Heath Rugby Club opens padel courts at Whitemans Green

Padel courts at Whitemans Green

Smash Padel Mid Sussex is now open - a new padel centre for play by all at Whitemans Green. The initiative, driven by HHRFC, follows the opening of the Club’s fabulous new Clubhouse at the end of 2024.

Padel, one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, is a dynamic, fast-paced game that’s easy to learn and addictive to play. It’s accessible for all ages and abilities, making it the perfect sport for families, fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking to stay active while having fun.

There are three state-of-the-art outdoor padel courts, each equipped with specially designed canopy covers ensuring year-round playability in all weather conditions. The Clubhouse offers amazing spectator facilities to view live sport on multiple big TV screens, socialise with padel friends over delicious food and drinks now available 8am until late seven days a week and watch others playing padel from the balcony and new terrace.

Phil Herbert, Commercial Director at HHRFC said: “The Club independently raised £2.4m over five years to build a Clubhouse that would become a multi-sports and community hub for the Mid Sussex area. Building padel courts was an important part of our strategy to ensure Whitemans Green Sports Club attracts a wider audience and is commercially sustainable for generations to come. We are delighted to partner with Smash Padel in this venture.”

For more information visit www.whitemansgreensports.club

1st Cuckfield Scouts centenary

The Scout group is incredibly excited to be celebrating its 100th birthday! Originally consisting of 18 Boy Scouts, the group was first registered by Scout Master Lawrence Wilfred Siggs in Haywards Heath on 30th September 1921. As one of the oldest groups in the country, 1st Cuckfield Scouts continues to go from strength to strength.

The current troop, led by volunteers from the local community, comprises of over 75 young people, within three sections - Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Today’s Scout leaders support the young people in their development and growth of character and with a sense of purpose, echoing the original aims and values of the Boy Scouts Association.

Young people learn how to be can-doers and give-it-agoers, having lots of fun playing games, working in a team and taking on new challenges, with friends and new acquaintances. To commemorate this significant milestone, the group put on a successful event at Haywards Heath Rugby Club on 1st October. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, their families, as well as wider community members - not forgetting Cuckfield’s very own mayor - came together for a fun-filled afternoon of food (very generously provided by Oxford Knight), drink, games and activities. Funds were raised, which will prove invaluable in securing the continued operation of the group.

Another, slightly less glamorous but no less important, community event took place in the early evening on 13th and 14th September. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts were all busy picking up litter around Cuckfield to help keep our community clean and tidy and to raise awareness about the environment we live in. Mind you, participants all had an added incentive on this occasion, as they were rewarded with fish and chips, which was generously subsidised by Cuckfish. Further information can be found on www.1stcuckfield.org.uk. Donations to ensure that the group continues to flourish are always welcome!

Family Day and Beer Festival in Whitemans Green - courtesy of Haywards Heath RFC

Haywards Heath RFC is kicking off the new season with a Family Day and Beer Festival at Whitemans Green on Saturday, 18th September from 3pm. There will be plenty of activities for children of all ages, beer from local breweries including Hairy Dog, Bedlam, Missing Link at 360º, Bestens and Long Man plus a BBQ, music from local bands and a DJ playing throughout the afternoon and evening.

Go along and join in the fun while supporting a local club to bounce back from the impact of Covid-19 and help get the vital new Clubhouse, Multi-sports and Community Facility built at Whitemans Green. And remember mini and junior rugby will be back for all age groups from Under 6s to Under 16s and Colts every Sunday from early September.

All are very welcome – tickets purchased before the day are just £5 and all funds raised will go towards the HHRFC Clubhouse Fund.

Please visit the club website for further information www.hhrfc.co.uk.