Lindfield Society newsletter - January 2025

Gladman Development

The announcement of Gladman Development’s (GD) proposed 90-unit estate on the north of Scamps Hill kicked-off the year. The Lindfield Society submitted strong objections based on non-compliance with current planning policies. During protracted planning discussions with the Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC), GD filed an appeal despite not having a final ruling. The Appeal Inquiry was scheduled to begin on 10th December but has been delayed until 2025. The pre-inquiry evidence exchange showed that GD challenged the validity of the current MSDC District Plan, which currently excludes the Scamps Hill site from development. Due to publication deadlines, we cannot print an outcome, but we will have full coverage of the meeting on our website. Related documentation can be viewed on the MSDC website https://pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications/ Using reference AP/24/0044, select the ‘Appeals’ tab.

Lindfield Society talks programme

Our programme of free talks continues in King Edward Hall. We roamed from the Trolleys of Lisbon to the Artic Home of the Polar Bear in 2024. In 2025, we’ll visit Treasures in St Petersburg, hear about writing comedy for TV, and walk the Sussex Downs with Ian Everest. A complete listing is available on our website and the Jubilee notice board on Denmans Lane at High Street. Our talks are well attended and provide a forum where the management committee can discuss current planning issues with the membership.

Website enhancements

We may have mentioned our newly updated website at www.lindfieldsociety.org.uk, which has an easy-toreach layout to find information on any of the above topics. The most exciting announcement is our ability to accept payments through our JustGiving page, so it is possible to join, renew, or make donations entirely online through the Society website using debit or credit cards of your choice. Your contributions will also be eligible for Gift Aid, which will benefit the Society over and beyond your donation. Please have a look and let us know what you think. We want to thank all our members for your continuing support in 2024 and wish you all a very happy New Year!

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

Lindfield Village Day

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s Lindfield Village Day event page. Here you will find our most recent information for our wonderful community day.

Lindfield Village Day is a celebration for the community and a fundraiser for the King Edward Hall.

See also, King Edward Hall
Village Day Facebook page

2025’s Lindfield Village Day is scheduled for 31st May 2025! More info coming soon.

All photos by @ClareOzkan

2024

Success - Sun, stalls and bands!

Lindfield Village Day has been a key event in the calendar for 46 years, following the successful 1977 Silver Jubilee celebrations in the village.

Whilst the principle of the day hasn’t changed since its inception, the event has grown considerably in scale in recent years.

Lindfield Village Day is still run as a fundraising off-shoot of King Edward Hall’s management committee, even though only a few from the 20-strong organising team are actually on the charity’s committee. Every year, the team volunteers, led by co-chairs Katherine Alcock and David Tingley, plan every element of the day between November and June.

This year’s event saw the return of the RTFJ Stage, which hosted headliner band Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes, among others. The UpCountry Food & Drink Quarter boasted more than 25 vendors in front of the stage.

All photos by @ClareOzkan

The stage and bands in particular are only made possible thanks to generous local businesses – which brought in over £10,000 this year. Mark Plass, responsible for the sponsorship, said: “Running an event on this scale costs a lot of money, and we are truly grateful to our business partners for helping us make Village Day bigger and better in 2024.”

Elsewhere on the Common, over 130 stallholders were set up, six different performances took place in the arena, including the Children’s Dog Show, the Competition Tent included more than 100 entries from local creatives and, of course, the Firing of the Anvil started this year’s Olympics-themed procession, featuring hundreds of people parading down the High Street.

David Tingley explained: “We were delighted with the turnout and how the big day went – it’s a testimony to our dedicated team who give their time for six months to realise this huge event for the whole community. Plus the dozens of extra helpers on the day, of course – without whom we couldn’t do it.”

Save the date: Next year – Saturday 31st May 2025.

Click the images to the right to enlarge them.


Click the button above for the full LVD guide

Children’s Dog Show

In the arena

• 2-3pm (register from 12.30-1.45pm)
• Under 12s only
• £1.50 per entry
• Max three entries

Categories are:

• Friendliest Dog
• Best Junior Handler
• Pet the judge would most like to take home
• Best in Show

Thanks go to Oathall Veterinary Group for sponsoring the dog show and for judging the pet pooches this year.
The winning pairs will take home a small prize, supplied by Bernie Taylor of Oscar Pet Foods, and a rosette to mark the occasion.


RTFJ Stage

The RTFJ Stage is back! Thanks to some generous business sponsorship, it will be positioned within the UpCountry Food & Drink Quarter - so you can relax and enjoy the musical performances with refreshments.

12.15pm DJ Greg
1pm Phoenix Fires
2.30pm DJ Greg
3.30pm Headliner: Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes
5pm Close

* Correct at time of going to print, line-up could be subject to last minute change

The Competition Tent

The Competition Tent is coming back to The Common this year, with a brand new selection of categories for everyone to get involved in!
Some of our categories are just for children, which will be judged in three age groups: 5 and under, 6-10 years, and 11-16 years. The rest of the categories are open to all age groups, so whether you’re a keen baker, poet or artist, everyone can get involved. We’d love to see your talents!

Entering is as simple as completing the registration form on our website (www.kingedwardhall.org.uk/village-day/ competition-tent) and paying your fee: it costs just £1 per item entered. Or, if you’d prefer to register in person, pop into Ounce on the High Street (exact money only please).
Registration is open now and will close at 6pm on Thursday 30th May.

The tent will be closed for judging between 10.45am and midday, when we will reopen for everyone to view and admire all of the entries, including those judged the best in each category. We invite everyone to come along and look at the village’s collective creativity and support your friends, family and neighbours! All entries will need to be collected from us at the end of the day, from 4.30-5pm.

Competition categories

Food and drink

● A Celebration Cake - For any occasion! Either a single cake to share or six individual cakes, get creative in the kitchen and bring us a cake suitable for a celebration.

● Flavoured Scones - Your take on a British afternoon tea classic. Show off your favourite flavours and submit six scones to our judges!

● Cordials, Liqueurs, Wines and Beers - Do you like to create a delicious drink? We’d love to taste your tipple. Bring a bottle!

● Jams, Pickles, Chutneys and Honey - Bring us a jar or two of your best preserves. All welcome, from homemade jam to honey from your own bees!

● Children’s Category: Six Decorated Cookies/ Cupcakes - Get creative and decorate six cookies or cupcakes. Shop bought or homemade are accepted, but decorated yourself.

Art and craft

● A Celebration of Lindfield - Celebrate our beautiful village in any medium: photography, paint, textile, digital art… it’s up to you!

● A Handmade Character - Knitted, crocheted or sewn, create a cute character and bring them to life.

● Lindfield Poetry* - Are you a keen poet? We’d love to hear your take on our village in a poem of any kind. These can also be submitted in advance via email as well as on the day.

● Children’s Category: A Lindfield Acrostic* - Write an acrostic poem to ‘Lindfield’ and share your love of the village.

● Children’s Category: Wild Fruit and Veg - From elephants to bunnies, create an animal out of fruit and/or

vegetables. Let your imagination run wild!

● Children’s Category: Modelling the Natural World - Create an animal- or nature-themed model in any medium, from Lego to Play Doh to clay.

*These poetry categories can be submitted early via email, to comptent@kingedwardhall.org.uk

Main Arena

12noon Firing of the Anvil - A traditional start to Village Day (Warning: loud bangs - take care of dogs)

12.30pm Procession arrives at the Common - Parade moves down the High Street and to the Common, finishing in the Arena for judging.

1pm Dhol Drummers

1.30pm Turning Pointe Dance School

2pm Children’s Dog Show

3.30pm Leaps and Beats

4pm Lindfield Community Voices

4.30pm Grand Raffle Draw

5pm Finish

Click the button above to open the full Lindfield Village Day Guide

Lindfield Village Run

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s Lindfield Village Run event page. Here you will find our most recent information for the race.

The Lindfield Village Run is a well-established event that sets out two cross county runs: a 10k Village Run and a 5k Family Run. Both take place mostly on paths and tracks through the West Sussex countryside in the immediate vicinity of the village of Lindfield. They are old fashioned cross-country runs with multi-terrain, some slippery surfaces and the odd cow in fields!

See also, King Edward Hall
Village Run Facebook page

2025’s Lindfield Village Run is scheduled for 18th May 2025. More info coming soon.

2023’s Village Run…

On Sunday 21st May, more than 500 runners and their supporters turned up at Hickmans Lane Playing Field for the Lindfield Village Run.

The 5k (aka ‘family fun run’) and 10k races were both well-supported on what was near-perfect weather conditions for running. The event, which is a fundraiser for registered charity King Edward Hall, was supported by two Lindfield businesses: Potential Personal Training and Six Physio. The annual community event is well-supported by individuals too, as it took over 30 volunteers all giving their time, to bring the run together on the day, whether marshalling out on the course, setting up or registering participants on arrival.

Podium finishers for the 5k race were Paul Nixon (20:50) in third place, Nate Donougher (20:40) as runner up, and Dan Celani taking the top spot with a time of 18.49.

For the 10k race, Ian Kenton (44:17) took third place, Michael Priest (43:28) was second and the winner was Ben Gibson with a time of 42:40.

For the full results listing, see www.kingedwardhall.org.uk, and if you’d like to offer your time to help at next year’s event, please email the team via run@kingedwardhall.org.uk.

2022’s Village Run…

The organisers of this year’s Lindfield Village Run are pleased to announce that booking will open later this month, for the fundraising event for King Edward Hall.

Participants for this year’s run, being held on Sunday 22nd May 2022 in order to move it away from the extra jubilee bank holidays over half term, will soon be able to sign up on the website:
www.kingedwardhall.org.uk/village-run

2022 will mark the return of the event since Covid. Last year a virtual run was held.

As normal, the run is a traditional cross country route around the village, and there will be two distances: 5k and 10k. The cost to take part is £7 and £15 respectively, with the runners starting at 10.30am.

One of the organisers Colette Cannon explained: “We are encouraging as many as possible to book their place in advance on the website – which should mean the process of registering on the day is easier. We will have as many volunteers on the sign-in desks as possible – thank you in advance to all those who give up their time on the day.”

See the website for details of the run routes, as it can change, even nearer the time – due to external factors like weather conditions in the weeks up to the event. Runners are reminded that some of the route is on private land, for which specific permission has been sought for 22nd May – therefore please don’t practise on these areas.

Lindfield Village Run is a community fundraising event for Lindfield’s King Edward Hall – a registered charity. Three local businesses have agreed to sponsor this year’s run, which helps to keep costs down. They are: Potential Personal Training, Jackson-Stops and Six Physio. Co-chair David Tingley said: “We are extremely grateful to these businesses for putting their hand in their pockets to help KEH, and facilitate such a fantastic community event.”

Online bookings are due to open in March:
www.kingedwardhall.org.uk/village-run

Join a new hiking group in Lindfield

Love walking? Why not join a new, free, monthly hiking group for people who enjoy walking, and prefer company – it’s called Walkie Talkies!

Walks will take place on the last Sunday of every month, starting 29th December 2024.

Hikers will enjoy local, walks (of approximately 8km initially) along with an opportunity to meet new people while exploring beautiful trails around Lindfield and Sussex.

The walks are being organised by Simon Geere, a Lindfield local with a love for hiking. “Over the past three years, I’ve explored the beautiful trails across Sussex, including the stunning South Downs,” he said. “I’m passionate about encouraging more people to lace up their walking boots, enjoy the fresh air, and discover the incredible countryside we’re lucky to have on our doorstep. Hiking is great for your physical health and wellbeing.
“So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, I’d love for you to join our free monthly hiking group boots, waterproofs and a smile!”

Contact Simon at lindfieldhikes@gmail.com to register your interest in December / January hikes and to find out more.

Churches of Lindfield Christmas services

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s churches of Lindfield Christmas services event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything Christmas in our churches.

See also, All Saints Church, Lindfield United Reformed Church, Lindfield Evangelical Free Church, St Augustine’s Church, Scaynes Hill

All Saints Church

www.allsaintslindfield.org/christmas
Email: allsaints@lindfield.info

Sunday 15th December
8am - Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
9.30am - Morning service with children’s groups
4.30pm - Traditional Carol Service (1)
7pm - Traditional Carol Service (2)

Tuesday 17th December
10am - Tiger@Ten Christmas special (fortnightly group for over 65s)

Sunday 22nd December
9.30am - All Saints Kids Nativity
The children can come dressed up as a shepherd, farmyard animal or angel as we retell the Christmas story in this enchanting, fun and slightly chaotic service
11.15am - Morning Worship
4.30pm - Big Band Carols (1)
7pm - Big Band Carols (2)

Tuesday 24th December (Christmas Eve)
3pm - Christingle
This Christingle is a particularly accessible service for all, including SEN families and those with very young children
4pm - Christingle
5pm - Christingle
6pm - Christingle
11.15pm - Midnight Communion

Wednesday 25th December (Christmas Day)
8am - Christmas Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
10am - Christmas Celebration

Sunday 29th December
10am - Morning Worship (children will stay in for whole service)
6pm - Cornerstone – our informal band-led service for all ages

Please visit our YouTube channel to watch some of these services broadcast live.

Lindfield United Reformed Church

Friday 13th December
4pm - Messy Christmas
The monthly Messy Church focuses on Christmas

Sunday 15th December
10am - Family Worship
5pm - Carols by Candlelight
A candlelight traditional service of lessons and carols

Thursday 19th December
7.30pm - Christmas Concert
Join us in the church or online for a light-hearted Christmas concert with music from the Perdido Players, and more as we celebrate together the meaning and message of Christmas

Sunday 22nd December
10am - Family Worship - including the Lord’s Supper

Tuesday 24th December (Christmas Eve)
4pm - Crib Service
A retelling of the first Christmas, appropriate to, and performed by, the very youngest. Suitable for all ages

Wednesday 25th December (Christmas Day)
10am - Family Service - We celebrate the birth of Jesus

Lindfield Evangelical Free Church

www.lefc.co.uk

Sunday 22nd December
4pm - Carol Service

Wednesday 25th December (Christmas Day)
10.30am - Christmas Service

St Augustine’s Church, Scaynes Hill

www.sash.org.uk

Saturday 30th November
4.30pm - Lighting of the Village Christmas Tree With hot dogs and carols - followed by mulled wine and mince pies

Monday 9th December
4pm - Christingle Service Followed by a Christmas Party Tea

Thursday 19th December
10.30am - Cheerful, short service with carols
7pm - Celtish Concert - free admission As seen on BBC One’s Songs of Praise

Sunday 22nd December
6pm - Carols by Candlelight Followed by mulled wine and mince pies

Tuesday 24th December (Christmas Eve)
4pm - Crib Service
11.30pm - Midnight Communion

Wednesday 25th December (Christmas Day)
10am - Christmas Holy Communion

Sunday 5th January
4.30pm - Follow the Star Trail

Lindfield Parish Council's newsletter - December 2024

Chairman’s Update

Scamps Hill – 90 house development Our understanding is that the developer has appealed against the time taken by MSDC to make a decision regarding the application received although we understand that MSDC will be defending their position.

The appeal is to be heard on the 10th December, we have not been notified of the venue yet. A representative from the Parish Council is hoping to be invited to speak at the appeal. LRPC continues to oppose this speculative development, in summary the reasons are: The site has previously been excluded for development in the adopted Local Plan and is speculative and not required to meeting housing needs. The highway proposals fail to meet current guidance for active travel and public transport and introduce an access at the least safe location on the site frontage with maximum negative impact to hedgerows and visual amenity. We consider that the Transport Assessment is flawed with errors, inaccuracies and unfounded assumptions.

If you want to read more about this application, then visit the MSDC website looking for planning applications ref DM/24/0446

To read the full newsletter, click the images to enlarge them or pick up for December copy of Lindfield Life today.

Lindfield’s Remembrance Sunday

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

See also, Lindfield Parish Council
and All Saints Church

2024

Members of the Lindfield branch of the Royal British Legion are busy preparing for the annual Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Services.

From 4th November, poppies will be on sale daily at the gazebo on the High Street.

On Sunday 10th November at 2.45pm, there will be wreath laying at the memorial outside All Saints Church followed by a memorial service at 3pm.

On 11th November, at 10.50am, members will gather at the War Memorial outside All Saints Church for wreath laying and to remember those who sacrificed their lives at 11am.

Denmans Lane Dash in Lindfield

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s Denmans Lane Dash event page. Here you will find our most recent information for the exciting Boxing Day race.

Denmans Lane Dash is a Boxing Day beer race, racing the length of Denmans Lane and back for charity.

See also, Denmans Lane Dash Facebook page

2024 information coming soon!

Video round-up of 2023 Denmans Lane Dash

Lindfield Bonfire Night

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s Lindfield Bonfire Night event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything bonfire and fireworks.

See also, Lindfield Bonfire Society

Lindfield will once again celebrate bonfire night on Tuesday 5th November 2024

Celebrating its 130th anniversary, a year of fundraising and planning by Lindfield Bonfire Society (LBS) culminates on Tuesday 5th November. Starting at 7.30pm outside The Stand Up Inn, the torchlit procession with the Guy goes through the village, heading eventually to the common. There the traditional bonfire prayer will be said, followed by the lighting of the bonfire and ending with a grand f irework display.

This year LBS is also commemorating the dismantling of the toll gates across the High Street 140 years ago. In 1884, Bonfire Boys helped with the dismantling and disposal – via the bonfire!

Various road closures will be in effect on the night from 6.30pm until 9.30pm. During this time, it will not be possible to use these roads with vehicles. Please do not attempt to drive through closed roads as you endanger the safety of pedestrians and will be reported to the authorities.

The event as usual is free to attend but on the night LBS holds a street collection in aid of local children’s charities. If every person that attended gave just £1 LBS would raise a phenomenal amount for its chosen charities. Scan the QR code to donate any amount.

For full details check the LBS Facebook page, and website (www.lindfieldbonfiresociety.co.uk). Information is also available in the 2024 Bonfire programme which is available from Cottenhams, The Stand Up, Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning, The Witch, The Bent Arms, Lindfield Club, or from the LBS website for a minimum donation of £2. LBS regrets that as it gets nearer to the fifth, they may be unable to respond to specific queries as they will be busy preparing for the night.

If you are attending on the night, remember:
• Please do not bring sparklers or fireworks. It is illegal to light them in a public area
• Please do not pick up torches that have been discarded at the side of the road. Only Bonfire Society members, and invited societies are permitted to hold them
• Leave pets at home
• Bring your loose change to donate to our street collection. LBS also has the ability to donate digitally via SumUp QR codes, so there’s no excuse!
• Please take your litter home with you
• Please obey the directions of Marshals

And finally, have a fun and safe night! To make a donation to LBS to contribute to its costs of staging Lindfield’s Bonfire Night visit: https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QE6B1X4Z

Lindfield Village Christmas Festival Night

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s Lindfield Village Christmas Festival Night event page. Here you will find our most recent information for the festival.

Lindfield Village Christmas Festival Night is an evening in December where Lindfield High Street stays open late, we welcome fairground rides and street stalls, all organised by the Lindfield Parish Council.

See also, Lindfield Parish Council

Christmas Festival Night 2024

This year’s Christmas Festival Night will be held on Tuesday 3rd December.

The High Street will be closed to traffic in the evening from 5pm until 9.30pm. The event will begin at 6pm and finish by 9pm. Invitations have been sent to previous stall holders and if you would like to reserve a space for a stall, please contact David Parsons, deputy parish clerk at the parish office - 01444 484115, or at clerks@lindfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk.

Mid Sussex District Council news - November 2024

Click to enlarge

Urban Events mark the first steps taken in new partnership for Burgess Hill

Following the Council’s recent decision to progress the formation of a Joint Venture with NewRiver REIT plc (NewRiver), which aims to deliver the redevelopment of Martlets Shopping Centre in Burgess Hill, both parties are jointly delivering a series of activities to mark their commitment to the partnership and help enliven the school holiday and festive periods for the local community. ‘Urban Events’ is a series of free activities during October half-term and in the run up to Christmas, aimed at young people aged 8-16 to bring local people together and drive activity into the town centre. Details of the events can be found on Mid Sussex District Council’s website and on social media. Search Urban Events on www.midsussex.gov.uk

Click to enlarge

Mid Sussex libraries host free events to support Positive Ageing

This month is the first West Sussex Positive Ageing Month with a series of free events for residents offering information and advice on healthy ageing. As a joint initiative between West Sussex County Council’s Library Service and Public Health, all libraries in Mid Sussex will offer information and book displays on healthy ageing while selected libraries, including Haywards Heath and East Grinstead, will hold events. Depending on venue, these will include health and wellbeing checks, hearing tests, physical movement assessments and expert talks on maintaining wellbeing as you grow older. For more information visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/positiveageing

To read the full newsletter, click the images to enlarge them or pick up for November copy of Lindfield Life.

Lindfield Repair Café celebrates third anniversary

By Nicola Coughlin

November sees Lindfield Repair Café celebrate its 3-year anniversary. “This month is about giving huge thanks to all our amazing volunteers,” said founder Trevor Carpenter. ‘Without every one of them, our Repair Café would not have been such a great success. Thanks also to all our very supportive visitors, many of whom are now regulars.

The Repair Café has had nearly 3,000 visitors since it first opened its doors in November 2021 and more than 2,300 repairs have been completed. Crucially, this means that all these items have been prevented from going to landfill and furthermore, energy and resources have been saved in avoiding the need for replacements to be manufactured.

Many treasured items are also being restored. Last month, 94-year-old Nelly brought in her Carrom board (pictured), and skilled repairers Marta and Paul are working together to restore it for her.

“The Repair Café is so well run and offers such a fantastic local service,” said visitor Simon Drane. ‘I was so pleased that Nick was able to fix our statue. It’s great to see the community pull together in this way, reducing waste and offering items a new lease of life.”

As well as welcoming several local community projects to the Repair Café, collection points have been set up for recycling used candle wax and batteries.

In November, donations of green electric circuit boards are being collected so that children in the Kids Room can make the word ‘Computer’ from them. Please bring along any printed circuit boards that you no longer need or contact lindfieldrepaircafe@gmail.com.

Lindfield Repair Café volunteers also offer computer advice and can help with many technical issues. Lindfield Repair Café is held at Lindfield United Reformed Church, between 10am-1pm. Forthcoming events: Saturday 2nd November, Saturday 7th December, and Saturday 4th January.

Shine Bright walk with St Peter & St James Hospice this October - 2024

Click to enlarge

Attendees of this month’s Shine Bright are invited to light up the night for the magical 5k illuminated walk supporting St Peter & St James Hospice on Saturday 5th October, starting from Lindfield Primary Academy. The Shine Bright Event Village will open from 5pm, to enjoy live music, a variety of delicious food and refreshments, getting creative with face glitters and purchasing exciting glow accessories and lots more, before setting off.

The walk will start at 7pm, leading participants through the picturesque and historic village of Lindfield. With wonderfully talented performers and beautiful light displays along the way, a truly memorable evening awaits.

St Peter and St James Hospice are calling all residents on route to help light up the night. Why not brush off those Christmas decorations early to show support and put them outside for everyone to see for Shine Bright? Together we can make it even more spectacular!

A spokeperson for the charity, said: “To enhance the experience, entrants will receive a welcome pack ahead of the event, including a Shine Bright T-shirt, candle bag, event details, and dedication stars for family and friends. Shine Bright is more than just a walk; it’s an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate someone special in a meaningful way. Whether walking for someone special or supporting the hospice, this evening promises to be an unforgettable one.”

Don’t miss out; make sure you register today at: www.stpjhospice.org

If you have any questions, please contact the St Peter & St James Hospice team at shinebright@stpjhospice.org.

Thank you concert by Ukrainian Voices in All Saints Church, Lindfield

Ukrainian Voices Choir

By Liudmyla Horielaia

When more than 100 refugees from Ukraine came to Mid Sussex two years ago to escape the war, All Saints Church in Lindfield became one of the most important centres of help and communication.
Every week the church has held English lessons, kindly organised by the local community. The atmosphere in the church was so supportive and friendly that it quickly became a favourite meeting place for Ukrainians.

Here, you could get answers to questions related to your stay in England, make new acquaintances, and just have a nice time over a cup of tea and cakes. Today, when many families from Ukraine have already settled down, found work and housing, they still come to the church as a favourite place.

The idea of organising an evening of Ukrainian music at All Saints Church was born as a token of gratitude to the local community for the enormous support provided to refugees from Ukraine during their difficult time. The concert is also important to show people that Ukraine is more than war and politics and to share the rich musical heritage of their country.
We invite you to join us for an evening filled with to refugees from Ukraine during their difficult time. The concert is also important to show people that Ukraine is more than war and politics and to share the rich musical heritage of their country. beautiful Ukrainian melodies. The concert will take place on 12th October at 6pm in All Saints Church.

The Ukrainian Voices choir, made up of refugees from Ukraine and based in Brighton, will perform traditional and modern Ukrainian songs. Their repertoire spans a range of genres, from heartfelt ballads to reggae, they also have plenty of upbeat folk tunes that will have you tapping your feet and clapping along.

Let their voices transport you to Ukraine, to preserve and pass on the musical culture of their country.

Mid Sussex District Council October newsletter 2024

Please be vigilant of fraudulent QR codes!

We were recently informed by our Enforcement Officers of an issue regarding fraudulent QR codes found on payment machines across our council-owned car parks.
These QR codes, which falsely claim to be for the PaybyPhone service, are designed to trick individuals into handing over their card details. It is important to note that Mid Sussex District Council does not use PaybyPhone for parking payments and uses MiPermit.
The Council’s Enforcement Officers acted swiftly to remove the fake QE codes and are dedicated to continuing to maintain the security of parking facilities, preventing crime and ensuring the safety of residents. Councillor Chris Hobbs, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services said: “We are asking residents not to scan these QR codes for their own protection. Our enforcement officers, who play a crucial role in ensuring the security of our parking facilities, were the first to spot and highlight this issue. Their quick action has been essential in mitigating the risk posed by these fraudulent QR codes.”
For more information or to report any concerns, please contact the council’s parking team at parkinginfo@midsussex.gov.uk or by calling 01444 458166.

Apply for one of our Community Grants!

The Mid Sussex District Council Community Grants Programme is now open! This initiative underscores the Council’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community by supporting local groups in the delivery of their projects and events. Eligible groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000. The deadline for submissions for this round is 23rd September, but there are multiple rounds every year so keep an eye on our website for future dates.
We recently expanded the programme’s criteria to include pressing challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis, poverty, and climate change. These updates reflect the Council’s dedication to promoting sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of residents across the district.
Councillor Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications said: “Our District has many local organisations and charities that are all making a difference in our communities, and the programme is designed to celebrate and support these groups.
“We want to encourage groups to be creative in supporting sustainability goals and ensure that funding is actively benefiting our communities.”
Community groups interested in applying for a grant are encouraged to visit the Council’s website and search ‘Community Grants’ for more information and how to apply. To help groups succeed in their applications, we encourage groups to arrange a call with the communities team before submitting. For any questions, groups can contact the Council directly via email at communities@ midsussex.gov.uk.

To read the full newsletter, pick up your copy of Lindfield Life or click the images to enlarge them.

Lindfield Parish Council October newsletter - 2024

COULD YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE HELP CHANGE A YOUNG PERSON’S LIFE?

West Sussex County Council currently cares for 487 young people aged 16+, who need support and guidance before they can live independently. For some, the focus will be on teaching practical skills – cooking, cleaning, budgeting, laundry – for others it will be about providing emotional support and advocacy. If you have a spare room and a kind heart, please consider becoming a Supported Lodgings Host yourself. Or play your part by starting conversations with family and friends. In return, Supported Lodgings Hosts with WSCC receive training, ongoing professional support, and fees from £15k a year (per young person). For more information, visit www.fosteringwestsussex.org.uk/supported-lodgings

AUTUMN CLEAN 2024 – SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER, 9.30am – 1pm

Please join us and help tidy up areas of the village. We will be meeting at the King Edward Hall (Newcombe Hall) where you will be asked to assist with litter collection, cleaning street furniture, or cutting back vegetation or similar activities. Everyone is welcome – children to be supervised by their parents or adult group leaders please. Bring your own gloves and wear sensible footwear. Hi-viz jackets, litter pickers, and sacks will be provided. If you would like to take part please register for the event using the following link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/z6tp879

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

Mid Sussex District Council September newsletter - 2024

Four Mid Sussex District Council parks receive coveted Green Flag Award

Mid Sussex District Council is delighted to announce that four parks in the District have received Green Flag Awards after achieving an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Beech Hurst Gardens and Victoria Park in Haywards Heath, St. John’s Park in Burgess Hill, and East Court and Ashplats Park in East Grinstead, in collaboration with East Grinstead Town Council and East Grinstead Memorial Estates, have been officially recognised as some of the country’s finest parks.

The news is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green spaces in the District so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy them.

Councillor Chris Hobbs, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services, said: “We are thrilled that four of our parks have received the Green Flag Award. This award highlights the hard work and dedication of our team who ensure our parks are well-maintained and enjoyable for everyone.

“It is wonderful to see our green spaces recognised as some of the best in the country and we are committed to keeping these parks beautiful for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

To read the full newsletter, click the images to enlarge them or pick up your copy of Lindfield Life today.

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