Eleanor Farjeon and Sussex

Roman Settlement

in the Ouse Valley

Admission: members free; non-members £5

Annual General Meeting

John Constable in Brighton

Admission: members free; non-members £5

Thursday, 17 May 2012 at 7.30 pm

DR MATT POPE

is a Senior Research Fellow at University College London.

He has spent the past fifteen years investigating

the evidence for early humans from sites in Sussex and across

Northern Europe. This evening Dr. Pope explores the origins of our

species through the evidence of the Stone Age archaeological

record. Illustrated talk.

An Evening of Music,

Poetry and Prose

Once again the Historical Society invites you to a special

Midsummer Event with a fascinating programme of music,

poetry, prose and a delicious buffet supper.

First on the evening’s programme are JOY LEWIS and DERRICK

HUGHES, a popular local folk music duo. They have played together

for many years and between them use a wide variety of often

unusual musical instruments which they will describe.

After Supper there will be a presentation of music, poetry and

prose with links to the history of this area. PETER MARTIN will read

from his recently published, thought-provoking book, Ghost Music.

He will be assisted by local historian KEVIN GORDON and Joy

and Derrick will provide a musical accompaniment.

Advance booking for this evening is essential. Tickets

will be on sale from Thursday 12 April at Steamer Trading

Cookshop, Alfriston (01323 870055) at £14 which includes

Entertainment and Buffet Supper. Cash bar open

throughout the evening.

JUNE GOODFIELD

of specialist eye hospitals to two factors – the Napoleonic wars

and the county of Sussex. This evening she explains why and

focuses on the story of the Sussex Eye Hospital in Brighton

founded in 1832 by James Pickford. Dr Goodfield will recount

the hospital’s history which she says is uplifting and at times

charming and hilarious.

CHRISTOPHER LIU,

a Senior Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon

at the hospital who has recently published a personal memoir

of his life and work entitled The Eyes Have It, will bring the story

to a close with a brief account of the importance of the

hospital today. Illustrated talk.

Behind the Scenes

at the ‘Pub Dig’

SIMON STEVENS is a lecturer and the senior archaeologist at

Archaeology South East, the local professional unit. He was

Director for the recently televised dig at the Smugglers Inn in

Alfriston, on which his talk is based. If you have ever wondered

what it is like digging holes and looking for treasure on a

regular basis, here is the answer. Illustrated talk.

Admission: members free; non-members £5

Thursday, 18 October 2012 at 7.30pm

JEREMY HODGKINSON

 is President of the Wealden Iron

Research Group and for more than thirty years has been

involved in research into the industry. He is the author of

several books including The Wealden Iron Industry and on

the history of British cast iron fi rebacks in which he has a

special interest. Illustrated talk.

The Cuckmere River –

from Source to Sea

KEVIN GORDON, 

local historian, will trace the course and the

history of the Cuckmere River from source to sea. Plus, he says,

a few tales of smuggling for good measure. Illustrated talk.

Archaeology of the

Western Front

LUKE BARBER

worked for the Field Archaeology Unit,

University College London, undertaking excavation in the

south east for over 15 years. He is now Research Offi cer for

the Sussex Archaeological Society. He has been involved with

a number of excavations of WW1 sites, mostly on the

Western Front. Illlustrated talk.

JUDITH KINNISON BOURKE

is an actress with a passion

for history. This evening she will give a fascinating talk about

Elsie Bowerman, the longest living survivor of the Titanic

disaster who was born in Hastings and later in life moved

to Herstmonceux.