Shipley Community Hub

Please find listed below the latest update from The Hub.

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Shipley Community Hub update

I cannot believe we are halfway through 2025 already and have had some wonderful monthly meets at the Hub so far.

In March, the founders of the Conversation Starter Project joined us to share their scheme to combat loneliness and encourage people out for a gentle walk and talk. It’s been an amazing success throughout the Horsham district.

Racing though to April, and another change to the schedule, (all best laid plans and all that!) we welcomed local Shipley Parish resident, Pippa Reay, back to enlighten us with more tales of her time as a Knepp Ranger. She showed many of her amazing photographs and shared many tales that brought smiles and laughter. Humour goes a long way at the hub and you can always guarantee Pippa to bring both laughter and happiness to the Hub, not to mention some of the most delicious cakes she regularly donates for refreshments. Thank you, Pippa!

Then swiftly onto May to celebrate our 2nd birthday, where folks enjoyed a few games of birthday bingo, alongside a wonderful slice or two of chocolate birthday cake kindly donated by Amanda Jupp. Amanda was instrumental in giving the Hub a place to call home at the Andrew Hall, Shipley. Amanda kindly sponsored the group for the first two years, allowing us to grow our little community-run monthly meet, which has brought so many people happiness, joy and company.

June was serenaded in by Dave ‘D’ Dog with some acoustic music and song whilst Claire from Claire’s chillis provided growing information to those who like their green fingers a little spicy – especially our repair tech ‘Rob’, who now has a passion for growing the fiery fruits (thanks to Claire and her knowledge)alongside his growing passion for sharpening all manner of knives, tools and blades at the Hub! Blink and we are in July, and Roger from West Sussex County Council dropped by with a huge amount of recycling tips and free goodies for anyone wishing to save waste in the kitchen. Judy Tuck from our ‘Greener Shipley’, born out of the Hub and working alongside the Hub is now keen to organise a ‘Green’ trip to the recycling plant to see how our waste is distributed and where. More information to follow.

And just around the corner, we have our very own Mini Dog show looming in August, where all four-legged canine friends are welcome and Pheobe Payne – a younger member of the community has teamed up with ‘Trumbles’ dog treats. Phoebe will be giving you a chance to bring your dog down for a photo or two so that those who follow us on our Facebook social media page can vote for your favourite in various categories. Well done to Phoebe for organising it all; impressive for a school pupil!

In September, Stephen Chapman will share his ‘Tales from across the Pacific’ from his times in the Merchant Navy and beyond and in November, we welcome Damien, our local Community Support Police Officer, to talk about what it’s like to work in our local area and why he chose this career. Which leads us to December – the last hub of the year where we will celebrate all things local with produce, crafts, merriment and festivities. So if this is you, do get in touch!

If you live in Shipley or the neighbouring villages, fancy a cuppa, cake and a chat, and not forgetting our amazing repair café for all your small fixing needs our ever-popular knife and tool sharpening service, do pop down. It’s a free* community-led group and is open to all on the 1st Tuesday of every month, 11am – 2pm (no hub in January).

*We do ask for donations for refreshments or repairs

This hub would not be possible without: the support from local volunteers; sponsorship and support from Knepp Castle Estate for the loan of their maintenance manager each month; the endless cakes and bakes donated; and YOU who come along and enjoy it! Thank you!

With love for the community

Best wishes

Sarah and the Hub Team.