Elfinsward, Haywards Heath

‘Inclement weather has marred many outdoor functions this summer, and on Friday afternoon [17 July 1931] the heavy rain upset the arrangements for what would have been a pleasant gathering at Haywards Heath. The Lord Bishop of Chichester (the Right Rev. G. K. A. Bell) and Mrs. Bell had invited upwards of four hundred church-people from all parts of the Diocese to Elfinsward, the Diocesan Conference and Retreat House, where a garden party was to have been given by the Lady Warden (Miss Hoskyns) and the House Committee. As it was the function had to held indoors, and the guests were prevented from enjoying the beauty of the lawns and grounds. It was surprising that such a large number attended in view of the weather ... At the conclusion of the address [by the Bishop of Chichester] an Indian play, entitled “Sacrifice,” by Rabindranath Tagore, was cleverly performed by Mr. Martin Browne and the Lewes Players. The moral of the play was that self-sacrifice should replace the sacrifice of human beings and animals. The performers were heartily applauded at the close’. Mid Sussex Times, Tuesday 21 July 1931.