St Lawrence Fair AGM at The New Inn

By Nic Stenning

We encourage all to come along to the St Lawrence Fair AGM on Thursday 30th October 2025 from 7.30pm at The New Inn. What do we need from you: we welcome anyone to our AGM to come along and share your views on the St Lawrence Fair, we will take on board any constructive criticism but mostly what we would love to hear are your ideas as well as your support in implementing them. We know that there are aspects of the Fair that could be improved but, despite us having two new committee members join this year, we are still a very small (but very merry) band, so if you have an idea for something new or how to improve something existing, then we would love to hear from you at the AGM. What we would additionally really appreciate, is your assistance in implementing your ideas, you don’t need to join the committee, so why not come along and share your views? Hopefully we will see you there!

Hurstpierpoint Foodbank have re-opened their collection service, as demand increases due to the cost-of-living crisis. As well as the Friday delivery option, that was initiated during the covid lockdowns, for a trial period users will again be able to collect food in person from Court Bushes Community Hub, Willow Way.

The Foodbank will be open for collections from Court Bushes from 10am – 12pm every Thursday. The Melting Pot Café is also open at this time so free tea, coffee and cake are available as well as cup-a-soup and toast. The Foodbank distributes food through a referral system and provides enough food for a family for three days. Alternatively, people can come down to Court Bushes on a Thursday morning and talk to foodbank staff directly. Staff understand that reaching out for help in this way can be difficult and aim to treat users with discretion and kindness.
Additionally, a new partnership between the owners of Gibson greengrocers and the Foodbank is now giving those using the Foodbank access to fresh fruit and vegetables during the trial period. A voucher will be provided by the Foodbank to be used in the shop on Hurstpierpoint High Street.

Food parcels can also be requested through the following partner agencies:
• St Lawrence C of E Primary School 01273 833229
• Hurstpierpoint Pre-School, Trinity Road, 01273 834144
• Holy Trinity Church
• Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council Trinity Road, 01273 833264, Open Monday – Friday 9:30am -1:30pm
• Mid Sussex Health Centre 01273 834388, Open Monday – Friday 8:30am - 6:00pm
• Housing Benefit Team (MSDC) • Community Mental Health Team
• Social Services

Families can contact Hurstpierpoint Foodbank (hurstfb@gmail.com) or Burgess Hill Foodbank (foodbankburgesshill@gmail.com) if they need food.