain, which are also all part of life when selling at outdoor events.

With over ten years’ experience in retailing behind her, Linda can’t wait to bring her offering home to Hurstpierpoint. The shop, which is next door to Morleys and an easy walk from Trinity Road car park, will stock the latest ladies’ spring and summer fashions and introduce a cute range of soft toys and gifts. Not so long ago this shop traded as ‘Vanilla’ and was run by Cath Barton-Smith. Linda is indebted to Cath for all the helpful advice and tips that she has passed on.

Linda is looking forward to welcoming old friends and new to her latest venture, and all are invited to join her for some bubbly and nibbles to celebrate the opening all day on Saturday 7th March.

Hurst Christmas Event: 7th Dec 2019

It’s a Wonderful Hurst

By Matt Rosine

Known affectionately this year as ‘It’s a Wonderful Hurst’, the annual High Street Christmas Fair is just 12 days away! The festivities will kick off with the road closure at 4pm on 7th December, lasting until 7pm.

There is so much to be excited about, and all of the traders can’t wait to celebrate with you and your family!

Santa will be making a very grand appearance in one of the coolest grottos you’ve ever seen, and we’ve got live entertainment from one of the best ten-piece soul bands in Sussex, The Saviours of Soul, as well as from local favourites the Straw Dogs! There will of course be Christmas Carol singing, and the ladies from a capella group Codabelle will be popping up throughout the High Street to keep the festive spirit going through song!

You may or may not want to keep this a secret from your kids, but this year we literally have a snow cannon that will be blasting pure white Christmas onto the street. You read that right: a snow cannon, not a snow machine.

Of course, make sure you come hungry! We’ve got some amazing food options provided by our local bars and restaurants. We’re particularly excited by the Yorkshire Pudding Wraps, but whether it’s pulled pork burgers, vegetarian chilli, hot dogs, pizza, roast chestnuts, hot chocolate, candyfloss or mince pies, we’ll have something for everyone!

The support of your local High Street is extremely important, and we are all very thankful for your business!

In addition to Christmas stalls, the traders will be open and ready to help you with all of your Christmas shopping needs, so please come along and say hi.

There are several other surprises planned throughout the night, which you won’t want to miss. If you love Christmas, music, food, shopping and Santa, then make sure you come to the High Street on 7th December between 4pm and 7pm! See you there!

Visit www.hurstchristmas.org for more info.

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The annual village Christmas Fair will take place on 7th December between 4pm-7pm, with this year’s theme being ‘It’s a Wonderful Hurst’. It is a vital and much anticipated day for all the local traders on the High Street. Traditionally it has been the most successful day of the year in terms of sales, with many villagers doing their last minute Christmas shopping (usually with a mulled wine in hand!) while kids can have fun safely due to the road being closed.

After the success of last year, a new organising committee was put in place to build upon the event, and continue to grow it into something Hurst can be proud of. We’re a vibrant village full of amazing people, and we want the Christmas Fair to be something we look forward to all year. The committee’s vision revolves around three main questions: how do we make the Christmas Fair a great event for the people of Hurst, how do we make it a great event for the local traders and how do we ensure it is produced by the local community, for the local community, with a focus on supporting the existing local High Street traders?

To that end, the committee has been hard at work on planning and we’re excited to release more news to you over the coming months!

You can expect brilliant food on the street provided by local pubs and restaurants (including kid friendly bites), musical entertainment, Santa (of course!), and several special, secret things that we can’t talk about just yet! We promise it will be an evening you won’t want to miss. Of course, we’re always looking to find new sponsors!

If you’d like support this community event and gain exposure at the same time, please don’t hesitate to contact us hello@hurstchristmas.org - we have packages available for as low as £250 and every sponsorship or donation is hugely beneficial and very welcome.

We’d also LOVE to hear from you if you’re interested in volunteering in any way. Without people like you getting involved, village events like these don’t happen. If you’re a local charity benefiting the local community and would like to have a stall on the day, please get in touch.

We can’t wait to see you on 7th December between 4pm and 7pm! Please don’t hesitate to email us with any questions or thoughts at the address above, or through the website: www.hurstchristmas.org

Parish Council news - December 2019

By Stephen Hand, Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council Chairman and Tony Lank, Highways Committee Chairman

We have devoted this month’s Parish Council update to our recent application to the County Council to try and address some of the issues, large and small, raised by residents regarding traffic and parking in Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common. The scheme has now passed the first stage in the process and the full detail will be put out for public consultation and comment in the new year. This is an opportunity to give a summary of the proposed changes:

• South Avenue and Manor Road

- Designated parking bays to be marked within the existing parking zones and a small addition to the parking zone in South Avenue.

• Cuckfield Road

- 30mph signs at north end to be moved 70 metres north

- Alternate east /west side parking restrictions to be marked between the High Street roundabout and the Western Road junction (to ease peak time gridlock, and reduce off peak speeding)

- Investigate the feasibility of a mini roundabout at junction with Iden Hurst (major cost and unlikely to happen in near future)

• Brighton Road

– install “pull in” bay on east side near Washbrooks.

• College Lane/Malthouse Lane

- Extend 30mph restriction south of the College.

- Centre white line on the curve by Malthouse Farm.

• High Street

- At the junction with West Furlong Lane, remove the white line but not the “Keep Clear” wording.

- In line with the traders’ request, make the loading bay outside the New Inn loading only for 24 hours per day.

• Reeds Lane, Sayers Common

- Extend parking restrictions from roundabout and create a “pull in” bay on south side.

- “Access only 7.5t” signs to be placed at east end.

• London Road

– “Build outs” or “Refuge” to be installed near the Village Hall.

We have worked with County and District Councils to design this scheme, which hopefully will ease delays and parking to some extent. The underlying problem faced by all villages in Sussex of too much traffic on their narrow roads will remain. As soon as we have further news, especially on the consultation timetable, we’ll let you know.

As this is the last issue before Christmas, may we take the opportunity to wish our residents a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing everyone at the Christmas event on 7th December on Hurstpierpoint High Street.

Michel Olszewski: Village People

By Mike Thatcher

Michel Olszewksi bears no resemblance to Peter Falk, but I was put in mind of Colombo by the end of our meeting. “Oh one more thing, did I say I received a medal from the Polish President?” Or, “I almost forgot; I did the Everest base camp walk a few years ago and got airlifted out when my back went.” Had I been there two hours, rather than one, I suspect there would have been many more stories and he would have talked about them all with equal modesty I’m sure.

His father was a regular officer in the Polish army before the war and belonged to one of the few regiments that managed to get to England as a whole, fighting their way through France, arriving in 1940. Michel was born on an army camp in Germany to a half Belgian, half French mother, whom his father had met whilst liberating a town.

“I came to Hurst when I was two in 1948 and my first language was French. My father spoke Polish, French and English; my mother spoke Dutch and French so the common language at home was French.”

After the war, approximately 300,000 Poles were allowed to stay and, although there were areas of the UK where this caused friction as soldiers returned and looked for jobs, this was not the case for his father in Hurst. “People here were incredibly kind and understood what the Poles had done. My father never went back to Poland because he was a Lieutenant Colonel and so he would have been at risk after the Communists had taken over. He lost most of his family in the bombing of Warsaw and never wanted to return.”

It didn’t take long for Michel to learn English and soon he was off to a boys’ Catholic school in Brighton. If you ever need confirmation that things were different a generation or two ago then this is it. “Aged 6, I caught the bus from the church, would walk up the road to school in Brighton and I’d catch a bus back. The driver and bus conductor were Hurst people, they knew you and made sure you got on; they waited for you if you weren’t there. So it was very different, but wouldn’t happen now.”

Community Christmas Lunch in Hurst

By Naomi McBain

Hope and Befriended, two local charities, are looking forward to hosting their third Christmas Day Community Lunch in Hurstpierpoint this year. Both charities believe in encouraging everyone in their community to become better connected and supportive of each other.

For many, Christmas isn’t a fun-filled, family time, as presented so often in adverts. Both charities are meeting people for whom this perfect image leaves more than a slight dread of the festivities. Perhaps it’s the intense sense of being on their own, the increased financial stress or even the heightened awareness of difficult memories.

Whatever the reason people have for joining in, we work at making this event welcoming and an opportunity for people to be part of a day that’s full of others who care. We are so grateful for the support from local businesses with generous offers of food and drink, as well as the village charity shop providing a grant to subsidise the initial event two years ago.

Our charities’ work goes on through the year too, so, quite possibly, by bringing an elderly neighbour or encouraging a family who is having a difficult time to join in the fun, they may well find an ongoing community connection to help them face what the New Year brings with more hope, joy and peace.

A father, who came last year with his son, said: “It was very welcoming and had family friendly games. The entertainment was fantastic. It made a world of difference being around people, rather than spending it alone.” The wonderful thing is that they have met up during the year with the friends made around their table. They are looking forward to joining in again this year.

The event starts as people arrive from 12.30pm to spend the next few hours enjoying plenty of chatter, fun and games, good food and musical entertainment. We listen to the Queen’s Speech and round the afternoon off with a few festive carols, before people head home at around 4pm.

If people are interested in being a part of this year’s Christmas Day Lunch, they should email admin AT befriended.org

New owners at Morley's, Hurstpierpoint

Alex and Andy Kier

Introducing Alex & Andy Kier of Morley’s, on the High Street. Andy has been the chef at Morley’s for the last 18 months and has now, with his wife Alex, taken over the helm. Serving up classic and globally inspired dishes, there is sure to be something for everyone!

Andy trained in the colleges of Oxford University and has spent his career cooking in Oxford, Brighton and France, picking up a few awards along the way.

Alex has also spent her career in the hospitality industry, with some time managing Carluccios, before Bill’s and then most recently at Glyndebourne near Lewes.

The couple said it had always been a dream of theirs to run their own restaurant business and when the opportunity to take over Morley’s came up, they thought it was too good to miss!

“We are really excited to be taking on this lovely restaurant and feel very lucky to have been welcomed so warmly,” Alex said. “Morley’s is part of the community and we want to be fully involved with local events.”

Morley’s serves breakfast from 9am on Saturdays and Sundays. The full menu runs 12 noon-2.30pm and 6- 9pm Tuesday to Saturday. For an extra treat on a Sunday, Andy also does a top notch roast beef!

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.

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.”

St Lawrence Fair 2019 - Hurstpierpoint

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Children’s Events for St Lawrence Fair 2019

Not long to go until the 2019 Fair - we hope to see you all there. On the page opposite you will find the events that are taking place running up to the Fair. We will give you the procession route and full schedule for Fair Saturday in next month’s issue.

Talking about the procession, last year was exceptionally hot and we have decided that we need a plan if it is as hot (or hideously wet) for the well-being of our processioners! With this in mind, if it is very hot or very wet we will turn left out of Marchants Road and come straight up Cuckfield Road to the roundabout and along the High Street, cutting out the middle of Cuckfield Road and Western Road and coming past the Church. We have to think about our lovely walkers and Marching Band - we hope you understand. We will take the decision about this on the Friday late afternoon and publicise it as much as possible. All procession participants will be contacted and told at this time and the procession will leave later as it will not take as long to get around the shortened route.

Now onto something we think is quite exciting - we will have six VIP tables (to seat 10) available for sale for our Friday Bands and BBQ. These will be £100 and have a great location for watching the music and getting to HurstBarPoint. If you would like a table please email: stlawrencefair @gmail.com. First come, first paid, first served!

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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.