From eye sore to community project?

The following has been submitted by the Hassocks Amenity Association

For the past four years the South Downs Farm area in Lodge Lane has steadily become more and more overgrown and neglected. The vandalisation of the caravan site last August completed the dismal picture.  The twenty two acres of land, much of it within the South Downs National Park, is owned by the Sussex Lantern (previously Brighton Society for the Blind), The charity planned to build their new headquarters and resource centre there, but is unable to complete the project due to financial difficulties.

 

Following enquiries by Hassocks Amenity Association member Bob Kenhard, the charity indicated that it would consider disposing of the site for a community-led project. But what kind of project?  HAA's first thoughts were that any viable and sustainable project for community benefit should include support for disability groups, have a bias towards education and the needs of youth, promote sustainability issues and act as a gateway to the South Downs National Park.  These ideas were put to a packed meeting of HAA members and supporters in the Green Room, Adastra Hall on December 6^th. They received enthusiastic and overwhelming approval, whilst acknowledging the very real financial and practical difficulties which would inevitably be encountered in achieving these aims. Downlands Community School and Plumpton College had already offered their support, and now the Chairman of Hassocks Parish Council endorsed the venture.  Seventeen people, representing a wide range of professions, immediately offered their services, and volunteered to form a working party.

 

If such a scheme goes ahead, HAA will be happy to be the 'lead body', but could not act alone.  We would need to draw on every bit of local expertise and work with every organisation in the area. As a first step, the power point presentation which was used at the meeting can be borrowed by any group who would like to know more and input their ideas.  Contact Bob Kenhard on 01273 844920 or email bob.kenhard@btinternet.com.  It can also be viewed on the hassocks-online.co.uk website.

A New Station for Hassocks

The following has been submitted by the Hassocks Amenity Association

After ten years, the signals have at last changed to 'green for go'!  The plans were revealed by Southern on December 6^th.  Over the previous months, the Hassocks Amenity Association rail group had poured over drafts, made suggestions, supplied critiques of other modular stations in the area, and invited representatives of the County, District and Parish Councils to join in the scrutiny.  Due to HAA input, brick cladding will be used where possible to provide a link not only to the Victorian cottages opposite, but also to our old much loved brick built Victorian station.

 

The resulting design is of a modern, modular building which has features which HAA hopes will make residents' rail journeys pleasanter. A unique integrated canopy will help shield users from the weather and new, hopefully draught-free, soft seating should make life more comfortable when there are delays. There will be a new, accessible unisex toilet with baby changing facilities, a retail kiosk, a cash machine and an info pod. This will supply visitors with everything they need to know about Hassocks and the South Downs as well as railway information.  For people in wheelchairs, the ticket office window will have an adjustable counter and everybody will benefit from the improved layout which will make it easier to move through the station, particularly at the busiest times of the day.

 

Work is planned to start in the spring and is due for completion in the autumn.  There will be a public information day in the near future to tell us more about the new station and the arrangements that will be made whilst the building work is going ahead.   When the improvements are complete, Network Rail will then start on installing lifts in the subway, so that no longer will we be forced to climb those long flights of steps. Unfortunately, only when all that work has been completed, will any improvements to the Brighton side of the station be considered.  Crucially, will there be any money left in the kitty?  We are not likely to know the answer for some time. 

 

We are, however, very fortunate in securing this greatly improved station at a time when the economic situation could not be bleaker.  But it was not a matter of chance that Hassocks was awarded funding under the National Stations Improvement programme, and then selected for the provision of step-free access. Fortune favours the brave, and it is thanks to those who, even when a successful outcome seemed hopeless, refused to be daunted, kept up the pressure, and finally achieved this hard-won success.

  

 

Soul of the City Choir

New Term starting Wednesday 4th January - 1 Free Taster Session For New Members
Soul of the City Choir - A fun, friendly choir singing gospel, pop and soul
After another fantastic term with over 100 singers we're pleased to announce that Soul of the City choir is once again open for new members.
The sessions are up-beat & led by an experienced vocal tutor; you're bound to have a fantastic time. If you'd like try the choir before joining please contact us to find out about our free tasters. Places in the choir and on taster sessions are in high demand and get booked up quickly so please contact us early to avoid disappointment, we can't wait to sing with you!
Date: January term Wednesday 4th January - Wednesday March 21st, 7.30 - 9.00pm.
Venue: Downlands Community School, Dale Avenue, Hassocks - Free car park provided
Term fee £70.00
Contact: hassockschoir@hotmail.co.uk
Website: www.soulofthecitychoir.com 
Wednesday 4th January will mark the start of our next 12-week term (we meet every Wednesday evening), which will see the choir working towards an end of term charity concert in March.
Everyone who signs up for the term will be given a CD containing all their parts for the term's songs so they can sing along at home (so no music reading necessary).
There are still places left for Soul of the City choir, although they are limited, so don't miss this opportunity to be part of something fantastic and fun!
If you would like to join or try the choir please contact us at the above e-mail address to secure your place. If you can't make the above dates but are still interested in the choir, please do get in touch, as we will be running future classes and events. 

Stafford House Field development

The Planning Officer of Mid Sussex District Council has today recommended that the South Area Planning Committee REFUSE the application by Asprey Homes to build 17 dwellings on the north field at Stafford House at their meeting on 5th January 2012.  Happy days!!! (For now)

Stafford House Field - Public Meeting

Hassocks Parish Council are holding a Public Meeting on Monday 14th November regarding the application to build 17 dwellings on the land (existing field) to the rear of Stafford House, Ockley Lane in the Council Chamber, Parish Centre, Adastra Park at 7.00pm, to enable members of the public to make any comments on the application.

Stafford House Field

Asprey Homes Southern Ltd have now submitted their planning application for 17 dwellings on the Stafford House field to Mid Sussex District Council.

 

The application can viewed via the Planning Portal at www.midsussex.gov.uk/planningregister.

 

The application reference is 11/03396 and comments must be received by the case officer, Mr Stuart Malcolm, by 25^th November 2011.

 

Comments can be made via the website or in writing to:

Mr Stuart Malcolm

Mid Sussex District Council

Oaklands

Oaklands Road

Haywards Heath

RH16 1SS

The Brighton & Hove Retired Greyhound Trust

Kennels Open Day We are extremely excited to announce our first open day at the Brighton & Hove Retired Greyhound Trust kennels in Twineham. 

SUNDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER - 11:00 TO 14:00 HOURS 

Please come and meet the team, see the work that we do, and most importantly greet the greyhounds.

The address of our kennels is :
"New House Farm"
Twineham Lane
Twineham
RH17 5NP.

Light refreshments will be available.

I'm afraid that our open day is for humans only, as the kennel dogs could get a little upset if loads of hounds turn up on their turf.

For queries or directions, please contact Dolly Shew :
Mobile : 07889 751271
Email : dollyshew@hotmail.com

Please come and support our first kennel open day.
http://brighton.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk

Soul Of the City Choire - Free Taster Session

Wednesday 14^th September

Soul Of The City Choir - Free taster session, Downlands Community School, Dale Avenue 7.30pm to 9.00pm (arrive at 7:10 for new member registration).

Soul Of the City Choir has been running a 130 strong choir in Brighton for 2 years and are now opening a new one in Hassocks.

A fun friendly choir singing pop, soul & gospel classics from The Beatles to Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon to Bob Marley & many more! Gone are the days when singing was at the centre of the community, bringing people together from all walks of life... we'd like to do something about that.  There are no auditions to join this community choir and it is open to all levels of experience and ability, we welcome shower singers to more established singers. With the sessions being up-beat and led by an experienced vocal tutor, you're bound to have a fantastic time! The choir term runs for 12 weeks and culminates with charity concerts where proceeds are donated to local charities. Further details can be obtained from the website at www.soulofthecitychoir.com

Come and join St Peter & St James for the family fun event of the year!

 

Cruise on the Ouse is back!

Sponsor a duck for £1, then we will place him/her on the Ouse River with all the other ducks and the first to cross the finish line wins a prize. Make sure you are there to cheer your duck home!

 

A fun family day out with a bouncy castle, magician, live entertainment, face painting, food & drink, on Saturday 3rd September from 11am – 3pm at The Anchor in Barcombe Mills. Entry and car parking are free.

 

Gill Cronin, Head of Fundraising for St Peter & St James said, "This is a great family day out and last year everybody really enjoyed themselves, raising over £2,000.  There is plenty of space for all the family to enjoy, the setting is beautiful, there's loads of fun to be had and you'll be helping the Hospice – what more could you ask for?"

 

1^st Place wins £75 M & S vouchers, 2^nd place wins a £50 bonus gift voucher, and third place wins a neck back and shoulder massage, kindly donated by the Uckfield Beauty Spot.

 

For more details or to sponsor a duck please contact the Fundraising Team on 01444 471598, fundraising@stpeter-stjames.org.uk or visit www.stpeter-stjames.org.uk

“Swimalong” with St Peter & St James!

Time to get your goggles and towels at the ready! St Peter & St James invite you to help us raise funds by taking part in their first ever SWIMALONG at The Triangle Leisure Centre in Burgess Hill on Saturday 8^th October 2011 and need individuals and teams of up to six swimmers to take part.

 

Participants are asked to raise sponsorship for the number of lengths completed in a 50 minute session; there is no minimum sponsorship, but there will be a small prize for the individual and team who raise the most!  Entry is £10 per adult and £5 for children aged 8-11.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.  Everyone who takes part will receive a goody bag and medal. Terms and conditions apply.

 

So why not come and join us? Get fit, have fun and raise much needed funds. We only have 220 places available so don't delay – get swimming today!

 

Please contact 01444 471598 and ask for Pauline in Fundraising.

New Notice Board in Chancellors Park

Hassocks Amenity Society, together with Hurstpierpoint Gymnastics Society, has provided a new, large community  notice board at the end of Chancellors Park which the Monday Group has designed and built.  The smaller section is reserved for Hurstpierpoint activities, but the largest section is for the exclusive use of community and not-for-profit groups in Hassocks, Keymer and Clayton. The only exception is child care organisations as the board is close to the infants school.  HAA hopes that the new board, uncluttered by commercial advertisements, will help all our local groups advertise their activities. It would be wonderful if  everyone could laminate their notices – the new board is in a windy spot – but that is not essential.  Certainly A4 should be the maximum size, to give everybody a chance.  HAA will be monitoring the new board, removing out-of-date notices and commercial adverts. Let's hope this will also remove one Hassocks eyesore!  Comments and queries to:  margaret608ford@btinternet.com.

Missing Cat

Please help us find Henrietta, she has been missing for two weeks, but has been possibly spotted on the north side of Hassocks and Keymer near the Thatched Inn.

Henrietta is a small, pretty, CARAMEL TABBY, British short hair cross, she can be very loving, but is also very timid, and by now will be very hungry and scared, please approach her carefully if you feel you can catch her, or immediately call us, or Steve at Hassocks Pet Centre, or a local Vet, or the RSPCA, all of whom know she is missing and how to help her return home safely to her home on Orchard Lane in Hassocks. Henrietta is Chipped and spayed.

• £200 reward

• No questions asked

• Just call us

• Terribly missed by her humans and her sister.

• All information treated as confidential.

£200 Reward For the safe return of Henrietta

Call Dan on: 07976 249001 Call Jemma on: 07812 039683

Call Hassocks Pet Centre  Call the RSPCA

PLEASE HELP! See link to poster on the 'Hone' page of the website

We've done it!

We hit the magic number yesterday with 7 days to spare before our 4th birthday.

50,038 visitors to 26th May

Bike’n’Fun Sunday 26 June, Downlands Community School

Register for this year's Bike'n'Fun by picking up a form from Orion News or by going to the Visit Hassocks website www.visithassocks.co.uk where you can download and print the form.  Completed forms should be returned with your entry fee to Orion News or sent to 5 Clayton Park Hassocks by 22 June.  Please make cheques payable to "Hassocks Community Partnership."  The entry fee is £6.50 per person including a free t-shirt and burger or £5 per person including free t-shirt.  You can also enter on the day (subject to availability of places) at Downlands Community School, Dale Avenue from 9.30 a.m.   On the registration form you will also find details of how to arrange optional sponsorship which will raise funds for the 1^st Hassocks Scout Group. 

There are two trails:  entrants for the eight mile route leave at 10.30 a.m. followed by riders on the four mile trail at 1045 a.m.  Bike maintenance checks will be available before the starts and everyone taking part will have their names entered into a draw.  Barratt Southern Counties are sponsoring the prize of a child's bike and accessories and Freedom Leisure are sponsoring a free two month membership at Hassocks Sports Centre, Downlands Community School.  Cycle with the family and enjoy some of the beautiful countryside around Hassocks.  Both routes return to Downlands where you can enjoy refreshments after the event.  The scouts will be providing ice creams and Standean Farm will be running a BBQ.   It should be a great community event, so pedal along and join Charlie Rabbit for Bike'n'Fun 2011.

Hassocks Amenity Association

Hassocks Amenity Association
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 

To be held on Tuesday, 7^th June at 7.30 pm in the Function Room of the Hassocks Hotel

 

REVEALED – THE SECRET WORLD OF MODULAR MAN

 

The new Hassocks station will be a modular design.  But what does that mean? Trevor Humber takes us on a light-hearted illustrated trip around a number of Southern Rail stations including four recent modular examples. What do you like?  What do you loathe?  What do you want for Hassocks? Come and join the debate.

 

Trevor's presentation will start at 8.15 p.m. immediately after the Association's AGM.

 

EVERYONE WELCOME!

 

          THE MEETING NO RAIL USER CAN AFFORD TO MISS!

 

The Burgess Hill Bike Ride

BURGESS HILL BIKE RIDE

Web site: www.BurgessHillBikeRide.co.uk    Email: email@burgesshillbikeride.co.uk

P.O. Box 65, 36 Keymer Road, Hassocks, BN6 0BH   Tel: 07855 327234

19^th Annual Bike Ride on Sunday 5 June 2011

Organised by Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and District Round Table and Burgess Hill Lions Club

In aid of St. Peter & St. James Hospice and other local charities

Supported by Modelzone, Bennett Christmas Insurance Brokers

Bright 106.4 fm, B.G.Benton and many others

 

 

Get on "yer" Bike!!!

 

We don't want you all to miss out on the fun event of the year!

 

The Burgess Hill Bike Ride is fast approaching so why not come and join us?

Organised in aid of local charities by Burgess Hill, Haywards Heat and District Round Table and Burgess Hill Lions Club.

 

Sunday 5^th June Registration starts at 07.45 and closes at 09.30am. Oakmeeds School, Burgess Hill.

 

£10 for adults and £5 for children 16 and under (must be accompanied by an adult). Riders must be 10 years old or over on the day of the ride.  Proceeds go to local charitable causes.

 

Download an entry form and bring it along with you on the day!

 

www.burgesshillbikeride.co.uk

 

Our goal? 

1000 cyclists and to raise at least £20,000

 TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!

Please support my niece if you can, raising funds for the National Brain Appeal.
Read her story at www.justgiving.com/sharonscott1970

An open garden and summer celebration

An open garden and summer celebration will take place on Sunday 12 June in the beautiful grounds of Great Ote Hall, Janes Lane, Burgess Hill the former home of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon. There will be tea and cake on the lawn / marquee from 2 o'clock in aid of the St Peter & St James Hospice and at 6pm there will be a summer songs of praise led by Wivelsfield Parish Church in celebration of her life and also to recognise the 400^th anniversary of the King James Bible.

The special event will include a feast of rousing songs, readings from the King James Bible and a talk by Rev Richard Jackson, Chichester Diocesan advisor for Mission and Renewal.

Selina was a religious leader who lived locally and played a prominent role in the religious revival and Methodist movement, and she founded a number of chapels and congregations across England and Sierra Leone including the one in Wivelsfield.

From Mid Sussex Ramblers

On Easter Sunday, Mid Sussex Ramblers enjoyed a profusion of Early-purple Orchids and found a solitary most unusual form of this species. Its flowers were pale and flecked with purple. And unlike all the other orchids around it, the leaves had no spots.

Tony Osmand from Mid Sussex Ramblers said, "Spring flowers, especially Cowslips and Early-purple Orchids are magnificent at present. Finding such a rare form of the latter was a bonus. Anyone wishing to join one of our walks and experience the joys of Spring can find details at www.midsussexramblers.co.uk and would be most welcomed." Ramblers advise that if you are not used to walking in hilly Sussex, start with a short walk first and build up to the longer walks later.

Land to the rear of Stafford House, Keymer Road

Asprey Homes Ltd will be holding an informal presentation at Stafford House on Tuesday 3rd May between 3.30pm and 7.30pm of their plans to develop the playing field for further housing.
Please try and attend at sometime to let them know your views on the proposal!
If you can't attend, email your comments to info@aspreyhomes.co.uk

A New Station for Hassocks

AMENITY ASSOCIATION SECURES NEW STATION FOR HASSOCKS

 

·       £1.25 million has been allocated for a new station at Hassocks under the Department for Transport's (DfT) National Station Improvement Programme (NSIP)

 

·       An additional £1.6 million has been awarded under the Access for All scheme for the installation of lifts

 

Robert Sue, Network Rail Commercial Schemes Sponsor for Sussex, made this announcement at a meeting in January of the Hassocks Amenity Association's rail group and representatives of West Sussex County Council, and Mid Sussex District and Hassocks Parish Council. 

 

The news was the result of more than ten years' campaign work by the Rail Group. It had included a passenger count, a residents' survey, an exhibition, public meetings, and assessments of other stations being built under the NSIP as well as constant meetings with all the different rail authorities and statutory agencies.

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·       A new modular accessible  station is planned for 2012

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·       A detailed design will be drawn up in the Spring of this year in consultation with the Rail Group

 

·       Network Rail will then submit the design for public consultation at a mini exhibition in early summer.

 

·       By working with so many agencies, it is anticipated that the rebuilding scheme will be complemented by improved parking and signage whilst WSCC hope to improve pedestrian access on the east side.