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 will be held on Sunday 1st June.

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The roadmap for Lindfield Arts Festival this 1st June 2025 is as follows:

No 1 - 12 Compton Road
Irene Burns

No 2 - 222 The Welkin
Carrie Britton

No 3 - 36 Noahs Ark Lane
Herta Kingdom
Jenny Sturrock
Nick Gardiner

No 4 - Little Gravelye, Gravelye Lane
Hilary Steel

No 5 - 63 Bentswood Crescent
Suzi Alfred
Ayo

No 6 - 42 Meadow Lane
Carol-Lynne Duffy
Elizabeth Ockford
Hilary Kennett
Nicola Baker
Rebecca Herrington

For more info contact hilary.kennett@lindfieldarts.com.

Lindfield Parish Council news - June 2025

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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!!

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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.

Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - June 2025

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Your garden waste bin

Summer is on its way, and that means more time in the garden. Here’s a reminder of what can, and can’t, be put in your garden waste bin with some useful questions and answers:

What happens if I put the wrong items in my bin?
Your bin will not be emptied and a tag will be left on it. You will need to remove any unacceptable items before your next collection.

Why can I not put food waste and fruit and vegetable peelings in my bin?
Regulations that were introduced to prevent the spread of diseases like Foot and Mouth limit the materials that can be composted in the open air. The facility we use is not licensed to take these materials.

Why can I not put pet bedding in my bin?
Regulations mean that we are not able to take animal bedding or waste in our garden bins. Even where the animals are vegetarian and the bedding is hay or straw the waste is still the by-product of an animal. We suggest this material is composted at home.

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Why can I not put large amounts of soil in my bin?
Unfortunately large amounts of soil inhibit the effective production of the compost.

What about non-native invasive plants?
Non-native invasive plants upset the balance of the ecosystem as they may be bigger, faster growing or more aggressive than the native species. Please do not place any part of Japanese Knotweed, or any other invasive weeds, including Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Australian Swamp Stonecrop, Parrots Feather, Floating Pennywort and Creeping Water Primrose, in your garden bin.

I have leaves from a confirmed infected ash dieback tree or I live in an area where the infection has been confirmed. What do I do?
Do not put leaves from an infected tree in your garden waste bin. You may leave infected leaves where they fall, however, if you do clear them, you should burn or bury affected leaves in your garden or compost them (but only in your garden). If leaves are used for compost, do not remove the compost from your garden eg to an allotment.

How much garden waste can I put in my bin?
The lid on the bin needs to be closed to enable it to be emptied. If you compact materials in your bin, it may result in the bin being either too heavy for the equipment to life for emptying or the bin falling into the lorry. If the bin is too heavy, then it will have a tag placed on it and will be emptied once the weight is reduced.

For more information visit www.midsussex.gov.uk

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

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.

Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - May 2025

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Council takes next steps to secure new cultural offer at Clair Hall

Mid Sussex District Council will go out to the market to take plans for a new cultural offer at Clair Hall to the next stage. Cabinet councillors have agreed to go out to procurement to find a cultural partner who can work with the Council to provide a three-screen cinema with a food and drink offer at Clair Hall. The aim is that the largest cinema would also be able to host and stage live performances. The Council hopes to have found an operator by the summer so that the next step to find a developer for the scheme can begin. Visit www.midsussex.gov.uk for more information.

Skate Fest is back for May half term!

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Fancy brushing up on some skateboarding skills or even trying it for the first time? Then come along to one of our free community Skate Fest events during May half term. You don’t need to book, just turn up on the day at any one of three events during the school holidays. All ages are welcome. The events will be happening on: Tuesday 27th May @ St John’s Park, Burgess Hill 2 – 4.30 pm Wednesday 28th May @ Victoria Park, Haywards Heath 2 – 4.30 pm Thursday 29th May @ King George’s Field, East Grinstead 2 – 4.30 pm Cllr Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications, said: “It’s great that we’re holding these skate events again as they’re always so popular for all ages. Grab your skateboard and come and join us!”

To read the full newsletter, pick up your copy of May’s Lindfield Life or click the images to enlarge them,

Lindfield Parish Council newsletter - April 2025

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VILLAGE ROADSHOW – WEDNESDAY 7TH MAY 2025

Lindfield Parish Council is delighted to announce that it will be hosting a Village Roadshow on Wednesday 7th May. This will incorporate the annual Parish Meeting. This event aims to showcase the work of local groups and charities operating within our village. The event is free for all residents to attend. The Friends of Eastern Road Nature Reserve and Friends of Lindfield Playgrounds will be attending and giving presentations. The event takes place at the King Edward Hall. Doors open at 7pm, with presentations starting at 7.40pm. The event will finish at 9pm.

If you are a Lindfield-based charity or not-for-profit group and are interested in having a stall at the event, please contact us at 01444 484115 or clerks@ lindfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk. Stalls will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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SPRING CLEAN – SATURDAY 26TH APRIL 2025

The Parish Council will be attending Lindfield Village Day (Saturday 31st May) and Eastern Road Nature Reserve 30th Anniversary (10th May).

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

Newsletter from Mid Sussex District Council - April 2025

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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

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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.

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

2025’s Lindfield Village Run is scheduled for 18th May 2025.

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Road closures on 18th May 2025

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Lindfield Village Run takes place on Sunday 18th May, and, as a result, there are various road closures operating between 10.30am and 1pm on that day. As well as closures affecting College Road (south of Ardingly College), there are also a number of times when Hickmans Lane will be closed to traffic between Finches Park Road, and The Welkin, in order to allow runners to cross the road safely. Please drive around this area.

Sign up to run this year’s Village Run on 18th May 2025

With Lindfield’s annual village run coming up at the end of the month, the streets here can often be seen bursting with eager participants, keen to get training for the event on Sunday 18th May.
Seen as one of the most challenging traditional cross-country runs in the county, Lindfield Village Run comes in two flavours; 5k and 10k – although the organisers recognise the distances aren’t quite exact!

Last year, over 600 runners took part across both races. However, with ever-increasing costs of hosting such an event, the organising team have decided to cap the number of entrants in order to be more efficient and avoid wastage of items like entry forms and medals. So, it’s a case of reserve your spot early; bookings can be made now online at www.kingedwardhall.org.uk. There is a possibility that runners may not be able to sign up on the morning of the run.

The event is part of a duo of fundraising activity with Lindfield Village Day (Sat 31st May), the profits from which go back to Lindfield’s King Edward Hall – a registered charity in its own right.
This year, the run is being supported yet again by local businesses Six Physio and Potential Personal Training – whose financial support helps to keep the entry costs down.

“The run is a highlight of our calendar,” Six Physio’s Alex Keogh said. “Seeing so many familiar faces of all ages running together is fantastic. Supporting this great community event, cheering the runners on and watching them cross the finish line is brilliant.”

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/

Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - March 25

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Green thumbs up from Mid Sussex residents

More than 99% of Mid Sussex residents believe that recycling is important with more than 91% making an effort to recycle at home, according to a survey carried out in January by West Sussex County Council.

Of those surveyed, a majority of 51% said they were very happy with their current fortnightly collection service for general waste and recycling, batteries and small electricals.

Although 43.7% said they rarely threw items in the rubbish bin because they were unsure if they could be recycled, nearly 40% said they were sometimes unsure about what could go in their recycling bin.

Items that caused most confusion for recycling were plant pots, garden waste, shredded paper and batteries.

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Councillor Chris Hobbs, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services at Mid Sussex District Council, said: “It’s fantastic, and very heartening, to see that so many of our residents support recycling. We’ve got a really helpful guide on what can, and can’t, be recycled so that we can get even more items out of the general rubbish bin and into recycling. One of the key things to remember is that everything going into the recycling bin has to be clean, dry and loose and not in a plastic bag.”

The recycling rate in Mid Sussex is already 41.8% which puts the district well on its way to hitting the Government’s national recycling target of 55% by 2035.

To read the full newsletter, pick up your copy of March’s Lindfield Life or click the images to enlarge them.

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.

MSDC's February newsletter

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Children can look forward to more free fun Playdays for the February half-term. Organised by Mid Sussex District Council, the indoor events will be run from 2pm – 4pm and there’s no need to book, just turn up and take part. There’ll be a host of different activities for children, up to age 10, at the following venues:

• Tuesday 18th Feb @ Kings Centre, Burgess Hill, RH15 9LR
• Wednesday 19th Feb @ Jubilee Centre, East Grinstead, RH19 2HL
• Friday 21st Feb @ Dolphin Leisure Centre, Haywards Heath, RH16 1LY

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Cllr Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications, said: “Our popular free Playdays are back for February half-term. We’re so pleased to be organising these free activities for local families once again. Please come along and join in. We’ll see you there!”

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

Forthcoming copy dates

2025 Copy Dates for Lindfield Life magazine

July’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 3rd June
Delivery between 14th - 20th June

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August’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 8th July
Delivery between 19th - 25th July

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September’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 12th August
Delivery between 23rd - 29th August

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October’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 9th September
Delivery between 20th - 26th September

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November’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 7th October
Delivery between 18th - 24th October

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December’s Lindfield Life
Copy date 4th November
Delivery between 15th - 21st November

Lindfield Society newsletter - January 2025

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Gladman Development

The announcement of Gladman Development’s (GD) proposed 90-unit estate on the north of Scamps Hill kicked-off the year. The Lindfield Society submitted strong objections based on non-compliance with current planning policies. During protracted planning discussions with the Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC), GD filed an appeal despite not having a final ruling. The Appeal Inquiry was scheduled to begin on 10th December but has been delayed until 2025. The pre-inquiry evidence exchange showed that GD challenged the validity of the current MSDC District Plan, which currently excludes the Scamps Hill site from development. Due to publication deadlines, we cannot print an outcome, but we will have full coverage of the meeting on our website. Related documentation can be viewed on the MSDC website https://pa.midsussex.gov.uk/online-applications/ Using reference AP/24/0044, select the ‘Appeals’ tab.

Lindfield Society talks programme

Our programme of free talks continues in King Edward Hall. We roamed from the Trolleys of Lisbon to the Artic Home of the Polar Bear in 2024. In 2025, we’ll visit Treasures in St Petersburg, hear about writing comedy for TV, and walk the Sussex Downs with Ian Everest. A complete listing is available on our website and the Jubilee notice board on Denmans Lane at High Street. Our talks are well attended and provide a forum where the management committee can discuss current planning issues with the membership.

Website enhancements

We may have mentioned our newly updated website at www.lindfieldsociety.org.uk, which has an easy-toreach layout to find information on any of the above topics. The most exciting announcement is our ability to accept payments through our JustGiving page, so it is possible to join, renew, or make donations entirely online through the Society website using debit or credit cards of your choice. Your contributions will also be eligible for Gift Aid, which will benefit the Society over and beyond your donation. Please have a look and let us know what you think. We want to thank all our members for your continuing support in 2024 and wish you all a very happy New Year!

To read the full newsletter, please click the image to enlarge it.

Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - Jan 2025

Pay your council tax by direct debit – and make life easier

Around 80% of residents in Mid Sussex pay their council tax by direct debit. Now Mid Sussex District Council is encouraging more people to switch and pay the same way.

Cllr Simon Hicks, Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenue and Benefits, said: “Direct debit is the easiest and most efficient way of paying your council tax. You have a choice of three dates for payment and you can pay over 10 or 12 months as well as annually or biannually.

“Most of our residents choose direct debit because it’s easy, safe and secure. We never take more than the amount you have to pay and it renews automatically each year. It also keeps our administration costs down. Paying by direct debit also means residents never get into arrears with payments. For those who are in arrears, we have now introduced text messaging, emails and calls, as a reminder to pay before we need to go through a formal process of recovering the outstanding amount of council tax.”

For further information on how to pay by direct debit, go to www.midsussex.gov.uk and search “how to pay”.

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Bulky waste

This service restarts on Monday 6th January 2025. For more information visit the link above.

To read the full newsletter, click the images to enlarge them or pick up your copy of January’s Lindfield Life.

Lindfield Parish Council newsletter - Jan 2025

HIGH STREET JUNCTION ACCIDENT AND NEAR-MISS REPORTS

Following West Sussex County Council’s (WSCC) decision not to support HGV restriction at the narrow ‘bakery corner’ junction of the Lewes Road with the High Street, Lindfield Parish Council (LPC) is compiling reports of incidents at this location with a view to asking WSCC to reconsider its stance. Please note any serious accidents should be reported directly to Sussex Police.
Concerns regarding the safety of the highway should be reported directly to West Sussex County Council.

LPC knows that WSCC’s current approach to Traffic Regulation Order requests under the Community Highways Scheme includes information reported in road collision and casualty data provided by police reports, but considers that this data source potentially understates the issues at this location, where ‘near misses’ on the narrow, unprotected pavement are a daily feature of village life. This data will solely be used to build an evidence base of incidents at the junction of Lewes Road and Lindfield High Street.

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

Join a new hiking group in Lindfield

Love walking? Why not join a new, free, monthly hiking group for people who enjoy walking, and prefer company – it’s called Walkie Talkies!

Walks will take place on the last Sunday of every month, starting 29th December 2024.

Hikers will enjoy local, walks (of approximately 8km initially) along with an opportunity to meet new people while exploring beautiful trails around Lindfield and Sussex.

The walks are being organised by Simon Geere, a Lindfield local with a love for hiking. “Over the past three years, I’ve explored the beautiful trails across Sussex, including the stunning South Downs,” he said. “I’m passionate about encouraging more people to lace up their walking boots, enjoy the fresh air, and discover the incredible countryside we’re lucky to have on our doorstep. Hiking is great for your physical health and wellbeing.
“So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, I’d love for you to join our free monthly hiking group boots, waterproofs and a smile!”

Contact Simon at lindfieldhikes@gmail.com to register your interest in December / January hikes and to find out more.

Lindfield Parish Council's newsletter - December 2024

Chairman’s Update

Scamps Hill – 90 house development Our understanding is that the developer has appealed against the time taken by MSDC to make a decision regarding the application received although we understand that MSDC will be defending their position.

The appeal is to be heard on the 10th December, we have not been notified of the venue yet. A representative from the Parish Council is hoping to be invited to speak at the appeal. LRPC continues to oppose this speculative development, in summary the reasons are: The site has previously been excluded for development in the adopted Local Plan and is speculative and not required to meeting housing needs. The highway proposals fail to meet current guidance for active travel and public transport and introduce an access at the least safe location on the site frontage with maximum negative impact to hedgerows and visual amenity. We consider that the Transport Assessment is flawed with errors, inaccuracies and unfounded assumptions.

If you want to read more about this application, then visit the MSDC website looking for planning applications ref DM/24/0446

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To read the full newsletter, click the images to enlarge them or pick up for December copy of Lindfield Life today.

Mid Sussex District Council December newsletter - 2024

Christmas bin collections

Rubbish, recycling and food waste collections will change between 23rd December until 3rd January for the Christmas and New Year period and garden collections will pause for two weeks.

Festive Collection Date

Saturday 21st December
Monday 23rd December
Tuesday 24th December
Friday 27th December
Saturday 28th December
No Change
No Change
Thursday 2nd January 2025
Friday 3rd January
Saturday 4th January
No Change

Normal Collection Date

Monday 23rd December
Tuesday 24th December
Wednesday 25th December
Thursday 26th December
Friday 27th December
Monday 30th December
Tuesday 31st December
Wednesday 1st January
Thursday 2nd January
Friday 3rd January
Monday 6th January onwards

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To read the full newsletter click the images to enlarge them or pick up your copy of December’s Lindfield Life.

Lindfield’s Remembrance Sunday

Welcome to Lindfield Life’s Remembrance information page. Here you will find our most recent information for all things Remembrance Sunday.

See also, Lindfield Parish Council
and All Saints Church

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2024

Members of the Lindfield branch of the Royal British Legion are busy preparing for the annual Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Services.

From 4th November, poppies will be on sale daily at the gazebo on the High Street.

On Sunday 10th November at 2.45pm, there will be wreath laying at the memorial outside All Saints Church followed by a memorial service at 3pm.

On 11th November, at 10.50am, members will gather at the War Memorial outside All Saints Church for wreath laying and to remember those who sacrificed their lives at 11am.