Walking/Rambling, Horse Riding and Cycling
Horsham District Council (HDC) has an excellent source of information for routes, maps and journey planning.
Click here to go directly to their website.
You can also Click HERE for a list of Guided Health Walks in the local area.
Cycling Routes
Local resident Max Woodcock, a keen cyclist, has put together a guide for two off road bike roads around the parish. CLICK HERE to see it.
‘The Bald Explorer – The Quest for England’
Film maker and amateur historian, Richard Vobes is enthusiastically exploring Britain’s great heritage, traditions and legends. In May 2020 Richard visited Thakeham, you can see his videos here:
In Search of Sussex – In Which I Go To Thakeham in West Sussex
Children’s Playgrounds
Our main High Bar Lane playground has equipment suitable for all ages and has been recently improved with a new ‘megatower’ feature, refurbishment of existing equipment and rubberised floor surfacing. For toddlers and younger ages there is a also a small park on Furze Common Road and a playground on Abingworth Crescent, near the Village Hall.
Other Recreation Spaces/Pitches
The Parish Council also manages the open recreation spaces of Abingworth Football Fields (two football fields, plus Changing Room facilities), and the Glebe Field (off The Street). Please note that use of these facilities are subject to our Policy on Use of Recreational Spaces.
Enquiries regarding bookings of the Abingworth Football fields should be directed to the Thakeham Village Hall Trust. Enquiries about booking the Glebe Field, e.g. as a venue for community events, should be direct to the Parish Clerk.
Community Groups
Thakeham Bellringer’s Club
The Thakeham group is based in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Church but there is no obligation to attend Church.
Practice takes place on a Wednesday evening from 7:30pm to 9:00 pm. Visiting ringers from other groups are always welcome.
To enquire about joining our group, or just find out more, see the Facebook page, contact Christine Hounslow (01798 815993 christinehounslow@hotmail.com) or Roger Watts (01798 813775).
Thakeham Bridge Club
This popular bridge club was founded in 1980 by four friends who played bridge socially and then decided to form a formal club.
The club now has a membership of over one hundred enthusiastic players who enjoy the challenge and reward of the game.
Takes place in Thakeham Village Hall on:
Wednesday Evenings 7:15pm – 10:45pm
Friday afternoons 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Contact: Harold Linfield Tel: 01798 812276 or visit the website here.
Thakeham Gardeners’ Club
Thakeham Gardeners Club is a community group that brings together people with an interest in gardening in Thakeham and the surrounding district. Membership of the Club is open to everyone who would like to learn and share knowledge about everything ‘Gardening’.
Contact: Gil Quince (Chairman) Tel: 01798 812 748
Contact: Vanessa Chenery (Membership Secretary) Tel: 01798 817 426
Find out more on the website here.
Thakeham Short Mat Bowls
Thakeham Short Mat Bowls Club hold roll-ups each Monday evening. All ages are welcome including children who have the ability to bowl a wood. If you are new to short mat bowls, or have never heard of it but would like to give it a go, please bring your slippers with you to protect the mat.
Short mat bowls has become very popular over the last 25 years and we hope to move forward very soon and form the club officially.
Monday Evening 6:45pm – 8:45pm at Thakeham Village Hall.
£2.50 per person
Contact: Barbara Weir Tel: 07539 850848
Thakeham Table Tennis
The club’s focus is on developing skill levels for players of all age groups from beginners to advanced. Guided by the principles of Table Tennis England and a UK level 2 Coach, the club aims to develop all aspects of the game. Please bring playing shoes, a bat if you have one and a drinks water bottle.
Takes place within Thakeham Village Hall on:
Wednesday evening 7:45pm – 9:15pm
Thursday morning 10:30am – 12:30pm
Find out more on the website here.
Sports Clubs
Football: the parish has two pitches located at the Abingworth site which is the new home to Thakeham Village FC.
Cricket: The new cricket pavilion and pitch was officially opened in May 2019. The fantastic facilities are home to West Chiltington & Thakeham Cricket Club.