THE SPIRIT OF MIDHURST
by
Bridget Howard, Editor, Midhurst Society

What’s special about Midhurst?  

Some people call it “Midhurst”, to others it is “M’d’ust”, a pronunciation closer to its medieval origin. Two sides of the same coin? Not really. There are two Midhursts living side by side: a town and an old village: an upmarket shopping centre and a caring community: an architectural gem that hides its treasures.

On one hand you have the home of polo where international playboys take their pleasures; where expensive restaurants echo to half a dozen languages, and where private helicopters buzz like summer midges. Huge horse-carriers add to the confusion in the main street and those whom Shakespeare called “golden lads and girls” drive past in their smart 4x4s, many of them covered in honest Sussex mud.

In the countryside are families that have tended the land for generations. Surrounding their modest farms are the million pound estates and the gracious homes of wealthy refugees from the City or those who conduct their multi-national businesses from a rural retreat. The town itself is home both to the affluent retired and to a thriving working population.

The commercial life of Midhurst reflects this mix of the County Set and the less aspirational. Many of the shops are still privately owned and sell goods of an individuality that is increasingly rare. Specialist dealers supply the best quality food and drink. High-style designers offer the latest home improvements. Fashions, either trendy or traditional, for men and women, can be bought ready-made or specially designed. Shopping is still a leisurely pursuit. Traders know their customers by name and take time to understand their requirements. Day-to-day needs are met by shopkeepers who will sell one carrot to an aged pensioner.

In the narrow lanes buildings of all ages jostle each other for space. Medieval timber-framed houses were refronted by Georgian merchants three hundred years ago. An ancient cottage may still be the home of a family whose forebears have lived in Midhurst since time immemorial. Sometimes, however, when they have moved to somewhere more modern and convenient, the old property becomes the bijou treasure of incomers who love the tiny rooms more than those who brought up their families there. At eight o’clock every evening the curfew bell rings out as it did in the days of the Norman Conquest.

The pace of life is slow. People sprawl under sun umbrellas outside coffee houses or pubs. Those who speed through the town miss its secrets. It is a place to savour, to amble through and enjoy.

The Midhurst Society The Midhurst Society aims to preserve, protect and improve local features of historic public interest. It promotes high standards of planning and architecture. In liaison with existing and proposed public authorities, it seeks to enhance the local environment and ameneties - not only in Midhurst but in Bepton, Cocking, Easebourne, Elsted, Heyshott, Lodsworth. Stedham with Iping.Trotton with Chithurst, West Lavington, and Woolbeding. Our magazine "Midhurst Heritage" (free to members) is published biannually and there are occasional newsletters. Thes publications encourage interest in our past, prsent and future. The town's printed archives are collected and preserved for use of local historians and the general public. Meetings are held to enable members to discuss matters of local interest, for lectures and social functions. The Society, founded in 1961, is non-political, non-sectarian and non-profit making. Registered Charity No: 268565. Membership Secretary: Mrs Mary Massey 01730 816440. 2, Egmont Mews, Rumbolds Hill, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9ND Subscriptions. £15 for a household of two persons. £10 for an individual Cheques should be made payable to the Midhurst Society. Subs are normally due on 1st Jan. For Midhurst Soc Events please go to What's On in West Sussex. Meetings These will be held at St Margaret's School (the Convent), and will commence promptly at 7pm and will be followed by the opportunity to meet the speaker and socialise over a glass of wine. There is a nominal charge of £1 (£2 for non members) to defray the cost of the venue and speaker system.

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