Eastbourne, Wealden & Lewes Family Grapevine - Winter 2023/24

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EASTBOURNE, WEALDEN & LEWES | NOVEMBER 23 - FEBRUARY 24

LOCAL INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES: BUMP-TEENS

Inside...

WHAT IS ON:

What's On This Winter Christmas Events Days Out and more...

WIN!

Prizes from:

A - Z of Sport & Leisure ● Childcare ● Education ● Parties ● Places to Visit ● Events ● and more...

Welcome to our WINTER 2023/24 ONLINE ISSUE, it is packed with ideas to spend some lovely family time during the festive season and prepare for the new coming year.

In this issue we are running 4 competitions with the chance to win some fantastic prizes, such as a family ticket for 4 to the BEAUTY & THE BEAST - Pantomime at the Devonshire Park Theatre Eastbourne, a family ticket to the LIGHTNING FIBRE ICE RINK in Eastbourne, a family day out at SPRING LIVE! at Showground in Ardingly and a familyweekend at ELDERFLOWER FIELD FESTIVAL, THE family festival in East Sussex.

Thank you to our fabulous advertisers, please continue to support these hardworking, passionate local businesses, do tell them that you have heard about them through the FAMILY GRAPEVINE! The next issue is the SPRING 2024 issue, which will be published early March, so keep your eyes peeled and follow us on social media for the latest updates!

Bettina x

Bettina Horne-Muller - acting editor bettina@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk | 01444 443068 Eastbourne, Wealden & Lewes

ewlfamilygrapevine

In This Issue

Over 1600 useful contacts!

A - Z of Sport & Leisure.14, 16-17

Holiday Activities........................14

Additional Needs................... 6, 17

Independent Schools................12

Advice & Support......................... 6

Out of School Clubs.......... 13 - 14

Antenatal/Postnatal............... 6 - 7

Parties............................................... 5

Babies............................................... 7

Places to Visit....................... 18 - 19

Books, Gifts & Toys........................ 4

Pre-School Activities.................10

Community Toddler Groups 8 - 10

Puzzles................................ 9, 15, 21

Competitions............ 5, 14, 18, 20

Tutoring & Language................13

Daycare/Pre-Schools........ 11 - 12

What’s On................................. 2, 20

COMPETITIONS 5

WIN tickets to SPRING LIVE! at the Ardingly Showground

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WIN a family ticket to the LIGHTNING FIBER ICE RINK

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WIN a family weekend to ELDERFLOWER FIELD FESTIVAL

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WIN a family ticket to BEAUTY & THE BEAST - PANTOMIME

w w w. t h e f a m i l ygr a p e v i n e. co. u k / e a s t b o u r n e - we a l d e n - l e we s

Local Services Local Councils

East Sussex County Council, 03456 080190 Eastbourne Borough Council, 01323 410000 Lewes District Council, 01273 471600 Wealden District Council, Crowborough offices, 01892 653311 Wealden District Council, Hailsham Offices, 01323 443322

Citizens Advice Bureaux Crowborough Citizens Advice, Croham Rd TN6 2RH, Mon - Thu 10.30am - 2.30pm, 01892 655303 Eastbourne Citizens Advice, 8 St Leonards Road, call for appointment, 01323 413480 Hailsham Citizens Advice, Western Road, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9.30am 3pm, 01323 842336 Heathfield Citizens Advice Bureau, open Fridays 9.30-11.30am or daily via Skype, 03444 111 444 Newhaven Citizens Advice, Tue-Thur drop in, Mon & Fri appointments only, 03444 111444

Peacehaven Citizens Advice, Tues - Meridian Centre, 03444 111444 (national helpline) Seaford Citizens Advice, Church Street, open Mondays & Wednesdays 9.30am - 3pm, 03444 111444 Uckfield Citizens Advice, The Hub, Civic Approach, closed Tue, 01825 764940

Voluntary Work

3VA, support for voluntary & community sector organisations & people looking to set up new groups, 01323 639373 Accredited Volunteer Mediator Training Courses, 01323 442781 Furniture Now! Furniture service, recycling or training opportunities, 01323 638000 Join East Sussex Youth Offending Team, 01323 466633 NYAS Independent Visitors for children & young people in the care system, recruitment@nyas.net St John Ambulance, South East Region, sja.org.uk

The front cover image is Beauty & The Beast Pantomime's cast in front of Herstmonceux Castle.

Performed at the Devonshire Park Theatre from the 8 December 2023 to 14 January 2024, with a cast of West End talent, live band and plenty of delightful surprises in store, it is sure to bring magic and memories to treasure this festive period.

To book your ticket, call the box office on: 01323 412000 or online: www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk (see advert p.2 & competition p.20)

School Holidays 2023/24 East Sussex

Christmas 16th December - 1st January Half Term 10th February - 18th February Easter 29th March - 14th April Half Term 25th May - 2nd June For INSET days & Bank Holiday dates, please contact your school. Independent schools & other counties may vary.

Infant, Junior & Primary School Application closing date: 15th January 2024. National Offer Day: 16th April 2024 Cartoons by Lesley Harvey (see advert p.4)

Disclaimer: The Family Grapevine Eastbourne, Wealden & Lewes is independently owned and part of The Family Grapevine Group operated by Grapevine Media Group Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, either wholly or in part, without the prior permission of the publisher. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of the material in this publication and to ensure the accuracy of its content, no warranty is given as to its correctness. All adverts are submitted and approved by the advertiser and this does not imply a recommendation or necessarily the views of the publisher. You should make your own enquiries and comparisons as with any other form of advertising. I accept no liability for loss, damage or difficulties resulting from contacts made through the directory, from errors or omissions, from claims made by advertisers or from omissions or inaccuracies relating to an advertisement or other entry, regardless of how caused.

We cover BN7 • BN8 • BN9 • BN20 • BN21 • BN22 • BN23 • BN24 • BN25 • BN26 • BN27 • TN5• TN6 • TN20 • TN21 • TN22

What's On This CHRISTMAS

Please tell our fantastic advertisers that you saw them in the Family Grapevine!

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Books, Gifts & Toys • Greener Christmas

Gifts, Toys & Books

#SwitchLocal #SupportLocal #shopindependent #SupportSmallBusiness Why not offer a GIFT VOUCHER (for baby clothe rental for e.g. see box here) or for a class, for a book or a treatment! Singing, dancing, swimming, art, pottery painting or even skating!

EXPERIENCES are always a great treat too!

Maybe a day out during the holidays, a music festival next spring or a night out at the theatre or at the cinema!

Bags of Books, children’s specialist bookshop, Lewes, BN7 2BT, 01273 479320 Bear World, Enterprise Centre, Eastbourne, have some fun and make your own bear, open 7 days, 01323 728237 Caricatures by Lesley Harvey, drawn from your favourite photo, personalised name, 07722 23674 (see advert)

Pooh Corner, Hartfield, all sorts of Winnie GREEN the Pooh toys & CHRISTMAS gifts, 01892 771155 Plastic-free or DIY Purple Butterfly Christmas crackers.

Crafts, bespoke baby Shop loose fruits & celebration gifts & & veggies. cards, 01323 644873 Make you own plasticfree decorations!

Skies & Scarecrows at Middle Farm, Firle, traditional toys, Orchard, Ravensburger, Siku cars, Brio, 01323 815037

The Magical World GREEN GIFT of Children’s WRAPPING books, Scholastic Reuse wrapping paper, Eastbource CRC, 91upcycle brown paper, use Book Parties.

93 Seaside, special Hugely discounted your kids' drawings or gifts for christenings, titles, 07895 243757 go for the Japanese first communions, Furoshiki style! baby naming etc, The Patchwork 01323 732070 Elephant, handmade patchwork keepsakes Jackeraca Handmade, using your own memorable unique, silver keepsakes of fabric, 07922 312826 your child’s hand/footprint, 01323 727185 Wilderness Wood, reserve & cut your own Christmas trees from Memory bears & animals made November, 01825 830509 from your child’s old clothes, 07598 393033 Michaela’s Market Place, all sorts of goodies, pre-loved clothes, gifts & bathroom fragrances, 01273 031850 (see advert p.3) Paula Louise Paton Jewellery, 01825 722428 Pixels2Canvas, your photos on canvas + funky pop art, sport art etc, Eastbourne shop & online, 01323 721067 Plastic Free Baby, mum run eco-friendly shop, natural, biodegradable & recyclable products, www.placticfree.baby Playpress Toys a Sussex based company offering eco-friendly buildable connectable playsets, playpresstoys.com

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Photographers Photographers

AdasGold Photography, Outdoor Family/life style and in-house Newborn Photography, 07887 599555

Mimi VP Photography, Classical Portraits of Childhood Adventures, based in Wealden District, 07540 090242 N Davies Photography. Location shoots, family, child and wedding photography., 07880 872892

Clare Anne Photography, newborn & child photographer, cake smashes, family, studio & location, 07917 676580

PP Photography, Ringmer, studio or location portraits, 01273 812084

Divine Photography Eastbourne, wedding & portrait photographer, Eastbourne, 07732 056208

Rebecca Campbell Photography, Sussex based creative family photography, 07921 334569

Finegrain Photography, Seaside, Eastbourne, portraits, passport photos etc, 01323 439971

Rosie Wooldridge Photography, Lewes, fun family photography on location, 07830 149779

Fitzgerald Photographic, Hailsham.

Fun & unique studio portrait shoots or on location, 07843 648125

Samantha Eve Photography, family and SEN studio photography, samanthaevephotography.co.uk Sarah Marie Photography, motherhood & family, free drop in shoots, Eastbourne, sarah-marie.co.uk

Helene Simpson Photography, maternity, newborn, cake smash and family photoshoots, 07802 889506 Jane de Weck, Eastbourne, on location & studio, family, newborn, pets, licensed master photographers, 01323 727750 Jo Page Photography: specialising in newborn, maternity & family photography, 07565 572710

Sarah Tate Photography, Heathfield, 01435 862793 Sarah Wenban Photography, children & family portraits on location & creative wedding photography, 07770 416007

Leanne Miller, specialist newborn photographer, 07725 146466

Teri V Photography, children, family & wedding photographer, studio & location, 07885 039301

Mark Huntley Wedding Photography, Eastbourne & East Sussex, 07759 073398

The Underwater Studio, Eastbourne, underwater photography, 07894 221547

www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes

Parties! Venues • Entertainment • Supplies Party Venues

Little Indians, providing the ultimate themed sleepover experiences, Eastbourne & surrounding areas, 07702 519871

(more online)

Barney’s Playbarn, Bell Lane, Uckfield, soft play, best for under 10’s, barneysplay.co.uk

Little Kickers Parties, Eastbourne, Lewes, Chiddingly, Seaford, Bexhill, 18mths-8yrs, 07802 864719 (see advert p.16)

Bear World, Enterprise Centre, Eastbourne, make your own bear parties, all ages, 01323 728237

Lucy’s Little Forest School, parties with woodland based activities, 07766 486548

Blackberry Farm, Whitesmith nr Lewes, Farm or Pony Party incl. all day access to farm & playgrounds, 01825 872912

Mini Motion dance parties, 3-7yrs, choose your dance style! Crowborough & Uckfield, 07734 863791

Buzz Active, Watersports: Eastbourne & Cuckmere, adventure day: Bushy Wood, 6-14yrs, 01323 463300

Once Upon A dreamZ sleepover parties, covering the Sussex area, 07786 466549

Downs Leisure Centre Seaford, football, Mouse Trap - inflatable course, 01323 490011

Ravebugs, rhythm parties for all ages, approx 15 miles from Eastbourne, 07850 890026

Film Parties @ The Picture House Uckfield, 01825 764909

Ray & Jacqui Sparks, face painting, Punch & Judy, balloon modelling etc, 01323 509622

Fun Abounds, Uckfield, indoor trampolining & gymnastics parties, fun & games, 01825 768479

Rising Stars Multi-Sports & Adventure Parties, weekends, 20 mile radius of Seaford, 01273 579606

Hailsham Leisure Centre, Hailsham bowling, softplay, pool & splashdance parties, 01323 846755

Science Wizards, fun science parties, 5 - 12yrs, 08456 521215

Knockhatch Adventure Park, on A22 at Hailsham, farm, birds of prey, waterslides, adventure play, 01323 442051

Sing and Sign parties, Lewes, Uckfield & Ringmer, in a venue or at your own home., 07958 539903

Knockhatch Ski and Snowboard Centre, ringo-ing and skiing parties, 01323 843344

SportsCool Brighton, multi-sports birthday parties, Brighton/Sussex, 5-11yr, Facebook@SSCBrightonLtd

Lavender Line, Preserved Railway, Isfield, nr Uckfield, 01825 750515 Leo’s Play Den, Pevensey Rd, Eastbourne, babies-12yrs, 01323 749022 Lewes Leisure Centre, pool, sports, roller disco, 01273 486000 Monkey Bizness, soft play, Cliffe Industrial Estate, Lewes, 2 12yrs, 08458 739645 My Skate World, Maple Rd, Eastbourne, private parties, 20+ children, 5yrs-adult, 07807 087962 (see advert p.17) Ninja Arena Eastbourne BN21 3NW, supervised activity & obstacle course, 01273 054949 Peacehaven Leisure Centre, Magic Castle (U10s only) & Big Bounce party, 01273 588858 Polegate Equestrian Centre, gymkhana games & ride, 01323 483975 Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, Newhaven, pool parties, Sat eve, 01273 512498 Sharnfold Farm, trailer & tractor ride parties, farm parties, catering available, 01323 768490

Treasure Island, Eastbourne, soft play/adventure park, 01323 411077 Uckfield Leisure Centre, football, trampoline, bouncy castle, arts & crafts, roller disco, pool,01825 761160 Uplands Sports Centre, Wadhurst, bouncy castle, trampolining/ gymnastics, sports, fun & games, DIY, 01892 782136 Urban Jump, Trampoline parties, Ghyll Road Industrial Estate, Heathfield, 01435 863277 Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, themed parties from Fairies to Castaways, 0-90 years, 07766 486548

Party Entertainment (more online)

Animal Magic, interactive, educational Animal handling events, 07979 692423 Animazing, parties, talks & displays with reptiles/amphibians/ invertebrates/owls/mammals. Reg: AW047, 07743 675253

Carolines Fun Faces, magic, balloon modelling, face painting, 01323 484239 Cartoons & caricatures, arty parties for 6yrs+, 15 miles off Seaford, 07722 236741 (see advert p.4) Crowborough Leisure Centre, football party, pool/pool inflatable party, softplay/inflatable party, 01892 665488 Face Packs, face painting, glitter tattoes, bling, hair feathers, balloon modelling and more, 07782 141221 Froggle Parties Sussex, number one for children’s entertainment for all ages, 01273 353002 Hartbeeps, sensory music parties for 1 year olds up to preschool,07786 446119 (see advert p.7) Kelly the Clown, magic, balloon modelling, games, dancing etc, 01892 653963 KiddiCity birthday parties include exclusive use of KiddiCity role play village, 07947 080902

The Outdoors Project, Nerf games, bushcraft, Harry Potter, Minecraft, nature themes, outdoors games, 07498 284792 (see advert p.14) Woodland Birthday Parties, Lewes area, bushcraft, den building, fairies & wizards, unicorns, cooking, wildinthewoods.weebly.com Zanzi Jewellery Parties, 20 mile radius of Crowborough, 8yrs+, 07814 107249

Party Supplies

Airplay Inflatables, bouncy castle hire for children’s birthday parties, fully insured & PIPA tested, 07840 900755 Big Top for hire to host a birthday parties and special occasions, 01323 325957 Happyjacks Mobile Soft Play for 0-5yrs, home or venue parties, events, toddler, playgroup etc., 07738 381384 (see advert) Paperlane, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, balloon decorating, gifts, party supplies, venue decoration etc, 01323 502145

Shinewater Sports Centre, Eastbourne, bouncy castle, football, 01323 768614

Sovereign Events, venue decoration & party supplies: balloons, chocolate fountains etc, 01323 332103

Sky High Trampoline Park, Peacehaven, parties for tots & children 5yr+, 01273 580029

Splodge Teddy Parties, bear making kits for parties & bear clothes, 01323 728230

Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne, pool inflatables & soft play parties, 01323 738822

Click to view online >>Hall Hire, Fancy Dress, Bouncy Castles & Inflatables and Celebration Cakes

The Art House Café, creative parties, pottery/painting, cookery, art and soft play, 01323 728691

To add a FREE listing or advertise please email bettina@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk

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Support for Parents & Children • Special Needs • Ante/Postnatal Parent, Family Support and Parenting Courses

St John’s, Seaford, independent school for learners with complex needs, 5-19yrs, 01323 872940

Aquila Divorce Recovery Workshops, call for dates, Crowborough, 01892 652292 Bourne this Way, LGBTQ+ parent support group, meet ups every last Sunday of the month, bournethiswaylgbtparents.co.uk Breast Cancer Support Group, Eastbourne, peer2peer support, safe/friendly environment, meet monthly, 07982 682746 Elisabeth Reichert-Eckersley, online life coaching, 07752 630319

St Mary’s School Horam, TN21 0BT, 9-16yrs, 01435 812278 The Lindfield School, Eastbourne BN22 0BQ, 11-16yrs,01323 502988 The Mount Camphill Community, Wadhurst, 16-25yrs, 01892 782025 The South Downs School, Eastbourne, 8-11yrs, 01323 761061 The South Downs School, Eastbourne, 5-7yrs, 01323 730302

First Aid Training

Eastbourne area Family Hubs run adult courses eg back to work, toddler tantrums, parenting etc, 01323 464340

Daisy First Aid Eastbourne, baby & child first aid classes - local venues or at your home, 07973 655490 Mini First Aid East Sussex, Brighton & Hove: award winning courses for all ages, 07484 332421 St John Ambulance, South East Region, 0844 770 4800

Eastbourne Counselling Hub, qualified, independent counsellors based in central Eastbourne, 07746 897576 Family Learning Courses, SCDA, Newhaven including story, snacks etc, 01273 517250

Antenatal & Postnatal Groups and Support

Free Buggy Walk, led by Early Help 0-19 volunteers, Big Park Peacehaven, 0-4 yrs, Wed 9.3010.30am, 01273 335100

Birth House, birth preparation & recovery therapies, 07783 959124

Holding Space, family support group drop-in sessions, Eastbourne, Thurs 10am-1pm or 3-5pm, free, contact@holdingspace.org.uk Home Works, free housing support service for anyone in difficulties with housing, 01273 898700

Caroline Alexander, birth & postnatal doula, 07958 538095 Craniosacral Therapist specialising in Women’s and children’s wellbeing Lewes, 07880 811403 Crowborough Birthing Centre, NHS midwifery led unit, antenatal & birthing care, 01892 654080

Cai Doula, Cheryl Titherly, postnatal doula, 07999 286778

Lewes Family Hub, Lewes & Havens areas, free adult education courses, 01273 336930

Cube and Tribe, pregnancy yoga, birth preparation classes, postnatal yoga & women’s classes, cubandtribe.co.uk

Mediation+, Time 2 Talk, help with family, inter-generational & neighbour disputes, 01323 442781

Dad NCT Parents in Mind, weekly zoom, monthly walks: 1st Sat Peacehaven, 3rd Sat Hasting, 0-2yrs, parentsinmind.es@nct.org.uk

NSPCC, Child Protection Helpline, get advice or share their concerns about a child, 0808 8005000 Relate, Family Counselling service for divorce, separation, arguments, 0300 100 1234 WAVES Seaford, parenting Workshops, 1:1 family support, 01323 873797

Children with Disabilities

Amaze supports families with children & young people with SEN & disabilities, 01273 772289 Amaze Cuppa, Cake & Chat, 1st Thu of the month, JPK’s Café, Eastbourne BN21 1HP, Kathy@ amazesussex.org.uk Contact, advice for families with a disabled child, 0808 8083555 East Sussex Wheelchair Services, assessment, fitting, supply and repair all ages, 0333 003 5619 Waving not Drowning, for job seeking parents of children with disabilities, 0300 0120312

Additional Needs

Amaze Information, Advice and Support helpline for parents of 0-25s with SEND, 01273 772289

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Aspens Family Support Group, family Centre & Youth Services, Lewes, meets montly on Mon 9.3011.30 & Fri 12-2pm, 0345 4500060 Autism friendly cinema, Hailsham Pavilion, Sunday mornings - please check programme, 01323 841414 Autistic Spectrum Disorder Monitoring & Support Group, 01273 336887 Disabled Parents Network, national org for disabled people who are parents/planning parenthood, 0300 3300 639 Downs Syndrome DT, support for schools/families to develop enrichment activities; music, sport etc, 07897 373839 Drum Circle, Downs LC, Seaford, 0 - 5yrs, older siblings welcome, 1st & 3rd Thu 4.20pm termtime, 07802 832835 Elizabeth Shepherd, Davis Dyslexia Facilitator, 01892 661743 Samantha Eve Photography, family and SEN studio photography, Polegate, samanthaevephotography.co.uk Seaford Downs Syndrome & Special Needs Support Group welcomes parents with children of all ages, 07802 832835

SEN Day by Day, education & lifestyle support for families in Eastbourne, 07723 805444 (Newhaven) & 07840 281563 (Heathfield) Sensory Room, Hailsham East Community Centre, ring for more information, 01323 464340 Swim sessions, Seahaven & Seaford Head pools, 0-teens, call for dates & times, 07802 832835

SEN Schools

Chailey Heritage School & Future Life Skills Centre, 3 - 19yrs, for complex needs, 01825 724444 Cuckmere House School, Seaford BN25 4BA, 6 - 16yrs, 01323 893319 Grove Park School, Crowborough TN6 1BN, 3-19yrs, 01892 663018 Hazel Court School, Eastbourne BN23 8EJ, 11-19yrs, 01323 465720 Northease Manor School, Rodmell, 8-17yrs, for pupils with specific learning difficulties, 01273 472915 Owlswick Independent School & Home, Kingston, 10-18yrs, 01273 473078

Flourish Birth & Baby. Carole Youdan. Birth & Postnatal Doula, , 07786 610328 Gemma Harvey, birth & post natal doula, 07545 061535 Health Clinic & breastfeeding support, Shinewater Family Hub, call centre, 01323 464170 Lavender Babies, hypnobirthing classes with experienced midwife, 07490 090976 Muma Nurture, we are here to support you on fertility, pregnancy, related loss, post-natal too, mumanurture.org NCT Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother, supporting parents from bump through the first 1,000days, 0300 3300700 NCT Parents in Mind, East Sussex - peer support for parents from pregnancy to 2yrs, 07731 994579 Nordic Slumber, gentle sleep consultant with bespoke support for the early years, 07776 448972 The Birth House, Postnatal and First Aid courses run by two qualified midwives, 07921 919694

www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes

Ante/Postnatal • Babies • Baby Groups

Antenatal & Postnatal Exercise and Relaxation Cube and Tribe, pregnancy yoga, birth preparation classes, postnatal yoga & women’s classes, cubandtribe.co.uk

Mothering Mojo, yoga, doula, breastfeeding classes in Uckfield on Tues and Sats, call for info, 07977 489092 Penny’s Yoga, pregnancy yoga, baby massage, baby yoga courses, Seaford & surrounding area, 07944 416572 Pregnancy & Post Natal Yoga, Thai Massage, Cranial Sacral therapy & Reiki, Lynne Matthews, Eastbourne, 07739 390930 Pregnancy Yoga with Alice, Yoga Life Studio, Eastbourne, Thu eve, 07500 060119 Uckfield Yoga Studio, pregnancy yoga, Sat am; parent & baby yoga, Tue am, 01825 763591

Breastfeeding

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers helpline, 0300 3305453 Latch On Eastbourne, breastfeeding advice & support for everybody, weekly breastfeeding café, 07484 838756 National Breastfeeding Helpline, Open 9.30am until 9.30pm, 0300 100 0212 NCT Breastfeeding Helpline, 0300 3300700

Nappies and Wipes

Cheeky Pickles, Cloth Nappy sale, hire & support, 1:1 & workshops, cheekypickles.co.uk The Washable Nappy Company, free demonstrations & trial kits, 01424 434580 Wealden Council’s FREE Washable Nappy Trial Kit, test a range of nappies at home before buying, 01323 443322

Baby Groups - Other

Baby & Me, Mailing Community Centre, Fri am, 10-11.30am, drop in all year round, 0-30mths, free, 01273 336930 Baby Bubbles, Hailsham East Family Hub BN27 2JZ, Fri 1011.30am, U12mths, 01323 463244 Baby Gigglers, Gateway Christian Centre, BN22 9PB, Eastbourne, Wed 1 - 2.30pm, book online, 01323 351786 Baby Group, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, 10-11am, 0-18mths, free, Facebook @more than cake Baby Sensory Sessions, Crowborough Leisure Centre, Tue 9-9.45am, U2s, 01892 665488

East Sussex Little Glow, sensory sessions, Eastbourne & Polegate, birth to pre-walking, 07889 757494 Baby Time, Peacehaven Children’s Centre, 0-12 months, Mon 11amnoon (term time), 01273 335100 Baby-Parent screenings, Hailsham Pavilion, lower volume/ soft lightning, parents with U2s, see website Bizzy Baby, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, Fri 11am-12pm, U12mths, 01323 463244 Buggy Walk, Denton Island CCentre, Newhaven, walk followed by coffee & chat, call for times, Tue/ Thu, 01273 517250 Bump & Baby coffee mornings, The Coffee Lounge, Willingdon, Mon 11am-12.30pm, alternate weeks, 07921 919694 Bump To Toddle, NCT Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother, Kiddi City, Eastbourne, Thu 10.30am12pm, 0300 3300700 Bumps 2 Babies, mums-to-be & non-walkers: Crowborough Community Centre TN6 1FE, Wed 10-11am,The Cartlodge Manor Farm, Horam TN21 0JB, Mon 1-2pm Uckfield Family Hub TN22 1DL, Tue 1-2pm, 01273 336930 Bumps2Babies, WAVES Seaford, pregnant mum’s & babies up to 15mths, Thu am, 01323 873797 Denton Bumps & Babies, Denton Parish Church Hall BN9 0RD, Tue 10.15-11.30am, 0-12mths, dentonbumpsandbabies@gmail.com Depot Cinema, Kitchen & Bar, Lewes, parent & baby screenings Tuesdays at 12noon, 01273 525354 Discovery Tots, Eastbourne, MonThu, 11-11.40am, 8 weeks-active crawling, 07973 168585 (see advert)

Fun Time at Broadway United Church, Lindfield Rd, Hampden Park, 0-3yrs, 10 - 11.30am, term time, 01323 500686 Hartbeeps, Sensory Music Classes, Eastbourne: Mon, Tue, Fri; Hailsham: Wed, Thu, 07786 446119 (see advert) Just Relax Baby massage & yoga, suitable from 6 weeks+, Eastbourne, 07885 293430 Latch On Eastbourne, breastfeeding café, Kiddicity, Eastbourne, Wednedays 12.30pm, 0-2yrs, 07484 838756 Little Fish Baby Group, Welcome Baptist Church, Heathfield, Tue 10-11.30am (no charge), 01435 864646 Mostly Mums & Babies Group, St Mary The Virgin Church Ringmer, ever Fridays 2-3.30pm, 07796 145464 Muma Nurture, Walk & Talk, 4 Beverley Business Park, Eastbourne BN22 8QG, every Wed, 1-3pm, mumanurture.org Parents & Baby Group, Fuego Lounge, Lewes, Tue, 9.30-11.30, Free, Facebook @Fuego Lounge Picture House Uckfield - baby friendly mid morning movies with a free coffee! Thu am, term time only, 01825 764909 Sing & Sign, Old Town, Eastbourne, Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays, 0-30 months, 01323 722104 (see advert) Sling Library meets - coffee and slings. Eastbourne, Heathfield, Bexhill, Mon am, 01435 205105 The Baby & Toddler Experience, multi sensory activities, Kings Church Seaford, Tue, birth 3yrs, 07834 231971 Tots Play, baby development course, Eastbourne, Mon-Thu, 0-6months, 07973 168585 (see advert) Zen Baby Massage, Baby Yoga & Toddler Yoga, Horam Manor Farm, Heathfield, 0-crawling, 07539 501402

Baby Massage

Angela Holistic Baby Massage Classes in Ticehurst TN5 - Tues 11am - ideal for precrawlers, 07703 738311 Baby massage Lewes, regular 5 week courses held in Lewes, call Anna for details, 07786 510702 Blissful Bébé, baby massage classes & baby yoga, group & private classes around Sussex and Kent, 07732 808623 Cai Baby Massage group & 1-1 classes. Eastbourne & surrounding areas, 07999 286778 Just Relax, baby massage classes in Eastbourne with Hannah Hanraty, 07885 293430 Just Relax, suitable from 6 weeks, Covid-19 ready and prepared, onsite parking, Eastbourne area, 07885 293430 Penny’s Yoga, pregnancy yoga, baby massage, baby yoga courses, Seaford & surrounding area, 07944 416572 Zen Baby Massage, Baby Yoga & Toddler Yoga, Horam Manor Farm, Heathfield, 0-crawling, 07539 501402

Baby Signing

See Me Sign, Baby signing class using BSL, 6 mnths- 2 yrs, Langney Village Hall, Wed, all year, 07724 749080 Sing and Sign, Lewes, Uckfield & Ringmer, tasters available, 07958 539903

Baby & Toddler Equipment

Frills All Round, 33 Newtown, Uckfield TN22 5DL, 01825 761625 Furniture Now, low cost cots, bunk beds, new beds, toys etc, Eastbourne, Lewes, Hailsham, 01323 638000 Nubie, independant children’s lifestyle store in Lewes, nursery furniture, toys, gifts & more!, 01825 724160 Sling Library meets - coffee and slings. Eastbourne, Heathfield, Bexhill, Mon am, 01435 205105

Please tell our fantastic advertisers that you saw them in the Family Grapevine!

7

Community Toddler Groups These groups usually operate term-time only & are generally drop-in groups for which the cost varies between FREE & about £4.

For more structured classes check out the Pre-School Activities on pages 11-12.

Messy Play, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, 10-11am, 2yrs+, Facebook @more than cake Sticky Fingers, art & messy play, Christ Church Hall BN22 7NN, 9.30-11am, pre-bookfree, devonshirecollective.co.uk

►Crowborough Monday

Stories & Rhymes, Eastbourne Library, 10.30am-11am, FREE, 0345 6080196 (see advert)

Little Fishes, United Church, Croft Rd, Crowborough, 0-3yrs, 9.1511.15am, 01892 665493

Vicky Bees Playgroup, Victoria Baptist Church, Eldon Rd, 10am11.30am, 01323 737974

Little Stars, baby & toddler group, St Mary’s Church, Hartfield TN7 4AG, 9.1510.45am, 07779 586460

Thursday

Rotherfield Baby and Toddler Group, Rotherfield Village Hall, Mondays 9.30-11am, Find on facebook:@rotherfieldbtg Tiny Tumblers, Crowborough Leisure Centre, 9.30-1.30am, 01892 665488

Bump To Toddle, NCT Eastbourne, Hastings & Rother, Kiddi City, Eastbourne, 10.30am-12pm, 0300 3300700

Acorns, Bridgemere Centre, Eastbourne, 10-11.30am, 01323 439700

Cookery, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, 10am onwards, 18mths+, Facebook @ more than cake Focus Baby & Toddler Group, Kings Church Eastbourne, 10am12pm (call to book), 01323 521125 Fun, friendship and refreshments, Christ Church, Seaside, 10.30am12pm, FREE, 07845 070141

Tuesday

Messy Monster, Crowborough Leisure Centre,10-10.45am, 01892 665488 Little Seeds, carers’ toddler group, St Richard’s Church Hall, Fermor Rd, £1 per carer, 10am-noon, 01892 611318

Giggles, Gateway Christian Centre BN22 9PB, space limited book online, 10-11.30am, 01323 351786

Wednesday

Mini Movers, Crowborough Leisure Centre, 2-5yrs, 1-1.45pm, 01892 665488 Rhymetime, Crowborough Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080196 (see advert) Soft Play Sessions, Crowborough Leisure Centre, U5s, 9.3011.30am, 01892 665488

Thursday

First Steps Parent & Toddler Group, Forest Fold Baptist Chapel, 1011.30am, 01892 655661

Friday

Little Fishes, United Church, Croft Rd, Crowborough, 0-3yrs, 9.1511.15am, 01892 665493 Noah’s Ark, All Saints, Chapel Green, Crowborough, 9.3010.30am (call before coming for 1st time), 01892 652081 Storytime, Crowborough Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080196 (see advert) Tiny Tumblers, Crowborough Leisure Centre, 9.30 -11.30am, 01892 665488

►Eastbourne Area Monday

Little Daffodils toddler group, Devonshire Family Hub, Eastbourne BN22 7NB, 1-2pm, 0-5yrs, 01323 463244 Little Superstars toddler group, Shinewater Family Hub BN23 8ED, 10-11.30am, 0-5 yrs, 01323 463244 Little Wrens, Emmanuel Church, Upperton Rd, Old Town, BN21 1LQ, 10-11.30am (booking essential), 07762 621266

8

Let’s Get Together, St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastboune BN22 6PP, 10am - noon, 07938 419704 Mingle Mondays. KiddiCity GBP5 1 adult+1child, 11/12.30pm, 07947 080902

Triangle Tots, Trinity Church Hall, Lower Willingdon, 9.30 - 11.30am.

Term time only, 01323 489264

Panda, All Saints Centre, Grange Rd, 10-11.30am, £1 per child, 01323 419400

Wriggle Room, Towner Art Gallery, free drop in workshop for U5s, every 2 weeks/term time, 10am12pm, towner.eastbourne.org.uk

Rhymetime, Hampden Park Library, 10.30-11am, FREE, 0345 6080196 (see advert)

Wednesday

Tuesday

Baby & Toddler group at KiddiCity, GBP5 1 adult+1child, 11am12pm, 07947 080902

Fun Time at Broadway United Church, Hampden Park, 0-3yrs, 10 - 11.30am, 01323 500686

Baby & Toddler Group, Langley Community Centre, Etchingham Rd, Eastbourne BN23 7DX, 10.30am-12pm, find on Facebook: @LangneyCom Broadway Babes at Broadway United Church, Hampden Park, 1011.30am, term time, 01323 500686

Focus Baby & Toddler Group, Kings Church Eastbourne, 10am12pm (call to book), 01323 521125

HT Mouse Club Toddler Group, Holy Trinity Church, 10-11.30am, 0-5yrs, 01323 736627 Little Luke’s, Parish Centre, Stone Cross, 9.30-1.30am, 01323 767020 Little Stones, Community Wise Centre, Ocklynge Road, 9.45am11.45am, 07542 856511 Little Trees Baby and Toddler Group, Willingdon Trees Community Centre, 10am12noon, 01323 504438 Panda, All Saints Centre, Grange Rd, 10 - 11.30am, £1 per child, 01323 419400 Rhymetimes, Eastbourne Library, 10.30-11am, FREE, 0345 608 0196 (see advert) Toddler Group, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, softplay, 1-2pm, Facebook @more than cake

Chalk Hill Toddler Group, St Mary’s Chuch, Church Street, Willingdon, 9.45-11.45am, 01323 504659 Family Fun Gathers Toddler Group, Langney Community Centre BN23 7DX, 10.30am-12pm, Facebook @Family Fun Gatherers Focus Baby & Toddler Group, Kings Church Eastbourne, 10am12pm (call to book), 01323 521125 Jack & Jill, St Mary’s Church, Eastbourne, 10am-noon, call prior visiting, 01323 645225 Little Gems toddler group, Devonshire Family Hub, Eastbourne BN22 7NB, 1011.30am, 0-5yrs, 01323 463244 Little Lambs, St Mary’s Church Hall, Decoy Drive, Hampden Park, 9.30 - 11.30am, 01323 351248

Little Souls, All Souls Church Hall, Eastbourne, 10-11.30am, term time only, 01323 731366 Noah’s Ark at St Mary’s Westham, babies - 4½yrs, 1-3pm, 07759 172992 St John’s Meads Munchkins Parent & Toddler Group, Jubilee Hall, 10-11.30am, 01323 738671 Totz, St Elisabeth’s Church, 268 Victoria Drive, Eastbourne, 1011.45am, 07548 954901

Friday

Bizzy Bees toddler group, Shinewater Family Hub, Eastbourne BN23 8ED, 9.3010.30am, 0-5yrs, 01323 463244 Little Wrens, Emmanuel Church, Old Town, BN21 1LQ, 10-11.30am (booking essential), 07762 621266 Messy Play, More Than Cake, Eastbourne BN21 4DB, 10-11am, 0-2yrs, Facebook @more than cake Mini Wilfs, St Wilfred’s Church Hall, Willingdon, 9.30 - 11.30am, £1.50, 01323 487885 Vicky Bees Playgroup, Victoria Baptist Church, 10am-11.30 am, 01323 737974

Saturday

Dad NTC Parents in Mind, monthly walks, Alexandra Park, Hastings, 3rd Sat, 0-2yrs, 10am-12pm, parentsinmind.es@nct.org.uk Messy Church, St Mary’s Church Hall, Willingdon, 1st Sat of month, 3-5.30pm (excl Aug & Jan), 01323 501763

www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes

Community Toddler Groups (cont.) • Puzzle ► Hailsham Area Monday

Buddies toddler group, Hailsham East Family Hub BN27 2JZ, 1011.30am, 0-5 yrs, 01323 463244

Little Warblers, Warbleton Church Rooms, Church Hill, TN21 9BD, 9.15-10.45am, 01435 830421

The Hellihubs, parent, baby & toddler group, Hellingly Community Hub BN27 4EP, 8.3010am, 01323 449415

Rhymetime, Heathfield Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196(see advert p.8)

Little Gems, Christchurch, Ropemaker Centre, Hailsham, 10-11.30am, get in touch before 1st visit, 01323 844428

Wednesday

Herstmonceux Tiddlers & Toddlers, Village Hall, Wed 9.30-11.30am, 0-5yrs, 07896 185120

Thursday

ABC Playgroup, Hailsham Parish Church, 0 - 5yrs, Thurs 9.3011.30am, 01323 442410

Friday

Tuesday

Lighthouse, baby & toddler group, the Trinty Centre, Abinger Place, 9.30-10.30am, 01273 474377 Rhymetime, Lewes Library, 10.3011am, 0345 6080196 (see advert p.8)

St Richard’s Toddlers, St Richards Church Hall, Park Rd, Heathfield, 1.30-3.30pm, 01435 862744

Wednesday

Storytime, Heathfield Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080196 (see advert p.8)

Lighthouse, baby & toddler group, the Trinty Centre, Abinger Place, 9.30-11.30am, 01273 474377

Wednesday

St Peter’s Possom Toddler Group, St Peter’Church Chailey, free, 9-11am, 01825 722286

Little Fish Baby & Toddler Group, Welcome Baptist Church, Heathfield, 10-11.30am, 01435 864646

Toy Library, All Saints Centre, 9.30-11.30am, stay and play or just pop in and borrow, £2 per family, 01273 486391

Thursday Burwash Common Babies & Toddlers Group, the Pavilion, 10am-12pm, see on Facebook

Thursday

Rhymetime, Hailsham Library, 11-11.30am, 0345 6080195 (see advert p.8)

Little Punnetts Toddler Group, Punnetts Town Village Hall, £2 per family, 9am-12noon, 01435 831515

► Heathfield Area Monday

Friday

Baby & Toddler Group, Mayfield Scout Hut TN20 6NT, 9-11am, 01435 873888 Horam Chapel Toddlers Music Group, Mon 2-3.15pm, 01435 810372

Friday

Ringmer Tiddlers & Toddlers, Village Hall, 9.30-11.30am, see website

Tuesday

Hailsham Methodist Church Parent & Toddler, 9.30 - 11.30am (not Aug or bank hols), find on Facebook

Tuesday

►Lewes Area Monday

St George’s Parish Room, Broad Oak, open school holidays (not during bank hol.), 10 11.30am, 01435 862744

Fun Fridays, Skippers Hill, Mayfield, run by Kindergarten teacher, 10.3011.45am, 18mths+, 01825 830234 Little Fish Baby & Toddler Group, Welcome Baptist Church, Heathfield, 10-11.30am, 01435 864646

Christ Church Tots, Christ Church, Prince Edward Rd, Lewes BN7 1BL, 9.30-11.30am, activities@christ-church-lewes.org PlayGroup, All Saints, Lewes, 10-11.30am, £3 per family, howephil@gmail.com Storytime, Lewes Library, 10.3011am, 0345 6080196 (see advert p.8)

►Newhaven Area Monday

First steps, Peacehaven Family Hub, 6mths-2.5 years, 9.30-10.3am, 01273 335100

Tuesday

Denton Bumps & Babies, Denton Parish Church Hall, Newhaven BN9 0RD, 10.15-11.30am,0-12mths, dentonbumpsandbabies@gmail.com

Wednesday

Just Play, Peacehaven Family Hub, 0-5 yrs, 1.302.30pm, 01273 335100

Thursday

Boogie Bunch, singin group for parents & pre-schooler, the Trinty Centre, 1010.45am, 01273 474377 Ringmer Tiddlers & Toddlers, Village Hall, 9.30-11.30am, see website

Little Fishes, Denton Parish Church Hall, Newhaven BN9 0RD, Thu 10.15-11.30am, dentonparishchurch@gmail.com Music Makers, Denton Island Community Centre, Newhaven, 10am - 12pm, 01273 517250

The Lunch Bunch, The Trinity Centre, Lewes, Thu 12 - 1.45pm, 01273 483007

Rhymetime, Newhaven Library, 10.30-11am, FREE, 0345 6080196 (see advert p.8)

B A

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9

Answers

Community Toddler Groups (cont.) • Pre-School Activities ►Newhaven (cont.)

Friday

AS SEEN ON

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

TRY RUGBYTOTS

Peacehaven Library, Rhymetime, 11-11.30am & Storytime, 1st Friday of the month, 2-2.30pm, FREE, 0345 6080196 (see advert p.8)

Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment.

Saturday

For more details, just call or email:

Dad NTC Parents in Mind, monthly walks, Big Park, Peacehaven, 1st Sat, 0-2yrs, 10am-12pm, parentsinmind.es@nct.org.uk

0345 313 0421 helen@rugbytots.co.uk

►Seaford Area Wednesday

Rhymetime, Seaford Library, 10.30-11am, 0345 6080196 (see advert p.8) Tots Treats, St Luke’s Church Hall, Walmer Road, Seaford, 9.30 11.00am, 07506 143476

Thursday

Tots Treats, St Leonards Church Hall, Seaford, 9.30 - 11.00am, 07506 143476

Friday

Scallywags, Seaford Baptist Church, 9.30-11am, 01323 896009 Storytime, Seaford Library, 10.30 -11am, 0345 6080196 (see advert p.8)

►Uckfield Area Monday

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

Pre-School Dance and Drama (more online)

Art of Dance, Lewes & Hove, 2yrs+, professionally qualified teachers, 07976 068989

babyballet classes, now in Hailsham, Eastbourne & surrounding for 6mths to 4.5yrs, 07842 244210 (see advert) Boogie Beans, Peacehaven, toddler dance & music, Thurs, 10am, 07932 949468 Diddi dance, funky preschool dance, Eastbourne, Polegate, Willingdon & Uckfield, 07788 246073

Maresfield Baby & Toddler Group, Village Hall, 9.30 11am, 07745 479407

Magni Dance, preschool ballet, free trial class, Priory Rd, Eastbourne, 2yrs+, 07585 922887

Tuesday

Mini Motion, creative parent & toddler dance classes, Crowborough & Uckfield, 07734 863791

Rhymetimes, Uckfield Library, 10.30-11am, FREE, 0345 608 0196 (see advert p.8) Little Acorns, Holy Trinity Church, 9.15 - 10.45am, please call before coming for the 1st time, 01825 733833

Wednesday

Out & About, Selby Meadow Playgroup, Uckfield TN22 5EB, 9.45-10.45am (walker & nonwalker), 01273 336930 Toddler Praise, Maresfield Church, Wed 10am, everyone welcome, 01825 732577

Thursday

Jellybeans, Wadhurst Parish Church, bible stories & some song 9.30-11am, 01892 782083

Friday

Blackboys Babies, baby & toddler group, Blackboys C of E Primary School TN22 5LL, monthly 2-3pm, blackboys.e-sussex.sch.uk Discovery Tots Playgroup, Uckfield Family Hub TN22 1DL, 1011.30am, U5s, 01273 336930 Uckfield Music Group, rhymes/ stories/music instruments, Uckfield Family Hub TN22 1DL, 0-5yrs, 1-2pm, 01273 336930

Saturday

Dads on Saturdays, Wadhurst Parish Church, 9.30-11.30am, 0-7yrs, michaelwalsh15@gmx.net

10

Old Town Dance, Eastbourne, 2½yrs+, 07809 296375

Pre-School Sport & Gym (more online)

Frontier School of Karate & Kickboxing (FSK), Heathfield, Uckfield, Battle, Crowborough, 3yrs+, 07970 686054 (see advert p.17) Fun Abounds, Uckfield, Mini Fun, Tue & Fri am; Pres-School Mon/ Thu/Fri, 6mths-4yrs, 01825 768479 Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, Little Tekkers Football, Tue 5-5.45pm, 46yrs, 01323 509859 Happyjacks Pop Up Gym Play gymnastics based play events for walkers-5yrs, various venues, 07738 381384 (see advert p.5) Little Kickers, fun football training, Eastbourne, Lewes, Chiddingly, Seaford, Bexhill, 18mths-5yrs, 07802 864719 (see advert p.16) Mini Mornings, trampoline & softplay fun for under 5s, Urban Jump, Healthfield, Mon & Fri, 10am/ noon, 01435 863277

Pre-school dance at Shining Stars Dance Academy, Eastbourne, Tap & Boogie, ballet, 07980 986672

Ninja Arena Eastbourne BN21 3NW, activity & obstacle course, U5s (conf. walker), Tue/Thur, 10am12pm, 01273 054949

SLH Dance Academy, Lewes, 2yrs+, Tuesday mornings, 07539 215547

Pre-School Gymnastics, Crowborough Leisure Centre, Fri 12.30-1pm, 2yrs+, 01892 665488

Stage Stars, Eastbourne, dance, singing and drama classes for 2-4 yrs, 07926 106393 Summerheath School of Dance, Hailsham, 2½ yrs+, 01323 840092

Pre-School Music and Movement (more online)

Hartbeeps, Sensory Music Classes, Eastbourne: Mon, Tue, Fri; Hailsham: Wed, Thu, 07786 446119 (see advert P.7) Jazzy Jo’s Song Time, LangneyThu, Eastbourne, pay as you go, 07896 762604 Moo Music Eastbourne, moosical and sensory fun for your little ones, 0-5yrs, 07950 610083 Tinklers Music Time, fun, imaginative music session, puppets & bubbles, 0 - 5yrs, Lewes & Uckfield, 07799 886440 Tiny Tots Music for parents with little ones, Eastbourne, Newick & Waldron/Heathfield, 4months4yrs, 07973 141101

Rugbytots, weekly play sessions in Eastbourne & Lewes for boys & girls, 2-5yrs, 0345 3130421 (see advert) Tom’s Rhinos Rugby School, Saturday mornings, Eastbourne, ages 2+, free trial class available, 07572 010771 Uckfield Gymnastic Club, from crawling to adults, led by British Gymnastics qualified coaches, office@ uckfieldgymnastics.co.uk

Pre-School Swimming (more online)

Crest Swim School, swimming lessons 4 mths+ in Chailey, 01444 213707 Crowborough Leisure Centre, swimming lessons from 6mths+, 01892 665488 Hailsham Leisure Centre, swimming lessons from 2yrs+, separate toddler area, 01323 846755 For full listing 'PRESCHOOL ACTIVITIES', click HERE

Hydro School, Eastbourne, 3yrs+, 07840 146248 Lewes Leisure Centre, fun swimming & lessons available from birth, 01273 486000 Love Baby Swim School, 0+, Oaklands Park Pool Isfield, nr Uckfield, Mon-Fri, 01825 840377 Puddle Ducks baby & preschool swimming lessons in North Chailey, Crowborough & Hailsham, 01892 617246 Seaford Head Pool, pre-school lessons, 5mths+, 01323 897632 Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne, lessons from 3mths+, 01323 738822 Water Babies, Chailey Heritage School, weekends, birth 4yrs, 01273 552454 Water Babies, Eastbourne, Crowborough, Bexhill, Ticehurst, Tunbridge Wells, birth 4yrs, 01424 892568

Pre-School Other Groups (more online)

Action Tots, Eastbourne, Mon & Thu am, 2.5-4yrs, 07973 168585 (see advert p.7) Cherry Wood Adventures Bluebell Club, outdoor activities, Arlington, Fri; Folkington, Tue, 2-4yrs, 07887 556336 Forest Friends, woodland crafts, music & exploration, East Chiltington BN7, Fri 10-11.30, 1-5yrs, Find on Facebook Messy play and sensory classes at KiddiCity, U5s, 07947 080902 Michael Hall Steiner Waldorf School, Forest Row, parent & child sessions, daily, 0-3yrs, michaelhall. co.uk (see advert p.12) Role play sessions with toys, props and dressing up, U7s, 07947 080902 Social Tots, Eastbourne, Mon-Thu am, crawler-2.5yrs, 07973 168585 (see advert p.7) The Outdoors Project Saplings, forest school for toddlers & their parents, Lewes, Tue am,18mths4yrs, 07498 284792 (see advert p.14) Woodland Playgroup/Forest School Lewes, craft, campfire, storytelling & more, Fri 10-11.30am, 2yrs+, wildinthewoods.weebly.com

www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes

Daycare & Pre-School Nurseries Daycare Nurseries

Attwood Farm Nursery School, Bodle Street Green, Nr Hailsham, birth - 5yrs, 01323 831781 Bede’s Nursery & PrePrep, Eastbourne, 3mths4yrs, 01323 356987 Bluebell Barn Nursery, Stone Cross, Eastbourne, 3mths 5yrs, 01323 487081 Bluebell Hill, Seaville Drive, Eastbourne, 3mths 5yrs, 01323 724017 Bluebell Wood, Goward Hall, Cade St, Heathfield, 3mths 5yrs, 01435 868949 Bright Beginnings, Enys Road, Eastbourne, 3mths 5yrs, 01323 648484 Bunny Run Childcare Centre, Hellingly, 0-5yrs, 01323 848490

Warren Day Nursery & Pre-School, Crowborough, 0-5yrs, 01892 653167

Busy Bees Nursery, St James Street, Lewes, 0-5yrs, 01273 480736

Wild Monkeys Nursery, 29 Glynn Rd, Peachaven, Mon-Fri, 2-5yrs, 07818 505469

Busy Bees, Larkspur Drive, Eastbourne BN23 8BS, 8wks 5yrs, 01323 743838 Camelot Kids, Lewes Rd, Eastbourne, 0-5yrs, baby room availability, register now for September, 01323 725207 Copperfield’s Day Nursery, Saffrons Road, Eastbourne, 4mths 5yrs, 01323 644661

Owlets Nursery School, Priory Learning Centre, Eastbourne, 2-5yrs, funding available, 07745 347352 Parsonage Farm Day Nursery, Ticehurst, 3 mths-5yrs, open all year round, 01580 201263

Zebedees, providing nurseries with hot lunches, afternoon teas & baby meals for children 0-5 yrs, 01323 811307

Pebbles Day Care, Fort Road, Newhaven, 3mths 5yrs, 01273 516099

Pre-School Nurseries & Playgroups

Cumnor House Sussex, Private Nursery, flexible hours, funded places, 2yrs+, 01825 792006

Pooh’s Nursery School, St Philip’s Church Hall, Eastbourne, 1- 5yrs, 01323 430045

Denton Island Nursery, Newhaven, 3mths-5yrs, 01273 515125

Ripe Nursery School, Hayton Baker Hall, 9mths-4yrs, 01323 811899

High Cliff Academy Nursery, Southdown Rd, Newhaven, from 3yrs, funding accepted, 9am3pm, 01273 041471

Saffrons Park Nursery, Compton Place Rd, Eastbourne, Birth school age, 01323 722534

Hopscotch Children’s Nursery, Seaford & Peacehaven, 0-5yrs, 01273 385577 Ladybirds Pre-school, Ticehurst, large outdoor area, sensory room, 0-5yrs, Mon-Fri year round, 01580 201617 Leaps & Bounds Day Nursery, Eastbourne Town Centre, 3mths 5yrs, 01323 410585 Little Acorns Day Nursery, Elim Family Centre, Hartfield Rd, Eastbourne, 0 - 5yrs, 01323 731843 Little Poppets at Seaford Primary School, 2 - 5yrs, 01323 896069 Little Rockets Childcare, Langney Shopping Centre, Eastbourne, open Mon - Fri, 0 - 5yrs, 01323 301220 Little Tinkers Nursery School, Five Ashes, 3mths - 5yrs, 01825 830772 Manor Twiglets Nursery, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield, 2 5yrs, 01825 765487

Step by Step Nursery, St Elisabeth’s Church, Old Town, Eastbourne or Hailsham Road, Polegate, 07791 856109 Stepping Stones Lewes Community Nursery, Morris Road, 0 - 5yrs, 01273 477777 The Blue Door Nursery, Seaford, 0 5yrs, 01323 491821 The Meadows Nursery School, Hailsham, 2-5yrs, 01323 440144 The Meadows Nursery School, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, 1-5yrs, 01323 500061 The Meadows Nursery School, Langney, Eastbourne, 1-5yrs, 01323 741811 The Mohair Centre Nursery, Laughton, 1- 4yrs, Forest School, 01825 872457 Tiddlers Nursery, Green Lane, Crowborough TN6 2DY, 0 5yrs, 01892 611887

Oakwood Academy Nursery, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, 6mths - 5yrs, 01323 501251 ext 5

Toddlers Inn Nursery School at St Peter’s Primary School, North Chailey, 0-5yrs, 01825 721800 or 07517 103371 (see advert) Tom Thumb Nursery, The Avenue, Eastbourne, 6mths -5yrs, 01323 647630

Old School House Montessori Nursery, De Monfort Rd, Lewes, 0 5yrs, 01273 480492

Tots & Time Out, Eshton Road, Eastbourne, 0mths - 11yrs, baby room, toddler room, 01323 726132

Meadows Mere Nursery School, Kingsmere, Eastbourne, 1-5yrs, 01323 461114

Wren House Nursery School, 4/6 Salehurst Road, Eastbourne BN21 1QS, 1 - 5yrs, 01323 731530

Alfriston Pre-School, Private Forest Site, lots of fun activities, own allotment, 0-5yrs, 07812 335981 Annan School, Eason’s Green, Uckfield, 2 - 5yrs, 01825 841410 Attwood Farm Nursery, Bodle Street Green, nr Hailsham, birth 5yrs, 01323 831781 Barcombe Playgroup, Village Hall, 2 - 5yrs, 07845 937254 Bonners Nursery, School Hill, Maresfield, 2-4 year olds, Mon-Fri, termtime , 01825 762381 ext 3 Bourne Primary School Nursery, Melbourne Rd, Eastbourne BN22 8BE, 3 - 4yrs, 01323 724729 Bright Sparks Nursery at Langney Primary School, Eastbourne, 2 4yrs, 01323 762177 Burfield Academy Nursery, Oaklands Way, Hailsham, 3ys+, 01323 819309 Butterfly Nursery, Greenwich House, Meridian Centre, Peacehaven, 6 months - 5 years, 01273 580819 Chalk Hill Preschool & Toddler Group, Eastbourne BN20 9HT, 2-4yrs, 01323 504659 Charlie Bear’s Nursery, Mercread Road, Seaford, 0-5yrs, 07939 073131 Cheeky Little Monkeys Nursery, Hailsham Baptist Chapel, 2 4yrs, 07960 830588 Cottage Pre-School, St Mary’s Social Centre, Lewes, 2 5yrs, 01273 474979 Denton Community Primary School and Nursery, Newhaven, 3-4yrs, 01273 513377

Early Birds Pre-school, Seaford Baptist Church, 2-5yrs, 01323 896009 East Hoathly Nursery at the Primary School, 2-5yrs, 01825 840247 East Sussex Montessori School,The Old Chapel Centre, Alfriston BN26 5TL, 2-6yrs, 01323 430981 Emmanuel Pre-school, Hailsham, Learning through play 2 5yrs, 07766 630334 Forest Park Day Nursery and Pre-School, Tunbridge Wells, 0-5yrs, 01892 512313 Framfield Pre-School, rural setting, Ofsted Outstanding, Mon-Fri term time, 7.45am-6pm, 2-4yrs, 01825 890943 (see advert) Harbour Nursery, Church Hill, Newhaven BN9 9LX, 3 - 5yrs, 01273 514532 Harlands Nursery, Ridgewood, Uckfield, 2.5-5yrs, 01825 760445 Heron Park Nursery, Hampden Park, Eastbourne BN22 9EE, 2-4yrs, 01323 502525 Herstmonceux Pre-school, 2 5yrs, 07925 514252 Horam Community Pre-school, Horam Village Hall TN21 0JE, 2-5yrs, 01435 812192 Jenny Wren Nursery School, Emmanuel Church, Upperton Rd, Old Town, Eastbourne BN21 1LQ, 3yrs+, 01323 730118 Jenny Wren Nursery School, Old Town, Eastbourne, 3-5yrs, 07732 909774 or 01323 731891

Please tell our fantastic advertisers that you saw them in the Family Grapevine!

11

Pre-School Nurseries • Independent Schools South Malling C of E Primary School & Nursery, Lewes BN7 2HS, 3- 5yrs with ASC, 01273 473016 Southover Nursery, Southover Church Hall, Lewes, 2 5yrs, 01273 486435 Spire Pre-School, Belmont Centre, Uckfield, 2 - 4yrs, 01825 762268

Pre-School Nurseries & Playgroups (cont.)

Jumping Beans at Parkland Infant School, Eastbourne, 2 - 5yrs, MonFri 9am-3pm, 01323 502622

Kindergarten at Skippers Hill Manor Prep School, Mayfield, 2-4yrs, 01825 830234

St John’s Pre-School, The Reading Room, School Lane, Crowborough, 2 - 4yrs, 01892 664214 St Mary’s Nursery School, Queens Rd, Crowborough, 2½ 4yrs, 01892 611721

Stone Cross Independent Pre-school, Pevensey, 2-5yrs, 01323 740149

Lewes Old Grammar School Nursery, 3 - 5yrs, 01273 473246

Summerfields Nursery, Hailsham, 2 - 5yrs, 01323 449057

Little Deers Nutley Pre-School, Memorial Hall, Nutley, 2-5yrs, 07535 655013 (see advert p.11)

The South Downs Nursery School, West Site, Beechy Avenue, Eastbourne, 3yrs+, 01323 730302

Little Horsted Nursery Nr Uckfield TN22 5TS, 2.5 4yrs, 01825 750380

Tots & Time out Nursery, Eshton Road, Eastbourne, 0mths - 11yrs, baby room, toddler room, 01323 726132

Little Punnetts at the Primary School, Punnetts Town, nr Heathfield, 2-5yrs, 01435 831515 Little Rockets Childcare, Princes Park, Eastbourne, 1 5yrs, 07516 987199 Lower Willingdon Preschool Nursery, Eastbourne, 3 5yrs, 01323 489264 Mayfield Pre-school, open all day except Friday (am only), 2 - 5yrs, 01435 872523 Michael Hall Steiner Waldorf School, Forest Row, Saplings: 2yrs; Kindergarten: 3-6yrs, michaelhall. co.uk (see advert) Micklefield Nursery School, Seaford, 2-5yrs, giant sand area, Ofsted Outstanding, funding accepted, 01323 892457 Newick Pre-School, The Reading Room, 2 - 4yrs, 07788 603633 Peacehaven Heights School Nursery Class, Roderick Avenue, 3 - 4yrs, 01273 575989 Pippa’s Group, Landport Rd, Lewes, 2 - 5yrs, 01273 483992 Polegate School Nursery, Oakleaf Drive, BN26 6PT, 2-4yrs, alll weather outdoor areas, 01323 482404 Rainbow Childcare, Peacehaven Sports Park, BN10 8RJ, 2 5yrs, 01273 583624 Ringmer Nursery School, Harrisons Lane, Ringmer BN8 5LL, 5 11yrs, 01273 812463 Sacred Heart Nursery School, Wadhurst, 2-4yrs, 01892 783414 Sheepsetting Pre-school, Cross in Hand School, Heathfield TN21 0XG, 2-5yrs, 01435 866268 Shinewater Primary School Nursery, Eastbourne, 2-4yrs, 01323 762129

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Open Days 16th November Lower & Middle School ~ ages 6 to 14 8th December Saplings ~ age 2

St Thomas a Becket Catholic Nursery School, Tutts Barn Lane, Eastbourne, 2-5yrs, 01323 725977

Kingston Pre-School, Kingston Village Hall, The Street, 2 5yrs, 01273 486060

School,

Human connection in all we do

24th January Lower & Middle School ~ ages 6 to 14 30th January Early Childhood ~ ages 2 to 6 13th March Upper School ~ ages 14 to 18

Union Corner Pre-school, Hailsham, 2 - 5yrs, 07521 008980 Wadhurst CE Primary School & Nursery, Wadhurst TN5 6SR, 3-4yrs, 01892 783155 Wallands Nursery at Wallands CP School, Lewes, 3-4yrs, 01273 472776 (option 3) West Rise Nursery, Chaffinch Rd, Eastbourne BN23 7SL, 2 -4yrs, 01323 764062 Whitehill Nursery School, Luxford Rd, Crowborough, 2-4yrs, 01892 610816 Wild Monkeys Beach Nursery, Telscombe Parish Hall, Telscoombe Cliffs, Mon-Fri, 2-5yrs (termtime), 07866 201996 Young Haymakers Nursery & Montessori School, nr Waldron, 9mths - 5yrs, 01435 812555

Starting School in September 2024?

School Application closing date: 15th January 2024 National Offer Day: 16th April 2024

Primary Schools >>find online Forest Schools

Beach School East Sussex, holiday club 1./2 term & summer, home ed, 5-11yrs, beachschooleastsussex. co.uk/holiday-clubs Cherry Wood Adventures, forest outdoor activities (2-4yrs Tue & Fri, 4-9yrs Wed), holidays & parties, 07887 556336

To register please visit: www.michaelhall.co.uk @michaelhallschool @michaelhallsteinerschool

Each Peach Forest School, Railway Rd, Newhaven BN9 0AS, 01273 515971

Cumnor House Sussex, Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep, 60 acre site, 01825 792006

Forest School for families, Denton Island Community Centre, Newhaven, Wed 4-5.30pm, call for details, 01273 517250

Eastbourne College, mixed, 1318yrs, 01323 452300

Home School Woodland group with carer/parent, 2-12years, Fri 12.30 -2pm, wildinthewoods.weebly.com Lucy’s Little Forest School, Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, 01825 830509 Mini Farmers Home Ed, South Brockwells Farm, Little Horsted TN22 5QS, Tue am 7-11yrs, Thu am 11yrs+, education@ southbrockwellsfarm.com The Outdoors Project, Home Ed Adventure club, The Paddock, Lewes, Tue 1-2:15pm, 7-11yrs, 07498 284792 (see advert p.14)

Independent Schools

Annan School, Eason’s Green, Uckfield, 2-11yrs, 01825 841410 Bede’s Preparatory School, Eastbourne, 5-13yrs, 01323 734222

Lewes Old Grammar School, 3 18yrs, 01273 472634 Mayfield School, Mayfield TN20 6PH, girls 11-18yrs, 01435 874600 Michael Hall Steiner Waldorf School, Forest Row, Independent School for 0-18yrs, michaelhall. co.uk (see advert) Northease Manor School, Rodmell, 8 - 17yrs, for pupils with specific learning difficulties, 01273 472915 Sacred Heart School, Wadhurst, mixed, 3-11yrs, 01892 783414 Skippers Hill Manor Prep School, Mayfield, mixed, 2-13yrs, 01825 830234 St Andrew’s Prep, Meads St, Eastbourne, co-ed, 9mths13yrs, 01323 733203

Join us Online!

Our website is great for: • new events (added daily) • learning more about our Burgess Hill School for Girls, 2½ advertisers 18yrs, 01444 241050 • entering competitions Cuckoo Shack, Cuckoo Claremont Nursery, Preparatory • online directory, articles Trail, Polegate, forest school & Senior School, St Leonards & more outdoor education, regular & Bodiam, 3months events, priorycourtfarm.co.uk 18yrs, 01424 751555 thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/ eastbourne-wealden -lewes/ www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes Bede’s Senior School, Upper Dicker, 13-18yrs, 01323 843252

Tutoring • Languages • Out of School

Tutoring

Aim High Tuition, individual & group tuition in many subjects from qualified and experienced tutors, 07862 006302 Charlotte Windham, Maths tutor for KS3, GCSE, iGCSE & A Level, 07712 534283 Claire Barrass, English and Maths Tuition to boost confidence age 5-11yrs, Eastbourne, 0776 2584009 or 01323, 732599 Confident reading for all ages, Ocklynge area, Eastbourne, 01323 645416 Eastbourne Tuition Centre, Upperton Rd, 5-16yrs, Maths, English, IT for families, 01323 720072 Heike, German Tuition, all standards & ages to university, 01323 841703 Jarvis Brand, one to one maths and science tuition from KS2 to A level, based in the Uckfield area, 07957 220 891 Johnson Tuition, Meads Eastbourne, Maths & English to 11+, KS2&3 English & KS2 Maths support, 07730 556590 Kenneth Stafford, experienced maths tutor, home and online tuition offered, discounts available, 07763 838690 Kumon Eastbourne Study Centre, affordable maths and English tuition, Mon 4-6pm on zoom, Tue & Thu 4-6.30pm, Ratton school, 01323 332455 (see advert)

Private Tutoring: Maths Y5 & 6, Biology GCSE/A level, Chemistry GCSE, Heathfield, 01435 865462 Qualified science teacher, Eastbourne, Sat 10am-2pm,1116yrs, 07749 791385 Spanish tuition, all levels & ages.

Eastbourne area, 07969 807830 Sue Farrant, 1-1 tuition for primary English & maths, experienced teacher, Robertsbridge area, 01580 881677

Language Classes

Elisabeth Reichert-Eckersley, German, English Foreign Language, 07752 630319 (see advert) Les Franglophones, French lessons, Wed pm, ecole@ lesfranglophones.co.uk Lingotot, French & Spanish classes for children & families, Eastbourne, Alfriston, Hastings, 0845 6808148 Poncho Spanish, online Spanish classes, from beginners classes to GCSE exam support, Home Ed, group sessions or 1:1, 7yrs+, ponchospanish.com (see advert)

Out of School Clubs

Homework Club, Uckfield Library, 3.30-4.45pm, FREE, 0345 6080196 After School Art Club, The Art House Café, Eastbourne, prebooked, 5yrs+, 01323 728691 Butterfly Nursery, Meridian Centre, Peacehaven, 3-11yrs, 01273 580819

Camelot Kids, Lewes Rd, Eastbourne, 5-11yrs, open 7am to 7pm inc holidays, 01323 725207 Copperfield’s After School Club, Saffrons Road, Eastbourne, 5-8yrs from certain schools, 01323 644661 Each Peach Forest School, Newhaven, selected dates in summer holidays, 9am - 5pm, sibling discount, 01273 515971 Emmanuel Pre-school, Hailsham, Breakfast Club 8am-9am, Monday Friday, 07766 630334 Frogs Afterschool Club, Denton Parish Church Hall, Newhaven BN9 0RD, Thu 6-7.30pm, YR4-6, dentonparishchurch@gmail.com Homework & Activity Club, Seaford Library, Fri 3.30-5pm, 5-11yrs, FREE, 0345 6080196 Kittiwakes After School Club, for children of Cradle Hill school, Seaford, 4-11yrs, 01323 892773 Little Poppets at Seaford Primary School, 2 - 11yrs, 01323 896069 Lower Willingdon before/ after school club, 5 - 11yrs, 01323 489264

Magni Dance, after school classes in all disciplines, free trial class, Priory Rd, Eastbourne, 5yrs, 07585 922887 OASTies & TOAsties, Wadhurst, before/after school & holiday club, 5 - 11yrs, 01892 786585 Ocklynge School Out of School Club, 5 - 12yrs, breakfast & after school, 01323 725839 Perform, musical theatre, Eastbourne BN20 7QT, Tue 4-5pm: 4-7yrs/5.05-6.05pm: 7-12yrs, free trial, enquiries@perform.org.uk (see advert p.16) Pulse, Hailsham Parish Church, primary age children, Tue, 3.15 -5pm, term time, 01323 442410

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13

Out Of School Clubs • Holiday Schemes & Activities

My Skate World, Maple Rd, Eastbourne, holiday for open skate, Tue-Fri pm, Sat/Sun 11.30am2.30/3-6pm, 07807 087962 (see advert p.17) Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, workshops & science activities throughout School Holidays, 01323 832731

Out of School Clubs (cont.)

The Mohair Centre After School/ Holiday Club, Laughton, 5 13yrs, 01825 872457 The Outdoors Project, adventure clubs run on school premises, check website for venues, 5-12yrs, 07498 284792 (see advert) Tots & Time Out, After school pickup and minding, Eshton Road, Eastbourne, 0-11yrs, 01323 726132 Whitehill After School Club, Luxford Road, Crowborough, 2-12yrs, pick ups from local schools, 01892 610816 Zylo Performance, drama clubs for primary schools, 07796 305205

Holiday Schemes and Activities

Art & Craft Classes, The Art House Café, Eastbourne, 01323 728691 Beach School East Sussex, holiday club, Holywell Eastbourne, 1/2 terms, summer holidays, 5-11yrs, beachschooleastsussex.co.uk/ holiday-clubs Bede’s Holiday Club, Bede’s Prep,Eastbourne BN20 7XL, Easter, Summer, 5-13yrs (ext. hours available), bedesholidayclub.org

Blackland Farm, nr East Grinstead: climbing, zipwire, abseiling, canoeing, archery, orienteering etc, 01342 810493 Butterfly Nursery, holiday playscheme, Greenwich House, Meridian Centre, Peacehaven, 3-11yrs, 01273 580819 Buzz Active, Watersports: Eastbourne & Cuckmere, adventure week: Bushy Wood, 6-14yrs, 01323 463300 C.A.C.L Football Camp, 4-13yrs; Gymnastics Camp, 4-11yrs, Uni of Brighton Eastbourne, 01323 730467 Cherry Wood Adventures, outdoor activities, Arlington near Eastbourne, 4-11yrs, 07887 556336

14

Dance Boot Camps with Universal Dance, themed days, Uckfield, call for info, 07968 295862 Eastbourne Borough FC, holiday courses, 4- 13yrs, Boys & Girls, call for dates, 01323 766265 Elevate Tennis Coaching, school holiday tennis camps, Cross in Hand & Horam, 07790 037030 Funabounds, Uckfield, coached trampoline courses & fun sessions on the trampolines etc, 5yrs+, 01825 768479 Hailsham Leisure Centre, varied daily activity programme, 6-12yrs, full/half day, 01323 846755 Holiday Club, Crowborough Leisure Centre, arts, craft, team sports & more, am/pm/full day, 5-11yrs, 01892 665488 Holiday Club, Hailsham Parish Church, Easter and Summer Holiday clubs, phone for details, 01323 442410 Horam Tennis Club, Holiday Fun with Good4Tennis, half-term, Easter, Summer, 5-7, 8-10, 1116yrs, 07484 140811 Lewes Startrack Athletics, Y36, lewesac.co.uk Little Poppets at Seaford Primary School, 2-11yrs, 01323 896069 Lucy’s Little Forest School, woodland based activities for children & adults during the holidays, 07766 486548 Lymley Wood, woodland for children & family activities, forest school, adventure playground, lymleywood.co.uk Manor Twiglets Nursery, Downsview Crescent, Uckfield, 2 - 11yrs, 01825 765487 Mini Farmers Holiday Club, South Brockwells Farm, Little Horsted TN22 5QS,10am-2pm, 7-14yrs, Book via Eventbrite

Premier Sport, Multi-sports, Lewes, Eastbourne, 5 12yrs, 01953 499040 Railway Land Holiday Club, school holidays, Lewes BN7 1BE, Mon-Wed, 24 July- 17 Aug, 6-13yrs, 01273 477101 Rascals Playscheme, Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, multi-sports, crafts, games, 4-12yrs, 01323 509859 Schools Out, various days each holiday, Community Wise, Eastbourne, 10am-12pm, 5-11yrs (with adult), 07542 856511 Seaford Holiday Club, Seaford Baptist Church, forest school sessions, arts & crafts, 2-11yrs, find on Facebook: Seaford Holiday Club Seahaven Swim & Fitness Centre, Newhaven, activity programme, swim, sports etc, 6 -15yrs, 01273 512498 or 01273 510784 Set2Win, Tennis Camps, The Old Town Hub, Eastbourne, 24 July-18 Aug, 29 Aug-1 Sep, 4yrs+, Facebook:@ Set2WinTennis Shinewater Sports & Community Centre, Gymnastic Camp (2h), 8yrs+, 01323 768614 Shinewater Sports & Community Centre, Sports days - various activities (1-2h), 7-12yrs, 01323 768614 Shinewater Sports Centre, Eastbourne, 6-11yrs, multisports, crafts, games, full/half day sessions, 01323 768614 SportsCool Brighton, multisports camp, Lewes, Seaford & Eastbourne, 8.30am3.30pm, 4-12yrs, Facebook@ SSCBrightonLtd Stagecoach Lewes, Summer Camp, Kings Academy, Ringmer, 6yrs+, 01273 504380 or 07933 726924 Sussex Wildlife Trust, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, various activitie check website, 6-11yrs, 01273 497561

Tennis Eastbourne, camps at the Sports Park, all school hols, 4 12yrs, 07850 327695 The Outdoors Project, fun, games, adventure, The Paddock, Lewes, 5-12yrs, 07498 284792 (see advert) Uckfield Leisure Centre, holiday kids club, full, half day & drop in (not Christmas hol.), 4-11yrs, 01825 761160 Whitehill Holiday Club, Luxford Rd, Crowborough, 2-12yrs, indoor & outdoor activities (except xmas), 01892 610816

A - Z of Leisure Archery

Blackland Farm, nr East Grinstead: climbing, zipwire, abseiling, canoeing, archery, orienteering etc, 01342 810493

Arts and Crafts

Masterpiece, Whitesmith, paint pottery, decopatch, button art, teddy making, sew a cushion, 01825 872225 Silver Jewellery Workshops, 01825 722428 Start Art & Smart Art, 5 - 16yrs, Hillcrest Centre, Newhaven, Thu, 01273 595505 The Seamstress Lewes, Nina Murden, 121 sewing classes for adults & children, 8yrs+, alterations, 07717 855 314 Time 2 Potter, Hailsham, pottery painting, 4yrs+, w/ ends, Wed & school hols, call to book, 01323 505000

Athletics

Lewes Athletics Club, U11, U13, U15 & Junior, lewesac.co.uk Mini Athletics, for 2-7yrs, Sundays, Southover Primary School, Lewes, Free taster available, 07876 023857

The Spring 2024 issue March - June 2024 will be available Early March!

www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes

FUN HOME FUN AT at HOME

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15

A - Z of Sports & Leisure for 5 years old to teens

A - Z of Sport & Leisure Badminton

Crowborough Leisure Centre, casual bookings + hire, 01892 665488 Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, open sessions, all ages, 01323 509859 Lewes Leisure Centre, casual bookings, 01273 486000 Shinewater Sports & Community Centre, casual bookings & coaching for 7-16yrs on Thu eve, 01323 768614 Shuttles Badminton Club, Uplands, Wadhurst, teenagers & Adults , Mon eve 8:45pm, 01892 784695 or 01892 782136 Sovereign Centre, casual badminton sessions, 01323 738822 Sport Brighton, Denton Rd, Eastbourne, casual bookings, 01273 643706 Uckfield Leisure Centre, casual bookings & junior coached sessions, Tue pm, 5yrs+, 01825 761160

Circus and Stunts

Junior Circus, Acting Moon Bigtop School of Circus Arts, 7yrs+, Tuesdays & Thursdays, term time, 01323 325957 KiddiCity, circus classes for children U8s, 07947 080902 Little Circus, Acting Moon Bigtop School of Circus Arts, 4yrs+, Wednesdays, term time, 01323 325957 Sweet Circus, Circus Monkeys Aerial. Fri 5pm, Yoga-Life Studio, Aerial hoop, silks & trapeze; Juniors. Weds 5pm, St.Elizabeth’s Church. Ground Skills & Aerial; Seniors. Weds 4pm, St.Elizabeth’s Church. Ground Skills & Aerial, 07718 996853 Trapeze, Rope & Silks, Children 7yrs+ - Mon/Thu/Fri pm, Adults - Fri eve, All Saints Centre, Lewes, 01273 486391 Youth Circus, Acting Moon Bigtop School of Circus Arts, 12yrs+, Tue & Thu, 01323 325957

Dance and Drama (more online)

Aerodance, fun dance for children 4 - 15yrs, Uplands Sports Centre, Wadhurst, 01892 782136 Art of Dance, Lewes & Hove, 2yrs - adult, ballet, tap & street dance, 07976 068989 Cherry Dance, 7-9 Wish Road, Eastbourne, streetdance, jazz, modern, ballet, 4 18yrs, 07793 383956 Dance Makers Academy, tap & modern dance classes, Emmanuel Church, Eastbourne BN21 1JJ, 5yrs+, 07957 408694

16

Diana Freedman’s School of Dance & Performing Arts, Pevensey Bay, 2½yrs - adult, 01424 212986 Do4Kidz Dance Works, primary school clubs, 01892 521778 East Sussex Dance Studios, Five Ashes Village Hall, 2yrs+, 07803 254966 Goldmans Stage School, dance, drama & singing tuition, EODS Centre Eastbourne BN22 7QP, 6yrs+, 01323 643961 Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, modern Fri 4-6pm & ballet Thurs 4-6pm/Sat 9-11am, 3yrs+, 01323 509859 Heathfield Youth Drama, 5 - 16yrs, Friday eves, 01825 830464 Helena’s Flamenco Dance, 6+yrs - adult, beginners, Lewes - Sat, Eastbourne - Tue, 07963 959262 Kaleidoscope Theatre Company, Lewes & Barcombe, 5-16yrs, performing arts, 07963 478 393 Legat School of Dance at Bede’s, Upper Dicker, 01323 843252 Lewes Theatre Youth Group, at Lewes Little Theatre, 01273 474826 Magni Dance, classes in all disciplines, free trial class, Eastbourne, suitable from 2yrs+ to adults, 07585 922887 Old Town Dance, Eastbourne, 2½yrs+, 07809 296375 Perform, musical theatre, St John’s Parish Hall, Eastbourne BN20 7QT, Tue pm, 4yrs+, free trial, enquiries@perform.org.uk (see advert) Rennie Dance Academy, ballet, tap, modern, streetdance, musical theatre, 3yrs+, Newick, Uckfield, 01825 761596 Robinson Academy of Drama, Eastbourne, LAMDA classes & exams, home school daytime groups, 07507 533708 Seahaven Dance in Seaford & Lewes, 2.5yrs - adult, Cecchetti ballet, tap, modern, jazz, 07738 831616 SLH Dance Academy, Lewes, ISTD Ballet, Tap, Modern, 07539 215547 So Dance Academy, Crowborough, 3yrs+, ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip hop, 07944 588696

Stagecoach Eastbourne, Acting, Singing and Dance classes 4-6/618yrs, 01323 306944 Streetfunk, streetdance classes for ages 4-18 in Newhaven & Lewes, 01273 308525 Summerheath School of Dance, ballet, tap, modern and acro in Hailsham for 2½ yrs+, 01323 840092 The Dance Academy, Lewes, ballet, tap, modern, ballroom, street & freestyle, 07852 390748 Turning Pointe School of Dance, Lewes, Plumpton, Barcombe & Haywards Heath, 07947 803105 Up the Tempo Dance School, Newhaven & Seaford, 2½yrs - adults, disco & street, 07852 323990 Zoe Pennington Dance Academy, Polgate, 18mths adults, 01323 845715

Football (more online) AFC Uckfield Colts, Skills Club 2-9yrs; U11, U9, U8, U6 teams, 01825 890511

C.A.C.L Saturday Football Coaching, 9am-10am, 4-14yrs, Eastbourne, 01323 730467 Denton & South Heighton JFC, U7 - U16, 07540 838326 First Touch Football Academy, weekly sessions and holiday camps, 07799 771272 Hailsham United Junior FC, U6 U16 (mixed), 01323 844005

Hampden Park Sports Centre, Eastbourne, football fun, Mon 4-5pm, 7-12yrs & Fri 4-5pm, 6-9yrs; Little Tekkers Football, Tue 5-5.45pm, 4- 6yrs, 01323 509859 Horam and Heathfield Junior Football Club, U6 - U18 mixed to U15; girls U14/U16, 01435 865163 Learn, Play, Achieve, Eastbourne Sports Park & Seaford, 4 - 15yrs, after school & holidays, 01273 463355 Little Kickers, fun football training, Eastbourne, Lewes, Chiddingly, Seaford, Bexhill, 5-8yrs, 07802 864719 (see advert) Maresfield Dynamos Junior Football Club, coaching from U7s to U16s, 5-16yrs, mdjfc.co.uk Pevensey & Westham JFC, U6 U18 boys, girls, 07730 678857 Polegate Grasshoppers, U6 - U15 boys; U6 - U13 girls, 07736 687472 Premier Mini Soccer, Seaford, sat am 9-11.30am, 3yrs+, all abilities, 07862 261094 Premier United, Seaford, U7- U16, boys & girls academy, 07862 261094 Ringmer Rovers, U7 - U16, boys & girls plus academy for 5-7 yrs, 07747 616051 Sovereign Saints, Eastbourne, 4yrs - U17 teams & trainees, boys & girls, 07778 557538 For full listing of '5YRS+ ACTIVITIES', click HERE

www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes

A - Z of Sports & Leisure for 5 years old to teens

Golf

Bay View Park Golf Course, Pevensey Bay, junior green fees/membership & lessons, 01323 769384 Crowborough Beacon Golf Club, all abilities juniors, 01892 661511 Dale Hill Golf Club, Ticehurst, junior, Sun pm coaching open to non-members, 01580 201090 East Sussex Golf Academy, Lottbridge Golf Club, Eastbourne, 4yrs+, 01323 520400 East Sussex National, Little Horsted, junior memberships & lessons, 01825 880088 Horam Park Golf Club, junior coaching & holiday courses, pitch & putt course, 01435 813477 Lewes Golf Club, thriving junior section, coaching, competitions etc, 01273 483474 Piltdown Golf Club, junior, coaching, competitions, 01825 722033 Royal Eastbourne Golf Club, junior coaching, events etc, 01323 744045

Gymnastics and Trampoline (more online) Acting Moon Bigtop School of Circus Arts, Aerial Trapeze, Silks, Hoop, Gymnastics, 01323 325957 Downs Leisure Centre Seaford, Up ‘n’ Downs Trampoline Club, Fri pm, 4-18yrs, gymnastics,Thur 4-6pm, 5yrs+, upndownstc@gmail.com Fun Abounds, gymnastic & indoor trampoline centre, Uckfield, babiesadults, 01825 768479 Jump Trampoline Club, Hailsham, 4yrs to adult, 01323 508604 Peacehaven Leisure Centre, gymnastics, Thu pm, 5-15yrs, 01273 588858 Sky High Trampoline Park, Peacehaven, weekends & school holidays, U5s: 9am-10am, 5yr+: 10am-6pm, 01273 580029 Sovereign Centre, gymnastics lessons, 4-11yrs, 01323 738822

Uckfield Gymnastic Club, from crawling to adults, led by British Gymnastics qualified coaches, office@uckfieldgymnastics.co.uk Uplands Sports Centre, Wadhurst, gymnastics, 5yrs+, 01892 782136 Urban Jump, trampolining & activity centre, Ghyll Road Industrial Estate, Heathfield, 01435 863277

Leisure and Sport for Children with Additional Needs Aspens, Saturday clubs, after school, Rock & Pop, Teenz, 0345 450 0060

Buzz Active, Watersports: Eastbourne & Cuckmere, adventure day: Bushy Wood, 1:1 experiences, 6-14yrs, 01323 463300 Create Music, Orchestra 360, inclusive, creative music group for children & their family, 5-18yrs, createmusic.org.uk Eastbourne Otters, 1:1 or 1:2 swimming classes for beginners or lengths, in Eastbourne, 07936 592840 Eastbourne Seagulls FC, Sports Park, 10yrs+, 01273 668590 Fun Abounds, indoor trampoline centre, Uckfield, SEN sessions, Sat pm, 01825 768479 Funky Teens, Heathfield Youth Centre, alt. Sat pm, 11 25yrs, 01273 335130 Funky Teens, The Joff, Peacehaven Youth Centre, alternatue Sat 2-6pm, 13-19yrs, 01273 335130 Newhaven, Lewes & District Mencap, social Fridays 7pm, all ages welcome, Riverside Hall, Newhaven, 01273 517345 Ninja Arena Eastbourne BN21 3NW, activity & obstacle course, SEN Sun 5.156.15pm, 01273 054949 Riding for the Disabled, East Sussex, call for details of nearest groups, 07850 522 768 Robinson Academy of Drama, Eastbourne, movement, mime &

drama, autistic specialised classes Saturday, 07507 533708 SASBAH, social activity programme for those with physical and/or learning difficulties, 01825 873045 Swimming SEN session (no waves, music or features), Sovereign Centre, monthly 1st Sat, 9.3011am, 01323 738822

Martial Arts

Classes for kids 4yrs+ and separate adult classes, beginners welcome, Eastbourne Shorin Ryu Karate, , 07853 304405 CMA Karate, Hailsham, Uckfield, Wadhurst & T-Wells, 5yrs+, 01323 848677 Eastbourne Kyokushinkai Karate Club, St Catherines College, 7yrs+, Mon eve, 07977 094347 Frontier School of Karate & Kickboxing (FSK), Heathfield, Uckfield, Battle, Crowborough, 5yrs+, 07970 686054 (see advert) Karate Academy, Cornfield Lane, Eastbourne, 7yrs adult, 07952 670349 Karate Jitsu Kai, Hailsham & Eastbourne, 6yrs+, 01424 854178 Kicks Eastbourne, Cornfield Lane, junior (8yrs+) & adult classes, 01323 370479 Kids Self Defence Class, Boss Gym Eastbourne, Tues & Thurs 5pm, 5-10yrs, 01323 301991 MSK Martial Arts, family karate, junior judo, 4yrs+, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, 07870 611949 Red Oak Karate Club, Lewes, 12yrs+, 01273 890687 Sama Karate & Kickboxing, Eastbourne & Hailsham, 3½yrs adults, 01273 580577 Seaford Karate Club, Downs Leisure Centre, 5 yrs+, Mon & Wed, 07812 381877 Taekwondo Lewes, free trial lesson, female instructor, Southover School BN7 1JP, Thur, 5-11yrs, 07834 486789 TAGB Tigers, Ratton School

Eastbourne, Tues 6-7pm; Lewes Y.M.C.A , Thu 6-7pm, 3-11yrs, 07711 084513 The Martial Arts Centre, 24 Longstone Rd, Eastbourne, traditional Korean martial arts, 4yrs+, 07540 179194 Tiger Kickboxing, Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford, Mon/Tue/Sun, 5yrs+, 01323 873753 Uplands Sports Centre, Wadhurst, Judo, 4yrs+, 01892 782136 Vision Taekwondo, Uckfield, Crowborough 3yrs+, 07746 533214 White Crane, Lewes, 07976 260710 White Crane, Lewes, Mon & Wed Kids Kung Fu 6pm, Taichi 7pm, Kung Fu 8pm, sparring/weapons 9.30pm; Dog boxing kung fu,Fri 7pm, 07976 260710

Skating and Skateboards Eastbourne Edge Inline Hockey Club, MySkateWorld, 6 - 18yrs+, new players wanted, 07776 001021

Eastbourne Junior Roller Derby, Sundays 3-4pm, Causeway School, 8-17 yrs, 07947 641522 My Skate World, Eastbourne, indoor skate rink, Tue-Fri pm & Sat/Sun 11.30am-2.30/36pm (closed Tue term times); family friendly roller discos, Fri 6-9pm, 07807 087962 (see advert) Roller Disco, Lewes Leisure Centre, every other week, Sat, 6yrs+, 01273 486000 SK8school, lessons, hire, discos & parties. Public skate Sat 3pm & half term, Eastbourne Sports Park, 01323 725575

Snow Sports

Dry Ski Slope at Bowles, Eridge Green, private lessons only, skiing 6yrs+; boarding 10yrs+, 01892 665665 Knockhatch Ski and Snowboard Centre, On A22 at Hailsham, 01323 843344 For full listing of '5YRS+ ACTIVITIES', click HERE

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17

Places to Visit Family Farms, Animals, & Sealife

Great Outdoors

1066 Country Walk follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror from Pevensey to Rye via Herstmonceux and Battle.

Abbots Wood Arlington, Polegate BN26 6SL. Ancient woodland with walks, medieval lake, BBQ hire, picnic tables and play area.

Arlington Reservoir, Polegate BN26 6UX. Covering some 245 acres, the reservoir is a nature reserve, open 9am until dusk.

Ashdown Forest Centre Wych Cross, RH18 5JP Metrobus 270.

Once a Norman deer hunting forest, now the largest free public access space in the southeast, great walks and the ‘home’ of Winnie the Pooh, Pooh Sticks Bridge and Pooh Corner Shop (TN7 4AE in Ashdown Forest).

Bedgebury Pinetum Goudhurst TN17 2SJ, 2,000-acre forest for numerous walks, family cycling trails, mountain bike, dirt jump area, cycle hire, adventure play trail, cafe and Go Ape. Crowborough Pump Track, Goldsmiths Recreation Ground, TN6 2TN. 65 meters pump track.

Cuckmere Valley BN26 5TT, National Trust land, open dawn until dusk, a haven for wildlife and great for kite flying, High and Over hill, chalk horse and stunning views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley.

Devil’s Dyke, Poynings, near Brighton. Longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK. Friston Forest Exceat, west of Eastbourne off the A259, walks, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding with TROT permit, picnic tables, BBQs, children’s play area.

Hampden Park Eastbourne BN22 9QN. Sports and recreation facilities including those for football, rugby, cricket, tennis, children’s playground and BMX skate facility, café, 10-minute walk from Hampden Park railway station. Free admission & parking.

Lake Wood Uckfield TN22 2DE. Once part of the Rocks Estate, the mix of natural and man-made features create dramatic and beautiful views. Rocky sandstone outcrops with high cliffs that overhang the picturesque 3-acre lake and the cave-like boathouse carved out of rock, wildlife.

Motcombe Gardens, Eastbourne Old Town BN21 1PU. Originally forming part of a farmyard, the 9th Duke of Devonshire gave the garden to the town of Eastbourne in 1909. The duck pond is the source

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of the Bourne stream from which ‘East Bourne’ got its name. Historic round, flint-built dovecote with a conical tiled roof standing on an upper level. Main paths suitable for wheelchair access. Free entry.

Newhaven Skatepark & Pumptrack, located off Fort Road, BN9 9DL, in the south of the town, near Newhaven Fort.

Peacehaven Big Park skate park, playgrounds, natural play spaces, climbing wall, seating, grassed pitch, café, footpaths and links to the South Downs.

Princes Park Eastbourne BN22 7AE. Playgrounds, summer splash pad, boating lake and café. Open all year, free entry.

Railway Land Nature Reserve Lewes BN7 2FG. Over 20 acres of meadowland and woodland reclaimed from the old rail yards, incl.

Linklater Pavilion, nature reserve open all year round, accessible by wheelchair.

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve TN31 7TX. Explore the saltmarsh on a guided walk, local wildlife & history, Discovery Centre.

Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve BN25 4JQ. Cliffs, downland, grassland and a shingle beach are home to many nationally rare and significant species of plant, bird and insect, stunning views of the Seven Sisters & Cuckmere Valley.

Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, 280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley, open chalk grassland for walks, bird watching, rock pooling, cycling to the beach & canoeing.

Shinewater Park Eastbourne BN23 8AT. Includes footpaths and cycle paths, playground, lakes, all-weather sports court, BMX and skate area, fishing with a permit.

South Downs National Park & South Downs Way, incl. Ditchling Beacon, which is the 2nd highest point in the South Downs National Park with spectacular views across the Weald.

Stanmer Park Falmer, off the A270 Lewes Road, Brighton.

Landscaped parkStanmer House, Church, Stanmer Organics, Earthship Brighton. One Garden Stanmer Park’s walled garden, plant nurseries, café, market, workshop & events.

St Helens Park Local Nature Reserve Langham Road, Hastings. Nature reserve, ancient woodland and lots of footpaths.

Undercliff Walk 5km+ from Brighton Marina to Saltdean, used by both cyclists and pedestrians.

Occasionally very wet when the waves come over the seawall!

Wilderness Wood Hadlow Down, near Uckfield TN22 4HJ. 62 acres of woodland, nature trails, children’s activities, café & shop.

For Country Walks

suggestions - click here

Blackberry Farm near Lewes BN8 6JD. Set in 18 acres of Sussex countryside, home to over 200 friendly animals, wildfowl; most can be petted or fed by hand. Large outdoor play area, ‘Clucky’s’ indoor adventure playbarn, sensory zone, tractor rides, pony rides, baby area.

Butterfly Gardens Middleton Common Farm, Ditchling, free flying butterflies from all over the world inside a 3000 square foot polytunnel. Onsite farm shop.

Drusillas Park Alfriston Road just off the A27, BN26 5QS. Zoo, interactive displays, extensive adventure playgrounds, rainforest-themed carousel ride, Safari Express Train and Hello Kitty Secret Garden which incl. children’s rides; restaurants, cafes, seasonal events.

Hastings Aquarium Rock-ANore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW. Close encounters with seahorses, sharks, rays and hundreds of other aquatic creatures, plus reptiles and frogs, underwater walk-through tunnel. Open daily.

Heaven Farm Furners Green, Uckfield TN22 3RG. 100-acre farm on the Greenwich Meridian, with nature walks, wallabies, deer, seasonal bluebell nature trail, tea room, play barn, ice cream parlour and camping.

Knockhatch Adventure Park on A22 at Hailsham BN27 3GD. Animals, falconry, year-round indoor soft play at ‘Froggies’, children’s farm, go karts, outdoor playgrounds, ski slope and more, Santa's Grotto.

Middle Farm West Firle, Lewes, BN8 6LJ. Family farm with a small flock of sheep, lambing in spring, playground and play hay barn, animal handling sessions, farm shop, tea room, gift shop.

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer BN8 5AJ. Charity giving animals a better life through rehoming, rehabilitation & sanctuary. Café, shop, dog-friendly trails & activities - free daily guided tour at 11.30am, Family Learning Days (Wed & Thu) during the school holidays.

Sharnfold Farm and Farm Shop Stone Cross BN24 5BU. Farm trail, animals, play area, PYO, coffee shop, farm shop, seasonal events.

South Brockwells Farm Shop, Little Horsted TN22 5QS. Home grown & locally sourced produce, open Wed-Sat; seasonal events.

Find more online:www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes/family-days-out/

Places to Visit Places of Historic Interest, Gardens Museums & Galleries

1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, Battle TN33 0AD. English Heritage insight into the Battle of Hastings and 1066.

Explore the abbey ruins, awardwinning audio exhibition which brings to life the dramatic story of the Norman Conquest.

Bateman’s National Trust House, Burwash TN19 7DS. Former home of Rudyard Kipling with gardens, walks, watermill tea room, seasonal events. Open daily.

Battle Museum TN33 0EA. Local history museum with displays that include dinosaur footprints, artefacts from the Roman Bathhouse at Beauport Park, a Saxon battle-axe believed to be a unique relic of the Battle of Hastings, the world’s oldest effigy of Guy Fawkes and the story of the Battle gunpowder industry.

Bodiam Castle National Trust near Robertsbridge TN32 5UA. Story book castle; the exterior is virtually complete & the walls rise dramatically above the moat.

Explore the battlements and climb the spiral staircases. Seasonal events. 0pen daily.

Eastbourne Heritage Centre BN21 4BT. Displays of original maps, pictures, artefacts and films, and trace the development of ‘Elegant Eastbourne – the Empress of Watering Places’ a fashionable new Victorian seaside town into ‘The Suntrap of the South’. Open Sat until Easter, Sat/ Sun/Bank Hol. Easter to Dec. Eastbourne Lifeboat Museum BN21 4BY. Admission free, open all year round, see website for opening times.

Hastings Fisherman’s Museum Rock-a-Nore Road TN34 3DW. Original lugger, photos, models, stories, paintings and nets. Open daily, FREE, donations requested.

Herstmonceux Castle Gardens and Grounds BN27 1RN. Magnificent moated castle, set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens.

The Castle is closed to the public though guided tours available.

Home to the Observatory Science Centre.

Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum, Lewes BN7 1YE. Climb to the top of this 1,000 year old Norman Castle for stunning views across Sussex.

In the Barbican House you’ll find the Museum of Archaeology.

Michelham Priory Upper Dicker, BN27 3QS. Foundations of the 13th century priory, tranquil moated gardens, watermill and play area. Family activities during the summer, incl. an interactive medieval gallery in the 14th century Gatehouse.

Pevensey Castle, Pevensey BN24 5LE. With a history stretching back over 16 centuries, it chronicles more graphically than any other fortress the story of Britain’s south coast defences.

Beginning in the 4th century as one of the last and strongest of the Roman ‘Saxon... ...Shore’ forts, 2/3 of its towered walls still stand. It was the landing place of William the Conqueror’s army in 1066 and during the century following the Conquest, a fullscale Norman castle, with a great square keep and a powerful gatehouse, was built within one corner of the fort. In the 1250s the towered bailey wall was constructed, and soon put to the test during the great siege of 1264. Open daily from April.

Priory of St Pancras in Priory Park, Lewes BN7 1HP (satnav use BN7 2XA). During the 11th century, monks came here from Cluny in France to establish the first Cluniac priory in England.

The Priory survived for 450 years until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537, walk in the footsteps of medieval monks and imagine how the buildings once looked. A recreated herb garden grows plants that monks would have used for medicinal, culinary and ceremonial purposes, free.

Royal Pavilion, Brighton. Built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, in stages between 1787 and 1823, remarkable for its exotic oriental appearance both inside and out and was revered by fashionable Regency society.

Rye Heritage Centre Strand Quay TN31 7AY, incl. the story of Rye, Rye Town Model sound and light show and a working collection of Old Pier amusement machines. Historic and ghost audio walking tours are available for hire. Open Wed-Sun. Rye Castle Museum the Ypres Tower, East Street TN31 7JY. The Ypres Towe. Open daily Seaford Museum Martello Tower BN25 1JH. Local history museum with children’s events in school holidays. Displays from a general store, dressmaker’s parlour, the contents of an ironmonger’s, chemists, toy and photographer’s shop, as well as a Victorian schoolroom, Victorian kitchen, wartime kitchen. Domestic appliances from the first half of the 20th century include early typewriters, copiers, computers, radios and television sets.

Sheffield Park and Garden NT TN22 3QX. Informal landscape garden laid out in the 18th century by ‘Capability’ Brown, further developed in the early 20th century by its owner, Arthur G. Soames. Walks, family activities, woodland play trail.

Shipwreck Museum Hastings TN34 3DW. Stories of shipwrecks off the Hastings coast; explore shipwrecks, find out how to find your own dinosaur remains on the beach and discover what global warming means for the coastline.

Towner Eastbourne BN21 4JJ, Contemporary art museum with lots of family activities and events.

Open Tue–Sun (plus bank hol.

Mon), free.

Wakehurst Gardens and Millennium Seed Bank, Ardingly, RH17 6TN. ‘Kew in the Country’, botanic gardens run by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Walks, rocky Himalayan Garden. Explore the Adventurous Journeys natural play spaces, Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, restaurant, café, plant/gift shop. Glow Wild Nov/ Dec.Open daily.

Railways Bluebell Railway from East Grinstead to Sheffield Park Station TN22 3QL. Volunteer preserved steam railway. See website for the timetable of train services, seasonal events. Ice skating rink in winter Kent and East Sussex Steam Railway Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam Stations. Vintage steam and historic diesel trains dating from the Victorian era. Special events include Thomas the Tank Engine days, main season late March-early November, some train services during February half term week and December.

Lavender Line Isfield TN22 5XB. Preserved railway, 2-mile round trip between the village of Isfield and Worth Halt near Uckfield. At Isfield you will find the headquarters of the Lavender Line which includes the original Victorian station & signal box.

Family Fun, Adventure Parks & Soft Play

Baby Glow Play Centre Hastings TN34 1JN. Fully immersive sensory experience specifically for 0-5yrs, open Mon-Sat (check website).

Eastbourne Pier one of the finest examples of a Victorian pier, Eastbourne’s stunning seafront landmark.

Fun Abounds, Uckfield TN22 1QL. Trampoline centre with café.

Hailsham Leisure Centre BN27 1BA. Two soft play frames, for 0–10yrs (U148cm/4ft 10ins), separate play area for U3s. Open daily.

KiddiCity Role Play Centre, Eastbourne. Play sessions with 11 play zones, ride-ons, seasonal events.

Knockhatch Adventure Park & ‘Froggies’ Indoor Soft Play (see p.20) Magic Castle Soft Play, Peacehaven Leisure Centre, open daily, U10s.

My Skateworld, Eastbourne BN23 6NY. Indoor roller-skating rink with daily discos, games, pool table, air hockey, café area. Check website for opening times (see advert p.17).

Monkey Bizness Cliffe Industrial Estate, Lewes BN8 6JL. Maze of play frames, toddler area for 2-5yrs, main frame suitable for 5-12yrs, open daily.

Mouse Trap, Downs Leisure Centre Seaford, inflatable course (2-11yrs), Fri 4pm to Mon 2pm.

Ninja Arena, Eastbourne BN21 3NW. Supervised activity and fitness. Climb, balance, jump and swing across different obstacles.

Paradise Park Newhaven BN9 0DH. Planet Earth museum, Dinosaur Safari, Paradise Gardens incl. mini Sussex models, Local Maritime Museum, Play Zone incl. miniature train & crazy golf, open daily, seasonal events.

Sky High Trampoline Park Peacehaven BN10 8JQ. Wall to wall interconnected trampolines. Toddler bounce, open sessions for 5yrs+, weekends & school holidays only.

Treasure Island, Eastbourne BN22 7AE. Indoors: Buccaneer’s soft play area on two levels, babies - 12yrs, SEN sessions Outdoor Adventure Park & Pirate's Adventure Golf.

Urban Jump, trampolining & activity centre, Ghyll Rd Industrial Estate, Heathfield, daily.

Barney’s Play Uckfield TN22 1QL. For U12yrs, height restriction 142cm (4ft 8ins), reduced rate toddler mornings Mon & Thur until 1pm term time.

Drusillas Park (see p.20).

Doves Play Barn, Latchetts Farm TN22 3RG. Made from sustainable wood with ride-ons & ball pond, 0-8yrs with cafe, ice cream parlour.

To add a FREE listingdays or advertise email bettina@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk Please Check opening & times please before travelling as many attractions don't open every day.

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What's On This Winter - find more online!

8 December Theatre of Dark Encounters: Ghost Stories from Michelham Priory, Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Hailsham.

8 December - 14 January Beauty & The Beast Pantomime, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (see advert p.3 & competition here).

November Until the 15 November th

One Week FREE TRIAL, Kumon Eastbourne Study Centre (see advert p.13).

Until the 23rd December Grinch-mas Breakfast, More Than Cake, Eastbourne, SatSun, 9.30-11am.

6 November - 14 January AGlow, Paradise Park, Newhaven, winter trail.

9 November - 2 December The Positivity Parade Lantern Making Workshop | 8yrs+, by SCIP, The Crypt Gallery, Seaford, selected days.

13 - 18 November Shrek - The Musical, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.

17 November - 31 December Christmas at Bedgebury, Bedgebury National Pinetum, magical trail.

18 - 19 November Winter Fair, South of England Showground, Santa's Grotto & more.

18 November - 1 January The Writer’s Home: A Writer’s Christmas, Bateman's NT, Burwash, Christmas trail.

Christmas Wishes Family Trail, nr Standen House & Garden NT, East Grinstead.

Tale of Betwixtmas (25 Nov-19 Dec), theatrical experience.

23 November - 1 January Glow Wild, Wakehurst, nr Haywards Heath, awardwinning winter lantern trail, celebrating its 10th anniversary.

25 November Seaford Repair Cafe, last Saturday of the month,13.30pm, lunch at noon.

Uckfield Repair Cafe, 4 Saturday of the month, 9.30amnoon. th

25 November - 26 December Lewes Creatives Christmas Emporium | Free entry, All Saints Centre, Lewes, 11am5pm.

25 November - 23 December Santa's Grotto, Drusillas, Alfriston, selected days.

26 November Festive Fun Day, Priory Medow Shopping Centre, Eastbourne.

26 November - 24 December Santa Special, Kent & East Sussex Railway (selected day).

27 November - 20 December A 70s Christmas, Lamb House NT Rye. 27 November - 1 January A Bodiam Castle Christmas, Bodiam Castle NT, Robertsbridge.

30 November - 3 December Christmas Festival, Newhaven Bandstand, Denton Island, 11am-10pm (see advert p.3).

December 1 December Festive Fun & Fireworks, Little Chelsea, Eastbourne, 4-8pm.

1 December - 2 January Christmas with Mouse & Mole Family Trail, Shefield Park & Garden NT.

26 November

2 December

Harbour Lights, magical lantern procession, Lantern-making at the Hillcrest Centre, Newhaven, 1.30-4.30pm; procession 5pm, soup and hot drinks provided.

Elim Family Church Christmas Fair, Elim Family Church, Eastbourne.

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Strangers Things | 10yrs+, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.

2 December Positivity Parade, Seaford.

3.30pm. Make a willow lantern at home by collecting a free kit from Seaford Tourist Information office on Church Street from the 10th November.

2 & 9 December Christmas Grotto, The Party Emporium, Seaford.

2 - 24 December Santa's Grotto, Beacon Centre Eastbourne, meet Santa and his elves.

Santa's Grotto, Blackberry Farm Park, Lewes.

3 December Seaford Beach Clean, 1st Sunday of the month, meet up alternating between Martello Tour and Buckle end side of the beach, FREE. 7 - 17 December James and the Giant Peach, Meeching Hall, Newhaven.

9 December Robin Hood - multi-sensory pantomime | SEND, Grove Park Primary School, Crowborough.

9 - 10 December Depot Sensory Friendly Screening | 5yrs+, Depot Lewes, curated programme of films and animations, interactive screenings.

9 - 17 December Glyndebourne’s Christmas Concerts, Glyndebourne Lewes, showcasing the Glyndebourne Chorus and Sinfonia.

9 - 23 December Meet Father Christmas | U12s, Knockhatch, Hailsham, selected days.

9 - 31 December Lightning Fiber Ice Rink, Eastbourne, Entreprise Shopping Centre (see competition p14).

16 December Newhaven Flea [Every 3rd Sat of the month], Hillcrest Community Centre, Newhaven.

and in 2024...

27 January Baby Fayre, Kings centre, Eastbourne, free admission.

Seaford Repair Cafe, last Saturday of the month,13.30pm, lunch at noon.

Uckfield Repair Cafe, 4th Saturday of the month, 9.30amnoon.

24 February The Sooty Show, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne.

20 - 21 April Spring Live!, South of England Showground, Ardingly (see competition p.5).

24 - 27 May Elderflowers Fields Festival, Ashdown Forest, family festival (see competition p.18).

13 -16 June Madagascar - The Musical, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.

www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/eastbourne-wealden-lewes

To add a FREE listing or advertise please email bettina@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk

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