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Hanbury Stadium was buzzing with pride and anticipation on Saturday 6th December 2025 as Haywards Heath Town FC welcomed Berks County for their long-awaited home fixture in the 3rd Round of the Isuzu FA Vase. With the team now among the final 64 clubs left in this prestigious national competition, the afternoon carried a real sense of occasion both on and off the pitch. The club was honoured to host the Town Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath, invited as special guests to witness this important moment in the club’s campaign. After battling through a series of away fixtures - East Preston, Roffey, Molesey and London Samurai Rangers - this was the first time HHTFC supporters had the chance to cheer their side on at home during the 2025 Vase journey. Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath with the HH Town FC team Kick-off commenced at 3pm under crisp winter skies, with both teams showing determination worthy of a knockout tie. The FA Vase - officially the Football Association Challenge Vase - remains one of the most iconic tournaments for clubs competing at Steps 5 and 6 of the English National League System. With over 600 teams taking part each year, reaching the later rounds is an achievement in itself. The prospect of Wembley Stadium at the end of the competition only heightens the drama of each round. And drama is exactly what unfolded. After a hard-fought match that could not be settled in normal time, the tie advanced all the way to sudden-death penalties. In a heart-stopping finale, Haywards Heath Town FC held their nerve and secured a memorable victory, sending the home crowd into jubilation and marking another step forward in their FA Vase adventure. It was an afternoon of footballing spirit, community pride and unforgettable tension - everything the FA Vase is known for - and Haywards Heath Town FC march on. They proudly stand among the final 32 teams.

A Winter Weekend in Traunstein: Strengthening Twinning Ties Last weekend, the Mayor of Haywards Heath and members of the Haywards Heath Twinning Association travelled to our twin town Traunstein in Germany. They arrived to a beautiful wintery scene: fresh snow on the ground and a warm welcome from our Traunstein friends. The visit was packed with memorable experiences that showcased the culture, history, and hospitality of the region. Christmas in Traunstein, Germany Exploring Traunstein: A guided walking tour of Traunstein offered fascinating insights into the town’s heritage. Highlights included a visit to the Parish Church of St Oswald, where the group was treated to a demonstration of the church’s impressive organ - complete with its own rare ‘Raven’ stop. Christmas Magic: The group was honoured to be invited to the opening ceremony of Traunstein’s Christmas Market. The festive atmosphere continued the next day with a train trip across the border to Salzburg, Austria. There, they visited the world-famous Christmas Market, explored Mozart’s birthplace, and even climbed the iconic steps featured in The Sound of Music . History, Culture, and Bavarian Hospitality: The group also visited the Silent Night Museum and Chapel, deepening their appreciation for the town’s culture. Brewery tours offered another flavour of local culture, complete with beer tastings and traditional Bavarian cuisine. Literary Inspiration: The group enjoyed a thought-provoking literature evening, held in English, hosted by the Freundschaftsclub. The event, titled “The Future of Society,”  sparked lively discussion and exchange of ideas. Townspeople of Haywards Heath and Traunstein Mayor Cllr Duncan Pascoe shared his experience: “Twinning is all about friendship, and my visit was about committing to the relationship we have with Traunstein. We felt so welcomed by our hosts and I was honoured to be part of the opening ceremony of their Christmas markets. Good friends like to share, and our hosts were keen to share their history, their culture, food, music, drinks and Christmas traditions. There’s so much we have in common and there are plenty of good ideas we can learn from. I look forward to sharing everything I love about our town when they visit us next year.” Town Mayor Duncan Pascoe at Haywards-Heath-Weg in Traunstein, Germany From cultural exchanges to festive celebrations, the weekend was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our twin town and strengthen the bonds of friendship between Haywards Heath and Traunstein. The group sends many thanks to the townspeople of Traunstein for their warm and generous hospitality. For more information on how to get involved in future twinning events, please visit https://www.haywardsheath.gov.uk/twinning

The Bentswood community was full of warmth and generosity as the Mayor volunteered at the Bentswood Hub’s Pre-Loved Toy Event, held on the mornings of Sunday 7th December and Monday 8th December. The Hub opened its doors to families for a special “pay what you feel” initiative, offering quality pre-loved toys at accessible prices while raising vital funds to support its ongoing community projects. On Sunday morning Cllr Duncan Pascoe, the Mayor of Haywards Heath, joined volunteers in welcoming families, helping organise toys, and chatting with residents who came along to browse, donate, and support the Hub. The event provided a sustainable and budget-friendly way for parents and carers to pick up toys ahead of the festive season, while also ensuring that good-quality items found new homes instead of going to waste. The Bentswood Hub continues to be a cornerstone of community support, offering activities, services, and a welcoming space for local people. The success of the Pre-Loved Toy Event reflects the strength of local generosity and the value of community-led initiatives. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who donated, volunteered, or took part - your kindness directly helps the Hub continue its work for the Bentswood community.

Thursday 20 November 2025 was a memorable evening for the 10th Haywards Heath Guides, who took over the Haywards Heath Town Hall chamber from 7.30pm onwards for a special council session hosted by the Town Mayor. More than 20 Guides took part in this unique hands-on experience, designed to give them a real feel for what it’s like to be a local decision-maker. On arrival, the Town Council provided the Guides with a formal agenda, and for the evening they were treated exactly like councillors - complete with discussions, debates, and opportunities to influence community matters. The session opened with a verbal presentation from the Town Mayor, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, who explained the role of a Town Mayor, their responsibilities, and the wide range of community activities they support. The Guides asked thoughtful questions and were keen to understand how local decisions are made and how young voices can shape the town’s future. Guides then moved on to their agenda items - genuine community topics which they wanted to raise. Working together, they debated: The creation of a local dog park and the benefits it could bring for residents and pet owners. Forming a volunteer litter-picking group to help keep Haywards Heath clean and welcoming. Improving public and animal waste bins across the town to tackle ongoing waste-management concerns. Safer parking and driving during peak times, especially around busy school and commuter routes. The Guides approached each subject with maturity, creativity, and a real sense of civic responsibility—impressing both councillors and the Mayor with their ideas and engagement. Events like this highlight the value of involving young people in local democracy. By experiencing how council decisions are made, the Guides gained insight into how communities function, how challenges are addressed, and how every resident - young or old - can play a role in shaping Haywards Heath. The 10th Haywards Heath Guides left the Town Hall inspired, informed, and empowered. Who knows - perhaps a future councillor, community leader, or even Mayor was among them that evening!

On Saturday 8 November, the community came together for a deeply moving Remembrance Service led by the Ardingly Choral Society at St Wilfrid’s Church. Held on Saturday 8th November 2025, the service offered an evening of reflection and gratitude, bringing residents, families, and local groups together to honour those who have served and sacrificed. The music provided by the Ardingly Choral Society created a powerful atmosphere, helping shape a thoughtful and heartfelt tribute. The Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, was in attendance, joining the congregation in paying respects and taking part in this important act of remembrance. It was a meaningful occasion for all who attended, and a reminder of the enduring importance of coming together as a community to reflect, remember, and give thanks.

On Saturday 1st November 2025, the Lindfield Repair Café proudly celebrated its 4th anniversary - marking four years of community spirit, sustainability, and shared skills. The milestone event took place from 10am to 1pm and was filled with activity, laughter, and of course, plenty of birthday cake! Both the Town Mayor, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, and the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Abdul Bashar, of Haywards Heath joined in to mark this special occasion and celebrate the positive impact the Repair Café continues to have on our community. The Lindfield Repair Cafe team with the Town Mayor & Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath Throughout the morning, the Café’s talented volunteer repairers were busy at work, completing an incredible 108 repairs — from household items and clothing to small appliances. True to their motto, “If you can carry it into the café, we’ll do our best to repair it!” The celebrations also included plenty of fun for everyone: Kids’ fireworks art activity to get creative little hands involved Bentswood Hub hosting activities in our community lounge Fill Good joining us outside the café And of course, tea, coffee, and delicious birthday cakes for all to enjoy A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the Lindfield Repair Café over the last four years, and to all who joined the celebrations. Here’s to many more years of fixing, sharing, and sustainability!

On Wednesday 29th October 2025, Walstead Place Care Home hosted a delightful Cheese and Wine Afternoon from 3pm to 5pm - a relaxed and welcoming event that brought together residents, families, and members of the local community. Guests enjoyed an array of delicious cheeses and fine wines while taking the opportunity to look around the beautiful home and meet the new Deputy Manager, who brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from the world of healthcare. Her passion for high-quality care and resident wellbeing shone through as she chatted with visitors and residents alike. Cllr Abdul Bashar, Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath, was honoured to join the afternoon and spent time meeting the team and residents. His presence reflected the strong community ties Walstead Place continues to foster. The event was free for all to attend and offered a wonderful chance for everyone to experience the warm, friendly atmosphere that makes Walstead Place so unique.

The Mayor of Haywards Heath joined the 10th Brownie Unit this weekend to celebrate an incredible milestone: 35 years since the unit first opened its doors. Mayor of Haywards Heath and the Division Commissioner of the 10th Brownie Unit cutting the cakes to celebrate 35 years The afternoon tea party, held at the United Reformed Church, was filled with laughter, memories, and community spirit as current Brownies, past members, and long-serving volunteers came together to mark the occasion. The event ran from 2:00pm to 5:30pm and featured a wonderful display of the unit’s history, including old uniforms, badges and booklets from over the decades. During the celebration, the Mayor gave a heartfelt speech, congratulating the unit on its 35 years of dedication and community service, and praising the Brownies for their positive impact around the town. The unit proudly recognised its three longest-serving volunteers, who have supported the group for between 18 and 29 years - a true testament to the lasting bonds and commitment within the Brownie family. It was also noted with pride that some former Brownies have returned as adult volunteers, continuing the spirit of friendship and service that defines the group. The Mayor joined in the festivities by cutting and serving the birthday cakes, and even joined the children in making paper planes, adding an extra touch of fun to the afternoon. Each attendee received a special keepsake pack containing a copy of an original certificate, photos of treasured memories, and a commemorative 35-year badge. The 10th Brownie Unit’s 35th birthday was a joyful reminder of how community, tradition, and volunteer spirit continue to thrive in Haywards Heath. Here’s to the next 35 years!

The Haywards Heath Foodbank has officially expanded into an adjoining building, creating a new welcome area and space for their baby bank to better support local families in need. The expansion was marked with a special celebration event attended by representatives from local businesses, community groups, and volunteers who have supported the Foodbank’s growth and ongoing mission to help those facing hardship. The new space will provide a warm and welcoming environment for visitors, offering not only essential food supplies but also baby items, clothing, and a place for families to receive guidance and support in times of need. During the event, a Trustee of the Foodbank gave a heartfelt speech thanking all those whose generosity and dedication made the expansion possible. The Mayor of Haywards Heath was then invited to officially cut the ribbon and declare the new facilities open. Each year, Haywards Heath Foodbank provides vital assistance to over 4,500 people, including over 2,000 children, reflecting the continued importance of community-led efforts to tackle food insecurity and support local families. The expansion marks a significant step forward in the Foodbank’s mission, ensuring that no one in Haywards Heath faces hunger or hardship alone. The Foodbank team expressed their gratitude to the many individuals, businesses, and groups who donated time, resources, and funding to bring the project to life. For more information or to find out how to support the Haywards Heath Foodbank, please visit: Haywards Heath Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

The Mayor of Haywards Heath joined Good Neighbours CARE for a special evening celebrating the incredible volunteers who give their time and energy to support others across the community. Held at Hart Country Stores on Thursday 9th October from 6pm to 8pm, the event brought together volunteers, supporters, and friends of the charity for a warm and lively evening of appreciation. The Mayor gave a heartfelt speech, thanking the volunteers for their ongoing dedication and kindness, and highlighting the invaluable difference they make to the lives of local residents. From helping with transport and errands to offering companionship and care, their efforts embody the true spirit of community service. It was a successful and busy evening, filled with conversation, celebration, and gratitude for all that the Good Neighbours CARE team achieves throughout the year.

On Saturday 4th October 2025, the community gathered in Clair Park for a special fundraising event in support of the Grove Garden Project. The event, titled “Big Tai Chi in the Park,”  brought together residents of all ages for a morning of calm, connection, and collective wellbeing. Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath with attendees at the Big Tai Chi in the Park Under bright autumn skies, participants followed the graceful movements of Tai Chi, guided by experienced instructors, as gentle music and birdsong filled the air. There were two sessions, offering a peaceful yet energising start to the weekend - and all in aid of maintaining and improving our much-loved Grove Garden community space. A highlight of the morning was the visit from the Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath, who gave a warm speech thanking everyone for attending and supporting the fundraiser. The Deputy Mayor praised the event for bringing people together in the spirit of community health and sustainability, and expressed gratitude to the volunteers who made it all possible. Funds raised from the event will go towards the upkeep of Grove Garden — ensuring it remains a beautiful, thriving green space for everyone to enjoy throughout the year. A huge thank you to all who took part, donated, and helped make Big Tai Chi in the Park  such a memorable and meaningful event. Here’s to many more mornings of mindfulness and community spirit in Haywards Heath!

On Thursday 25th September, Basepoint Business Centre in Haywards Heath marked a very special milestone - 10 years in the town. The celebration was made even more memorable with the attendance of the Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath, who joined the event to congratulate the team on their achievements over the past decade. Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath and James McKinnie from Basepoint Haywards Heath The anniversary was celebrated with a coffee morning and cake sale, bringing together local businesses, community members, and representatives from the Mid Sussex District Council Economy Team. Guests enjoyed fresh coffee and homemade cakes while raising funds in support of Paws & Claws Animal Rescue, a local charity that provides care and shelter for animals in need. The Deputy Mayor praised Basepoint’s role in supporting the local economy and providing flexible workspace solutions for businesses in Mid Sussex. Their presence highlighted the importance of business centres like Basepoint in fostering collaboration, growth, and community spirit. It was a fantastic opportunity not only to celebrate a decade of success, but also to bring people together for a good cause - combining business networking with community support. Here’s to the next 10 years of Basepoint Haywards Heath!