Hurstpierpoint Village News

MAY I WISH YOU, your friends, neighbours and families, a peaceful, joyous and happy Christmas. Thank you for reading this column and for the friendly feedback that I receive. I’m always very pleased to have your news to include; please send it to me by 9 a.m. on the Monday morning for the Thursday edition. Information about groups, clubs, sporting activities, cultural events, and so forth, are all very welcome, so that we all know what is going on around us even if we don’t join in everything!

BEFRIENDED CHRISTMAS TEA PARTIES: Congratulations and thanks to the amazing Befriended team, led by Gail and Stuart, for two huge Christmas Tea Parties on the last two Sundays at Court Bushes Community Hub. They spread so much fun, joy and friendship. It is a truly inspirational organisation.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, Christmas Services: 21 December, 6 pm Carol Service (Nine Lessons & Carols); 24 December, 3 pm & 4.30 pm Crib Services; 24 December 11.30 pm Midnight Mass; 25 December, 8 am Holy Communion (BCP), 10 am Family Communion. More information on www.holytrinityhurst.org. Everybody is welcome.

PARISH COUNCIL: Meeting dates: December 18 - Full Council. January 5 – Planning; January 15 – Finance (at Sayers Common); January 22 – Full Council. All meetings start at 7.30 pm and are open to the public, in the Village Centre.

HURST PLAYERS PANTO: 29-31 December, 1-4 January, matinees 2 pm, evenings 7 pm. ‘Pinocchio - the pantomime with no strings attached!’ Book online from www.hurstplayers.org.uk or in person from PSP Homes, 106 High Street, Monday-Saturday during their opening hours. There are tickets available for 30 December, 1 and 2 January, evening performances but very few for others, so book quickly.

NSPCC: Many thanks to all those who came to our Quiz at the Bowls Club last month and were so generous. A fun evening was had by all and an amazing £936 was raised to help vulnerable children who are supported by the work of the NSPCC in many ways, especially though Childline and their work in schools. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

HURST MONTHLY SOCIAL GROUP Visitors welcome £4. The first meeting of 2026, 7 January, is Charcuterie Tasting, so only have a light lunch. For further details Dianne 01273 835284.

HURSTPIERPOINT ORCHARD WASSAIL, in partnership with Brighton Folk Choir and Hurst Rethink: Saturday 10 January. Do take part in this delightful village event. Free Singing Workshop, 1-3 pm in the Village Centre for which booking is required; The Wassail, 5-7 pm, Millennium Garden to the Heritage Orchard in Hurst Meadows - no requirement to book. For more information and to book for the workshop, please visit www.hurstpierpoint-pc.gov.uk/wassail.

HURST VILLAGE CINEMA: 8 January 7.30 pm (doors open 7 pm) ‘Last Swim’ (15) - a heartwarming depiction of teenage friendships set in London. 22 January NT Live - Hamlet. 23 January, 7.30 pm (doors open 7 pm) ‘I’m Still Here’ (15) Beautifully shot, we are in no doubt that we are in 1970s Brazil.25 January 3 pm (doors open 2.30 pm) The Ballad of Wallis Island (12A). Comedy-drama about a reclusive lottery winner who invites his favourite folk duo to perform for him on a remote island. 6 February 7.30 pm (doors open 7 pm) ‘La Dégustation’ (15). A French romantic comedy that pairs wine appreciation with second chances. We are delighted to team up with the Twinning Association who have chose the film for this special event. They are also offering 30 of the tickets to include wine tasting in the bar after the screening. These can be bought through the usual channels. All tickets from www.hurstfilms.com and from Charlotte Grace in the High Street.

Also available online at www.yourworld.net/sussex/west-sussex/mid-sussex/news/hurstpierpoint-village-news. And, of course, I can add photographs to this version.

Thank you for reading this column. It is also available online on www.yourworldnet/sussex/west-sussex/mid-sussex. Please keep the information coming so that I can keep people in touch with what is happening. It’s particularly useful for people who don’t use social media or the internet.