100 issues of Hurst Life - Thank you Hurst community

By David Tingley, editor

Although it seems unbelievable in some ways, this month we celebrate our 100th issue of Hurst Life. We arrived on the local scene just over eight years ago, pushing our brand of the colourful community magazine through all letterboxes in the village. And I was delighted at the response from residents, almost straight away. However, in looking at all the back copies – as I did recently, what strikes me is how little I knew about this village in the beginning. I didn’t even have an assistant editor when we first started, but was very grateful to Hurst flooring legend James Taylor for putting me in touch with his inlaws! Linda and John Levett helped me connect with lots of people in the first two or three months. I also recall my good friend Elaine Goodwin putting me in touch with our first Village People candidate – Chris Bradford – whose story we told in issue one. In the early days these quick wins were vital to create a magazine every month, from nothing. But soon, we would be relying on our hard-working editors to lead the way.
I have had the pleasure to work with a number of truly community-spirited writers over the years. Starting with Hattie Parish, then Emily Volkert, Lucy Webb, Deb Hollywood, Michele Copeland until Mike Thatcher took the role in November 2018, and (thankfully!) hasn’t moved on since.

There are too many people whom I could thank. Too many interesting stories which we’ve covered over the years to mention them all.

Some may say that community no longer means what it used to. And I remember I was blown away when Mike Thatcher sent us in an article, which we printed in April 2018. Just weeks after the death of their 10-year-old daughter Ella, he wanted to use Hurst Life (before he worked here) to thank the community for its love and support for his family. He challenged us to consider that community spirit was very much present here in Hurstpierpoint.
And that’s the reason why we exist. We want Hurst Life to continue to be a positive force for good in the immediate area. I’m tremendously grateful to all who have made, and continue to make it happen, every single month. Thank you.

Hopefully you like what we do too: if so, we’re always grateful for a review to be left online: www.bit.ly/3qQXToa

To read David’s full nostalgic look back at the magazine, grab your July copy today and turn to page 12.

Hurst Festival - Super Sunday 2021

Huge crowds turned out on Super Sunday as the High Street and South Avenue Rec once again hosted the traditional curtain raiser to the Hurst Festival. Last year’s absence appeared to swell numbers this year as crowds just enjoyed being together as a community once more. Brighton and Hove City Brass Band led the annual treasured transport parade, with many familiar vintage vehicles on show, along with a few newcomers.

They were closely followed by the children’s dance parade. Visitors young and old were able to enjoy face painting, art classes, circus workshops, the reptile tent, fair rides and a bouncy castle. Trinity church opened its doors with an exhibition of local artists, as well as bell ringing and bee keeping demonstrations. On the village garden DJ Emma kept the crowds entertained, alongside live music. Darren from Burgess Hill FM kept the energy up and crowds informed on the Rec.

As ever there was a good choice of food stalls to keep everyone fed as well as the new edition of the Festival bar to keep them hydrated. We thank Phil Duffy for the great photographs. We will have a further round up of the Festival events in next month’s edition.

For lots more lovely photographs pick up October’s Hurst Life today. And because the photos were spectacular, here is a link to the artist himself: https://musephotographic.zenfolio.com/

Celebrate the Hurst community with Mid Sussex Applauds

Many residents and organisations in Hurst, Albourne and Sayers Common have recently been recognised for their effort and work in the community. Mid Sussex Applauds seeks to recognise those who go above and beyond in their efforts for our community.

Those nominated include:
Jane Cheshire of Sayers Common in the Stronger Together Award (Highly Commended)
Sayers Common Community Village Shop, (commended in the Business in the Community and Stronger Community awards)
Carol Jeffries and Dave Parsons (commendations in the Lifetime Achievement Award)
Befriended (commended Stronger Communities Award)
Hurstpierpoint Covid-19 Neighbours Support Group were joint winners of the Stronger Communities Award, alongside similar groups in Haywards Heath and Horsted. The judges felt it was impossible to split the amazing community spirit shown by these three groups, so it was decided to recognise all three as joint winners in this category.

Hurst cricket legend Dave Parsons was commended for a Lifetime Achievement Award. “When I moved to Mid Sussex in 1970, I was very fortunate to be introduced to Hurst CC whose philosophy and ethics about how cricket should be played mirrored my own. In past 50 years, whilst the personnel may have changed, I am proud to have played my part in ensuring the club is now thriving and same ideals still exist today. I’m very pleased to accept this award for everyone involved at the club.”

Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, Councillor Colin Trumble commented, “It is truly heart-warming to read the stories of everyone nominated. Living through extraordinary times has highlighted how fantastic our community is and how people really step up in times of adversity. Huge congratulations to everyone awarded and those commended, they really are stars in our community.”

Despite being unable to host an awards event Councillor Trumble and the High Sheriff will fully recognise and celebrate the stories of all involved in a film to be released later in the year.