Hurst Festival

Welcome to Hurst Life’s Hurst Festival event page. Here you will find our most recent information for the two week September festival.

A registered charity, Hurst Festival was conceived in 2004 by a merry band of friends over dinner, impressed by the wealth of talent in our village. It has one aim; to provide people with two weeks of enjoyment in September during which we can meet each other, experience something new and feel connected to our community.

See also, Hurst Festival

The 2026 Hurst Festival will be held in the last two weeks of September.

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Colin retires as Hurst Festival director

By Michel Olszewski, Chair of Trustees Hurst Festival

Hurst Festival was very fortunate to have Colin Matthews as a member of the team when he joined thirteen years ago. His experience of managing events and his many years as a member of the Brighton Festival Fringe organising committee has helped our Festival to become such a success, as well as a much anticipated annual event. Colin is a village boy having been born and brought up in the village and there is no doubt that his local knowledge and contacts have been of enormous help in developing and planning the festival.

Colin reflected on his proudest achievement: “Seeing the community enjoying major arts events in the Holy Trinity church. I got a real buzz from seeing over 200 audience members enjoying themselves.” He plans to do more travelling now, both in his campervan and abroad, especially visiting his children in America.

Colin has now handed the baton to Festival Manager Susan Eskdale, who has shadowed him over the past year and we will all certainly miss his calm approach, meticulous planning and guidance.

The 2026 Hurst Festival will be held in the last two weeks of September. Please do feel free to contact Susan if you have any ideas for events or would like to join the Festival committee - manager@hurst festival. org. We are always looking for volunteers to help during the festival; if you would like to join this enthusiastic team, please contact Belinda Sharp at volunteers@hurstfestival.org.

Festival looking to fill roles

By Michel Olszewski, Chair of Trustees
Following another successful year, Hurst Festival is in the process of putting together the programme for 2026, our 22nd year. Our original objectives remain the same: a Festival planned by the community for the whole of the community and we are actively seeking support and ideas from everyone. Join us in this exciting, stimulating and enjoyable journey by considering joining us in any of the following roles:
Trustees - Hurst Festival is a registered Charity and we are currently seeking applications for new trustees. Being a Trustee is a stimulating and rewarding role and you would be joining a group of local, committed and very friendly people. If you are interested or want to hear more, please contact Michel on michelhurst3@gmail.com.
Festival committee - the Festival is planned and run by an enthusiastic and active committee. Susan, our Festival manager would love to hear from you if you would like to consider joining or would like to hear more about this enjoyable and friendly team. Contact Susan at manager@hurstfestival.org.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support, encouragement and positive feedback.

World Piano Day comes to Hurstpierpoint

To mark World Piano Day 2026, the heart of Hurstpierpoint will be filled with live piano music as an outdoor, community piano takes over the Village Garden on Saturday 28th March, from 12-5pm.

This special event is being collaboratively presented by the organisers of HURSTfolk and Hurst Festival, Debbie Clare and Michel Olszewski, bringing together their shared passion for accessible, community-led music making.

An upright piano will be placed at the centre of the Village Garden (opposite Morley’s Bistro), inviting anyone to sit down and play - from complete beginners to accomplished pianists. Performers of all ages and abilities are welcome, and the day is designed as a relaxed, drop-in celebration of music rather than a formal concert.

World Piano Day is a global event founded by pianist and composer Nils Frahm, celebrating the piano in all its forms and encouraging participation, curiosity and connection through music. This Hurstpierpoint event brings that spirit firmly into the village, creating an open, inclusive space for creativity and community.

Throughout the afternoon, the piano will be played in short slots, with a mixture of pre-booked performances and spontaneous walk-up players. Audiences are encouraged to stop by, listen, support friends and neighbours, or even have a go themselves.

The event is free to attend and open to everyone.

Hurstpierpoint residents climb Kilimanjaro

Ten Hurst and local residents helped raise over £100,000 for Kidscape by recently completing the grueling climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. At the forefront of the expedition were Josh Braid, who had previously dragged a rocking horse to the South Pole for the charity, as well as Dan Lustig, hairdresser and star of Gogglebox. The others to complete the epic challenge included Si Woodjetts, Sam Wood, Ollie Kuehne, Christopher Tipping, Paul Brodgen, Rob Noble, Jocelyn Crouch, Scott Crouch and Dale Ruebin, who filmed the event for an upcoming documentary.

The group took on a seven-day ascent of Africa’s highest peak (5,895 metres) from 30th January to 8th February to raise awareness of bullying and it marked 40 years of Kidscape’s charity work, protecting children from bullying and harm. Dan told us: “It was both the best and hardest moments of my life so far, but worth every breath and step to reach the summit with my new friends for life.”

Josh Braid, Samuel Wood and Ollie Kuehne extended the adventure with a world-first challenge: A ‘Sea to Summit’ ironman-style triathlon starting with a 3.8km swim around Toten Island in Tanga Bay, then a 450km bike ride over three days to Londorossi Gate and finally a 60km trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro, joining the other heroes for the final ascent.

“The hardest part of the challenge,” said Josh, “was climbing on day three when, after the sea and cycle, our bodies were depleted and we were walking long distances at altitude. Add sickness into the equation and I thought that I was going to have to call off this world f irst challenge.”

The sea-swim was a massive unknown as locals told them no one had attempted it and currents, ships and sharks could all call the attempt off. Local traffic was a real challenge on the cycle stage as well as nasty speed bumps and for good measure their support vehicle got stuck. “The most rewarding moment was reaching the summit with emotions so high and knowing we had completed our world first challenge. To have so much of the team there with us was so special to savour the moment and it was a breath of fresh air with so much positive vibes.”

To learn more about Kidscape and their work visit www.kidscape.org.uk

Hurstpierpoint Parish Council newsletter - January 2026

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Health and Wellbeing Projects

Each year the Parish Council has funding available to be spent directly on projects that benefit the health and wellbeing of our community. If you have any ideas for Health and Wellbeing Projects for the 2026/2027 f inancial year, the Parish Council office team would be pleased to hear from you and discuss your suggestions. For 2025/2026, the Community Engagement Committee awarded £1,000 to Befriended to support their Hurstpierpoint Afternoon Tea Parties. These free events are held at Court Bushes Community Hub on the 3rd Sunday of every month, offering a delicious afternoon tea alongside entertainment, advice and information. Most importantly, they provide a welcoming space for people to meet, chat and make new friends. To find out more about Befriended and their mission to end loneliness and isolation among older people living in Mid Sussex, visit: https://befriended.org/

Hurstpierpoint Carpark Charges

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The Parish Council continues to monitor closely Mid Sussex District Council’s Parking Strategy Action Plan, which includes proposed parking charges for Trinity Road and Brown Twins car parks. A Parking Strategy Report was presented to MSDC Cabinet at their meeting on 14th September, setting out a parking fee framework, including concessionary and residents’ permits, together with an updated timetable for implementation. Cabinet members agreed the proposals outlined in the report, which is publicly available on MSDC’s website under Meetings, agendas and minutes: https://midsussex.moderngov.co.uk. The parking scheme is now in the regulatory phase (November 2025 to March 2026). During this stage, MSDC must seek formal consent from West Sussex County Council before any parking charges can be introduced. No charges can be implemented unless this consent is granted. If approval is given, the next stage would involve publishing the legal parking order and a 21-day public consultation, followed by a further decision by MSDC Cabinet. The earliest point at which any parking charges could be introduced would be spring 2026. The Parish Council will continue to keep residents informed and share consultation details when available.

To read the full newsletter, please pick up a copy of February’s Hurst Life.

Hurstpierpoint's St Lawrence Fair

Welcome to Hurst Life’s St Lawrence Fair event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything regarding the fair.

Since the 14th century, the village of Hurstpierpoint has celebrated the Feast of St Lawrence with a village fair. The fair is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom.

See also, St Lawrence Fair

We can confirm that fair day will be Saturday 4th July.

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St Lawrence Fair news for 2026

By Paul Melling

Hello Hurstpierpoint, greetings from the St Lawrence Fair committee. We trust you had an enjoyable and restful festive period. As I write this, Hurstpierpoint freezes in subzero temperatures with perhaps a little snow forecast. The warmth of Fair weekend seems a long time away, but your committee and team of volunteers are busy preparing for this year’s fair. We can confirm that fair day will be Saturday 4th July.

The theme for this year’s fair will be locked in soon. If you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear them, or any comments, ideas, feedback etc. We really need some more help and are looking for people to volunteer in the following roles:
• Health and Safety – join the committee and co-ordinate these activities. H&S experience needed
• Social Media co-ordinator – join the committee to organise our social media activities; we have volunteers to assist with publishing.
• Fun Run co-lead – no experience needed, just backup our fun run lead
• Procession co-lead – no experience needed, just backup our procession lead

Please contact us if you can help, are curious about what is involved, or just want to help out on anything else at stlawrencefair@gmail.com.

Keep a look out for more information on our quiz night being held on Friday 6th February. Tickets are £12.50 per person and include either meat or veggie chilli; teams of up to eight people.

Details of this and future fundraising activities will be circulated on social media, on our website and more traditional methods. Please support us; we look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the run up to and over Fair weekend.

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Japour Gym moves onto Hurst High Street

Jude Poyner, who has been running his gym from the back of Fuel for the last three years, has moved his business to the High Street, opposite South Avenue. Jude started as a personal trainer five years ago and his first job was at a local PureGym, where he began building a steady client base. “After just four months, I felt a pull to create something of my own. I started looking for a space to rent, and by pure luck, I stumbled across Hurstpierpoint—a village I hadn’t even heard of before that day. Excited, I made enquiries about a small space inside a coffee shop on the High Street.”

Slowly but surely, he was able to double his client base and two years ago, he introduced group classes, which welcomed people of every age and ability. “I’ve been part of the Hurstpierpoint community for three years now, and every year I feel more connected and more grateful to be here. It genuinely feels like home.”

Jude needed bigger premises and when the space vacated by the funeral directors became available, he put in a bid, but was beaten to it and reluctantly considered moving to Burgess Hill or Hassocks. “It didn’t feel right—I loved the Hurst community too much. Just as we were about to put in an offer elsewhere, the phone rang. The first bidder for the Hurst property had pulled out. They asked if I wanted to take it on. Without hesitation, I said yes. From that moment, I focused on preparation and taking the time to get the new space looking exactly how it should.”

For more information go to www.japourgym.co.uk

Recycle ink cartridges in Hurstpierpoint

By Colin McFarlin

You may know me best for my articles on recycling at the back of this magazine. As you know, I finish my articles by inviting readers to send to me their recycling questions. And you do, lots of them.

Wanda wrote to me and asked: “Where can I recycle printer ink cartridges locally?”
I had to tell her that the nearest recycling point was in Haywards Heath, but if she would like to set up a local recycling point, I would help her to do it.

Well, thanks to Wanda and the wonderful staff at The Village Centre in Trinity Road, they agreed to host a collection box, an excellent central point and right opposite the car park.

Recently, I visited The Village Centre with Wanda and set up the collection box that is now open and looking forward to receiving, for recycling, your used and your unwanted printer cartridges. We can accept compatible cartridges as well as genuine cartridges - any make.

We cannot accept laser printer cartridges; you still need to take them to the recycling centre (‘The Tip’) in Burgess Hill. Do not throw your printer cartridges used or unwanted in the bin, pop them into the recycling box at the Village Centre reception.

Mid Sussex District Council winter newsletter

An update on our services this winter

Throughout the holiday season, we’ll continue to deliver services to our community although there will be some changes to be aware of. Your bin collections will follow a different schedule to your usual one over the festive period, as there will be no collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. To make sure you’re prepared, check your collection dates online: www.midsussex.gov.uk/waste-recycling/bin-collection

We know the holidays can mean there’s extra waste to dispose of during this time. To help our collection crews and the environment, here’s how you can separate your waste correctly:
• Remember to use your food bin for food waste
• Cards and paper can go in your mixed recycling bin
• Save your Christmas decorations for next year (or put them in your general waste bin)

Winter can be a difficult time, especially you’re experiencing challenges with housing security. If you’re facing concerns with housing, we’re here to help.

Winter can be a difficult time, especially you’re experiencing challenges with housing security. If you’re facing concerns with housing, we’re here to help. You can reach our Housing Advice team by email at housingadvice@midsussex.gov.uk or call us on 01444 477574. We encourage early conversations so we can offer the right guidance and support before issues become urgent. For more information and support, visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/housing-council-tax/ homelessness-and-housing-advice/

To read the full newsletter, please click the image to enlarge it.

Hurst & Sayers Common Parish Council newsletter - December 25

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Sayers Common Housing Developments

The draft Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) District Plan for 2021 to 2039 contained the intention to permit some 4,000 new homes to be built in the immediate area. Residents will recall the first round of formal consultation in Nov/Dec 2022 and the second round of consultation in Jan/Feb 2024. At each stage the Parish Council submitted detailed comments that can be summarised as: objections to the number of new dwellings in such a small area; and the lack of any master-planning to ensure all the drainage, sewerage, f looding, transport, health, education and community services would be provided.

The final draft Plan was submitted by MSDC in the Summer of 2024, for approval by the Planning Inspector who is assigned by the Government to judge whether the Plan is sound. The Parish Council attended the stage one hearings in October 2024 with the Planning Inspector, to put our points forward. In April 2025, the Planning Inspector concluded that she found the Plan to have failed the “duty to cooperate” requirement with neighbouring councils. MSDC complained to the Secretary of State about the observations made by the Planning Inspector and said they found her comments on the draft plan flawed. This disagreement is not yet resolved and, although there may be more positive news in the new year, in the meantime the developers are proceeding with their plans for new homes and will doubtless get the planning permission they apply for. Two developers have already submitted their planning applications for approval, namely Antler Homes for the 27 dwellings at Chesapeke/Meadow View (Ref: DM/25/1434) and Welbeck Land for 210 dwellings on the Coombe Farm site (Ref: DM/25/2661). Soon to follow will be Reside for 80 dwellings on land west of Kings Business Centre and Wates for the 210 dwellings and new special school at the LVS site. Berkeley/Latimer are not expected to apply for around 2,000 dwellings on land West of Reeds Lane for a few years yet. The Parish Council continues to object to the large number of homes planned, but having recognised the building is probably inevitable, is also pressing for joined-up master-planning for all the development sites in Sayers Common to ensure existing, and new, residents benefit from a well thought out expansion of the village. All developers will contribute funding towards improved infrastructure and local amenities.

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

Santa Sunday in Hurstpierpoint

Welcome to Hurst Life’s Santa Sunday event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything about the event.

A magical Christmas Market in the heart of Hurstpierpoint! Join us for a festive celebration filled with live music, delicious treats, and plenty of Christmas shopping. Bring the family along for fun kids’ activities, exciting fairground rides, and a chance to meet Father Christmas himself! Get into the holiday spirit with us and make unforgettable memories.

See also, Hurst’s Secret Santa

News about 2026’s Santa Sunday will appear here as soon as we hear it!

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Santa Sunday in Hurstpierpoint

The heart of Hurstpierpoint will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland of festive fun as Hurst Santa Sunday returns on Sunday 7th December, from 12.30 to 4.30 pm.

This much-loved community celebration brings together families, friends, and visitors for an afternoon packed with Christmas magic, shopping, food, music and cheer, as well as free fun for the kids. Whether you come for the sparkle, the songs, or the smiles, Santa Sunday is the perfect way to start the festive season.

Shop local and support our village businesses Hurstpierpoint High Street will be closed to traffic, but alive with festive spirit as local shops open their doors with special offers, tastings and Christmas treats. Alongside them, a bustling Christmas market will line the streets, offering beautifully crafted gifts, decorations, and handmade delights — perfect for stocking fillers and unique presents.
By browsing the stalls and supporting our independent retailers, you’re helping to keep our high street thriving at the heart of our community.

Eat, drink and be merry
Come hungry! From steaming cups of mulled wine and hot chocolate to mince pies, roast chestnuts and festive street food, there’s something to tempt every palate. Local pubs, cafés and restaurants will also be serving special winter menus — perfect for warming up after enjoying the festivities. Whether it’s a family meal, a snack on the go, or a festive drink with friends, the flavours of Christmas await.

Music, merriment and magic
The streets will be filled with music as local choirs, school groups and musicians bring the sound of Christmas to life. Expect traditional carols, upbeat festive tunes and plenty of sing-along moments to lift your spirits.
For the little ones, the highlight of the day will be a visit from Santa himself, with festive activities including free face painting and other surprises dotted throughout the afternoon.

A huge thank you
Events like Hurst Santa Sunday wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and hard work of so many. A special thank-you goes to our headline sponsor, PSP Homes. We also gratefully acknowledge our other valued sponsors:
• Hurstpierpoint Charity Shop
• Hurstpierpoint College |
• Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council
• The Hurstpierpoint Society
• Freeman Brothers
• Fabulous Floors
• Jamie Stafford Bathrooms

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Santa Sunday Organising Committee and to the countless volunteers who give their time and energy each year to make this event such a success. Your commitment and community spirit are what make Santa Sunday truly special.

Churches of Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Christmas services

Welcome to Hurst Life’s churches of Hurspierpoint & Sayers Common Christmas services event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything Christmas in our churches.

See also, Holy Trinity Hurstpierpoint, The parish of Albourne, Sayers Common and Twineham, Good News Church Hurstpierpoint

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Holy Trinity Parish Church

High Street, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9TS
www.holytrinityhurst.org

Wednesday 3rd December
7.30pm Mothers’ Union Advent Evening with carols, readings, mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets available from Judy Leech 01273 833954

Sunday 14th December
2.30-4.30pm - Family Christmas Crafts. Crafts and activities for pre-school & primary aged children. Book tickets at the website above
7pm - Contemporary Carols. A modern take on traditional carols with a live band and a short Christmas message.

Sunday 21st December
6pm - Candlelit Carol Service followed by mulled wine and mince pies

Christmas Eve
3pm & 4.30pm - Crib Services. A lively services for all ages. Children are invited to dress as a favourite nativity character
11.30pm Midnight Mass

Christmas Day
8am - Christmas Communion – a simple said service
10am - Christmas Family Communion. A service for all the family

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Good News Church

149 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9PU www.goodnewshurst.co.uk

Sunday 21st December
3.30pm - Carols and Cakes – an informal carol service

Christmas Day
10am - Christmas Day Service - Come and celebrate with us our Saviour’s birth

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The Parish of Albourne, Sayers Common and Twineham

ascat.ad@yahoo.com – You can also find us on www.achurchnearyou.com

Sunday 21st December
6pm - Nine Lessons and Carols at St Bartholomew’s, Albourne

Monday 22nd December
6pm - Carol Service at Christ Church, Sayers Common

Christmas Eve
4pm - Crib Service (with live animals) at St Peter’s, Twineham
8pm - Midnight Mass at St Bartholomew’s, Albourne

Christmas Day
10am - Parish Eucharist at Christ Church, Sayers Common

HURSTfolk

Welcome to Hurst Life’s HURSTfolk event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything regarding the festival.

HURSTfolk is the brainchild of Hurstpierpoint resident, Debbie Clare. Debbie is drawing upon her extensive live music career to weave together this community-focused weekend of live music performances.

See also, HURSTfolk

HURSTfolk will be taking a break in 2026 to reflect properly on how and where to take things in future years, though we may announce a few one-off HURSTfolk. events during the year.

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HURSTfolk

Hurstpierpoint at its absolute best

By Debbie Clare, Festival Director
This year’s HURSTfolk was an immense mountain of hard work and preparation -months of planning, spreadsheets, emails, and logistics - but the weekend itself ran beautifully smoothly and was everything I’d hoped it would be. The high street was absolutely buzzing from morning till night, the restaurants were full, and every venue looked its absolute best.
We had such a huge variety of shows across the weekend - from heavy rock to folk, pop, and blues - and it was brilliant to see capacity and near-capacity audiences at almost every event. There was such a warm atmosphere everywhere you went, and a real sense that people were proud to be part of something special happening right here in the village.
I’m so grateful to the incredible people working across all of the venues, and to my amazing crew, who were at their absolute best all weekend. It was a huge team effort from a group of dedicated professionals who went above and beyond to make everything run so smoothly.
Over 500 people bought tickets, with another 500 attending the free events, and it felt like a real celebration of the talent, energy, and creativity that our community is full of, as well as a chance to welcome new faces from outside the area discovering Hurst and its venues for the first time.
HURSTfolk will be taking a break in 2026 to reflect properly on how and where to take things in future years, though we may announce a few one-off HURSTfolk. events during the year. Thank you so much to everyone who supported and celebrated with us.

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Danny House Bonfire & Fireworks

Welcome to Hurst Life’s Hurstpierpoint Bonfire Night event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything bonfire and fireworks at Danny House.

See also, Danny House Bonfire & Fireworks

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Family Bonfire and Fireworks at Danny Park - Sunday 2nd November 2025

By Andrew Hair, Hurstpierpoint Gymnastics Club

On Sunday 2nd November, Danny Family Bonfire and Fireworks returns for its 28th evening. It will be celebrated with a spectacular display of fireworks from our firework maestros, Aurora. Families are again welcome to share the event to be held in Danny Park, New Way Lane. The event is organised by Hurstpierpoint Gymnastics Club with assistance from Oldland Mill Trust and Friends of Hassocks Infant School. They, and Albourne, Birchwood Grove, London Meed, St. Lawrence and Southway schools will benefit from your support.

The Hassocks will be running their ever-popular BBQ, so come and enjoy the evening.

In the event of bad weather, please check www.hurstpierpointgym.co.uk for the up-to-date news on postponement. Take a ‘Guy’ to the Best Guy Competition before 5.10pm and one child will be given free admission. For safety reasons - no private fireworks or sparklers etc are permitted.

Sorry but no parking; limited parking will be available for Blue Badge holders – please allow extra time. Food will be available on site.

4.30pm Gates open

5.10pm Best Guy Competition judging

Approx 5.30pm Fireworks display

Approx 5.50pm Bonfire lit with all the Guys and the Best Guy on top

Tickets are available from dannybonfire.co.uk , Pierpoint Pets in Hurst and QD Stationary in Hassocks. Family ticket (two adults + three children) £18, general admission £7. Children under three (or with a Guy) are free. 

Time to Remember, Holy Trinity Church, Hurstpierpoint

Sunday 2nd November 2025 at 3pm, at Holy Trinity CHURCH, Hurstpierpoint

Each year Holy Trinity Church holds a special Time to Remember Service, dedicated to remembering and giving thanks for loved ones who have died. The service provides the space for people to give thanks for loved ones who are no longer with us, an opportunity to light a candle in their memory, and time for quietness and reflection. Whether you want to remember a person or people who died more recently, or if their deaths were long ago, this service is open to everyone. 

The service will be on Sunday 2nd November 2025 at 3pm.  For those who would like to stay and chat afterwards, refreshments will be available. 

The service is for everyone. 

Hurstpierpoint's Remembrance Sunday

Welcome to Hurst Life’s Remembrance information page. Here you will find our most recent information for all things Remembrance Sunday.

See also, Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council
and Holy Trinity Church, Hurst

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Remembrance Sunday 9th November 2025

The annual Hurstpierpoint outdoor remembrance service will take place at the War Memorial at 11am. The parade leaves South Avenue at 10.45 and the 11am outdoor service is followed by a service in Holy Trinity Church.

Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - October 2025

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An update on community safety in Mid Sussex

The West Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board have published a variety of tools and resources to promote the wellbeing and safeguarding of adults. To access their learning resources, educational materials and podcasts, visit www.westsussexsab.org.uk

In a further news on community safety, the annual Safer in Sussex Survey is now open, inviting residents to share their views on crime and measures to help people feel safer in their communities. The survey will close at 11:00pm on 30th October 2025. Access the survey here: https://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/about/news/safer-in-sussex-survey

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Community grants now open

The Council is currently inviting applications for the second round of community grants, a process that will end on Monday 6th October. Groups can apply for up to £5,000 to support projects that benefit Mid Sussex residents. So far this year, projects that have received funding included specialist physiotherapy for disabled children (pictured, Councillor Chris Hobbs visiting the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity in Cuckfield); programmes supporting vulnerable people to access counselling; upgraded sound equipment for local choirs; youth confidence-building programmes for girls; funding to support conservation volunteering and increased environmental patrol, and a community programme of events for older people, among many others. For more information and to apply, visit: www.midsussex.gov.uk/business-licensing/community-grants

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

Albourne Village Show success!

By Lynne Bannon

What a great day! Held on Saturday 6th September, the Albourne show was a huge success, blessed with sunshine and an incredible turnout from the community. Running from 2pm until 10pm, the afternoon and evening were filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of local talent. Highlights from the day:
Flower Show – Stunning entries, from the best single stem to colourful arrangements, alongside fierce (but friendly!) competition in categories such as flapjacks, crafts, fruit, vegetables, and of course…the longest runner bean!
Dog Show – Sponsored by Pets at Home, Burgess Hill, our four-legged friends strutted their stuff and wagged their way to well-deserved prizes.
Craft Fair – Beautiful handmade creations that showcased the skills of our local makers.
Classic Cars – From a 1960s Jaguar, a 1930s Rolls to a Caterham & a 2CV there was a classic car for every taste on display.
Live Music – Fabulous bands kept the atmosphere buzzing and everyone dancing throughout the afternoon and into the evening especially with the Stanmer Bands fabulous Jukebox experience.
The Hop Tub – Did a brilliant job of keeping everyone refreshed with their delicious local beers and spirits.
Kids Activities – loads of games and fun as well as a chance to decorate a life-size horse.
Community Stalls & local businesses – Including the church stall & tombola, were a hit with everyone.

The show team were thrilled to see even more visitors than last year – a true testament to the wonderful spirit of our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, sponsored and supported the event. Now, time for a well-earned rest…before we do it all again on Saturday 5th September 2026!

Gearing up for the Albourne Village Show!

By Lynne Bannon

The much-loved Albourne Village Show is just around the corner on Saturday 6th September, and this year’s celebration promises to be the biggest yet, with organisers announcing an even broader lineup of entertainment, competitions and local flavour for the community to enjoy.

Running from 2pm to 10pm at the Albourne Recreational Ground, the show is a celebration of village life with a vibrant mix of live music, local food and drink, family-friendly competitions and artisan stalls.
Returning highlights include the everpopular dog show, craft tent, and photography competition, with new twists and a few surprises in store.

This year (weather permitting) there will also be a display of classic and interesting cars — just for fun, no prizes — so if you’d like to bring yours along, send us a message! The local fire brigade will also be visiting again, giving children (and quite a few adults!) the chance to climb aboard and explore their fire engine. Attendees can look forward to performances from local favourites The Kites, The Tar Babies and The Stanmer Band, alongside an Open Mic slot for emerging talent. Food lovers will find even more to feast on this year, with The Hop Tub from Hurstpierpoint returning to run the bar and an expanded food van lineup showcasing Sussex’s best.

The show’s traditional flower and produce competition continues to grow, so make sure you bring your entries in from the start of the show. The categories include best cake, best jam, recycled crafts, and the ever-hilarious funniest vegetable – to find a list of all the categories, visit our Facebook page.

There’s already some stiff competition hotting up for the best local photographs, and some fabulous raffle prizes have been secured, from Rushfields, South Downs Nursery, Turn and Fire and many others — you’ll need to be in it (and at it) to win it! Now a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), the Albourne Village Show proudly reinvests all profits into local causes and future events. With support from local sponsors Avtrade, Hurst College, Ernest Doe and more, the show is set to be a standout event on the Mid Sussex summer calendar. All in all, it’ll be a fantastic afternoon and evening — so come along from 2pm onwards to enjoy the fun!

Hurst Cricket Club news

By Tony Andrews, club Chairman

The 1st XI delivered one of their standout performances of the season, toppling league leaders Ifield in dramatic fashion. The match began with a shock; captain Alex was dismissed for a diamond duck on the very first ball.

Kai stepped up in style, smashing his way to a dazzling 101 from just 62 deliveries, including 17 boundaries. It was his second century of the season and an innings to remember. He was supported by Theo, who notched up his second half-century of the year. A united effort in the f ield saw the team seal a dominant 98-run victory.

Under the calm leadership of Chris Brant, the 2s are enjoying their best-ever season in Division 10. With promotion within reach, their campaign has been September 2025 invigorated by a heroic win over top-of-the-table Lingfield, who notably brought in late reinforcements. Defending a modest 152 in a rain-affected game, the bowling attack stepped up, led by George Tucker’s four wickets and a valuable three from Paul Crompton.

A tense nail-biter against Balcombe also saw the team scrape through, thanks to a last-gasp 19-run cameo from Harry Emms off just nine balls. Harry’s all-round credentials are now firmly under review… by Harry himself! The 2s also beat local rivals St Andrews thanks to a Matt Edwards 5-fer and a century from me, which cost me a beer round and a photograph in front of the scoreboard.

The 3rd XI had been on an impressive unbeaten streak, climbing steadily up the table—interrupted only by uncooperative weather and limited availability. But all good things end, and that came in the form of a defeat to league champions-elect Haywards Heath. Still, there was a silver lining: a sensational knock of 99 not out from Mike ‘Last Man’ Standing, who was cruelly left stranded a run shy of a maiden century after running out of partners.

Our U18 side shone brightly during their festival week, finishing top of a 24-team group to earn a coveted spot in the Finals Day at Preston Nomads CC. Taking on Eastbourne CC in a closely fought semi-final, the team— featuring five players already making waves in senior cricket—posted an imposing 168, but came up just short. Our young stars can take immense pride in their performances, which hint at a bright future ahead.

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Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - September 2025

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1, 2, 3 waste collection is coming to Mid Sussex

From November, Mid Sussex is changing its waste collection service. Residents will soon have a weekly food waste collection service and bin collections will also change to a three-weekly repeating cycle.
The new collection schedule will operate along the 1,2,3 principle: every week, food waste will be collected from residents; every two weeks, recycling will be collected from blue-lidded bins; and every three weeks household waste will be collected from black-lidded bins.

In September 2024, more than 5000 residents took part in a successful trial on introducing a food waste collection service. Following the trial, the majority of participants said that they wanted to recycle food waste from now on

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Households will receive two new caddies for food waste, including a 5-litre caddy for use inside the home and a 23-litre bin for outside. Residents that live in a communal building will also receive a 5-litre caddy for inside use and their communal building will also receive a 140-litre wheelie bin. Residents can expect to receive their new food waste caddies from 22 September.

From March 2026, it will be a statutory requirement for all councils to collect food waste separately from other household refuse. Introducing weekly food waste collection in Mid Sussex means that households can remove significant waste from their general rubbish bins, helping to reduce excess waste and support a more sustainable future.

For more information, visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/123

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