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

Good news from Hassocks Goes Gold

 

Planning for Hassocks Goes Gold 2026 is well underway with the deadline of Pineapple drawings for the Poster Competition nearing on Friday the 3rd July – entries to QD Stationery please!

Sunflower seedlings are growing fast! If you haven’t already planted some don’t worry – Ali Trower is selling some for Hassocks Goes Gold on Dale Avenue for just £1 a pot. The judging for the three categories of Tallest, Prettiest and Biggest-Headed(!) will be on the 14th August – I can’t wait to see the range of beautiful flowers we can grow around the village!

I recently received an update on one of the six projects that #PearlPower has helped to fund, largely with the efforts from HassocksGoesGold…. Professor Adam Mead at the University of Oxford describes how his team were able to find specific cells that causes a nasty type of childhood cancer called JMML to return and their work could lead to the first immunotherapy to treat this aggressive form of leukaemia. It’s fantastic news and very close to home as one of the other groups funding this are dear local friends of mine who’s little boy Carey was successfully treated for JMML a few years ago. The Oxford team’s research will continue and so will our fundraising to support this and other projects to find effective treatments.

If you haven’t drawn or coloured in your pineapple yet you can pick up an entry form from QD Stationery or download one from the Facebook.com/groups/HassocksGoesGold

Prizes for the best in each age group, and ALL entries are featured in the wonderful Parklands Road Art Exhibition!

Thank you as always for the amazing support from Hassocks, from Rachel

Introducing Hassocks Goes Gold for 2026

By Rachel Bartlett-Bundy

Hassocks Goes Gold returns for another fabulous month of gold fundraising this September. This year’s gold theme will be golden pineapples! We’re turning Hassocks tropical this September!

Drawings of sun-drenched, plump and juicy pineapples all glowing and gold will be brightening up the village and helping to raise money for the Children & Young People’s Cancer Association. The PearlPower fund now stands at a whopping £163,000 and we have now managed to help fund our sixth research project; a really inspiring legacy for our beautiful Pearl whose life was cut so tragically short aged just ten years old.

Adults and children alike are all invited to enter the annual drawing competition for the gold poster. Draw your very own pineapple or colour in the pre-printed one on the entry form. It’s completely free to enter and in September the winners from each age category will receive fabulous prizes and be featured on the Hassocks Goes Gold poster! Plus, all entries will be included in the fantastic annual Parklands Road Art Gallery.

Free entry forms are available to download on the Hassocks Goes Gold Facebook page (scan QR code), via Hassocks’ schools or to pick up from QD Stationery! The deadline for entries is Friday 3rd July.

But of course, it’s never just about the poster! The competition is on to grow the tallest, prettiest or new for this year the biggest-headed sunflower and, in September, the sponsored trail of Giant Gold Bows will be back, along with the ever-popular daily Facebook auctions, our craft, facepainting and tombola stalls at the village markets, and the Golden Gala finale extravaganza on Friday 25th September.

September in Hassocks is all about gold, it’s all about raising awareness and the research funds desperately needed to find kinder and more effective treatments for the childhood cancers with such poor outcomes, it’s all about community fun and this year it’s all about golden pineapples!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/hgg2026

Now is the time, to start growing sunflowers

By Rachel BartlettBundy

Hassocks Goes Gold returns for another fabulous month of gold fundraising this September. This year’s gold theme will be ‘golden pineapples’! We’re turning Hassocks tropical this September!

The PearlPower fund now stands at a whopping £163,000 and we have now managed to help fund our SIXTH research project, a really inspiring legacy for our beautiful Pearl whose life was cut so tragically short aged just ten.

We will share more about the annual poster competition in next month’s issue of Hassocks Life, but, in the meantime, now is the perfect time to start thinking about growing sunflowers. The competition is on to grow the tallest, prettiest or – new for this year – biggest-headed sunflower.

Here’s some advice from sunflower competition sponsor Matt Burnett from Maple Leaf Gardens – to help us all to get started...
Sunflower seed can be sown straight in the ground in late April or early May. Matt recommends sowing in pots in March or April.

• Fill 7.5/9cm pot with peat free compost cover seed with 1cm of compost
• Lightly water with rose on a small watering can
• Keep on sunny/warm window sill until signs of germination
• Transfer to greenhouse/cold frame/covered propagator in April as weather warms preventing plants getting too ‘leggy’
• Plant out in sheltered/sunny position when around 30cm tall. Add compost to planting hole as they like a rich soil
• Protect from slugs/snails with 10mm shingle/eggshells/coffee grounds/ organic slug control
• Most sunflowers need staking, especially taller varieties, or tying into fences/trellis. Stake early to give plenty of support
• Keep well watered throughout summer and feed with liquid tomato food as flowers develop

Matt says to look for these varieties to grow: Velvet Queen (1-1.5m), Titan (2.5m), and Claret (1-1.5m).

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.

Forthcoming copy dates

2026 copy dates for Hassocks Life magazine

July’s Hassocks Life
Copy date 16th June
Delivery between 27th June - 3rd July

August’s Hassocks Life
Copy date 21st July
Delivery between 1st - 7th August

September’s Hassocks Life
Copy date 18th August
Delivery between 29th August - 4th September

October’s Hassocks Life
Copy date 22nd September
Delivery between 3rd - 9th October

November’s Hassocks Life
Copy date 20th October
Delivery between 31st October - 6th November

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

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.

Hassocks Brick Library is now open!

By Christopher

I am 13 years old and I live in Hassocks. I love Lego, but I also know how it is made of plastic, which harms the environment, so I have started up Hassocks Brick Library. This is a non-profit local organisation that will help to make Lego more affordable and eco-friendly.

Hassocks Brick Library is aimed at anyone aged eight or above, including adults! You can take Lego sets out for a week for £3, or by reasonable donation. The library is now open and ready for borrowers.

We will also run a monthly club in Hassocks on a Saturday morning, where you will be able to join fellow builders and take part in fun activities. There are only 15 club spaces, so hurry!

There will also be a members’ group that will meet once a month to discuss the next steps for the library and club and to share ideas. In the future, we are interested in starting a home-education group and expanding the library to include local schools.

To join or ask any questions, please contact us at hassocksbrickclub@gmail.com. To find out more, search online for ‘Hassocks Brick Club’. If you have any spare Lego sets, please get in touch as we are always in need of more donations.

A talk by Hurst Hedgehog Haven

By Ann Winney, Hurst Hedgehog Haven

Hello dear hoggy friends! We have been so busy - last year, we rescued 289 hedgehogs, but we had a nasty virus to contend with. It was a sort of Covid for hedgehogs and we had lots that didn’t make it, but we are starting to see a few build up immunity. We have been very lucky with the kindness of our supporters; we raised funds for a new incubator, just switched on for a new arrival as I type, and also a lovely new silent nebuliser.

Grants generously donated from the Sayers Common Community Shop and Burgess Hill Town Council will really help us pay for vets and medications. We became a charity last year, which was a lot of paperwork, as you can imagine. This year seems to be full of talks and events: coming up in Hurst is a talk to the Woodland Flora & Fauna on Wednesday 15th April, in the Village Centre at 7.30pm.

The hog that has just arrived is one of what will be many little ones that have struggled to make it through the winter, it was out in the day, which is not good as they are nocturnal. I am sure, like me, your green fingers are getting rather itchy, but STOP!

There are lots of insects in those dead stems and there could be a sleeping hedgehog in that leaf pile. And before you go forth with the strimmer, please check before you start. Clean and top up water bowls, put out some food as this will help them as they wake up from the winter. I hope to see you at one of our talks or information stands.

A buzz at Greener Hassocks

By Diana Penly

Thanks to everyone who came along to watch the film, Power Station. There was a really great buzz in the room for the discussion. We are setting up an energy group in Greener Hassocks and Ditchling. If you are interested in joining in, please get in touch and help us shape this.

We plan to run more Eco open houses in the autumn. It is such a great way to see what real people have done in their houses and demystify the process. If you would be happy to join our open houses, please get in touch!

Those of you who came along to the AGM will recall we had a list of initiatives to explore. On biodiversity, we have some great events, starting with the seed swap on 28th February. We also plan to hold another stream watch at the March Market. This was such fun last year looking at all the creatures that live in our local streams.

The Swift supporters group is also getting organised. Jim Edwards, who lives in Cooksbridge, has made 12 bird boxes so far for our local swift group, to be installed in March. The group will conduct their first Hassocks swift survey later this year. Some areas still need volunteers. The survey will take place from May to July. There will be two surveys a month, done in pairs or small groups, on flexible dates. Each survey takes one to two hours. If anyone is interested in getting involved, please get in touch on greenerhassocksditchling@gmail.com.

Hassocks Football Club news

By Scott McCarthy

The 2025-26 Isthmian League season sees Hassocks playing at the highest level in the club’s history. It is a far cry from when it all began. Which thanks to a little research, we now know was on Saturday 11th October 1902.

Or at least that is when the Robins took to the field for their first ever competitive match. It was a Mid Sussex Junior League fixture at home against Plumpton Athletic.

According to the match report from the Mid Sussex Times, it was a well-contested game with Plumpton f inding Hassocks to be similarly tough opponents as the Burgess Hill Town Reserves side they played in their previous match.

The Robins ran out 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Rogers and Mayhead. Hassocks even had the good grace to score for their visitors, D Trill putting though his own net to enter the history books as the club’s first ever own goal scorer. Or as the report referred to it, an ‘accidental goal’.

Fast forward almost 123 years to the day and on Tuesday 7th October 2025, Hassocks were hosting Brighton & Hove Albion under floodlights watched by over 1,000 people in the Sussex Senior Cup.

The mind boggles over what Rogers, Mayhead, D Trill and their teammates from the Edwardian Era would make of it all?

Hassocks have come a long way since the days of parks football against fellow Sussex villages. And plans are afoot to keep the club progressing to provide a platform for becoming regulars at step four of the non league pyramid in the years to come.

A series of minor improvements are set to be announced soon for the facilities at the Hassocks Hotel Beacon Ground with the aim of increasing crowds and with it, revenue.

So if you have not popped down to a game this season, February is as good a time as any with three home games scheduled. Faversham Town are the visitors on Saturday 7th, Erith Town on Saturday 14th and Beckenham Town on Saturday 21st.

All three matches kick off at 3pm. And hopefully, without any ‘accidental goals’…

Hassocks Drama Collective takes the stage

This February, families around Sussex are invited on a wonderful journey into the heart of the Indian jungle as children, tweens and teens of all abilities from the community theatre group Drama Collective will present their take of legendary stories The Jungle Book and The Four Friends on stage in Lewes.

Inspired by Indian tales that celebrate friendship, courage and community, Drama Collective is delighted to announce a special family-friendly performance of The Jungle Book which will be preceded by the story of The Four Friends. Children and young people from East and West Sussex will take centre stage to offer an afternoon of colourful characters, lively storytelling and theatre for all ages

Director Tim Rowland says: “This production is all about bringing families and friends together to share stories that feel both familiar and new. Our young performers have worked incredibly hard to create a world that is playful, welcoming and full of heart, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences into the jungle with us.”

Suitable for children of primary age upwards, the performance is at the accessible community venue at All Saints Centre, Friar’s Walk in Lewes, close to public transport links with parking options nearby. Delicious refreshments and raffle tickets will be available during the interval, so be sure to bring your small change (no card transactions on-site).

As a community focused organisation, Drama Collective has been giving local children, tweens and teenagers the chance to build confidence, develop performance skills and make new friends whilst having the opportunity to shine on stage. These productions continue this mission by placing aspiring performers at the centre of the creative process, from character development and movement work to ensemble storytelling on stage.

The drama group in Hassocks is ideal for young people of all abilities from primary aged children (Year 3) as well as tweens, teens and youths. The group meet at The Community Pavilion, also known as the cricket club, in Orchard Lane. Drama Collective are dedicated to creating inclusive and age-appropriate drama experiences that unleash creativity in safe and supportive learning environments.

By putting the needs of each member centre stage and making every rehearsal rewarding and fun, we encourage everyone to be whoever they want to be so they can shine, both on and off stage.

Through production participation, our members are able to gain an understanding of storylines, scripts and stagecraft etiquette that would enable them to manifest empathy and compassion as well as an appreciation of transferable situations and perspectives. The collective is open to new members who have a desire to perform. See: https://dramacollective.com/the-jungle-book-fun-family-lewes

Tickets are £12 for adults and just £8 for children, OAPs and students: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/lewes-drama-collective/t-mjokzox

Baking event helps 2026 heat up for Hassocks Twinning Association

By Jeannie Brooker

Bake Off semi-finalist Jurgen Krauss is at last coming to speak in Hassocks after sadly having to postpone his planned visit from last December. This time, to coincide with the German festival of ‘Karneval’ (our Shrove Tuesday and pre-Lent period), Jurgen will be talking about what he’s been up to as well as sharing some goodies from his first book German Baking, which will be on sale at this most interesting evening. This event is on Thursday, 19th February at Adastra Hall. Tickets are £12 (£10 for members).

This is part of the fundraising activity Hassocks Twinning is hosting in preparation for the visit of our twinned communities of Wald-Michalbach in Germany and Montmirail in France planned for May 2026. They would also like to hear from people in the village if they would like to host either a single person or a couple from either community. No need to be a member of Hassocks Twinning nor speak either language. Just a welcome home and a smile is a very good start.

You can also chat with Hassocks Twinning or support their fundraising tombola by going along to say hello at Hassocks Market on 28th February, 28th March and 25th April. Why not come along and say hello?

If you would like a ticket for the fundraising evening or are interested in being a host, get in touch via hassockstwinning92@gmail.co.uk.

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 WI campaign

During November, Hassocks WI were busy campaigning to stop violence against women. “From 26th November to 10th December, we joined in with ten days of activism,” says Gerry Dandridge (pictured), President of Hassocks WI. “It was so successful,” says Gerry, “that I’ve already booked the Police Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, to come and speak to us next November.”

In 2019, the National WI launched a campaign called ‘No More Violence to Women and Girls’. In 2023, the Hassocks group crocheted for the cause and made an eye-catching banner of orange flowers to heighten awareness. “We had such a positive response,” says Gerry, “that we continued our campaign and, in November 2025, the banner was once again on display in Adastra Park and the group continue to collaborate with Safe in Sussex to spread this important message.

Gerry, who spoke on Mid-Sussex Radio about the campaign, says: “On average, it takes a woman seven years to leave an abusive partner, and Safe in Sussex provide valuable tools to help someone cope in the meantime. Find out more at www.safeinsussex.co.uk Anyone who is concerned could also chat online or browse the website at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk Or get support on the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: call 0808 2000 247. And, remember, Hassocks village has designated safe spaces at Freedom leisure and Boots.

Hassocks WI is thriving with 74 active members. In January, Hassocks WI will be busy creating breast cancer cushions for the specialist centre in Preston Park where a member’s daughter works. Gerry elaborates: “This is a very useful campaign for January and members can chat while stuffing cushions, regardless of the weather outside.”

“All WI groups are slightly different,” says Gerry. But you can find out more about what’s going on from our website.” Other activities undertaken in 2025 included a drumming workshop and linedancing. As well as regular events such as the monthly craft club, plans for 2026 include making knicker bunting to highlight ovarian cancer, organising a maker’s fair in the autumn, and talks from The Sussex Dolphin Project and colour consultant, Michaela Sargent.

Did you know...?
By County Councillor Erika Woodhurst-Trueman I attended a brilliant, but deeply worrying event hosted by Hassocks WI about stopping violence against women and girls. The event hosted speakers from SafeinSussex, Sussex Police and Hassocks Sports Centre. Here are some points raised. *TRIGGER WARNING*

• In 2025, one in eight women experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking
• A woman dies every three days from domestic violence
• Last year, for the first time, that three-day figure was outstripped by the number of women committing suicide because they couldn’t see a way out
• Less than 1 in 100 cases results in a conviction
• 1 in 5 children will witness or experience domestic abuse
• Young women aged 16-24 are more likely than any other age group to be victims of sexual assault
• 16-19 is the most common age group for perpetrators of rape and serious sexual offences
• A 2021 Offsted survey found that 88% of girls experienced being sent sexual pictures or videos they did not want to see (Boys = 49%)
• Less than 20% of domestic abuse incidents are reported - women feel they won’t be believed, they can’t see a way out or a future, they know cases take years to come to court
• Jurors hearing these kinds of cases receive no training, yet expert panels are being trialled for some fraud cases

Fight for a better future
• Get informed – parental controls aren’t enough
• Talk to young people openly and honestly
• Challenge misogynistic behaviour
• Campaign for change – better funding and tax reduction for support services, changes to the justice system, improvements to the national curriculum, more effective police powers over abusers
• Get behind local support services like Safe in Sussex, Worth and Rise
• Look out for each other

If you are worried about someone:
• Reach out – ‘Are you ok?’
• Listen
• Believe
• Make it clear support is out there
• If they aren’t ready to open up, try again another time

Where to find help...
You can find help and more information in the links below and in person help at Hassocks Sports Centre. The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
www.safeinsussex.co.uk
www.riseuk.org.uk

Hassocks Parish Council news - January 2026

Parish locations for Hippo salt bags...

Clayton - Underhill Lane junction Brighton Road
Clayton - Underhill Lane junction Spring Lane
Clayton - Underhill Lane/The Pump House
Hassocks - Keymer Rd/Woodsland Rd
Hassocks - Keymer Rd/Wilmington Close
Hassocks - Keymer Road/Ockley Lane


What can you do to help in snow and ice?


Look out for elderly relatives or neighbours. There are some simple ways you can support vulnerable or elderly neighbours:
• Check to see if they need any practical help and that they are well.
• Make sure they have enough food supplies in case they cannot go out.
• Offer to clear their paths when you clear yours and spread salt. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt.

Clearing Snow and Ice
A community effort will help towards keeping Hassocks safer in snow and ice. Individuals can clear snow and ice from pavements, and we hope that local traders and residents will be prepared to clear outside their premises and key pedestrian walkways.

Clearing snow and ice from the pavement outside your home or public spaces can help prevent slips and falls.
You can help your community in heavy snowfall by:
• shovelling away the bulk
• sweeping away the rest
• salting to stop more ice building up

Top tips
• Do it early in the day – it’s easier to move fresh, loose snow.
• Use salt if possible - it will melt the ice or snow and stop it from refreezing overnight.
• All you need is household table salt. One tablespoon will cover a square metre, so you can use it sparingly.
• Don’t use water to clear away the snow. Even boiling water can re-freeze very quickly and leave an icy patch.

Winter Planning


In the event of heavy snow fall, Hassocks Parish Council has an arrangement in place whereby Burgess Hill Town Council will deliver hippo bags of salt to prearranged locations in Hassocks and Clayton. Only one delivery will be made during the winter. The hippo bags are supplied by West Sussex County Council (WSCC) and will only be delivered if/when WSCC makes the decision to activate its Winter Management Plan.

Liability

Any individual using the grit/salt will be acting on their own initiative and this action will be entirely at their own risk. It is recommended that the following items are worn when spreading salt: a high visibility vest/jacket, warm gloves and hat, sturdy non-slip waterproof footwear and warm clothes. It is also recommended that if working alone you contact someone when starting and finishing and carry a fully charged mobile phone.

To read the full newsletter, please pick up a copy of January’s Hassocks Life (when available) or click the images to enlarge them.