Lindfield Life

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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 Life is published by Kipper Creative Limited    |   Follow us on Twitter  |   Facebook | Instagram