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)