Programme
The Society maintains an annual schedule of events and supports particular projects. All are to stimulate awareness of quality of life in the town and our distinctive heritage and culture.
2025 Programme
Wednesday 17 December 2025
WEST HOATHLY PRIEST HOUSE by Antony Smith. The story of the Grade II fifteenth century house once owned by Anne of Cleves and Thomas Cromwell followed by Christmas drinks and mince pies!.
2026 Programme
The 2026 programme can be downloaded here.
Wednesday meetings start at 7.30pm in the Glen Vue Community Hub, Railway Approach with no charge for members and £5/non-member.
January
No meeting
Wednesday 18 February
THE MAGIC of CROP CIRCLES by Andy Thomas. With stunning visuals, Andy explores the extraordinary phenomenon of crop circles and the many varied and imaginative theories put forward over the years to explain them.
Wednesday 18 March
THE WOMEN’S LAND ARMY by Ian Everest. “The Cinderellas of the Fields”. The talk will look at how The Land Army started, its role during two world wars and its recognition in more recent times.
Wednesday 15 April
THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY by James Dickinson. A medieval embroidery depicting the Norman Conquest of England. The talk will tell the story of the tapestry and illustrate and explain most of the important scenes displayed.
Monday 4 May
MAY FAIR: Society Stall in the High Street. 10am – 4pm. An opportunity to find out who we are and what we do, plus a tombola with fantastic prizes and a chance to purchase yummy homemade preserves! Wednesday 13 May A SUSSEX SCRAPBOOK by Christopher Horlock. Chris will entertain us with an enchanting mix of anecdotes on people connected with Sussex, its traditions and landmarks.
Wednesday 17 June
A HISTORY OF SPORT IN SUSSEX by Mathew Homewood. From the amazing to the bizarre.
Wednesday 15 July
SUMMER DRINKS AND OPEN FORUM Discussion on local issues including Planning, Development and Heritage.
August
No meeting
Wednesday 16 September
STANDEN by a National Trust Speaker. Our speaker will outline the history and the charms of our local Grade I listed National Trust property.
Wednesday 14 October
CRAWLEY DOWN by Jeremy Hodkinson. The coming of the railway provided the impetus for the development of a village that is now home to more than 5,000 people. The talk traces the key milestones of the village’s growth.
Wednesday 18 November
59th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. An assessment of the year and election of your new Committee. Followed by Penny Harris to complete the story of Edwina Hall from her popular 2025 talk: the transition to life on a smallholding, raising pigs and family.
Wednesday 16 December
THE GILBERT and SULLIVAN STORY by Ian Gledhill. This is the story of how they met and came to work together. Illustrated with examples from their operas. – Followed by Christmas drinks and mince pies!.