Buy local this Christmas on Hassocks High Street and more

A shopping ‘list’ by Kelly Leppard. Kelly, owner of Bella June Flowers and a passionate shopper, approached Hassocks Life because she wanted to do everything she could to encourage local residents to start their seasonal stocking up right here in the village.
Whilst we weren’t able to include every shop by name, it’s our hope that highlighting some of the excellent calibre on offer here makes the case for exploring more shops at your leisure.

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Start your Christmas shopping in Hassocks this year….

Lighting and homewares from My Vintage

Bikes & cycling accessories from Proper

Wine & chocolates from Hassocks Wines - 13 Keymer Rd, Hassocks BN6 8AD

Gift hampers from Adastra Deli

Stockings, fillers & toys from QD Stationery

Candles, incense & gifting from Indigo

Christmas trees from South Downs Nurseries

Houseware, tools & sundries from Hassocks Hardware

Cushions, throws & Christmas table-scaping from Marram

Wreaths and garlands from Bella June Flowers

Vouchers and make hair care from Thatchers

Beauty gifts and vouchers from Profiles

Plus loads of others! Start your Christmas shopping in Hassocks this year.

Aroma Café on Keymer Parade shares news and treats!

For those of you who haven’t popped in there yet, Aroma Café and Kitchen, is situated on Keymer Parade. Since mid-October, they have opened for evening meals on certain days. “We’d just like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have already dined with us from our new Friday and Saturday night menu,” says manager, Natalie Steer. “We’re already working on the next one and are very excited to share it with you soon.”

Her business partner, Matt Penfold, says: “We are waiting for confirmation that our alcohol license has been granted so fingers crossed!” Matt and Nat originally worked together at the locally renowned Café Elvira and Jeremy’s Restaurant at Borde Hill.

Aroma will also be offering a seasonal menu. Matt says: “Our Christmas themed menu is very much in the works, and we will serve this on Friday and Saturday nights as well as offering exclusive dining on a Wednesday and Thursday evening, so if you haven’t organised your office party yet or are planning a pre-Christmas family gathering then we can host up to 16 guests.”
www.aromacafe.uk

To celebrate their evening opening, here’s a recipe from Aroma

Ingredients

• 125g margarine

• 250g caster sugar

• 2 medium free range eggs (preferably Macs Farm ;-) )

• 1 tsp Danish vanilla sugar (you can use a few drops of vanilla essence as a replacement)

• 250g gluten free plain flour

• 2 tsp gluten free baking powder

• 4 very ripe Bananas

• 175g chocolate chips or chunks (I prefer chunks)

Method

1. Cream the margarine and sugar

2. Lightly beat in the eggs

3. Mix in bananas (use a fork to squish them a bit!), vanilla sugar and chocolate

4. Slowly sifting, add the flour and baking powder, stirring all the time

5. Line a bread tin with grease-proof paper, transfer mix, then bake low and slow for roughly 1 hour at 160°C

6. Check it’s cooked all the way through with a knife. If it’s clean when you remove it, it’s cooked!

7. Serve as a slice by itself or warm and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, custard or cream for a delicious dessert.

A new football season for Hassocks Football Club's Robins

By Scott Mccarthy

The 2021-22 Southern Combination League season is three months old now and for Hassocks, it has been a campaign so far featuring a new way of doing things with mixed results. In the summer, Hassocks decided to focus on youth. With Dave John stepping down as manager to become the club’s technical director overseeing all football at the Beacon. Former Under 18s manager Brad Sweetman was appointed as new first team head coach.

Sweetman is the youngest boss in the Premier Division and he is operating with the youngest squad by some distance. Most of those players have played under his management before in the Robins youth set up, where Sweetman led Hassocks to the Southern Combination Under 18 League title in 2017-18 and a second place finish the following season.

In the two curtailed campaigns, the Robins had been third in 2019-20 and top in 2020-21 when football was halted by the pandemic. Hassocks have enjoyed something of a golden age of youth team football over the past five years, so who better to manage those players as they transcend to senior football than Sweetman?

That is the theory, anyway. The Premier Division is awash with a fair amount of cash this year, meaning that players who perhaps should ply their trade at a higher level are turning out at step five of the non-league pyramid.
Hassocks, meanwhile, are trying to navigate their way through with a team of players mainly under the age of 23. Whilst they will no doubt become better talents for the experience and few clubs exhibit a degree of longterm planning like this, there is a danger that the Robins struggle in the here and now. The major problem with young players is that they tend to be inconsistent, and that is what has plagued Hassocks so far. The Robins have beaten a top eight side in Steyning Town despite playing for over an hour with ten men following an early red card. They then repeated the trick by picking up a point inside of half an hour, despite a dismissal start, against one of the preseason dark horses for a title tilt, Lingfield.
Table toppers Littlehampton Town were nearly shocked at their Sportsfield ground and AFC Uckfield Town have been held at the Beacon too. Mixed in with those promising showings have been several heavy defeats.

Results aside, the one thing you can say is that it is never dull. Sweetman has his side playing an exciting brand of modern football and when it works, it is great to watch. The key for Hassocks over the next six months is getting it to work more often. The games continue to come thick and fast as autumn turns into winter. Fixtures can be found on the Hassocks website and admission remains £6 adults, £3 concessions with under 16s going free. The Robins are trying to start a brave new era, so why not come down and see what it is all about?

It's curtains up for the Star Cinema - an HCO project Hassocks

Star Cinema is back

The Star Cinema and the Hassocks Community Organisation are excited to announce the start of a new cinematic season.

This November we are starting with Dream Horse, a true story following Jan Vokes, a small-town Welsh bartender and her aspirations to breed and train an unlikely racehorse, Dream Alliance. Played by Toni Collette, Jan has little experience or money to compete against the racing world elite. However, she is undaunted and has high ambitions to win the Welsh Grand National.
The Star Cinema presents this Welsh adventure on Friday, 12th November at the Adastra Hall. Doors will open at 7pm for the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and chat with your neighbours; the film presentation will start at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5.50 (£5 for those over 60).

The ever-popular raffle remains - five tickets for £1 - and wine, equally popular, will be on offer. Important, please bring cash as The Star Cinema does not yet have a card payment facility.

After losing the Orion cinema in 1964, many considered the closure a significant loss to both Hassocks and surrounding communities. The village needed a replacement. However, with Knights Budgens now occupying the original Orion’s site, a new location had to be found. At a meeting in 2002 where the Village Action Plan was undergoing review, Sherrian Guest surprised herself by volunteering to create a pop-up cinema at the Adastra Hall. Soon to be joined by fellow volunteer Janet Everest, they together made plans to show the first film, Chocolat in January 2003.

In 2004, Sherrian and Janet launched a competition to name the cinema. From the many entries received, actress Gwyneth Powell picked the name Star Cinema. Submitted by (the late) Lorraine Langridge, it communicated a connection towards the Latin translation of Ad Astra: ‘to the stars’.

Our next blockbuster showing will be A Christmas Gift from Bob. Continuing the story of Bob the Cat, this adventure was originally scheduled for its UK release in Christmas 2020. You can see this at the Star Cinema on Friday 10th December.

If you would like to know more about the work of the Hassocks Community Organisation (HCO), or would like to take advantage of the Village Discount Card (accepted by 35 High Street businesses) head on over to the HCO website at www.hassockscommunity.org.uk

Clayton & Keymer Club RBL is reopening in Hassocks!

By Darren Bramley

The Clayton & Keymer Club RBL is pleased to announce reopening after the Pandemic. Situated on Woodsland Road, just round the corner from Keymer Road. The Club offers a warm welcome and very competitive prices on a wide range of drinks.

Presently looking for more members, Club RBL has a new committee who are promoting music, quizzes, snooker and pool along with Friday night bingo. Also looking to restart the Local Branch of the Royal British Legion. The Club RBL are currently offering a special membership deal – ask for details! Member and passionate enthusiast for the Club, Roy Coltherd explained: “When my wife and I first visited the club, we were given such a warm welcome and quickly made friends. Like many businesses, it has been difficult to get the Club back up and running post-Covid, but it’s too unique an organisation for our community to lose. The new committee are working really hard to welcome new and former members back through the doors once again.”

Why not take a moment to put your head round the door and see what is on offer? Members do not have to be former serving armed forces, just like-minded people who enjoy socialising, making friends and taking part in fun events. Further details can be found on our Facebook page, or email: clubrblinfo@mail.com, call 01273 845829 or just pop in!

South Downs Refugee Project launches in Hassocks

The South Downs Refugee Project held a launch meeting in Hassocks last month. The group are working to welcome a refugee family to the area and help them settle into the local community. Lots of people attended to support and learn about the project, and more chairs had to be set out!

Ahmed Yabroudi, a member of the Sussex Syrian Association, recounted his experiences as a refugee. He recalled: “When my house was destroyed, I lost my father, my two sisters and 17 of my cousins, all on that day. I took my five children and wife in my car, and we ran. I never ever thought I would leave my country.” Ahmed, who lives in Brighton, is proud that two of his children have since graduated from Brighton University, one as a computer engineer and the other as a software engineer. “We want to give something back to the British community,” he explained.

Stephen Louis, member of a refugee project group in Wendover, talked about his community’s experience of sponsoring a family. He said: “it’s been a real privilege to welcome a family who fled from Damascus when the war started. They had been living in a refugee camp: a husband, wife and two small girls. Our group has really enjoyed working together on the project.” He added: “Going to the airport to welcome the family with a male and female interpreter was an incredible experience.” Once they’ve arrived, the family need continued support. “Learning English is important,” says Stephen. “The children learn quickly at school, but we raised money to help the mother and father learn English.”

The South Downs Refugee Project group is delighted with positive local reaction to the project. Tom Bailey said: “When I first saw an article about the sponsorship scheme, I thought, Hassocks, this village could do this, and we will all benefit. It’s an enriching process all round and I would welcome you to become involved.” The group is looking to develop their volunteer network as the project develops. “A massive pool of people has supported our fundraising this year, through events and Justgiving,” says Tom.

So far, the group have raised £8,850 towards a £15,000 target, and they are planning a village ceilidh on 26th November to help raise more funds. “The property search is going to be a challenge for us,” said Tom. “We are hoping to find a philanthropically minded landlord who wants to directly support the project, and the family, in this way. In return, they will have guaranteed rental income for two years (minimum) and know that their tenants will have a committed group of supporters to help them throughout the tenancy. “Thank you to Hassocks Life magazine, who have been very supportive from the off,” says Tom, “and who have helped the wider community to hear about the scheme.” For more information, see https://southdownsrefugeeproject.org

Great Big Green Week 2021

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Beginning on Saturday 18th September, Great Big Green Week is a national celebration of local action on climate change and HKD Transition have planned lots of activities

• Saturday 18th : Slowing the flow: our community response to flooding in Hassocks – click the picture for information on guided walks.

• Monday 20th : Imagine a Brighter Future for our Community - Hurst rethink event as part of Hurst festival

• Wednesday 22nd : The Air We Breathe, see page 24 of September’s Hassocks Life magazine

• Thursday 24th: Whole house energy retrofit event joint with Fairer World Lindfield - details will be updated on the Fairer World Lindfield Facebook page

• Saturday 25th: Hassocks Repair café opens, a fitting finale for HKD Transition’s Great Big Green Week, see here.
Find out more at www.greatbiggreenweek.com

The return of the Repair Café in Hassocks

After almost a year of operating remotely, the Repair Café Hassocks will be opening face-to-face at last, at the United Reformed Church on Keymer Road.

The opening will be a fitting finale for HKD Transition’s Great Big Green Week, part of a national week of events celebrating action on climate change. The first date is Saturday 25 September from 10am - 12.30pm and, from then, the shop will be open on the fourth Saturday, the same day as Hassocks Market, except in December and August.

You’ll be able to bring your items for repair, talk to the volunteer repairers and have a cup of tea or coffee while they look at what’s needed. The idea of repair cafés was born in Amsterdam in 2007 and swiftly spread across the world. The premise is simple enough: instead of throwing away your rusty kettle, faulty vacuum cleaner or knackered lamp, you take it to a meeting place, where knowledgeable volunteers help you mend the item, understand what’s gone wrong, and even show you how to mend it.

Our amazing repair volunteers have responded to almost 200 repair requests in the last 9 months. Some repairs are simple enough to do at the café, others will be taken home by repairers, to be collected when ready. We can’t repair everything, but we can point you towards professional repairers who may be able to help if we can’t. From 1st September you will be able to book a slot for the opening day on our website or Facebook page. Even if you don’t have something to be repaired, or have already had a repair done remotely, do come along and say hello. www.facebook.com/repaircafehassocks

Hassocks Goes Gold 2021 - Golden Butterflies

Golden Butterfly poster

This month, the village is set to turn GOLD as Hassocks Goes Gold raises awareness of Childhood Cancer and much needed funds for research to combat this cruel disease. As children’s bodies are still growing, they need stronger treatments than adults, and many children die from the cure before the cancer.

Some Childhood Cancers (there are many different types) have good outcomes. There have been breakthroughs in adult cancer that have translated well to childhood cancers but with the majority of cancers in children being so different to adult cancer, much more research for new treatments is needed.

So here we are in September. A month to decorate GOLD, to treasure what we have and to protect the children of the future. This year’s theme is Golden Butterflies.

What you can do to help
Display a Golden Butterfly poster (pictured) sponsored by Mid-Sussex Flooring & Carpets with prizes for the fabulous artists supplied by Middleton Common Butterfly Farm. Pick up a Golden Butterfly Poster from QD Stationery.
Buy a gold ribbon, walk the Giant Gold Bow spotting trail, vote for the best Gold shop window, run the Gold Run, bid on the amazing items in the Daily Auction or take part in one of the many other Gold events this month.

Let’s have fun and raise some funds! Event details can be found on HassocksGoesGold on Facebook or Instagram. All money raised via HassocksGoesGold goes to research treatments for Childhood Cancers with poor outcomes via a fund set up in Pearl’s name: https://specialnamedfunds.cclg.org.uk/pearlpower

Pick up a September issue of Hassocks Life to read a more personal piece on page 8.

Join Sussex MND Association for fundraising walk in Brighton and Hove

The three Sussex branches of the Motor Neurone Disease Association are combining for a fundraising walk along the promenade at Brighton on Sunday, August 29. This starts at 2pm at the The Big Beach Café, Hove Lagoon, BN3 4LX and will proceed to the i360/West Pier and back to Hove again. As well as able-bodied adults, there will be wheelchairs, pushchairs, children, and dogs!

The volunteers will be resplendent in blue and orange MND Association t-shirts and other regalia to raise awareness of MND at the same time as much-needed funds through a bucket collection. 50% of those diagnosed with this devastating, incurable neurological condition sadly pass away within 2 years of diagnosis. It takes away the ability to use your limbs, to speak, to eat and, ultimately, to breathe.

MND should not be thought of as a rare condition, the lifetime risk of getting it is 1 in 300, similar to multiple sclerosis. The effect MND has on younger people and their families is clearly shown by the recent media coverage of three famous sportsmen: Doddie Weir (rugby union), Rob Burrow (rugby league) and Stephen Darby (football). Their stories illustrate the urgent need for treatments to slow the condition and ultimately find a cure.

Readers can also donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mndsussexwalk Funds raised will help support patients and their families across Sussex. The event is also a great opportunity for potential volunteers to meet with MND Association supporters, patients and carers. All are very welcome. For further information on the opportunities and the walk please contact Julie Taghan - MND Association, West Sussex North Branch - Email julie@mndwestsussexnorth.com.

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.”