Lindfield Life

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.

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 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.

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

Information for 2025’s Lindfield Village Run coming early in 2025!

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

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.

Lindfield Artists & Illustrators weekend of open studios this September

Later in the month nine artists who live and work in Lindfield, will be showing their work to the public. The artists themselves will be on hand – and would love to talk about the inspiration behind their work and answer any questions the public may have about it.

There will be sculptures, oil and watercolour paintings, watercolour illustrations and cartoon illustrations to see. Visitors will be able to find out just how each piece is created - techniques, materials and inspirational ideas. As well as being able to buy original works, there will be prints and postcards on sale, so the art experience will suit any budget! Also open on the Saturday will be a Lindfield Arts Festival Crafts Market in the United Reformed Church hall.

It is hoped that by having the Art Trail and the Crafts Market on the same weekend, they will be bringing together some of the great facets of making and creativity that goes on in our village. Artists participating in the open studio art trail will be: Nicola Baker, Irene Burns, Neil Giles, Rebecca Herrington, Hilary Kennett, Tom McKewn, Georgina Moir, Elizabeth Ockford, and Rose Paba-Jones. Various venues (see map) will be open at different times across 14th and 15th September. Lindfield Arts Festival Craft Market will take place in Lindfield URC between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 14th only.

Lindfield's Caroline Young shares delicious summer pasta recipe

By Caroline Young

What a pleasure it is to find so many homegrown fruits and vegetables on the supermarket shelves and know they haven’t travelled hundreds of miles to reach our kitchens! I just cannot resist all the berries, fruits, herbs and salad vegetables now available and enjoy cooking them (or serving them raw) in delicious summer recipes. I hope you enjoy some of my favourites.

Penne pasta with asparagus and plum tomatoes Serves 2

Cover 3 ripe plum tomatoes with boiling water and leave to stand 4-5 min. Drain, cut out the stem ends and slip off the skins. Cut into quarters and scoop out and discard the seeds. Cut off any woody tough ends from 225g English asparagus then cut stems into 5cm pieces. Cook 175g penne pasta in a large pan of salted boiling water until just tender.

Meanwhile, using a large frying pan bring 300ml chicken or vegetable stock just to the boil, add the asparagus and cook over medium heat for 4 min. Add the tomatoes and continue to cook for about 3 min or until the asparagus is just tender. Drain the pasta and tip into a large, warmed bowl. Using a slotted spoon, add the asparagus and tomatoes. Cover and keep warm.

Add 2tbs dry white vermouth to the stock and bring to the boil, stirring. Allow to boil for about 2 min or until slightly reduced then season to taste. Add the sauce, 15g roughly torn basil leaves and 2tbsp grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl, gently toss to combine then serve immediately.


An update from Eastern Road Nature Reserve - Aug 2024

By Jenny Baker

Sunday morning on 30th June, another conservation day dawned warm but overcast on a peaceful Eastern Road Nature Reserve. Everywhere you looked plants were quietly rushing to reach their full potential. The brambles, now growing up to three inches a day, were extending their thorny limbs across paths without prejudice.

Action was definitely needed to tame this wild growth which was without apology encroaching along all the paths. Thankfully some truly amazing volunteers arrived to help us with this task. It was a hot, sticky and sometimes prickly task but by lopping, clipping and cutting we finally mastered the out-of-control vegetation and opened up another path. Our wonderful volunteers successfully wrestled with mother nature and treated the car park to a much-needed spruce.

You may already know that Eastern Road Nature Reserve is a former landfill site. On Village Day we displayed some plastic items that had been buried in the reserve for 50 years. Although battered and squashed, these items had not degraded at all. In fact, the predecimal (1971) prices could clearly be seen on some of the plastic bottles.

So, we asked the community on Village Day to write a personal pledge to help the environment on a piece of bunting. We have now proudly displayed all the bunting in the car park for everyone to see. Next time you visit the reserve, do take a moment to read the pledges and see if you’re inspired to take action too. Thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute!

And finally, a huge thank you to you, the community, who support our work in so many ways. Be sure to check out our new website www.easternroadnaturereserve.org.uk where you can sign up to our newsletter and keep up to date with all our latest news and events.

Did you know?

• The amount of plastic ever made is 8.3 billion tonnes, of which only 9% has been recycled and half of which was produced in the past 13 years alone.
• In the UK, we use 5 million tonnes of plastic each year - the equivalent weight of 100 Titanic ships - but only recycle 17% of it. We throw away more plastic per person than any other country in the world, except the US.

The good news…
• The amount of plastic going to UK landfill has dropped by two-thirds since 2006
• We’ve gone from using 7.6 billion single-use plastic bags per year to just 133 million thanks to the introduction of the plastic bag charge.
Don’t forget to Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle!

Walking around Haywards Heath starting in Lindfield

A walk starting in Lindfield, of approximately 16 miles

sketch map of a 16-mile walk around Haywards Heath

By Chris Best

The walk starts from the Wilderness car park. Head back out of the car park and turn left along the footpath. There are houses on the left and when you reach a high brick wall straight ahead, turn right. The signpost here is hidden at the moment behind an Elderberry bush. There are some great iron work gates on the left with a very large Redwood in the garden behind. There is a fence on the right and when this finishes, a field either side. Keep going along this path and when it joins another path, bear left. The field on the left is now Hangman’s Acre. Turn right when you reach a concrete road. You will cross a concrete bridge and go up a slight hill with Christmas trees growing on the right. Just before a metal gate blocks the road, the footpath goes left, marked with a signpost.

Cross a stream via a wooden bridge and then another which is via two planks of wood. Turn right at the end of the path and go along a tarmac road, Snowflakes Lane. At the end, cross over the road, East Mascalls Lane, and carry on across the field opposite, signposted. Cross a tarmac drive and go through a metal gate. Head right and at the end of the field go over a style, signposted. Walk with a wooden garage on the left and head straight on past a metal gate into a field. Go over a type of barrier/gate into a field of horses. Bear slightly left and follow the worn grass down the small hill through a metal gate and into a wood. Go over a wooden bridge and bear right. At the junction with another path, turn left.

Picture 1

When you leave the wood there is a wide grass track crossing you. Turn left with the electricity cables above you. When the track forks, take the right-hand route, sign posted. This route brings you out on Church Road. Turn right and go past St Augustine’s Church. Cross over the main A272 and go left with The Farmers pub on the right. The next footpath is not marked from the road but is on the right just after the bollards in the road, (picture 1). The footpath goes to the left of the houses in Swallow Rise by a fence. The path drops down here and is very wet over quite a long section before joining a tarmac road with a couple of houses. Head down the road, very short, then take the path on the right where it meets another tarmac road, sign posted. Go over the style and keep to the right of the field to the next style. Go over this and keep straight ahead.


Picture 2

Go through a wooden gate at the end of the field, the path drops to the left going down concrete blocks as steps to a signpost. Follow this to the right going up a short bank which is waymarked at the top. Follow the hedge on the right going downhill. The path further down moves away from the hedge and joins Ham Lane. Go straight over and past Hooters Garage. The footpath, which is waymarked, is immediately after the garage and to the left of the tarmac drive, (picture 2). The path veers left with a motorbike scrambling track in the trees. Cross over the tarmac drive and turn left. Go over a style, built by the Monday group. You will go over a number of these built by the Monday Group during this walk.

The path goes across the field to the right and is clear to follow. At the end of the field, go over the style and keep straight ahead. Go over another style which then takes you between two fields. Cross over a stream via a concrete bridge and then the path looks like it goes to the right. Ignore this and carry on, passing a wooden gate on the left. The path rises now in a gulley. It is an old track, which is the continuation of Ham Lane. This section is quite long and you will pass a spruce plantation on the right as you go downhill, which has lots of bluebells in it. There is a line of hornbeams on the left which forms a rough hedge. The plantation on the right changes to oak further down the hill.

When the field on the left finishes it becomes a pine plantation. It can lie very wet here. When you come out of the wood, the path goes under pylons. 50 to 100 metres further on the footpath turns left as is signposted, (picture 3). It is very wet here. The path goes uphill and is very windy and muddy. At the junction with a track, turn left and then right. The footpath sign is on a tree. You will see a metal gate ahead and the style is to the right. Follow the track on the left of the field with a wood the other side of the fence. There is a signpost about 200 metres along here on the right direction you across the field. There is a building ahead on the left and a fence coming into the field which has a hedge on its furthest point. There is a waymark on the corner post, (picture 4). Follow the direction of the arrow and walk between two oak trees and then take the left-hand path which passes just to the right of another oak tree. Follow the path up the gentle hill, going between two more oak trees. There is a wooden building to the left beyond a track. At the top of the field there is a crossroads of footpaths with a sign, Hole Farm.

Picture 3

Picture 4

Turn right before the style and keep to the left of the field. Go over the next style and bear right across the field. The next style can be seen ahead of you. This path goes between two fences heading towards some trees. On the right is Wivelsfield Hall. Go over the style at the end of the trees and head straight across the next field. At the end of this field there is a signpost with a metal swing gate. Go through this, ignoring the path off to the left. Turn left after the gate and cross over Slugwash Lane. Go through the wooden gate on the other side of the road with a footpath sign. The path goes straight ahead with a house on the right. The path then veers left to a style which takes you into a field. The next two fields are extremely rough in dry weather, as the cows have made the ground very uneven. Head across the field to the right of the lake and aiming to go between two metal animal watering troughs.

Once past these troughs the path becomes a concrete track. This is More House Farm. At the end of the concrete track, go over the style on the left and follow the signpost exactly, as this will take you to the style, which is at the end of the field with the Haywards Heath to Ditchling road on the other side. Cross the road and take the path opposite via a metal gate. There is a footpath sign here and the path is very clear to see. Go through the next metal gate, head to the right aiming for where the wooden fence meets the wall to the cemetery. (The signpost sends you straight across the field and not as I have directed. It maybe that they are trying to get you to use the other footpath rather than this one. Both paths do end up in the same place, just outside the gates to Lunces Hall.)

Go over the style and follow the path between a house and St Peter & St John the Baptist church, Wivelsfield. The path along here is over grown. The path joins a tarmac road, turn left and go through an open gate with a footpath sign on the right, just after passing the Old School. The drive goes down an avenue of Horse Chestnut trees. Just before the gates to Lunces Hall take the footpath on the right. (The left footpath takes you behind the houses you have just past on the left and then on towards the church to the point I mentioned earlier at a metal gate.)

The path goes left between a metal fence and a hedge, signposted. Go through a metal gate and down a few steps into a field. There are three paths, although the signpost for the middle path is missing. Take this path across the middle of the field. This goes downhill and into a wood via an overgrown style which you can pass to the side. Cross the stream via a concrete bridge, which has a lot of wild garlic around it and then over a style, through a narrow wooden gate, passing a house on the right. Go straight over a track to a style, signposted and the short path to a tarmac drive. Turn right and go between some wooden sheds. The footpath sign can be seen at the rear of the shed on the left. The path takes you behind this shed and then past Multon Farm on the right and a pond on the left.

Go over a tarmac drive, taking the footpath straight ahead as signposted. This goes downhill till a style with a muddy track the other side. Go over this and the style opposite. The path is clear to see going slightly downhill before going over a wooden bridge with metal hand rails. Go under some overhead electricity cables, then over a style into a farmyard with metal containers on the left and buildings on the right. Go over the style ahead of you, which is to the left of the metal double gates. Turn left onto a gravel road and keep going until you join the road from Haywards Heath to Burgess Hill, Rocky Lane. Turn right going under the railway bridge, (be very careful on this stretch of road) and then left down a hard surface road which is covered in mud and has a large tree trunk across its entrance to stop vehicles entering, signposted bridleway.

Go past a road/path off to the right and take the next left, which is signposted, going past a metal gate. Go under the electricity cables with a pylon on the right, then a brick building on the right with a small car park next to it. Keep straight ahead with a pond on the left. About 30 metres beyond the car park go down the steep brick steps on the right, (picture 5) no signpost here. The path veers right in some trees keeping the stream on your left. Very quickly you come out into a field with trees on either side. The path veers left and you can see the footpath sign pointing to go over a wooden bridge, crossing the stream and into a wood. Go up the steps and follow the waymark to the right which leads to another waymark directing you right again. Ignore the unmarked path on the left and then on the right. Go down the hill to a footpath sign. Turn right, go over a wooden bridge crossing the stream again, (picture 6).

Picture 5

Picture 6

Pass another footpath sign on the left and go up a short hill which brings you out of the wood. The path goes right with a field on the left and the wood on the right. When you reach a tarmac drive turn right and then go left, which is waymarked. This brings you out onto Isaccs Lane, another Haywards Heath to Burgess Hill, road. Turn right and walk along the road. The traffic travels fast along here, so be careful. Go past a road on the right and then turn left down a concrete drive to Hookhouse Stables. The path goes to the left of the brick building, which is straight ahead. The footpath sign is slightly hidden in the hedge on the left, with an overgrown pond on the right. Beyond the end of the barn on the right, there is a waymark. Follow the track with a hedge on the right. The path drops down into a wood, crossing a stream before rising up the other side.

Go past a pond on the left and then the tracks bends to the right past another pond on the left, which is quite well hidden. Keep on the track until you see a 3-way footpath sign on the right with a wooden gate. Turn right and walk up the left-hand side of the field with trees on the left. Go into another field keeping straight ahead. There is an entrance on the left with a sign, Private Property. Ahead, is a wood and when you reach this, the footpath sign directs you right, keeping to the edge of the same field. The path then turns sharp left along the edge of the same field with the wood still on the left. Follow the waymark to the left on a concrete track and then immediately right. The waymark is on the right here.

At the 3-way footpath sign, keep straight ahead keeping the house on the right. Keep straight ahead again at the next 3-way footpath sign. As the main track goes right in front of a wood, bear left into the wood, which has a waymark sign and a footpath sign. Keep to the main track. Go over the style and turn right at the junction with another footpath. Go across the field going downhill. At the end of the field, go down some steps and past a metal gate onto a tarmac drive with a house in front of you. Turn right and when you reach the end of the garden to the house, turn left at the signpost and go over a wooden bridge into a wood. Go up the hill into a field and turn right keeping to the edge of the field, signposted. At the end of the field bear right, signposted. Join the track and go right passing a 3-way signpost on the right. Go over a wooden bridge and pass to the left of a house.

Picture 7

The path veers left going downhill into a wood. Go down some steps, over a wooden bridge and then up some steps the other side. Leave the wood via a style and go across the field with a fence on the left. Pass a signpost on the left and go through a metal gate. Pass a sewerage treatment works on the right and go through two metal gates before you meet the Cuckfield bypass. The traffic travels very fast along this stretch of road. Cross over and take the signposted path opposite. Go past a metal gate and up the track. This turns into a hard surfaced drive and goes between buildings. At the junction with a drive at the end, turn left with The Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield on the right, (picture 7).

The track turns into a tarmac road, Newbury Lane and joins Church Platt. Cross over South Street opposite and enter the track. Immediately take the signposted path via a wooden gate on the left. Keep to the left of the field and go through a metal gate into the next field. Turn right, the signpost is just ahead of the metal gate on the left. The path is easy to see across this field going to the left of a large oak tree. Keep to the right of the field after this and not follow the path going across the middle of the field. At the end of the field go through a metal gate and turn left, indicated by a 3-way signpost. Go down the hill with the fence on the left, going past another 3-way signpost and follow the sign straight ahead which takes you into some trees.

Go down some steps, over a style and then a wooden bridge. Go up the steps the other side, ignoring the path to the right. Keep straight ahead at the next 3-way signpost and then bear left at the next sign post which is only about 25 metres ahead. The path is clear to follow going uphill. Ignore the side paths as you continue uphill and pass another 3-way signpost on the right. You are walking along a Wealden Walkway which will eventually take you to some playing fields on the left. Keep to the footpath to the side of the playing field. The path opens up into a lane with houses on the left.

Picture 8

The lane bears right, Cherry Trees Lane. This ends at the road from Cuckfield to the A23. Turn left and then cross the road taking the driveway on the right to Inholmes Cottages, signposted. The road turns into a gravel road and when you reach an oak tree on the left with a Russel’s Spinney sign on it, (picture 8) take the signposted footpath through a metal gate and across a field keeping to the right-hand side. Follow the waymark round to the right and down a hill. Go through a metal gate and into a wood where the path splits. Take the right hand one. The path splits again. Take the left one that has a metal railing fence on the left. As you come out of the trees, there is a 3-way footpath sign. Go to the left of the hawthorn bush in front of you and the path becomes clear as you walk downhill.

There are good views as you walk down the hill. Cuckfield golf course is on the left. At the bottom of the hill go up into a clump of trees. You can clearly see a footpath sign ahead of you pointing to the right. Go over the style into the field and follow the path on the left of the field. There is a house ahead and to the right which is Lower Sparks Farm. Go over a style keeping straight ahead and then over another style with a footpath sign directing you straight ahead. The path veers right at the end of the field before it turns left over a style and then right along two wooden planks, short distance. The path goes between two hedges before turning left down a couple of steps and over a two-plank bridge. There is a 4-way signpost here. Turn right, which is a bridleway and also a tarmac road, Sparks Lane.

Picture 9

Further along the lane you will pass some topiary of a rabbit on the right before going over a bridge and then up hill. At the end of the lane is the Cuckfield to Balcombe Road, Brook Street, turn right past an old red telephone box. Cross the road by Chapel Gallery on the other side of the road and go down the gravel track, which is signposted. The car park to the gallery is on the left as you enter the track. Head towards a wooden post on the right which is waymarked. Go down this track and not the one to the left. There is an old house on the right and then a property on the left with a stream on the right. You now have a choice of routes as a permissive path has been added. If you take the actual public footpath, go over the style next to a metal gate. Keep to the right of the field until you see a small gap in the hedge with a footpath sign the other side. Leave the field here and you will find you have met up with the other end of the permissive path, (picture 9). If you take the permissive path, which is probably easier, go over the style and head up the hill, keeping to the left of the field until you reach the style at the top. Go over this and bear left where you will join the route from the actual public footpath.

Turn left and keep to the left of the field which curves to the right before going into a wood. There is no signpost here but the path is clear. The path veers left passing a pond on the right and then crosses a wooden bridge as you leave the wood and go into a field, waymarked. Follow the hedge on the right and when it veers more sharply to the right, there is a footpath sign in the hedge on your right. Head straight across the field. The path is not clear here, but look ahead to the far side of the field and aim for the gap in the bracken, as this is where the style is. Go over and head towards the next field which has another style to go over or walk around to the left if the barbed wire fence is still down. Keep right going up the field with a larch plantation on the right. The path veers right between two horse chestnut trees and then across the field to the style next to a metal gate.

There is a signpost here pointing across the next field. You will see a pine tree ahead and the path goes to the right into the corner of the field. Go through the wooden gate and take the track straight ahead. There is a 4-way footpath sign here. Go through a wooden gate and keep straight ahead, signposted. After you pass a works yard on the left, you will be walking past Borde Hill gardens on the left. Continue past the entrance to the gardens, waymarked and then through a car park. In front of you is the Haywards Heath to Balcombe Road with a lodge house on the left. Turn left and walk along the road. Be very careful as the traffic moves fast along here. Turn right into Copyhold Lane, signposted to Ardingly. This stretch of road takes you over the London to Brighton railway line and it is about 0.5 miles before you take the footpath on the right through a metal gate. There is a footpath on the left which goes to Ardingly reservoir.

After about 30 metres, turn left and then bear left on the path, which is a permissive path, not signposted. This whole area has a lot of permissive paths and it also lies very wet in the Winter. Take the 3rd path on the right, about 15 metres from the public footpath, which has a bank on the left. Bear left along a track made by tractors and go up hill. Take the path on the right into the wood and follow this as it twists its way through the trees. When you meet another track going across the path, keep straight ahead. Ignore the next path to the right and go across an area of cut woodland. The path bears right at a line of oak trees. Keep these on the left with a field the other side. Watch out for a piece of wire which goes across the path as you start to face the field. The path takes you over a fallen oak tree. Keep the field fairly close on the left as the path isn’t always clear to follow.

You eventually come to the Haywards Heath to Ardingly College road. This can be busy at times with fast moving vehicles, so be careful crossing over, as you need to go down the drive towards Kenwards Farm opposite, signposted. When you reach some metal gates the path/track goes right, waymarked. Straight ahead is private. The track goes around the garden of the farm before turning right between two hedges with fields either side. You enter a wood taking the left-hand route downhill. It lies wet here for most of the year. As you start to go uphill there is a place on the right which sells eggs and has some stables. As you near the top of the hill there are some buildings on the right.

Picture 10

Just past these, take the left-hand footpath, signposted. This can be wet in the Winter and sometimes over grown in the Summer. The houses on the right are park of The Welkin. There was a metal gate at the end of this path, but it is no more. Turn right. Signposted by a garage and go between some houses. Bear left down the drive to the top of Lindfield High Street. All Saints Church is opposite on the right. Turn left, then cross the road going down Francis Road. Old Place is on the left at the top of Francis Road. Go past the church, (picture 10) and head towards a house. Go between two houses and around the back of The Tiger into The Wilderness car park.

Lindfield's own women’s and girls’ softball cricket

By Lyndsay Fenner

Lindfield Cricket Club’s women’s and girls’ softball cricket team - nicknamed ‘The Pens’ (after the female swan, rather than the popular writing implement) - is going from strength to strength… and is always on the lookout for new members.

Formed post-Covid by our now esteemed coach (and longstanding LCC member), Bob Hopkins, the f irst tentative foray into women’s softball cricket by the club was a one-off festival on the common organised in conjunction with the county.

Following this festival, a regular squad gradually grew through a succession of summer training sessions on the common and for the first time, the team entered the Winter Indoor League in 2021/22. Which was a lot of fun, even if we didn’t come close to bringing home any silverware.

In the summer of 2022, we played our first outdoor league season (grouped with Ansty, Edenbridge and Crawley Eagles), winning three games and with Shelley Mussett (batting) and Katie Wishlade (bowling) both finishing in the top ten performers for the season.

In 2023, we were in a league with Burgess Hill, Southwater and new entrants Haywards Heath. Again, great fun in all the games and we finished mid-table having beaten Haywards Heath (twice), Ansty and Southwater. Max Hinley and Helen Tuddenham joined Shelley in the top ten batters, whilst Max and Helen both made the top ten bowlers.

We also brought home our first trophy at the inaugural Haywards Heath Festival - a gloriously fun, sunny day (with top quality BBQ to boot). A tense deciding game was against our regular nemesis, Burgess Hill, an incredibly close match which ended up coming down to the last few balls - thankfully bowled with absolute nerves of steel by the incredible Izzy Redd.

We also had a successful winter season just gone - winning the indoor league with Burgess Hill, Ansty and Haywards Heath. Max, Shelley and Helen dominated the batting top ten and also all made the top ten bowlers.

For those not familiar with the softball cricket format (and most of us weren’t when we joined) - it’s a 16-over game with a team of eight players. There’s a real mix of experience and ages on the team - our youngest player was 12 and our oldest… well, you should never ask a lady her age, after all.

You absolutely don’t need to have played cricket before, the vast majority of the current team hadn’t and the coaching from the club is great. At winter nets, we train alongside the established men’s teams and the coaches are incredibly generous with their time and expertise. There’s also a strong social side, and plenty of opportunity to be more involved with the club if you want to - coaching at AllStars, for example, or writing copy for Lindfield Life!

If you think it sounds like it might be up your street, please drop Bob a line - bobvivienne.hopkins@btopenworld.com - and come and have a go!

Mid Sussex District Council news - July 2024

Promoting Independence: Disabled Facilities Grants

Stay in your home for longer with our wide range of Disabled Facilities Grants. We are pleased to offer various grants to help individuals stay comfortable and safe. Our grants cover a wide range of needs and improvements, making it easier for people, especially those with disabilities, to maintain their independence.



Safe, Suitable, and Warm Homes Grant

For individuals with disabilities and low income, this grant helps make necessary home improvements and repairs to reduce living risks. This includes making electrical and gas installations safe or repairing leaky roofs.


Summer Playdays on Tour returns for 2024

Following a very successful 2023, we are pleased to announce a summer of fun across the District, with 10 free events in our towns and villages.
The free events are aimed at families with children under 10, and activities at the events include puppet shows, crazy golf courses, soft play, circus skills, arts and craft stalls, DJ workshops and many more. All events take place from 1pm-3pm, and there is no need to book.

30th July - Adastra Park, Hassocks
31st July - The Haven Rec, Crawley Down
6th Aug - Whitemans Green, Cuckfield
7th Aug - John Pears Field, Ashurst Wood
13th Aug - Court Bushes, Hurstpierpoint
14th Aug - Humphreys Field, Copthorne
20th Aug - Worlds End Rec, Burgess Hill
21st Aug - Balcombe Rec, Balcombe
27th Aug - Clair Park, Haywards Heath
28th Aug - Mount Noddy, East Grinstead

For further information about what is on offer at each event, please visit: www.midsussex.gov.uk/playdays

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

Mid Sussex District Council June update - 2024

Click to enlarge

Work with us!

These are exciting times in Mid Sussex. Our focus is on creating a place where everyone who lives and works in Mid Sussex can thrive. We have ambitious plans to ensure we achieve this vision, and we welcome driven, motivated and forward-thinking individuals, to join us in delivering outstanding services. We are especially looking for a Senior Planning Solicitor, but all our vacancies can be found by visiting: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/job-vacancies


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

Lindfield Life is published by Kipper Creative Limited    |   Follow us on Twitter  |   Facebook | Instagram