PICTURES: More people than ever at Haywards Heath Town Day

The event organised and hosted by Haywards Heath Town Council enjoyed glorious weather as residents of the town and those from further afield flocked to visit the 93 charity and exhibitors stalls.

The charities raised awareness and funds to help meet objectives in the community.

The day included a Fun Fair and performances of In Choir, Tania Read and Haywards Heath Operatic Society.

The family friendly community event included mascots performing fun and games, races and a tug of war with the children who gathered to watch.

There was a dog show, skate jam, circus skills and Anamazing - a small petting zoo.

Town Day coincided with the Tour of Britain, which passed through South Road, whilst the Town Council hosted a Military Parade, culminating in Mid Sussex District Council signing an Armed Forces community covenant on the main stage.

Town Mayor Cllr Mrs Sandy Ellis said “I would just like to say thanks and give praise to all the staff at Haywards Heath Town Council who organised the spectacular events at this year’s Town Day and the Councillors who supported and helped them leading up to the event and on the day.

“To be part of the crowd who cheered on the Tour of Britain riders who cycled through our town and to join in the celebrations as we cheered them along the route was a wonderful experience.

“I was also very honoured to bear witness as MSDC granted the freedom of entry to the Sussex Yeomanry Army Reserve and the signing of the Armed Forces community covenant. The combination of all these events and ceremonies made Town Day a very remarkable event for the residents and visitors to our town.

“I also had the chance to visit some of the 93 stalls at Town Day who’s volunteers represents some of the organisation who dedicate their time, talents and energy to provide support to wide sections of our community. My sincere thanks go to the Lions Club for raising funds and awareness of my Mayor’s charity Neil’s Club and everyone who kindly donated to this great cause.”

Tania Rodd, manager of the British Heart Foundation Shop, Haywards Heath, said: “Thank you so much for letting us as the British Heart Foundation and also for allowing me to sing on Saturday.

“For us at the Brititsh Heart Foundation it was a brill day financially and also for awareness.

“For me singing wise it was an honour once again to be asked to sing for you all. It really was a superb day with the bikes coming through and also for the military parade coming through, there really was a brill atmosphere and great that there are events going on in Haywards Heath”

Geraldina Brown, independent fundraiser for Cancer Research and Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “I just wanted to say a big thank you for giving me the opportunity to run my stall. It was a fab day and I raised £300 which will be split between Cancer Research UK & Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Kath Smallwood, Neil’s club volunteer, said: “We are so pleased the weather was good and that the cycling event and the military parade were well supported. It was good to meet and reacquaint with other stall holders and to learn more about other organisations, especially some involved with supporting carers.

“We enjoyed speaking to the mayor, Mrs Ellis and Paul once again. We are so impressed with her commitment to raising awareness of Neil’s Club, dementia and to continuing with the work to make Haywards Heath a dementia friendly community.

“We were impressed with the increasing openness and willingness of many people who stopped at the stall to talk about dementia. We hope this is a trend which will continue.”