Hassocks residents shine in HURSTfolk

A number of Hassocks residents are involved in HURSTfolk. This music festival takes place in Hurstpierpoint from 22nd to 24th November, showcasing homegrown talent on various local stages. Tickets are available from www.hurstfolk.org

A new album for our times

On Friday 22nd, Mike Reinstein, is celebrating the release of his latest album, The Birds Don’t Sing Around Here at The Players Theatre, Hurstpierpoint. On stage with him will be his wife Reina on keyboards, Ali Gavan on bass and Lee Humber on drums. They all appear on the album which was produced by Ali this year at Brighton Road Studios near Hassocks.
Released on November 4th, this is Mike’s fourth album for the Irregular Records label. In this latest collection, he uses his songwriting skills to cast an unflinchingly forensic gaze at the troubling times we’re all living through. With a mixture of wit, anger and a wide palette of musical styles, The Birds Don’t Sing Around Here is a powerful critique of our wounded world.
The album can also be accessed on most streaming platforms and is available as a CD from his website www.mikereinstein.co.uk

Plus support from Ian

Ian Roland, Hassocks based singer-songwriter, Ian Roland, and his band are supporting Mike Reinstein on 22nd November at the Players’ Theatre.
On 31st October, Ian released his new track about a much-loved local landmark, making the song available through Youtube. Ian references the chalk grassland slopes and wildlife which can be seen in this chalk grassland habitat. Listen out for mention of the adonis blue, meadow pipit, skylark and round-headed rampion, the county flower of Sussex. Here is the link https://youtu.be/YrhPHp_KJlU

Happy to be back

Sell-out jazz vocalist, writer and artist, Lou Beckerman is happy to be a part of Hurst Folk again, and says: “On 24th November, as the sun sets on atmospheric Danny House, we’ll be presenting an early-evening intimate concert to help people unwind.” With her background in health and the arts, Lou has a special love of bringing healing elements together in a woven tapestry of soothing jazzy sounds and heartfelt poetry.
She is also running a Saturday morning adults’ singing workshop on 23rd November. It’s for everyone - No previous experience of singing needed. Larks and frogs, carcrooooners and bathtub-balladeers - ALL are most warmly welcome! Again it’s aimed at relaxation, confidence-building, health, wellbeing, and fun! Lou delights in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where all can enjoy the rewards of music-making and singing together. For more information about Lou please visit her website: www.loubeckerman.com

Mid Sussex District Council news - November 24

Ice rink marks next steps 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 festive season for the local community.

Following the success of half-term ‘Urban Events’, a series of free activities during October half-term, a synthetic ice rink will be opening in the Martlets Marquee in the run up to Christmas. Come along and get your skates on, all free of charge. The fun starts on 23rd November! Book your visit here: www.bit.ly/40cFAK1



To read the full November newsletter, please pick up your copy of November’s Hassocks Life or click the images to enlarge them.

Hassocks Americana and Ale Festival

Welcome to Hassocks Life’s Americana and Ale Festival event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything regarding the festival.

Next year’s event information coming mid-2025!

Americana and Ale Festival

Americana and Ale Festival 2024

This year’s Mid Sussex Americana and Ale Festival has a particularly strong community focus on the Sunday. Jim Walker says: “Our local lucky charms, Hassocks very own The Self Help Group are back to charm you all, with their unique and captivating songs.”

Local musician and radio presenter, Ben Featherstone will perform some of his well-known songs, and an exclusive album preview of his new album,‘Tomorrow’s Heart’. Jim Walker says: “Expect heartfelt lyrics, a strong stage presence, and a unique fingerstyle guitar playing.” Featherstone has previously shared the bill with renowned artists such as The Libertines and Guy Garvey, and will be joined on stage by musicians who have performed with some iconic acts. Jim Walker elaborates: “This performance is particularly special as Featherstone rarely plays live with string players, especially those that are usually reserved for the Albert Hall, making it an event not to be missed at 4pm on 25th August.”

Hassocks name, Ian Roland, will appear as a trio with Dave Coomber on bass and James Chapman on drums. Listen out for The Equatorial Group from Eastbourne and Tapes for Diane from Brighton. In addition, Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou are making a very welcome return from Hastings; the duo have released five critically acclaimed studio albums.

Some international artists are coming from much further away! Ashley Campbell and Thor Jensen form a unique meeting of musical genres. Jim Walker says: “With Ashley coming from the world of country and Americana and Thor having a diverse background from rock to gypsy jazz, they create a fresh sound as a duo.” Mid Sussex Music & Ale Festival takes place on the 24th and 25th August. The doors open at 2pm to 11pm each day. Tickets available at: thehassocks.co.uk

Deirdre Huston talks walks on the South Downs

Deirdre Huston’s published book of walks on South Downs.

Deirdre Huston has been working part-time for Hassocks Life since the very beginning, but she was already a published author when we launched this magazine.

Day Walks on the South Downs is a brilliant collection of local walks in the area, which Deirdre has written and taken all the photos for.

You can read more about ‘The Best Walks in the South Downs National Park’ by clicking the link, or by following the pitcure link (right) to the book, published by Adventure Books. The online post includes information about the ‘best forest walk’, ‘best quiet walk’ and ‘best coastal walk’.


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, pick up your copy of September’s Hassocks Life today or click the images to enlarge them.

August 2024 | Hassocks Parish Council News

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO OVER THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS?

Come and play tennis at Adastra park community tennis courts

To Book visit https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/AdastraPark/HowToBook


The Role of a Parish Council on Planning Matters

The role of the Parish Council in planning, is to represent local views; drawing on local knowledge to raise areas of concern, inform, debate and add value to the process. Parish Councils are what is known as statutory consultees in the planning process. They must be informed of all planning applications and any amendments to those applications, within the parish. However, it is the local planning authority which is responsible for the majority of planning matters and makes the final decision on planning applications. The planning authorities for Hassocks are Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) and the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).

The Parish Council (PC) can only comment on planning applications in the same way as members of the public. Any comments submitted by the PC must be agreed during a publicly called Parish Council meeting, which in the case of Hassocks, is the Parish Council Planning Committee. Hassocks PC Planning Committee meets on a Monday evening at 7.30pm (with the exception of Bank Holidays) every three weeks throughout the year; the date of these meetings and agendas are published on the Hassocks Parish Council (HPC) website and noticeboard. The meeting minutes are also published on the website. HPC endeavours to publish the agenda for forthcoming meetings of the Planning Committee at least five days in advance of the meeting date to allow members of the public time to comment on any applications on the agenda, in writing or at the public meeting.

Members of the public are welcome to attend all HPC planning meetings and have the opportunity to speak on any application which is included on the agenda for that meeting. There is a designated Public Participation period of fifteen minutes in total for this purpose, prior to the Committee considering applications. Once the Committee proceeds with considering applications, no further public participation is permitted other than if invited by the Chair. However all members of the public are very welcome to stay and observe the Committee’s deliberations. Comments agreed in the council meeting are then submitted in writing by the Parish Clerk to the relevant planning authority for consideration.

Prior to the meeting, members of the HPC Planning Committee review all documents online detailing each application on the agenda. These documents are available to view through visiting the relevant local authority website planning pages, which can be accessed via the links below: MSDC - https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/planning-building/view-and-comment-onplanning-applications/

SDNPA - https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/planning-applications/find-an-application/

To read the full newsletter, please click the images to enlarge them or pick up your copy of August’s Hassocks Life.

Hassocks history: the Turners of Oldland

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By Richard Ware

The Oldland farm estate and its restored windmill look out over Keymer from the greensand ridge. For over 300 years, ‘Oldland’ belonged to nine generations of one family, the Turners, originally from Horsted Keynes.

Little is known about the first two generations, but in the third generation, Thomas Turner acquired many other farms and mills in the area, becoming the highest-rated local landowner by 1621. His son, Richard, acquired a coat of arms and rebuilt the Oldland mansion in brick. Subsequent generations dissipated the wealth, selling land and taking on debt to fund their gentry lifestyle. They quarrelled about money, on several occasions taking family disputes to the Court of Chancery in London.

By the 1820s, the remaining estate was heavily mortgaged. The last Turner, another Thomas, struggled to make a living. He leased a sheep farm at Sompting, which failed because of falling agricultural prices, then worked as a land agent for the Marquis of Bristol in Suffolk, and later became clerk to the trustees of the workhouse at Firle. However, he also found time to play cricket and give evidence to a House of Lords committee. Along with his cricket scores, some of his letters survive, recording his marriage to one cousin and a bitter dispute (over a horse) with her brother.

Only after his mother’s death in 1847 could Thomas afford to live at Oldland. He finally sold it and moved to Tunbridge Wells in 1863, but as a parting gift, he paid for a stained-glass window in Keymer Church, commemorating ancestors who had lived in Keymer since Tudor times.

All about Age Concern Hassocks

Deirdre Huston popped into Age Concern to chat with Assistant Centre Manager, Lindsey Fitch, about what’s on at this village hub.

Newcomers to the village may not be aware that we have a thriving Age Concern centre off Dale Avenue, near the small green and the high street. Lindsey explains: “We try to tell people we’re here, but, unfortunately, because we’re tucked away, sometimes people miss us, or they don’t realise how much happens here.” For over thirty years, the centre, which is run by a local independent charity, has been helping older people in this area.

Lindsey says: “Our aim is to improve the lives of older people in Hassocks and the surrounding villages by providing a caring and friendly environment for all.” Every weekday, the dining room caters for both regular and occasional visitors who enjoy a homecooked three course meal for only £7. We ask people to book in advance or up to 10am on the day they wish to dine with us. We also run a Minibus on a Tuesday and Thursday picking up from Hassocks and the surrounding Villages. Lindsey says: “Lunch is a delicious experience which our clients enjoy very much.”

The friendly, welcoming day centre lunches are aimed at clients aged 55 plus. However, anyone can drop by to have a browse in the shop or purchase a hot or cold drink and a slice of homemade cake. The coffee shop is open from 9am to 3pm from Monday toFriday and 9am to 11.45 on a Saturday. The terrace and Community Garden help provide a relaxing space where people can enjoy being outdoors.

The centre offers outings to places like Birling Gap and One Garden at Stanmer. “Those two outings are very popular, and people seem to really enjoy them,” says Lindsey.

Some services are run by independents who make a small charge. You must book, directly, in advance for the hairdresser, chiropodist, massage, reiki and reflexology. There is no need to book various sociable activities which aim to improve the quality of people’s lives, including Chair Yoga on a Friday morning, Chair Pilates and Tai Chi on a Monday afternoon. The Tuesday Art Club offers people the chance to get out and be sociable. Lindsey says: “You bring your own artwork, in any medium, and then you can relax and enjoy making art in company.”

Hassocks Village Market and the Repair Shop are usually held at Age Concern on the 4th Saturday of each month. “Market Day is very good for us,” says Lindsey, “as it draws people here to see what else we offer.” She explains: “We would like people to see us as a community hub which has lots of other things going on, too.”

The centre has a light, well-sized charity shop to help raise funds. They are now holding a rummage sale every other month, with the next one on July 13th. Lindsey says: “The rummage sale offers us a last-ditch attempt to shift good quality stock and clothing from the shop, which we would prefer to sell rather than recycle.”

Prices are very reasonable with most adult clothes for one pound and children’s clothes for fifty pence. There is also a quality rail, where items are individually priced. “Those items are still a bargain,” says Lindsey, and adds: “We hope to welcome you to Age Concern soon.”

Join Marvellous Makers at Hassocks Library this summer

Do you know a child aged 4–11 years? Why not encourage them to take part in the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge, Marvellous Makers, at the library in the village?

The fun starts on Saturday 13th July. It’s free to join the library and free to take part! The challenge is to choose and read some amazing library books over the holiday.
Children also receive a fab fold-out poster and scratch-and-sniff stickers to track their progress. The more they read, the more exciting rewards they will receive! There are fun activities in the library too, including a character hunt with a prize draw.

Those who complete the challenge by Saturday 14th September are rewarded with a medal and certificate. There’s even a mini challenge for children under four years old! To find out more, watch our Marvellous Makers video and sign up for the challenge at https://arena.westsussex.gov.uk/src

Mid Sussex District Council July update - 2024

WORK WITH US!

These are exciting times in Mid Sussex. Our focus is on creating a place where everyone who lives and works in Mid Sussex can thrive. We have ambitious plans to ensure we achieve this vision, and we welcome driven, motivated and forward-thinking individuals, to join us in delivering outstanding services. We are especially looking for a Senior Planning Solicitor, but all our vacancies can be found by visiting: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/job-vacancies


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

Hassocks National Garden Scheme Trail 2024 - Sunday 23rd June

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By Jane Baker

This year, the Hassocks National Garden Scheme Trail is on Sunday 23rd June, from 1 to 5pm.

The trail is unusual because there are three very different gardens, a stretch of ancient woodland plus allotments, all to explore on a walkable trail. The best place to start the trail is at the popular Parklands Road Allotments, almost hidden down the end of Parklands Road. There are spectacular views across to the Downs towards Jack and Jill Windmills. Following the map, you walk through the ancient woodland to Lodge Lane where there are three gardens to visit, plus refreshments.

The wonderful wildlife/cottage garden at Lodge House is tucked away. As expected, it is not manicured, but there is much to see and discover! Nearby is The Old Thatch, a gem of a cottage garden boasting some spectacular sweet peas. Over at 5, Ewart Close, there is a mix of planting plus the opportunity to discover how the family is attracting and supporting hedgehogs.

We appreciate being able to have the teas at St Edward’s Church on Lodge Lane, provided by volunteers from Woodlands Meed College for young people with special needs. You can, of course, visit St Edward’s Church, for your teas and cake several times. If you cannot visit the trail, then why not support the college and nip along for a social visit and teas?

The National Garden Scheme has just won a gold award at Chelsea Flower Show. The NGS supports nursing, caring and community charities such as Parkinson’s, Marie Curie, Macmillan. In fact, the Hassocks Community Garden at Age Concern received a grant from the NGS in support of their community involvement. We look forward to seeing you on the Trail.

Mid Sussex District Council June update - 2024

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WORK WITH US!

These are exciting times in Mid Sussex. Our focus is on creating a place where everyone who lives and works in Mid Sussex can thrive. We have ambitious plans to ensure we achieve this vision, and we welcome driven, motivated and forward-thinking individuals, to join us in delivering outstanding services. We are especially looking for a Senior Planning Solicitor, but all our vacancies can be found by visiting: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/job-vacancies


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

Hassocks Parish Council news - May 2024

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Adastra Park Tennis Courts

Hassocks Parish Council’s three tennis courts were refurbished last summer with the help of the LTA, now ready for the new season. We have new surfaces, nets, posts, fencing and automated gate access. The courts are in the North Field adjacent to the younger children’s play area. To make it easy for everyone there are lots of ways to get on the courts and enjoy a game whatever your age or ability.

Pay and Play

All three courts are available for pay and play, anyone can book and pay for a court at any time. The cost is £7 per court per hour, concessions £3.50 per hour. You can book online up to seven days in advance 365 days a year. For further details on the courts and how to book please scan the QR code (in picture), or check out our website at: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/AdastraPark

To read the full newsletter, please click to enlarge the pictures, or pick up your copy of May’s Hassocks Life.

Hassocks Hotel presents Bomb Bomb Bingo with Cherry Bomb

Bomb Bomb Bingo with Cherry Bomb

Join us for a fun-packed evening with musical bingo, games and cabaret with Brighton Drag Queen Cherry Bomb.

Friday 31st May, 7-11pm at Hassocks Hotel, BN6 8HN

£25pp - all proceeds will go to local disability charity, Kangaroos

Tickets here

Cuckfield Music Festival 2024

Cuckfield Music Festival 2024

13-15th June 2024 at Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield & Warden Park Academy

Evening concerts
Schools Concert 6pm, Thurs 13th June
DIVA 7pm, Friday 14th June
Claire Martin OBE 7pm, Sat 15th June

Free Lunchtime Concerts
Molly Hord 1pm, Thursday 13th June
Paul Gregory 1pm, Friday 14th June


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Cuckfield Music Festival 2024

Tickets and more information here: www.cuckfieldmusicfest.co.uk

Keymer and Hassocks Cricket Club news

By Frank McCabe

Wherever you may go in the UK, amateur sports teams share the same problems. Up and down the country at cricket grounds large and small, the same sounds can be heard at this time of year: the scowl of the groundsman as he issues grim warnings about “the amount of rain we’ve had”. The cries of a newborn child, which means a star batsman won’t be available this season. And the creaking of ageing backs that haven’t been tested since the end of September.

The increasingly unpredictable climate is a recent addition to the list of difficulties. Last year we endured the wettest March since the 1970s, and yet only two summers ago we went an unprecedented eighteen consecutive Saturdays without a drop of rain. Our lives are busier than ever, so getting eleven grown men to commit seven hours of their weekend to what is (when all’s said and done) a game, is proving increasingly hard.

Cricket is under pressure in schools (it needs a lot of land and a lot of equipment), which means the pipeline of players into local clubs has shrivelled.

And yet, we’re still here. While we can’t be complacent about our continued ability to overcome these hurdles (the nearby cricket club at Clayton folded a few years back), Keymer and Hassocks has shown remarkable resilience in its 124-year history. The club is a member of the Sussex League, the largest cricket league in the world with 330 teams competing in 34 divisions, so there is plenty of local competition for the best players. In fact, there are a few ‘away’ games this season that we could walk to if transport is scarce.

Our club, like all the others, survives because of oldfashioned selflessness. The willingness of individuals to contribute to a collective, unpaid and often unthanked. In a world that is becoming increasingly individualistic, amateur sport is a beacon of generosity and altruism. Long may it continue, come rain or shine. We hope the future custodians of the club will be wrestling with the same problems – and a few new ones no doubt – 124 years from now.

Mid Sussex District Council May newsletter 2024

PLANNING IS APPROVED FOR BURGESS HILL CENTRE FOR OUTDOOR SPORT

The planning application for the new state-of-the-art Centre for Outdoor Sport in Burgess Hill has been given the green light, marking a significant milestone in the town’s sporting landscape, with works set to start this spring. Situated on an 8.6-hectare block of land within the Brookleigh development, the Centre for Outdoor Sport (CfOS) will provide first-class facilities for the district and would not have been possible without the support from Homes England. The sports mix, refined over three years through extensive engagement, consultation and data analysis, will complement the district’s existing sports infrastructure, offering a variety of sports. The development of the CfOS is one piece of the jigsaw of sports provision across the district.

MID SUSSEX MATTERS

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Sign up to our digital newsletter! We have launched a 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. It will include local events, opportunities to share feedback about new initiatives, and stories that impact our communities. To sign up, please visit our website and search ‘Mid Sussex Matters’ to subscribe.

To read the council’s full newsletter please click to enlarge the images provided, or pick up a copy of May’s Hassocks Life.

Local Hassocks dads start up Tennis Tots

Tennis Tots

Hurst resident, and LTA level 3 tennis coach, Joey de la Nougerède wanted his daughter Evie to start tennis as soon as she was steady on her feet. Joey looked around for a tennis toddler session and, finding nothing, invited some of Evie’s friends and invented some fun, racket-themed games; and so Tennis Tots was born.

Fellow Tennis Tots dad, David Keenan from Sayers Common, persuaded Joey to run a Sunday session in addition to the existing Monday group, and with David’s help, the session has grown to 20 children by word of mouth.

David and Joey have now taken the plunge, formed Tennis Tots Ltd. and booked the Triangle for three 45-minute sessions starting on Sunday 7th April. David commented: “Seeing the children improve week on week is really heart-warming. My daughter Ella always comes out with a beaming smile on her face.”

Parents Charlotte and Nick have brought their four-year-old, Lennon, to Tennis Tots for two years now. Charlotte says: “It’s a real community feel; all the parents are part of the session, and we have all become friends.” Joey describes tennis as a ‘gateway sport,’ where cognative and motor skills can transfer easily to other deciplines including football, cricket, golf and hockey.

Tennis Tots are offering two free sign-up sessions for local residents with children from age 14 months (must be walking) to seven years in a fun, happy environment, with all rackets and equipment provided.

Mondays: 11.15am at the Weald Tennis Club in Hassocks.
Sundays: 9.15am, 10.15am, and 11.15am at the Triangle in Burgess Hill.

For more information see: www.tennis-tots.com

Ross tells us about Hassocks Juniors Cricket Club

By Deirdre Huston

Ross grew up in a house on Manor Avenue. He stayed in Hassocks until he was 21 and then lived in Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, returning frequently to visit his parents, Pat and John, who had moved here in 1967. Ross and his family moved back to the village and they now live on King’s Drive, 150 yards from his mother. ‘Mum wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,’ says Ross. After attending all three local schools, Ross progressed to Haywards Heath College. He recalls: “I’d had enough of schooling, and started work in data analysis at the Halifax.” His work continues to focus on data, but he now works for EDF, and specialises in people analytics, dealing with employee data.

Cricket always appealed to Ross, who enjoyed watching the sport on TV. He had his first opportunity to play at The Windmills Junior School when he was only eight years old. He remembers a teacher called Pieter Dickson, who was a cricketing fanatic. In 1983, Ross played his first ever game came when he was ten. The Windmills school team had close links to the Hassocks and team and, soon, Ross played for both. He recalls that era, and says: “I wasn’t particularly good, and, to be honest, the team wasn’t either, but we had one star player who carried us through our four or five games a year.”

Around the time that Ross attended Downlands Community College, there were few out-of-school activities. With little chance to play cricket either at school or through the club, Ross’s mother challenged the cricket club about what else they might offer Juniors; she made them realise they needed to support this group of local children who wanted to play cricket. Geoff Elsey, the proprietor of Lavells, a newsagent which used to be on the high street, offered to take on the group of keen 11 to 13-year-olds.

When Ross finished playing Juniors in 1991, he started up a fresh new Juniors team two years later. Cricket coaching has been a big part of his life ever since, and he says: “We’ve grown from those 12 initial players to the 140 juniors we now have.” The youngest players take part in All Stars, an English Cricket Board programme which aims to introduce f ive to seven-year-olds to the sport. Ross says: “It’s 45 minutes of madness, but huge amounts of fun as the kids get used to a team-based game and working with adults in a coaching environment.”

Ross explains: “Until about age 11, mixed juniors play with a squidgy ball, no pads, no helmet, and no gloves, so when a hard ball is introduced, the sport almost transitions into a different game.” The club is always looking for ways to support what junior players need. Last year, there was demand within the Juniors for a separate girls’ team and the father of a player, Chris Failes offered to be a coach to a new girls’ team for players aged eight to 13.

The club is based in Adastra Park. When Howard Collins, ex-chairperson and player, undertook a history project to establish when Keymer and Hassocks Cricket Club started, he found various mentions of cricket locally, but the very first time, Hassocks and Keymer were mentioned together was in 1896. Ross explains: “The club has adopted that as our foundation year, which means we’re coming up to 130 years in 2026.”

The cricket pavilion in Adastra Park was rebuilt in 2009 and has been well-used ever since, with a popular bar. “Howard led the drive to get funding,” says Ross. The cricket club contributed £30,000 and they now rent the pavilion from the council who funded the main part of the project. “We’ve gone back and traced all the top run-scorers and wicket-takers,” says Ross, “and Adam has carved out an Honours Board.” The second team captain, Adam Wickens of Mythic Oak Studios, is an accomplished artisan woodworker, and he has built three honours boards which give the pavilion a sense of unique history.

If you’re interested in playing for the club or getting involved in some other way, please contact Ross at ross. tad@sky.com or call 07748 967314.

To read the full article, please pick up a copy of April’s Hassocks Life today and turn to page 20.