Burgess Hill Choral Society welcomes you

If you fancy a new challenge in 2024 why not give Burgess Hill Choral Society a try?

This non-audition choir has an enviable record of musical performance. Our members come from across Mid Sussex to share their love of singing and the friendly atmosphere of our weekly rehearsals. There are a number of members who live in Hassocks. The choir caters for a wide range of musical tastes both modern and classical and we experience the thrill of performing with professional soloists and a full orchestra.

Many in the choir are experienced singers while others have joined after a long period without singing and some are just curious about the classical choral music the choir covers.

Why not come along to one of our open rehearsals on January 8th and January 15th as our guest? You’ll be made very welcome. Ring 07522 493966 or find out more by at: www.burgesshillchoral.com

Hassocks Food and Wines under new management - Hassocks

By Deirdre Huston

Many of you will know Suness from Keymer Stores. He achieved a degree in mathematics from London Metropolitan University. After graduating, as well as selling new cars, he traded in financial markets on FourX -an online platform. He then decided he wanted to have his own business, and says: “Being a businessman and investor, I bought Keymer Stores.”

The last few years have been full of change. This is true in terms of the pandemic, the economy, and also in Suness’ personal life. In August, 2021, Suness was acting as groomsman at the wedding of a friend. The bride’s best mate was Faizah Ali, a pharmacist from Glasgow. This was the first time Suness and Faizah met, and their relationship has since gone from strength to strength.

Around the time he met Faizah, Suness was making an important decision about which of two avenues to follow: he was considering whether to expand his retail business by buying more shops, or whether to invest in property. Suness says: “Once you meet someone, you have a shared life together, and this influences your decisions.”
Suness has always worked long hours, but when he settles down and has a family, he would welcome having the flexibility to spend some time with his family. Faizah helped Suness decide to expand the retail business. Suness says: “I like the idea of creating new owners who start with little retail experience but want to build a future of their own.” He adds: “I may be able to help with financial and legal support, too.”

Suness says: “I’m creating a family business with the help of my brother, Neel, who is now in charge of stock operations.” Another well-known personality from Keymer Stores is Frank Guoonghe, who has now been promoted to Regional Manager.
In November, Suness took over Hassocks Food and Wines. The previous owner, Jasvir, heard that Suness was buying stores and messaged that he might be interested as he wanted to start a different type of business. Suness was delighted to take on another shop in the village, as he has built up a strong connection with the local community. In December, Suness will also complete on the purchase of a shop in Ham Road, Shoreham called Lighters Newsagents.

Suness says: “With the help of my team, we are hoping to expand,” and adds: “We are grateful for the support we’ve received from ASM Accountants.” Suness aims to complete on further shops where there is a strong connection with the community. He explains: “I envisage a family network of shops.” He is actively looking for other shops across South East England, but they have to be the right locations. He says: “We’ve built up a good connection with the convenience store community in this region, and our team is actively looking for the next shop.”

Having more than one shop enables me to bulk buy to ensure our prices are competitive.” He adds: “This is important, especially right now, so we’re always trying to get items at a better price to keep our customers happy.”
It’s important to Suness that management retains a direct connection with the customer and therefore he’s commissioned a bespoke software system which will work via an iPad in each shop. “We will have a lot of realtime updates on stock,” explains Suness, “and this will also facilitate feedback to help bridge the gap between customer and management.”

Suness already manages a lot of orders for regular customers and says: “Pretty much anything we stock in the shop, such as wine or beer, we can get hold of for loyal customers, if they are buying a box or crate.” Since the pandemic, Suness has done deliveries, as suits the particular needs of his customers.

The Keymer shop will keep the full parcel and label printing service but the Hassocks Food and Wine branch will be a delivery and collection point for Collect Plus and Yodel.

Suness will still be around and about in the village as he now has an office at the back of the Hassocks Food and Wines store, so do stop and say hello.

Meet Hassocks' new hairdressing unisex salon - The Hive

The Hive

Meet the owner of a new hairdressing unisex salon: The Hive. Carly Shephard began hairdressing when she was nineteen. She trained at Lee Stafford in Brighton and always works with Redken products. She explains: “I love using this gorgeous luxury brand because it’s ammonia-free and vegan.”

After gaining five years of experience in Brighton, she moved to Haywards Heath and recalls: “I was with Laura at a salon called Crowns for ten years.” She adds: “It was a lovely team, but I always dreamed of opening my own salon.” Carly took a short break to have her two girls. They are now nine and ten and she feels the time is right to put her dream into action. She says: “They are happy for me, and I hope to be an inspiration to them.”

A friend told Carly these premises had become available, and she knew they had potential. “I’m hoping to put an exciting new spin on a salon, which has been here for a long time,” she says. The premises have now been extensively refurbished, and Carly explains: “We have designed this as a unisex salon, so it is comfortable for everyone because I want to welcome gents, women and children to have their hair cut at The Hive.” Carly adds: “I cut men’s hair very well, and a lot of gents enjoy the salon experience, which includes a cup of tea and a chat.”

Carly is bringing lots of previous clients to The Hive, but she is looking forward to meeting lots of Hassocks residents, too. Carly is recruiting, and says: “I am building a new team and am looking for stylists of all capabilities to come and join the team at Hive.”

Recycle your Christmas tree for Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity - Local to Hassocks

We collect your Christmas tree from your drive or gate and take it to be recycled.

For more information and to register please visit: www.dvlcc.org.uk or phone 01444 473 274

Booking required by midnight Wednesday 3rd Jan 24

Mid Sussex Choir concert at St Wilfrid's Haywards Heath this December

This carol concert will feature some of the Manchester carols alongside some Christmas audience favourites. Cynthia, one of the choir members from Hassocks, commented: “I have loved the learning the Manchester Carols with their beautiful words and music. I am also looking forward to singing the piece ‘Sing’ with Neil Matthews from Hurst College playing the organ. It should sound fantastic.”

The choir has been performing in Haywards Heath for almost 80 years and has attracted some loyal followers. One of them said: “I have attended several Mid Sussex Choir concerts, and I like them as it’s always great to attend a concert just before Christmas.”

The concert takes place at St Wilfrid’s Church on 16 December at 7.30pm. Parking is usually available. Tickets are £13 in advance, £15 on the door (under 16s are free). Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/mid-sussex-choir

Meet The Greyhound's new owners in Keymer

By Deirdre Huston

Simon Hodges has taken over The Greyhound. He and his wife, Josie, live about five minutes away from the pub, on the other side of Keymer Church. Their three children have attended local schools. Simon and Josie have long been regular visitors at The Greyhound and felt they could make a difference to the pub. Simon says: “We wanted to turn the Greyhound into a village pub again and give it back to the community.”

This new venture is very much a team effort. Simon is the Licensee, Zoe Scozzi is the manager, and Josie provides backroom support alongside Debbie Smith. Debbie is also a local parent and already works with the Hodges in another business.

Josie says: “We want to return the pub to how it used to be: a lovely, vibrant village pub.” The strength of local support has already taken the couple by surprise. Simon explains: “Our vision has been realised quickly because a couple of residents, Kenny and Gill Packham, organised a welcome do for us, and the pub was rammed with locals who wanted to wish us well.”

The pub is over 450 years old. Simon says: “We want this to be a pub with traditional food where you can come for a drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.” Food will continue being served from Wednesday to Sunday, with a proper roast at the weekend, and a view to including more days in the future. Meat is sourced through Twine Butchers in Hassocks, and, as well as the beer, a lot of the wines come from the Harveys Brewery. Simon says: “We will add to our ale and lager selection with guest beers.” Look out for the dried hops on the inglenook fireplace, which are a gift from a Harveys employee.

From 1st January, the pub will hold Open Mic nights every Thursday, a pizza van will visit every Tuesday while Wednesday will be Quiz Night.

The pub is open every day from 10.30am except on Sundays when the doors open at 11am. Josie says: “We would like the pub to be a Wi-Fi hub where people can come and sit and work and be warm during the day.” Every Wednesday, there will be a drop-in surgery when Emma Warner, the IT Girl from Hurstpierpoint, will be based here.

The Greyhound are members of HCO (Hassocks Community Organisation) and offer 10% discount on Wednesday to Friday lunchtimes.

“Everyone’s been amazing,” says Josie, and Simon adds: “We want to thank everyone for their immediate support because they’ve been fast to rally around us.” Many are keen to see the pub continue in the coming years as a hub of the local community.

Buy online from Hassocks businesses, delivered to you in one hour!

Local shopping has never been so quick and easy

Marram and Bella June Flowers, sign up to offer one-hour delivery of products in Hassocks

Two high street businesses in Hassocks are tearing up the local shopping rule book, with the help of new app: DropBuy. 

Both Marram and Bella June Flowers have signed up as suppliers on the app, which promises a one-hour local delivery service from products listed on its virtual shelves. Shoppers can simply search for the nearest stores to them by postcode, and browse the products available for immediate delivery to you, or direct to the recipient. 

Millie Hampson of Marram said: “We are thrilled to be among the first to have signed up to this new way of shopping. We are always looking for ways to be able to compete with the likes of Amazon, and this super-fast delivery goes one better! We really hope this encourages local customers with busy lives to feel that they can use and support their high street without having to be ON the high street.”

Ben from DropBuy explained: “Our app enables users to support local businesses, boosting the local economy and giving business opportunities for employment of local drivers, as well as fostering the unique spirit of Hassocks.”

“As a delivering florist,” Kelly Harding from Bella June Flowers said, “DropBuy is a game-changing concept! A one-hour delivery service is something I would struggle to offer as an independent business owner, but with the help of DropBuy, we can now get our products out to our local customers fast and with little more than a click on the app.”

Find out moreby scanning the QR code or see www.dropbuy.org

Hassocks Parish council - All about the waterways

Living on the banks of a stream

Riparian Ownership - What does it mean? By Cllr Peter Richardson, Member of Flood Action Group – Hassocks Parish Council

In Hassocks Life issue #52 (August 2023) an article by Jonathan Taylor outlined the streams which run through the Hassocks/Keymer area. Watercourses enhance our lives in many ways and yet can pose a threat when in flood. It would seem obvious that watercourses should be allowed to flow freely and without pollution. They need to be respected, protected and maintained for the mutual benefit of the entire community.

At the time of writing, some residents may have already received (or are imminently about to receive) a booklet from Hassocks Parish Council regarding streams. This booklet outlines the significance of resident’s relationship with these watercourses and the associated legal context. Many people probably do not know that if they own land or property adjoining a watercourse (stream, ditch or culvert), or if there is one under their property, then they are by definition, a “Riparian Owner”.

This involves certain responsibilities. In our Hassocks/Keymer area it is believed there are approximately 450 properties which fall into the category of Riparian Ownership. The booklet is not intended to frighten but merely to inform. It is trying to raise the knowledge for such owners who may otherwise have been completely unaware of the issues.

It is not the intention here to duplicate the details provided in the booklet. It is probably sufficient to understand that the relevant rights and responsibilities basically follow what would merely be expected in a manner of general ‘good neighbourliness’. This would be to ensure that water can flow freely, without obstruction (causing flooding) or pollution that would affect the rights of others.

To read about the three main issues of Riparian Ownership, pick up your copy of November’s Hassocks Life or click to enlarge the picture above.

Hassocks locals complete Paddle4Pearl challenge to end Hassocks Goes Gold 2023

Intrepid brothers, Jamie BartlettBundy and John Bartlett completed their Paddle4Pearl challenge earlier this month, despite the appalling Scottish weather! Torrential rain stopped trains and emergency services across central Scotland, but the determined duo continued to paddleboard!

After three days, they had covered 100km from Bowling Harbour on the West Coast to Edinburgh on the east. Covering first the Forth & Clyde Canal and then the Union Canal, their journey took in 20 locks, several tunnels, high aqueducts, and navigation of the Falkirk Wheel. Their heroic efforts were the finale of an amazing month of fundraising in Hassocks, raising funds for research into childhood cancer. Jamie and Rachel lost their ten-year-old daughter Pearl to cancer in 2017, and have since been fundraising to find kinder and more effective treatments for childhood cancer. To date the #PearlPower fund, overseen by the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group, has raised enough to fund not one but two new research projects to fund kinder and more effective treatments for childhood cancer. With the efforts of this year’s Hassocks Goes Gold campaign raising over £13,000 and the recent Paddle4Pearl, they have smashed the incredible milestone of £100K. Rachel says:
“September is always an exhausting but very exciting month of gold in Hassocks, and the Scottish paddleboarding adventure has been a wonderful finale. Although the reason behind our Hassocks Goes Gold is the worst tragedy for our family, it’s important to us we fundraise by creating events that are fun that the entire village can get behind.”

Find out more: www.bit.ly/2FZK1RF

Light Up Hassocks returns this December 2023

Ella’s winning design of Christmas poster competition

By The Light Up Hassocks Team

After Light Up Hassocks 2022, we bade farewell to Bernard O’Rourke of Sussex Vale Rotary. We take great pleasure in knowing he’ll be able to enjoy the event as a resident this year, and we hope he’ll be proud of us.

We are lucky enough to have a, admittedly a very small but nonetheless, fantastic team who have worked incredibly hard to prepare for Friday 1st December. We listened carefully to feedback and know there have been challenges with lighting near the bridge. We also faced uncertainty around Halfords which led us to think about new locations for our stage.

This year, we’ve condensed stalls into a smaller area, moved the stage to Chancellors Park, and, with thanks to the Parish Council, we’ve invested in some hefty lights. We’re taking a more environmentally conscious approach, and traders are being asked to avoid single-use plastics wherever possible. We’ll be providing recycling bins in addition to waste bins. We have all the usual favourites: a parade with Burgess Hill Marching Youth band leading the serenade at Villa Adastra, the Hassocks Infant School and Windmills choirs, funfair, games, fabulous food and drink stalls, arts and crafts and live music from the very talented Stanmer Band.

We’re kicking the festivities off with the poster competition, hosted by Sussex Vale Rotary, at Hassocks Infant School. Children design a Christmas poster, and the winning entry becomes the poster for the next Light Up Hassocks. The winning designer gets to turn the Christmas lights on! Ella won 2022’s competition and we hope she enjoys seeing her artwork here (right), and all around the village very soon!

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the fabulous window displays created by our wonderful traders each year, so we’re delighted to announce that Art Groups 1 and 2 from u3a will be judging the windows this year in the week commencing 20th November. The winner and two runners-up will be announced on the night, and competition is going to be fierce…

Let us end by saying we’ve been talking with the elves at the North Pole and they’ve sprinkled a bit of magic dust on our Santa hats, so look out for some extra sparkle!

Useful information about Light Up Hassocks

Keymer Road will close at 4pm and re-open at 8pm.

The roads that meet Keymer Road (Dale Avenue, Grand Avenue, Parklands Road, Chancellors Park, Downsview) will be closed at the Keymer Road end.

The road closure will be extended up to Clerk’s Acre between 4.15pm and 5.15pm when we march up to Villa Adastra. We ask that all lay-bys be emptied by 3pm so that our stallholders can set up in good time. Please avoid driving into the centre of the village after 2.30pm if you can.

We’d particularly ask you to avoid Chancellors Park where Mid Sussex Radio and our team will be setting up the stage next to Bennett Oakley Solicitors. If you or a neighbour have carers, please help us to make sure this information gets to the carers so that they aren’t surprised by the road closure on the night.
Of course, in the event of a medical or other blue lights emergency, we will help vehicles through, but they will have to be escorted and that takes a little time.

More information about stalls and the timetable see the Facebook page @LightUpHassocks
For more information about the event, road closures, or joining us a marshal or volunteer for this year or next year, reach us at lightuphassocks@gmail.com.

HURSTfolk – it’s not a folk festival!

When Debbie Clare put a call out for Hurstpierpoint-based musicians to register their interest in being part of this new event, she was inundated with enquiries; what she thought might be a one night line-up has turned into a sprawling three day event, featuring traditional venues as well as lesser-utilised spaces. “’HURSTfolk – it’s not a folk festival!’ should have been the tagline,” said Debbie. “This is very much a festival for all genres – featuring the ‘folk’ of Hurstpierpoint.” Taking place from 17th-19th November, this unique gathering invites local performers to come together for a weekend filled with enchanting concerts, in various locations throughout the village, including venues, homes, and breathtaking outdoor spaces. Debbie has worked in the music industry – both on and off stage – for over 20 years. A vocalist for Massive Attack, and the agent for a plethora of groundbreaking alternative music artists, Debbie is drawing upon her extensive live music career to weave together this community-focused weekend of live music performances. Performers include Taz Modi, Heather McClelland, Lou Beckerman, Adam Whitby, The Self Help Group and many others. HURSTfolk will showcase the very best of Hurstpierpoint music-makers, as well as the village’s fantastic venues, and a community that wants to get out and support local talent. The event offers a ‘pay-what-you-can’ ticket option, along with many free-entry events, making it accessible for absolutely everyone. 100% of the income for the ticketed events will be paid directly to the artists performing. For information about the full line-up please visit www.hurstfolk.org

Adastra Hall hosts Hassocks On Show

Volunteers at Adastra Hall have breathed new life into an old Hassocks event by relaunching Hassocks On Show.

This community event will take place on Saturday 28th October from 10am until 3pm, and local clubs and organisations have snapped up available spaces! With nearly 30 exhibitors, and over 70 pastimes on show, the exhibition promises to give lots of useful insights into organisations and clubs from across the village.

The event is free for residents and their friends to attend. The WI are running the tea and cakes service, and the event will be across all three of the rooms at Adastra Hall. There is also a presentation about the extension project. This is a great opportunity to come and see what the hall has to offer to potential hirers too. Here’s a schedule of all those clubs and societies attending:

• Hhd u3a
• Keynotes Music
• Know Dementia
• Let’s Dance Hassocks
• Love Art Sudios
• Museum of Gardening
• Parish of Clayton and Keymer
• Sarita Prints Joy Block Print Workshops
• Seasons Art Class
• Star Cinema
• Sussex Vale Rotary
• WI
• Adastra Hall Table Tennis Club
• Bounce Hassocks

• Girl guides
• Hasocks Circle Dance Group
• Hassocks Community Organisation
• Hassocks Community Runners
• Hassocks Croquet Club
• Hassocks Field Society
• Hassocks Good Causes Whist Club
• Hassocks Green Group (HKD transition)
• Hassocks Parish Council
• Hassocks Tennis Club
• Hassocks Twinning Association
• Budding Foundation
• Crafty Ladies
• Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Sussex

“There is absolutely something for everything,” said Chris Hobbs, Chair at Adastra Hall. “This has been such an easy thing to organise and we are in the sad position of having to turn some groups away, just because we filled the spaces without much effort at all. I’ve lived in Hassocks for 22 years and I had no idea about some of the groups’ existence!”

The raffle will feature many prizes, all donated by the stallholders, and will raise funds which will be equally shared between the Teddy and the Big C campaign and the Adastra Hall Extensions Project.

Hassocks council relaunch Adastra Park tennis courts

Park tennis courts at Adastra Park have been officially reopened after a £83,000 renovation, funded by Hassocks Parish Council, the UK Government, LTA Tennis Foundation and Developer Contributions. Tennis courts at Adastra Park hosted a ceremony attended by Hassocks Parish Council representatives, along with representatives from the LTA. There was an opportunity for people from the local community to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions.

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is investing across Britain to help develop grassroots tennis. The three courts at Adastra Park have undergone extensive work to ensure viability for years to come, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, nets and a new gate access system. As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions. All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. A small booking fee will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come.

The LTA, Hassocks Parish Council and KB Tennis Coaching will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play. Cllr Ian Weir, Chair of Hassocks Parish Council said: “The new tennis courts are the latest step in the Parish Council’s commitment to deliver improved facilities in Adastra Park following Community Consultation. Our partnership with the LTA and their Club Spark Booking and Gate entry systems have enabled us to provide simple and easy access to the new courts which we hope will make them more attractive to occasional and first-time users as well as giving our existing users a greatly improved playing experience.”

Helpful facts: How to ‘Pay and Play’ Booking online is quick and easy. Courts can be booked up to seven days in advance.
All our courts are available for pay and play, allowing you to book and pay for a single booking at any time. The cost is £7 per court per hour. Concessions £3.50 per hour.

Play 365 days a year, subject to essential court maintenance and weather. For further details, visit: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/AdastraPark

Hassocks, Hurst, and Ditching u3a groups thriving

Many of us associate September with the start of a new academic year. U3a is a national movement which supports people in their ‘third age’ to continue their learning and interests in an informal environment, and we have a thriving local group.

Hassocks, Hurst and Ditchling u3a now has 357 members, exceeding pre-Covid levels. This great local organisation is open to anyone who is not working full-time, costs very little with an annual fee of £15, and offers great opportunities to ‘learn, laugh, live’! The local branch offers a wide range of subjects and activities.

Future Lives shares information and resources to inspire, influence and inform members about how we can improve our future lives by discussing and learning about relevant subjects. The new and very popular Men’s Meeting group meets on the second Monday of the month. The first meeting was a lunch in The Hassocks Hotel dining area. Local Outings enables members to contact others with similar interests to arrange outings or trips together, for example, art, films, live performances, places of interest, and music.
So far, members have attended events at the Ditchling Players, the Brighton Dome and the Brighton Fringe Spiegeltent, with upcoming events planned at Adastra Hall and The Old Market in Hove.

In the Board Games group, members learn and play games brought along by the group leader and members. This group meets monthly at The Purple Carrot café in Hassocks. The Russian Studies group reads and discusses Russian literature and culture. All you need is an interest in Russian culture, broadly defined, as the group works with translated materials. These are just a handful of our 40+ interest groups. We also have an open monthly meeting where all are welcome. To find out more visit www.u3asites.org.uk/hhd, or email: hhdu3amem@ gmail.com.

Teddy and the Big C campaign update - Aug 2023

By Kat and Alastair Lichten, Teddy’s mum and dad

Teddy’s campaign has continued to grow and grow! At the time of writing, we have raised nearly £175,000 towards our £250,000-£300,000 target for Teddy to access ground-breaking cancer treatment abroad.

In September, we are pleased to be supported by the wonderful Hassocks Goes Gold appeal, who will be donating the proceeds from poster sales to Teddy this year. You can also still pick up raffle tickets until 13th September from de la Casa for a gorgeous Coatimundi soft toy donated by Hassocks Pet Centre.

During August, Teddy enjoyed a wonderful day out, organised by Thameslink. Teddy got to meet the driver of the train and then he got to sit in the cab while the driver drove the train to Three Bridges. Fortunately, Teddy was on top form that day and could fully enjoy his special experience. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us so far by donating, taking on a sponsored challenge or organising an event.

Scroll down to see some wonderful fundraising events you can join in on…

Taste wine and fundraise for Teddy’s treatment

By Amanda Felix

An exciting new fundraising event has just been launched for Teddy and the Big C. Giles Cutlack of South Downs Cellars will host a wine tasting evening in Adastra Hall on Friday 27th October. Giles will take the audience on a lively journey through a range of wines with accompanying nibbles in aid of Teddy’s campaign.
Book early to guarantee your places on the online seating plan.

Thank you in advance for your support for Teddy and we look forward to welcoming you. Tickets cost £20 per head and are available online at www.buytickets.at/rathergoodevents or you can pay in cash at Bella & Megs Café on Keymer Road, Hassocks. If you have any questions please contact Amanda Felix on: amandajanefelix@ outlook.com.

Green fees for Teddy

Burgess Hill Golf Centre is holding a fundraiser for Teddy on Saturday 30th September. There will be prizes for ‘nearest the pin’ on the course and ‘putting hole in one’. Jess Armstrong-Kerr of Burgess Hill Golf Centre says: “Join us at the Burgess Hill Golf Centre for a family fun golf day to fundraise for Teddy and the Big C. One hundred percent of green fees will be donated to Teddy’s cause!” This wonderful event will run all day, and you can book online or just turn up on Saturday 30th September. Jess explains: “Golfers can play the nine-hole course for £20, knowing they are donating money to Teddy’s Campaign with Solving Kids Cancer.” A children’s putting competition will also run all day and cost five pounds to enter, again with all proceeds donated.

Role-Playing Games Day at Dice and Drinks Café

Reserve a space in your diaries for Teddy’s Role-Playing Games Day at Dice and Drinks Café in Burgess Hill on Saturday 14th October. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to RPGs, there will be fun for all. Tickets cost £10 per person and there will be afternoon and evening sessions available - see Teddy and the Big C on Facebook for more info or scan the QR code.

Mid Sussex Health Care - Flu Clinics 2023 in Hassocks

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

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

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

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

Click to enlarge

Chelsea Pensioners charm Adastra Bowling Club

On 19th July, 22 members of Adastra Bowling Club travelled to London to play a return match against the Chelsea Pensioners. Last year, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Adastra Bowling Club, the Chelsea Pensioners came to Hassocks. An invitation for a return match was issued to be played on their home green at The Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the iconic veterans of the British Army, the Chelsea Pensioners.

Regular tours of the buildings and grounds of the Royal Hospital are conducted for both private groups and public visits, and the group were met by Alan Gill, the Secretary of their Bowls Club and an authorised tour guide. Having showed the visitors around, Alan took them to the Bowling Green on a lawn in front of the famous building. An excellent, friendly match took place, with Adastra winning. They were proud to announce that one of their players was over 90 years old, but Adastra Bowling Club had three players present aged over 90!

The visitors were treated to a meal and then convivial drinks in ‘The Covid Arms’ afterwards, where the Hassocks club presented a generous cheque as a donation. As they were waved off, Adastra Bowling Club promised to return and visit the Chelsea Pensioners again soon.

Hassocks' tennis courts upgrade

You may have noticed the work taking place on Adastra Park Tennis Courts. This is part of an exciting project to refurbish the courts and provide a new automated entry gate and online public booking system. The Parish Council, who own and manage the tennis courts, has made a substantial investment towards the refurbishment, alongside receiving additional funding and support from the LTA Tennis Foundation and UK Government as a part of the Parks Tennis Project to refurbish public tennis courts across Britain and open up the sport to more people. Weather permitting, it is hoped that the tennis courts will be ready for use by mid-August with a formal launch planned in September.

Further details about when the courts will open and public booking information will be posted on the Parish Council website when these are available: www.hassocks-pc.gov.uk