2019 Programme
Wednesday 20th February
Doug Newlyn – ‘Victorian Crime and Punishment’
Is there more crime today, than in Victorian times?
This talk paints a picture of society and the types of crime with examples of theft, burglary, arson, riot and murder, particularly in Sussex.
The punishments include prison and transportation.
The starting point is the cases heard at a Summer Assizes in 1835, just before the start of Victoria’s reign.
Wednesday 13th March
Mike Webster – Geology of the Weald and important Fossil finds of Cuckfield, Sussex and Surrey’
A talk on the near surface Geological exposures of the Weald, the fossil finds (including the first Dinosaurs) and their importance.
Including a table display of locally found fossils.
Wednesday 3rd April
Tony Perkins – ‘A Balcombe Bomber Boy’
An illustrated story of ‘Bomber Boy’ David Fellowes, Lancaster rear gunner.
His experiences before, during and after World War Two.
Note – The April talk will be preceded by the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Saturday 15th June
EXHIBITION
An opportunity to view some of the items from our archive about the history of Balcombe and those who have lived here.
Saturday 13th July
Balcombe Village Fete
A warm welcome will be ensured at the BHS stand, whatever the weather!
We will again be running our free, fun “Brain of Balcombe” quiz.
Wednesday 11th September
Roy Bliss – ‘ British propaganda from Sussex in WW2’
Hear how the World War Two British propaganda battle was fought and the role Sussex played in it.
Wednesday 16th October
Ros Black – ‘ Grace Kimmins and her Chailey Heritage’
Local author Ros Black introduces us to a remarkable, pioneering woman – Grace Kimmins – who worked tirelessly in the slums of London before setting up her innovative craft school for disabled youngsters at Chailey.
With some wonderful old photographs and film footage, Ros takes us through Chailey’s growth, its work during two World Wars, Grace’s flair for fundraising and her distress at the takeover by the NHS in 1948.
Wednesday 13th November
Peter White – ‘Town Criers and Bellmen – past and present’
A talk by a Town Crier of 40 years ‘crying’ which is 80% historical and 20% hysterical. Guaranteed no one will sleep through this account of Town Crying’s rich history; its colourful characters; and unusual events involving clocks, churches, hot money and H.M. the Queen.
If you need a lift to enable you to attend the meetings, please contact a Committee Member.