Jack and Jill Windmills and The Coffee Mill

Chelsea Lee is the owner of new downland pitstop, The Coffee Mill. She currently runs this with help from her mother-in-law, Fee. The Coffee Mill is located on their family farm in the field next to the Jack and Jill windmills. The Coffee Mill stems from an idea Chelsea had during lockdown. She recalls: “During the first lockdown, when we were riding our horses along the South Downs Way, we were amazed at the hum of activity in the car park and around the windmills: dog walkers, cyclists, runners, horse riders and people coming to simply admire the view were all enjoying themselves.”

As well as being well known locally, the Jack and Jill windmills are a renowned landmark in the South Downs National Park. Chelsea says, “Seeing how popular the area was for visitors gave us the idea of buying a converted horse box to sell good quality hot drinks, cakes, and ice creams! We aim to buy our products locally where we can,” says Chelsea, “and we stock Back Yard coffee beans from The Roaster in Ditchling. We also sell pots of Sussex ice cream that comes directly from Downs View Dairy. I have a five star hygiene rating. Our cakes are either homemade, or we try and source them as locally as possible!”

“We hope to see you very soon,” says Chelsea, and adds: “We love our furry friends, and welcome horses and dogs. They can even get a treat from us or a refreshing drink of water!” Currently only open during weekends, the Coffee Mill plans to add extra days in the week during the summer holidays. Follow @thecoffeemillclayton on Facebook for more details.

Walking in Hassocks - The plan for Butcher's Wood

By The Woodland Trust

Ash dieback is a serious fungal disease that is killing ash trees across Europe. Young trees can die quickly once infected. Older trees can be slowly killed by a yearly cycle of infection. We have been steadily removing the worst affected trees in the wood since 2018 but now the disease has taken hold here, so we are taking action for the safety of our visitors and neighbours by removing all ash trees with significant decline next to footpaths and properties. Although the work may look drastic, please be assured that it has been carefully planned with consent from the Forestry Commission and in line with the Woodland Trust’s ash dieback Position Statement www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/publications/2019/ 06/ash-dieback-position-statement/

We are only removing ash trees where we have to. Ash trees out of falling distance of footpaths and properties and those showing the most significant signs of resistance to the disease are being retained and monitored. The works start in September and are taking place outside of bird nesting season. We will aim to avoid the wettest periods to minimise the impact on the soil and ground flora where possible. Timber will be extracted and branches cut up to avoid smothering the woodland floor. The majority of the wood’s trees, including oak, hornbeam, hazel, wild cherry, hawthorn and silver birch are unaffected by the disease and will maintain a habitat for wildlife while their saplings will gradually fill the gaps where ash used to be.

Thank you for your support and understanding. We hope this reassures you that our management decisions are centred on the best, long-term interests of trees and woods, and the people and wildlife that depend upon and benefit from them. The wood will remain open throughout the duration of the works but some footpaths will be closed or diverted with signs and barriers to maintain safety while the works are taking place. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Hassocks Parish Council has initiated a Flood Working Group

By Cllr Frances Gaudencio Chair of the Flood Working Group, Hassocks Parish Council

Having been experiencing some hot summer days it may be easy to forget the incessant downpours which led to surface water flooding in Hassocks earlier this year. We are then reminded - by intense summer storms that have the same effect! These have not been a 1 in a 100 years event as modelling predicted! These have been regular occurrences with waterlogged fields, surface water pooling on roads, submerged gardens and water damage to some business premises.

We live in a lovely area at the foot of the South Downs on low lying ground with lots of streams. However, many fields have been built on with more hard surfacing for roads, front drives and parking, which means less water absorption through the earth and more going into our streams and drains -  which struggle to cope in heavy rainfall. Whilst we love our abundant trees, heavy leaf fall on roads, if left uncleared, will often block the drains.

Hassocks Parish Council has sought to collaborate with  other local groups committed to finding ways of mitigating some of the effects of heavy rainfall, surface water and fluvial ( rising river or stream levels ) flooding. In January of this year, we held our first meeting of The Flood Working Group. Its membership includes 5 Parish Councillors, representatives from HKD Transition, OART  (Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust ) a Councillor from West Sussex County Council, a Councillor from Mid Sussex District Council and key officers from each of these Councils, who are invited to contribute their knowledge and respond to our questions and requests for support.

To date, we have collected a series of reports and audits on flood risk areas and maps of watercourses in Hassocks.

We have been looking at previous West Sussex County Council plans to deal with flooding and have asked for updates on what has been actioned. Many proposed ‘hard engineering ‘ interventions are very costly and so have not been implemented. So, we are exploring more natural options that we feel can be implemented quickly and at relatively low cost.

What we are doing now

• The group has commissioned Peter King from OART to survey the stream flowing through Parish Council land at Parklands Copse, near the allotments. We are planning to create a couple of debris dams which would slow the flow and reduce the amount of water meeting at Spitalford Bridge. The idea is to prevent, for as long as possible, water impacting the shops near the bridge. Doing this will not increase the risk of flooding to properties near the Copse. Peter’s team will organise the building of the dams with construction by volunteers from HKD. The Parish Council is funding the project.

• We have confirmed that West Sussex County Council has no objection to volunteers clearing leaves from drains and recommends they work safely and wear high vis jackets. These ‘first responders’ had jumped into action several times already but we needed to check the official position from West Sussex, who are responsible for drain clearances, but who may not be able to respond as quickly as local people.

• We are exploring the possibility of installing trees pits – large holes for water retention with trees planted within, or large tubs of plants and flowers that would retain water – along the central pavements of the village. However much more research needs to be done.

• Wider grass verges being converted to rain gardens will help to slow the flow of water. We are aiming to identify some pilot schemes with the consent of residents.

• We will continue to work with the District and County Councils on all these proposals and others which are emerging.

What the community can do

The fantastic community spirit that exists in Hassocks, Clayton and Keymer can be channelled into making a huge difference to the way in which we deal with flooding.

If you are concerned about flooding, there are many suggestions and ideas to be gained from looking at the HKD website. For instance, you might want to consider making your own rain garden.

From the office of the Clerk to Hassocks Parish Council

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Sources of information for more in - depth knowledge about this subject...

https://www.hkdtransition.org.uk/rain-gardens 

https://www.hkdtransition.org.uk/news

The West Sussex Local Flood Risk Management Strategy 2015

Analysis identifies ‘wet spots’ where a limited number of properties are considered to be at risk. These include Hassocks.

Flood risk management

https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/dealing-with-extreme-weather/flooding/flood-risk-management/

Online article - Surface water: The biggest flood risk of all

Speech by Sir James Bevan KCMG, Chief Executive, Environment Agency, CIWEM Surface Water Management Conference, 17 October 2018

A change of hands at Hassocks Hardware

After 33 years, highly-respected local figure, Colin Mansfield, has retired, and Hassocks Hardware now has new owners. Colin has stayed local and intends to stay local. Manager, Sam Livings, explains: “He was 69 and always said he preferred to leave in good health. He wanted to enjoy his retirement after working six days a week for 33 years!”

Last year, at the start of the first lockdown, Tony - Colin’s assistant for 32 years and also a Hassocks man – retired after many years’ service. “Tony walked into the shop six months after Colin opened, got a job, and stayed 32 years,” Sam recalls, and adds, “it’s so nice to see them both in good health and being able to enjoy their retirement. They both deserve it after serving the community in such a dedicated way.”

The shop is now co-owned by Mark Deacon and Duncan Fisher. “Duncan has been a good friend to the shop and Colin for many years,” explains Sam. Duncan was a sales rep and after Colin mentioned the sale to him, Duncan knew he was interested and then approached Mark. They decided to become co-owners, forming Hassocks Hardware Limited. “They wanted to keep the same name as it has become cemented into village culture,” says Sam.

Sam has worked at the shop for about six years, alongside James Porter. “When I came here to work from a large chain, I learned all about the products and got to know the customers. Listening to the customers, the reputation of the store is high: we’ll have what you need,” says Sam, “and if we don’t, we’ll order it. With the suppliers Mark has brought in, many orders now come next day. It’s amazing.”

Mark owned a DIY shop in Heathfield for 25 years, having started there as a Saturday boy when he was 15 years old. He has extensive contacts within the industry. “We’ll find out what people are asking for, and play to what people want,” says Mark. The shop will now be stocking plants, soda stream canisters and there are plans for a small motoring section.
“We’ve been very well-received,” says Duncan, who lives in Eastbourne. “Everyone’s been very friendly, and our priority is to serve the village, providing a personal service to customers and high-quality goods at the right prices. Colin left the shop in a great position, and we want to keep it that way.”

The new team wish Colin and Tony well for their retirement. They are enjoying settling into the village. “It’s a wonderful village with lovely people,” says Mark. “People have remained loyal to the shop, hoping the reputation will remain the same, and it has, and it will do.”

Keymer Folk Dance Club - How it started

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“Posing for a Left Hand star” at a Keymer dance with Don Lewry on guitar and calling. Do tell us if you recognise anyone.

Since March 1950, the Keymer Folk Dance Club has been part of the leisure activities of Hassocks and the surrounding area. It first met in the Guide Hut in Parklands Road, then in the Adastra Hall (both old and new), and most recently at the United Reformed Church Hall, Keymer Road. Although the club Is currently suspended due to Covid restrictions, it is hoped that it will restart very soon. Here, Sean Goddard – a regular caller at the club – describes some of the club’s early activities, written as part of the celebrations for the club’s 70th anniversary.

By Sean Goddard

The Keymer Folk Dance Club was started by Hal and Joyce Wallis with support from other local folk dancers and members of the Keymer Young Peoples’ Fellowship. The Young Peoples’ Fellowship had been started by the Rev William Davis-Winstone in 1948 and based at the Parish Church. Hal had learnt folk dancing in London in the 1930s, from a Mr Pritchard who had learnt from Cecil Sharp, the early twentieth century folk dance pioneer.

The Young Peoples’ Fellowship had developed into a group which took an interest in many activities including lamp-shade and basket making, games-evenings and cake-baking. In 1948 as John Howes explains, at the end of one evening Sidney Halmer Wallis (known to everyone as Hal) came to the hall and asked if the group would like to learn Folk Dancing. Hal, who was the warden at Stafford House and recently arrived from London explained that he had a group of folk dancers staying at Stafford House and they could come to the next meeting. It was all agreed, and at the next meeting dancing took place: one of the first dances learnt was Cumberland Square. If you have been to a Barn Dance, this is the one with baskets.

By 1950, folk dancing in Sussex had really taken off with clubs being formed in Shoreham, Henfield, Cuckfield and Bolney. Hal, and his wife Joyce had become established callers in Mid Sussex and were determined to start a club at Keymer. Using the readymade base of the Young Peoples’ Fellowship and with the support of dancers from other local clubs, the Keymer Club came into existence in 1950.

To continue reading Sean Goddard’s historical look at Keymer’s Folk Dance club, grab a copy of July’s Hassocks Life, and take a look at the magical photographs of time gone by.

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(Although the club’s activities are currently suspended, and the 70th anniversary dance cancelled, the club hopes to start again very soon. If you want to come and enjoy an evening of dancing (if you can tap your foot in time to a tune) then the club could be for you. Keep an eye out for the start date in Hassocks Life and on the website: www.keymerfolkdanceclub.com).

Hassocks Community Runners are three years old

By Ros Clarke

Only three years old but what an impact it’s had on so many of our lives! We go running no matter the weather – it is quite a sight to see us standing in the rain waiting for our run to start. And at the end of the run, we are always glad we showed up. We’re an inclusive group always looking for new members, we have people of all ages and abilities, with one thing in common, we want to give it a go.

We started this group with community in mind. For some time, before we started, a few of us were desperate for a free weekly running group in Hassocks. We weren’t sure how to make it happen, but so many people offered their support, including the lovely Rachel, who let us use Proper Cycling and Café as a base. In the early days, we were so worried we might get it wrong that it took a while for us to relax. We hoped people would turn up - and they did – and still do every time.

We now meet outside Keymer and Hassocks Sports and Social Club in Adastra Park. We do three regular runs in the week and one varied run on a Sunday. We have around 20 volunteer run leaders and over 500 members from Hassocks and beyond, and to this day we have never charged anyone a penny!

One of our members said: “The group supported me when I wanted to return to running in my seventies. I am even leading some runs now (although occasionally and from the back).” Another one of our members said: “I was nervous joining a group of runners, I thought everyone would be so good, and I would always be last, but it’s not like that, everyone supports each other.”

Hassocks Community Runners is more than just a running group. We bring people together, we laugh, and we create lasting friendships whilst enjoying our beautiful countryside. Oh yes and we run too! We continued through lockdown and adapted to new Covid rules, sometimes setting virtual challenges to help us stay in touch and motivate each other to keep moving.

We also actively support local organisations, through fundraising and volunteering. Another member, Lynn said: “I was a complete non-runner when I joined HCR and genuinely thought I couldn’t ever be a runner. The group is so welcoming, friendly and supportive that I never looked back. It supports everyone regardless of ability or goals. Running twice a week made me the fittest I ever have ever been and motivated me. I also made some wonderful friends.”

It’s so lovely to walk through the village and bump into people of all ages that we’ve met through the running group. We encourage each other and make people proud of any achievements, big or small. The future looks bright – we will continue to work hard to be at the heart of our community. We offer 10k, 7k and 5k runs at all paces and we offer a 3k walk/run for people who want to try out running. Don’t worry if you’ve never run, just come and give it a go. You can join us on Facebook, search for Hassocks Community Runners – or come and join us in Adastra Park on a Monday or Wednesday at 7pm or on Fridays at 9.15am.

Friends of Windmills School needs Hassocks' community spirit to step forward!

Things are beginning to bounce back after Coronavirus restrictions put paid to almost all our fundraising events in 2020. Friends of Windmills School (FoWS) held a hugely successful Easter raffle: parents and local businesses were very generous. This was organised by a team of just three parents, all of whom find time to help FoWS alongside their own full-time jobs.

Our Secretary is leaving at the end of this school year, which will leave only two committee members. This means legally, as we are a registered charity, if we cannot fill the vacant Secretary post, FoWS will have to cease. This would be a significant loss for the school and the children that we benefit.

Whilst we have one ‘official’ post to fill, we would also like to increase the number of parents or carers who get involved, help occasionally, and attend committee meetings. We believe that there must be other parents/carers who have good organisational skills, can work as a team and bring some new ideas to the table. In these times of under-funded schools, particularly in West Sussex, you really will make a difference to your child’s education and that of every child, as all money raised goes towards enriching their experience at The Windmills Junior School.

The village of Hassocks has always punched well above its weight when it comes to kindness and community spirit and this is why we are asking community-minded parents and grandparents, who are willing to roll up their sleeves and pitch in, to get in touch with us now! Please email your contact details to friendsofwindmills@gmail.com if you can help us keep FoWS going.

Downlands Summer Fayre: June 26th 2021

By Kelly Foley

It’s been a tough year for trying to raise funds for Downlands, but we are excited to say that our Summer Fayre will be going ahead on Saturday 26th June. This is the Downlands School Association’s (DSA) biggest fundraiser. The Downlands School Association is made up of a combination of friendly, dedicated parents and staff who work as a team to raise funds to enhance the school’s environment.

Every student will benefit from the fundraising efforts of the Downlands School Association and in the past year new picnic tables have been financed by them, so the students have more places to sit. We are now fundraising for shelters so the students can have cover whilst being outside.

Please support Downlands and pop along on Saturday 26th June, where we will have something for everyone to enjoy and our very popular dog show, organised by Mews Vets. Also, look out for our fantastic prize draw, which is supported by so many local businesses.

Follow us on Facebook (@Downlands School Association) and Instagram (@downlands_school_association).

Ditchling Museum features on BBC 2 - May 2021

Ditchling took centre stage in an episode of Great British Railway Journeys on BBC 2 this week. The documentary series, which follows Michael Portillo travelling the country by train, shines a spotlight on the village which was home to a community of internationally renowned artists and craftspeople in the early 20th Century.

In episode 2 of series 15, Portillo travels from Hassocks to Beneden, stopping off at Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft to talk to museum Director and CEO Steph Fuller. During his visit he took a look at the museum’s prestigious collection, including items by sculptor and letter cutter Eric Gill and designer of the London Underground typeface, Edward Johnston. Steph Fuller, Director of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, said: “It was fascinating working with Michael Portillo and the BBC team. Michael was fantastically knowledgeable about the artistic community in Ditchling and clearly had great enthusiasm for Eric Gill’s font design Gill Sans used widely by the British Railways Board. We were lucky to have a beautiful day for the filming.”

The museum, which has been closed for the better part of the last year, reopens this week with a new exhibition Taking a Line for a Walk: John Vernon Lord and Friends. The exhibition marks 50 years of revered illustrator John Vernon Lord’s life and work in Ditchling, and features never-before-seen drafts of his children’s classic The Giant Jam Sandwich alongside meticulous illustrations for the work of Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear and James Joyce, and works by Lord’s peers including Quentin Blake, Raymond Briggs and Helen Oxenbury.

Visitors can also enjoy a large-scale interactive installation of The Giant Jam Sandwich, created by Lewes-based artist, Emma Carlow, alongside the museum’s distinguished permanent collection. The museum opened to the public on May 20th. Advance booking is advised: https://www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk

Great British Railway Journeys: Hassocks to Benenden aired during May on BBC 2 but it is available for catch up on BBCiPlayer.

Bake Out: The Hassocks community bakery

Linda Kianfar and her husband, Michael, moved into the bakery industry ten years ago. Linda says, “we’ve always both been very passionate about food and the hospitality industry.” Michael has always had a keen interest in bread, and the couple decided to set up a bakery in Newhaven in 2014. “We make everything from scratch, all the pastry products and cakes, and use a local butcher for the meat,” explains Linda. The couple’s enthusiasm and dedication paid off in 2018, when they won Britain’s Best Loaf! They were also category winner for Sussex Seeded Sourdough. In 2015, Linda and Michael, took over three bakery shops in Hassocks, Lewes and Southwick respectively. “We make all the pastries and savouries by batch-production in our Newhaven bakery,” explains Linda. “Everything is delivered to our shops early each morning. It’s baked-off at each shop which is why it’s so super-fresh.”

The couple work well together. “We both enjoy the industry but have our own niches.” Linda focuses on product development and retail while Michael deals with future planning, logistics and the production side of the business. They now employ 35 staff across head office, the bakery and the three shops. Jo is the Manager at Bake Out in Hassocks, Dolly is the Assistant Manager, and together with assistants, Maddie, Lottie and Lily, they are the core retail team.

Throughout Lockdown, Bake Out stayed open, doing deliveries of bread and cakes to people who were self-isolating where needed. “At first, we were just providing essential items, like bread, when we were allowed, we started providing coffee, hot savouries and confectionary again,” explains Linda. “Soon, Bake

Out became a friendly place to have a chat during Lockdown. New customers started coming along and before long we became a big part of the community, somewhere people could come and have some human contact and support. We feel very close to a lot of our customers.”

“Hassocks has been very good in supporting us through the Lockdowns. It’s been a real two-way thing and we’d like to thank our staff and the local community.”

The Hassocks Robins' superior but private football season

By Scott McCarthy

It has been football, but not as we know it. Hassocks football club have spent April playing behind closed doors in the Southern Combination League’s Supplementary Shield, a competition designed to give clubs six more matches at the end of a campaign curtailed due to the winter lockdown costing four months of the season. And, in classic Hassocks style, the Robins have saved some of their best performances and results for when fans cannot be present.

Despite being the lowest ranked team in Group C, Hassocks went into their final game with a chance of qualifying for the semi finals as group winners following an excellent run of form. Their most impressive result was easily the 3-1 win over Horley Town achieved in their second fixture. You may remember – or you may have chosen to forget – that Hassocks suffered a club-record 8-0 home defeat last time they faced the Clarets, who were the favourites to win the Premier Division title before the regular season was called off.

To effect a 10-goal swing in six months is pretty extraordinary, even by Hassocks’ high standards of veering from the sublime to the ridiculous in double-quick time. The Robins also took four points from Crawley Down Gatwick, who were sixth when the campaign was cancelled.

When the competition was announced, Hassocks boss Dave John (pictured) said he wanted to use it to give his young players a chance to build some momentum ahead of the 2021-22 season. They have certainly done that and providing John can keep this squad together, then their achievements in the Supplementary Shield bode well.

There has been one other reason for their impressive performances: Pat Harding. With the Isthmian League opting not to resume, the Burgess Hill Town striker has been free to turn out for Hassocks, the club where he began his career 20-odd years ago and for whom he dual-signs every season.

Harding has five goals from five games, including passing the 200 appearances mark for the club. That no supporters have had the opportunity to see one of the most popular players in Hassocks history back in the red shirt is arguably the most disappointing aspect about empty grounds. Fans may have missed out on Harding, but his impact on the Robins has shown that they are one quality, experienced striker away from having a very good team next season.

Suddenly, the future looks very bright for when the Beacon can welcome supporters back, hopefully in the summer.

Hassocks' own Ross and Rachael story at Proper

By Deirdre Huston

Many of you may already know Rachael at Proper. She is that sort of person, very community-minded, and determined to support others and make a success of things, however difficult the circumstances. Born in Crawley Hospital, Rachael grew up in Horsham. She has since managed a variety of cafes, pubs and music venues across Sussex, spending time in places such as Uckfield, Brighton and Chichester, before settling in Hassocks.

The Bridge House was an early venture for Rachael. Located at Copsale, on The Downs Link cycle trail, the pub hummed with activity in summer, but its rural position meant it attracted little custom in colder weather. As a lover of the music scene, Rachael organised gigs, and the pub took off as a music venue.

“We went for it!” remembers Rachael “There was music seven nights a week and we held mini-festivals in the garden. It was really good fun.” They attracted some renowned artists like Frank Turner and, as the venue developed a reputation for being a friendly home-from home, some bands came from a long way away. “I was like a mother figure to these touring bands. I’d come down in the morning and there would be people sleeping everywhere.”

Around this time, Rachael first met her business partner. He had noticed The Bridge House listed as a music venue on a poster, and, hoping to arrange a gig for a band he was managing, he popped into the pub. He and Rachael hit it off and have been friends ever since. “He had a very successful recording studio in Uckfield,” explains Rachael, “and we worked in a similar way,”

Wanting new challenges, Rachael moved on from The Bridge House. “At one point, I had two pubs, a coffee shop and a music venue,” she recalls, “it was mad.” After a while, she fancied trying something different. “I got out of the pub and coffee shop business,” she explains, “and did the nine-to-five thing for six years. I loved being in an office, but I was hankering after having my own place again, because that’s my real buzz, music and coffee shops.”

One day, Ross called, and asked how she felt about opening a cycle café. “Sometimes you have to trust your gut and straight away, I knew it was the right thing to do,” recalls Rachael. The business partners undertook a year of careful planning. They were looking for three factors when choosing location: it had to be somewhere a lot of cyclists rode past, near a school and a train station. A shop in Hassocks became available.

To find out what happened next, how Rachel grew within the community and what connection could Ross have to a cycling club, pick up a May issue of Hassocks life today.

Hassocks High Street offers local customers enticing vouchers

After months of closure, shopkeepers and shoppers alike are delighted to have seen doors open again last month. Most retail businesses have been hit very hard by the pandemic with many having to shut for a second time after Christmas last year. In this special focus on the high street, we are delighted to give readers of Hassocks Life the opportunity for that sweet-tasting special offer – with 12 cut-out-and-use vouchers for businesses right here in the village. Pick up a May issue to get yours!

We also talk to those business owners as they get used to exercising that friendly smile again – although, admittedly, from behind a mask!
On Monday 12th April, a queue formed outside Humanity at Heart as eager shoppers waited to be allowed back in after lockdown. Manager Ann Heroys was delighted to see so much interest.

After three plus months, Dawn, at Indigo, is very much looking forward to welcoming you back through its doors. “We have missed you all,” says Dawn, “but while we have been closed, we have been busy sourcing lots of lovely new products that will be ready for you to come and see. We look forward to seeing you, if we haven’t already.”

There’s change up the road too, as The Purple Carrot now boasts a secluded but spacious terrace at the back with an open-sided gazebo. Plastic screens separate tables big enough for social distancing and a heater helps keep chilly evenings at bay. The café is now open Monday to Wednesday evenings as well as mornings and lunchtimes on Saturdays and Sundays. Chris and the team look forward to welcoming you back.

At Hassocks Eyecare Centre, optometrist Vicki Macken is delighted to see things easing and says: “We are so happy we are to see the smiley faces of our fellow traders back where they belong in their proper habitat, whichever shop or outlet that might be.”

Russell Thatcher comments: “It’s great to see Hassocks come alive again and be back serving our community. The support from both local businesses and customers has been absolutely amazing and we are extremely grateful. It’s been an awful year; but this community has been unwavering in its commitment to support each other, and because of that I know Hassocks will continue to thrive.”

Grab a copy of May’s Hassocks Life to find all the varied offers available.

Crime, celebrities and Graham Bartlett

In April’s Hassocks Life Deirdre Huston catches up with Graham Bartlett, and learns about his experience serving in Sussex Police, and his subsequent success as an author and police advisor to writers.

Graham Bartlett

Back in 2004, Graham Bartlett and his family moved to Hassocks, and these days, they wouldn’t live anywhere else. They appreciate the proximity to London and Brighton, and the access to coast and countryside too. Graham says, “we’re very fortunate to have lots of open spaces here. We have an active ten-year-old terrier who keeps us exploring, on the downs, in the woods and across the fields.”

Although the last year has been difficult, Graham is grateful to live somewhere with plenty of space and local facilities. “People have been working their socks off in our local shops, in quite testing circumstances,’ he says, ‘and sometimes, we forget that.’

Graham’s first career was as a police officer. He joined the force as soon as he was old enough, at eighteen and a half, and four weeks. “I can’t remember wanting to do anything else,” he says, “and I was lucky because Sussex Police accepted me.” His career spanned over thirty years, and he gained a wide breadth of experience. “I saw some terrible tragedies and sad and brutal things,” he says, “but I also got to help many people and make Sussex a little safer for everyone.” Graham is proud of an initiative that was set up during his time as Head of Police in Brighton and Hove, and says: “We devised a new drug user strategy to put more drug users into treatment placements, then enforcement-wise we could focus on the dealers. My mantra was to see users in treatment and dealers in gaol.”

Russell Brand and Graham Bartlett

The media sometimes approached the police for information. Once, Russell Brand asked Graham to contribute to a documentary on drug users. Graham remembers: “it was the first sunny Saturday in 2012 and we were walking along a Brighton street. We were mobbed, but Russell was an absolute gentleman, agreeing to do lots of selfies but then politely telling fans we needed to get on and work. But when he heard about the triplets, he insisted Julie put them on a train, and they were excited to chat with him for a good hour.”

Best-selling crime author, Peter James, had a close relationship with Sussex Police, and used to come to Brighton to learn about police procedures. As part of his job, Graham had written some blogs on subjects like the right to peaceful protest, and the bravery of police officers who run into dangerous situations while off-duty. Peter read the blogs and complimented Graham on his writing style.

To find out what inspired Graham even more to start typing pick up a copy of April’s Hassocks Life and check out Graham’s website here.

Hassocks High Street memories

A recent old photograph in Hassocks Life triggered memories for local resident David Andrews.
Seeing the photo of Hassocks Motors in the March edition of Hassocks Life, before it became National Tyres, reminded me of the time that I worked there as a petrol pump attendant from July 1969 until Christmas 1970.

By the time I started, David Hitches was the owner, and he lived in Underhill Lane with his wife and three young children. He had been a reasonably successful racing driver in the late 1950s and managed both the sales and servicing side of this small British Leyland garage.

Initially selling Mobil fuels and lubricants, we switched to a lesser known brand, Trident, at the beginning of 1970. I wonder if any of the older residents of Hassocks can remember this. A gallon (4.55L) of 4 Star was 6 shillings (30p), so 7p a litre sounds reasonable by today’s prices.

It is still obvious from the photos that two of the three workshop bays were converted into additional showroom space, which enabled 3 or 4 new cars to be displayed inside.

These included the revolutionary Austin Maxi, with its five-speed gearbox, the MG Midget, and different Mini variants including the sporty Cooper, retailing at around £600 brand new! Used stock from £150 upwards was displayed on the forecourt.

Dame Vera Lynn and her husband Harry were regular customers. On one occasion, Harry phoned to say that they had a flat tyre on their Bentley, so I was despatched in the workshop van to their home in Ditchling, to remove the offending wheel and replace it with the spare. This proved to be quite a challenge, as I was used to changing wheels on much smaller cars. I was quite skinny in those days, and Harry rewarded my efforts with a “Five Bob” (25p) tip and the advice to buy myself a couple of pints of Guinness!

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Hassocks was a much smaller community in those days, all the wide range of retail outlets were occupied and busy, the Big Four banks were all present, and charity shops had not been invented!

Project Wingman installs a treat for staff at the Princess Royal Hospital

By Jacqueline Elmore

Pilots and cabin crew have come together to provide NHS staff with a much-needed boost in the shape of a new first class lounge at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath.

Project Wingman was the brainchild of two pilots, based in Moray and London, which led to 5,000 volunteers from the airline industry setting up ‘first class lounges’ in over 70 hospitals throughout the UK to help give something back to NHS staff.

Cuckfield resident Wendy Tracey-Roberts, who works in aviation crew training, had this to say about the project: “The idea for the lounges began at the height of the pandemic. Their purpose was to enable any furloughed airline crew the chance to provide a little wellbeing and care to frontline NHS staff.”

Crew from all the major UK airlines are participating and helping to run the lounges, by providing refreshments and creating a place in which NHS workers can de-stress. Wendy continues: “The PRH struggled to find space for a lounge for a while, until recently that is. It opened at the beginning of last month. They were even lucky enough to be given a donation of £50,000 from a local Haywards Heath business to allow the lounge to be fitted out.”

Supplies of refreshments and snacks for the lounges rely solely on donations; these have come in from big chain supermarkets, smaller companies and individuals. Thousands of airline staff have offered their time and skills to the project. “My involvement stems from the work I do for ‘Plane Training’. They were very much a part of the idea from the beginning and have been talking to the hospitals throughout the whole process.”

The lounges have provided a sanctuary for many carers, be that in the form of a listening ear or a hot cup of tea. Hassocks resident Maria Kontkanen said: “We all feel such deep gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all the NHS staff. Our First Class Lounge provides a great place for them to take time out from their demanding day. We welcome them with a smile. With an average of 250 NHS staff visiting the lounges every day, donations are still needed to allow the service to keep running.

Donations can easily be made through Amazon. To find out more, please email wendytrmacrae@aol.com.

500 homes, community centre, primary school and pedestrian tunnel planned

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Taylor Wimpey South Thames has announced the completion of the purchase of land off Ockley Lane with outline planning permission to build 500 new homes in the village.

The homebuilder will provide a mixture of private and affordable housing and is in the process of working up its reserved matters planning application in the coming months. The proposal is set to be one to five bedroom properties, of which 150 will be ‘affordable’. The planning permission should also see a pedestrian tunnel under the London to Brighton railway line, a community building and a primary school delivered (although not by Taylor Wimpey).

Although housebuilding is always controversial – outline permission was granted by MSDC in February last year. Taylor Wimpey state on its website, it will be investing nearly £5.5m into local education as part of the development – which will fund the delivery of a new primary school as well as expansion at Downlands School and Haywards Heath Sixth Form College.

Another £1.4m of funding is also expected to be allocated locally including development of Hassocks Library and infrastructure improvements at Hassocks Health Centre. A new bridleway connecting Hassocks and Burgess Hill is also in the scheme.

The housebuilder is hoping to deliver the first completions on the site from 2023.

New community sponsorship group in Hassocks

Deirdre Huston caught up with Hassocks resident Tom Bailey to discuss his hopes of establishing a new Community Sponsorship group in the village.

Community Sponsorship is a refugee resettlement programme set up by the government in 2016. The scheme is built on the power of local community groups coming together to welcome a refugee family to the area, supporting them during their resettlement. Tom says: “We’re lucky to live in such a lovely village, surrounded by gorgeous countryside, and I’d love to get a group together and ultimately be able to offer a Syrian family a fresh start here.”

Hundreds of refugees have now been helped by local Community Sponsorship groups and have successfully resettled in the UK. Tom explains: “In this challenging pandemic time, I’m drawn to the idea of contributing to something which will make a tangible difference to a family in need. We are at the very beginning of the process - at the moment there are three of us in the group, but we need a few more people to join us if we are to build a strong core group for the project.” Details will be worked out collaboratively, but, as a base-line, people will need to be able to make a small regular time commitment to the project over a period of a year or more, attend monthly meetings, and perhaps undertake a specific role within the project as things progress.

For general information about Community Sponsorship, see: https://resetuk.org/ Or find out more from Tom: hassockswelcomegroup@gmail.com

Hassocks' community spirit at its best with surprise giveaway

During January, Natalie West, of The Little Igloo Company, had the brilliant idea of organising a giveaway amongst some Hassocks business owners, including Indigo and CakesByLara. Altogether, six businesses put together a generous package of gifts to support deserving families through this difficult winter. Natalie West says: “I am a new business and wanted to support other local businesses. I thought if we all got together, we could help each other out, and then I came up with the idea to do a local family giveaway.”

“When Natalie asked if I would like to be involved it was an immediate yes from Harry and Belle!” adds Vanessa Burnham. “It felt great to be involved with a giveaway that would help to bring some light and respite in dark and challenging times.”

Ruth Corke of the beauty salon, Profiles, comments: “I thought the competition was a lovely idea, especially at the moment, with so many families having a really tough time being separated from their extended family, job losses, illnesses, and the nation home-schooling and coping with all the challenges that brings with it!”

Briony Torney agrees: “This latest lockdown has been tough for absolutely everyone and I really sympathise with the children stuck inside, unable to see friends or go to school AND the parents doing the impossible – home-schooling and attempting to work at the same time. And, of course, it’s been even tougher for some people for a variety of reasons.
“So the idea of a beautiful igloo, packed full of goodies, magically appearing in your garden seemed like fun and an exciting treat at any age!” As owner of Briony Mae Flowers, she’s aware of the benefits of blooms, and continues: “Flowers are known to help with boosting moods so offering a bunch to the winner and runners up seemed an easy way to lift spirits a tad. Since the first lockdown I’ve been offering Friday Flowers locally every week, small bunches to perk up your home, or gift to a friend.” There’s much we share in common through these difficult times. “It’s the little things that keep us going,” points out Briony, and she admits that for her, it’s a real boost to have the occasional coffee from Proper.

Local residents were asked to nominate possible recipients for the giveaway and the businesses were very moved by the response. “Hassocks is such a caring community of people of all ages,” comments Ruth, “and it was really lovely to read what people wrote about each other and why they wanted to nominate.”

“We had some amazing nominations that were also heart-breaking,” recalls Natalie. “We decided to separate some gifts so we could give a smile to a few more families.” An outdoor igloo was set up in the winner’s garden and other gifts placed inside. Profiles donated a beauty box hamper worth over £150. “The lady that won sent me a message and was delighted with all her goodies,” explains Ruth. “The salon is currently offering a selection of ‘click and collect’ hampers every few weeks with each one having a limited quantity: themes vary from ‘New Mum’ to ‘Thank you’ to seasonal specials. They’re ideal as gifts or if you wish to treat yourself.”

Vanessa, who donated earrings, comments: “The lovely part of making and sourcing jewellery is that it has the power to give a little feel-good to the recipient. Since the arrival of Covid in our lives, we have all come to understand the importance of our immediate community. We’ve felt our worlds shrink significantly and it’s felt more important than ever to consider those close by.” Other gifts included cupcakes from CakesbyLara and a voucher for Indigo. “It was great to bring some joy when everything has felt pretty bleak,” adds Vanessa.

“I would love to do this again, maybe in the summer,” says Natalie.

Adastra Hall and the history and community that built what it is today

Janet Bell throws light on the past, present and future of this community focal point.

Photo by Deirdre Huston

Adastra Hall is owned by registered charity, Hassocks Community Association, with its day-to-day management delegated to a committee of volunteers. Several of the original cohort of visionaries who were involved with the task of raising funds, and commissioning the building which is still in existence today, remain active on the committee, although one can’t be surprised that they feel ready to hand the baton on. Val Purdew, now the Chair of Hassocks Community Association, and an active member of the committee, is retiring from her role at our AGM. She was heavily involved in all the initial fundraising, as was Stella Jenner, the Treasurer who still has an eagle-eyed overview of our finances. I asked Stella for anecdotes about the early days - and what a mine of information she is…

The original motivators were a local couple, Dick and Bett Hall. Hoping to replace the wooden hut in the park that was then serving as a community space, they got elected to the Parish Council (who own and manage Adastra Park) to make their case. In 1976, a first public meeting was called and Mr B. Hewer, a representative of Hurstpierpoint Village Hall, came to talk about how our neighbouring village had achieved their smart new building. That got the ball rolling and so began ten years of community effort to raise funds. Hassocks Community Association was registered with the Charity Commission and an executive committee was formed.

Local professionals, an architect and a solicitor in particular, gave the benefit of their skills and contacts. A couple of local councillors were also very supportive, and able to offer guidance about government grants. There was still a need for significant funds to be raised by the good people of Hassocks and it was important that there was local buy-in. I don’t imagine you could have lived in Hassocks at the time and not known there was a campaign on to replace the village hall!

Pick up a March issue of Hassocks Life to read how the community came together to fundraise for their adored Adastra Hall. Also, more amazing old photos.

If anyone has a bit of time to spare and thinks they can offer anything to the committee, we would love to hear from you!
To find out more, see: www.adastrahall.co.uk or contact Janet: 01273 842527 / janetb545@gmail.com