Lindfield: what an amazing place to live!

Mathew Gurr, Move Revolution

By Mathew Gurr, Move Revolution

Welcome to our first market report of 2017. Christmas and New Year have gone by in a flash, and soon we’ll be talking of Easter!

A question Estate Agents are always asked is ‘what is the market doing and is it a good time to sell?’. Now, we know Lindfield is beautiful all year round, but from a property transaction point of view, it really comes alive in spring time. From a marketing perspective, whatever style and size of home you have, the demand will certainly be there. Prices remain strong and we see that continuing for certainly the next six months at least.

A great example are two homes we have agreed sales on this year within walking distance of The Witch. Both sets of buyers are not only buying a home that exactly fits what they are looking for, but they have also fallen in love with the village, which isn’t a surprise with the fantastic array of independent shops and fabulous places to eat and enjoy amazing coffee!

We always talk about how Move Revolution is different. Following a recent very successful sale in Lindfield, we wanted to share this independent raterAgent review from one of our many happy clients: “Matthew and Mark did a superb job selling our property in Lindfield. We had 13 viewings in the first week, and an asking price offer within a fortnight! The professional photos they took of our home were simply fantastic - much better than anything else we’d seen from other agents. We just wanted our lovely home to be viewed in the best way possible. We were really pleased with our online listing. We also had a number of viewings (which they always undertook) which made full use of their 7 days a week service.”

What the review doesn’t tell you is that rather than answer questions by email on a Sunday morning that the sellers had about their move, we went to see them at 8pm that evening. We chatted through their thoughts face to face with an agreed action plan for the coming week.

We recognise that our industry really is 24/7, and that for many clients, it is far easier to talk in the evenings and at weekends than it is during the day. Our approach to estate agency really is different, the above review demonstrates this and our personal approach. If you are thinking of moving or letting out your property, please give us a call on 01444 657657. I would love the opportunity to visit you, value your home and support you with your next house move.

Move Revolution

Help me plan my advert design for Lindfield Life

ADVERTISEMENT DESIGN TIPS
BY DAVID TINGLEY, EDITOR, LINDFIELD LIFE MAGAZINE

A lot of small businesses that advertise with us aren't always sure what should be included on their ad on our pages. If this is the same for you, then do get in touch with us, as we would be delighted to share our Top 10 Tips sheet with you to help you consider it for your own business. 

The video below has filmed by me to give a few of those hints and tips...

Lindfield Arts Festival tunes up for 2017

By Lynn Tulip

Plans for the 2017 Lindfield Arts Festival are coming along well. Being led by Mike Steer, Stix to his friends, an innovative programme is planned for 8-10th September 2017 with forward planning for the next few years’ events as well.

The Trustees are delighted that Stix has a mix of new and long-standing team members committed to bringing the eighth Festival to fruition.

This year, the weekend coincides with the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms on Saturday 9th September 2017. With this in mind, Stix is wanting to encourage members of the local community to embrace this wonderful event and watch it on Lindfield common, in a local public venue (to be announced in due course) OR in the comfort of their or someone else’s living room as part of an Open Living Proms Event. So how will this work?

Team LAF is looking for ‘hosts’ who will be happy to welcome guests to their home to listen and watch the performance together. If you think you will be at home that night and you have one, two or more armchairs free in front of the TV and would like to open your door to guests to share the Proms experience, then let us know. Email enquires@lindfieldartsestival.com and the LAF Team will give you more information.

Lindfield Arts Festival continues to be committed to supporting emerging artists and young people who are developing their artistic talents or aspire to a career in the arts. So if you have, or know of a budding artist, actor, dancer, writer or musician the Festival team will be happy to consider how to showcase their talent. For more information or to make suggestions please call Stix on 07868 879084.

BBC Proms (2016) in 3 mins

Denmans Lane Dash - Lindfield, Boxing Day 2016

Boxing Day, beer and a battle to the boozer sums up Lindfield newest Christmas tradition which saw 20 competitors gather at the starting line for the Denmans Lane Dash.

Organised by Lindfield’s Ray Gower, the event invites runners of all ages and abilities to brush off the Christmas Day excess and compete in a village race.

The first Dash was held on Boxing Day 2015, and last month’s event saw the number of entrants swell as the word spread and runners arrived to limber up and take on the challenge.

Competitors are invited to run from the Stand Up, along Denmans Lane to the gate and back, while carrying half a pint of beer. The runner finishing in the op six with the most beer left in the glass is announced the winner!

A delighted Ray said: “Our second Denmans Lane Dash didn’t disappoint. After last year’s great success, the number of competitors increased to 20 this year and we attracted people from outside the village. “The sun was shining and a few runners got well into the spirit with Santa outfits and Christmas jumpers! After a couple of tweaks to the rules, the race was underway at just under 1pm and with a great performance by all.

The winner of the prestigious Denmans Lane Trophy and bottle of champagne was Dan O’Hare.”Enjoying a fresh pint at the end of the race to celebrate his victory, Dan described his win as ‘my fines ever athletic performance!’Ray added: “Thanks to all who came, took part and supported us, including Andi Frost from the Stand Up who sponsored us with the beer, to her fabulous staff or looking after us, Chief Judge Lisa Vince, Jodie Gower for videoing and Dan Gower for marshalling.“Here’s to next year!”

Scaynes Hill Charity Car Wash fundraiser

The garage/shop in Scaynes Hill will be running its annual charity car cleaning event on Monday 13th February to raise money for Cancer Research.

Motorists can have their cars cleaned in return for a donation to charity. 

Manager Jay Patel and his staff have run the event every year since 2009, always on 13th February. The first event raised £345. Last year’s event raised a record £2,500. “We love running the event,” Jay commented, “and we’re hoping to break another record again in 2017!”

Christmas in Lindfield (Festival Night photos)

By David Tingley

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The village was not only festooned with the usual pretty Christmas lights but, on Lindfield Festival Night, the High Street was closed and bustling with folk of all ages.

This year’s event was held early in December and certainly brought the crowds out. Fortunately for organisers - Lindfield Parish Council - the evening was both dry and relatively warm!

Lindfield Primary Academy got the party started with a rousing set of Christmas songs and carols. But there was other music too, as Mid Downs Radio provided all the hits from their mobile broadcast unit on the High Street, where students from Rok Skool took their turns to show off their talents late, plus Lindfield’s newest coffee shop Lindfield Coffee Works had a musician in residence for the night.

The food offering was varied this year with the likes of churros from The Toll House, curry from the Scouts, a fish and chip van and also arm mulled wine, among others.

Of course, as usual, younger children (and some older ones!) enjoyed a visit to Father Christmas at the back of the United Reformed Church hall.

It’s one of those evenings in the village’s calendar when its great to come out, bump into friends and celebrate being a community together.

Thank you to Lindfield Parish Council for organising the event on an annual basis. 

Photography by Beth Mercer Photography

Celebrations for Lindfield butcher (Glyn Thomas & Son) on reaching finals

Christmas came early for staff at Glyn Thomas & Son, the butchers in the High Street, when they discovered they had reached the finals of the Sussex Food and Drink Awards.

Owner John Cottenham, Nicola Whatford (manager) and Josh Whittington were delighted to find that the popular shop has reached the final three in the Butcher of the Year category of the annual competition.

The finalists in Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2017 were revealed following an intensive eight-month judging process, and a record of 13,000 public votes.

John, who took over the business in May, is now looking forward to attending the Sussex Food and Drink Awards Banquet on 1st February at the Amex Stadium, hosted by awards patron Sally Gunnell OBE and BBC’s Danny Pike, where the winners will be revealed and receive their trophies.

“Winning would be fantastic but I’m very happy to have made it this far as one of the top three butchers in the county,” said John. “The judging process has been quite intense, and I’d like to thank all our customers whose votes have supported us and undoubtedly helped us to reach the final three.”

Now in its eleventh year, the awards are all about supporting and boosting local farmers, food and drink producers and the outlets that use and sell local produce. Starting from small beginnings, the awards have grown to become prestigious and respected, with huge support from business in the county, bringing together the whole local food and farming community.

Chairman of the judges, William Goodwin, said: “Over the last decade, Sussex has really earned its place as one of the leading counties in the UK for producing superb food and drink, and this year’s Grand Finalists line up offers an impressive range of first class, diverse businesses from across the county. 

“The competition was really tough this year, and the 30 grand finalists should feel immensely proud at making it through to this final stage in the competition.”

New gardening group: Lindfield In Bloom

By Heather Martin

Lindfield In Bloom has been set up with help from the Parish Council to support individuals and organisations in the village with a shared interest in our beautiful village from a gardening perspective.

Perhaps your organisation tends the flower beds outside your meeting place or would like to have a flowering planter at its entrance? Maybe you enjoy the pretty front gardens in your street when in full bloom? Or perhaps you have no experience of gardening but would like support in learning about what to do? We even have a place for you if you simply like to socialise in Lindfield and could perhaps bake a cake for a fundraising event, have a knack for photography or would like to have a go at building a planter for a local charity to use. We would love to hear from individuals and organisations from across the village, of all ages and interests and hope you will join our community group.

To find out more, come along to our first meeting at 7.30pm on Monday 23rd January 2017 in the Bent Arms pub, High Street, Lindfield.

Although not obligatory, if you know in advance that you are able to attend please let us know so that we can reserve seating. For further information please visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.co.uk/LindfieldInBloom or contact Heather Martin on 01444 487775 or by email: Heather@heathermartin.co.uk

Lindfield Christmas Festival Night - Tuesday 6th December 2016

6pm to 9pm

LINDFIELD HIGH STREET

AND

UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

HIGH STREET CLOSED 5.30 to 9.30pm

Father Christmas arrives at 6 pm

(Grotto & Gifts for Children courtesy of Parish Council)

Lost Children should be delivered to the TEA POINT IN THE URC

Programmes available SOON From Parish Council office,

And various High Street outlets e.g. Martins Newsagents

Daring Trifles - Simply Good Food - recipe variations on a classic

By Caroline Young

Is a trifle a Christmas tradition in your house? Do you remember the version made with slices of Swiss roll and canned fruit cocktail set in stiff fruit jelly topped with Birds custard and, hopefully, whipped cream?

If you were lucky there might have been a generous sprinkling of sweet sherry over the sponge slices! Happily recipes have moved on and you can develop your own favourite combination of fruit, cake or biscuits and a rich creamy topping.

Traditionally the dessert should be made in a straight sided glass dish to show off the different layers. Here are some of my ideas – the quantities depend on how many people to be served – any left-overs are delicious for breakfast the next day! Have a peaceful Christmas.

Apricot and Almond

Layer small cubes of Madeira cake in the bowl with drained canned apricots and generously moisten with the fruit juice or alcohol of your choice. Gently combine a good chilled custard with the same quantity of whipped cream and spoon over the top. Cover and chill overnight. Top with a generous sprinkling of toasted flaked almonds.

Ginger and Pineapple

Combine roughly crushed ginger nut biscuits and diced canned pineapple in your bowl. Moisten with fruit juice or ginger wine. Top with a layer of good quality chilled custard, cover and chill overnight. Spoon whipped cream over the top and decorate with crystallised pineapple or chopped candied stem ginger.

Martin Hadden - Village People feature

Martin Hadden, Head Chef, Ockenden Manor

The Good Life is undoubtedly one of Britain’s best loved sitcoms and millions of viewers have been entertained by Tom and Barbara Good’s efforts to become self-sufficient.

But for Lindfield’s Martin Hadden, the Good Lie became real life, when his parents left London to bring up their sons in the country.

With the whole family mucking in - growing and harvesting crops, rearing animals, and enjoying the freshest and healthiest home cooking, it’s hardly surprising that the boys grew up with a passion for food.

And for Martin, that passion turned into a career as a chef and a string of Michelin stars!

Now head chef for the Historic Sussex Hotels Group, Martin recalls how he learnt to carve a side of beef on the kitchen table, his delight at becoming a Roux Scholar and how he constantly strives to bake the perfect bread roll!

By Claire Cooper

“I was born in London, but in the 70s my parents decided to move to North Devon and become self-sufficient growing crops and rearing animals” said Martin, the second of four boys. “My brothers and I got a real understanding of where our food came from.”

With no farming experience, Martin’s parents learnt as they went along.

“I can remember my dad bringing in two sides of beef, putting them on the kitchen table and wondering how to go about carving them,” said Martin. “He got a book of instructions and we just got on with it.

“Looking back, I think I was lucky as a child to be exposed to the complete journey our meat takes, from rearing a calf to sitting down and eating it on a Sunday.”

As soon as he was old enough to start earning money, Martin picked up a Saturday job at his local butchers. “On my fist day, I was asked to drain the huge vat which used for boiling the hams,” said Martin. “It was a straightforward job as there was a tap at the bottom which released water into the drains.”

The full article can be found on page 32 of the December 2016 issue of Lindfield Life magazine

Lindfield Coffee Works to open on Lindfield High Street

As mentioned in last month’s Lindfield Life magazine there is change at Lindfield business World Coffees. Resident Kris Whelan took over in January this year. This month heralds a new era in the business as Kris launches a new name, new branding and a newly adapted premises just off the High Street.

“Lindfield Coffee Works may be a new name,” Kris explains, “but our core business and values haven’t changed. We continue to sell amazing coffee to both wholesale and retail customers. You’ll still be able to come in and pick up a bag of coffee for your home but hopefully get more of a coffee experience. Alongside the coffee we’ll also be selling the latest brewing equipment for the home barista and can offer advice on which coffee works best for each method.

However, one very significant change will be the new location. Kris has been working with the local landlord Mark White and designer Will Parr (www.studioparr.co.uk) for the past seven months to convert the former grain store into a contemporary retail environment which now houses both the roasting and wholesale business and also a coffee bar where customers can enjoy a slice of homemade cake or a pastry with their coffee.

One of the aims for the new site is to be able to tell the fascinating journey coffee goes on before ending up in our cups. “Coffee is a part of many people’s daily routine but how many know that is actually is the seed of a fruit? There are multiple stages of coffee production from growing, harvesting and processing all of which can have a dramatic effect on the overall taste. We hope to shed a little light on the flavour profiles specific to each coffee growing region and highlight the farming techniques and the importance of traceability of our coffee.

“Traceability is very important to us. To put it simply, to keep coffee traceable, producers pay an extra cost to follow it through the supply chain, it’s only worth doing it for high quality coffees. We aim to provide plenty of information on all our coffees we sell. In addition we want this to resonate through everything we do from our water, lemonade and ginger beer to our charcuterie & cheese boards – we can tell you exactly the farm or producer they come from!

“Everything is designed to be as open and as transparent as possible. We want people to see exactly what goes on from when we receive the green beans in their raw state to the final product either packed for a wholesale customer or to be consumed as a delicious drink on site.”

The new coffee bar and roastery can be found on Alma Road, behind Southdowns Cellars, (follow the ducks!) and is being managed by another Lindfield resident Julie Shepherd, who is joined by Miranda Moolenaar, who already worked as a roaster in the business. The official launch will on Lindfield Christmas Festival Night (6th Dec) when the shop open until 9pm!

Lindfield Coffee Works will serve a selection of cakes and pastries in the morning and lunches of charcuterie and cheese boards between 12-3pm, served with sourdough baguettes, olives and pickles.

“In addition to the food offering, the coffee bar will be serving some coffee specials that we hope will be a little different to what people are used to, for example, a delicious, refreshing cold drink we’ll serve is a shot of espresso floated onto tonic water with a mountain of ice,” said Kris!

Lindfield Coffee Works will be open Monday – Saturday, 8.30am-5pm. Visit www.lindfieldcoffeeworks.co.uk to find out more or follow the shop’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Blackthorns Primary Academy pupils write WWII poem for Lindfield lost heroes

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This artwork has been created by Year 6 pupils from Blackthorns Primary Academy, who were learning about World War II this term. There are 97 poppies, representing the 97 Lindfield men who died in the two world wars. The poem was shared by members of Class 6J at All Saints Church on Remembrance Sunday.

Lindfield: They should never be forgotten.

Lindfield is our home now, where our families and friends reside.
Today we remember that long ago, it was a home to brave men who died.
97 souls, during two world wars, gave their lives to make us free
Their memories are etched in stone, so that it may always be plain to see…

…that they should never be forgotten
…that they should always be in our thoughts
…that what they died for was important
…that we understand the reasons that they fought.

Lindfield is our refuge, where we learn and play and grow.
We are safe within its boundaries, with the people and places that we know.
We are able to share our views on life, we have the right to feel free
Because those who died fighting oppression helped make this a glorious place to be…

So, they should never be forgotten
they should always be in our thoughts
we know that what they died for was important
we understand the reasons that they fought.

Lindfield knows that wars still happen, we know that many will still die.
We know others aren’t so lucky, that families all around the world wake up and cry…
…that they have lost their loved ones, who fight for peace so that others are free
And for that reason we should make sure that everyone else can clearly see…

…that they should never be forgotten
…that they should always be in our thoughts
…that what they died for was important
…that we understand the reasons that they fought.

Lindfield: home to Blackthorns, our school, of which we are so proud.
We are part of this wonderful community, and we want to shout it loud!
Thank you- those 97 souls, for helping to make our country free.
We will use this poem to remember and to remind others what to see.

Mid Sussex Ramblers release new programme for the winter

Download the Mid Sussex Ramblers Winter 2016 Programme here...

As ‘the Ramblers’ group for the Mid Sussex area, we offer a varied programme of walks throughout the year to suit all ages and walking abilities.

Walks are arranged for every Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday throughout the year, and on Bank Holidays, and occasionally other days in the week. They consist of half day walks of 3 to 6 miles and, for the more energetic, all day walks of 9 to 11 miles. During the summer months there are also Wednesday evening walks (3 to 4 miles) and weekend walking breaks and coach outings with walks.

During the winter months we hold indoor meetings in King Edward Hall, Lindfield, with illustrated talks on a wide range of topics, and social evenings in local pubs in the Mid Sussex area.

Whether you are new to walking or an experienced walker, you are very welcome to come along and give us a try. 

To find out more, details of our group and walks are available in local libraries or view our website at:

http://www.midsussexramblers.co.uk/  

Field & Forrest new owner returns to Lindfield

It is all change at Lindfield’s High Street café deli, Field and Forrest. Jules, full name Julian Hansford, who used to regularly oppose Lindfield on the common in the 80s (wearing the Cricket whites of Burgess Hill) is the new owner/operator.

Jules is a family man with long-term partner Claire and boys Noah and Laurie. He travels daily from Dartford to the village. He has good experience of a delicatessen having previously managed one in Shoreham and also having worked in a busy Sussex café/bakery. Jules has a successful background in the dance and entertainment business, and remains a busy specialist DJ.

He has been seeking the ideal deli/café opportunity for the last six years, and with the help of a Lindfield local, Steve Leslie, he was made aware of the opportunity to take over Field and Forrest.

“Field and Forrest attracted me as a compact and extremely well run business, and at the same time being one that I could develop whilst knowing it had good local support,” Jules said.

“With the Christmas season fast approaching – I ask all locals to let us know your seasonal preferences early!“

In the meantime, please drop by and say hi to myself and the team, as well as browsing the Christmas lines which are starting to arrive. We stock and serve great coffee, as well as offering a deli style sandwich range.”

Former Lindfield pub - The Tiger Inn - gets its sign back

By Diane Flint

If you have glanced up while walking past the old Tiger Inn at the top of the High Street you will have seen this lovely new sign: a tiger gazing up at a bright shining star.

It is the winning design of Lindfield resident and artist Wally Jex, and it was hoisted into place in time to mark this year’s Tiger centenary – 100 years since All Saints Church bought the building.

Wally, 75, has lived in Compton Road with his wife Jenny for 17 years and used to be a TV advertising scriptwriter and illustrator. With his creative partner Hugh Silvey he was responsible for campaigns like Fred the Homepride flour grader. Designing the Tiger sign was a different kind of challenge for Wally.

He said: “Tigers and Christianity don’t have a lot in common but I thought that having one looking up at a star would work.”

Wally is still working and currently designs greetings cards and creates a monthly cartoon strip for the Dalesman magazine with Hugh. 

In his spare time he works on his allotment behind the pond and is a member of Lindfield Horticultural Society. 

And he still likes to travel the globe with his wife Jenny.

“I was one of the settlers who emigrated to Australia on a £10 ticket, then moved to Canada before returning to the UK and eventually Lindfield,” he said.

So the next time you are walking along the High Street near the church, look up and see the magnificent tiger gazing at a star for yourselves!

Lindfield Life magazine goes on holiday!

We asked Lindfield Life readers to take a copy of the magazine away with them on holiday this summer - the above is just two sent in. Destinations included Greece, South Africa, Lands End, Florida, Paris and Slovenia! 

This just shows the enthusiasm of Lindfield Life readers and their passion to be involved in their local community magazine! 

Lindfield Book Group reads 100 books

A group of Lindfield mums who started a book group in the village 12 years ago have just read their 100th book!

The ‘Good Wives’ group started in 2004 and, over the years, up to 11 members have met every six to eight weeks, to read and share their love of a good book!

“We currently have seven members, including four from the original group,” said Helen Bilton. “We’re all mothers and over the years 11 babies have been born during their mums’ membership, many of whom were brought along as newborns for cuddles.” She added that the first baby who came along is now in secondary school!

The group was set up after the mums were inspired by the library’s reading group scheme. “We had to choose a name and, having previously read Little Women (L.M. Alcott), we chose the somewhat tongue-in-cheek ‘Good Wives’,” said Helen. “Although it must be said, we are all still married to the same people we started with….!

“We read a huge range of stuff – generally chosen following recommendations that people bring long,” added Helen. “And we’ve all enjoyed reading books we wouldn’t otherwise have picked up or persevered with. Contrary to popular stereotypes we don’t read only pastel-covered chick-lit; 11% of the books we read are non-fiction, 40% are by male authors and 40% by non-British authors.”

It’s not all new bestsellers either. “We’ve read nine 19th century classics, and almost half the books we’ve read were published in the twentieth century rather than the twenty-first,” said Helen.

Full story published in Lindfield Life on October 2016

Lindfield Arts Festival 2016 - photo round up

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Lindfield Arts Festival took place on Saturday 17th September. On page 26 of our October 2016 issue, we feature a round up article and photos of the event by James Winspear Photography. 

Lindfield Arts Festival 2016 - video snapshot

Lindfield's Art Festival, this year on 17th September 2016, when the High Street was closed and featured dozens of acts, shows, workshops and exhibitions. This video features just a few of the highlights of the day to give you an idea of what you missed perhaps, or what you especially enjoyed!

This video brings you just a small selection of the performers and activities at Lindfield Arts Festival 2016.