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