Food Bank News
Hurstpierpoint Food Bank has decided to trial reopening at Court Bushes Community Hub for foodbank collections for three3 months from 12th 2 January 2023. This is in response to increased need for food help during the current cost of living crisis. The Food Bank will be open for collections from 10am-12pm every Thursday morning, alongside the Melting Pot Café, for those requiring a food parcel. Referrals should be gained from the usual agencies (for further details see the food bank website https://burgesshillfoodbank.org.uk or ask at the Melting Pot.) The Food Bank will also continue to make deliveries on Fridays, for those unable to come to Court Bushes. To support this initiative, the Food Bank will need additional volunteers to staff the collection point. If you feel you could spare two hours every Thursday, then please reach out to hurstfb@gmail.com Donations of food can be left in the collection point inside the Hurstpierpoint Co-op.
Walnut Tree Field Tree Planting
This was due to take place in Hurst Meadows in December but the prolonged cold spell resulted in the soil being frozen, so planting was delayed until the New Year. 840 native tree whips have now been planted by the Parish Council. These whips were purchased from the Woodland Trust with the kind assistance of a grant from the Hurstpierpoint Society, who also donated funding to care for the trees over the next few years as they become established. This will include watering during dry spells as this on-going maintenance is crucial. Around the country it was really sad to see so many newly planted trees die last sSummer, due to lack of water. The Parish Council, for example, had to step in to water the trees planted by Vistry in Edgerley Meadow, as these too would have been lost in the drought. At the moment it is looking like most of them have survived but we will get a better picture in the sSpring when the new growth begins.
To read the full council newsletter, please click on the images or pick up a copy of February’s Hurst Life.