Haywards Heath Mayor’s Official Christmas Card Competition

Haywards Heath Town Council is inviting young artists across the town to enter this year’s Mayor’s Official Christmas Card Competition, held in partnership with the mayor’s charity of the year, Kangaroos Mid Sussex.

The competition is open to primary school-aged children, who are encouraged to put their artistic skills to the test and create a festive design. The winning artist will receive a special prize, and their design will be professionally printed on the mayor’s official Christmas cards.

The cards will be sent to local dignitaries, community partners, and friends of Haywards Heath, and sold to raise funds for Kangaroos, a local charity supporting children and adults with learning disabilities through activities, opportunities and vital support.

Entries will be judged by Town Mayor Councillor Duncan Pascoe, alongside representatives from Kangaroos, who will be looking for creativity, originality, and plenty of festive spirit.

Cllr Duncan Pascoe, said. “We’re looking forward to seeing the wonderful designs our young residents come up with this year. It’s a lovely opportunity for children to share their creativity while helping to raise funds for Kangaroos and the fantastic work they do in our community.”

Entries must be completed on the official entry form, available to collect from Haywards Heath Town Hall or download from the town council website. Designs can be created using pencil, pen, or paint – but please, no glitter!

To enter, send your completed design to Haywards Heath Town Hall, 40 Boltro Road, RH16 1BA, or email eventsandcommunity@haywardsheath.gov.uk. The competition closes at 10am on Monday 9th November. Good luck to everyone taking part!

For more information and to download an entry form, visit www.haywardsheath.gov.uk/christmas-festival

Bambino Club Café opens in Bolnore

What started as a simple idea has become a welcoming new space in Bolnore, where local parents and carers can enjoy a great coffee, catch up with friends and allow their little ones to play safely while they enjoy a little ‘me time’.

Local mum and founder, Leah Arrowsmith shares her reasons for starting the business: “Before having my youngest child, I spent two years running soft play parties at weekends. I loved creating fun experiences for children, but after having a family of my own, I knew I didn’t want to return to working weekends and spending that precious time away from them.
“Having two children also gave me a completely different perspective on what parents need. I realised there wasn’t really anywhere else in the area where you could sit back, enjoy your coffee and actually have your children in sight the whole time, while they play safely in a calm, relaxing environment.”

That idea became the inspiration for The Bambino Club Café - a place where parents can meet friends, make new connections and enjoy some time for themselves, while children play, explore and use their imaginations.

“Our opening week has been everything we could have hoped for, with over 500 people already coming through our doors. We’ve welcomed so many smiley little faces, met so many lovely families and received some incredible feedback. And we have so much more planned; including SEN sessions, themed events, Christmas ceramics and prints, flower-making and lots of other special experiences throughout the year.”

Silver Sunday cheer in Haywards Heath

By Kelly Lewis

A little kindness can go a long way. This Silver Sunday, Haywards Heath Town Council visited care homes across the town to share some treats and let older residents know they are appreciated.

Gift bags and a letter from the town council were delivered to 10 care homes across Haywards Heath. Each delivery was a small gesture of thanks and good wishes for residents and staff.

The town council visited residents at The Goldbridge Care Home, Martlet Manor, Ashton House, Oakwood Court, Birchwood Grove, Summerlands, Maplehurst, Adelaide House, Bletchingley, and Wellington Care Home.

Held on the first Sunday of October each year, Silver Sunday celebrates older people and helps tackle loneliness and social isolation. The national campaign encourages communities to bring people together through activities that promote friendship, connection, and wellbeing.

The deliveries also offered a chance to connect with older residents and remind them that they are an important part of local life. The day is a reminder of the importance of staying connected and making sure older people feel included and supported.

Town Clerk Barry Gilham said: “Silver Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate the older people in our community. We hope these small deliveries brought a smile to residents and showed that they are valued and very much part of the wider Haywards Heath community.”

For more information, visit silversunday.org.uk

Mid Downs Hospital Radio strikes gold at 50

©Jane Collins

Mid Downs Hospital Radio (MDR) celebrated 50 years of broadcasting on 3rd October, bringing together members past and present, friends, and supporters for a golden anniversary celebration at Rok Skool in Haywards Heath.

The evening was opened by MDR Patron David Hentschel, who reflected on the station’s proud history of bringing music, companionship and entertainment to patients, staff and the wider community. Town Mayor Councillor Duncan Pascoe and Deputy Mayor Abdul Bashar also joined the celebrations, paying tribute to the generations of volunteers who have kept MDR on air for half a century.

There was a real sense of history as early presenters and former Chairs David Spear and Alan Jenkins returned to celebrate, alongside former Chairs Julia Mewes, Cathy Barnett and Sol Mead, creating a very special link between MDR’s past and present.

The evening also celebrated today’s volunteers. Ellen Symonds became the first recipient of the DC ‘Let’s Rock’ Award, named after MDR presenter DC Rogers and recognising exceptional service to the station. Former presenter and long-standing mentor Paul Halliday received a surprise honorary membership for his many years of dedication and encouragement of new broadcasting talent.

The station thanked Rok Skool, the event’s photographer, the makers of the award and everyone involved. Above all, the celebration captured the friendship, fun and family spirit that has always been at the heart of MDR. To round off the evening, Ellen joined fellow young presenter Tommy Kennedy for a musical journey through five decades: a reminder that, after 50 years on air, the station’s future is in good hands.

Our Town Our Story - Haywards Heath project

If there was ever any doubt that Haywards Heath has stories worth telling, Town Day put it firmly to rest. The Our Town Our Story stall was a hive of activity throughout the day, as residents young and old stopped by to find out more, share a memory, or simply ask, “So what exactly is this all about?” By the end of the afternoon, the answer was clear: this is a project the town has been waiting for.

Beyond the steady stream of curious visitors, interest came from some unexpected and very welcome quarters. Local Scout and Girl Guide groups got in touch, keen to get their young members involved, while several other community groups also came forward wanting to know how they could take part. For a project built entirely on the idea that everyone has a story worth telling, it’s hard to imagine a better response.

“Stories are an important part of the fabric of every town,” said local author and Our Town Our Story Founder Matt Newnham. “Telling them, as well as sharing them, is good for everyone.”

That spirit of sharing is about to move from the stall to the streets, with a series of Our Town Our Story Tea, Coffee and a Chat sessions being planned at venues across Haywards Heath in the coming weeks. Informal, welcoming, and open to all, these sessions are designed to be exactly what they sound like: a cuppa, a friendly ear, and a chance to talk about the town and the memories that make it what it is. The first proper story-gathering event was held at the Dolphin Leisure Centre on Saturday 26th September, and was free of charge for anyone who wanted to come along. For that event and any others, there’s no need to prepare anything special, just bring stories, and perhaps something to write with, should inspiration strike.

The Dolphin Leisure Centre event was just the first of many in-person sessions being held over the coming months, at venues including coffee shops, Bentswood Hub, Woodside at Bolnore, local schools, the library and more.

There’s no need to wait for these events to take place, however. Anyone who wants to contribute right now can do so online at the address below, where anyone can upload their Haywards Heath and surrounding villages story for free, either as a written story, an audio recording, or photos.

And of course, a project of this scale doesn’t run itself. Our Town Our Story is actively looking for volunteers, whether that’s helping at events, gathering stories, lending a creative hand, or simply spreading the word. No experience is needed, just an interest in the town and its people.

For details of upcoming events, or to find out how to get involved as a volunteer, visit www.ourtownourstory.com. Every town has a story. This is Haywards Heath’s chance to tell it.

St Wilfrid’s concerts in Haywards Heath

St Wilfrid’s Church, Haywards Heath has launched its 2026-27 series of nine Second-Sunday Evening music recitals, the first of which was on 13th September. Series organiser Tim Carpenter, director of music and organist at St Wilfrid’s, has planned another eight free recitals at 7.15pm, with a retiring collection for the St Wilfrid’s choral scholarship scheme for those aged 12 to 18.

These recitals, which follow the church’s monthly 6pm to 6.45pm Choral Evensong, are performed by musicians who have already delighted audiences at St Wilfrid’s and others making their debuts there. On 11th October Fergus Byett’s pipe organ recital includes works by J.S. Bach, Buxtehude, Howells and Pachelbel, and then on 8th November Adam Maha (viola) and Tim Chua (violin) play some Martinu madrigals and Mozart’s Duo for Viola and Violin (K.423).

After its Advent and Christmas break, the series resumes on 10th January 2027, when Eddie Gifney (piano) makes his St Wilfrid’s debut in a programme of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Medtner. This is followed on 14th February by the welcome return of the 13-strong Tredici Wind Ensemble, who play pieces by Richard Strauss, Grieg and Smetana.

The St Wilfrid’s Choral Scholars themselves sing a selection from their solo vocal repertoire on 14th March, and after the Easter break it’s the turn of the Ardingly College Junior Music Scholars on 9th May, who demonstrate their vocal and instrumental talents.

On 13th June the ever-popular, always moving Elgar Cello Concerto is played in a cello-and-piano arrangement by Tim Carpenter and Fergus Byett; they also perform Bach’s Solo Cello Suite No. 1 and Martinu’s Variations on a Slovak Theme. The series will be rounded off on 11th July by Hannah Carpenter (soprano) and Eddie Gifney, who present Art Song and Folk Songs by Britten and Finzi.

The 2026-27 series details are at flipbook.so/flip/ aqJMTSNZ7O0AN2tv6cI5. For further information contact Timothy Carpenter timothy.carpenter9@gmail.com or visit www.stwilfridshaywardsheath.org.uk.

Dementia friendly cafés at St Richard's, Haywards Heath

St Richard’s focus on helping people living with dementia started in January 2018 when the first Dementia Friendly Café opened. The café continues to meet twice a month, on the first Saturday and third Tuesday, for two hours, from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is welcome, especially anyone suffering from memory loss, their families, and friends, and those who care for them, from Haywards Heath and the surrounding areas. Each session includes live entertainment, which is always well received, with guests singing along and sometimes dancing. Tea, coffee, and cake are provided throughout the sessions by a team of volunteers from St Richard’s and the local community.

Local agencies and doctors’ surgeries continue to refer families to the cafés, and several donations and grants have been received which have paid for entertainers to join the sessions.

The informal cafés, held in St Richards Hall, provide a safe place for people with dementia and their carers to come and chat whilst enjoying refreshments, live entertainment, and the company of others. There is no need to book, just turn up on the day.

The café on the first Saturday in December always includes a Dementia Friendly Carol Service, held in the church, where guests are joined by Scaynes Hill Community Choir and are encouraged to sing carols and shake and rattle musical instruments.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer is invited to get in touch. https://www.strichards.co.uk/dementia-friendly-cafes.html

Haywards Heath Buskerteers choir charity mission

A brand-new term is beginning for Buskerteers Choirs across England and Wales, bringing hundreds of singers back together for another season of music, performances, community and fundraising with a goal behind every rehearsal, to raise £1 million for charity.

So far, Buskerteers members have raised more than £212,000 for charitable causes through performances, fundraising events, and community projects. Now, as a new term gets underway, the choirs are continuing their journey towards that ambitious £1 million target. The new term will see Buskerteers Choirs across England and Wales learning new songs, preparing for performances and getting involved in fundraising projects. This October, Buskerteers is hoping to support Breast Cancer Now once again, following two previous years of fundraising for the charity. Later in the year, choirs will also be turning their attention to Christmas, with festive performances and fundraising projects planned across the country.

Haywards Heath Buskerteers Choir meets every Monday at 8pm - 9.30pm at The Old School, Church St, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath RH17 5JZ. The choir welcomes singers of all abilities, with no auditions and no requirement to read music. Members simply come along, learn the songs, and enjoy singing as part of their local community.Anyone interested in joining the Haywards Heath choir can come along for a free taster session and experience it for themselves. Taster booking link: members.buskerteerschoir.com/ book-taster

For more information, please contact: Katherine Stewart katherine.stewart@buskerteerschoir.com 07935 244087

The Haywards Heath Blues aim for football cup glory

By Paul Stone

Whilst many readers of this publication likely have teams that get involved in the FA Cup in January, for non-league sides like Haywards Heath Town, the journey begins much earlier — for some it’s their first game of the season!

743 teams entered the FA Cup, and the Blues were drawn away against Little Common. The Heath came away with a 4-1 win to qualify for the preliminary round of the FA Cup, where they will play Sutton Common Rovers away. It’s still another eight rounds to go until they have the chance to play Brighton & Hove Albion, but one can dream.

The league campaign has also started well for the Heath, drawing with title-contending East Grinstead 0-0 on the opening day, before holding off AFC Varndeanians’ late comeback for a 2-1 win, ahead of their FA Cup victory.

Games come thick and fast at the start of the season, with eight games scheduled in August, before games are likely called off over the winter period. Supporters are encouraged to come along to any of the upcoming home games and support the club’s U18s, U23s and Men’s sides.

Upcoming home fixtures:
Blues vs Roffey – Sat 5th September, 3pm
Blues vs Pagham – Sat 19th September, 3pm
Blues U18s vs Three Bridges U18s – Mon 28th September, 7.45pm
Blues vs Midhurst & Easebourne – Sat 3rd October, 3pm
Blues U18s vs Broadbridge Heath FC U18s – Mon 5th October, 7.45pm

Not interested in the football? No problem — in the coming months, the club will be running karaoke nights, fireworks, DJ evenings and more, with updates to follow in next month’s issue.

The Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride returns

The Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride is set to return on Sunday 6th September, bringing together riders of all abilities for a day of cycling, community spirit, and local fundraising.

This much-loved event celebrates everything that makes Haywards Heath special: a vibrant community, beautiful surroundings, and an active lifestyle. With routes designed to suit everyone, from families and firsttime cyclists to experienced riders, it offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the stunning Sussex countryside close to home.

There will be four clearly marked routes:
Green Route: The Sergison (20 km) a relaxed, family-friendly ride
Blue Route: The Cavalier (33 km) a steady and scenic challenge
Red Route: The Highwayman (78 km) a rewarding ride for regular cyclists
Black Route: Sweeping Valleys (119 km) a more demanding route through sweeping landscapes

Each route showcases the best of the local area, including quiet country roads and views across the South Downs.

At its heart, the Bike Ride is about bringing the community together. Local cycling clubs, families, friends, and individuals all come together to share the experience – whether riding side by side or cheering from the sidelines.

The event also supports charitable causes, giving participants the chance to raise funds and make a meaningful contribution while enjoying the day.

The Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride continues to grow each year, becoming a highlight in the town's calendar. It's a chance to be active, connect with others, and experience the very best of the local area.

https://www.nice-work.org.uk/e/greater-haywards-heath-bike-ride-9509