Please note that Blackwell Hollow will be closed between 9.30am and 3.00pm on Monday 11th May to allow urgent treeworks to be carried out. Diversions will be put in place

Bunny Run on Sunday 13 April for St Catherine’s hospice

THE Bunny Run, sponsored by Tuplin in aid of St Catherine’s hospice, will take place at Victoria Park in Haywards Heath on Sunday 13 April.

The feel-good family fun will feature Easter-themed activities and a guest appearance from Bertie the Bunny.

Participants – who can run, walk or hop over the 2.5 k course – will receive a pair of bunny ears at the start and Easter treats at the finish line.

Entry in advance (before 6 April) is £10 per adult, £5 per child, £25 family (2 adults, 2 children).

Entries on the day £15 per adult, £8 per child, £40 family.

Local businesses pledge support for Marathon

The local business community has pulled together to show their support for the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, which takes place on 3, 4 and 5 May 2014.

Local companies have lined up to become official sponsors and to give their backing to the exciting Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend.

Freedom Leisure, Mansell McTaggart, Crest Nicholson, The Orchards Shopping Centre in Haywards Heath and the Burgess Hill Town Centre Partnership are the five main sponsors of the event and the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend would simply not be possible without their financial support. Many other local businesses have chosen to get behind the event by contributing prizes that encourage people to get involved.

Runners lining up to take part in the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend will find their efforts well rewarded thanks to a fantastic range of prizes that have been donated by generous local businesses. Hamilton Studios in East Grinstead has provided a free photo shoot and print worth £95, Haywards Heath based personal training specialists Fit for Moore are offering 3 month training courses and Smiles & Styles in Burgess Hill is giving away vouchers for free hair and beauty treatments as well as a selection of pampering products for men and women.

The overall winners of the Men’s and Women’s Marathon will receive dinner and an overnight stay for two courtesy of the Felbridge Hotel and Spa.

Race day prizes are not just for adults, youngsters will have the chance to win as well. The top three finishers in each age category of the Mid Sussex Mile races will receive a free swimming session at a nearby Mid Sussex District Council leisure centre courtesy of centre operators Freedom Leisure.

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is organised by specialist race managers Nice Work on behalf of Mid Sussex District Council, with support from Burgess Hill, East Grinstead and Haywards Heath Town Councils.

There is still time for local companies to get involved and any businesses that would like to support this unique event should contact Glen Wilkinson at Glen.Wilkinson@midsussex.gov.uk or by calling 01444 477207.

“The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is a fantastic event for the whole community and I’m delighted that local companies have been so quick to show their support and get involved”, said Councillor Frank Osborne, East Grinstead Town Council Member for Amenities and Tourism. “The generous donations we have already received from local businesses have ensured there are plenty of terrific prizes for runners to win by taking part in the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend this year.

“The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend is a unique event that appeals to families, fun runners and long-distance athletes. The marathon distance is split over three races on three consecutive days, so you can pick the distance that’s right for you.

“Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome so if you’re not already registered then what are you waiting for? Sign up today.”

The Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend begins with a 10-mile race in East Grinstead on Saturday 3 May, moves to Haywards Heath for a 10-mile race on Sunday 4 May and finishes with a 10-kilometre race in Burgess Hill on Monday 5 May. Combined, the three races cover a total of 26.2 miles – the classic marathon distance. Younger runners aged 8-11 and 12-14 years, as well as adults who are new to running, will be able take part in Mid Sussex Mile races in each of the three towns.

Full details on the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, including information on how to enter online or by post, are available at www.midsussexmarathon.co.uk.

Mid week Collectors Fair

Wednesday 16 April, 11am to 4pm

MONTHLY Collectors Fair for coins, postcards, stamps and other collectables with  some full-time dealers not always seen locally. Admission free.

Enquiries 01342 327554

Venue – The Wagg Studio at Chequer Mead.

Fun at the town museum

ACTIVITIES run from 10.30 am to 3pm. No need to book –  just turn up and stay as long as you want.

There is a charge of £1 per child to cover the cost of materials. The activities are for 5 to 11-year-olds.

Spring is in the Air on Tuesday 8 April – celebrate Spring with games and crafts: take home what you make.

Mayhem at the Museum on 27 May – games and crafts: take home what you make.

Water Works – Blount Avenue/Gardenwood Road

South East Water have notified the Town Council that between 7th April and July there will be traffic lights on the junction between Blount Avenue and Garden Wood Road. This is to allow water pipes to be replaced. We are told all affected properties have been written to concerning the works and the water supply disruption, however for all road users please be aware that the lights will operate weekdays and also may operate at weekends. Delays may occur, any queries or concerns should be directed to South East Water directly on 0333 000 0002

£100,000 appeal for children’s charity Jigsaw

EAST Grinstead-based children’s charity Jigsaw is to launch a £100,000 appeal to help Pick Up The Pieces on behalf of children and young people who are bereaved, or facing the loss of a loved one through serious illness.

Town Mayor Margaret Belsey will launch the appeal on 22 March at the Felbridge hotel where she will be joined by families from across Surrey and Sussex who have sought guidance and support from Jigsaw following the death or terminal diagnosis of a close family member.

The idea was conceived by one of the charity’s dedicated volunteers, Tony Allen.

Counsellor Belsey will unveil a symbolic 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle and appeal to local businesses, sponsors and individuals to purchase a piece of the puzzle for £100. In return, they will be helping Jigsaw to Pick Up the Pieces and continue its work.

All participants will receive their very own piece of the puzzle along with a certificate and a logo on the Jigsaw (South East) website.

Janey Treharne, Business and Development Manager, said of the East Court-based charity:

“Our service provides support to children who have lost a close family member through illness, accident, suicide or murder as well as those who have a family member with a life-limiting illness. It can be a very confusing and emotionally difficult time for children; they are often bewildered and frightened and find it difficult to talk to adults who may also be having a difficult time. We provide these families with support and guidance and a safe place to talk about their emotions and encourage them to make memories whilst meeting others in the same situation.

“We are a local charity and as with most small charities we do not receive any statutory funding and are dependent on grants, donations and local fundraising initiatives such as this one.”

Help to Pick Up the Pieces

TO help Jigsaw to Pick Up the Pieces call 01342 313895 or send a cheque for £100 to Jigsaw (South East) along with your details, at East Court, College Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 3LT.