The Mid Sussex Association of the National Trust, MSANT – the local supporter group for National Trust properties in the area – is looking to welcome new members as a new programme beings at a new venue in Haywards Heath.

The Association supports Nymans, Standen, Sheffield, South Downs NT and Batemans, fundraising to enable those properties to purchase items from their ‘wishlist’. All surplus funds are donated to our local properties. Since starting in 1976, supporters have raised more than £130,000 which has been pledged to the properties. Items funded include croquet sets for Nymans, deck chairs for Standen, beehives for Batemans, also the barn doors for the NT Learning Centre at Saddlescombe Farm on the South Downs.

Supporters enjoy monthly talks by professional speakers from September to May, and coach outings during the summer months between April and September along with social events such as lunches, usually held at Lindfield Golf Club, or tea parties. Talks take place on the second Thursday of the month between 2pm and 4pm and are now being held at the Wesley Hall in Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath as the previous venue, Clair Hall is currently being used by the vaccination service.

The new talks programme begins on 8th September with The History of Sissinghurst by Steve Harmer. Subscription costs £30 for entry to all talks and meetings during the year, with advance notice about the summer trips. There is a charge of £5 to non-members for the talks. You do not have to be a National Trust member to join the Association. New members are always welcome along with previous members who have come out of hibernation and are keen to get going again! For more information contact: membership secretary Anne Tucker on 01444 455803.