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

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

All photos © Mark Tampion (Click to enlarge)

A post-Christmas dash out of the door 2025

By Claire Cooper Dozens of Lindfield residents will be donning their festive fancy dress on Boxing Day to celebrate Christmas in their own unique way – by taking part in the popular Denmans Lane Dash.
The annual event sees competitors of all ages, and even the odd dinosaur, racing from the High Steet end of Denmans Lane to the Hickmans Lane end and back, while carrying half pints of beer, on a mission to be the first to cross the line without spilling a drop.

Organised by Ray Gower, this year’s event marks the 10th anniversary of the Dash, which started as a way for him and his friends to get out in the fresh air and beat the Boxing Day blues.
“It’s actually our 11th year, but Covid got in the way back in 2020,” said Ray. “It’s a wonderful milestone to reach bearing in mind it was only planned for that one year back in 2015.”

To mark the milestone, Ray has introduced a couple of changes this year. Firstly, the number of participants has been increased to 75 giving many more residents the opportunity to take part. “Secondly, with the increase in numbers and to slow the race down, this year’s event will be a fast-walking race rather than a run, placing more emphasis on keeping more beer in the glass as competitors cross the finish line.”

Over the years the Denmans Lance Dash has raised thousands of pounds for local charities and this year the event is supporting Prostate Cancer UK. “The charity is one dear to my heart, with so many people affected by the disease,” added Ray. “I’m really looking forward to this year’s event and hope that we see a great turn out again this year.”

The Dash is supported by Andi Frost at the Stand Up, where residents, aged 18 and over, can sign up to secure their place in the event from 1st December.

The fun kicks off at 1pm on Boxing Day at the corner of Denmans Lane and the High Street.
For updated information, keep an eye on the Denmans Lane Dash Facebook page.

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

February’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 6th January
Delivery between 17th - 23rd January

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

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.

Haywards Heath Music Society's forthcoming season

Saturday 18th October at 3pm at Haywards Heath Methodist Church: Milo Harper, harp with flute and cello ensemble
15th November at 3pm at Methodist Church: Liturina Chamber Group
28th February at 3pm at Methodist Church: The Fibonacci Quartet
21st March at 3pm at Methodist Church: Baroque Alchemy
25th April at 7.30pm at St Wilfrid's Haywards Heath: Trio Archai

Tickets: £17 - Under 18/Student £5
Book via WeGotTickets or telephone 01444 456227
www.haywardsheathmusicsociety.org.uk

100km walk completed for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice

Simon and friends walk 100km

Lindfield dad Simon Geere and friends John Lucas and Marc Davies are celebrating after completing a challenging 100km fundraising walk from Winchester to Arundel.
The friends were walking the third and final section of the South Downs Way to raise funds for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice, in memory of Simon’s daughter Lola who died from cancer in 2021.

Over the last four years Simon, his family and friends have raised more than £14,000 for various children’s cancer charities by completing organised walks covering the South Downs Way.
“The events have been amazing, but this year it felt right to push the boat out and complete the last 100km of the South Downs Way ‘au natural’,” said Simon. “Just us, our rucksacks and our inane chat - no organised hikes, no marshals, no first aiders, no food stops, no portaloos - just us making it up as we go along and doing our best to raise as much money as possible for a charity that has helped to support my family when we needed it most.”

The trio set off from Winchester at 6.30am on Thursday 4th September and reached Arundel by Friday night.
“After 100km, more than 20 hours of walking, 10 big hills, a lot of rain, some very sore legs and more than a few hilarious moments, we did it!” said Simon. “It was one of the toughest endurance challenges I’veever taken on, but also one of the most rewarding. The views were stunning, and the support has been incredible. Together, we’ve raised more than £3,100 for Chestnut Tree House — helping make a real difference to children and families who need it most. Thank you to my walking comrades John and Marc, and to everyone who donated, cheered us on, or chatted to us along the way. Now for some well-earned rest, and maybe fewer hills for a while!”

Simon’s JustGiving page is still open for anyone wanting to chip in, simply click here.

Lindfield Arts Festival

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

Lindfield Arts Festival is an annual art exhibition on a trail around Lindfield, featuring many talented local artists.

See also, Lindfield Arts Festival on Facebook

2025’s Lindfield Arts Festival annual art exhibition will be held on Saturday 27th September at King Edward Hall between 10am and 4pm.

By Hilary Kennett

The Lindfield Arts Festival annual art exhibition will be held on Saturday 27th September at King Edward Hall between 10am and 4pm, with more artists than ever exhibiting. More than 30 artists will be proudly showing their work, including some familiar faces and several new exhibitors.

It is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to get to know the artists and their work, and also for the artists themselves to get together in a relaxed informal manner. With such a variety of work including ceramics, painting, cards and printmaking, there truly is something for everyone. We are also thrilled to include Headway Sussex this year as both an exhibitor celebrating creativity and recovery, and also as host for tea and cakes.

Headway Sussex is a local charity providing life-changing support to adults living with acquired brain injuries and their families. Roxanne Thomas from Headway says: “Our services help people rebuild their confidence, skills and independence through counselling, one-to-one outreach sessions, social groups, support groups, hospital liaison service and Hubs. “For many people living with brain injuries, creative activities like painting, drawing and mixed media art offer far more than a hobby. They are a vital form of therapy – helping to improve cognitive function, fine motor skills, and emotional expression. “Art can unlock a sense of purpose, reduce anxiety, and support communication when words are hard to find. Most importantly, it allows individuals to share their stories and experiences in their own unique way. “We’re incredibly grateful to Lindfield Arts Festival team for warmly welcoming us to this year’s event and providing a platform for our clients’ voices to be seen and heard through art, and we hope you’ll come along to see their powerful and personal work.”

To find out more about their services or how to support them, visit: www.headwaysussex.org.uk Please do support this wonderful organisation by having a cuppa, some cake and a chat. We can’t wait to welcome you all on the day!

Lindfield Parish Council looking for co-opted Councillor

Since its formation in 1987 Lindfield Parish Council has worked with residents to support village life. Notable events include the annual Christmas Festival Night, initiating Spring and Autumn Clean events and producing a Neighbourhood Plan to support appropriate development whilst protecting the village’s historic conservation area and green spaces. Current projects include seeking to introduce 20mph speed limits within the village.

If you want to help maintain and enhance our beautiful village, perhaps you could stand as a co-opted Councillor representing your community. The role is voluntary, but most importantly, you will be in a position to develop plans for the future of Lindfield and deliver projects in support of village life. By becoming a Councillor, you become someone your community will look to for help, guidance and support - a community leader with the power to influence decisions for the benefit of the people you serve. The role would include:

Attending Full Council and becoming a member of two committees (plus working groups). Representing the views of residents within the parish.
• As part of the council, you will have responsibility for running local services which include: Wilderness Field, Denmans Lane Allotments, Denmans Lane Public Toilets and potentially more.
• Deciding on how much to raise through the precept (council tax) to deliver local services.
• Influencing and shaping the long-term development policy for the parish, and as part of the planning process, commenting on planning applications in the parish.
• Improving the quality of life and the environment in the local area.
• Working to identify issues which are important to the lives of the residents.
• Working to bring about improvements through local projects.
• Engaging with other service providers (e.g. District & County Councils) and working in partnership with other parishes and agencies.

You do not need any experience or belong to a political party; just enthusiasm, an ability to develop and implement projects with other members, alongside building relationships within the village and with District and County Councillors. Training for the role will be offered and is encouraged.
Ideally, the successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:
• Forward thinking
• A good team player
• Good interpersonal skills and able to contribute opinions at meetings whilst willing to see others views and accept majority decisions.
• Ability to listen constructively
• Basic IT skills
• Willingness to undertake training.

You will be supported by a small but experienced Parish Office team. Please contact the Parish Clerks on 01444 484115 or clerks@lindfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk if you would like to know more about standing for co-option or would like a chat with one of our existing councillors about this opportunity.

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