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.

Short back and sides - new barbers in Hurstpierpoint

Jed Berry

There’s a new barbers in town: JB & Co – which is run by brothers Jed and Jake Berry.

Jake, who already runs another barbers shop in Brighton, lives in Hurstpierpoint and loves the place.

He raved so much about it to his brother Jed, that he moved down from Banbury to run the business at 108 High Street!

Jed (pictured) has been a barber for seven years and explained that the pair have experienced a lot of support from residents and fellow traders already: “People just pop their head round the door and say Hi, wishing us good luck – it’s really nice.”

JB & Co is open from 9am Tuesday to Saturday with an earlier start on Saturdays and a late finish on Thursday nights

Hurst High Street Community Christmas Event

By David Tingley

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High Street Community Event in Hurstpierpoint

It is with great pleasure that we at Hurst Life have been able to join with the various other businesses who have supported the Community Christmas Event on the High Street on 8th December.

According to organiser Louise Lawrence, this year’s High Street event has been a genuine community collaboration with many groups, in addition to businesses, taking steps to make it happen. She explained: “Hurst Life’s support has been incredibly helpful. Hurst Life has, with no charge, allowed us to raise the profile of the event by printing photos and updates on a monthly basis.”

Other businesses involved this year specifically include: Marcus Grimes, Castles Solicitors, The Co-op and Nationwide Building Society as well as other High Street traders.

The High Street will be closed to traffic from 2.45pm on Saturday 8th December, reopening at 7pm that evening.

Highlights of the afternoon will include over 55 stalls (all local), Santa’s Grotto from 4pm, a live nativity, live band, dance performance, trishaw rides and a camera booth. The evening will conclude with a torchlit carol singing procession at 6.30pm.

For up to date information about the event search for ‘Hurst High Street Xmas Shopping’ on Facebook.

Morley's hosts fashion show in Hurstpierpoint

Hurstpierpoint Traders organise a successful charity Fashion Show in June.

Last month a group of High Street traders from Hurstpierpoint held a charity event raising £1,200.

The owners of Ashley and Thomas, Le Chic Fashion Exchange and Morley’s Wine Bar worked together to organise the evening of fashion and fun, which was held at Morley’s in June. Clothes were supplied courtesy of Audrey (Le Chic) and the jewellery and scarfs from Gill (Ashley & Thomas). The event was a fundraiser for local charity Dame Vera Lynn’s Children’s Charity in celebration of Dame Vera’s 100th birthday this year.

Thanks must go to: The models (Sarah, Mickey, Sara, Jane, Liz, Susannah, Miriam, Isabella, Sheila); Sharon (hair); Jamie (makeup); Dressers (Sarah & Meriel); Steve and Chris of Gogglebox (comperes for the evening); all traders who donated prizes (Cookshop, Clive Miller, Muddy, JanTon, Hartley’s, Profiles of Hassocks, Le Chic Fashion Exchange, Lustig & Webb, and Louisanna florist. 

With special thanks to Toby and his team at Morley’s, and Steve at Trident Leisure for the supply of the marquee and chairs at no cost. 

What an amazing night – it just proves what can be achieved when a community pulls together.