Two bicycles made for two

Cycling Without Age Hurst & Hassocks

Second trishaw for Cycling Without Age

Earlier this month volunteer-led movement Cycling Without Age Hurst & Hassocks celebrated the arrival of its second trishaw at Proper Cycling & Coffee in Hassocks.

Trishaws are specially adapted power assisted bikes that take two local elderly passengers out for rides to feel the wind in their hair. Rather than sitting alone at home, the trishaw offers elderly people an opportunity to get out in the fresh air, see new things, meet people and have fun. In winter extra blankets and hot water bottles keep people cosy.

The new trishaw has been kindly funded by the Burgess Hill District Lions.

Chapter captain Bridget Hamilton explained: “All Cycling Without Age trishaws, in over 40 countries, are given names. Our first trishaw is called Bunty, after Bunty Parkinson who lived in Hurstpierpoint, and our new trishaw has been named Peter, in memory of Peter Charlton. Peter had been a keen cyclist and, in later years, lived at Villa Adastra where he loved going out for trishaw rides, often with his daughter Claire as pilot and his wife Norma as fellow passenger.

Cycling Without Age locally now has over 30 volunteers trained to ride. They are happy to pick up from home and take people out. Please call Proper Cycling & Coffee on 01273 841 611 to book a ride or email: bridget AT cyclingwithoutage.org.uk.

Santa's Grotto at South Downs Nurseries, Hassocks

A Santa’s grotto, which last year raised over £23,000 for a local children’s charity, is setting its sights even higher for 2019.

Tickets have gone on sale for this year’s mammoth Toy Factory at South Downs Nurseries in Hassocks. The grotto will be open until Christmas Eve. Visiting children will meet some new helpers in the factory alongside some new animated displays.

The event, run by The Budding Foundation, will fundraise for local charitable projects – as all profits from ticket sales go to these causes. Among the recipients last Christmas were gardening and conservation projects with several local schools and clubs, as well as respite care and equipment for disabled youngsters. Smaller grants included school uniform assistance, educational laptops and course fees for young people trying to turn their lives around.

Clive Gravett, founder of The Budding Foundation, said: “We are hoping to raise more than £40,000 this year from grotto ticket sales at two sites (Hassocks and Dial Post) and other associated Christmas activities. We are also looking for more volunteer elves, so if anyone can spare a few hours or even a few days over the Christmas period, please get in touch.”

For more information and to book tickets, contact the charity via: www.thebuddingfoundation.co.uk

Hassocks Infants School Library now open...

Jane Hissey

Jane Hissey, author of the Old Bear series, officially opened the newly created library at Hassocks Infants School last month.

Headteacher Ady Bates-Holland thanked the PTA for all their work and fundraising, as well as Barratt Homes, who donated money for books. Having only previously had book shelves in corridors, he was particularly pleased to finally have a library at the school. “I am delighted that we have now got a really lovely space where children can develop a love for reading,” Ady said.

The space had been kept under wraps while the library was being created, so the School Council were excited to be the first to see it at the ribbon-cutting ceremony by a published author.

Jane Hissey – whose children went to the school over 30 years ago – wrote numerous books while she lived here, including the first in the series.

She brought Old Bear and Little Bear with her and gifted a copy of her first and most recent book to the library. “You don’t need a huge library for children to learn to love books,” she explained. “I challenge all of you to read every book in this lovely library before you leave the school!”

Hair Emporium celebrates 20 years in Hassocks

By Deirdre Huston

Hair Emporium is celebrating an anniversary! It has been twenty years since it first opened its doors on 6th October 1999. Loretta Light set up the business back in the last century (!) and the Aveda Salon continues to go from strength to strength. To celebrate the salon is offering 20% off existing Aveda stock while it lasts. The salon has many regular local clients and, if people move away, many customers choose to drive back to Hassocks rather than go somewhere new.

When I first traipsed into the salon I had two small children and was pregnant with my third! At the back of the salon there used to be a small room where toys kept restless infants or toddlers out of mischief. The décor was purple with silver mirrors whereas now the tones are more earthy and serene. But more than the décor has changed. Loretta also now has a lovely family and I have seen other young stylists develop not just their hairdressing skills but their whole approach to life. Sonya is always happy to tell tales of Italy and her young son, while Sarah will soon embark on maternity leave.

Here at Hassocks Life, we would like to congratulate them on their success and wish them well for the next twenty years.

DownsFest was the mini-Glasto in Adastra Park, Hassocks

September saw the inaugural DownsFest music event take over Adastra Park for one day only. Although originally a suggestion from Jo Ganpatsingh, the reality of making DownsFest happen came down to Hassocks resident Michelle Binks, who tells us how she is feeling now it’s all packed away…

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To say getting DownsFest off the ground has been a stressful experience would be an understatement! However, my knight in shining armour was Kelly Foley, who I’m forever grateful to for coming to my aid. Kelly was my rock, my social media champion and became my right hand man! And how can I miss out Jo, the maddest friend I’ll ever have; all I have to say to you is ‘cheese and banjo’! Love you both to the moon and back.

One thing that I love about my community is all the help and assistance from so many that have enabled me to put the festival together: Graphic Design (Su Watts), Web Design (Alex Simmons), Burgess Hill Community Radio (Steve Bird), all the volunteers and many more. And I thank my family for their support throughout this huge adventure.

Three months later, DownsFest 2019 was live!

[Full article printed in Hassocks Life magazine, October 2019]

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Family Bonfire and Fireworks at Danny Park - Sun 3rd Nov. 2019

The traditional annual Family Bonfire & Fireworks display is taking place once again at Danny Park, off New Way Lane in Hurst.

This year’s event - on Sunday 3rd November 2019 - is organised by Andrew Hair from Hurstpierpoint Gymnastics Club with assistance from Oldland Mill Trust and Friends of Hassocks Infant School.

Andrew commented: “The Oldland Mill and the Gym Club, together with local schools in Albourne, Hassocks and three in Burgess Hill will benefit from your support on the night.”

The Hassocks will be running a BBQ, there’s free parking on site (ground conditions permitting) and if you take a ‘Guy’ to the Best Guy competition before 5.50pm - one child will be given free admission.

Advance tickets cost just £3 for an adult or child (£5 on the gate). A family of five advance ticket is £9 (£15 on the gate). Tickets available from Marchants or QD Stationery.

Gates open at 5.30pm, Best Guy Competition judging at 6pm and the Fireworks Display will start around 6.30pm.

See www.hurstpierpointgym.co.uk in case of inclement weather affecting parking/postponement.

Hassocks artists host Autumn Fair

A group of artists from Hassocks are holding an exhibition of their collective work next month.

The Hassocks Autumn Fair will take place on 5th and 6th October at Garden Sage on London Road, and will feature a broad range of styles including illustration, paintings, screenprints and photography.

Featured artists from the village are: Sue Collins, Louisa White, John Gilbert, Dinah Beaton, Ashley Hutchinson, Jenny Chaitow, Linda Tucker, Linda Thompson, Dawn Mead, Abi Weatherseed and Clare Bishop. In addition to work for sale at the event, there will also be a range of cards available too.

“In the past we have run an Open Houses event in June, but this year we decided to mix it up and do a group exhibition together instead,” explained Clare Bishop. “As there will be a range of techniques and styles on display, it will be a great event to see some artwork created by local artists. We always really appreciate support from the village.”

My Vintage: Behind the Counter in Hassocks

By Deirdre Huston

Whenever I walk along the High Street my eyes are drawn to the eclectic items in the vibrant window displays at My Vintage, and no wonder! There is always something new to see and many of the objects hint at stories of other places or lives. Many of the items are pre-loved and have been given a new lease of life while others are new but individually customised or created by hand. This month I dropped into My Vintage to meet Elaine Bennett and find out more about how the shop has evolved.

Elaine is the shop manager and took on the business seven years ago. “I’ve always loved giving things a new lease of life and have a passion for transforming high quality old items into something unique.” As a child she loved collecting things, rummaging around for treasures at car boot sales and revamping old furniture, and this passion continued into adulthood. She has a background in fashion: earlier in her career she focused on her shop in Bond Street, Brighton, selling a selection of designer women’s wear but she made the choice to give this up when she had children. The family moved to Ditchling for a short while, and then about twelve years ago, in pursuit of more space and a bigger garden, Elaine, husband Pete and their three children moved to Hassocks.

As well as offering her own goods and services, Elaine leases space in the shop to carefully selected stallholders. “It’s always been important to me to get the right people in the shop. I like things to be high end, good quality and unusual.”

[Excerpt from full article in September 2019 Hassocks Life magazine]

Hassocks Honeez Netball Club

Back in the summer of 2009, Jan Macnamara was disappointed by the lack of opportunities to play netball locally so she placed an advert in a local magazine and Susanne Spivey responded. With the help of Talkabout, the pair set up a throwabout session at Downlands’ netball courts. They realised they’d hit on something worthwhile when as many as twenty people turned up, some of whom soon settled into a regular team.

The Hassocks Netball Club was born, and that September they played their very first match as the Hassocks Honeez. They lost fifty to one but didn’t let that put them off. The team began playing in Burgess Hill but soon moved to the Brighton Midweek League (or BMW), which takes place at the back of the Amex stadium where there are eight courts and a real buzz at matches through all four divisions. The Honeys play in Division Three.

A number of the ladies are ‘social players’ but the club does put out a full team for the Tuesday Brighton League: The Hassocks Honeez. There’s also the Hassocks Bumblebees, who train on a Sunday and play matches on a Monday, and there could be scope for new players for this team.

If anyone wants to come along, search on Facebook for ‘Social Netball Hassocks’. Each event is posted weekly and you simply add yourself to the event if you want to attend. It’s £7.50 per training session, which is good value. All players are welcome and Jan is passionate about making netball accessible to all. This is why the team was set up and is no doubt why it has flourished over the last ten years. Any enquiries email: hassocks.nc at btinternet.com.

Hassocks Village Market seeks local support

Hassocks Village Market

Hassocks Village Market is seeking local businesses and causes to take up stalls, and aiming to help the local economy grow and develop new directions.

On the fourth Saturday of every month, apart from December when it’s the third, the centre of Hassocks is transformed into a village market, which features local businesses and also offers a showcase to local charities and good causes. The Market is based outside National Tyres, on the corner of the High Street’s junction with Dale Avenue.

The market has an array of longstanding stallholders, offering goods ranging through breads, cakes, local cheeses, fresh fish, fresh farm vegetables, pies, fresh meat and hand-made chocolate. These are well known in the village and many stalls have their regulars who look forward to the fourth Saturday just so they can replenish supplies.

And those regulars are encouraged to keep coming back not just by the quality of what’s on offer but also by a loyalty scheme, where customers can complete a card full of stamps and enter into a quarterly draw where the winners get a free hamper provided and stocked by the stallholders.

Opening at 9am and running through to 12.30pm, the market also offers local causes a great opportunity to show themselves off to villagers, by offering one pitch in every market free to local charities and causes. This could be anything local, from small fundraisers to organisations like the local hospices, and is worth doing to raise a profile.

In addition, a stall is reserved for local pursuits such as arts and crafts: for example, recently the Made in Hassocks stall was manned by a group selling knitwear, while it could just as easily be Hassocks artists offering their masterpieces. Taking this stall could not only give opportunities to sell local products but could also bring in new enthusiasts who hadn’t been aware their main interest is covered in the village.

The Village Market is managed by Catriona Hawksley, under the auspices of Hassocks Community Organisation. If you would like to take up a stall there simply email Catriona on: hassocksvillagemarket1@ gmail.com, it’ll be worth it.

The next market is on Saturday 24th August 2019.

Riding the HeART to Heart Trail via Hassocks

Sue Collins, Hassocks

By Deirdre Huston

I dropped in on Sue Collins, local printer, designer and workshop tutor, to find out what she has going on this summer and - my goodness - she is certainly busy, and very talented too. A combination of photography and sketching forms the base on which she creates her striking and colourful images. In her unique body of work,

it’s possible to recognise local features and landmarks and yet she portrays each place or animal in an original and memorable manner.

She has recently opened her light-filled new gallery, Scots Pine Studios: an exciting development because it enables her to display a selection of her linocut work including cards, coasters and prints. The gallery earned its name from the giant Scot’s pine tree, a local landmark, at the corner of her garden. This is a prime example of how we can incorporate inspiring outdoor areas into our working life. Being able to work

somewhere so tranquil and uplifting is definitely a perk of being an artist but it’s not all about creative inspiration. There’s a lot of hard graft in being an artist too and it’s clear that Sue works hard to get her work seen through many different platforms. She has recently exhibited at the Horsham Museum & Art Gallery during the Horsham Year of Culture, is a member of numerous art groups and will be participating in the Hassocks Open Artists’ Autumn Fair at Garden Sage. She is also a member of the Chalk Gallery in Lewes, a collective of twenty-one artists, which is unique because they rehang their work every six weeks meaning there is always something new for visitors to see. Sue is brimming over with plans and also intends to use the space next to the gallery as a print room.

[excerpt from Hassocks Life magazine, issue number 4, August 2019

Skate Jam - opening of the new skatepark in Hassocks

On Saturday 13th July 2019, Hassocks Parish Council were proud to officially open the newly rebuilt skatepark on Adastra Park in Hassocks.

Attended by dozens of amateur skaters and families, the event was very popular, and also feature pro riders who did their own demostration on the ramps.

Behind the Counter: The Purple Carrot Hassocks

By Deirdre Huston

Brighton’s loss is Hassocks’ gain. I’m not in The Purple Carrot for long before I realise just how much there is going on. Many years ago when Chris went travelling he was fascinated by the cafe culture he saw. The mixing of the generations (not just families going out) and the general feeling of bonhomie. Back in the late 80s, inspired by his travels around Israel, Chris made tentative attempts to start a Mediterranean style café in Brighton, but loans were not readily available and, sadly, Chris had to shelve his plans.

He put in a good few years working for the council but when redundancy created an opportunity for him to make a change, he was eager to rekindle his earlier ambitions. He accepted that he’d become rooted in Hassocks and found his first premises on the west side of the station where many of you will have sampled the excellent cheeseboards at book club or card evenings. When the lease at No 6 became available, Chris recognised its potential and the prominent corner location between high street and station is well suited to his vision for The Purple Carrot’s future.

The interior is light filled and relaxed. Customers wander in and out and Chris is quick to put people at their ease. As he talks to me, although he is diffident and self deprecating, his motivations soon shine through. Rather than bean counting, it’s a wish to create a community which is at the heart of his business plans. He elaborates: “I’ve always been drawn to dealing with a range of people of varying ages and backgrounds. I want them to be allowed to be able to take their time and enjoy their food and drink.” Chris has a real passion for the food side of things; the invention and experimentation, the getting people to try out new things.

Summer Trail created by Hassocks youths

By Deirdre Huston

When I went along to Hassocks Youth Hangout a group of young people were engrossed in developing the Adastra Summer Trail. This activity is being designed by them and is hoped to be popular with children and families over the summer.

The initiative uses recycled materials and works in a similar way to geocaching but without the app.

Families will be able to download the trail from https://sussexcyp.org.uk/news/hassocks-science-trail/.

They must solve clues to find boxes hidden across Adastra Park which contain hands-on science challenges to complete and a stamp for marking their entry form. Everyone who completes the trail can take their completed sheet to the Hassocks Market on 24th August where they will receive a small reward and be entered into a prize draw. The Turner Dumbrell Foundation in Ditchling funded the activities, staff and promotion necessary to make the Adastra Summer Trail a reality, while Hassocks Parish Council were very supportive in allowing Adastra Park to be used. “It was lovely to have that immediate response and support,” admits Liz Jeavans, local resident and scientist extraordinaire.

Top Hassocks businesses get praised

Muddy Stiletto Awards

By Caz Houghton

No, this isn’t about inappropriate footwear and getting stuck as your heels sink into wet grass on a walk up to Jack and Jill.

Muddy Stilettos has become the ‘urban guide to the countryside’, a reference for the best local things to do in local areas across 21 counties, including Sussex. Since 2013 it has been running an awards programme to celebrate independent, creative businesses.

During May you might have noticed a hive of activity as Hassocks residents made it their mission to show support to our local businesses, nominating and voting across 24 lifestyle categories. With over 15,000 businesses involved and 750,000 votes cast, you can’t help but feel proud that five of the Sussex finalists were from Hassocks:

Best Beauty Salon FINALIST: Profiles Health and Beauty

Best Hairdresser FINALIST: Reflex@42

Best Gift Shop FINALIST: Indigo

Best Jewellery Store FINALIST: Marvellous Marmalade

Best Florist WINNER: Bella June Flowers

Art that takes the biscuit - Village People

Kellie Miller is a local artist who creates, curates and collects a multitude of art from all around the world. Having been highly sought-after for her ceramics in Japan at the beginning of the millennium, she’s now settled in Clayton and has turned her house and garden into a beautiful display of work featuring a number of renowned international artists.

By Joe Wayte

Kellie Miller was born and grew up in Battersea before venturing down to Brighton University to study 3D design. “I always wanted to be an artist,” Kellie said confidently, “my course included a mix of woodwork, paint, ceramics and more besides, so over the years I’ve worked with lots of different materials.”

In 2002 Kellie was offered an artist’s residency by the Arts Council which took her to Shigaraki in Japan. She was later selected for her second international exhibition for which she fired 101 cups to create a conceptual piece of art, inspired by the book The Art of Possibility. “The cups were sold individually after the exhibition,” she explained, “with the idea that they’re like seeds, going off into the world, and maybe one day, somehow, they’ll all come back together.”

Having spent a lot of time in the country, Kellie says she has a deep love for Japan and is still influenced by its culture today. “Going to Japan is like going to the moon,” she described, “you’ve got to experience it at least once in your life.”

Kellie has always based herself in the South of England. In 1996 she founded the Biscuit Studio in Hove, which was initially a centre for ceramics artists. Over the years, aspiring artists of all medias have rented space in its inspiring environment.

It was at the studio that Kellie met her husband, Kim, who lived in the house adjacent to Biscuit Studio. “The studio didn’t have its own toilet,” she explained, “and when new tenants arrived in the unit next door they denied us access to the facilities we’d been using since we opened.” Kim came to her rescue and offered Kellie a key to his house so that she could use his loo until the issue was resolved. 12 years after they first met, Kellie and Kim were married in 2011.

[Excerpt from full article printed in Issue No2 Hassocks Life magazine - June 2019]

Introducing Deirdre, your new assistant editor

Deridre Huston, assistant editor at Hassocks Life

By David Tingley

I am delighted to announce that Hassocks resident Deirdre Huston has been appointed as Hassocks Life’s assistant editor.

Deirdre is a guidebook author, writer and photographer, and has lived in the village for more than 25 years. “I was drawn to Hassocks Life when I saw the first issue,” she explained. “I really liked the format and could see its potential in our community – so I was keen to be part of it.”

Deirdre is married to Ian Rayland and has three children, all of whom have grown up in Hassocks. She’s been part of local fundraising committees, NCT groups and helped set up a book club 13 years ago, which is still going strong today.

The role of the assistant editor will deal with the day-to-day communication about content going into the magazine, in addition to writing up both news and feature articles for inclusion on our pages. Deirdre will also be ‘sniffing out’ stories about events and activities that are taking place in the village!

If you know someone we should be talking to, or have an event which you’d like promoted to our area of Hassocks, Keymer and Clayton – then do please email Deirdre via editor@hassockslife.co.uk. We will always welcome ideas, suggestions and articles of local interest.

We also need great cover photos of the village, taken throughout the year. If you have any, please email them in to: photos@hassockslife.co.uk. We will file them, and if we publish yours on a cover, you’ll get a £20 shopping voucher to spend on the High Street.

Hassocks Bike ‘n’ Fun returns this month

Hassocks Bike ‘n’ Fun 2019

The community bike ride returns later this month, as resident Pippa Crouch takes over the reins this year.

The event will take place on Sunday 30th June 2019 and will feature two safe, marshalled routes – a four and eight mile ride. Both start from The Hassocks Hotel with registration at 9.30am. The shorter route will go via Oldland Mill (which will be open until 1pm) and Ditchling, ending back at The Hassocks. The longer route will go via Oldland Mill, Ditchling, Underhill Lane, Hurstpierpoint and back to the same place.

Pippa explained: “This fun event is for the whole community, regardless of age and cycling ability.” The event will be kindly marshalled by volunteers from the Proper Cycling Club, and will feature a BBQ too.

For more information pop into Proper Coffee, QD Stationery or like the Facebook page – search for Hassocks Bike ‘n’ Fun.

Behind the Counter: Bella and Megs, Hassocks

By Joe Wayte

When Phil and wife Chantal decided to move into their corner plot on Keymer Road, they heard the cries from the people of Hassocks hoping it wouldn’t be ‘yet another coffee shop’. While during the day you can turn up any time for a quick beverage and a bite to eat, Friday nights at Bella & Megs are quite different, and if you haven’t already booked, you’ll need to join the waiting list.

In April 2018, Bella & Megs café and bistro opened its doors for the first time. The sun was shining, prosecco was on tap and many locals showed up to see what owners Phil and Chantal had done with the place. “It was very white when we first acquired the shop,” Chantal explained, “so we decided to do a refit. I wanted somewhere that felt homely, yet rustic and modern.” The launch was a huge success and, after twelve months in business, the pair are pleased with how things are going.

Originally from Newick, Phil started his career in stage management at the theatre in Worthing. After ten years of commanding crew behind the scenes, he decided he was ready for his next challenge and turned his hand to hospitality. “I went into training with the British Institute of Innkeeping,” Phil told me, “and then advertised myself locally when I was ready to take on a job.” Phil received an offer shortly after and moved to Poynings to work at the Royal Oak. It was there that he met Chantal, who grew up in the village.

This isn’t the first time the duo have gone into business together. For a number of years they ran Dolly’s Pantry in Ditchling, which they sold in 2007.

[Read the full article in the May 2019 issue of Hassocks Life magazine]

Mr Wignall - Village People interview

By David Tingley

If you want to learn something about community, just have a chat with Mark Wignall, Headteacher at Downlands Community School.

Although born in London, Mark spent most of his childhood in the Midlands – living just down the road from the Cadburys factory; anyone who has heard him talk in an assembly has heard his soft ‘brummy’ accent. Mark has been married to Lynne for 24 years and they have three children Ellen, Harry and Joe. He describes his devotion to Birmingham City Football Club as ‘a life sentence’!

Mark has always been keen on sport. He has always loved rugby, football, cricket and squash, to name but a few, so it is no surprise that he went on to study Sports Science at Brighton Polytechnic. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do at the time, but I did love sport,” he explains, “although there weren’t as many options for a Sports Science graduate back then.”

Mark started his working life as a fitness instructor in the gym at the House of Commons; a role which ranged from designing personal fitness programmes for MPs, to collecting towels. After moving up to Harrogate to work at a luxury hotel doing a similar role, it wasn’t long before Mark asked himself: ‘Is this the rewarding career I really want?’. After some soul-searching, he returned to Sussex to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with a view to being a teacher. Placements during his course were in secondary schools in Bexhill and Cuckfield.

[Read the full story in the May 2019 issue of Hassocks Life magazine…]