Make your own Christmas wreath at home with help from Greener Lindfield

Make Your Own Christmas Wreath
By Herta and Anna Kingdom

Christmas is a great time to do something creative and I love using natural, local, and free materials to brighten up the home. Why not go foraging and create your own unique wreath to adorn the front door and create a festive welcome?

Materials you’ll need:
- Sharp scissors or secateurs
- String or thin wire wrapped around peg
- Wreath base (see step 1)
- Foliage

Step 1: Make a wreath base
I often find long bits of hazel, willow or dogwood in the woods. These can be bent round and round to make a round base, and then tied with string. There is a bit of a knack to it, but give it a few goes and it does not need to be a perfect circle. Alternatives are any kind of round structure/ring you can find.

Step 2: Go foraging
Go for a walk in the park or local woods. Look in your own garden or visit a friend’s if you don’t have one. Foliage that keeps well is often fairly firm and includes all conifers, eucalyptus, yew, and holly. To avoid holly prickles, pick from higher up or use gloves.

Step 3: Prepare the materials
It helps if you cut all the greenery into lengths of about 10cm in advance, and remove leaves from the bottom, ready to use. Place the foliage into little bunches.

Step 4: Start
Tie the string round the base to start and then lay a bunch against your ring. Secure by winding the string/wire around it. Take another bunch and lay it slightly further along. Again, secure with the string/wire. Carry on all the way round.



Step 5: A neat end
Once you get all the way round, tuck the stems of the last bunch under the ends of the first bunch. Tie a strong knot to finish off. You may be able to see the join but probably nobody else will notice!





Step 6: Final adornments
Even at this stage, extra bits of foliage or berries can be pushed in amongst the rest. You can also add bows, pinecones or baubles.

And … display the wreath on your front door for all to see.

Two extra tips:
1) Spray your wreath with water every day or so to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

2) I always use cut-offs from my Christmas tree.

Information on Greener Lindfield can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenerlindfield; or email greenerlindfield@gmail.com.

A male mental health charity in Haywards Heath - Talk Club

Talk Club

It’s a simple question that starts every Talk Club. But it’s a question that’s saving lives.

International Men’s Day is observed on 19th November, and Talk Club is a grassroots male mental health charity. Founded in March 2019 it has now grown into a force for good, with over 2,500 men in its community and 67 groups around the globe. It’s a positive space for men to be heard, to be vulnerable, to be themselves and to talk about what is bothering them. We concentrate on mental fitness. (Like physical fitness, but for your mind) which in turn will prevent mental ill health. To get men to look after themselves before it’s too late. Because for many it is too late.

Talk Club starts with How are you? Out of 10? It’s to spark that conversation. Every man’s number is different. One man’s 5 is another man’s 8, it’s just a technique to get men to open up, and it works. A typical session is held in a comfortable quiet space. There are typically 8-10 men in a group but it can be less. There are 4 rounds:
1. How are you? Out of 10? And why?
2. What are you grateful for? (What is good in your life?)
3. How are you going to look after your mental fitness this week?
And finally, your checkout number?

It typically lasts two hours, and should probably be called ‘Listening Club’ because, although you are probably talking for only 15 minutes, you are listening for the rest. Actively listening. Getting heard.

Haywards Heath TALK CLUB is open to all men over 18. It’s FREE and takes place on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday of each month between 7pm and 9pm at Ashenground Community Centre, Southdown Close, Haywards Heath RH16 4JR.

If you’d like to go along, contact Nathan on 07525 125535 or email: nathan@theunsaidspace.com. www.onyoursidetherapy.com/mens-group

Remembrance Day in Lindfield 2023

As Remembrance Day approaches, members of the Lindfield branch of the Royal British Legion are busy preparing for the annual Poppy Appeal and memorial services.

From Saturday 4th – 11th November, poppies will be on sale daily at the gazebo on the High Street. On 11th November RBL members will meet at the War Memorial at All Saints Church, to remember those who died in the world wars.
On Sunday 12th November, wreaths will be laid at the memorial at 2.45pm followed by a Remembrance Service at All Saints Church, starting at 3pm.
Refreshments will be available after the service and all residents are invited to attend. Lindfield will also be represented at the national Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, when standard bearer Paul Buckland will join the parade.

A plaque in memory of young Lindfield soldier Alan MacDonald Leeney will be dedicated at the United Reformed Church on 6th November at 7pm. Alan, a member of the URC Boys Brigade, was just 19 when was killed while serving in the army in Germany, on 8th May 1979.

Lindfield Bonfire Night: Saturday 4th November 2023

Click to enlarge

This year Lindfield Bonfire Society (LBS) holds its traditional village bonfire celebration on Saturday 4th November on Lindfield Common. This is unusual in Lindfield, as we traditionally are always on 5th November – but this year, that falls on a Sunday.

The earliest records of 5th November celebrations in Lindfield date back to 1881. There were the customary street fires, dragging of tar barrels and much riotous behaviour. Did you know, for instance, that there used to be three bonfires in Lindfield: one on the Common, one outside the Bent Arms and a third in front of the Red Lion?

Although not raucous like its early days, the night will be crowded, noisy, involve naked flames and be potentially smoky at times. As an open air event LBS cannot guarantee what the weather will be like on the night, so they suggest wearing sensible, non-flammable clothing and foot ware that is appropriate for the conditions.

The event is free for the public to attend and starts with a torch light procession around Lindfield (see map pic) at 7.30pm. The procession heads onto the Common for the reading of the Bonfire Prayer and the lighting of the bonfire (8.15pm). The evening finishes with our grand firework display at around 8.30pm.

TIP: You can get a better look at the guy, by heading to the High Street during the day on 4th November – where he will be proudly on display by members of LBS. Please note that roads will be closed around Lindfield between 6.30-9.30pm. Avoid trying to drive into Lindfield on the evening, with road closures in effect plus a huge amount of increased traffic as visitors descend on the village, getting close to the High Street or Common is virtually impossible.

Although no charge is made to spectators on the night, Lindfield Bonfire Society would love to have contributions from those who enjoy the spectacle (which costs around £13k to out on). The easiest way to do this is via its website www.lindfieldbonfiresociety.co.uk/shop - where you can download the official programme or become a Friend of LBS for just £7.50 per year.

There will be a street collection on 4th November – but this DOES NOT contribute to the cost of the night. Volunteers with official buckets will be collecting for local children’s charities: Chestnut Tree House, Court Meadow Riding for the Disabled, Cleft Lip & Palate Association (C.L.A.P.A.), Orchard House and Woodlands Meed.

The organisers request that no one brings fireworks (inc sparklers) onto the Common, keep out of the fire site, don’t pick up dropped torches, and don’t bring pets to the event. The use of drones is banned on the night. And only members of Lindfield Bonfire Society are allowed to join in with the procession – please only watch at the side of the route.

For up-to-date information on the event, please see the LBS Facebook page.

Familiarise yourself with Lindfield's defibrillator units

Lindfield defibrillators

We’d like to encourage everyone living and working in the village to familiarise themselves with the sites of the life-saving defibrillator machines and learn how to use them.

An estimated 60,000 people each year in the UK have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and, sadly, less than 10% of those people will survive. Yet if a bystander is able to start CPR, they could double a person’s chances of survival.

Lindfield has nine defib machines that we know about, which includes the latest installation at Oathall school - at the top of the drive, before you get to the gate at reception. Oathall actually has another two defibrillators within the school premises too.

Some of these units are available 24/7 (marked OUTSIDE) as they are installed outside of any locked or restricted area. The defib on the wall at Potential Personal Training on Lindfield Business Park, while it is inside, the gym is open long hours, so is available from early until at least 9pm every day.
Scaynes Hill now boasts an impressive three defibrillators: at the Millennium Centre, the service station/shop and at the primary school.

All of the machines are portable and contain full instructions, but why not give yourself a head start with an online tutorial?

The Resuscitation Council (UK) has produced plenty of information to help us all learn more about what to do in this dramatic and highly pressured time, should we find ourselves involved.
You can watch videos and play interactive games to increase your understanding. You can even download an app - see www.resus.org.uk/apps/lifesaver for more information.

At Lindfield Life, we are committed to reprinting this map and information on a regular basis in order to familiarise the whole village regarding access to this lifesaving equipment - which can be used by anyone. Please give it a go. With our emergency services so overworked, we as communities can get better at helping ourselves, and it really does make a difference. If anyone knows of any other publicly available defibs in the area, do please email us (editor@lindfieldlife.co.uk) and we’ll update the map for next time.

Electric Blanket testing by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

ERROR ON PHONE NUMBER IN PRINTED MAGAZINE.

In the October issue of Lindfield Life, on page 16 we printed a story about electric blanket testing (see below) - the phone number we printed was incorrect, and should have read: 0345 872 9719

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is running a series of free electric blanket testing sessions for residents this month.

Faulty electric blankets are a common cause of fire in the home. Last year almost 40% of the blankets tested by the service were defective and posed a serious risk of starting a fire.

Regular testing is recommended for blankets over two years old to ensure they are still safe to use. Blankets over ten years old should be replaced.

A session is being held on 12th October at Haywards Heath Fire Station on Mill Green Road. Residents can book an appointment to have their blanket tested between 9.30am and 4.30pm by calling 0345 872 9719.

WSFRS’s Safe and Well Manager Samantha Barber said: “We know lots of people will be planning to use their electric blankets to keep warm this winter, particularly as the cost of living remains high.

“Of the 106 blankets we tested last year, 42 were deemed unsafe to use as they failed to meet safety standards, which posed a great fire risk.

“We would encourage residents to come and have their blankets tested to ensure they have peace of mind that their blanket is still safe to use. Please book an appointment to meet our friendly team.”

Further advice on keeping safe and warm at home can be found via this link

Forthcoming copy dates

2024 Copy Dates for Lindfield Life magazine

May Lindfield Life magazine
Copy date 9th April
Delivery between 20th - 26th April

June Lindfield Life magazine
Copy date 7th May
Delivery between 18th - 24th May

July Lindfield Life magazine
Copy date 4th June
Delivery between 15th - 21st June

August Lindfield Life magazine
Copy date 2nd July
Delivery between 13th - 19th July

September Lindfield Life magazine
Copy date 6th August
Delivery between 17th - 23rd August

October Lindfield Life magazine
Copy date 10th September
Delivery between 21st - 27th September

November Lindfield Life magazine
Copy date 8th October
Delivery between 19th - 25th October

December Lindfield Life magazine
Copy date 5th November
Delivery between 16th - 22nd November

Lindfield Rural Parish Council - October 2023

AUTUMN CLEAN 2023 – SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER 9.30am – 1pm

Please join us and help tidy up areas of the village. We will be meeting at the King Edward Hall (Newcombe Hall) where you will be asked to assist with litter collection, cleaning street furniture, or cutting back vegetation or similar activities. Everyone is welcome – children to be supervised by their parents or adult group leaders please. Bring your own gloves and wear sensible footwear. Hi-viz jackets, litter pickers, and sacks will be provided. If you would like to take part please register for the event using the following link: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/M972PR9

Alternatively, contact us using the following details: 01444 484115 or clerks@lindfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk.

WINTER MANAGEMENT – GRIT BINS

The Parish Council has supplied several salt bins around the village for use by and for the benefit of the community - on the public highway pavements and footpaths, not private property. Any individual using the grit will be acting on their own initiative and this action will be entirely at their own risk. It is recommended that the following equipment is used when spreading the salt: a high visibility vest/jacket, warm gloves, sturdy non-slip waterproof footwear, warm clothing, a snow shovel and a fully charged mobile phone. If you are working alone, always contact someone when starting and finishing.

Please use grit responsibly, West Sussex County Council Highways will only normally refill the bins once a year (and only those with less than 75% grit).

To read the full newsletter please pick up your copy of Lindfield Life’s October issue today or click the images to enlarge.

St Augustine’s Church greets new animal Chaplain appointed for congregation

For many of us, pets play a huge part in family life, and saying goodbye to a beloved companion leaves a huge gap in our lives.

At St Augustine’s Church in Scaynes Hill, the importance of pets in our lives and the trauma of losing them has been recognised as the church has appointed it first Animal Chaplain.

Maria Brett, was authorised as a local chaplain in Chichester Cathedral as part of the Authorised Lay Ministry initiative in the diocese, and has since become St Augustine’s chaplain for people and their animals.

Her role includes co-ordinating support for people undergoing the loss or bereavement of a pet or animal, including horses. “I’m available for all people experiencing pet loss not just for those in our parish but the wider community too,” said Maria.

As part of her ‘day job’ as a manager for a local veterinary practice, Maria has undertaken additional training and holds the Blue Cross certificate in Pet Bereavement. She understands firsthand how the impact of the loss or death of a much-loved animal companion can be a very real and painful experience.

Maria leads St Augustine’s animal friendly programme, which already includes pet services and the creation of a pet memorial garden.

“We have dedicated an area in the front of the church as a pet memorial garden which is available to everyone as a place to remember their beloved pets,” Maria explained. “People can write their pet’s name on a pebble to leave near the statue of St Francis of Assisi.

“This part of the garden is looked after by our church family and all the names of the pets are remembered at our annual pet blessing service. “

She added that the church has recently been accepted for registration with the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals (ASWA) as an animal friendly church. This complements a silver award from the environmental organisation A Rocha.

“Being accepted for registration means that ASWA has recognised the value we give to the contribution and needs of animals which is reflected in the life and witness of our church community including in worship and prayer,” said Maria.

“All well behaved dogs are welcome to services, whether regular attendees or occasional visitors. We aim to be open to all and it can make a big difference to a newcomer if they can bring their companion, service or therapy dog with them.

“We aim to promote a compassionate attitude towards all God’s creation and creatures and this is embedded within our Eco Church agenda which is at the heart of who we are and what we do,” added Maria. “We believe that we have a duty of care as Christians to look after, nurture, protect and not exploit God’s created order.”

Maria added that, as part of the church’s mission giving each year, donations are made to an animal welfare or rescue society. “This year we are supporting Raystede Animal Sanctuary with a collection at the annual pet service,” she said.

For more information, please contact Maria via the parish office: sash.parishoffice@gmail.com or phone 01444 831013 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

What is Fairer World Lindfield?

By Jennifer Hiley

What is Fairer World Lindfield?

Fairer World Lindfield (FWL) is a climate action community group, established in 2019, which aims to raise awareness and encourage individual and collective action to combat the climate and ecological crisis. By promoting options for more sustainable choices and taking small steps our hope is to play our part in mitigating and adapting to climate change with a local voice and a vision for a fairer world for future generations.

How does FWL go about this?

Our actions include curating, creating and hosting events to educate and inspire people to reduce their impact on the planet through making more sustainable choices. We want to help people to reduce their carbon footprint and become more aware of what is happening in and around Lindfield, the wider community and our planet.
Part of FWL’s original formation was in achieving accreditation from the Fairtrade Foundation for Lindfield to become a Fairtrade Village in April 2018. Since then we have given many talks to schools, churches and community groups.

What’s FWL been getting up to recently?

FWL are thrilled to have been awarded Lindfield Parish Council’s very first community award, The Climate Change Award, plus a £250 grant which we will invest in creating a website to amplify our message. This award recognises FWL for sharing knowledge and information to raise awareness about the negative impacts of the climate and ecological emergency. We are honoured to have received this award which will galvanise our team’s efforts to do more!
You may also have seen us on Lindfield Village Day this year alongside Lindfield Repair Café.

In April and May this year Chris and James visited four local primary schools (Lindfield, Blackthorns, St Peter’s and Great Walstead) to talk to the children about Fairtrade and the devastating impact that climate change is having on the world’s food producers.

In April we hosted a fantastic event in the King Edward Hall, called ‘The Green Extravaganza’. The concept was to bring local folks together to showcase their efforts to help our environment. Visitors could peruse tables on organic gardening, composting, soil, eco-friendly household products and cosmetics, solar panels, e-bike conversions, setting up a wormery, upcycling, rain water harvesting, air source heat pumps, nature photography, eco floral art, garden ponds, swapping plant pots, and recycling. Several organisations were also represented including: Fairer World Lindfield, Greener Lindfield, Lindfield Horticultural Society, Lindfield Repair Café, Ounce, the Growing Network, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Fair Trade and the Hurst Hedgehog Haven. Free to all, with complementary refreshments, we provided a warm inviting setting for anyone to come along and learn more.

Last November we hosted an Energy Help Desk at The Stand Up Inn. We had over 60 people pop in for mulled wine/tea/ cake and glean information from our community of experts and Lindfield residents on subjects such as: solar panels, draft proofing and insulation, heat pumps, waste, grants, recycling, creating a garden pond and energy efficiency as well as starting a wormery. We also had support from The Stand Up’s Andi Frost who sells eco-friendly products through Fill Good online store www.fillgoodstore.co.uk – find out more about Fill Good at the Lindfield Pop Up, 16th November @ The Stand Up Inn 09:00 – 12:00.

We had incredible engagement and feedback such as “the support that this energy help desk provides is invaluable to the community” and “very informative” and “I have learnt so much”.

What’s next?

FWL will be at the October Repair Café at 10am on Saturday 7th October at the Lindfield United Reformed Church with our Energy Help Desk. As outlined above, we will have a host of experts on hand to discuss topics to help you reduce your carbon footprint. Please do come along and find out more, and don’t forget to bring along anything you need repairing while you’re there!

We are also launching a new initiative called GreenUP! - where we will be hosting bi-monthly informal get-togethers where anyone is welcome to come along and learn and discuss a topic of our collective choosing. Our inaugural session is on 14th November, from 7-8.30pm at The Stand Up Inn, on the topic ‘How green is greenwashing?’. You are invited to come along with an open mind and with any information or thoughts on the topic that you are willing to share. We hope to connect, inspire, educate and share knowledge on the subject. It would be great to see you there!

The FWL team are fundraising to build a website to provide a destination for our village, wider community groups and beyond. This would be a space where people could come and learn more and we truly hope to have raised enough funds in the near future to make this a reality. If you would like to donate or if you are a budding designer/developer or content creator who would like to help out please do get in touch at: fairerworldlindfield@ gmail.com.

We also wanted to send a special mention of thanks to Sarah Reynolds and Matt Robson who helped FWL to revamp our logo! We are looking to plan out our activities for 2024 so please get in touch if you have any ideas or would like to volunteer get in touch at: fairerworldlindfield@gmail. com – and follow us on our socials.

Reduce food waste with UK Harvest at Ashenground Community Centre

Heard of UK Food Harvest? Well, it’s a food rescue charity and I am delighted to tell you that it has come to Mid Sussex. West Sussex County Council is working in partnership with Biffa and UK Harvest to reduce food waste and provide access to affordable food, using rescued produce.

Simply bring a shopping bag and fill it from a selection of mixed groceries for a suggested donation of £3.50. Pop along to the Ashenground Community Centre in Haywards Heath on the third Friday of the month between 10am and 11am.

You will be helping to reduce food waste and grab yourself some bargains. As you are rescuing food waste there is no need for any referral and is open to all. See you at the next one! For more information please visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/ukharvest Happy recycling.

Find more recycling tips at www.lindfieldlife.co.uk/recycling

Burgess Hill Pantry tackles food poverty locally

By Claire Fuller

Many believe that food poverty is not an issue in our community, however we have pockets of major deprivation in Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead. It is all too easy for anyone to find themselves struggling to put food on the table for themselves and their families, particularly with the current cost of living crisis, on your street, in your village…

There are several local organisations able to help, you can find out more at Mid Sussex Food Partnership (www.msva.org.uk/get-help-with-food). Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill Food banks are currently supporting many families who are referred to them by partner agencies including GPs, Town Councils or Citizens Advice. Bentswood Community Partnership offers an amazing range of services and support for local residents including the Community Cupboard with free access to those in need.
Burgess Hill Pantry is a less well-known charity supporting those in the RH15, RH16 and BN6 postcodes with a long-term solution to food poverty. Part of a national network, it offers an experience close to empowered supermarket shopping. Each week, for £4, members can choose 10 or more fresh, frozen or pantry items (with an average value of between £15 and £20), saving money and providing affordable healthy foods.

Pantry stock comes from multiple sources. Local supermarkets, Waitrose, Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Lidl and several Co-ops donate food that is close to best before or use by date. The majority of bread and frozen food comes from these donations and a group of volunteers collect these donations throughout the week. Sussex Fareshare delivers each week, the main source of fruit and vegetables in the Pantry and occasionally some crazy products from Kefir to Mcdonalds ketchup sachets. An amazing charity, Fareshare collects surplus from the food industry and redistributes to charities across Sussex. In Kind and the Hygiene Bank also supply items from soap to toothbrushes and toilet roll.

The Pantry is fortunate to receive a number of grants and donations from businesses, charities and individuals that allow them to top-up the stock on the shelves by shopping at local supermarkets. The Pantry has a manager but is run by volunteers who collect donations, stock the shop and run sessions throughout the week. They are an amazing group of individuals.

As Helena, a Lindfield volunteer says: “Giving a little time to The Pantry helps people at a time when they are struggling. I know that we are making a difference when it brings a smile to their faces and they leave with a great bag of shopping.” A Lindfield Pantry member said: “The Pantry gives us access to a wider variety and better quality of food and has made big improvements to my mental health. As a low income family, The Pantry has allowed us to afford more for our children, better school shoes, an occasional ice cream as a treat.”

The Pantry is currently supporting over 450 people in the area and has a waiting list that grows every day. If you would like to help, they would love to hear from you. You can donate food, money or your time. Set up a collection box in your office or school, every item that is donated will make a difference. If you are interested in sponsoring The Pantry please get in touch, they are looking to work with local businesses to secure their future and increase the support and help offered to our community. Get in touch at: hello@bhlocalpantry.org.

Lindfield Cricket Club Trumpeters raise funds for Kangaroos charity

Members of Lindfield cricket team The Trumpeters swapped the pitch for the golf course to raise £360 for charity. The players used their annual pre-season meeting and golf event to support local charity Kangaroos. Player Andy Cannon explained: “The Trumpeters is a cricket team that represents Lindfield Cricket Club in the midweek ‘Sussex Slam’ competition and each year, before the season starts, players go away to discuss strategy and match tactics, usually followed by a game of golf. “This year, however, the teams’ two social secretaries, Robb Sayers and Tony Ridd decided that the golf element should be an opportunity to raise some funds for a local charity.” Andy added that club has connections with Kangaroos, a Haywards Heath based charity that provides year-round clubs and trips for people with learning disabilities and additional needs, and this was a perfect opportunity to raise some cash for them. “The golf was the normal high-quality affair and played in the Ryder Cup type format with the Reds and Blues fighting it out for the Crystal Shoe trophy,” said Andy. “This year’s tight affair was eventually won by the Blues and the trophy was collected by their delighted captain Paul Stockwell.”

An awards ceremony was held later at Tamasha restaurant and awards were given for nearest the pin, individual golfer, longest drive and the much vaunted ‘stick to cricket’ award. “Special thanks go to Murat at Lindfield Golf Club for hosting the day and being kind enough to allow some rotten golf being played on their fine course,” added Andy.

Lindfield's connection to WW2 submarine mystery - HM Triumph

HM Triumph

By Richard Bryant, Lindfield History Project Group

You may have seen newspaper articles and television news pieces in mid-June, reporting a 25-year search has finally brought to the end an 81 year old World War II submarine mystery, without realising the story had a connection with Lindfield. In All Saints church, there is a brass plaque mounted on the southern wall that reads:
Remember in Love
JOHN SYMONS HUDDART LIEUTENANT ROYAL NAVY H.M. SUBMARINE TRIUMPH WHO WITH HIS OFFICERS AND MEN WAS KILLED IN ACTION JANUARY 1942
The Lord of Hosts is with us

Lt. John Symons Huddart, known as Tommy, was 31 years old, living with his parents George and Clare Huddart at Froyls in the High Street. He joined the Royal Navy, Submarine Service in January 1934, completing his Commanding Officers course in April 1940. The command of several submarines followed before joining HMS Triumph in November 1940; a T-class 1,300 tonne submarine, 275ft long with a company of about 60 men that had been in the Mediterranean for 12 months patrolling and undertaking special covert operations.

On 20th November 1940, the submarine departed from Alexandria, Egypt for her 20th war patrol in the Aegean, which included special operational executive missions, returning to port on 11th December 1941. The crew were greeted with the news that the Triumph was to return home for crew leave and a refit. Joy was short lived as Triumph, being the only available operational submarine, was ordered to undertake her 21st mission. She was tasked with urgently landing 5,000 kilos of supplies including radios, weapons and possibly money for the Greek Resistance. The drop was to be made at Antipros, an isolated location where the supplies could be rowed ashore in a small boat. The few remaining Commonwealth servicemen that had evaded capture and were waiting at Antipros had expected to be evacuated after the unloading.
However, Triumph had only just started her patrol and it appears that this had not been advised to the servicemen. Lt. Huddart decided not to have a debate on the beach about air consumption and food and water supplies, all of which were limited and restricted operational capabilities. Instead he simply quoted a change of orders preventing him from taking on board passengers, but promised he would return in 10 days to pick them up on his return to Alexandria. Triumph signalled Naval Command confirming successful completion of the deliveries and this was the last communication.

Triumph departed and was not seen or heard from again. She failed to show up at the promised rendezvous at Antipros on 9th January. On 21st January 1942, C & C Mediterranean reported to the Admiralty ‘Regret in absence of further news HMS Triumph must now be considered lost’. The circumstances and location of the disappearance of the submarine and what happened to the crew have remained a mystery ever since, but it was assumed that all crew perished. There is no German record of a submarine having been engaged.

In June 2023, it was announced that following years of searching Triumph had now been found in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Greece, lying 660ft below the surface. Images from a remotely operated submersible show her hull almost intact, although some damage to the stern is visible, possibly caused by an underwater explosion. Importantly, the images reveal that all the escape hatches and gun hatches were sealed closed indicating the crew are entombed inside. In that depth of water, crew were doomed as escape would have been impossible. Triumph was probably at a deep dive depth when the disaster struck.
The exact location of the submarine has yet to be disclosed as it must be treated with the respect of a maritime war grave. Protected by the strict archaeology laws of Greece.

This discovery brings to a close the 81 year old mystery and the location of the men’s grave. You can see a video clip of the submarine lying on the seabed here.

Contact via www.lindfieldhistory.org.uk or 01444 482136.

Another successful season for Lindfield Juniors FC

By Helen Jones

On 1st July, close to 1,000 parents, players and coaches gathered together on Lindfield Common for the Lindfield Juniors end of season barbecue. The event has become a key date for many Lindfield families whose children pass through the club each year. It’s a celebration of all that the children have achieved: the friends they’ve made, the goals they’ve scored, and the losses they’ve endured.

Since it was formed over 40 years ago, Lindfield Juniors has played a pivotal role in village life - for many families, it forms the cornerstone of their weekends from September to August. We are all used to seeing the sea of green and black on Hickmans Lane fields, on the Common and down the High Street on Saturday mornings as the club’s players make their way to training - whatever the time, whatever the weather. The club is one we can be proud of for so many reasons - not least for its popularity among local boys and girls. The growth of the club has been staggering and it continues to go from strength to strength.

Next season, there will be a total of 38 teams playing at Lindfield Juniors making it the club’s biggest year by far. Of those, 29 teams are boys and nine are girls. To put this in context, in 2009 there were just eight teams in total - meaning they’ll have more girls’ teams next season than they did at the club as a whole 14 years ago. In practice, this means that over 600 children will be signing up from September. The players start at age four and go all the way through to playing at Under 17 level - a testament to their loyalty and enjoyment at the club that they’re still playing at that age.

Many of the players started as soon as they were old enough to kick a ball. Club secretary Tony Robinson told us: “When my son was four, I used to take him to Soccer Tots in the King Edward Hall and he’d see a field full of boys and always asked ‘when can I play like the big kids?’. He started as soon as he was old enough, is now 16 and has been playing with the club for over 12 years.” Darren Hughes, who coaches the U15 boys has been with the same group since they were in reception class: “Out of the team of 17 we have now, I’ve been coaching 13 of them since they were four. The club and the team are a huge part of their lives and they’ve developed some strong friendships through playing together. I’ve seen them develop into great players and lovely young adults, it’s a real privilege.”

Since the club launched its first girls’ team in 2018 the sport has seen a massive increase in popularity for local girls. From September, there will be over 120 girls playing for the club across nine different teams - with many year groups having multiple teams. U12 Girls coach Glenn Watts said: “Coaching the girls is the highlight of my week. I was so pleased that my daughter wanted to play football and I love being involved in her team. The girls have built up an amazing team spirit and have made friends who I hope they’ll play with until they’re much older. They have such a positive attitude to the game and really believe in themselves as a team. The success of girls’ football at Lindfield is something we can all be proud of.”

If you’d like to know more about joining the club or sponsoring of a team at Lindfield Juniors, get in touch with Tony on secretarylindfieldjnrs@hotmail.com.

To read the full article please pick up a copy of August’s Lindfield Life today.

2022/23 Highlights
• Lindfield Girls U9 won the Crawley & Maidenbower Summer Tournament
• Lindfield Thunder U9 were runners up in the Russel Martin Summer Tournament
• William Hartley, Lindfield Sharks U16 won the Golden Boot for U16 Div 2
• Lindfield Girls U12 were runners up in the County Cup final narrowly losing 1-2. These were our first County Cup finalists for 10+ years
• Lindfield Girls U12s won the Red Division of the Sussex County Women & Girls
• Lindfield Sharks U11 were runners up in the MSYFL Plate final
• Lindfield Storm U9 won the MSYFL Futsal tournament.
• Lindfield Spartans U11 were runners up of MSYFL Futsal tournament

Lindfield Village Run 2023 a success

On Sunday 21st May, more than 500 runners and their supporters turned up at Hickmans Lane Playing Field for the Lindfield Village Run.

The 5k (aka ‘family fun run’) and 10k races were both well-supported on what was near-perfect weather conditions for running. The event, which is a fundraiser for registered charity King Edward Hall, was supported by two Lindfield businesses: Potential Personal Training and Six Physio. The annual community event is well-supported by individuals too, as it took over 30 volunteers all giving their time, to bring the run together on the day, whether marshalling out on the course, setting up or registering participants on arrival.

Podium finishers for the 5k race were Paul Nixon (20:50) in third place, Nate Donougher (20:40) as runner up, and Dan Celani taking the top spot with a time of 18.49.

For the 10k race, Ian Kenton (44:17) took third place, Michael Priest (43:28) was second and the winner was Ben Gibson with a time of 42:40.

For the full results listing, see www.kingedwardhall.org.uk, and if you’d like to offer your time to help at next year’s event, please email the team via run@kingedwardhall.org.uk.

Lindfield's latest defibrillator on the cricket pavilion

Numerous local groups have worked in partnership to bring a new safety device to Lindfield Common. With financial help from the Sussex Heart Charity (who have awarded grants to over 300 organisations), Lindfield Parish Council, Lindfield Football Club, Lindfield Junior Football Club and Lindfield Cricket Club - as well as support from Mims Davies MP - a new defibrillator has been installed on the outside wall of the cricket pavilion.

The defibrillator, which cost nearly £2,600 to install and is covered by CCTV, is available 24/7 and provides additional coverage for the village, which already has a number of defibrillators, including outside Selby’s chemist and King Edward Hall.
A full list can be found in June’s issue of Lindfield Life, or online: www.bit.ly/43NrKMx. The project, which has been delivered by Lindfield Cricket Club, was recently opened by Mims Davies MP and Matt Denison from the Sussex Heart Charity alongside the organisations who helped make this project possible.

Haywards Heath Golf Club host charity day for Cancer Research UK

Haywards Heath Golf Club will be hosting a ‘funky trousers’ charity golf day on Friday 14th July to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The event is being held in memory of Richard ‘Quin’ Hawtin, past club member and former secretary of the City Livery Club Golf Society, who died from oesophageal cancer in November 2022. Richard could often be spotted at Haywards Heath Golf Club sporting his favourite harlequin-patterned golf trousers, which earned him the nickname ‘Quin’.

Players at the charity event in July will be challenged to don their funkiest, most colourful golf gear in Quin’s honour. A prize will be awarded to the best dressed players – those daring to wear neutrals or monochrome may be fined! Players can enter as singles or a pair and will be grouped into a four-ball team.

Registration on the day opens at 8.30am with a coffee and bacon roll. A two-course meal will be provided once the rounds have finished. The cost is £95 per player. To enter, visit: https://forms.gle/Zrt8vfArca41yyig6 Or to donate, scan the QR code from your phone’s camera.

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Lindfield Juniors' girls are league champions

The Lindfield U12 Girls team have been crowned League Champions in the Sussex County Women & Girls Football League U12 Red Division. The girls finished the season with 40 points, losing just one game and drawing one game. Out of 32 teams in Lindfield Juniors FC this season, the U12 Girls are the only ones to take the coveted league title which comes off the back of their appearance in the County Cup final last month.

They’ve faced some tough opposition from teams across Sussex on their way to the title, but at all times the girls have never lost their sense of fun, enjoyment and determination to play fairly. As one of the parents said: “Playing for the team gives my daughter such happiness and enjoyment - being outside and having fun with her friends. It’s a true joy to be part of this team.”

Coached by Glenn Watts, Matt Stuart and Matt Costin and supported by coaches from the U12s wider squad, the winning girls are a close-knit group of Year 7s from local schools who have been playing together for a few years. Matt Stuart commented: “It’s an absolute pleasure being involved with this talented squad of players. From humble beginnings three or so years ago, trying to make sure we could get a team of seven out, we have now assembled a squad of 30+, winning leagues, playing in county cup finals.” Glenn Watts added: “We are so lucky to coach such a wonderful group of girls.”

Club sponsors travel company Stuba are delighted to be involved: “The togetherness, friendship and spirit running throughout the squad is so evident too, so very proud and lucky to be associated with this group of girls and the parents that support them.”

Follow @lindfieldjuniorsfc on social media next season.

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