The Mid Sussex Applauds Awards 2022 took place on Sunday 20th of November, showcasing the amazing people, groups and organisations in Mid Sussex.

The ‘Take Pride in Mid Sussex’ category recognises residents who dedicate their time and energy into keeping Mid Sussex clean and green, take pride in their local area by creating community gardens, painting local spaces, upcycling or encouraging others to recycle. Dedicated Hassocks volunteers at The Monday Group were joint winners of this category, which was sponsored by ID Verde.

The Monday Group is made up of volunteers who build and maintain stiles and other wooden structures on public rights-of-way across the district and wider afield. In 2021 there have been 227 jobs completed including 73 stile repairs and 33 new stile, 56 clearance jobs and seven gates. Their work helps to open up access to nature and the outdoors, allowing many people who would otherwise struggle to enjoy the exercise and fresh air. Many of you will have walked on the extremely helpful new wooden walkways between Hassocks and Ditchling, or sat on one of their benches, climbed one of their stiles, or walked through one of their gates, such as the new kissing gate near Parklands Copse.

The Monday Group were also delighted to have been chosen as winners of the Peer Nominated Award. A nominator said: “The stiles are always well-finished, the work is done neatly and without fuss. Everyone who walks locally has occasion to grateful to this group.”