Herstmonceux - ICT Award Winner

Herstmonceux is a friendly and inclusive village with a good sense of community.

All members of the community, as well as people from the surrounding area, are encouraged to get involved in Herstmonceux’s community life. There are some excellent facilities available in the village, including a modern hall and a Village Information Centre and residents are kept well informed of upcoming events and activities with various newsletters, a village directory and a regular column in the local newspaper.

Young villagers are well catered for, with a specific parish councillor who has taken responsibility for the village’s children and young people. People in need of care and help are also well supported and efforts are made to continually keep track of their needs, for example a Community Help Survey was carried out and from that the village’s Luncheon Club was started.

There are many local charities and fundraising events that take place in Herstmonceux to the benefit of all residents. A Bonfire Society, which is run from a local pub, raises significant amounts which are invested back into local good causes. Herstmonceux Castle also opens its grounds to assist with charitable fund raising for the village.

In particular, Herstmonceux takes full advantage of the benefits Information Communication Technology (ICT) can offer a village community. There is a range of purpose-built, community-managed websites that provide a variety of local area information, opportunities and internet links, the majority of which were created and are maintained free of charge by local residents. Local businesses and the local tourism industry also benefit from the village’s ICT activities, and there is no charge for inclusion on the parish council web pages.

The village of Herstmonceux is situated to the north east of Hailsham in East Sussex and has a population of about 1,500.

Visit the Herstmonceux web site at www.herstmonceuxparish.org.uk