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

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

Introducing the Haywards Heath Summer Guide

By Kelly Lewis

Families across the local area can now enjoy a summer packed with affordable adventures thanks to the launch of the Haywards Heath Summer Guide, a brand-new, free guide bringing together family-friendly events, activities and days out taking place throughout the summer holidays.

The guide has been pulled together by the Events and Community team at Haywards Heath Town Council. It is completely free to download and has been designed for families of all ages, showcasing the wealth of opportunities available across the local community throughout the summer holidays.

Residents can download their free copy from the Haywards Heath Town Council website:
www.haywardsheath.gov.uk/events-and-activities

They can also browse the Council's online events calendar for the latest local events and activities taking place throughout the year. Event organisers wishing to promote their events are encouraged to submit them via the website.

Events include:

• The Haywards Heath History Hunt, available until 31st August, invites participants to follow the trail, explore the town, uncover history, and take on fun challenges along the way.

• The Kanga Trail launches on 1st August in Beech Hurst Gardens, inviting families to bring a picnic and enjoy a free day with games, crafts, and entertainment. There will be opportunities for participants to create their own kangaroo ears and add artwork to a kangaroo.

A limited number of printed copies of the Summer Guide are available for those who prefer a physical booklet. These can be collected free of charge from Haywards Heath Town Hall, Haywards Heath Library, and the Dolphin Leisure Centre, while stocks last.

For further information, please contact Haywards Heath Town Council on 01444 455694 or eventsandcommunity@haywardsheath.gov.uk.