Lindfield Village Run

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s Lindfield Village Run event page. Here you will find our most recent information for the race.

The Lindfield Village Run is a well-established event that sets out two cross county runs: a 10k Village Run and a 5k Family Run. Both take place mostly on paths and tracks through the West Sussex countryside in the immediate vicinity of the village of Lindfield. They are old fashioned cross-country runs with multi-terrain, some slippery surfaces and the odd cow in fields!

See also, King Edward Hall
Village Run Facebook page

2026’s Lindfield Village Run will be on Sunday 17th May!

Lindfield Village Run now open for booking!

One of the most beloved annual community events in the village, the Lindfield Village Run, is now open for booking! It’s one of two annual fundraising events in Lindfield that raises funds for King Edward Hall.

When is the run?
Taking place on Sunday 17th May, the run offers two cross county tracks. A 10k Village Run and a 5k Family Run. They both start and finish at Hickmans Lane Recreation Ground and take place on paths and tracks in the immediate vicinity of the village. The start times for each race are: 10k at 10.30am and 5k at 10.45am.

How can I book?
There are a limited number of spaces and we did sell out last year. We highly recommend booking online in advance to get the cheapest price and secure your place. Just head to www.kingedwardhall.org.uk/village-run/#booking

How much does it cost?
A 5K entry ticket costs £10 and a 10K entry ticket costs £20 online, in advance. Any remaining tickets will be sold on the morning of the run, in person, from 8.30-10am and are priced at £15 for 5K and £25 for 10K. We cannot guarantee that any spaces will be available on the day.

Can children participate?
Lots of families run together, which is one of the really special things about our run! There is neither a minimum nor maximum age, but children U12 on the 5K and children U16 on the 10K must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The nature of the cross-country course makes pushchair use impossible.

Can dogs participate?
Dogs can accompany spectators on leads to Hickmans Lane, but are not allowed on the runs.

Who organises the run?
Both runs are set up and organised by a dedicated team of volunteers with a particular shout out to Maxine, Richard and Nikki who do much of the organisation. If you would like to help marshal, set up, or clear away, we always need more people. Please email run@ kingedwardhall.org.uk.

Will I get lost?
Both races will have plenty of marshals, providing guidance and directions, and most importantly, lots of encouragement. They are in radio contact with run control, other marshals and first aid assistance. The courses will be marked out, but the organisers cannot accept responsibility for any markers that are removed. Participants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the run routes, which will be displayed at registration on the day.

Is there parking?
There is very limited parking. If possible, please make your way to registration by foot.

Wear your support!
This year, we are delighted to offer you the opportunity to purchase official Lindfield Village Run merchandise to commemorate your fantastic achievement! We have a range of hoodies, shirts and running vests in different colours and sizes. Order via the club shop here: www.grclubshops.com/lindfield-village-run

Will my run time be tracked?
Yes! On race day, you need to come to registration between 8.30 and 10am to collect your run number, plus a timing chip, which you will attach to your footwear. Run times are available on our website, normally within 24 hours. Please ensure you use your own race number and attach your chip correctly to stop it falling off.

Thank you to our sponsors! The run can only happen due to the generosity of local sponsors. A huge thank you to Potential PT, Six Physio, Ardingly Activity Centre, and Tiny Tekkers for their support.

What was Lindfield's Humphreys Bakery

When Humphreys bakery closed its door for a final time in 2019, it marked the end of an era for the village and its residents. And, since the property went on the market and was subsequently sold, villagers have been watching with interest as the historic building has undergone a major restoration to become a stunning home. For many, it’s been hard to resist peeping through the floor to ceiling shop window, to snatch a glimpse as work has progressed. But what lies beyond the former shop and counter has remained a mystery – until now! Earlier this month we joined homeowner Stephen Yeomans for a guided tour of this much-loved building.

By Claire Cooper

Stephen was the perfect candidate to tackle such a mammoth restoration project. If his name doesn’t ring any bells, then maybe the ‘Rusty Metal House’ will. Stephen featured on the popular Grand Designs TV programme back in 2015, following his journey to build an iconic. weathered steel, contemporary home, on a former quarry site on the banks of the River Ouse in Lewes. The property went on to win several prestigious architecture awards.

With many years’ experience in property renovation, Stephen wasn’t at all daunted by the prospect of tackling the medieval High Street bakery, parts of which date back to 1360, “I’ve lived in quite a few historic buildings and always try to find something which has both character and potential,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in architecture and design and like to put my own stamp on a property - I don’t like living with other people’s designs and ideas!”

Stephen bought the property in December 2022 as a future home for himself and his daughters. “As soon as I walked in, I knew this was for me,” he said. “It was such an interesting building, steeped in history, with incredible potential.”
Renovating a Grade II* listed property is a painstaking process and involves working closely with Historic England and conservation officers. Every detail is scrutinised and plans are constantly changing. “The most challenging part of the whole process was meeting the demands of the conservation officer,” Stephen recalled. “It was both frustrating and expensive too. I’ve renovated a Grade II property before, and I think that gave me a false sense of security. I hadn’t fully appreciated that a Grade II* is so close to a Grade I.” But once the plans were finally approved, the rest was plain sailing. “Most of the contractors are people I’ve worked with before, so we just got on with it.”

The first job was to strip the property back to its bare bones to reveal the fabric and construction of the building. Two inglenook fireplaces were exposed along with a multitude of beams, including a stunning vaulted ceiling the in the master bedroom. Original floorboards have been restored and repaired, and a brick floor lowered, levelled, brought back to life and extended using reclaimed bricks.

Every wall has been lime plastered, plumbing has been updated and the whole property has been re-wired Most windows have been replaced to match the originals, and the shop front window fitted with toughened glass, making the High Street property remarkably quiet. The suspended glass window shelves, once adorned with jam doughnuts and cream cakes, tempting customers into the shop, have also been reinstated.

The familiar bakery sign on the shop front was removed and gifted back to the Humphrey family, who have enjoyed meeting Stephen and visiting the renovated property. The original sign, hidden underneath has been restored and left in place. It’s been a labour of love for Stephen and for others working on the restoration. “Many of the builders had fond memories of coming into the shop to buy their lunch,” said Stephen. “They’ve enjoyed chatting to passers-by who were interested in the renovation.” It’s also been an expensive process. “Restoring the roof structure cost around £50,000 and I’ve spent around £10,000 just on skips!” said Stephen. “Sadly, I didn’t find any buried treasure, but it was nice to unearth some quirky and interesting features.”

Stephen has furnished his home with a mix of mid-century and contemporary styles. “I like the juxtaposition between the very old building and modern pieces,” he said. “I’ve tried to respect the building and not fill it with too much stuff, so it looks like it’s had a light touch rather than overdeveloped or re-instated.” An old barn at the rear of the property has also been renovated to become a music studio, housing Stephen’s renovated hi-fi system and impressive vinyl collection. “It’s great to have somewhere to chill out and listen to my music,” he said.

Although the property feels very much like home, Stephen has decided to move on and the property is going on the market in March, for a cool £1,7million. “I had planned to settle here, but my personal circumstances have changed, so I’ll be heading back to Lewes to oversee my next renovation project,” he said. “I feel lucky to have lived here and I’m proud of what I have achieved. I think the house has a nice feel to it - overall, the house has turned out very well.”

For more photos, pick up a copy of March’s Lindfield Life and keep your eyes on our social media channels!

Mid Sussex District Council news - March 2026

New cultural offer for Haywards Heath

On Monday 2 February 2026, Mid Sussex District Council’s Cabinet confirmed the future of Clair Hall in Haywards Heath. Following a rigorous and externally validated process led by an independent panel of experts, the Cabinet unanimously decided to accept a proposal from a local cultural company which will deliver a thriving and financially sustainable facility for local people.

Cabinet also carefully considered a community bid to reuse the existing buildings. Cabinet, and the Council’s independent expert advisers concluded that their business strategy was not robust relying too heavily on an unverified external funder and grant funding. Cabinet concluded that the bid did not provide the confidence required for it to be accepted.

Following a robust procurement exercise Cabinet reviewed and accepted the proposal provided by the cultural partner to provide a four-screen luxury cinema, alongside a multi-use performance space equipped with professional sound and lighting. The proposal also includes a full-service restaurant/bar, and the opportunity to provide a rich variety of live and community-orientated cultural events, including live-screenings of theatre and other performances. To find out more, visit www.midsussex.gov.uk/about-us/latest-news/new-cultural-offer-for-haywards-heath/

Mid Sussex District Council mobile app

If you’re looking for your bin dates, or want to find your nearest library, the Mid Sussex District Council mobile app provides a simple way to access a wide range of council services. The app is a useful way to stay up to date with the latest news, report issues quickly and easily, and find helpful information about your property and local area. The app is free to download on the Apple App Store, Android devices and the Google Play Store.

To read the full newsletter, please pick up a copy of March’s Lindfield Life.

Denmans Lane Dash in Lindfield

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s Denmans Lane Dash event page. Here you will find our most recent information for the exciting Boxing Day race.

Denmans Lane Dash is a Boxing Day beer race, racing the length of Denmans Lane and back for charity.

See also, Denmans Lane Dash Facebook page

Dashing before the snow!

By Ray Gower

The 10th annual Denmans Lane Dash didn’t disappoint. The day began with Andi Frost and her team Will, Lila, Mia and Sam preparing the Stand Up Inn for the onslaught of record numbers of competitors and customers – and pouring 75 half pints of beer ready for the race.

Meanwhile, my dear friends Ian and Lorna Towner were on hand to expertly register all the competitors with calmness and precision, while the great Mike Webster and his wonderful band of Lindfield Bonfire boys and girls were in charge of road management and safety, preparing the start and finish lines, ready to start the race at 1pm.

Having briefed all competitors about the changes to the rules, including an increase of competitors to 75 and, to celebrate our 10th anniversary, I introduced my founding competitors and great friends, Drayson, Hannah and Stefan Kohli who I invited to start this year’s races.

On what was a beautiful crisp winter’s day and in front of record numbers of spectators, the ladies set off dressed in all types of festive fancy dress at a brisk walking pace.

A few minutes later, as the women had disappeared out of sight up Denmans Lane, the men set off again at a brisk walking pace due to the ‘no running’ rule change.

With the crowds cheering as everyone left, we all waited anxiously to see who would come round the bend towards the finish line first. There were a number of ladies vying to get into the top eight across the line and qualify for the measure off.

They were followed by the men, some walking very fast and battling for the measure off and the chance to be among the potential winners.

Once the beer was measured the results were f inalised. This year’s Ladies Winner was Kerry Bannister, who was closely followed by Emily Phillip in second and Gemma Tigar in third.

Men’s winner was Andrew Dean followed by former champion Kai Robinson and keeping it in the family Paul Tigar. The winner of best fancy dress was Sarah Nelson who took home a bottle of bubbly

Both winners taking home a replica of the coveted Denmans Lane Dash Trophy sponsored by Richard Talman of RTFJ and Kris Whelan of Lindfield Coffee Works and a bottle of Bubbly sponsored by Andi Frost of the The Stand Up Inn.

Before, during and after the race, we had great support from Lorna Towner and Bonfire Society members collecting for this year’s chosen charity Prostate Cancer UK . The charity is close to my heart and one that supports so many men, family members and friends through diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation of this awful killer.

We raised a wonderful amount of £1,637 on the day (plus £348 via Gift Aid) and hopefully managed to raise awareness of early diagnosis to all who attended. I was truly humbled this year by the fast uptake of competitors and the huge number of spectators who came along to cheer the competitors on. When I started this crazy event in 2015, I had no idea that it would become such a fixture in the Lindfield community calendar.

It began because we were bored on Boxing Day - that no longer happens in our household and hopefully we are giving everyone something to brighten up any Boxing Day blues!
The last thing for me to do is to thank Andi Frost and her fabulous team at the The Stand Up Inn. for providing us with the great facility and beer. Thanks also go to Matt Wilcock for leading the team outside, my true and wonderful friend Roger Seymour for his marshalling of the Compton Road and Denmans Lane junction on the day, Mark Tampion Lacey for all the great photos and the brilliant artist, sculptor and great friend Keith Pettitt for the Denmans Lane Trophy and replica trophies.

Finally, the race couldn’t happen without the wonderful competitors who make a huge effort to dress up along with all the residents of Lindfield and other areas who come out each year to support the event and our charity. I have said it many times, Lindfield is a very special place to live with an amazing community and without the support of the team and spectators I could not run this madcap event.

Once again, I give a heartfelt thank you for helping my year to finish on a high. I hope everyone involved and spectating enjoyed those few hours of happiness and joy.

Get ready for Scaynes Hill Flower Show 2026

Members of the Scaynes Hill Flower Show committee are looking forward to welcoming you to our 2026 Show, which is taking place on Saturday 21st March the Millennium Village Hall. Incredibly, this is the 48th year that the show has taken place.

It’s always lovely to see the colour our exhibitors bring in after the winter, in the form of their spring flowers and floral arrangements. As always, there are a range of cookery classes, including cake baking, bread making and jam categories. If you have been busy over the winter months creating handicraft items or if you are an amateur photographer or aspiring artist, we have classes to suit everyone. Our Floral Art section brings the show to life with its imaginative floral displays. As always, there are new classes this year – please refer to the schedule and be careful to keep to the dimensions stated!

We also have several classes for our junior residents, including the Build a Scarecrow class (a group entry), where children can build one with their siblings or members of their club. The scarecrow then takes pride of place at Scaynes Hill Cricket Club and scares away wildlife from the cricket square!

This year, trophies will be awarded for every category. All children who enter will get a prize. A Flower Show schedule has been delivered with this copy of Lindfield Life, but if you’ve been accidentally missed, please contact Caroline on 831089 for a copy. Unfortunately, only Scaynes Hill residents or those who are associated with the village can enter, but everyone is welcome to attend the show to admire the exhibits, drink tea and eat the cake kindly provided by our WI members. There will also be a plant sale and a raffle.

We look forward to receiving all your exhibits and seeing you all on Saturday 21st March from 2-4pm.

Lindfield resident's Golf Day in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Trust

By Claire Cooper

Lindfield grandad and keen golfer Bob Baker is hoping local businesses and fellow enthusiasts will swing into action next year to support a charity golf day.
The event, at Chartham Park Golf and Country Club, near East Grinstead on 12th June, aims to raise £3,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, as part of the national Wear Yellow Campaign.

Bob was inspired to support the charity after his four-year-old grandson George was diagnosed with the disease. “The news came as a huge shock to the family,” Bob recalled. “I had limited knowledge of the disease and what I knew was based on 30 years ago. But a lot has changed since then - thanks to research and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
“George is an active and energetic little boy and with the help of drugs that have become more available over the last 20 years is able to lead a sort of normal life.”

Bob is organising the event together with his son, George’s dad Chris, and good friends David Mayne and Stephen Beale. The foursome are inviting businesses and fellow golfers to support the charity golf day by entering teams and sponsoring one of the 18 holes.

“Chartham Park is a lovely 18-hole par 72 course, originally designed by ex-Ryder Cup player Neil Coles, who oversaw its construction back in 1992,” said Bob, who also enjoys playing at Lindfield and Haywards Heath golf courses.

He added that some of the sponsored holes have already been snapped up by players and businesses, which include Fullpower Utilities, Weald of Kent Golf Club as well as Wooton and Bean, mortgage and protection advice experts based in Haywards Heath. There’s also an opportunity to buy a golf course ‘Bus Stop’, with the chance to win a prize.

“We’re working really hard to raise as much as we can and have set our target at £3,000,” said Bob. “I’d like to thank all those who are already supporting us, including my fellow Blackthorns dads.”

The charity golf day is open to teams of two players, and the cost is £75 per person which includes a bacon roll and tea and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf, a meal and prize-giving to finish, and a donation to the fundraising. The event will also include a charity auction, and any donations of prizes would be welcomed.

Players are asked to wear something yellow to support ‘Wear Yellow Day, a Cystic Fibrosis Trust initiative to raise funds and awareness, which falls on 12th June.

For further details of hole sponsorship, the ‘Bus Stop’ and auction and how to enter, visit: https://bit.ly/4rRVTay or contact Bob on bob.baker56@ outlook.com or 07974 419 738.

Greener Lindfield and community groups champion sustainability

By Nicky Holbrook

Many residents will know us for our monthly Greener Lindfield article or for our much-loved annual Seed & Plant Swap at the Repair Café, but Greener Lindfield is more than a single group – it’s a collaboration of passionate, local volunteers who work together to champion sustainable greener gardening across our village.

Greener Lindfield is an amalgamation of several fantastic community groups, each contributing their own expertise and energy. We meet to share ideas and support one another’s projects.
Here we introduce each group and we are always excited to welcome new voices, ideas and new groups who share our passion for a greener future.

Friends of Eastern Road Nature Reserve
A conservation group that helps to protect and promote the local nature reserve. They meet on the second Sunday of every month to undertake tasks such as path maintenance, vegetation clearance, and wildlife monitoring. New volunteers are always welcome, whether it’s getting your hands dirty or helping out behind the scenes. www.easternroadnaturereserve.org.uk

Share Haywards Heath
A Library of Things where you can borrow a wide range of items, rather than buying new. They have been operating for over two years and have made over 700 loans to date. You can see all the items they have to lend by going to their website. Items are usually borrowed for a week and most cost 50p or £1 a day. www.sharehh.org.uk

Lindfield in Bloom
The current group reformed after Covid and look after the gardens around Lind-field Medical Centre. With six members, they are all like-minded amateur gardeners who get together to care for the gardens, weeding and planting any donated plants. To join the friendly group email John Stevens at john.stevens2010@gmail.com.

Lindfield Horticultural Society
Much has changed in the way they garden over the years. Unlike their predecessors, who attempted to tame and constrain nature, current members work alongside it to create gardens and allotments that are both beautiful and productive and encourage wildlife. www.lindfieldhorts.org.uk

The Co-op
Local Co-op Member Activator, Alison explains: “The Co-op recognises the importance of championing a better way of doing business and doing the right thing for people and the planet. To do this, we work collaboratively and co-operatively with our members, customers and community connections, including supporting local initiatives with Our Local Community Fund.” www.coop.co.uk/membership

Lindfield Parish Council
The council is committed to protecting the village’s natural environment. During 2025, the Climate Change Working Group progressed initiatives including a grass verge pilot scheme (details available early 2026). They met with neighbouring councils to share good practice e.g. on the wonderful Hurst Meadows that inspired everyone in the management of Wilderness Field. They installed two hot bin composters to reduce green waste and a swift nesting box that awaits four new families in 2026. www.lindfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk/ Climate_Change_32316.aspx

Fairer World Lindfield
A climate and environmental action group whose aim is to raise awareness and encourage individual and collective action to help combat the climate and ecological crisis. This year, they supported local primary school assemblies, held events on topics such as fast fashion, honey bees, the digital carbon footprint, plus last spring, a ‘Green Extravaganza’ celebrating the magic of soil. www.fairerworldlindfield.org

Lindfield Open Gardens
Organised with and for St Peter and St James Hospice, every summer, eight to 12 gardens are showcased to raise funds for the hospice. New participants are always welcome to experience the joy of sharing their passion for plants, wildlife and nature with our community. www.lindfield-gardens.co.uk

Our Nature Watch
A small, thriving local nature group around Lindfield and Walstead who spot, share and improve the place we live in together to support all sorts of nature in any way we can. www.ournaturewatch.com

Heather Martin
A local garden designer who shares her great knowledge of plants and the natural environment.

Colin McFarlin
A Volunteer Waste Prevention Advisor, he trained over ten years ago with Brighton University and receives regular updates on recycling from WSCC and the government. Colin actively supports the local community and, “It is so rewarding to be able to answer your questions on recycling, and if one person is able to recycle one more item correctly, then I have done my job!” www.facebook.com/colin.mcfarlin.7

Find Greener Lindfield on Facebook @GreenerLindfield or email greenerlindfield@gmail.com.

Lindfield Village Christmas Festival Night

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s Lindfield Village Christmas Festival Night event page. Here you will find our most recent information for the festival.

Lindfield Village Christmas Festival Night is an evening in December where Lindfield High Street stays open late, we welcome fairground rides and street stalls, all organised by the Lindfield Parish Council.

See also, Lindfield Parish Council

Lindfield Village Christmas Festival Night will return on 1st December 2026.

Christmas Festival Night 2025

This year’s Christmas Festival Night will be held on Tuesday 2nd December.

The High Street will be closed to traffic in the evening from 5pm until 9.30pm. The event will begin at 6pm and finish by 9pm. Invitations have been sent to previous stall holders and if you would like to reserve a space for a stall, please contact David Parsons, Deputy Parish Clerk at the Parish Office – 01444 484115, or at clerks@lindfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk Alternatively, you can register interest in having a stall using the following https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XWL97M7

Familiarise yourself with Lindfield's defibrillator units

Lindfield defibrillators

We’d like to encourage everyone living and working in the village to familiarise themselves with the sites of the life-saving defibrillator machines and learn how to use them.

An estimated 60,000 people each year in the UK have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and, sadly, less than 10% of those people will survive. Yet if a bystander is able to start CPR, they could double a person’s chances of survival.

Our list here shows 13 defib machines that we know about, which includes units mounted both inside buildings and outside - which are available 24/7 (marked OUTSIDE) as they are installed outside of any locked or restricted area.

Some of the units shown here are available 24/7 (marked OUTSIDE) as they are installed outside of any locked or restricted area. The defib on the wall at Potential Personal Training on Lindfield Business Park, while it is inside, as the gym is open long hours, is available from early until at least 9pm every day.

Scaynes Hill now boasts an impressive three defibrillators: at the Millennium Centre, the service station/shop and at the primary school - although, thanks to reader Maria Lozinski - who let us know that the St Augustine School unit is actually behind the school gates. So this may mean that access is not possible outside of normal school hours.

All of the machines are portable and contain full instructions. Plus, if you are on the phone to 999, the operator will be able to talk you through using these public devices in real time.

A good place for more information is the British Heart Foundation’s website: www.defibfinder.uk - which gives a live listing to all registered defibs, plus FAQs about using them.

At Lindfield Life, we are committed to reprinting this map and information on a regular basis in order to familiarise the whole village regarding access to this life-saving equipment - which can be used by anyone. If anyone knows of any other publicly-available defibs in the area, do please email us (editor@lindfieldlife.co.uk) and we’ll update the map for next time.

Forthcoming copy dates

2026 copy dates for Lindfield Life magazine

April’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 3rd March
Delivery between 14th - 20th March

May’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 7th April
Delivery between 18th - 24th April

June’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 5th May
Delivery between 16th - 22nd May

July’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 2nd June
Delivery between 13th - 19th June

August’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 7th July
Delivery between 18th - 24th July

September’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 4th August
Delivery between 15th - 21st August

October’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 8th September
Delivery between 19th - 25th September

November’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 6th October
Delivery between 17th - 23rd October

December’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 3rd November
Delivery between 14th - 20th Nov

Churches of Lindfield Christmas services

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s churches of Lindfield Christmas services event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything Christmas in our churches.

See also, All Saints Church, Lindfield United Reformed Church, Lindfield Evangelical Free Church, St Augustine’s Church, Scaynes Hill

All Saints Church

www.allsaintslindfield.org/christmas
Email: allsaints@lindfield.info

Sunday 14th December
9.30am - Communion with children’s groups
4.30pm - Traditional Carol Service (1)
7pm - Traditional Carol Service (2)

Tuesday 16th December
10am - Tiger@Ten Christmas special (fortnightly group for over 65s)

Sunday 21st December
9.30am - All Saints Kids’ Nativity
The children can come dressed up as a shepherd, farmyard animal or angel as we retell the Christmas story in this enchanting, fun and slightly chaotic service
11.15am - Morning Worship
4.30pm - Big Band Carols (1)
7pm - Big Band Carols (2)

Christmas Eve 24th December
This year you will be able to book your Christingle tickets in advance - bookings open Monday 1st December at 7pm at allsaintslindfield.org/christingle
1pm - Christingle - this service is especially for families and those with additional needs
2pm - Christingle
3pm - Christingle
4pm - Christingle
5pm - Christingle
11.15pm - Midnight Communion

Christmas Day 25th December
8am - Christmas Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
10am - Christmas Celebration

Lindfield United Reformed Church

Friday 12th December
4pm - Messy Christmas
The monthly Messy Church focuses on Christmas

Sunday 14th December
10am - Family Worship
5pm - Carols by Candlelight
A candlelight traditional service of lessons and carols

Thursday 18th December
7.30pm - Christmas Concert
Join us in the church or online for a light-hearted Christmas concert with music from the Perdido Players, and more as we celebrate together the meaning and message of Christmas

Sunday 21st December
10am - Family Worship - including the Lord’s Supper

Christmas Eve 24th December
4pm - Crib Service
A retelling of the first Christmas, appropriate to, and performed by, the very youngest. Suitable for all ages

Christmas Day 25th December
10am - Family Service - We celebrate the birth of Jesus

Lindfield Evangelical Free Church

www.lefc.co.uk

Sunday 7th December
4pm - Why did God create the world?

Sunday 14th December
4pm - What went wrong?

Sunday 21st December
4pm - How did Jesus make things right again!
Traditional carols by candlelight for all ages. Festive refreshments to enjoy after.

St Augustine’s Church, Scaynes Hill

www.sash.org.uk

Saturday 29th November
4.30pm - Lighting of the village Christmas tree with carols and mince pies

Monday 8th December
4pm - Christingle service followed by a Christmas party tea

Sunday 21st December
6pm - Carols by Candlelight followed by mulled wine and mince pies

Christmas Eve 24th December
4pm - Crib Service
11.15pm - Midnight Holy Communion

Christmas Day 25th December
10am - Christmas morning family Communion

Christmas with the Adur Concert Band at King Edward Hall

Don’t forget to grab your ticket for Adur Concert Band’s usual popular Christmas concert. It’s early this year, but an excellent way to start your celebrations and get into the Christmas spirit.

It’s at King Edward Hall on Saturday 6th December at 7pm.
Please note the earlier time!

Tickets for this annual concert always go very quickly, so go along to Mark Revill Lindfield to get your ticket, or phone 07711 422433, or visit the St Peter & St James Hospice Shop. Tickets are just £10. This is always a fun concert of jolly Christmas music, including audience participation carols, a glass of wine and nibbles, and a raffle - raising money for St Peter & St James Hospice

Lindfield Bonfire Night

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s Lindfield Bonfire Night event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything bonfire and fireworks.

See also, Lindfield Bonfire Society

Remember, remember the fifth of November…

 Lindfield will once again celebrate bonfire night on Wednesday 5th November 2025.

 A year of fundraising and planning by Lindfield Bonfire Society (LBS) culminates on Wednesday 5th November. Starting at 7.30pm outside the Standup Inn, the torchlit procession with the Guy goes through the village, heading eventually to the common. There the traditional bonfire prayer will be said, followed by the lighting of the bonfire (8.30pm) and ending with a grand firework display (8.45pm). NB all timings are approximate.

Road closures and procession route 2025

Various road closures will be in effect on the night from 6.30pm until 9.30pm. During this time it will not be possible to use these roads with vehicles.  Please do not attempt to drive through closed roads as you endanger the safety of pedestrians and will be reported to the authorities.

 The event as usual is free to attend but, on the night, LBS holds a street collection in aid of local children’s charities. If every person that attended gave just £1 LBS would raise a phenomenal amount for its chosen charities.

 For full details check the LBS Facebook page, and website (www.lindfieldbonfiresociety.co.uk). Information is also available in the 2025 Bonfire programme which is available from many retailers in the village and beyond, or from the LBS website for a minimum donation of £2. LBS regrets that as it gets nearer to the fifth, they may be unable to respond to specific queries as they will be busy preparing for the night.

 If you are attending on the night, remember:

 ·       Please do not bring sparklers or fireworks. It is illegal to light them in a public area.
·       Please do not pick up torches that have been discarded at the side of the road.  Only Bonfire Society members, and invited societies are permitted to hold them.
·       Leave pets at home.
·       Bring your loose change to donate to our street collection. LBS also has the ability to donate digitally via SumUp QR codes, so there’s no excuse!
·       Please obey the directions of Marshals.
·       Please take your litter home with you.
·       Please walk into the village if you are able as parking is very limited in the surrounding areas

And finally, have a fun and safe night!

Click here to make a donation to LBS to contribute to its costs of staging Lindfield’s Bonfire Night

 

2025 Bonfire season starts with a bang

By Mike Webster, Membership Secretary

Lindfield Bonfire Society celebrates the start of the Sussex Bonfire season with its Badge Night and Programme launch at the Stand Up Inn on Tuesday 16th September from 7pm.
LBS’s performance-drumming friends SkullDrummery will be joining us for a bit of noise early on and we look forward to seeing lots of you coming to have a look and join in.

We will have our 2025 event programme for the 5th available to buy along with lots of special badges to add to your collections. This is an important fundraiser for LBS to continue staging our 5th November event each year, so please come and join in with this excellent social and make a donation. See you there!

A short history of Cloughs Deli in Lindfield

With thanks to David, Mark and Danny Clough

 

For nearly a century, Clough’s Deli – known variously as Cloughs Delicatessen or simply ‘Cloughs’ – stood as a cornerstone of village life in Lindfield. Its story is one of resilience, adaptation, and above all, community spirit.

 

Humble beginnings

The Clough family’s connection to Sunte Avenue began in 1934, when Albert Clough started the shop which was a launderette at the time on the site. Over time transformed: first into a general store, then a post office, and eventually into the delicatessen that many local residents remember fondly.

In those early years, resources were scarce. Albert would place just one tin of each product on the shelves to give the appearance of a fully stocked store. But his hard work and commitment laid the foundation for what became a much-loved family business. That at one time spanned into three cottages and a large store room out the back was built. 

 

Generational stewardship

After Albert suddenly passed away his son David Clough got called back from being in the national service at the time, when his dad passed to take over the reins with his brother Norman Clough. Remarkably, even into his eighties, David was still behind the counter, serving customers with charm and a smile like he had always had.  keeping the family tradition alive and dedication to quality service. In 2012, David passed formal control to his son Mark Clough, though he never fully stepped away from the shop he had spent decades nurturing. Always enjoying popping by to have a cup of tea and catch up with the regular clientele. 

By 2019, a profile in Lindfield Life described David’s enduring dedication: “After 55 years he still loves being here – he will never give up.” It was a sentiment that captured the spirit of the Cloughs: a family deeply embedded in the rhythms of the village.

 

photo of shop keepers at Cloughs

The Ocado of its day

Cloughs was more than just a shop; it was a service. Long before supermarket deliveries and online shopping, Cloughs vans were a familiar sight across Mid Sussex. In the 1990s, the family made as many as 400 deliveries per week. Locals affectionately recall that the business was ‘like the Ocado of their day’.

 

A deli with a difference

Cloughs gained a reputation for quality, specialising in a huge array of cheeses in the deli counter English and French, ‘Cloughs ham’ , locally sourced produce, specialty fine foods, Lindt chocolates and later down the line environmentally friendly goods. Its deli counter offered freshly made sandwiches, salads, and a range of catering services. It wasn’t unusual for families to rely on Cloughs for both their daily groceries and special occasions. Christmas was always a spectacle in David’s days of the Shop with rose of carefully decorated displays of Christmas goodies. 

David would spend many the late night at the shop making sure everything looked just so and keeping the shelves stocked. 

The shop also had a Post Office, David remembers when they often used to be large queues out the door of the shop for people collecting their pensions. Also had the national lottery, the most loyal of customers also were able to have an account to put all their shopping on, rather then paying at the till. 

You knew you were special if you had an ‘account at Cloughs’. 

 

It didn’t go without its struggles and scenarios!

Ranging from staff members having accidents on the ham slicing machine, surviving various credit crunchs and market crashes, severe snow weather and remaining open, vital lifeline during Covid,  break-ins, including a rather dramatic raid on the Post Office safe which is a whole story in itself!

One former staff from Cloughs Stores in the 60s. Remembers Norman Clough and brother David Clough behind the deli counter, along with Ernie and Mr Sid Frost, who worked out back. I remember Mr Clough's mother would bring Norman and David coffee and cakes from the house behind the shop. She lived there before moving to a new house across the road.

 

The final chapter

Despite its longevity, changing shopping habits and the dominance of supermarkets took their toll. In 2024, Cloughs announced it would be closing its doors after 90 years of continuous service.

For many, the closure marked the end of an era. Social media posts from the time captured the sense of loss: gratitude for decades of service, and sadness at the departure of a true village institution.

 

The future.

The building is now almost unrecognisable after being thoughtfully converted into two one-bedroom apartments by the Clough Family.

But the Clough family name lives on with the first apartment at the front, named ‘the David’, and the rear flat ‘the Norman.’ which is still in progress being built as named after Norman who ran the Deli alongside my Grandad.

building plaque for Cloughs on Sunte Avenue

A plaque outside the building also ensures that this much-loved village institution will rightfully take its place as a significant chapter in Lindfield’s history. 

St Peter and St James Hospice will Shine Bright

St Peter & St James Hospice is delighted that local school choirs will join their much-loved flagship in memory walk, Shine Bright, in Lindfield on Saturday 4th October.  
Over the coming months, participating schools will learn a unique song for Shine Bright, composed by local songwriter Jeff Topp, titled ‘You’re Not Alone’. The children will rehearse at school, and then perform together for the first time at the event.

 Becky Stevens, Relationship Fundraising Manager at the Hospice, comments: “The Sing Along for Shine Bright Project brings something really special to this year’s event, involving our younger community. I am beyond grateful to the team who helped me: Jeff Topp for the composition, Gemma Hawkins and Mark Travers for their collaboration, and Simon Janes of Homeward Bound Recording Studios in Brighton. I have heard some of the amazing children practicing already, what a fitting way to mark the hospices’ 50th anniversary year!”

 Jeff Topp, Songwriter of ‘You’re Not Alone’ adds: “It was an absolute pleasure to create this song for St Peter & St James Hospice. I wanted to create a song that was not only reflective and sensitive to the subject, but also upbeat and hopeful.”

 If you would like to enjoy the magic of the Shine Bright in-memory walk, and support our local, young stars, as they perform live on 4th October, please visit www.stpjhospice.org where you can also donate or register your place.

 To download the beautiful recording by the children, from Spotify, Apple, iTunes, Amazon or YouTube, please visit www.stpjhospice.org/youre-not-alone-song

All funds raised will help provide palliative care to people in our local community.

Puzzling murder at King Edward Hall with Lindfield Dramatic Club

By Ron Skinner

In recent years Lindfield Dramatic Club has gained a reputation for the quality of its murder mysteries. They are extremely popular, and people flock to see them. But they are no substitute for a proper play, so this year the Club’s Autumn production will be the tense and exciting Seymour Matthews thriller Anagram of Murder.

We are convinced that our regular supporters will love the twists and turns of this dramatic mystery, which is directed for us by Helen Denison. The play is set in Frinton-on-Sea in Essex. A murder is being carefully plotted in this ordinary seaside town, which will shock and amaze the local community. The murderer is convinced that nothing can possibly go wrong, but over confidence can be dangerous!

The Club is delighted to welcome several talented newcomers to the King Edward Hall stage in this intriguing play, which will keep our audiences guessing to the very end.

The play runs on Thursday 30th October until Saturday 1st November, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets (£14) are available from Bella June Flowers at 69 High Street, or online at www.tickettailor/events/lindfielddramaticclub or call 01444 456227.

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