Programme
Wednesday 23rd February 2022
Ian Everest– ‘Shepherds of the South Downs’ – their lives and times
Central to Sussex farming in past centuries, and to the economy of the area, were the thousands of sheep that grazed on the Downs. The shepherds, who spent their solitary lives caring for their flocks, were a familiar part of the local countryside. Ian tells their story.
Wednesday 23rd March 2022
Jamie Kirkman – ‘Forestry on the Balcombe Estate, past and future’
Jamie is Head Forester and has been with the Estate for 25 years. He also chairs the S.E. Region Confederation of Forest Industries. He is interested in why people do things, as applied to forestry, and will give us his perspective on historical forestry and where its sustainable future lies.
Wednesday 27th April 2022
David Ralph – ‘The Historic Commercial Vehicle Run to Brighton’
David makes a welcome return to our Society. He will explain the history of this event and the different types of vehicles that take part. He will also highlight some of the many vehicles he has helped restore, including a vintage bus.
Note – the April talk will be preceded by the AGM
Wednesday 21st September 2022
Gilly Halcrow – ‘SOE, Special Operations Executive – Churchill’s Secret Army’
The SOE’s task was to organise the resistance in countries that had been occupied by the Nazis and as Churchill ordered, to “Set Europe Ablaze”. This talk is a fascinating account of the training and preparation the agents underwent and also stories of a few of the missions, some of which achieved amazing success, whilst others ended in betrayal, concentration camps and death.
Wednesday 19th October 2022
Helen Poole – ‘Elizabethan Sussex’
Queen Elizabeth I’s reign was a time of spectacular projects and big personalities. They left a legacy in our part of Sussex and beyond. Religion caused many problems, as did the constant threat of pressure from enemies abroad. This talk explores some of the local people and places with a part to play under Gloriana.
Wednesday 16th November 2022
Andy Thomas – ‘Lewes and Bonfire Night’
Born and bred in Lewes, Andy uses his inside knowledge of this vibrant, historic town, renowned for its Bonfire Night. He reveals the enthralling rituals and events which make its colourful and controversial November mix of folklore, liberty issues and burlesque humour unique