Lindfield Life

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

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!

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.

Lindfield has ten defib machines that we know about, which includes the most recent installation at Blackthorns school - located inside the school reception. Where units are INSIDE, they are only accessible during the opening hours of that premises.

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.

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

 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.

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.

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 announced early next year.

2025 success!

At Lindfield Village Run this year, nearly 650 people took part in the run, which enjoyed near-perfect running conditions on Sunday 18th May.

Full results are online now: www.kingedwardhall.org.uk/village-run

Photo credits include: Mark Tampion and Ray Turner

Mid Sussex District Council celebrates Mid Sussex Applause Awards

Celebration for the unsung heroes of Mid Sussex

Unsung heroes were celebrated at the Mid Sussex Applauds Awards 2025 - an annual event that recognises those people who go the extra mile for their community. More than 100 people attended a special ceremony that was organised by Mid Sussex District Council and held at the South of England Showground, Ardingly. Hosted by Cllr Rodney Jackson, Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, and the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Dr Timothy Fooks, there were 37 individuals, groups or businesses who were recognised for their contribution to the district.

These included nine winners, 10 highly commended and 18 commended nominees. Sponsors of the awards were: Community People, Glendale, Jobs Go Public, Orchards Shopping Centre, Places Leisure, City Science, MUFG and Chroma Vision. For a list of all winners, including those highly commended and commended, visit www.midsussexapplauds.co.uk

To see our showcase of winners and to read the full article, please click the images to enlarge them or pick up your copy of July’s Lindfield Life.

Lindfield Parish Council news - June 2025

Clerk’s update

By Santi Gil, Clerk to Lindfield Rural Parish Council
The Lindfield Village Day is being held on Saturday 31st May, starting at noon and finishing at 5pm at Lindfield Common RH16 2LD. This is a great day for the whole family with many stands and things to do, including a dog show, live music, competition tent, food and drink quarter and (drum role please) our very own Lindfield Rural Parish Council stand. On our stand we will have the Big Cuddly Toy free competition (always a hit for your children and free to enter, just guess its name?), you can meet our councillors, ask questions and see information about LRPC, of course Sarah and I will be there to chat with you and out two little mascots Alfie the Bearded Collie and Lissi the Rough Collie - if that isn’t enough we always have a few jars of sweets and dog biscuits for you and your four legged friends!!

Again, we would love to see you there and have a chat Permission has been granted by the Planning Inspectorate for 90 dwellings with open space to be built at the Walstead site. Mid Sussex planning reference number DM/24/0446 for the location at Scamps Hill, Lindfield, RH16 2GT. LRPC opposed this application as a consultee and Cllr. Christian Bode attended the inquiry on behalf of the council. Below is a small section of the final finding for you to view.

To read the full newsletter, pick up a copy of June’s Lindfield Life or click the images to enlarge rhem.

Orla now serving in Lindfield High Street

Previously featured in the January issue of this magazine, where Lindfield resident Ian Brunsdon had got to the quarter finals of MasterChef, we are now happy to report that Ian has opened his own restaurant on the High Street.

Ian and his wife Ellen met working in hospitality back in 2015, and vowed one day to open their own place together. Orla Restaurant & Rooms is the reality of that vision, which they have named after their two children.
“We have felt so welcomed into the village,” Ian said, “with people looking through the windows and popping in for a chat while renovations were ongoing. “Now that we are open, we are looking forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces into the restaurant.”

Ian has been working in kitchens since he was 15, and has worked in France and Australia, returning to work in Jeremy’s at Borde Hill and, more recently, head chef at Bolney Wine Estate – which he did for six years.
“Ellen and I had been researching and looking around for a few years, but when we found 67 High Street, it felt like the perfect location.”

They have been hands-on for the refurbishment, which took five weeks, and now includes a ‘sit at the pass’ area where guests can be fully immersed next to the chefs. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Orla offers an a la Carte menu with lunchtime classics and evening tasting menus with wine pairing.

Newsletter from Mid Sussex District Council - April 2025

Click to enlarge

Raising awareness of heat pumps

Heat pumps are relatively rare in residential properties in the UK – there are only around 250,000 currently. This means that the vast majority of people will never (knowingly) have seen a home with a heat pump.

Nesta, the charity that focuses on innovation including a sustainable future, wants everyone in the UK to be able to visit a heat pump near them and get the support they need.

Visit a heat pump combines a digital platform along with recruitment and training of heat pump hosts, providing a full end-to-end service for the public to visit a heat pump and get further support to help them build their confidence. So far, nearly 400 hosts are listed and Nesta is aiming for over 1,000 visits in the next few months.

Anyone interested in being a host or visiting a heat pump can register their interest at: www.visitaheatpump.com

Click to enlarge

Sign up to our digital newsletter!

Want to keep in the loop with what’s happening in your local community? Then sign up to our digital Mid Sussex Matters newsletter, a monthly email to help residents stay up to date with what’s going on at the Council and in the wider district. Scan the QR code or visit our website www.midsussex.gov.uk to subscribe and join thousands of residents who are already taking advantage of this valuable resource. Let’s work together for a better Mid Sussex.

To read the full newsletter, click the images to enlarge them or pick up April’s Lindfield Life today.

Karate dojo open at Oathall in Lindfield

There is a new beginner’s class, for those wanting to learn karate in Lindfield.

The class started last month at Oathall Community College on Monday evenings, and Becky MacSweeney is the leader.
Becky’s own journey into the sport, begun when she went along to classes with her own children just over two years ago. She loved it so much, she started competing nationally and has ten gold medals to date, including regional champion two years in a row!
“I love watching people learn karate,” Becky explained. “Seeing them learn a form of self defence, growing in confidence and winning medals, as they do.”

Becky – who still trains six hours a week – is helped by Senpai Marli and Maddie, plus also Sachin, at Oathall (part of the Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Cuckfield dojo).
Lindfield resident Stuart Todd, who trains with Becky, said: “I love the elements of discipline, control and confidence that karate brings to me and those that I train with, from young children to those more advanced in years. My fitness levels and flexibility have been positively impacted and also been a huge advantage in every day life.”

For more information about karate, email: skrycler@ gkrkarate.com.

https://www.gkrkarate.com/locations/listing/gkr-karate-haywards-heath-occ/

Lindfield Horticultural Society

By Christine Cawley

Lindfield Horticultural Society (LHS) has been at the heart of village life since its inception back in 1945. Much has changed in the intervening 80 years, but gardening remains a passion for many Lindfield residents, and new generations are bringing a fresh outlook to how we tend our gardens.

The LHS is keen to embrace change, whilst still maintaining the traditions for which it is known and loved, and is inviting members and non-members alike to a Coffee Morning at the King Edward Hall on Saturday 8th February from 10am to 12noon.

As well as providing an opportunity to meet fellow gardeners and enjoy tea, coffee and home-made cakes, this event will highlight current and future projects planned by the LHS.
It will also feature the annual seed swap and the unveiling of the new 2025 schedule.

Other local organisations, including Greener Lindfield, the Eastern Road Nature Reserve and Lindfield in Bloom, will also be there to showcase their own aims and activities.
Along with the traditional flower and produce shows, talks and outings, the LHS is trying out some innovative new ideas in 2025, with gardening masterclasses, flower arranging workshops, visits to members’ gardens and a special rose event.
This coffee morning will showcase these and much more, and there will also be the opportunity to chat to the committee and to put your gardening questions to a team of experienced gardeners.

If you’re interested in joining the Lindfield Horticultural Society, you can do so on the day, visit www.lindfieldhorts.org.uk or contact Membership Secretary, Jacqui Essen, at membership@lindfieldhorts. org.uk.

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