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On Monday 15th December, St. Richard’s Church was filled with music, warmth, and festive cheer during the Alzheimer’s Society Christmas Concert, featuring the much-loved Spring Chickens Choir. The afternoon offered a delightful programme of seasonal songs and festive poems, creating a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere for everyone in attendance. The choir’s performances, alongside the thoughtful readings, brought smiles, reflection, and a real sense of togetherness to the occasion. The concert was honoured by the presence of the Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Abdul Bashar, whose attendance showed valued support for the Alzheimer’s Society and the important work it does within the community. This joyful afternoon was a wonderful celebration of the Christmas season and a reminder of the power of music and poetry to bring people together. Sincere thanks go to the performers, organisers, and all those who attended to make the event such a heartwarming success.

On Thursday, 18 December, guests enjoyed a magical evening at Warnham Park, celebrating the festive season while supporting the Alzheimer’s Society. Set against the stunning backdrop of Warnham Park, the sold-out event featured an evening of festive music and readings, accompanied by sparkling wine and delicious canapés. Attendees were treated to a beautiful performance by Coro Nuovo, filling the venue with music and holiday cheer, with opportunities to sing along for those feeling extra festive. The event was not only a wonderful way to embrace the festive spirit but also a meaningful fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society to support vital work for those affected by dementia. Raffle tickets were available during the interval, with great thanks to the help of the Alzheimer's Society volunteers. The event raised at least £2,500 - a fantastic achievement in support of a worthy cause. Cllr Duncan Pascoe, the Town Mayor of Haywards Heath, joined the celebration to support the event. It was a truly memorable night of music, merriment, and giving, bringing the community together in the spirit of Christmas.

Thursday 11 December 2025 marked an exciting milestone for Pembroke Financial Services as they officially opened the doors to their brand-new office on Perrymount Road in Haywards Heath. The event brought together those closest to the company to celebrate their continued growth and commitment to serving the people of Mid Sussex. Cllr Duncan Pascoe, the Town Mayor of Haywards Heath, joined to commemorate this important moment for Pembroke. The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Mark Rockliffe, CEO, and Seb Lewis, Financial Planning Manager, thanking those all who were in attendance and shared insights into what the new premises will provide. The Mayor then addressed attendees, expressing enthusiasm for the company’s investment in Haywards Heath and the positive impact such local growth brings to the town. The Mayor officially welcomed Pembroke Financial Services to Perrymount Road, celebrating its contribution to the ongoing development of the area. He added: "I'm really pleased to open new expansion to Pembroke Financial Services Haywards Heath Office. This a great investment for our town and a commitment to provide jobs and services in our area. I was pleased to hear how they are also supporting local charities like Time 4 Children, it shows a real local-focus. I wish them success!" The ribbon-cutting marked not just the launch of a new office, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With expanded space, improved facilities, and a prime location in the heart of the town, Pembroke Financial Services is well-positioned to continue delivering trusted, personalised financial guidance for years to come.

On Sunday 14th December, Ascension Church welcomed members of the community for a joyful and reflective Community Carol Service, marking a special moment in the lead-up to Christmas. The service was beautifully enhanced by local students from St Wilfrid's Primary School, whose singing filled the church with festive spirit and reminded everyone of the joy and hope that the season brings. Their performances were warmly received and added a particularly meaningful community element to the occasion. The event was further honoured by the attendance of the Town Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, who took part by delivering a reading during the service. His involvement underscored the strong links between the church, local schools, and the wider community. At the end of the performance, the community gathered together to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies, and wish their neighbours a Merry Christmas. The Ascension Church Community Carol Service provided a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to come together, reflect, and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Well done to all those who took part.

On Saturday 13th December, the Bentswood Hub hosted its much-loved annual Family Christmas Party, bringing together local families for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, laughter, and community spirit. Held at My Choice Children’s Homes, the event offered incredible value at £3 per child, which included a special visit to meet Santa, a Christmas gift, and a lively party and disco complete with food. Smiles were in abundance as children danced, played, and proudly shared their Christmas wishes with Santa himself. The celebration was made even more special by the presence of the Town Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, whose attendance highlighted the importance of community events like this in bringing families together and supporting local children during the festive season. The Bentswood Hub Annual Family Christmas Party once again proved to be a wonderful way to mark the countdown to Christmas - creating happy memories, strengthening community connections, and spreading seasonal joy to families across the area. Mr & Mrs Claus, Anna Sharkey from the Bentswood Hub, and Cllr Duncan Pascoe - Mayor of Haywards Heath

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.