Stalls for Ukraine (Hassocks, Sunday 3rd April 2022)

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By Rachel BartlettBundy

It's been so depressing and scary listening to this tragedy in Ukraine unfold. One morning I heard about the children who couldn't access their essential cancer treatment, because Putin was bombing the hospitals. That brought me to tears as I know from personal experience how desperate it is to have a child needing cancer treatment. That is a battle enough, and trying unsuccessfully to access it in the middle of a war must be unbearable. 

So I really wanted to do something to help by raising more funds. But I also felt the need to bring inspire some joy and community spirit. Current events are huge and terrifying can so easily make us all feel helpless, isolated and impotent to help - but crucially this is NOT true. We each have the power to stand up to bullies and come together as a community. Hopefully on the 3rd April we will not only de-clutter our houses; purchase useful, fun, beautiful or delicious items from the stalls but also be out on the streets talking to each other and spreading neighbourliness. It's something that Hassocks is brilliant at.

It's free to hold a Stall for Ukraine. Just get in touch with me via the "Stallholders for Ukraine" group on Facebook or on 07747 866457 so I can add you to the Trail Map (see below).

All I am asking is that a minimum of 50% of the money raised is given direct to one of the three main Ukraine appeals - UNICEF, the Red Cross or DEC. Some of the stalls are existing businesses or selling items donated for other charities but due to these unusual circumstances are agreeing to give half to Ukraine. Most stalls will be giving 100%.

If any companies out there would like to match the money raised, please get in touch! 

And likewise if any other villages or towns fancy holding a similar event that would be amazing, I'm happy to share my resources!

Most of all we need customers! Download the Trail Map (see below) and visit as many as you can on Sunday the 3rd April 12-4pm. Give generously - it's really needed. 

#StandupForUkraine #StallsForUkraine

Pearl's commemorative tree in Adastra Park

Children and parents using the playground in Adastra Park may have noticed the arrival of a new tree recently.

The family of Pearl BartlettBundy - a Hassocks schoolgirl who tragically died just before her 10th birthday from an aggressive form of bone cancer in 2017 – took part in a special ceremony in the village when a tree was planted in her name.

A temporary plaque, which featured a photo of Pearl on one of the rides, said: ‘This tree, planted on 15th December, commemorates what should have been the 14th birthday of our daughter Pearl. She loved coming to this park. Happy birthday Pearl, with love from the BartlettBundy family.’

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The family have planted a tree around the village every year since Pearl’s death. “The play park was a really special place for Pearl and her brother Milo and they spent many happy hours there,” Pearl’s mother Rachel said. “This is a winter flowering cherry tree, which has a beautiful pink flower. We’re extremely grateful to the Parish Council for its help – especially Tracy Forte and Cllr Jane Baker and her husband Nick.”

Rachel is already thinking about places for next year’s tree – which she’s happy to take suggestions for!

VE Day in Hassocks

Hassocks Life reader and resident Emily Scott’s daughter Orla literally flies the flag for the village on the 75th Anniversary of VE Day last week.

Meet Hassocks milliner Anne Tomlin

Anne Tomlin, Hassocks milliner

Hassocks Life’s Deirdre Huston drops into Anne Tomlin’s studio to chat about nature, hats and the artistic life…

Photo: Ian Skelton

As we chatted, friendly cocker spaniels wandered in and out and the sun filtered through the window. Anne’s studio was chock-a-block with the rich colours of specimens from the natural world, an array of paint pots and examples of her spectacular, intricate and witty hats.

Anne’s love of making things, fabric and textiles goes back a long way. She learned to sew when she was about six. “My grandma was fantastic at sewing and made Fair Isle jumpers, all the very difficult stuff. She taught me and was my inspiration.”

Growing up in Somerset, Anne lived with her family in a woodman’s cottage on Lord Bath’s Estate. “From a very early age I went badger watching with my father. Glowworms lit up around the edges of the garden and wildflowers grew everywhere. It was here I got my love of nature.” She painted small detailed studies of what she saw. Later the family moved and Anne went to Frome Grammar School where she studied A-level Textiles. “I had the most amazing teachers who were just so enterprising and innovative.”

[Full story in April 2020 issue of Hassocks Life magazine]

Hassocks business donates food luxuries to care homes

Cameron Wallis, from South Downs Nurseries at Villa Adastra in Hassocks

A Hassocks business donated food luxuries which they cannot sell during the current lock-down to local care homes as an Easter treat for staff and residents.

Family-run South Downs Nurseries donated Easter chocolate and delicacies on Good Friday.

Not surprisingly, Cameron Wallis from the Brighton Road business received a warm welcome everywhere he went, including at Villa Adastra in Hassocks and Ladymead in Hurstpierpoint.  

The garden centre's general manager, Steve Parsons said: “The garden centre is closed at the moment and with food due to go out of date before we re-open, we wanted to make sure it was sent somewhere it could be enjoyed.”

Many of the items given were from the expansive Sussex Food Hall but would likely have been out-of-date before it could re-open. A donation was also made to a local food bank.

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.