Light Up Hassocks

Welcome to Hassocks Life’s Light Up Hassocks information page. Here you will find our most recent information for all things Light Up Hassocks.

See also, Light Up Hassocks on Facebook

Light up Hassocks 2026 will be on 4th December

Light Up Hassocks, it’s Christmas

News from the Light Up Hassocks Elves!

Come and enjoy this wonderful community event on Friday 5th December between 4pm and 8pm! The evening will host a children’s parade, food court, late-night shopping, funfair, lots of live music, and local community groups. We can also announce that there will be an absolute sackload of Christmas magic!

To make sure all this festive fun happens safely we will have a road closure in effect 4pm to 8pm.

Keymer Road will be closed from Woodsland Road to the entrance of the car park behind The Sussex Grocer. Keymer Road will then be closed from the western side of the mini roundabout by Station Approach East to Clerks Acre for the parade from approximately 4.15pm to 5.15pm.

The road closure will affect buses and a diversion will be in place. Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and medical emergencies, but other traffic will be asked to wait or diverted. After a record-breaking number of requests to be allowed through the closure in 2023, we feel obligated to remind people to please not underestimate how dangerous and difficult it is to escort a car through crowds of people in a dark and noisy environment.

May we suggest that if your arrival home is during the road closure periods that you use the Dale Avenue car parks or the car park on the western side of Hassocks Station.

Please advise any likely visitors or carers well in advance so that they can plan their access and parking in plenty of time.

Christmas Lights

by Hassocks Parish Council

We are preparing to support Hassocks Community Organisation’s Light Up Hassocks event on Friday 4th December, between 4-8pm. As in previous years, we will be providing the lights along Keymer Road and coordinating their turn on with event organisers, as well as contributing £1,500 for the event. This year’s decorations will have a fresh new look. In addition to a large ‘Merry Christmas’ sign, lampposts will be brightly decorated with 30 ‘star and swirl’ designs from The Festive Lighting Company. The new climate-conscious LED lights will bring a welcoming glow during the darkest time of the year making the centre of our village a nicer place to visit, for entertainment, shopping and work.

Hassocks’ Remembrance Sunday

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

See also, Hassocks Parish Council
and St John the Baptist

Remembrance Sunday

by Hassocks Parish Council

We are bringing community groups together to mark Remembrance Sunday on 8th November.

The commemorations will begin at 1.30pm in the Adastra Park car park, opposite the Memorial Gardens. A parade will then travel along Keymer Road to St Cosmas & St Damian Church, arriving for an outside service around 2pm.

The event offers the whole community an opportunity to come together, remember those from Hassocks who died serving in the two world wars and Falklands War, and to reflect on the continuing impact of war and conflict.

To help the event run safely, Adastra Park car park will close in the morning. There will be closures on the Keymer Road between Adastra Park to Beaconhurst, with diversions in place. More information on the event, including Hassocks’s history of service and remembrance, and the impact of road closures is on the website and is being provided to residents along the route.

Photo: Brian Dandridge

Join us for Remembrance Sunday 2026

By The Revd Alex Baxter, Rector of The parish of Clayton with Keymer

On Sunday 8th November the Remembrance Sunday Parade will leave Adastra Car Park at approximately 1.30pm. The Burgess Hill Marching Band will lead the procession up through the village, passing in to say hello to the residents of Villa Adastra Care Home.

The parade will then continue to the memorial lawns at Keymer Church where there will be a traditional act of remembrance and a family friendly short service for the whole village. There will be a reading of the names of the fallen and the traditional two minutes silence. Young people will lay crosses whilst the names of the fallen are being read out and various community groups and organisations will lay wreaths.

The road will be closed and there will be hospitality after the service provided at the Greyhound Pub.We invite all from the community to walk with us and gather for this important civic occasion in our parish and community.

Remembrance Sunday 2026 volunteers needed

We’re looking ahead to this year’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations on 8 November and are inviting local residents to help us ensure the day is inclusive, meaningful and well organised. We are seeking volunteer marshals and general helpers to support the parade and assist with the smooth running of activities on the day. Details of the parade and wider arrangements will be shared soon, as the community comes together to remember all those affected by war and conflict. Last year around 100 people attended, and with the support of local community groups and residents we expect a much larger gathering this year. The last Census recorded 297 Hassocks residents as UK armed forces veterans, with many more local families connected to military service or experiences of war and conflict. If you think you can help, please contact Louise Coles at office@hassocks-pc.gov.uk

Garden of Remembrance volunteers

Our dedicated group of volunteers meet at Adastra Park’s Garden of Remembrance every Tuesday (1.30pm, weather permitting), and they’re always looking for new helpers. A particularly special thanks is owed to the team for their hard work during the recent heatwave, which has contributed so much to the Garden of Remembrance remaining a cool and pleasant refuge for park visitors.

Vivace! Concert at Danny House

Did you know ‘vivace’ is the musical term for lively? What’s more, on 16th December, the Ditchling-based Vivace! Choir will return to Danny House, Hurstpierpoint for another concert of festive music.

More than half of the choir’s members come from the Ditchling, Hassocks or Burgess Hill area, while a few are from further afield. Keymer The history of the site helped shape both The Foundry name and its ‘Forged by Community’ philosophy. Sally explains: “We had the opportunity to create something genuinely new for Burgess Hill, not simply a place to play padel, but somewhere people can exercise, make new friends, have a coffee and spend time together.”. resident and chorister, Richard Ware says: “Our repertoire runs from Baroque to Rock, Classical to Comical and our purpose is to help charities to raise money.” The proceeds will go to St Peter’s and St James Hospice.

Space is limited so please order in advance from St Peter’s and St James Hospice website when the listing is added. The concert begins at 7.30pm and tickets are £15 to include a glass of wine.

Richard says: “Vivace! is always on the look-out for potential new singers of all voices, so if you might be interested, why not come along to our Christmas concert on 16 December to hear how we sound?”

Alternatively, just pop into a rehearsal (Wednesday evenings at 7.15pm at the Old Meeting House in Ditchling) or email the choir at info@vivacechoirsussex.org.uk.

http://www.vivacechoirsussex.org.uk/concerts_current.html

Hassocks Goes Gold

Welcome to Hassocks Life’s Hassocks Goes Gold event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything Gold in Hassocks.

Every September, something rather special happens in the village: Hassocks Goes Gold. While many of you are aware that, in 2017, a much-loved Hassocks resident and Windmills pupil, Pearl Dixie Bartlett-Bundy died from bone cancer, aged ten, but newcomers to the village may wonder what this is all about. Back in our August 2019 Hassocks Life issue, Rachel and Jamie Bartlett-Bundy introduced their wish for Hassocks to go gold in memory of their daughter, Pearl Dixie to fundraise vital funds for research to stop similar tragedies affecting other families.

See also, Hassocks Goes Gold Facebook

Thank you, as HGG plans fantastical finale

By Rachel BartlettBundy

It’s been another amazing Hassocks Goes Gold. The grand total raised so far for 2026 for the #PearlPower fund with the Children & Young People’s Cancer Association is over £18,600. This translates to over £22,000 including Gift Aid.

Donations are still coming in from fundraisers like Spookhaven, the incredible Halloween display at the junction of Adastra Ave & Grand Ave, and BN6 Craft & Tap who created a special Hassocks Goes Gold Pineapple Beer with a generous donation for every pint sold! Truly, the involvement and generosity of this village is simply wonderful and I want to thank everyone who has supported Hassocks Goes Gold in 2026.

I’ve thought long and hard about this but after next year, it seems like the right time to stop. Pearl was diagnosed in November 2016 at nine years old. In many ways her life ended there, certainly the life you would want for a child. So, nine years of Hassocks Goes Gold feels appropriate.

She had her 10th birthday in hospital, but it was very different from the celebration we’d been planning. The remainder of her life was mostly spent in one hospital or another, with stolen moments of near normality and snatches of joy as she tried to live despite the terrifying odds.

I will forever be grateful to family, friends and the wider community for supporting us through the worst of times. Hassocks really is a remarkable place, and I’ve been very lucky to live here.

Running Hassocks Goes Gold has been an absolute pleasure and an honour. It has grown bigger in ways I could not have imagined and that’s down to the enthusiasm and generosity of everyone involved. September 2027 needs to be the biggest and the best, the most fun and of course the most gold year of all time! And to do that, I will really need your help!

Big or small, please get involved even if you’ve never considered it before. There are plans in the pipeline for everyone to be able to offer a skill or hold a stall, and there are some fantastic gold ideas floating about, but we will need help to make them a reality.

Biggest of all I’m appealing to every Hassocks club, organisation, business, band and resident to consider holding a fundraiser of some kind for Hassocks Goes Gold. No idea is too gold or too fantastical, especially if it can involve our 2027 Gold Theme of Horses & Unicorns, of which Pearl would have absolutely approved.

We’re aiming for Hassocks Goes Gold events all year round so bring on 2027: the ultimate year of gold. Let’s do this!

Hassocks Goes Gold - the update so far for 2026

By Rachel BartlettBundy

What a Gold September it’s been already, and it’s not finished yet! Congratulations to Kiddie Capers Childcare for winning The Bestest Gold & Pineapple Window Display at their Little Hassocks site. Pictured is nursery worker Cole receiving the award on behalf of Kiddie Capers and all the children who made the window shine with their beautiful artwork. Proper Coffee & Cycling were second with their stylish window, designed and painted by local artists Abigail Lock and Josephine Cobb; and coming third was the fabulous artwork of the Hassocks Day Nursery children displayed in Hamlyn Smith. Thank you so much to everyone who adds a little gold to their windows over September. It makes this village of ours so special and it’s lovely to see so many shops joining in.

As September comes to a close it’s a huge thank you from me to this amazing village. Thank you to the shops and the residents and the boundless enthusiasm and encouragement from all of you in supporting this crazy gold venture that came from such a sad cause but has turned into a village wide celebration. A celebration of life, however short, and of the love and hope for better. It fuels me every day that things can be improved for those children who face a diagnosis of cancer. This village, and the support you give to Hassocks Goes Gold every year, has enabled a real and concrete difference to their chances.

The money raised all goes directly to The Children and Young People’s Cancer Association. They are the biggest and most effective children’s cancer charity here in the UK and work tirelessly to support the children and their families affected by this terribly cruel disease. The #PearlPower fund that I set up with them in Pearl’s name directs funds specifically to research more effective and kinder treatments because that’s what was lacking when Pearl faced Ewing Sarcoma, and it’s what I would have given my life to have had available to save hers. Sadly, it wasn’t to be, but I’m confident that the research we fund is making a difference to future families.

Thank you so much for being a part of Hassocks Goes Gold this September 2026. The fund will remain open until New Year’s Eve because I’ve learnt that the Gold never stops in this village! So, if you’ve still money to give, please scan the QR code.

On 1st Jan 2027, I’ll be starting it all up again for the absolute biggest Hassocks Goes Gold ever! Thank you for remembering my beautiful daughter Pearl. She still lights my every day, and I know that she still touches many of you who were lucky enough to know her during her ten years of life and those who only know of her as #PearlPower.

Eco Open Houses Tours with Greener Hassocks and Ditchling

On 10th October, Greener Hassocks and Ditchling are offering Eco Open House Tours to share their stories of saving money on energy bills, reducing overheating in the summer and keeping warm in the winter. The local people who have played their part in planning and organising this event all have one thing in common: they are committed to saving energy, water and waste (and therefore money!) and enhancing biodiversity, reducing carbon and our impact on the environment in countless creative ways.

Have you ever thought of installing a heat pump or solar panels? Or wondered how to regulate the temperature of a room in extreme weather? Perhaps you’re considering more insulation or different glazing. This Eco Open Houses Tour is a unique opportunity for anybody considering similar changes who would like to see how those alterations might work in practice and ask questions of homeowners who have already embarked on this process. A number of local homeowners in Hassocks and Ditchling are generously opening their homes to show how they have made their homes sustainable. Visits are free, but all the houses have arranged tour times that must be booked in Eventbrite.

Please look at the case study for any property you are visiting to get the best from your time there. If you turn up late, you may only be able to complete part of the tour. You may be asked to remove your shoes. Visiting is at your own risk and some houses may be in the process of having building work done. No dogs. Please look for the wheelchair sign to check accessibility.

Houses vary from a bungalow conversion to a selfbuild, detached houses from the 30s, 60s, 70s, a 1930s detached house to a 1950s semi and a 1960s ground floor flat. To see the brochure and book, please see www.greenerhassocksditchling.org.uk/energy

Hassocks Parish Council has awarded Greener Hassocks and Ditchling a grant for a thermal imaging camera. If you would like to borrow it to help plan with insulation and understand where you are losing heat in your house, please contact Greenerhassocksditchling@gmail.com.

If you can’t make the Eco Open Houses Trail, why not pop along to the Hassocks Village Market on 24th October when Greener Hassocks and Ditchling will have an energy advisor available to talk about tariffs and give energy advice.

Forthcoming copy dates

2026 copy dates for Hassocks Life magazine

December’s Hassocks Life
Copy date 17th November
Delivery between 28th November - 4th December

2027 copy dates for Hassocks Life magazine

January
Copy date 10th December
Delivery between 26th Dec - 4th Jan

February
Copy date 19th January
Delivery between 30th Jan - 5th Feb

March
Copy date 16th February
Delivery between 27th Feb - 5th Mar

April
Copy date 16th March
Delivery between 26th Mar - 2nd April

May
Copy date 20th April
Delivery between 1st - 7th May

June
Copy date 18th May
Delivery between 29th May - 4th June

July
Copy date 15th June
Delivery between 26th June - 2nd July

August
Copy date 20th July
Delivery between 31st July - 6th Aug

September
Copy date 17th August
Delivery between 28th Aug - 3rd Sept

October
Copy date 21st September
Delivery between 2nd - 8th Oct

November
Copy date 19th October
Delivery between 30th Oct - 5th Nov

December
Copy date 23rd November
Delivery between 27th Nov - 3rd Dec

A special project for The Monday Group in Hassocks

Thanks to donations, we can make important improvements to our local environment. Founded in 1961, The Monday Group is a Registered Charity whose volunteer workers build and maintain stiles, gates and other wooden structures on public rights-of-way, as well as working to keep them passable and clear of overgrowth. Hassocks is in the core area in which the group works, which is why their marker plaques on stiles and gates became such a familiar sight on our walks and runs.

We are incredibly thankful to David Watson and his supporters for raising so much for our charity. All donations are gratefully received and primarily go to pay for tools and materials.

In this case, we aim to use the funds for a special project we hope to undertake this year. Readers may be familiar with the footpath between Ditchling and Keymer which is part of the very popular circular route from Lodge Hill, via the Thatched Inn, Hassocks and Oldland Windmill. It is frequently used by hikers, runners and dog owners as well as casual walkers and local visitors.

It is also of significant historical interest as it follows part of the route of a road originally built by the Romans, now known as the Sussex Greensand Way. The path, having been enclosed for many years and taking heavy footfall, has become excessively worn. It can be impassable in the wet from November to March and even in the dry is heavily rutted and uneven.

Previously the Monday Group has made every effort to keep the footpath usable, with the installation of walkways, some infill and the replacement of all stiles by kissing gates.

Last year the Monday Group was very pleased to have been able to assist Hassocks Parish Council who tasked specialist contractors with laying an all-weather surface on their section of the footpath.

This isn’t a full tarmac surface, but a semi permeable substrate more in keeping with the rural setting that provides a firm footing whilst allowing some movement of water, allowing easy access along this busy and popular path for many years to come.

This year we’d like to assist Ditchling Parish Council to provide the same level of improvement to their section of the footpath and take the opportunity to provide some historical background of interest to the public.

Significant funding has already been received from some very generous donations, including David’s, for which we are extremely grateful, but we still need to raise around £5000 for the work to commence.

This level of fund raising is well beyond anything we have undertaken before so we are appealing not only for direct donations, but any source of corporate sponsorship you may be aware of that might help us to reach this challenging target.

Finally, while we would be very grateful for donations towards our work, we really hope that you are able to get out and enjoy our wonderful countryside and that you’ll keep us in mind if you come across any problems with a footpath or bridleway in our area.

To find out more about the Roman Road, to make a donation, or to suggest a possible sponsor, please visit our website at www.mondaygroup.org

MP adds pressure for a new local post office in Hassocks

Regrettably, Hassocks Post Office will close on Saturday 1st August. Morrisons have made the difficult decision to close several stores, and this includes the Hassocks shop and closure of the Hassocks Post Office branch.

Alison Bennett, the MP for Mid Sussex, was concerned to learn that the Post Office located within Morrisons in Hassocks is set to close as she understands that many people in our community still depend on traditional postal services. She has been in contact with both Morrisons and Post Office Ltd to raise these concerns and says: “In my meetings, I made it clear that while I understood the closure of the Morrisons store was ultimately a commercial decision, it is essential that access to Post Office services is protected.”

She continues: “I am pleased that Post Office Ltd has reassured me of its commitment to maintaining provision in Hassocks.” Post Office Ltd has advertised for interested local businesses to come forward and they told Alison last week that they have had a number of applicants, who they are now starting to assess. Alison thinks this is a positive news. She is hopeful that Hassocks should have a post office in the village once again although there will be a period of a few months when Morrisons closes before any new operator is appointed. Alison is keeping in close contact with Post Offices Ltd throughout this process.

At present, the nearest alternative post office branches are Ditchling (BN6 8TT), Burgess Hill (RH15 9BQ). If you are walking, it is just over a mile along Keymer Rd to the Ditchling branch, but be aware, this is not all along easy pavements.

The Ditchling branch is open from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 6pm on weekdays, from 8am to 3pm on Saturdays, and from 8am to noon on Sunday mornings. The Burgess Hill branch is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays and Saturday morning until 1pm. Access to the Burgess Hill branch is level while there are steps at the entrance to the Ditchling premises. Both branches have car parks nearby, and local buses service the surrounding area. For full opening hours and the latest available branch information can be found at www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder

Maureen, who has worked at Hassocks Post Office for almost 13 years, says: “I will miss my customers and I wish everybody well.” After 37 years working for the Post Office, Maureen is looking forward to spending time with her family during retirement.

Defibrillator locations around Hassocks

Defibrillator locations Hassocks - click to enlarge

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.

Hassocks has an impressive sixteen defib machines that we know about, including the newest unit recently installed at Adastra Hall. Five of these are available 24/7 as they are fixed to the outside of the address. The other units are only available when each location is open.

All of the machines are portable and contain full instructions. And when using it while on a call with 999, the operator will talk you through using it.

Here is a list of Hassocks defibrillators around the village. Click for the location on maps.

24 hour defibrillators:

Hassocks Railway Station
The Thatched Inn
Keymer & Hassocks Sports & Social Club
Adastra Hall
Oldland Windmill
Hassocks Infant School

Defibrillators available during the location’s opening hours:

Adastra Bowling Club
South Downs Nurseries
The Weald
Hassocks Dental Surgery
Age Concern Hassocks
Freedom Leisure Centre
Hassocks Football Club
Hassocks Health Centre
DMH Stallard
Windmills School

Defibrillators are very easy to use, and have been designed to be used by members of the public, without any previous training. However, you may wish to watch this helpful video, to give you an idea of how they work and what you typically have to do when using one: https://youtu.be/YbjcCjSNvUY

You can also find more units via The British Heart Foundation’s National Defibrillator Network (The Circuit) by looking up the website: www.defibfinder.uk - which shows all registered defibs that are available, with live details.

Information correct as of September 2024

Hassocks Village Garden Trail 2026

Click to enlarge

On Sunday 5th July, Hassocks Village Garden Trail will provide a unique opportunity to explore the enchanting gardens of the historic parish of Keymer. See vibrant flowers, attractive plants and chat to local gardeners to find out what works in their garden. The trail features a mixture of modern and traditional gardens in different styles and provides an ideal opportunity to consider how to manage or develop your own garden ideas or planting.

Local resident, Matt Burnett, has been a landscape designer and gardener for about twenty-five years. He is now winding down elements of his work to have a better work-life balance, and says: “Nowadays, I focus more on plants and small landscaping.”

Matt has put many years of hard work, creativity and planting expertise into his sheltered northfacing garden, designed around an ancient and rather wonderful oak. He makes incredible use of space to create a series of linked garden areas with specific planting suited to each spot. The overall effect is both relaxing and inspiring because wherever you look there’s a new detail to enjoy, whether that’s the soft texture of unusual foliage, a blousy dahlia swaying in the breeze, or a brick path edged with cobbles.

Dahlias are a favourite of Matt’s because they’re well-suited to our milder winters, although they don’t like wet ground which can be a challenge. Matt elaborates: “I’m a bit obsessed with the seasonality of plants and my favourites vary with the seasons.” He adds: “Herbaceous plants are my thing, but I like to mix it up with grasses and hydrangeas to prolong the interest.” Matt is very knowledgeable about things like which plants may thrive better in raised beds, and he says: “With our changing climate, a lot of plants don’t overwinter, and gardeners need to consider many elements.” He believes such challenges makes it even more important for gardeners to chat to each other about what might work, particularly as plants these days can be rather costly.

Matt’s wife, Charlotte, looks after the vegetables and the garden includes a particularly impressive array of lettuces. Plants such as runner beans are mixed in with flowers, and Matt says: “We like to show companion planting and how that can work.”

It’s about ten years since Matt first became involved with the Village Garden Trail. He used to sell plants at Hassocks Village Market, and someone approached his stall to tell him about the hospice trail. Matt remembers: “We had enjoyed visiting open gardens ourselves and I thought supporting this scheme would be a nice thing to do.” On the day, Matt and his wife, Charlotte, will provide teas, refreshments and there will be plants for sale too. “Cancer touches us all in some ways, and we generally raise a half-decent sum of money so it’s satisfying to play our part in this,” says Matt.

“What I like about gardening is that you never know it all and I keep learning new things.” Matt, who loves to be able to chat with visitors, says: “It can be a busy day, but I enjoy talking to people about my love of gardening and it’s rewarding to give something back to the local community.”

Hassocks Village Garden Trail starts at 13 Church Mead, but you can join wherever you wish. For further details, see: https://stpjhospice.org/event/hassocks-village-trail/

Kidical Mass cycle ride: what’s happening?

Click to enlarge

By Andy Hansen, Greener Hassocks and Ditchling

This year’s ride starts at 2pm on 5th July in Adastra Park, near the Grand Avenue/Orchard Lane car park. Assemble at 1.30pm.

We are taking a leisurely fourmile route through Hassocks. The event will be marshalled. The route has been ridden and risk assessed, and the Councils and Sussex Police have been informed.

Based on last year’s event, this should be an easy, fun ride for the family. Given the nature of the ride, we will proceed at a sedate average speed of 3 to 4 miles an hour. All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Last year’s event was on a very hot day, and it could be hot again; so bring plenty of suncream and water. And please make sure all bikes are checked out by a qualified mechanic in advance of the ride. See you there!

Hassocks Artists Open Houses

Welcome to Hassocks Artists Open Houses information page. Here you will find our most recent information about the event.

See also, Hassocks Artists Open Houses on Facebook

2026’s event is 4th & 5th July.

Wile away a summer’s weekend with an inspirational stroll around Hassocks, dropping into see a range of bespoke, unique and thoughtful pieces displayed in the welcoming studios and homes of local artists. Use the map on this page or pick up a trail guide at a village shop and meander from one location to the next. Explore the work of over 40 local artists and makers from 11am to 4 pm on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July. A wide range of art will be on offer, including original art, prints, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and much more. Find out what inspires these local artists, whether that’s the Sussex landmarks and terrain, fascinating cultures and abstract ideas or the rhythm of the sea. To give you a head start, a handful of the artists would like to introduce themselves to the readers of Hassocks Life.

Chris de la Nougerede - Painter (BN6 Craft Beer & Tap)


Brighton-based artist Chris de la Nougerede is returning to Hassocks - where she grew up and went right through the local schools - for this year’s Artists Open Houses. Their bold, colourful work draws on vintage tattoo culture, sailors, and folk art from around the world, with influences ranging from Mexican iconography to Sicilian and Indian traditions. Alongside paintings, they often upcycle furniture, transforming everyday pieces into vibrant, characterful designs. Expect strong lines, rich colour, and plenty of storytelling throughout. With family still in the village, it’s a special homecoming as well as an exhibition.

Joanna Townsend - Oil painter (22 Newlands Close)

Raised in a family of artists, Joanna grew up with a paintbrush in her hand. She studied Fine Art and Teaching at Warwick University before settling in Sussex and falling in love with the local landscape. The Downs, the coast and the urban lines of Brighton are a source of constant inspiration, and she loves exploring ways to capture the light and energy of her home on canvas. Joanna lives in Hassocks with her two children and works as a teacher. She paints primarily in oils, though also enjoys experimenting with acrylic sketches and lino prints. She has previously exhibited in galleries in Seaford and Lewes.

Ruth Waters - Collage artist (22 Semley Road)

Originally from Haywards Heath, Ruth’s lived in Hassocks for 7 years. In 2015, after a 17-year career in theatre, she moved to Australia with her family. It was here that she made a picture book for her young child and then, on a whim, sent it to some publishers. She was amazed when it got selected. Ruth went on to author-illustrate four more picture books. In 2018 they returned to the UK. It was during Lockdown that Ruth got inspired by all the walks along the South Downs and decided to apply her collage technique to create landscapes of the local area. Ruth now works on art commissions and exhibits at various galleries. Highlights include being shortlisted for the World Illustration Award and receiving the Highly Commended Artist Award at Brighton’s Artist Open House, 2024.

Hannah McInnes - Chalkware artist (32 Ockenden Way)

Hannah founded Kitsch Fish in 2015 out of a lifelong fascination with mermaids and a passion for collecting kitsch, vintage ornaments. From her home studio in Hassocks, she creates nautical-themed chalkware wall plaques inspired by the charm of the 1950s and ’60s. Featuring mermaids, fish, seahorses and starfish - each piece is cast from original midcentury moulds and crafted from durable chalkware, then lovingly hand-painted to capture the whimsy of the originals. Originally from West Yorkshire, Hannah settled in Hassocks with her family 3 years ago. After living in Brighton for over a decade, she loves village life and still being close enough to the sea!

Nicola Twaites - Painter (43 Chancellors Park)

Nicola is an abstract painter, using acrylic and watercolour to create enigmatic images inspired by The Elements: fire, water, air, earth and spirit. She has worked in other creative media such as Photography and Film, but Abstract painting has always been the practice she has enjoyed the most. Nicola attended school in Sussex and has lived in Hassocks since 1988, bringing up her family here. She is a qualified teacher and runs a weekly abstract art class in Adastra Park, Hassocks.

Ginny Pickles - Prints (32 Ockenden Way)

Ginny Pickles is an illustrator and designer known for her bold, colourful work inspired by everyday beauty. She spent 20 years living and working in London, beginning her career at agencies including JWT, AMV Fallon and Landor, before setting up her own business. In 2021, she moved from South East London to Hassocks with her family, a change of pace that continues to shape her work. Her illustrations draw on nature, interiors and overlooked details, evolving from sketches into bright, characterful prints. Alongside this, she collaborates with businesses, creating brand identities, websites and collateral for clients across a range of industries.

Melojmosaics - Mosaics (7 Woodsland Road)

Melody has lived in Hassocks with her husband and kids (now flown the nest) for almost 30 years. For as long as she can remember, mosaic art has always been an interest, and she loves how this medium of art doesn’t have to be perfect to look good! Every piece created is individual, in how it looks, and also how it feels to touch. She enjoys upcycling old mirrors and tables to give them a new lease of life, along with making mosaic art as presents and gifts for family and friends.



Jive Frenzy in Adastra Hall, Hassocks

Jive Frenzy has been running for about ten years. It grew from a passion for dancing. Kane Jenner set up the club before meeting his wife in 2021, and Holly soon became part of the team, having never danced before. Holly Jenner says: “Learning to dance has saved my life, given me a new social scene and a way to keep fit. She adds: “Our vision is to build a club where everyone feels welcome and cared for. Many members have made lifelong friendships.”

The club meets at Adastra Hall. Every Tuesday we run two classes from 8pm for beginners and intermediate dancers with two hours of social dancing. The hall has a lovely sprung wooden floor with a kitchen where we supply complimentary hot and cold drinks and snacks. Once a month on a Saturday we run a freestyle where dancers travel from all over to enjoy the atmosphere and the reputation Kane has for the music he plays. Although you can, there’s no need to book; anyone can turn up and dance.

Modern Jive is a popular, easy-to-learn partner dance derived from swing, rock ‘n’ roll, and salsa, designed to be danced to a wide range of music without complex footwork. It is a social dance, often focusing on simple walking steps to the beat, making it accessible for beginners to learn in one session, focusing on smooth movement to avoid any injuries. Our dances also take influence from West Coast Swing, and the club also runs specific West Coast Swing sessions from a venue in Bolney twice a month.

The club is for all sorts of dancers of all abilities, from 20 to 80 years old. Dancers attend as a couple or by themselves. Anna has been coming for almost two years, and she’s now also introduced her two daughters to the club. Anna says: “Even thinking about dancing makes me smile, and going to Jive Frenzy every week is just joyful.”

The club welcomes all those from complete novices to experienced dancers. The first class is free for new members. Please see the website for more details: www.jivefrenzy.com

People’s Emergency Briefing: a screening for Hassocks and wider community

A free public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing will take place at The Hassocks Hotel on Tuesday 21st July at 7pm, followed by a facilitated community discussion.

Organised by Greener Hassocks & Ditchling, the screening forms part of a growing UK-wide programme of events designed to help ensure that both the public and decision-makers are clearly and honestly informed about the climate and nature crisis – and what it may mean for communities across the country.

In November 2025, more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media gathered at Westminster Central Hall for the National Emergency Briefing – a landmark event bringing together leading experts to assess the UK’s exposure to climate and nature risks. This national event has now been adapted into a 50-minute public film, The People’s Emergency Briefing, which launched nationwide on 7th April and is now being screened in communities across the UK.

Andy Hansen, from Greener Hassocks, said: “We thought it was important to screen the film here in Hassocks. We are inviting local politicians, Councillors, farmers, emergency services, health experts, churches, businesses, sports groups, other community groups and you - the wider community - to be part of this important event and begin to ask what a local response might look like.”

Tickets for the Hassocks screening are free, but registration is encouraged to track numbers. Search for Hassocks People’s Emergency Briefing on Eventbrite or click here.

Kidical Mass returns to Hassocks

By Andy Hansen, of Greener Hassocks & Ditchling

Following on from the success of the first Kidical Mass family bike ride last summer, we keep on being asked when it’s coming back…

Well, the answer is soon: 5th July to be precise. Riders will gather at 1.30pm in Adastra Park, in the area next to the small car park, north of the bowling green and playground. We will depart at 2pm prompt for a short Tour de Hassocks: three to four miles with marshalls, flags and lots of fun. There are no big climbs. Based on last year, our average speed will be around three to four miles per hour, which is a brisk walking pace.

The ride is aimed at all ages. Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. The route will be risk assessed, and marshalls will repeat last year’s training and test ride of the route. More details coming soon on posters around the village and on the Greener Hassocks and Ditchling website and newsletter. Find out more at www.greenerhassocksditchling.org.uk - see you there!

Hassocks Twinning Association news - May 2026

By Jeannie Brooker

Hassocks Twinning is very much looking at last to welcoming our friends from WaldMichelbach in Germany and Montmirail in France, after months of preparation. The groups will be with us on the last weekend of May – 22nd-25th – to enjoy the late spring sunshine in our beautiful part of the world.

There is a programme of events planned for the visitors including visiting a local vineyard, taking a historic churches tour kindly led by the team at St Cosmas & St Damian, Keymer church, a barn dance and English High Tea - the latter all being catered for by our own local talented suppliers - sweet treats by Macarons By Dark, flowers by Bryony Mae Flowers, decorations in partnership with Love Art Studios and all coordinated by local catering whizz Kat at Prickly Pear.

Hassocks Parish Council has also been very supportive and instrumental in making this weekend happen with some funding to allow the visitors to really enjoy your beautiful village and area to the full. They too are eager to meet with officials from the other towns to hear how better they can work together and this will be discussed at a meeting to be also held over the weekend.

Again, though separated by geography, the communities are coming together again in a spirit to reflect decades of collaboration, cultural exchange, and mutual support. A reminder of the importance of building bridges between communities and fostering friendships that transcend borders.

The visit is very exciting and we all look forward to welcoming our friends again.

Find out more about Hassocks Twinning, by looking us up on Facebook.

Could you help paint Jill Windmill?

© Adam Winsor

Jill Windmill is more than an iconic local landmark, notable for its prominent position on the downland ridge overlooking Hassocks, Keymer and Clayton. Trainee millwright, Adam Winsor explains: “Jill Windmill is an excellent example of historical preservation in a fully functional state which means it allows us to demonstrate how windmills supported local communities more than 200 years ago, particularly through milling grain and contributing to the local economy.”

Preserving sites like Jill Windmill is important because it keeps this history alive and helps future generations understand how people lived and worked in the past. Trainee millwright, Adam Winsor, says: “Jill Windmill is repainted every seven years because the structure is continuously exposed to the elements.” He elaborates: “This regular maintenance allows our team of volunteers to carefully inspect the timber for any signs of rot and repair or treat damage to the weatherboarding.”

The mill is due to receive a fresh coat of paint from mid-April. Volunteers are needed! No experience is necessary and anyone with enthusiasm is welcome.

Adam says: “From a visitor’s perspective, it is also important that Jill remains attractive, well cared for, and reflective of the pride our volunteers take in preserving a historic landmark.” Whether you can spare a few hours on one Saturday or every Saturday, your support will make a difference in helping to preserve Jill Windmill for our visitors to enjoy!

Why not be be part of preserving local history? Anyone interested, please contact: jjwinfo@jillwindmill. org.uk.