The Mewes vets and Raystede pop-up event

On Thursday 2nd April, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, a well-known local animal charity dedicated to improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them, will be visiting The Mewes Vets for a special pop-in event focused on all things dog behaviour. Taking place from 10am until 3pm, this informal and friendly event will give dog owners and animal lovers the opportunity to meet members of Raystede’s knowledgeable team and learn more about understanding canine behaviour.

Whether you have a new puppy, a rescue dog settling into a new home, or simply want to better understand your dog’s body language and communication, the Raystede team will be on hand to share helpful advice and practical guidance. Visitors will be able to ask questions about common behaviour challenges such as lead pulling, recall, barking, separation worries, and socialisation with other dogs.

The aim of the day is to help owners build stronger, more positive relationships with their dogs, through understanding, patience, and kind training methods. Raystede has many years of experience supporting animals and educating owners, and events like this are a great opportunity for the community to access expert knowledge in a relaxed environment. The team will also be happy to talk about the wider work Raystede does, including animal rescue, rehoming, and welfare education.

Everyone is welcome to stop by during the day, have a chat, and pick up useful tips to help their dogs live happier and more confident lives.

Marion and the Haywards Heath Harriers

From setting up beginner-friendly running groups to launching parkrun in the town, Marion Hemsworth has spent the last 15 years making running accessible to the Haywards Heath community, and her latest project could transform how our community stays active for years to come. Here she talks about her life and love of running.

By Lydia Turner

Marion’s journey to Mid Sussex began in the north of England where she was born in Warrington and brought up in Manchester. It was her passion for teaching that brought her south to attend university in London where she completed a teaching qualification. Marion and her husband then made the move to Mid Sussex, initially living in Ardingly before settling in Haywards Heath where she and her husband brought up their three children. Marion taught maths in schools around Sussex for most of her career, before moving into education management and working as an advisor at the Open University. She finished her career at Haywards Heath College from where she retired in 2010.

In her 30s, Marion dabbled with running, but it wasn’t until she turned 50 that she really found her pace, joining Haywards Heath Harriers and discovering her love of running. Marion said that she started playing squash and then discovered that she was better at the running bit in the squash court than she was at hitting the ball. Running is obviously a passion for Marion. What draws people to running, she believes, is its accessibility. “You don’t have to be a certain standard to run. There’s no entry requirement. You don’t need a team. It fits really well around bringing up children as a way of keeping fit.” For Marion, the appeal goes beyond physical fitness. “I like the fact it’s freedom. And it does make you feel good afterwards, that endorphin boost works for everybody, really. But I also love the social side. We visit park runs around the country with my family, and afterwards you have a coffee, you’ve done something, but now let’s chat, let’s socialise, pick up on everybody’s gossip.”

Marion has had several roles within Haywards Heath Harriers over the years and currently serves as the secretary. What started as simply running with the club gradually evolved into take on the administrative side as well. In 2010, Marion and a friend became aware that there was a group of people who didn’t run with Harriers because they felt that it was too competitive them and that they might not be able to reach the standard set by other members, so Marion and her friend Julie set up a more recreational running group for beginners and the less experienced, not so motivated, not so competitive runners, called J&M Running, which is now well established within the town.

Marion explained how J&M Running also venture out of the town, with trips to the north of the country, back to where Marion was brought up. “We did a Blackpool Lights run, because that area was where we used to go as a family with my mum and dad to Blackpool and the St Anne’s. A group of us also ran the Copenhagen Half last year with Berlin this year for some. We get around!”

Not content with her involvement in both Haywards Heath Harriers and J&M Running, Marion was determined to put her beliefs into action. Convinced that running is an accessible social activity, good for mental and physical health and open to as many people as possible, she threw herself into helping set up a parkrun in the town. Clair parkrun began in 2014, attracting good numbers of people on a Saturday morning and this was also followed by another parkrun at Wakehurst, further expanding opportunities for local people to become involved in the sport that Marion loves.

To read Marion’s full story, please pick up your copy of Haywards Heath Life through all of March.

Why a Haywards Heath pensioner is running a mile for every year of his age

On 18th February Melvyn Walmsley (75) began his challenge to run 75 miles by 18th March for the Haywards Heath based Anglo-Ghanaian children’s charity Lovey Foundation (UK). With its partner in rural Upper East Ghana, the Lovey Save Child Workers Foundation, supports subsistence farmers’ children into primary schools in Bawku Municipal and Binduri Districts. “Otherwise, they become stone-quarry or farm labourers.” Mervyn says. ‘Lovey’ the nickname of Thomas, the Ghanaian founder who started school in his teens, means ‘kind person.’

Melvyn explains, “Since 2013, 693 children have been supported into 12 rural primary schools. None drop out, many enter secondary or higher education. Only 4% of our income goes on UK overheads, Zoom for trustees’ meetings and our website. 96% funds children into school. We have raised funds through concerts in Cuckfield and Brighton, celebrity poetry evenings, selling Easter and Christmas cards and Thomas’s book The Quarry Girl, car boot sales, and sponsorship of road running, kayaking the Thames, walking from Switzerland to Rome, and a trustee having her hair shaved off.”

Melvyn is running 75 miles, from his home between 18th February and 18th March, his late parents’ birthdays. Melvyn shared that in February to March 2023 he ran 72 miles at 72, but that eight months later he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, requiring six months treatment which prevented him from running again until last autumn.

If you would like to find out more about Melvyn’s run or Lovey Foundation, please contact him on melvyn@ loveyfoundation.org.

Defibrillator locations around Haywards Heath

Click to enlarge image

Bentswood Hub – 24/7
38 America Lane, Haywards Heath, RH16 3QB

Birchen Oak Residents – 24/7
3 Alder Way, Haywards Heath, RH16 1AN

Bolnore Village Primary School – School hours
Updown Hill, Haywards Heath, RH16 4GD

Burns House – Office hours
Harlands Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1LR

Collinson – Office hours
Sussex House, Perrymount Road, HH, RH16 1DN

Dolphin Leisure Centre – Open hours
Pasture Hill Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1LY

Franklands Village Housing Assoc – 24/7
The Estate Office, Franklands Village, RH16 3RS

Hanbury Park Stadium – 24/7
Allen Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3PT

Harlands Primary School – School hours
Penland Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1PJ

Haywards Heath Baptist Church – 24/7
Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4DZ

Haywards Heath Social Club – Open hours
United Services Club, Wivelsfield Road, RH16 4EG

Haywards Heath Town Hall – 24/7
40 Boltro Rd, Haywards Heath, RH16 1BA

Marks and Spencer – Store hours
Unit 1, The Orchards, Haywards Heath, RH16 3TH

O2 Store – Store hours
Unit 22, The Orchards, Haywards Heath, RH16 3TH

Oathall Community College – 24/7
Appledore Gardens, Haywards Heath, RH16 2AG

Pure Gym – 24/7
59 South Road, Haywards Heath RH16 4LQ

Railway Station – 24/7
Commercial Square, Haywards Heath, RH16 1DJ

Rohan Solicitors – Office hours
Aberdeen House, South Road, HH, RH16 4NG

St Josephs Catholic Primary School – School hours
Hazelgrove Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3PQ

Tesco Express – Store hours
39 Larch Way, Haywards Heath, RH16 3TG

Tesco Express – Store hours
Hazelgrove Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3TH

The Ascension Church – 24/7
110 Vale Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4JS

Tory’s Café – Store hours
Park Pavilion, Victoria Park, HH, RH16 4HT

Total Orthodontics Ltd – Office hours
Heath Square, 5 Boltro Road, HH, RH16 1BL

Woodside Pavillion – 24/7
120 Middle Village, Bolnore Village, RH16 4GJ

Haywards Heath Scouts: A new centre for community transformation

For over a century, the Scouts of Mid Sussex have been a cornerstone of Haywards Heath, empowering young people with practical skills, adventure, and lifelong friendships. As a volunteer-led organisation, the Scouts have faced increasing challenges in securing suitable premises, limiting opportunities for local youth, and leaving many on a waiting list.

The District Council offered a site at Barn Cottage Recreation Ground which enabled the Scouts to plan a new, environmentally sustainable centre, designed by Ecotecture Architects. This modern facility features high thermal efficiency, solar panels, and air source heat pumps and is bright and airy, ensuring a safe and welcoming space for all.

What sets this project apart is its commitment to the wider community. By partnering with the Bentswood Hub CIC, the centre will become a vibrant hub for Haywards Heath, hosting community programmes during the day and Scout activities most evenings. This collaboration has strengthened funding applications and attracted additional support, ensuring the building will serve as a vital resource for years to come. It has two main spaces, both of which will be hire-able to the local community.

Construction began in March last year, with the groundbreaking ceremony, which was attended by Scout group members of all ages. Completion was scheduled for January 2026. This initiative demonstrates how local organisations can unite to create lasting, positive change, delivering essential services, supporting young people, and enhancing community life in Haywards Heath.

Call to Action: The building work may be complete, but the Scouts and the Bentswood hub CIC still need funds to equip the building with furniture and f ittings and to cover the day-to-day expenses of running the building. Residents, businesses, and community leaders are invited to support this transformative project. Whether through volunteering, donations, or partnership, Haywards Heath Community involvement will help ensure the new centre reaches its full potential, benefiting generations to come.

Donations can be made via Just Giving to The Barn Community Hub and Scout Centre www.justgiving.com/campaign/barncottage

Haywards Heath Community Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Community Awards. These Awards provide an opportunity to recognise, celebrate, and thank remarkable local individuals and businesses whose actions have had a positive and lasting impact on the town.

To reflect the diversity of those who live and work in Haywards Heath, nominations are invited across five award categories, alongside the prestigious Mayor’s Award. Individuals and businesses from all parts of the community are eligible, provided their contribution has been voluntary and not connected to their paid work. The award categories are as follows:
Business Award – Community Involvement Recognising a Haywards Heath–based business that has gone the extra mile to support and engage with the local community, enhancing community life and making a positive contribution to the town.
Outstanding Young Person Award - Awarded to a young person under the age of 18 who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
Outstanding Adult Award - For an adult aged 18 or over who has made a significant contribution to the community, either through a single act or sustained service over a longer period.
Sports Person of the Year - An award for someone who has excelled in sport, leisure, fitness, or physical activity. Open to people of any age.
Volunteer of the Year Award, in association with Community People - Recognising an individual who has undertaken a voluntary role that benefits the Haywards Heath community. Nominee details will be shared with Community People.
Mayor’s Award = Recognising a person of any age who the mayor believes has made a significant contribution to, and difference within, the town and local community.

Nominations close at 5pm on Monday 16 February. Award winners will be announced and celebrated at a special Community Awards ceremony on Sunday 22 March.

Cllr Duncan Pascoe, the Town Mayor of Haywards Heath, commented: “The Community Awards are a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the people and organisations who quietly make a real difference to life in our town. Every year we are reminded of the generosity, dedication and community spirit that exists across Haywards Heath, and I encourage residents to take the time to nominate those whose efforts deserve to be recognised and celebrated.”

In general, nominees must be aged 18 or over, unless otherwise stated. Full eligibility details are available on the Town Council website. Please visit: www.haywardsheath.gov.uk/community-awards

Haywards Heath Library unveils its fresh new look!

We’re delighted to share that Haywards Heath Library is now open again, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to our newly refurbished space!
Thanks to funding through Section 106 developer contributions, we’ve been able to refresh and revitalise the library, creating a brighter, more inviting environment for everyone who visits. Our aim throughout the project was simple: to make the library an even more comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable place for our community.

As you step inside, you’ll notice the lighter, more open layout and improved seating areas, giving you plenty of choice whether you’re settling in with a book, finding a quiet spot to work, or just dropping by for a browse. We’ve updated the décor and created a calmer, more contemporary feel that we hope makes your time in the library even more enjoyable.

Accessibility has also been a key focus. Wider walkways and clearer sightlines now make it easier to navigate the space, ensuring the library continues to be welcoming for everyone.
We’re especially excited about our new flexible areas, which allow us to host an even greater range of events and activities from reading groups and workshops to community meet-ups and special sessions throughout the year.

The response from visitors so far has been wonderful, and we’re thrilled to see how positively the improvements have been received.
This refurbishment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Haywards Heath Library, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

You can contact us on 01444 255 444 or email us at haywards.heath.library@westsussex.gov.uk

Lydia joins the Haywards Heath Life team

By David Tingley, editor

I am delighted to introduce my co-editor Lydia Turner – who joined the team last month. I really wanted to wait until our first issue was published before looking for an editor to join me working on Haywards Heath Life – by doing so, I was able to talk to a number of excellent candidates who could see exactly what we were trying to do with the launch of this magazine in this community.

Whilst Lydia’s professional background isn’t in journalism (she is actually a recently retired consultant psychological therapist) – her passion for the town was clear to see. Having lived here for nearly 40 years, Haywards Heath is very much home for Lydia and she’s as keen as I am for our humble title to become part of the fabric of this amazing community.

“I was looking for a new challenge,” Lydia said, “and was immediately drawn to David’s vision for Haywards Heath Life when I saw it. I believe in the power of community, and I am excited to be part of this journey.”

Alongside her other passions in life which include watching football, sewing and learning Spanish – Lydia is going to use her curiosity, her writing skills and her knowledge of working on published books to help our readers discover more about the town where they love to live and work.

If you have a story, an event or a person who you believe would make a fabulous feature interview, do please send us an email to editor@haywardsheath.life in the first instance – as we are keen to explore as diverse a range of content for our magazine as possible.

Haywards Heath’s 2025 Best Dressed Window competition winners

Oathall Veterinary Group

Haywards Heath Town Council is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Best Dressed Window Competition, celebrating the festive creativity of local businesses and the enthusiastic support of the public through thousands of votes.

Following the public vote, Haywards Heath Town Council is pleased to announce the results:
Winners:
• Non-retail category: Oathall Veterinary Group
• Retail category: Paws on Track

Runners-up:
• Non-retail Category: Bridee Whyte and Fun Pots (Joint runners-up)
• Retail category: St Peter and St James fashion shop

The winners have received an engraved commemorative plaque and a festive hamper, and the runners-up were awarded a framed certificate.
All prizes were generously sponsored by Mid Sussex District Council.

The Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, presented the awards and has commented: “The Best Dressed Window Competition is a wonderful example of how our local businesses help bring festive spirit to the town. The creativity, effort and pride shown in this year’s displays were exceptional, and the public response shows just how much they were appreciated. I would like to congratulate all the winners and thank every business that took part for helping to make Haywards Heath such a welcoming place during the festive season.”

Haywards Heath Town Council would like to extend a huge thank you to all businesses who participated in the 2025 competition.
The festive window displays will continue to brighten the town throughout the festive season, inviting everyone to enjoy the creativity and Christmas spirit on show.

The Orchards Haywards Heath introduced the new management team

The Orchards Shopping Centre begins 2026 welcoming a new management team committed to bringing renewed energy, community spirit, and fresh ideas to the heart of the town.

The team brings a clear mission: to make The Orchards a place to shop, gather, celebrate, and connect – a place where good things grow. Their vision draws on the centres longstanding role as a community hub while setting bold plans in motion for the year ahead.

At the heart of its plans is a full calendar of engaging events including seasonal celebrations, family-friendly activities, competitions and creative workshops; a place where something enjoyable is always happening. Their goal is simple: to ensure the centre feels welcoming, lively, and closely connected to the everyday life of the community.

The new team aim to champion local good causes, working with charities and volunteer groups to provide opportunities for fundraising, awareness campaigns, and collaborative events.

Alongside their community work, the team is focused on supporting the centre’s independent and national retailers, helping them showcase their individuality and deliver an excellent customer experience.

Shoppers can expect clearer communications, thoughtful improvements around the centre, and a strong emphasis on friendliness and accessibility.

With fresh leadership and an enthusiastic approach, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for The Orchards. The team invites residents to visit, get involved, and be part of everything that’s ahead.

If you would like to get involved contact: hello@theorchardsshopping.co.uk.