Hurst Players present Red Riding Hood panto this festive season

By Anne Hopper

It’s panto time – “O yes, it is”!! Couldn’t resist that, but perhaps I should have, especially this early in the season! Auditions for the adult cast took place in late August – when few people were thinking of entertainment over Christmas and New Year – but the fairly recent change to autumnal temperatures will soon see the recently appointed cast of children joining the grown-ups now busy learning their lines for The Players’ 2023 pantomime - Red Riding Hood.
The youngsters will ease in gently with an hour of rehearsal each week during November, under the skilled tuition of Annette Squire, joining the adult cast for full rehearsals from December onwards.

Meantime, The Players are busy organising the essential backstage team – we are always interested in welcoming people who would like to be involved, but who shy away from actually performing. If that’s you – why not see what the Players can offer you – and if you would like to know more, do get in touch with us. Once again, the Players’ “panto-supremo” Bob Sampson is both writer and director and he will be happy to respond to any enquiries about backstage work – or help with lighting and sounds for those who love fiddling with switches! Please contact him directly at: sampson.bob@gmail.com. Online bookings open on 25th November but if you prefer to buy your tickets personally come along to the Theatre Box Office on the High Street on any Saturday morning from 2nd December from 10am to 1pm. We’ll have up to date information on booking tickets on the Players website: https://hurstplayers.org.uk/ Please get in touch - but beware of the wolf!

Christmas services around Hurst this December 2023

Holy Trinity Parish Church

High Street, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9TS
Contact: Pat Johns & Tim Leech (Church wardens) - 01273 835109 - hurstparishoffice@gmail.com www.holytrinityhpp.org

Wednesday 6th December
7.30pm - Mothers’ Union Advent Evening with carols and readings. Followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets available from Judy Leech 01273 833954

Sunday 10th December
6pm - Mid Sussex District Council’s Civic Service. Supporting and praying for and with our local community leaders. All very welcome

Sunday 17th December
6pm - Candlelit Carol Service followed by mulled wine and mince pies

Christmas Eve
9.30am - Sunday Morning Service
3pm & 4.30pm - Crib Services with All Join In Nativity – 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 with choir and carols – a service for all the family

Good News Church

149 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9PU
Contact: Revd David Lowries - david@goodnewshurst.co.uk
www.goodnewshurst.co.uk

Sunday 17th 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

The Point

Contact: Revd Will Kemp - 01444 230830 - info@thepointchurch.co.uk
www.thepointchurch.co.uk

Sunday 3rd December
7pm - Carols at the Pub at The Woolpack Pub, Burgess Hill, RH15 8TS. With carols, games and a short Christian message

Sunday 10th December
10.30am - The Good News Nativity - join us for an exclusive news report brought to you by Bethlehem Daily. At St Paul’s Catholic College, Burgess Hill, RH15 8GA

Sunday 17th December
6pm - Evening Carol Service with mulled wine and mince pies. At St Paul’s Catholic College, Burgess Hill. (Please note there is no morning service on Sunday 17th)

Christmas Eve
10.30am - Christingle Service - join us for an all-age service with carols and Christingle making. At Hurst College Theatre, College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9JS

Christmas Day
10.30am - Christmas Morning all-age service - come and celebrate the birth of Jesus together! At Hurst College Theatre, College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9JS

The Parish of Albourne, Sayers Common and Twineham

Priest in Charge: Rev Rachel Cornish - rev.rachelcornish@gmail.com or ascat.ad@yahoo.com. You can also find us on ‘A Church Near You’.

Sunday 17th December
6pm - Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Bartholomew’s, Albourne

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

Christmas Eve
10am - Parish Eucharist at St Peter, Twineham
4pm - Crib Service (with live animals!) at St Peter, Twineham

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

Santa Sunday tradition continues in Hurst High Street

By Alex Watts

Sunday 3rd December sees the return of the ever-popular Santa Sunday to the High Street in Hurstpierpoint. From 12noon - 5pm the road will be closed to traffic and transformed into a winter wonderland to get you truly immersed into the festive spirit!

We are even guaranteeing snow! Our wonderful High Street shops will be opening their doors alongside local artisan crafters and producers so you can get a head start on your Christmas shopping. You will find gift ideas galore, from Christmas trees and wreaths to locally produced gin and chocolate, to scarves, gloves and handmade jewellery. Join us also for live music from local artists and musicians, including the fabulous Straw Dogs. There will be street entertainers strutting their stuff up and down the High Street as well as a special performance from Create Space studios dance group.

And to keep the little ones occupied there will be face painting, balloon modelling, a giant bubble performer and not forgetting the big man himself – Father Christmas. You will also find festive fayre up and down the street including mulled wine, turkey tacos, festive hot dogs, pulled pork baps and boozy hot chocolate from our fabulous hospitality businesses.

This event would not be possible without the support of our local sponsors. So, a big shout out to amongst others Hurst College, The Parish Council, Fabulous Floors, Freemans Funeral Directors, The Co-op and Hurst Community Charity Shop.

Save the date – you won’t want to miss it!

Reverse Advent Calendars 2023-24

By Margaret Carey

Holy Trinity Church has, for several years, organised a ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ scheme. There’s a multitude of varieties of Advent calendars on sale, some of them involving a small gift inside the calendar each day, others with chocolate, but traditionally you just open a little door to discover a quotation and a picture.

This is different. We give, rather than receive, something. So please find a big cardboard box and put something into it each day of Advent. This helps us all to think of the needs of other people, many of whom have little or no help at Christmas, or at any other time. This year, with all household costs, fuel bills, and food prices rising very considerably, the need is greater than ever. Here is a suggested selection of items you can include:
Tinned meat, vegetables and fruit
Tea and coffee
Cereals
Toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and soap, (but not bulky items such as loo rolls.)
The odd bar of chocolate or tube of smarties wouldn’t go amiss.

Please check the expiry dates of everything you put into your box. So, start your collection on the first day of Advent, which is 3rd December and put something in your box each day right up until Christmas. Then, please take it to Harvesters, Mossy Mile, on Saturday 6th or Saturday 13th January 2024 between 11am and 12noon.

The gifts will be sorted and then distributed to families early in the New Year. We know, from the response in previous years, how generous are the people of Hurstpierpoint, and how very grateful are the people who receive these gifts. Last year, about fifty families joined the scheme which resulted in well over a thousand gifts being given. This year, there is even more poverty and even greater need. Please help if you possibly can. If you need any other information, please email margaret@112a.co.uk.

Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Council newsletter - Nov 2023

Hurst Meadows Heritage Orchard

Thank you so much to all the local volunteers who came to assist with the raking of the Orchard following the annual cut. This will give the wildflowers and the fruit trees the best chance of flourishing next year. We are delighted that, thanks to the hard work of orchard manager Martin Sadler, Plant Heritage have added our community orchard to the National Plant Collections directory. This reflects the value of this collection of historic Sussex apple trees. Congratulations Martin!



Section 106 Monies / Developer Contributions

Under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, financial contributions can be sought from developers towards the costs of providing community and social infrastructure, the need for which has arisen because of a new development taking place. This funding is commonly known either as ‘section 106 monies’ or ‘developer contributions.’ The Parish Council will always seek to apply for section 106 funding for local projects wherever possible, and some examples of where we have been successful in doing so recently can be found within this article.

Please click the images to read the full newsletter or pick up a copy of November’s Hurst Life today.

Hurstpierpoint fireworks at Danny House - 5th Nov 2023

St Lawrence PTA to run Danny House fireworks

The running of the annual firework display at Danny House has been taken on by the St Lawrence PTA and the funds raised will benefit the school, amongst others.  It will take place on the 5th November and will be starting at 5.30pm, an hour earlier than in previous years, with gates opening at 4.15pm.

“The PTA at St Lawrence,” said Chair Lucas Tucknott, “is excited to take on this popular and enduring event that serves as the centrepiece of our community's calendar. We intend to carry on this custom by giving families a thrilling show in a secure setting. We look forward to seeing you there!”

The money raised will now go to the school, but it will also continue to support the Hurstpierpoint Gym Club, Oldland Windmill, and nearby schools.

 

For more information & tickets visit: ptahurst.uk

In brief look at Sayers Common history

By Michael Bailey

For many years it might have been thought that Sayers Common sat in the shadow of Hurstpierpoint. Both villages are old, as is apparent from some of the buildings in them, and both for example, record the numbers of residents called for service in WW 1 (in Sayers Common over 50 gave service and 6 never returned). But the main difference between the two until the 1990s was that the road through Sayers Common happened to be the main road between Brighton and London, the A23.

Motorists up to the 1990s will recall driving the single carriage road from Pycombe past the Muddleswood Crossroads (then an accident black spot) then continuing the single line of traffic through Sayers Common to the Bolney Crossroads (also then another black spot!) . With the increasing number of cars and other transport in the 1950s to 1980s the road was very busy and not the ideal place to encourage new residents.

Drone footage over Sayers Common - September 2023

Then, with the construction of the then new road, now the A23, all changed. The road through the village, London Road, is just for local traffic and that almost immediately resulted in the village becoming an ideal location for residential development to satisfy the ongoing demand for new homes.

Berrylands Farm was the first big development and followed by smaller ones until more recently Linden Homes started and continue to build homes on the western side of the village. More are coming off Reeds Lane and according to the Mid Sussex Development plans even more may be contemplated.

In tandem with new housing the recent past has seen the establishing of a special school by LVS, the creation of a thriving Community Shop and one of the largest suppliers of aircraft parts sits on the village outskirts. Many residents will also have benefited from SpaMedica which carries out NHS eye surgery from the Kings Centre.

All this helps Sayers Common to be a pleasant and convenient place in which to live and it emerged from the shadows many years ago. It is now a substantial and growing community in its own right but is the only “Downlands Village” without its own parish council despite having petitioned for one in 2019.

The Village Society (free to all residents) plays a leading role in conserving and enhancing the characteristics of the village and village life and in encouraging community activities while the welfare of the wildlife in the area is fostered by a Flora and Fauna Society.

Hurstpierpoint Advent Calendar 2023

By the Hurst ReThink

Community Join us as we return this year to partake in our village’s Christmas spirit by creating a festive display in your front window. It will need to be visible to the road and passers-by, ready to be lit and unveiled on you allocated advent day, from 5-8pm. All addresses to be lit on 24th December to mark the night before Christmas. Apply with your address and available dates by 27th October to hurstadvent@ gmail.com.

Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council news - October

Learn How to Save a Life - Free First Aid Training

Friday 6th October 6.30pm – 8pm Hurstpierpoint Village Centre Conference Room Would you like to learn how to save a life in an emergency including how to use a defibrillator?

The Parish Council has organised this free training session open to all residents. To book your free place please email or call the Parish Office office@ hurstpierpoint-pc.gov.uk or 01273 833264.

Hurstpierpoint Village Centre

The Parish Council is sole Trustee of the Village Centre Charity and must act in a Trustee capacity when required. This involves having a separate bank account, separate Trustee meetings and filing an annual return to the Charity Commission. The building is owned by the County Council and leased to the Parish Council, so the only function of the Charity is the management of the building and taking bookings. This work is undertaken by the Parish Council staff team and a management fee is charged to the Charity for their time. The Parish Council, acting as Trustees of the Village Centre, are considering dissolving the Charity so that the building is managed by the Parish Council directly. If anyone wishes to comment on this proposal, please do let us know.

To read the whole newsletter please click to enlarge the pictures or pick up your copy of October’s Hurst Life today.

Hurst Cricket Club news

By Rob Sawyer

On 2nd September, Hurst CC had our own version of Super Saturday. The equation was simple: our 1st XI needed a win to guarantee promotion and our 2nd XI needed at least ten points to avoid being one of four teams relegated.

Away at Ifield CC, the 1s won the toss and chose to bat and had a steady start reaching 79/1 in 19 overs. Back at Fairfield things were going to plan. Having won the toss the 2s found themselves with ball in hand and taking regular St Peters wickets, never allowing their batters to gain the upper hand. Once again, and for the umpteenth time, it was Neil Crickmore who did the bulk of the damage, taking four of the top six.

Over at the home of Ifield CC, brows were being mopped and not just because of the intense heat. Almost exactly one year ago we blew our promotion chances on the last day of the season, it was starting to look like history would repeat itself. After Alex Bushell, Jimmy Llyod and skipper Matt Parsons departed, the required acceleration did not go as plan with a clatter of wickets, leaving us at 130/5 in 31 with promotion in the balance. The sound of leather on wood accompanying a late order collapse to 168 all out, not nearly enough.

At Fairfield, there was a collective sigh of relief as St Peters were bowled out for 131, supplying us with the ten points required to guarantee survival. The fact that an eventual ten run defeat was the result was irrelevant and all eyes turned to Ifield Green where the home teams reply started.

We had a great start, Oscar Harman making the breakthrough, then Jimmy Llyod took two quick wickets. Although wickets fell regularly it was looking like we would once again snatch defeat from the jaws of promotion. Step forward Alex Bushell with four wickets. Still, at 130/7, it was in the balance. In the end we did it, winning by just ten runs. Having lost out on promotion in the two previous seasons, the feeling was one of relief more than triumph although that was put aside once everyone made their way back to Fairfield for a double celebration.

All in all, season 2023, the 306th in our long history, was a successful one and as the footballers take over the pavilion and the sight screens and covers are put away, we can look forward with optimism to 2024. Have a great winter!

Hurstpierpoint & Sayers Common Parish Council News - Sept 23

September 2023 | Parish Council News Village Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9UY Tel: 01273 833264 Email: office@hurstpierpoint-pc.gov.uk www.hurstpierpoint-pc.gov.uk

Green and pleasant land?

Many of our residents like to walk both for recreation, getting to school, work or shops, or as a way of enjoying our lovely countryside. As well as the health benefits, choosing to walk reduces the amount of traffic on our roads which can only be a good thing. Sadly however, walking around Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common is not always as relaxing, enjoyable, or safe as it could be. The Parish Council has recently received several complaints about the following issues: • Pavements obstructed by encroaching vegetation It is the responsibility of the landowner with trees and hedges that overhang or grow out into the pavements, to keep the pavements clear. Please remember that pavements are vitally important to children, the frail, and wheelchair or pushchair users who cannot step into a road to avoid obstructions. For example, at the Parish Council we love bramble for its value to wildlife – but in the wrong place e.g., hanging over a footpath it can be dangerous especially to those with limited sight. How can you help? Regularly check your hedges, trees and plants are not growing out across the footpath and trim where necessary.

Are your child’s immunisations up to date?

In the light of a worrying increase in cases of measles, an infection which spreads easily and can cause serious and potentially long-term problems such as pneumonia and meningitis, we have been asked by Alison Challenger, Director of Public Health for West Sussex, to encourage parents and carers to protect their children from preventable illnesses by making sure their childhood immunisations are up to date. She states: “Immunisation is the best defence against diseases, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Every child deserves the best start in life. Vaccines protect your child, yourself, and other members of your family from a range of unpleasant and often serious childhood diseases.” Many childhood vaccines are given more than once, at different ages and in different combinations. Ensuring your child has their vaccinations at the right time gives them the best protection, but it is always possible to catch up on any vaccinations your child has missed. Every child is still entitled to their jab, even if they have missed an appointment, which can be rescheduled. Vaccinations are offered free of charge in the UK. You can call your GP to book an appointment. If you are not sure whether your child has had all their vaccines for their age, you can: • Check your child’s RED BOOK • Ask your health visitor • Contact your GP practice Visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/childhood -immunisations to find out more about childhood vaccinations.

To read the full council newsletter, please click the images provided to enlarge them or turn to page 18 & 19 of September’s Hurst Life.

Hurst Village Cinema through September 2023

By Mike Thatcher

I’m delighted to report that over the summer, the everamazing Ivor has installed a new, laser projector at the Players, which not only looks fantastic, but means I can relax about bulbs blowing mid-film! As always, we are screening four films as part of the Hurst Festival, one in the New Inn garden and the others at the Players.

Wednesday 20th September: Dirty Dancing (PG) – This year’s film in the New Inn garden: Baby (Jennifer Grey) is one listless summer away from the Peace Corps. Hoping to enjoy her youth while it lasts, she’s disappointed when her summer plans deposit her at a sleepy resort in the Catskills with her parents. Her luck turns around, however, when the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny (Patrick Swayze), enlists Baby as his new partner, and the two fall in love. Baby’s father forbids her from seeing Johnny, but she’s determined to help him perform the last big dance of the summer. An 80s’ classic and well worth a re-visit in the unique setting of the New Inn garden.

Tuesday 26th September: Fargo (18) – Perhaps the Cohen brothers’ finest film, it is a dark, quirky and violent black comedy set in the bleak landscape of Minnesota. Brilliant performances from Francis McDormand and William H Macy, this turned the rules of the true-crime film on its head. It spawned the recent series with Martin Freeman.

Wednesday 27th September: The Day of the Jackal (15) – A chance to see this absolute classic on the big screen as director Fred Zinnemann delivers a masterclass in tension and suspense. An underground group pays for the services of crack assassin Edward Fox ‘The Jackal’ to kill President de Gaulle; what follows is a tense cat-and-mouse thriller chase across France, leading to thrilling climax.

Thursday 28th September: A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life (15) – Includes a Q&A with writer/director Staten Cousins Roe and lead actress Poppy Roe, who are incidentally both Hurst residents. A very British black comedy it features Katie Brayben as a self-help addict who goes on a road trip with a life coach (Roe) who just happens to be a serial killer. Filmed locally, it’s a deadly and comic skewering of the ‘wellness’ culture and has been described as a cross between Sightseers and Thelma and Louise.

All tickets can be bought via the Festival website (www.hurstfestival.org).

Hurst Open Studios welcomes the community

By Annette Street

Hurstpierpoint Open Studios will take place over the weekends of 16th-17th and 23rd-24th September during the Hurst Festival and there will be 25 artists at 13 venues around the village.
Come and meet the artists and view paintings, textiles, stained glass, photography, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture. We’re also supporting an exhibition by Ukrainian artist Alexey Artyukh. There is something for everyone to enjoy and maybe treat yourself, or someone else to a unique piece of artwork.

Look for the blue and white balloons! Find more details online: www.hurstfestival.org/hurst-open-studios Hurst Life spoke to two new exhibitors in the village; Matt Startin, who has recently moved here and Tamila Moiseieva, a Ukrainian who is exhibiting on behalf of Alexey Artyukh:

By Tamila Moiseieva
Alexey Petrovich Artyukh, was born in 1966 in Kiev and in 1999 he was ordained a priest in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He paints in the styles of academic realism and Impressionism. Work in Ukraine is still hindered by financial difficulties, as life has become harder, paintings are not ordered and not bought. So, Alexey can’t sell anything in his country now. Therefore, he has difficulties with feeding his family. We are very grateful to organisers of Open Studio and everyone who helped to show and promote Alexey’s creativity in England, a country where there are many lovers of art and all the beautiful things that exist in this world! I am hoping to sell paintings of Alexey and transfer money to him. This is my goal. Thank you.

By Matt Startin
I originally studied Architecture at the Mackintosh School, part of the Glasgow School of Art, but then found a job into the video games industry as a 3D artist. I have now been making video games for over 25 years and I’m currently an art director at Electronic Arts (EA), a well-known American video game company. I started printmaking back in 2015 when I took a course in traditional etching at BIP printmaking studio in Brighton. Visitors to my studio will see a collection of my aquatint etchings and mezzotint prints and I’ve recently been working with charcoal too. There will also be a few photographic prints for sale. I’ll be working in the studio so people can watch me create a mezzotint plate and I’m happy to talk about the printmaking process to anyone that wants to listen.

Hurst Festival returns this September 2023

By Katherine Jackman, festival manager

Hurst Festival runs between 16th and 30th September: Over 80 events of all kinds over two weeks, right here in the village. More details can be found in the programme or online, where you can also buy tickets: www.hurstfestival.org

To launch the two week arts festival is the community event - Super Sunday - on 17th September, 12noon until 6pm. It is a day of free entertainment, live music, there will be a dog show and a barn dance, as well as stalls for food, crafts, charities and so much more! The bell ringers from Holy Trinity Church will start the annual Treasured Transport Parade at 1pm led by Burgess Hill Marching Band – if you want to be part of it and you have ‘treasured transport’ email: treasured.transport@hurstfestival.org for an entry form.
We will be closing Hurstpierpoint High Street from 10am and filling it with stalls and music and many of our beloved High Street retailers will spill onto the High Street with fun additions such as gin tastings and gingerbread decorating!

Added to these locals will be a smorgasbord of independent traders of all kinds including Village Pizza caravan, Greek Food, East Meets West, Donuts, Ice Creams, Gelato and Crepes! We have plenty of vegan and gluten free options – including the fabulous Pakora – their Bhajias are cooked in a yellow split pea batter, so everyone can enjoy them! Add to this some amazing charity stalls, craft, clothes, book stalls and face painting from Garden Spa.

South Avenue Rec will have the Hurst Festival bar on it, so help support this free community day by buying a cold local beer, wine or even a cocktail. The Rec will have an arena of entertainment and free bouncy slide, football goal game and nerf gun game. Donations please!

We are also delighted to announce a fabulous new addition to Super Sunday: ‘Hufts’ - the new Hurst Festival Dog Show at 1.30pm on the Rec. Also, on Super Sunday in the afternoon, we will be having a large barn dance for everybody on South Avenue Recreation Ground curtesy of the amazing live band and callers - Shenanigans. Let’s all come together to dance and celebrate Super Sunday!

South Avenue Recreation Ground Arena
12noon – 1.30pm Mid Sussex Radio DJ
1-1.30pm Treasured Transport Parade
1.30-2.30pm Super Sunday Dog Show
2.30-3pm Hurstpierpoint Gymnastics Club Demonstration
3.15-4pm Barn Dance for all with Shenanigans
4-4.15pm Mid Sussex Radio DJ
4.15-5pm Barn Dance for all with Shenanigans
5-6.30pm Mid Sussex Radio DJ

Village Garden Stage
12noon-2pm DJ Emz
2-3pm Voxy Music
3.30-5pm Open Mic
5-6pm DJ Emz

Albourne Village Show 2023

Albourne Village Show is back!

Calling all music lovers, families, and fun-seekers! Mark your calendars for the most exciting event of the year in Albourne village – Albourne Village Show, taking place on 16th September 2023 from 12 pm onwards. This year, we're bringing the magic to the heart of the village, with the show being held within the Village Hall and surrounding green. Bring your friends, family, four paws and neighbours – there's something for everyone at the Albourne Village Show. We can't wait to see you there! Let's make this year's event the most extraordinary yet!

Unleash your inner music fan

Prepare to have your soul stirred and feet tapping as we present a line-up of fantastic bands in a large marquee from 3pm. Brace yourselves for mesmerizing performances by the villages favourites like The Kites, Surfisticates, The Joel White Experience, and The Stanmer Band. The air will be alive with melodies and rhythms that will keep you grooving all day long!

Family fun

Calling all parents and little ones! From 12.30pm to 2pm, our marquee will transform into a lively children's disco, where kids can dance, play, and create unforgettable memories. The fun doesn't end there – between 2pm and 3pm, we're hosting an open mic session for all the budding musicians, poets, and performers out there. And guess what? We've got something special for the tech-savvy visitors too – experience the thrilling world of VR Games that will transport you to places you've never been before!

Wag those tails

Attention all dog lovers! Our fun-filled dog show is the perfect opportunity to show off your canine companions' talents and adorable quirks. From 2pm to 3.30pm, witness some tail-wagging action and see who will be crowned the ‘Best in Show’ – a title every pooch dreams of!

Strength and camaraderie

Gather your friends and family and join in the exhilarating tug-of-war challenge at 5pm. Test your strength and teamwork as you compete against others for victory. It's a great way to bond with friends and make new ones as you strive for triumph!

Treat yourself

When it's time to refuel, head to the Village Hall for a delightful assortment of teas, coffees, and mouth-watering homemade cakes. Or head outside towards the hot food and ice cream van! Need something a little stronger to quench your thirst? Fear not! We've got you covered with a fully stocked bar serving a selection of delightful local beers and wines. Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the best of both worlds with refreshing beverages and exciting activities at the Albourne Village Show!

 Raffle supported by local businesses

 Feeling lucky? Don't miss your chance to participate in our raffle, filled with exciting prizes and surprises, all generously supported by our local businesses. By participating, you not only stand a chance to win fabulous rewards but also support the community spirit that makes Albourne village and surrounding areas so unique and vibrant.

 Albourne Village Show – our history

 The Albourne Village Show was an annual autumn event that attracted up to 1,000 people from surrounding villages and towns. Although, it started as a traditional summer fete with a flower, produce and craft show at its heart, complete with apple pressing and a barbecue from Clive Miller butchers. The event grew into a family event with brands, a dog show, steam engines, vintage vehicles and children's entertainment. The committee was no longer able to continue the event, with the last event running in 2018. But in 2023 – we’re back! Come and see for yourself on Saturday 16th September.

 

Mid Sussex Health Care - Flu Clinics 2023 in Hurst

Hurstpierpoint Surgery -
Saturday 30th Sept 8.30 - 12pm
Monday 2nd October 6pm - 7.30pm
Saturday 21st October 8.30am - 12pm

Hassocks Surgery -
Saturday 7th October 8.30am - 11am
Monday 9th October 6pm - 7.30pm

Ditchling Surgery -
Saturday 14th October 8.30am - 12pm

https://www.midsussexhealthcare.co.uk/

Hurst Festival September 2023

By Katherine Jackman, Festival manager

We are excited to bring you our latest programme for Hurst Festival 2023 – our 19th year! As always, we have the ever-popular Hurst open studios, cinema in the garden, live band nights, blues, soirees, children’s shows, Hurst Players theatre, talks, wellbeing events and much more. Stephen Grant returns to compere the traditional Friday night comedy nights and bring us the fabulous new and up and coming comedians that we are so proud to have in our village.

We have three large Saturday night events for your pleasure: The first Saturday, 16th September, is Absolute Bowie, Winners of the National Tribute Music Awards, with a full live band for you in Holy Trinity church.
The second Saturday, 23rd September, we are pleased to announce that Mid Sussex Sinfonia will be in concert and on the last Saturday we have a fabulous Motown Party for you with the amazing live singers All that Soul bringing true soul and party vibes to our community!

We are also delighted to announce a fabulous new addition to our Super Sunday community event on the afternoon of 17th September, ‘Hufts’ - the new Hurst Festival Dog Show. To add to the excitement, we are very pleased to have secured Brigadier Humphrey Portleroy Trotter and Judge Janey – two extremely experienced Official Judges to oversee proceedings at the Arena on South Avenue Recreation Ground.

Also, on Super Sunday in the afternoon, we will be having a large Barn Dance for everybody on South Avenue Recreation Ground courtesy of the amazing live band and callers ‘Shenanigans.’ Remember on Super Sunday the Hurst Festival bar on the Recreation ground helps pay for all the free entertainment on the day so please support our bar. Indeed, at all of our events the income from the bar ensures that the festival is able to continue and helps us keep ticket prices low and provide the free entertainment – so please don’t bring your own alcohol to events.

Next year will be our 20th anniversary year and we will be inviting all our old favourites to perform – do let us know if there is anyone you would love to see again. We look forward to seeing you all during the two weeks in September – book tickets asap! www.hurstfestival.org As a registered Charity Hurst Festival relies on our brilliant team of volunteers – if you wish to help out during Hurst Festival or before, please contact us at admin@hurstfestival.org.

Hope celebrates 10 years in Hurst

By Holly Henderson

July saw the 10th anniversary of the charity Hope, started in Hurstpierpoint, which works to reduce stress and isolation amongst families. Hope has now developed five different styles of projects for people to run in their community to support parents who may simply like to talk through a parenting situation or be struggling personally with poor mental health or isolation.

The founder of the charity, Naomi McBain, explained how her faith was her original motive to begin this charity: “Our primary aim is to be a listener, not a counsellor,” she said, “and to ensure that everyone feels valued and heard. The charity has grown organically from leading The Sanctuary in the village. I saw a need in some local families who attended, and I wanted to see if we could do more to help.”

In the early years of Hope, Naomi started with parenting workshops, sensory playtime and the sparkle group which is specifically for mothers who may feel isolated. Now, she has introduced, ‘space for dads’ and drop-in groups. As a registered charity, Hope is run by Naomi and supported by three committed trustees; Rachael Heald, Sarah Emmanuel, and James Allen. There are now over 30 volunteers involved in different aspects of the charity’s work, and together over the ten years they have had 9,204 engagements with parents and families.

Earlier this month, Hope celebrated with a special anniversary party at Court Bushes Community Hub. They reflected on all that has been achieved and listened to stories from families who have been involved with Hope. Funders, volunteers and families came together to acknowledge the charity’s achievements alongside enjoying coffee and a slice of cake. Later on this year, in early September, Hope will be reintroducing a Sparkle group in Hurstpierpoint for mums of any age who would like a supportive small group to belong to. You can find out more information about this group or how you can volunteer with Hope directly from Naomi (naomi@buildinghope.org.uk).

Hurst Life is published by Kipper Creative Ltd  |  Follow us on Twitter  |  Like us on Facebook | See us on Instagram