In August 2023, the Hurst, Hassocks & Ditchling u3a Local History Group was contacted by Chris Hobbs, Chair of the Hassocks Community Association, to request input for a mural in Adastra Hall depicting the historical development of the village of Hassocks. The mural was to be based on a map of the village, 3.45m wide and 2.4m deep, and situated in the entrance lobby of the hall.

This commission was taken up by the group, who were already able to access many aspects of Hassocks history. Indeed there was so much that could have been included that the problem became what to leave out. Due to the local history group already having various projects in hand, it was agreed that a separate smaller group of people would take on the management of the project in May 2024, led by Marilyn Goodwin and coordinated by Marie Fraser. Extensive material was submitted by Marilyn, Jonathan Taylor, David Beard and Richard Ware.

Since then, work by the team has been ongoing, sourcing and assembling photographs, writing and agreeing text, attending meetings re planning and design, and liaising with Chris Hobbs, and the graphic artist Chris de la Nougerede. The mural includes a time-line from Roman times to the present day, the construction of turnpike roads and the railway, population growth, changing building styles, the origins of Adastra Park and much more.

A final meeting took place on 3rd July 2025 when the design was ‘signed off’. The image was created by printing the design on vinyl sheets in reverse, ready for installation, which took place on Monday 1st September.

Marie Fraser saw the mural in place for the first time on 8th September, and says “I am overwhelmed with the size and the impact of this installation. And delighted - on behalf of the whole team, including Chris Hobbs. A magnificent addition to our great community hall, and a tribute to the Hurst, Hassocks & Ditchling u3a!”