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.

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.

Lindfield Society newsletter - January 2025

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.

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

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

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

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.

Mid Sussex District Council news - November 2024

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Urban Events mark the first steps taken in new partnership for Burgess Hill

Following the Council’s recent decision to progress the formation of a Joint Venture with NewRiver REIT plc (NewRiver), which aims to deliver the redevelopment of Martlets Shopping Centre in Burgess Hill, both parties are jointly delivering a series of activities to mark their commitment to the partnership and help enliven the school holiday and festive periods for the local community. ‘Urban Events’ is a series of free activities during October half-term and in the run up to Christmas, aimed at young people aged 8-16 to bring local people together and drive activity into the town centre. Details of the events can be found on Mid Sussex District Council’s website and on social media. Search Urban Events on www.midsussex.gov.uk

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Mid Sussex libraries host free events to support Positive Ageing

This month is the first West Sussex Positive Ageing Month with a series of free events for residents offering information and advice on healthy ageing. As a joint initiative between West Sussex County Council’s Library Service and Public Health, all libraries in Mid Sussex will offer information and book displays on healthy ageing while selected libraries, including Haywards Heath and East Grinstead, will hold events. Depending on venue, these will include health and wellbeing checks, hearing tests, physical movement assessments and expert talks on maintaining wellbeing as you grow older. For more information visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/positiveageing

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

Lindfield Repair Café celebrates third anniversary

By Nicola Coughlin

November sees Lindfield Repair Café celebrate its 3-year anniversary. “This month is about giving huge thanks to all our amazing volunteers,” said founder Trevor Carpenter. ‘Without every one of them, our Repair Café would not have been such a great success. Thanks also to all our very supportive visitors, many of whom are now regulars.

The Repair Café has had nearly 3,000 visitors since it first opened its doors in November 2021 and more than 2,300 repairs have been completed. Crucially, this means that all these items have been prevented from going to landfill and furthermore, energy and resources have been saved in avoiding the need for replacements to be manufactured.

Many treasured items are also being restored. Last month, 94-year-old Nelly brought in her Carrom board (pictured), and skilled repairers Marta and Paul are working together to restore it for her.

“The Repair Café is so well run and offers such a fantastic local service,” said visitor Simon Drane. ‘I was so pleased that Nick was able to fix our statue. It’s great to see the community pull together in this way, reducing waste and offering items a new lease of life.”

As well as welcoming several local community projects to the Repair Café, collection points have been set up for recycling used candle wax and batteries.

In November, donations of green electric circuit boards are being collected so that children in the Kids Room can make the word ‘Computer’ from them. Please bring along any printed circuit boards that you no longer need or contact lindfieldrepaircafe@gmail.com.

Lindfield Repair Café volunteers also offer computer advice and can help with many technical issues. Lindfield Repair Café is held at Lindfield United Reformed Church, between 10am-1pm. Forthcoming events: Saturday 2nd November, Saturday 7th December, and Saturday 4th January.

Thank you concert by Ukrainian Voices in All Saints Church, Lindfield

Ukrainian Voices Choir

By Liudmyla Horielaia

When more than 100 refugees from Ukraine came to Mid Sussex two years ago to escape the war, All Saints Church in Lindfield became one of the most important centres of help and communication.
Every week the church has held English lessons, kindly organised by the local community. The atmosphere in the church was so supportive and friendly that it quickly became a favourite meeting place for Ukrainians.

Here, you could get answers to questions related to your stay in England, make new acquaintances, and just have a nice time over a cup of tea and cakes. Today, when many families from Ukraine have already settled down, found work and housing, they still come to the church as a favourite place.

The idea of organising an evening of Ukrainian music at All Saints Church was born as a token of gratitude to the local community for the enormous support provided to refugees from Ukraine during their difficult time. The concert is also important to show people that Ukraine is more than war and politics and to share the rich musical heritage of their country.
We invite you to join us for an evening filled with to refugees from Ukraine during their difficult time. The concert is also important to show people that Ukraine is more than war and politics and to share the rich musical heritage of their country. beautiful Ukrainian melodies. The concert will take place on 12th October at 6pm in All Saints Church.

The Ukrainian Voices choir, made up of refugees from Ukraine and based in Brighton, will perform traditional and modern Ukrainian songs. Their repertoire spans a range of genres, from heartfelt ballads to reggae, they also have plenty of upbeat folk tunes that will have you tapping your feet and clapping along.

Let their voices transport you to Ukraine, to preserve and pass on the musical culture of their country.

Mid Sussex District Council October newsletter 2024

Please be vigilant of fraudulent QR codes!

We were recently informed by our Enforcement Officers of an issue regarding fraudulent QR codes found on payment machines across our council-owned car parks.
These QR codes, which falsely claim to be for the PaybyPhone service, are designed to trick individuals into handing over their card details. It is important to note that Mid Sussex District Council does not use PaybyPhone for parking payments and uses MiPermit.
The Council’s Enforcement Officers acted swiftly to remove the fake QE codes and are dedicated to continuing to maintain the security of parking facilities, preventing crime and ensuring the safety of residents. Councillor Chris Hobbs, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services said: “We are asking residents not to scan these QR codes for their own protection. Our enforcement officers, who play a crucial role in ensuring the security of our parking facilities, were the first to spot and highlight this issue. Their quick action has been essential in mitigating the risk posed by these fraudulent QR codes.”
For more information or to report any concerns, please contact the council’s parking team at parkinginfo@midsussex.gov.uk or by calling 01444 458166.

Apply for one of our Community Grants!

The Mid Sussex District Council Community Grants Programme is now open! This initiative underscores the Council’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community by supporting local groups in the delivery of their projects and events. Eligible groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000. The deadline for submissions for this round is 23rd September, but there are multiple rounds every year so keep an eye on our website for future dates.
We recently expanded the programme’s criteria to include pressing challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis, poverty, and climate change. These updates reflect the Council’s dedication to promoting sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of residents across the district.
Councillor Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications said: “Our District has many local organisations and charities that are all making a difference in our communities, and the programme is designed to celebrate and support these groups.
“We want to encourage groups to be creative in supporting sustainability goals and ensure that funding is actively benefiting our communities.”
Community groups interested in applying for a grant are encouraged to visit the Council’s website and search ‘Community Grants’ for more information and how to apply. To help groups succeed in their applications, we encourage groups to arrange a call with the communities team before submitting. For any questions, groups can contact the Council directly via email at communities@ midsussex.gov.uk.

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

Lindfield Parish Council October newsletter - 2024

COULD YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE HELP CHANGE A YOUNG PERSON’S LIFE?

West Sussex County Council currently cares for 487 young people aged 16+, who need support and guidance before they can live independently. For some, the focus will be on teaching practical skills – cooking, cleaning, budgeting, laundry – for others it will be about providing emotional support and advocacy. If you have a spare room and a kind heart, please consider becoming a Supported Lodgings Host yourself. Or play your part by starting conversations with family and friends. In return, Supported Lodgings Hosts with WSCC receive training, ongoing professional support, and fees from £15k a year (per young person). For more information, visit www.fosteringwestsussex.org.uk/supported-lodgings

AUTUMN CLEAN 2024 – SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER, 9.30am – 1pm

Please join us and help tidy up areas of the village. We will be meeting at the King Edward Hall (Newcombe Hall) where you will be asked to assist with litter collection, cleaning street furniture, or cutting back vegetation or similar activities. Everyone is welcome – children to be supervised by their parents or adult group leaders please. Bring your own gloves and wear sensible footwear. Hi-viz jackets, litter pickers, and sacks will be provided. If you would like to take part please register for the event using the following link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/z6tp879

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

Mid Sussex District Council September newsletter - 2024

Four Mid Sussex District Council parks receive coveted Green Flag Award

Mid Sussex District Council is delighted to announce that four parks in the District have received Green Flag Awards after achieving an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

Beech Hurst Gardens and Victoria Park in Haywards Heath, St. John’s Park in Burgess Hill, and East Court and Ashplats Park in East Grinstead, in collaboration with East Grinstead Town Council and East Grinstead Memorial Estates, have been officially recognised as some of the country’s finest parks.

The news is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green spaces in the District so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy them.

Councillor Chris Hobbs, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services, said: “We are thrilled that four of our parks have received the Green Flag Award. This award highlights the hard work and dedication of our team who ensure our parks are well-maintained and enjoyable for everyone.

“It is wonderful to see our green spaces recognised as some of the best in the country and we are committed to keeping these parks beautiful for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

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

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