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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

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!

On Saturday 20th September, the Mayor was delighted to attend the town’s much-loved Haywards Heath Craft & Gift Fair, a celebration of local talent, creativity, and community spirit. The Mayor enjoyed the chance to meet stallholders and learn more about the incredible range of crafts and gifts on display – all handmade locally. From unique homeware and jewellery to creative artworks and thoughtful gifts, the fair truly showcased the skill and imagination of our community. To show support, the Mayor purchased a wide variety of items, helping to champion local small businesses and makers. Events like this not only highlight the wonderful talent we have here in Haywards Heath, but also encourage residents to shop local and keep creativity thriving in our town. A huge thank you goes to all the stallholders and organisers who made the fair such a success – and to everyone who came along to support local! Their next event will be taking place on Saturday 8th November 2025, 2pm-4.30pm at St Wilfrid's Church Hall.

The Mayor of Haywards Heath recently joined the local Heath Petanque group at Beech Hurst Gardens for a friendly game – and proved to be a natural! Welcomed warmly by the group’s members, the Town Mayor enjoyed learning the techniques of this much-loved French game and quickly got into the competitive spirit. Laughter and encouragement filled the afternoon as he tested his skills, impressing the players with some great throws. The Heath Petanque group is a welcoming community that meets regularly at Beech Hurst Gardens – Sundays at 11am and Thursdays at 2pm – and is always open to new members who would like to give the game a try. Heath Petanque This year is especially exciting for the group as they celebrate an incredible 25 years of playing together in Haywards Heath – a true testament to their lasting friendships, community spirit, and love of the game. The Mayor expressed his gratitude to the group for their hospitality and praised the positive community spirit that Petanque fosters in Haywards Heath.

On Wednesday 18th September, the Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath had the great pleasure of joining a very special celebration at Crossways Care Home. Dorothy, a much-loved resident, marked her incredible milestone 100th birthday surrounded by her family, friends, the care home manager, dedicated staff, and the Deputy Mayor. The occasion was filled with smiles, laughter, and heartfelt moments as everyone came together to honour Dorothy’s remarkable life and century of memories. The Deputy Mayor warmly congratulated Dorothy on reaching this milestone, praising the wonderful sense of community and care evident at Crossways Care Home. Staff worked hard to make the day truly memorable, ensuring Dorothy and her loved ones could celebrate in style. This was not only a joyful occasion for Dorothy and her family but also a reminder of the importance of celebrating the lives and achievements of older residents in our community. Happy 100th Birthday, Dorothy!

This week, the Mayor of Haywards Heath was delighted to welcome a group of German exchange students from our twin town of Traunstein. The visit formed part of the long-standing partnership between Haywards Heath and Traunstein, coordinated by the Haywards Heath Twinning Association in collaboration with Oathall Community College. During their visit to the Town Hall, the students learned about the structure of local government and the important role of the Mayor within the community. They came prepared with thoughtful and engaging questions, which the Mayor and Deputy Mayor was pleased to answer, sparking lively discussion about life in Haywards Heath and the similarities and differences between our two towns. The Mayor expressed gratitude to the Twinning Association and Oathall Community College for their efforts in maintaining and strengthening the partnership, which continues to create opportunities for cultural exchange, learning, and friendship. Looking ahead, the Mayor of Haywards Heath is excited to visit Traunstein for the first time later this year, further building on the special relationship between our towns.

On Friday 12 September 2025, the Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Abdul Bashar, was honoured to attend the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) Annual Members Meeting. Simon Weldon (Chief Executive of SECAmb), Cllr Adbul Bashar (Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath), and Michael Whitehouse (Chair of the SECAmb Trust) This important annual event brought together members, patients, staff, volunteers, and the public from across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, providing a chance to reflect on the past year, celebrate achievements, and look ahead to the future of SECAmb’s vital services. The programme began with a warm welcome, refreshments, and an opportunity for attendees to meet SECAmb staff and volunteers. Exhibition stands showcased the wide-ranging work of the Trust, from frontline response teams to community initiatives. The formal meeting commenced in the afternoon with a presentation and strategic updates from the Trust’s leadership. The event provided a valuable platform for transparency, accountability, and forward planning. A highlight of the day was the interactive Q&A session with Chief Executive, Mr. Simon Weldon, and Chair, Mr. Michael Whitehouse, where attendees were encouraged to ask questions, share feedback, and contribute ideas for the future direction of SECAmb. The event concluded with an engaging live demonstration, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes insight into the skills and dedication of the ambulance service team. The Deputy Mayor expressed gratitude to SECAmb for their continued commitment to serving communities across the South East. Events like these highlight the importance of collaboration between public services, local authorities, and residents, ensuring that voices are heard and that emergency services remain responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.

Haywards Heath came alive on Saturday, 6th September, as the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity (DVLCC) hosted its annual Walk Together event – a day filled with sunshine, smiles, and incredible community spirit. Cllr Duncan Pascoe, Town Mayor, and Cllr Abdul Bashar, Deputy Mayor, ready to take part in Walk Together 2025 With more than 100 enthusiastic participants taking part, the day was a huge success, raising an impressive total of £18,600  to support children with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments. Two Routes, One Goal Starting from the beautiful Victoria Park, participants had the choice of two scenic routes designed to suit different abilities: 5K Accessible Walk – A family-friendly route, perfect for pushchairs and wheelchair users, weaving through Ashenground Woods and Bolnore Village. 15K Mixed-Terrain Trek – A more challenging adventure for keen walkers, taking in the same initial paths before continuing onto Bluntswood, Cuckfield, and Beech Hurst. Both routes showcased some of the area’s most picturesque landscapes, creating a truly memorable experience for all involved. A Special Start to the Day This year, the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity is proud to be the Town Mayor’s chosen charity of the year. To mark the occasion, Mayor Cllr Duncan Pascoe opened the walk with a short, uplifting speech that set the tone for the day and got everyone into the spirit. He was followed by Richard Johnson, father of one of the children supported by the charity, who shared some heartfelt words about the life-changing impact the charity has had on his family. There were few dry eyes as the walkers set off, inspired and motivated to make a difference. Walking to Change Lives The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity provides life-changing services for children and families completely free of charge, yet receives no government funding. Each year, the charity must raise £600,000 to continue its vital work. While there was no fundraising minimum, participants were encouraged to aim for £125 – the cost of one essential physiotherapy session. Every pound raised helps children take their very first steps, turning what once seemed impossible into reality. Community Leaders Step Up The event was proudly supported by local dignitaries: The Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, helped to lead the 15K route alongside Glenys Creese, CEO of the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity. The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Abdul Bashar, joined the 5K route and praised the day’s success, saying: “What an experience and wonderfully organised, which I will remember for many years to come. Many thanks to the organisers, volunteers, and everyone who took part.” Thank You for Walking With Us We would like to say well done to the dedicated volunteers and marshals to the determined walkers and generous donors, and thank you for making this year’s Walk Together such a success. Your support helps give children the best possible start in life. If you couldn’t join us this year but would like to get involved, there’s still time to donate and make a difference. Every step truly counts.

On Wednesday, 27 August 2025, the Mayor of our town, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, swapped council meetings for community calls as he spent the day volunteering with Good Neighbours CARE, a long-standing local organisation providing practical help to residents in need. Cllr Pascoe was joined by John Bines, Chair of Good Neighbours CARE, and worked alongside the charity’s dedicated team of volunteers. The Mayor rolled up his sleeves to take part in a variety of tasks that reflected the vital, day-to-day support the organisation offers - from visiting clients in their homes to accompanying them to hospital appointments and helping with essential grocery shopping. The Mayor’s involvement shone a light on the tireless work being done behind the scenes by the charity’s 100 volunteers. Founded in 1983, Good Neighbours CARE serves the communities of Ansty, Ardingly, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath, Horsted Keynes, Lindfield, Scaynes Hill and Wivelsfield Green. Their mission is simple but powerful: offering neighbourly support where it’s needed most. Speaking at the end of the day, Cllr Pascoe said: "During my day with the volunteers, I was humbled to witness their compassion and commitment to helping others. Some of the volunteers I spoke to have been supporting people in our community for several years and their impact has greatly improved the lives of the people supported. The best part is the volunteers are just like you and me, neighbours that want to look out for other neighbours. I’m grateful to the volunteers for allowing me to join them for the day, although I learned that the volunteering opportunities at Good Neighbours CARE are highly flexible. For example, you could give just an hour a week to help a vulnerable person with their shopping and make a huge difference to their lives. Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding thing to do, so if you have any spare time, consider joining Good Neighbours CARE to start making a difference to your community." As the need for these services continues to grow, so does the demand for more volunteers. Whether it’s offering a lift, running errands, or simply sharing a friendly conversation, every contribution counts. If you’d like to learn more about Good Neighbours CARE or are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit their website: https://www.careinhaywardsheath.co.uk/ Your help could make all the difference to someone in your local community.

On Thursday, 4th September, the Mayor of Haywards Heath and Deputy Mayor were delighted to attend the Onam Harvest Festival celebrations at Princess Royal Hospital. Onam, a vibrant and significant festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, marks the harvest season and is a time of unity, gratitude, and cultural pride. The event was beautifully hosted by the hospital’s staff, with colourful flower decorations, traditional rituals, and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolising hope and positivity. Cllr Duncan Pascoe, Town Mayor, gave a heartfelt speech to the Indian staff community, recognising the cultural importance of Onam and expressing gratitude for the dedication and contributions of the hospital’s Indian healthcare professionals. Also in attendance were Dr Maggie Davies, Chief Nursing Officer, and Christopher Ashcroft, Hospital Director, who joined in celebrating the occasion and honouring the diversity within the hospital community. The event was filled with warmth, togetherness, and cultural exchange — a wonderful reminder of how Haywards Heath continues to embrace and celebrate its diverse community.