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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!

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.

The Colwell Road Ground, home of the St Francis Rangers Junior F.C., was beaming with excitement and energy on Sunday 31 st August, with 80 children eager to take part in the Mid-Sussex Under 8s Pre-Season Football Tournament. Cllr Abdul Bashar, the Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath, alongside Alison Bennett, MP for Mid Sussex, attended the big day and spent their morning meeting volunteers, touring the ground and watching the final match. As the tournament came to a close, they presented participation medals to all those involved, and trophies for the winners. From left to right: Alison Bennett, MP for Mid Sussex; Jasper Roberts, member of the St Francis Rangers Junior F.C.; and Cllr Abdul Bashar, Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath For the event, the St Francis Rangers Junior F.C. team proudly wore shirts bearing the message “A Child’s Mind is the Future”. David Marshall, Club Welfare Officer, shared with us: “Our club is deeply committed to promoting football as a force for good in supporting young people’s mental wellbeing. Several of our players have found strength and connection through football in response to Adverse Childhood Experiences.”   The Deputy Mayor was kindly presented with an official FA ‘Play Safe’ lapel badge as a thank you, ahead of the FA’s ‘Play Safe Weekend’ on 27-28 September.

The Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, together with the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Abdul Bashar, attended a special networking event on 23 July 2025 at the Yews Community Centre to celebrate the ongoing collaboration between the Rotary Club of Cuckfield, Lindfield and Haywards Heath (RCCLHH) and Bipolar UK. Mayor, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Abdul Bashar, with representatives of Rotary Haywards Heath and Biploar UK The evening highlighted the strength of partnership working in the community, with a cheque for £1,548.90  presented to support the local Bipolar Peer Support Group. The group has already had a significant impact, offering life-changing support to more than 50 people in Haywards Heath and the surrounding areas. Now in its third year, the national Rotary–Bipolar UK partnership seeks to raise awareness of bipolar disorder and provide support for individuals living with the condition, as well as their families, friends, and carers. RCCLHH has embraced this initiative with enthusiasm, ensuring that the local community benefits directly from the collaboration. The cheque was presented on behalf of the Rotary Club by Judith Pratt, Rotary–Bipolar lead, who emphasised the importance of community spirit and compassion in tackling mental health challenges. Rosie Phillips, Deputy CEO of Bipolar UK, accepted the donation and expressed gratitude for Rotary’s continuing support, noting the transformative impact the Haywards Heath group has already achieved. Guests also heard from local writer and performer Polly Wiseman, who lives with bipolar disorder. Polly shared insights from their show How To Go Crazy For Good , which combines comedy, neuroscience and personal experience to challenge stigma and encourage dialogue around mental health. The Mayor commended the Rotary Club for its commitment to supporting mental health initiatives, recognising the generosity and dedication of all those involved in raising funds for such an important cause.

On Saturday 16th August 2025, the community of Handcross came together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Handcross Hardware and Craft. The event was filled with food, games, music, crafts, and a raffle, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Cllr Duncan Pascoe, Town Mayor of Haywards Heath, and Claudia Da Silva, Volunteer Lead at Handcross Hardware & Craft The Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, was invited to join the celebrations and had the honour of cutting the ribbon on a newly installed bench. In his speech, the Mayor paid tribute to the founders of Dudley House and expressed gratitude to the many volunteers, past and present, whose dedication has ensured the continued success of Handcross Hardware and Craft as a valued community hub. Cllr Pascoe shared his view on the day: "Last weekend I had the pleasure of being invited to Handcross Hardware’s 25 th  anniversary party. I hadn’t been to Handcross Hardware before, so I was fascinated to learn about it’s rather unique history. As the local hardware store servicing the village until the year 2000, the owner passed away and the future of shop seemed uncertain. As one of the few shops supporting the village, the local community along with the parish church opted to take over the shop as a non-profit, setting it up as ‘The Dudley House Trust’. Now they still provide crafts and tools to the village of Handross, but their primary service is more about providing a space for the community. They provide a repair café, tool hire service and quiet meeting space upstairs. The 25 th  anniversary event was a wonderful occasion to celebrate a shop that has become the heart of the community, it was a privilege to unveil a new bench, fundraised by the volunteers and local residents. I am grateful to the volunteers for continuing to support their community." The occasion marked not only a milestone anniversary but also a celebration of community spirit, recognising the commitment of those who have supported the organisation over the years. The event was a true reflection of the warmth and energy that make Handcross such a special place.

The Yews Community Centre held its Annual General Meeting on 8 August 2025, bringing together members, volunteers, and supporters to reflect on the past year and celebrate the centre’s role at the heart of the community. As part of the proceedings, a highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Tisshaws Community Award, which this year recognised Sue Darnell for her outstanding dedication and service. Sue has been a long-standing user, volunteer, and Trustee of The Yews, contributing greatly to the centre’s growth and ongoing success. The award was presented by the Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Abdul Bashar, who warmly commended Sue for her tireless commitment and many years of voluntary work. Her involvement has helped to ensure that The Yews continues to provide a welcoming and supportive space for residents across the town. The Tisshaws Community Award is given annually to individuals who have shown exceptional community spirit, and Sue’s recognition was met with heartfelt applause from all present. The event was a fitting reminder of the value of volunteers in strengthening local community life and of the importance of The Yews as a place for connection, support, and opportunity. From left to right: Gilva Tisshaw of Tisshaws, Sue Darnell of The Yews, Deputy Mayor Cllr Abdul Bashar, and Malcolm Hulatt of The Yews

Residents, families, staff, and guests gathered at Ashton House Nursing Home on 8 August 2025 for the annual Summer BBQ Garden Party. The event was filled with delicious food, laughter, and a wonderful sense of community. The Town Mayor, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, attended alongside Alison Bennett, MP for Sussex, to join in the celebrations and to recognise the hard work of the dedicated team at Ashton House. As part of the afternoon, awards were presented to staff members in appreciation of their tireless efforts to ensure the needs of residents are met with compassion and care. Alison Bennett, MP for Sussex, and Duncan Pascoe, Mayor of Haywards Heath, with representatives from Ashton House Nursing Home The occasion was a chance not only to enjoy a summer afternoon together but also to pay tribute to the commitment of those who make Ashton House such a welcoming and supportive environment. The Mayor praised the staff and volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the wellbeing of residents, highlighting the importance of recognising and celebrating the people who help make community life so special. He commented, "This was the third year in a row that I’ve been invited to Ashton House Care Home’s summer party, and it’s now one of the events I most look forward to. They put on a wonderful day, with singers, pizza, BBQ and an ice cream van for the residents and their families to enjoy. They also tie this in with their annual staff awards. It’s great to see the staff praised and recognised for all their tremendous hard work. They gave a number of different awards, covering all aspects from maintenance to nursing. I think it reflects a positive culture for those working in the care home and something I’m pleased to see."

On 6 August 2025, the West Sussex International Jamboree took place at the South of England Showground, bringing together the West Sussex Scouts, Girlguiding Sussex Central county and Girlguiding Sussex West county. The Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, attended with the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Abdul Bashar, to join in celebrating this remarkable gathering of young people. The Jamboree offered a week of activities, learning, and international friendship, giving participants the chance to build skills, embrace adventure, and celebrate the values of teamwork and community that Scouting and Guiding represent. His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, was also in attendance and joined civic leaders in recognising the dedication of the volunteers, leaders, and organisers who made the event possible. The Mayor was delighted to meet participants and organisers, praising the Jamboree as a wonderful example of young people coming together in a spirit of cooperation, inclusivity, and global citizenship. The event not only celebrated the traditions of Scouting and Guiding but also highlighted their continuing importance in helping to shape the next generation of community leaders. The West Sussex International Jamboree was a memorable gathering, reflecting the vibrancy, enthusiasm, and commitment of the Scouting and Guiding movements in our county.

Yesterday’s Ashenground Community Centre Open Day was a huge success, bringing together residents of all ages for a fun-filled afternoon in the heart of the community. Held on Sunday 20th July from 2pm–4pm, the event offered something for everyone. Families enjoyed rides on the ever-popular miniature railway, tried their hand at garden games and table tennis, and watched a lively choir performance that added a festive feel to the afternoon. Children were especially thrilled by the remote-controlled cars and the chance to meet local community police officers and explore their vehicle up close. Meanwhile, the craft activity station and eco store – where visitors could bring their own containers to refill – proved both engaging and educational. The café and licensed bar kept everyone refreshed, alongside classic summer treats from the ice cream stand. There were also plenty of opportunities to win prizes through the raffle and tombola, with proceeds supporting the Ashenground Community Centre. Cllr Duncan Pascoe, Mayor, and Cllr Abdul Bashar, Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath attended the event to show their support and spent time chatting with residents and volunteers. Cllr Duncan Pascoe, Mayor, and Cllr Abdul Bashar, Deputy Mayor of Haywards Heath, riding the miniature railway at Ashenground Community Centre Open Day The Mayor commented: “I had a wonderful time at Ashenground Community Centre’s Summer Open Day. There were so many great activities to bring the community together and help fundraise for our fantastic community centre.  The Deputy Mayor and I enjoyed a brief train ride, courtesy of Mid Sussex Model Engineer Club, we then learned about recycling from West Sussex Waste Prevention advisors and later enjoyed some tea and cake. It rained briefly, but the sun came through and was kept at bay thanks to summery songs from Scaynes Hill Community Choir. I am grateful to the Ashenground Community Centre committee and volunteers for organising such a great event, it was impressive how much fun could be fit into one afternoon!” With free entry, a fantastic atmosphere, and strong community spirit, the event truly showcased the best of Ashenground. Well done to those who helped organise and supported the day.