Spotlight Events

National Trust Lamb House in Rye

Opening from Monday 28th February, Friday to Tuesday From Henry James to E. F. Benson and Rumer Godden Lamb House has inspired the literary world for over a century, a secluded Georgian gem in the heart of Rye. From March, the largest garden on Rye’s citadel begins to blossom and bloom sheltered by its red bricked walls: an

Opening Mon 28 Feb oasis from Rye’s busy cobbled streets. Come and explore the rooms of Lamb House and be inspired by its famous visitors and stories. Lamb House, West Street, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7ES lambhouse @nationaltrust.org.uk

The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show in Henfield

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April The Sussex Guild is delighted to be returning and exhibiting again in Henfield Hall. The Show will take place in the main hall, foyer and garden suite. Visitors will discover exquisite examples of ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, knitwear, silversmithing, textiles and woodwork. You will be able to talk to the highly skilled makers about their individual crafts and inspirations and the opportunity to buy or commission individual pieces. A café with delicious, homemade refreshments will be open throughout the day and there will also be seating in the garden.

Your admission ticket of £3.00 allows you to return throughout the two days. Henfield Hall, Coopers Way, Henfield BN5 9DB www.thesussexguild.co.uk 01273 479565

Septet Wall Light by David Gourlay

Sat 9 and Sun 10 April

Hastings Beatles Day at the White Rock Theatre

Sunday 3rd April, 12 noon to 10.30pm The ever-popular Hastings Beatles Day will present many acts this year in aid of The Sara Lee Trust Cancer Support Charity. Performing the music of this world famous and much-loved band, in many different styles of music, with performers of all ages. There will be a number of new features including a childrens’ circle run by live artistes teaching Beatles songs. Musicians, dancers and choreographers, will form the largest get together of performers in one place in Hastings during the year. With your entry wristband you will be able to come and go as you please throughout the day. The Sara Lee Trust looks forward to your support. Tickets £17, under 11s free, 11-16s £8, family £39, available from the White Rock Theatre 01424 462288 Online from Eventbright or on the door from 11am

Sat 2 to Sun 24 April

Discover Britain’s Wonderful Wildlife this Easter

Easter Opening: Daily from Saturday 2nd April to Sunday 24th April, 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm). Children’s Easter Trail: Sunday 17th April This April the British Wildlife Centre is open daily for three weeks over the Easter holidays, giving you every opportunity to meet Britain’s wildlife, with everything from tiny harvest mice to magnificent red deer. Here at the home of the UK’s finest collection of native wild species, you can see otters, wildcats, owl-flying, badgers and foxes, as well as enjoying a walk among free-ranging red squirrels, all in a safe outdoor setting. It’s a REAL natural history experience!

Free Parking, Picnic Areas, Coffee Shop, Gift Shop. Pre-book your visit online and save £1 per ticket Eastbourne Road, Newchapel, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF www.britishwildlifecentre.co.uk 01342 834658

Sun 3 April

Bedroom Farce by Henfield Theatre Company

Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th March, 7.45pm with a matinée at 2.30pm on Saturday Henfield Theatre Company is all set to perform Alan Ayckbourn’s classic comedy,

Thur 17 to Sat 19

Bedroom Farce, which takes March place over the course of one evening, back in the 1970s in a time before computers and mobile phones, and portrays four couples in three different bedrooms. When the somewhat dysfunctional couples get together it’s a recipe for disaster, but great entertainment! The production will be at The Henfield Hall. Ticket prices: £11 and £13 available online at www.henfieldtheatre company.com or at the box office: Stevens Estate Agents, Henfield 01273 492141

Dazzling Daffodils at Hever Castle & Gardens

Monday 14th to Sunday 20th March Visitors to Hever Castle will be able to enjoy Dazzling Daffodils and take a tour with Head Gardener Neil Miller and bulb master Johnny Walkers (holder of 25 RHS Chelsea gold-medals for his daffodils) to view nearly 60,000 daffodils in bloom.

The entertaining tour will share how daffodils came to the UK and explore the thousands of different varieties. Johnny and Neil will be doing free gardens tours from 14th to 18th March at 11:30 and 14:00 and the gardening team will continue the tours on 19th and 20th March at 11:30. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Sunday 13th March, 11am to 5pm This special event for the mind, body and soul is the largest and friendliest one-day event of its kind. Visitors can enjoy a range of stalls, workshops and talks with clairvoyants, mediums, healers, herbalists and more.

There will be a variety of talks and workshops as well as healers and therapists offering free, donation based or special fair rates. Also, readers will be offering a choice of 15 or 30 minute readings to suit most budgets. There will be a free demonstration of mediumship, so if you have not had a reading, you can watch to see how they work. Come enjoy a fair where you can truly be yourself! The South of England Showground, Norfolk Suite, Selsfield Rd, Ardingly, Haywards Heath RH17 6TL

Mon 14 to Sun 20 March

Saturday 26th March at 7:30pm One of Bach’s two surviving musical settings the St John Passion is presented here in a dramatic performance.

Musical director, Stephen Anthony Brown, will not only sing the role of St John, but also conduct the choir, orchestra, and soloists creating an unusual and immersive concert leaving a lasting memory of the power of Bach’s music. Tickets: £15.00 and £6.00 for under 16s and students from Sussex Chorus 01444 412579 Also from: Carousel Music; Burgess Hill Help Point and www.eventbrite.co.uk St Andrew’s Church, Burgess Hill, RH15 0LG www.sussexchorus.org

Sat 26 March

The Big Purple Psychic & Holistic Fair Sussex Chorus - Bach’s St John Passion

Sun 13 March

Love Local this Year

Throughout the decades, the high streets of towns and villages across Wealden have been places to shop, relax and enjoy leisure time. With more of us staying local during the pandemic, there has been a resurgence in their popularity and this in turn, has led to a greater recognition that if we don’t support our high streets, we will lose them to the detriment of community life and local jobs. Wealden District Council is supporting our town and village centres via its ‘Shop and Dine Well in Wealden’ campaign.

eAST DEAN: Tucked away at the edge of the scenic South Downs, this small Wealden village lies close to Beachy Head and Birling Gap beach. One side of the village is home to a cluster of eateries surrounding a quintessential village green, whilst nearby are well supported local stores. East Dean hosts a popular weekly market on Wednesday mornings where you can shop for fresh produce and bakes, locally brewed drinks and artisan crafts. Car parking is available off Village Green Lane and there is disabled access to a tea room, gift shop and toilets.

FOREST ROW: You could easily spend a couple of hours walking around the village, especially on market day (every Wednesday). This confident and self-sufficient community is home to a wide selection of independent stores and cafes set along its main road and tucked away in side streets. In recent years, Forest Row has become a centre for organic produce and services. MAYFIELD: Take a stroll back in time around this picture-perfect village perched high in the Sussex Weald. With a medieval high street and fifteenth century Anglican church, you can discover delicious food and drink from locally sourced producers in a number of deli and specialist stores. Apparently, the village’s 18th century smugglers had a reputation for applying their profits to the benefit of the local community and as you walk its high street today, you can still sense that same community feeling. WADHURSt: A warm welcome awaits in historic Wadhurst, where you will unexpectedly stumble upon a busy high street full of independent wholesome shops and cafes, offering plenty of choice for foodies and those seeking sustainable shopping choices. The atmosphere is homely but wonderfully down to earth, with friendly publicans and independent shop owners who take a real pride in their displays. The Wadhurst monthly Village Market takes place on the third Saturday each month and there’s a handy free car park just off the high street.

Photography by James Ratchford

Discover more at www.explorewealden.co.uk/

Selected Saturdays and Sundays After a hiatus of two years, you can once again experience this steam-hauled service and travel through the heart of Sussex on the Bluebell Railway.

With luxurious Pullman Cars Christine, Fingall, and 1st Class Dining Carriage Sapphire, the train recreates the fabulous Golden Arrow which once linked London and Paris with the style and panache which made it one of the most glamorous and famous trains in the world. On board you will enjoy fine food and wine served to the standards of yesteryear. Book online now at www.bluebell-railway.com

Selected Sats and Suns

2 to 26 March

Innovative Abstract Landscapes at The Fittleworth Gallery

From 2nd to 26th March Wednesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm Our March exhibition presents the latest abstract landscapes from artist Graham Swain. They are an unique combination of ethereal imagery and exciting colour. It is a captivating show and one that will stay with you for a long time.

There is also an exhibition of late 19c and early 20c post-impressionist and German Expressionist European paintings from sought after artists such as Max Ernst, Jean Lasnier, Hofer and Rochegrosse. Not to be missed. The Fittleworth Gallery, Lower Street, Fittleworth, West Sussex, RH20 1EJ 01798 865437 info@fittleworthgallery.co.uk www.fittleworthgallery.co.uk

Easter Sun to Oct 9 Mother’s Day Weekend at Hever Castle

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th March Show mum you care by enjoying a day out at Hever Castle & Gardens this Mother’s Day. Celebrate by pre-booking a tempting afternoon tea of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, savouries and a delicious array of cakes and desserts. Children can take part in a free workshop to make a keyring and you can pose for a family photo in the Mother’s Day frame with the beautiful Castle as your background. As well as the Mother’s Day themed activities a visit to Hever Castle in spring offers a great chance to explore the stunning gardens and enjoy the dazzling display of daffodils. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Sat 26 to Sun 27 March

Mother’s Day Celebration at Hospices of Hope’s Olive Tree Bistro & Tea Room

Treat your mum this Mother’s Day at the beautifully decorated Olive Tree Bistro and Tearoom in Otford (Sevenoaks) and enjoy either a delicious brunch or afternoon tea at £25pp, accompanied by a live pianist. Proceeds from The Olive Tree directly benefit Hospices of Hope’s charity work. To find out more and to book your place call 01959 525110 or visit www.hospicesofhope.co.uk/ events

Mother’s Day, Sun Mar 27

Parham House and Gardens

Open from Easter Sunday 17th April to 9th October on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Bank Holidays Parham is one of the country’s finest Elizabethan houses, within an award-winning Garden, set at the foot of the South Downs, near Pulborough in West Sussex. The House has a timeless beauty and is home to a superb collection of historic paintings, furniture, and needlework. There are eleven acres of Pleasure Grounds surrounding the House, including a four-acre Walled Garden which contains herbaceous borders, a historic glass house, and a 1920s Wendy House. www.parhaminsussex.co.uk enquiries@parhaminsussex.com 01903 742021