All events are held at the King Edward Hall, Lindfield.
Everyone is welcome. Admission is free to members and non-members, but a small donation
at the door for the illustrated TALKS would be welcome, to offset costs.
Tuesday 11 February 2025 at 2:30 pm
“The Waterways of the Tsars Part 1: The Treasures of St. Petersburg” by Rukshana Master. This light-hearted, beautifully illustrated and informative talk takes you on a breath-taking journey from St Petersburg to Moscow on the Waterways of the Tsars, through the grand lakes, rivers and canals of Russia. Part I explores the Treasurers of the Hermitage Museum, with one of the largest and most spectacular art collections in the world, the stunning Peterhof Palace (the Versailles of the North) and the romantic Summer Palace, associated with Catherine the Great. The talk also includes a brief history of St Petersburg with some unusual stories.
Tuesday 11th March 2025 at 2.30 pm
“Sheffield Park Garden” by Jodie Hilton. A member of the National Trust Sheffield Park and Garden will present a talk to cover the history of the garden, the lakes, wildlife, and the species of trees and plants.
Tuesday 15th April 2025 at 6pm
“Presentation of 2025 Conservation and Design Awards, and AGM, followed by “Airships Over Sussex” by Stewart Angell. Stewart co-founded Sussex Military Research to raise awareness of all aspects of military history relating to Sussex, including associated archaeology. This talk will cover the background of Airships, where they were based, how their role developed and evolved as the demands of war progressed. Stewart will present his findings of what remains in the landscape and where archaeology could fill the gaps in our knowledge relating to this lesser-known aspect of the war.
Wednesday 10th September 2:30pm
“Talk by Colin Bostock-Smith, Script writer for star comedy performers” by Colin Bostock-Smith. Stewart co-founded Sussex Military Retired comedy writer, Colin spent 35 years working in the world of British television, stage and radio, providing the words for a long and glittering succession of star comedy performers. His scripts include writing for Bob Monkhouse, David Jason, Rowan Atkinson, Anne Robinson, Russ Abbott, The Two Ronnies, Griff Rhys Jones, Pamela Stephenson, Basil Brush, and he was a major contributor to “Not the Nine O’clock News”. Showing video clips and some of his successful sketches.
Wednesday 8th October 2:30pm
“Stories from the Sussex Downs” by Ian Everest. Ian Everest, Sussex-based local historian with an interest in farming, the countryside and the First World War, will give a talk covering an A-Z of unusual historical aspects of the eastern end of the South Downs. Find out about the Home Guard Cavalry, a college for lady gardeners – and much more.
Tuesday 11th November 2:30pm
“Wakehurst Through The Ages” by Paul Reader.This will be a history talk concentrating on looking at old images of the Wakehurst Estate and comparing them with what the estate looks like now.
