Surrey and Sussex Wellbeing Weekend 2025

MAY ARRIVED with sunshine and great weather just in time for my third outing at the Surrey and Sussex Well-being weekend in Hay-on-Wye.   With leave booked I was looking forward to a great weekend with Karl, Jo, Forest, and Janice at the Trewern Activity Centre.   Every year brings the usual hardcore team and some going for the first time, it's great to meet new people and doing some networking on these weekends.

Hay has a unique position on the border of England and Wales, it is ideal for visitors to enjoy and explore the border country.   Hay is known for books and bookshops and is the first book town in the world, with a yearly festival attended by thousands of people.

This year promised to be bigger than last year with more people attending, resulting in Karl booking the local activity center in Cussop for accommodation.   Giving us the perfect base to rest and relax before heading out for the planned events.   Last year was the first time that I had been on an activity weekend, which I booked when I was going through a very hard time.   The weekend really helped and I would recommend it to anybody.   Mental health is always improved with exercise, getting out into the country, and great people around you.

Like last year I decided to relocate to Wales on the Thursday staying at the bungalow in Hirwaun, it helped me miss the Friday traffic on the M23, M25 and M4 and put me within a one hour striking distance of Hay, which was ideal.

Day 1 - Formation

Arriving in Cussop I headed for the activity center to meet up with Karl and Forest.   With fridges packed with food and bedrooms allocated I unloaded the car and started moving in, being the first to arrive I could choose my bunk, result!   With traffic pretty good on the motorways (unlike last year) it wasn't too long before everybody else started to arrive and we settled in and started to plan the first activity of the weekend.

With two designated drivers we set off for wild swimming at Bredwardine.   The water was freezing but once you've taken the bold step of submerging you soon acclimatize to the water.   The river is a great spot for wild swimming, with a bridge for people to cross on foot or car.   The supports create a strong current down the middle of the river that makes it an effort to work to swim towards the base platforms of the bridge  but swimming away from it you are in that "jet stream", which can take you down stream quickly.

After the swimming we went to Brobury House and gardens for coffee and cake.  The gardens are cared for throughout the year by a small team of dedicated gardeners and make the perfect place to visit all year round.   They do not close the gates to the public, so you are able to go and enjoy the gardens anytime.   In the center of the gardens is Brobury House, a charming turreted Victorian building which in Spring has the most magnificent bloom of purple wisteria.

In the evening we walked across country and down into Hay to The Globe a community venue, where you never know what you are going to get.   This time is was open mic night with a lot guitarists and poetry.   It was another interesting evening at the Globe and something that we always look forward to.

Day 2 - Connect

This is the big day for activities that we look forward to, with a return to my first year and gorge walking.   This year the activity was arranged through the activity center which means we kitted up and got on the mini bus before heading out to the site.   Two years ago I tried this on the first weekend and wasn't really aware what gorge walking was, but you jump into a river and float down stream and then start climbing rocks, waterfalls, and navigating the river.   Most of the time you are in the water and it is great fun, but can be dangerous, so you always keep an eye on the person in front of you.

With the bank holiday weekend there was going to be a big demand on the main sites, but the activity team found a location that isn't well known, I cannot say where we were it's that secret!   We arrived in the the glacier effected site and walked down to the river.   Stage one was acclimatizing to the water and jumping into a cold pool before walking across country, rejoining the river and starting the journey back to the jumping pool navigating the steam in all it's glory.

Working downstream, floating, climbing rocks, and navigating the bends of the river.   Surrounded by high rock faces, blue skies, and green hills was absolutely beautiful.   What made it really great was the camaraderie with the team, from the trainers to the people in our group.   With the common ground we have, everybody gelled and just made the day work brilliantly.

In the evening we walked cross country again and went into Hay to the Cozy Cafe, to celebrate their third year of trading.   The venue was a hot spot for dancing with DJ Max Galactica on the decks, and few glasses of Dark and Stormy we were set up for the evening.   Alcohol and dancing, what could go wrong?   Apart from everybody having a great time and Karl dancing on the tables around the Cosy Cafe!   After three hours of dancing I soon found out!   Everything ached and the following day there was a 7 mile cross country walk up to the top of Hay Bluff to do!

Day 3 - Team

The day started with Lucy and her team coming over to Trewern to teach us how to make small bird houses out of Willow.   Essentially this is an ancient craft of weaving.   The team had a lot of patience showing and taking us through making the bird houses, with just a wooden base and lot of lengths of willow.

It was a great morning learning an ancient craft and allowing us the opportunity to add a little more wildlife to our gardens by inviting small birds to nest and nurture.   I did get home and having put the bird house up found blackbirds nesting in my ivy which is amazing, I've been keeping clear of that area allowing them to get on with rearing their young.   The morning ended with tea and cake, which was made for us by Lucy and her team.

We then turned our thoughts to the cross-country hike from Cussop to the top of Hay Bluff  (Penybegwn) which is situated at the northern tip of the Black Mountains, an extensive upland massif which straddles the border between south-east Wales and England.

Setting off from Trewern we went cross-country with quite a lot of hills to start getting the altitude, going past a cemetery that Karl reliable informs us is the resting place of the person who invented the cross-word, whose position in the church cemetery is six down and four across!

Working our way along King Offa Way we caught the attention of a herd of cows, who decided to wander over looking a bit intimidating.   They didn't account for Forest who started running towards them, turning the herd back to where they came from.   It was a sight you had to see to really appreciate it!

The majestic climb to the top of Hay Bluff was steep and hard, as expected, but worth it to see the landscape where we stopped for a packed lunch and a break before heading back to Trewern.   It's interesting that the top of Hay is a few degrees colder, you really notice it and can't wait for the warmer air when you descent down to the bottom again.

The day ended with a quiz night led by Karl, who it appears has a local reputation as "the quiz master", we even found posters for his quizzing in The Globe.   Being broken into four teams things went well until security had to be called in to deal with a few disagreements!

Day 4 - Depart

Normally we break up on the Sunday after the Hike, but instead, due to the bank holiday Monday, we had an extra night.   Last day was a walk across fields into Hay to see the village and enjoy the shops.

As usual the first stop was coffee by the river and a group chat before heading into the town, first on my list was the Electrical Company which has everything, as the name is deceptive.   We toured the book shops of the first book town and had lunch at The Castle before thinking of heading back.

This left time for a quick visit to the local curiosity shop where I bout three cats for £6 and the famous fudge shop for treats on the long journey home.

Another great break, expertly planned and executed by Karl and Jo, thank you.

 

Lindfield Village Day 10km Cross Country

ONE OF THE great events in the Mid Sussex run calendar is the Lindfield 10km cross country, held as part of their Village Day.   The run, organised by volunteers, is one of the largest funraising evens for Kind Edward Hall.

Both runs mostly follow paths and tracks through the West Sussex countryside near Lindfield village.   They are traditional cross-country runs with varied terrain and some slippery surfaces.   Running past cowsheds, you might encounter herds of cows in the fields (I counted two with one up close and personal), adding to the enjoyment of being in nature.

The run takes athletes through the countryside, across single-track bridges, sharp ascents with built in staircases, small streams, and challenging hills, ultimately reaching the grounds of Ardingly College.

The weather leading up to the run was sunny and warm, with a bit of rain overnight.   However it wasn't enough to turn the run into the usual mud bath.  Is the Lindifled 10km a proper cross-country without the mud?   We missed it, but it wasn't essential.

Parts of the run goes across private land and this is the only opportunity that you can get to use some of these routes that make this such a great event.

WSFRL: Bank Holiday 10km in Lewes

LAST YEAR saw Haywards Heath Harriers win the West Sussex Fun Run League, both for the seniors and the juniors, obtaining the double. This was after James Smyth took over leadership for the club. This year Harriers are aiming to hold onto the title for a second year, with some difficult runs and stiff competition.

Bank holiday Monday was the third run in the league.   A 10km run hosted by Lewes AC, starting at the athletics track, around Ham Lane before heading out across country to Iford and returning back to Lewes.

This was the third run of the season with Crawley Run Crew hosting the first run followed by Fittleworth Flyers.   The league should have started with the Hangover 5 in Worthing but due to bad weather the run was rescheduled.

There was some great running from the Harriers with Stuart Rowan first across the line for the club followed by Robert Smith, Jack Hayward and Matthew Clark.   Two of the Harriers crossed the finish on their birthday Lucy Anderson and Mike Parish.

Haywards Heath Harriers results were: Stuart Rowan 39:11; Robert Smith, 00:39:41; Jack Hayward, 00:40:37; Matthew Clark, 00:40:37; Phil Payne, 00:40:54; Andy Hind, 00:41:05; Mark Mellish, 00:42:21; George Adams, 00:42:33; Andy Stainer, 00:43:33; Rachael Overton, 00:44:56; Fraser Hagell, 00:45:31; Greg Hilton, 00:45:36; Nicolas Skov, 00:46:57; Siobhan Amer, 00:47:11; Grey Wilkinson, 00:48:39; Sam Atkin, 00:49:04; Simon Robinson, 00:49:58; Clare Hilton, 00:50:07; James Smyth, 00:50:17; Richard Caddy, 00:50:29; Kerry Bannister, 00:51:11; Rebecca Hedges, 00:53:42; Clare Kenwood, 00:53:31; Abigail Redd, 00:52:42; Glen Hedges, 00:53:46; Lucy Anderson, 00:54:09; Carl Bicknell, 00:57:26; Amanda Soper, 00:59:52; Jac Barnes, 00:59:52; Graham Kenwood, 01:04:22; Mike Parish, 01:11:04; Tracy Adams, 01:16:31; Rupert Purchase, 01:19:11; Richard Bates, 01:24:16.

WSFRL: Crawley Run Crew's Run Your Heart Out

SUNDAY 13^th February 2022 saw Crawley Run Crew host their “Run Your Heart Out” 8km endurance run. This was the second run of the season in the West Sussex Fun Run League calendar taking place in Tilgate forest/park over an multi terrain course.

The League is comprised of 17 athletics clubs over Sussex with each club hosting one event over the year. This equates to a massive 17 races over 85 miles. Run Your Heart Out was Crawley Run Crew’s inaugural run in the League and what a run they had planned!

Starting from K2 Leisure Centre with a run around the 400m track, along the side of the car park into the forest. The run wound around the forest before taking a turn into Crawley Park heading past the Tilgate Nature Centre and up towards the Smith and Western tavern. Running downhill athletes ran three quarter run of the large lake before being turned around and sent back via the forest to the second lake. This led to the last stretch home around the forest before completing one last lap of K2’s 400m track.

The run is multi terrain with an undulating course as it goes from concrete footpaths around the Nature Center, around the lakes and the velvety smooth footpaths through the forests. The course has something for everybody and some real challenges to complete the required 8km.

Haywards Heath Harriers had some star performances with Andy Hind chasing down the front runners and completing the course in good time, this was the first event by Caroline Gumm who did an excellent run and managed to achieve her PB for an 8km course.

 

Run Gatwick 10 km

RUN GATWICK is slightly controversial as it started as a half marathon running around Crawley, Lowfield Heath, Gatwick and Charlwood.   But since it lost the British Airways sponsorship the run has been taken down to a 10km.

Although it's a reduced route the run has not been downgraded in terms of it's quality.   The organisation is still perfect and the run feels more like Gatwick than ever before, this is because it boasts to be the only organised event that can get that close to the single runway and you are pretty close.

Starting at the Gatwick Aviation Museum the route runs down the Lowfield Heath Road, before turning off towards the service road to the side of the runway, this goes down past Brook House.   At the bottom you turn around at a roundabout and take the journey back to the Aviation Museum.

I have never done a run like this before, it was the first truly hot and sunny day of the summer.   There had been no opportunity to train in the hot weather and we were suddenly on the tarmac and the side of the runway with hot jet engines, taking off and landing. 

It was at the turning point on the service road that I saw one person collapse in the heat and on the way back there were pacers walking and two people throwing up, not connected and at different points.  Which shows the importance of training for the hotter weather.   Regardless it was a great run.

 

 

NOTE: Due to personal issues it has taken a long time to publish this event.   Run Gatwick is not taking place this year, but hoping to come back next year as a half marathon, from Crawley.   One to look forward to.

WSFRL: Hangover 5

THERE IS NOTHING like starting the year with physical exercise, that defining moment of, "This is how I want my coming year to be", taking control and setting your own direction.   And the West Sussex Fun Run League (WSFRL) do this beautifully every year with the Hangover 5, a five mile run on the South Downs.

Unfortunately I do miss a lot of these due to my working hours.   This one fell perfectly for me and I stood on the start line with other athletes from Hayward's Heath Harriers waiting.

This is a tricky run and takes a lot of resolve to get to the top of the hill before the descent down.   The footing is interesting as there's a lot of flint that you need to navigate, especially going down hill.

This is a great run and one that I look forward to every year.

WSFRL: Littlehampton Beach Run and Hove Stinger

TWO RUNS in one week sounds daunting, but what a challenge with James Smyth at the helm Haywards Heath Harriers have jumped to the top of the league, but with only a few points between 1st and 2nd place, the pressure remains on.   First up on Wednesay is the Littlehampton 5 miles beach run organised by Arunners and then the Hove Stinger organised by Hove Hornets.

Beach run

The athletics flags went up on the green next to the beach as everybody met for the five mile run, for some the evening was going to end in a bar to watch England play in the Euro's for the rest of us fish and chips on Littlehampton Harbour.

The run started with one and a half laps of the green before running down the shingle towards the wet sand and we started the two and a half miles down the beach with a strong wind behind us whipping up the sea spray.

It wasn't until the turning point that you realised how strong the wind was, running directly into the wind and sea-spray.   This was harsh but it was a course open to the elements and certainly invigorating.

At the end of the run, thanks to Cary's Hind there was fish and chips and we sat around talking about the run.

Hove Stinger

JUST ON the border of Brighton and Hove the athletics flags went up again for the second run of the week as we prepared for a 10km run across the South Downs.   Some of the athletes were there for both days.

The day was sunny and hot and like the beach run we were open the elements in terms of a course that had the first 5km going uphill with little to no shade.

It is an outstanding run looking down from the South Downs across the East Sussex countryside.   At the five km mark you start to go downhill towards the finish line.

I had a cat and mouse session with three athletes from Crawley Run Club (CRC) and we found a great way to motivate each other to get around the course.   One of them said, "We run as one".    This was so close to my heart and showed the inclusive aspect of running, we are one, regardless of whether you are first or last over the finish line.

Surrey and Sussex Wellbeing Weekend 2024

LAST YEAR I attended the amazing Surrey and Sussex Police well-being Weekend in Hay-on-Wye.   This year I was determined to go again, although it got off to a difficult start with the dates falling on working days and no chance of leave, when suddenly the dates changed with a perfect rest day fit.

Hay has a unique position on the border of England and Wales, it is ideal for visitors to enjoy and explore the border country.   Hay is known for it's books and bookshops and is the first book town in the world, with a yearly festival attended by thousands of people.  

This year promised to be bigger than last year with more people attending, resulting in Karl booking the local activity center in Cussop for accommodation.   Giving us the perfect base to rest and relax before heading out for the planned events.   Last year was the first time that I had been on an activity weekend, which I booked as I was going through a very hard time.   The weekend really helped and I would recommend it to anybody.

I decided to relocate to Wales on the Thursday staying at the bungalow in Hirwaun, it helped me miss the Friday traffic on the M23, M25 and M4 and put me within a one hour striking distance of Hay.

Day 1

Arriving in the town of Hay I met up with Karl and Forest for coffee and waiting for the Surrey contingent to arrive.   We met in the town of Hay and went for coffee, catching up with friends from last year and meeting new people at the Castle Cafe.   There were the inevitable delays on the motorway and the chance of wild swimming on day one was lost, but there was plenty planned for the rest of the week to make up for it.

We settled into the Activity Center in Cussop sorting out the sharing and dividing up the rooms.   It was great to have a large open community area and kitchen.   Karl had sourced the food and the weekend started with a BBQ.   Following this was an evening around a camp fire with guitarist/singer Stephen Russell, who did an amazing set with his guitar and looping system.   Highlight for me was an amazing rendition of U2's "With or Without You".

Things took a different turn when Aggi turned up with two bottles of vodka (apple and grass).   With the sun going down we sat around the campfire drinking vodka and talking about the weekend to come.   Aggie didn't make it last year, so this was the first time I had met her and hope she will make future events.

Day 2

This was the big planned actives day.   Heading out to Glasbury we met up with The Ultimate Activity Company for a canoe exploration of the River Wye.    We were set up with canoes of two or three people and headed downstream canoeing from Glasbury to the Boat Inn between Rhydspence and Willersley.

We picked up a passenger whose party had left their "best man" behind during their stag weekend.    Luckily, by the time we got to the Boat Inn he was seeing the funny side of things!

It wasn't long after the safety briefing that we got the canoes into the water, started to pair off and sailing down stream.   It all got off to a great start and were doing well, navigating the stream, riding weirs.   Things were about to change when Forest became Captain Jack Sparrow and launched himself over the gap between two boats in an effort to "parley", but capsized the boat putting everybody in the water.   Swim Forest Swim!

It was a great journey on the river, working in teams to get the boats down stream and across the weirs to arrive on the lawns of the Inn for beer before we were picked up and taken back to Glasbury.

Then came a lesson in archery being taught how it should be done.   At Karl's suggestion we were split into two teams of male and female in a shoot off, where the men clearly demonstrated how not to do it and were taken back to school by the ladies!   Turned out Janice was pretty good with a bow and it was a well deserved win, next time we will have to even up the talent a little!

This was followed, rather neatly, by a lesson in axe throwing.   Again once being taught how to throw an axe there was a play off.   My inner Saxon came out and I found I wasn't bad with an axe!   Karl threw a great session and it ended with a head to head between Forest and I.

The day ended with a trip to The Globe to see the Classic Blues Band, playing covers of blues songs that Britain exported back to the states at the end of the 1960's and early 1970's with bands like Led Zeppelin, The Yardbirds, Fleetwood Mac and Eric Clapton who embraced the music and tried to recreate the sounds.   In those days there was no internet and it relied on vinyl imports from the states and hours of listening to the music to try and transcribe and learn it.

The Classic Blues Band recreated the music brilliantly and we really ended the day.   The combination of guitar and vocals were amazing, but the work of the saxophonist and trumpet really created a great sound that made an amazing evening.

After an evening of music and beer we regrouped and headed back to Cussop for our last sleep at the activity cent, pretty knackered from the days events having created a lot of memories.

Day 3

It was a sad moment to get to the end of the week, but there was one more event planned before we packed up the activity center and headed back home.

We had an 11km hike from Cussop to Hays Bluff.   A really nice trails hike across the country with some very difficult hills; the aim to get a lot of altitude to see the whole of the surrounding country side.

The pinnacle of the hike was to get to the top of Hay's Bluff which forms a part of the "Dragons Back", running from North to South Wales.   This was a climb and a half to get to the top, but well worth the effort.   As we hit the top we sat back with a packed lunch and enjoyed the surrounding countryside.   The top of the Bluff was a good few degrees colder and I am pleased Karl questioned why I was just wearing a running vest!  Good call!

I am definitely looking forward to next year.