Hassocks resident spots a gap in the volunteering market - Huddle Puddle launch

Huddle Puddle volunteer online database launches

By Richard Watkins

We are Hassocks residents living in a street comprising 26 bungalows. Recently, because of the Covid-19 threat, I organised a neighbours’ contact group via WhatsApp.

Only half the responders have WhatsApp, some have just landline and some local family (therefore consider themselves supported). I also found out that most of the residents, like us, are over 70.

This set me thinking about the wider world of communities and the potential issues we all face over the coming months with isolation and a completely new approach to living our day to day lives.

I spoke to our son, who owns a technology development business, and we brainstormed ideas on how to create a not-for-profit community contact and services computerised system.

The idea, in summary, is to create a verified register of local volunteers; a similar register of any household in the community needing some form of assistance; and a form of bulletin board, which will be used to record ‘things’ to be delivered and track the timely and actual delivery.

The volunteer verification process is critical. We will ask potential volunteers to complete an online application, using the same checks as for a bank account opening. There are secondary levels that might be used, for example the acceptance of certified DBS applicants.

Once accepted, volunteers will be given a unique identification and a ‘virtual’ identity card that will be used for any communication or interaction into the service.

Homeowners will need to provide address verification and postcode details. The postcode is critical as it enables the easy identification of the household needing help, which will assist with deliveries.

We want the service to be inclusive and understand that not everybody has access to, or is confident with, internet-based services. We will cater for this by the use of mobile phone or near-neighbour ‘buddies’.

There is lots more information available on our website, which we invite you to view: www.huddle-puddle.com

There is also an option for the reader to add an indicator that they think the idea is valuable and, also optional, add further basic details so that we can keep you informed of progress.

It is my hope that we can be up and operational shortly and that this system is able to help those most in need in our communities.

Hassocks VE Day celebrations cancelled

This year an annual May Day on Friday 8th May 2020 was planned in Adastra Park to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, with a theme of 1940s. Organiser Michelle Binks cancelled the event last month with a heavy heart saying: “It was the right decision in the light of current government advice and with the movement of people restrictions changing all the time.” Stallholders have been contacted individually. She has no plans to set another date this year but Michelle but looks forward to organising Hassocks May Day in 2021.

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DownsFest choir urge home singing

DownsFest Youth Choir has been recruiting enthusiastic young singers to rehearse for the festival but, sadly, all rehearsals are now cancelled. One of the organisers, Emily Hilson, said: “If DownsFest goes ahead in September - fingers crossed we are out the other side by then! - we shall do everything we can to run a few rehearsals and get ourselves up on that stage!”

The situation regarding COVID-19 changes at a rapid pace. The organisers of DownsFest 2020 are working on multiple contingency plans so that, if possible, they may be able to deliver a safe and successful event.

Organiser Michelle Binks explained: “With September being several months away, we are following government advice and will continue to review and augment plans accordingly. We would like to take this opportunity to thank and support all the incredibly hard-working NHS and emergency service staff.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Malone has set up The Great British Home Choir, which aims to give everyone the opportunity to contribute their voices and instruments to an ambitious digital music project which is compatible with social distancing. Register here: www.decca.com/greatbritishhomechorus

Food risk reduction in Hassocks

Hassocks Community Organisation

By Fred Maillardet

This has been the winter of floods: record rainfalls across the country, with a series of intense storms dumping a month’s-worth of rain in a day or two. Has Hassocks just been lucky to avoid flooding, despite the recent torrential rain? Maybe, but a group of local residents has been working for the last four years on natural flood management to reduce flood risk in our village. Our Floods and SuDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) group is composed of members of HKD Transition and Hassocks Community Organisation (HCO) together with the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust (OART).

The natural flood management approach is to ‘slow the flow’ – that is to reduce the volume of water entering the five tributaries which converge on the Herring Stream in the village. We have built ‘leaky’ debris dams in Lag Wood, built Rain Gardens in Adastra Park and Adastra Avenue and installed Rain Planters throughout Hassocks. An interpretation board in Adastra Park gives more details. We are also working with Downlands School on tree planting on their grounds.

This winter, Spitalford Bridge in the centre of Hassocks did not ‘choke’ as it did in similar storms in 2016, thus avoiding a repeat of the flooding in Parklands Road that year. It is now being recognised nationally that ‘the Government needs to increase the creation of more natural drainage systems...’ (The Guardian 17th Feb) and ‘to continue throwing concrete and endless amounts of money at defences such as high walls won’t stop the flooding’ (The Telegraph 11th Feb). The major flooding in Fishlake is now recognised by many flood experts to have been exacerbated by the £86m of hard engineered flood defences put in upstream to protect Sheffield. These defences had the effect of moving water quicker and in large volumes to downstream areas.

Sadly this pattern appears to have been repeated more recently in the Calder Valley which flooded for the third time in seven years despite about £30m already spent in the region on hard engineered defences.

The modest measures being taken in Hassocks do appear to be having an effect. We must prepare for more intense storms in future and it would appear that we are on the right track.

What's an electric car like?

There is much talk of the environmental impact all of us have in how we live. In this article we talk to Hassocks residents who have already taken the plunge and switched to cars which use electric power. Ann Nunn drives a hybrid (which means it uses both a conventional petrol engine as well as having batteries which can be charged and power the car for short periods of time), David Watson owns a Nissan Leaf which is a fully electric powered car (often referred to as an EV) and David Toman (pictured) has one of both types.

David Toman explained that he initially bought a Toyota Prius because of his scientific interest in the engineering concept of hybrid technology, but with a secondary objective of reducing his carbon footprint. “The Leaf (EV) was the next step and with a far greater range running on batteries. Most journeys are within a 30 mile radius of home and so I find now that I tend to use the Prius mainly for longer trips.”

The cost of charging an electric car and driving the miles is certainly cheaper than the equivalent in petrol or diesel. David Toman estimates that the per mile cost of running his EV compared to a petrol-drinking hybrid is around half. One of the advantages that David Watson, who has owned Nissan Leafs since 2012, tells us about is the car’s depreciation being less than other cars he’s owned.

Ann Nunn bought her Toyota Auris in order to reduce emissions but admits she was tempted in by the fuel economy, which she says averages 50mpg but has been known to get up to 70mpg! “I love driving it – it’s perfect. I’ve had it for three years and would definitely buy another one. It’s size and efficiency makes it a great car.”

In an all-electric one of the main concerns for potential EV owners can be about running out of charge. David Watson said: “We have solar panels at home but I do still charge away from home plenty and use remote charging points all the time. And they are improving in the technology and quantity available.” David Toman doesn’t have any experience of using charge points as he doesn’t do long journeys plus he also has solar panels at home – so there’s a strong incentive for him to use the free power especially during the spring and summer months.

All our owners described the cars as easy and pleasant to drive. Whether on the hybrid where the petrol engine cuts in and out on its own, or the super quiet drive of electric only. The recent announcement by the government to bring forward the ban of all petrol and diesel cars to 2035, the transition to electric (and other alternatively fuelled vehicles) is certainly upon us.

This article was first published in the March 2020 issue of Hassocks Life Magazine.

Hassocks runners prepare for the big day...

Inside March’s issue of Hassocks life we chat to a number of Hassocks residents who are tackling either Marathons or Half Marathons shortly.
In the feature we catch up with and wish all the best to:

Fiz Louden will be running the London Marathon next month and has recently joined Hassocks Community Runners.

Mel Lowin who ran the Brighton Marathon back in 2010 but this year will be running not one, but three Half Marathons: in Brighton, Gatwick and Barns Green.

Steve Roberts who will be running Beachy Head Marathon in September this year.

Read all about them and the Hassocks Marathon in Hassocks Life!

Photo by Deirdre Huston

By Deirdre Huston

Jasvir Kumar took over Hassocks Food and Wine in Spring 2017. He was already familiar with the shop as he’d done some shifts for the previous owners, relatives of his wife, Ketal Patel. Ketal works in finance, dealing with PPA claims, but she helps in the shop when needed. The previous owners were distant cousins who the couple saw regularly at the Hindu temple in Crawley. Jasvir is a Sikh, but accompanies his wife to the Hindu temple as a social thing. Jasvir has always worked in customer service, as a chef, in an open kitchen and in a staff canteen, and he likes to talk with lots of different people. He enjoyed filling in at the shop during his relatives’ holidays. Around then, he was working three jobs and wanted something more convenient. Living in Crawley, he was aware of a variety of shops setting up for business and Jas decided he would like to have his own shop.

The shop already had a good customer base. Some regulars from the time of the previous owners are still customers. Jas was drawn to the fact that Hassocks is a smaller place with friendly people. “My regular customers are all good and very supportive.” People tell Jas what they would like and he picks up items from the supplier with specific customers in mind.

He is keen for new customers to pop in too. “It’s a shame people don’t come in and see what we offer. We stock beer from Harveys and Hurst Brewery, a local supplier.” Jas stocks best-selling wines such as Barefoot, Blossom Hill, Oxford and Hardy, Jacob’s Creek, Casillero and Yellowtail. “These wines are popular all year round.” He also stocks better wines like Siglo: the bottle is covered in hessian, making it popular to purchase as a gift. Ketal enjoys Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc so, of course, those wines are stocked and plenty of others too.
To read more about Jasvir and his shop find the full article inside this months (March) issue of Hassocks Life.

Female founders in Hassocks are thriving!

Last November, Ditchling resident and founder of Lock Healthcare Recruitment, Abigail Lock launched the Thrive Meetup in Hassocks with the support of The Thrive Effect - a purpose-led, membership organisation for female founders and women in business in Sussex.

Since then, over 60 women in business have attended the Thrive Meetup in Hassocks to develop their business skills and make new connections. During the first half of the meetup, attendees learn from a
female business owner who shares her expertise or experience on a particular topic. So far, the attendees have learnt how to present with confidence, how to create a successful brand and how to develop customer personas. During the second half, members participate in a peer support session where they find practical solutions for each other’s business challenges.

The attendees come from a range of industries and include artists, business consultants, hairdressers, marketers, nutritionists, retailers, social entrepreneurs and solicitors.

Abigail explained: “I have really enjoyed building the Hassocks meetup and getting to know other women in business from the local area. Our attendees have told me that they have found the meetups really inspiring and informative and a great opportunity to meet likeminded women.” The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Talking Hands Coffee Shop in Hassocks. Tickets cost £6 and free drinks and nibbles are provided.

The next Thrive Meetup is on Tuesday 11th February from 6pm to 8pm. To purchase your ticket, go to: www.thethriveeffect.co.uk/our-events

If you would like to talk at a future Thrive Meetup, please email Clare Griffiths, the Founder of The Thrive Effect, at clare@thethriveeffect.co.uk or tweet @TheThriveEffect.

Snick's art exhibition

A teenager from Hassocks has found local fame through a new art initiative in Haywards Heath.

13 year-old non-binary student Snick is currently exhibiting their collection of digital art prints in the Art Hub in the Orchards Shopping Centre.

Beginning their interest in art with pencil and charcoal, Snick quickly developed a new style digitally last summer. They work on an XP-Pen Deco 01 tablet using FireAlpaca, and produce mainly portraits and caricatures. Snick’s work was originally published on social media, until a visit to the Art Hub in Haywards Heath before Christmas. The Hub’s initiative started last year, showcasing younger artists alongside more established work.

Article inside Feb 2020 Issue of Hassocks Life

Hassocks Artist

Hassocks 100 years then and now

Guiding for a new decade

Girl Guides Hassocks

The 22nd day in February is a very special date for Girlguiding, marking the birthday of the founder Lord Baden Powell and coincidentally, that of his wife, Olave, who became the first World Chief Guide.

This year, Girlguiding South Down Division will be holding an event to mark this date at Downlands School. Girls will gain a World Thinking Day Badge, raise funds for the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (known as WAGGGS) and share a tea together. There will be Rangers talking about international opportunities they have successfully applied to take on: four are off to take part in the Coco’s project in South Africa and two are off to Kenya; this is designed to inspire younger members to apply for such opportunities when they are a bit older.

Between them, the two local districts which make up South Down Division, Beacon (Hassocks and Ditchling) and Wolstonbury (Hurstpierpoint) have three Rainbow units, six Brownie units, four Guide units and one Ranger group, enabling many girls between the ages of five and eighteen to participate locally in a wide range of opportunities and activities through Guiding.

Immensely pound of its heritage, Girlguiding constantly updates itself for the current age so, while there are traditional items in programmes (map reading, cooking, hikes), there is much to inspire and interest
the 21st century girl too (for example: mindfulness, vlogging, safety online, body awareness and accepting who you are, human rights, being a conscious consumer, geocaching and upcycling).

In April 2019, Girlguiding launched a new programme across all age groups. Awards can be gained within six themes including ‘Know Myself’ and ‘Take Action’. South Down Division keep it local with visits to supermarkets such as Budgens, to learn about the foods we eat, plastics and recycling as well as visits to other services like salons such as Profiles and to local hairdressers. Girls also take advantage of the wonderful nearby woods for wide games, orienteering and cooking over fires. They also raise money for their termly chosen charities and support all the local village days such as Light Up Hassocks as well as supporting the Remembrance Parades. There are also opportunities to take part in prestigious national events with South Down girls being part of the Carpet Guard for the Chelsea Pensioners at a recent Royal Albert Hall’s Remembrance Service and being on the Girlguiding float in November’s Lord Mayor’s Show. Great excitement when both events were televised!

Girlguiding now has an array of ambassadors who travel to talk to young girls about what they can achieve. One example is Sally Kettle who rowed the Atlantic and who wows her audience with her story and continues
to inspire all who hear her with her positive, can-do attitude.

An example of how Girlguiding is adapting can be seen through what is now the second line of the Guide Promise: ‘I promise that I will do my best: To be true to myself and develop my beliefs...’. Guides may attend church services and parades but, as South Down Division Commissioner Pennie Thomson points out, the Promise stresses Girlguiding’s inclusivity: “People with other beliefs or no religious belief may make the new Promise.”

The Division is hoping for another successful Thinking Day event this month and welcomes new volunteers
so, if you are interested in helping, have a look at: www.girlguiding.org.uk
Featured in Feb 2020 of Hassocks Life

Memorial Garden Keymer - We shall remember them!

Hassocks Community Organisation

By Amanda Kenhard

If you had walked past the Grade II listed war memorial in the lower garden of St Cosmas and St Damian church in Keymer early last year, you may have noticed that the sloping grass bank behind the war memorial was looking a little sad. A more attractive and inspiring backdrop for the parish war memorial was clearly needed. What better year than 2019 - the 75th anniversary of D-Day to be chosen to give this area a makeover?

Conversations were started between the Hassocks Community Organisation’s (HCO) Green Group, the church Rector, Rev Alex Baxter and the volunteer group who look after the church grounds. Whilst the church team were very supportive and agreed that rejuvenating and tidying the Memorial Garden was highly desirable, they had no budget to be able to get this work done. Father Alex agreed that completion in time for the Remembrance Service on the 10th November would be an excellent goal. We enrolled the help of local professional gardener Jenny Curling for advice on suitable low maintenance shrubs and to produce an estimate of costs involved. With funding from HCO and a further grant obtained from Mid Sussex District Council, the work could begin and volunteers appealed for. During October the grass bank was strimmed and the volunteers met on the 26th October to start the planting. Beds around the memorial itself were also created and planted up with a mixture of red cyclamen and white heather. Happily, most of the work was completed in time for the Remembrance Service. Remaining funds will be used to add more spring bulbs and plant a few more shrubs by which time, the shrubs planted last year should be in full growth and looking great!

Thanks to Sage Garden Centre for their support and to Jenny’s mum for the tea and cake which fuelled the volunteers!

A new decade for Hassocks FC

By Scott Mccarthy

Gone are the 2010s and here are the 2020s. When one decade passes over to another, it often seems like
a good time to reflect on what has been before and what we want to happen in the future.

Everywhere you looked over the past month or so we’ve been blitzed with ‘best of the decade’ lists and ‘what will the world look like in 2030?’. You probably thought you could finally escape all that by picking up the latest edition of Hassocks Life in January 2020, but Hassocks FC have other ideas. Sorry!

How will the 2010s be remembered at the Beacon? By-and-large, it was a decade of success. The Robins achieved their highest ever finish of fourth in the Southern Combination League Premier Division in the 2011-12 season.

The Under 18s lifted two Central Division titles, finished runners up on a further three occasions and won a League Cup. The production line from youth team to first team has shown no signs of abating either.

Of course, there have been low points. Only being spared relegation due to ground grading at the end of the 2017-18 campaign was a disappointment, but the Robins have managed to stay afloat in the top flight – no mean feat for a club who pay peanuts compared to some of the big spenders.

And what of the future? That’s a more difficult question. That lack of serious financial backing means that it is hard to see how Hassocks could compete for promotion to the Isthmian League in the near future at least. Success on the pitch therefore over the next ten years will look like extending their run as the top flight’s longest serving club past the 30-year mark.

Strengthening the junior section and getting even more local players into the first team is another realistic target. The long-talked-about south field development might one day find the funding and support to get off the ground, allowing the Beacon to provide improved facilities and more pitches for teams in the village.

That could turn the home of football in Hassocks into the home of football in the local area, making the football club something the community can be truly proud of. Not a bad aim for the decade ahead, is it?

Barn home to new gents clothing store

Photo: Deirdre Huston

Some readers may have noticed a new shop on the outskirts of Hassocks, along London Road. The Godfather officially opened on 30th November and stocks pre-loved and vintage men’s clothes. Stuart Levy, the owner, has been working in retail since he was 18 and previously had various retail outlets in Burgess Hill, including a luggage shop. He explains: “I saw this was the right place for me and put all the renovations into place in the space of a fortnight.” The shop is crammed with rolling stock from top brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s, Lee, Ralph Lauren and more. There is also a good supply of lumberjack jackets.

Time to find the Elf on the Shelf on Hassocks High Street

Hassocks estate agent Marchants will once again be organising a fun Christmas competition to raise festive spirits and also funds for charity.

For the second year running a number of shopkeepers have placed a Christmas Elf within their window display and participants will have to spot them and write down its name on the special form – available to collect from Marchants on the High Street or downloadable from: www.marchantsestateagents.co.uk

Marchants’ Bennita Adair George explained: “We started the event last year as we thought it would be a fun idea to join the community of Hassocks together while doing some fundraising at the same time. We chose St Peter & St James Hospice as our charity partner as, having experienced its wonderful services, we realise how precious this organisation is to our community and want to support its future in helping others at their time of need.”

Completed entry forms for Find Elf on the Shelf need to be handed in at Marchants by 17th December 2019 along with a £1 charity donation. There will be a random prize draw from completed forms after this date.

DownsFest, Hassocks - date set for 2020

By Michelle Binks, DownsFest Organiser

DownsFest raised £1,000 for St Peter & St James Hospice

DownsFest is returning! We are really pleased to announce the date for next year’s DownsFest is Saturday 5th September 2020 at Adastra Park in Hassocks.

We are excited to reveal that ‘One Step Behind, The Masters of Madness’ are confirmed as our headline act, the UK’s Premier and longest surviving MADNESS tribute band. Each member of One Step Behind grew up as a Madness fan, and perfecting his portrayal of his original Madness counterpart has been a labour of love.

They cover the wide spectrum of Madness songs: Baggy Trousers, One Step Beyond, House of Fun, Our House to name a few!

Last year we were delighted to bring over 18 local acts to our Hassocks festival stage. Performing at DownsFest launched several bands’ music into our community and wider afield. Now we are looking for more local acts covering all genres and musicality.

Please contact us on: downsfest@outlook.com if you’re interested to play next year.

DownsFest has raised £1,000 for St Peter and St James Hospice, and we’re looking to increase this figure for them next year. Tickets will be on sale soon but in the meantime you can keep in touch via Facebook or website: www.downfest.co.uk

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!”

Light Up Hassocks - 29th Nov 2019

Light Up Hassocks

By Duncan Honeyman

Arrangements for the start of the festive season are going well. A special calendar, the sale of which helps fund the event, has been completed and will shortly be on sale. Again this year all the pictures have been provided by the U3A, and they give varied and interesting impressions of our lovely local area. Thanks are also due to all the calendar sponsors, as they are critical to help finance the event, which will take place on Friday 29th November 2019.

The event is being organised by Sussex Vale Rotary and begins at 4pm with the Children’s Torchlight Parade, which includes the Burgess Hill Marching Band, and I believe Santa may be joining in!

We are hoping for more stalls than ever before, and many high street traders will be putting stalls outside their shops as well as remaining open. During the rest of the evening, we will be entertained by live music from both ends of the street. In addition there will be over 25 stalls, with some fairground rides and of course Santa will be in his grotto. It will be a great experience, one not to be missed.

For more information, contact the organisers at: lightuphassocks@gmail.com or 07546 111996 and you can follow ‘LightUpHassocks’ on Facebook.

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.