Sussex Heritage Trust: current news and events

Sussex Endangered Crafts Fund

The Sussex Heritage Trust has teamed up with Heritage Crafts Association and the Weald and Downland Living Museum to invite craft practitioners and organisations in Sussex to apply for small grants to fund projects that support and promote endangered crafts. 

During the pandemic our craft skills are at more risk than ever before. This fund can now be used to address the specific challenges of COVID-19 to endangered skills and knowledge. There will be a maximum of £2,000 available for each project and the Heritage Crafts Association will work with you to develop and support your work.

Click here for further information.

Sussex Heritage Trust Awards – Update on Awards Lunch and Ceremony

The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Ceremony and Lunch was due to take place on Wednesday 25^th November at 12.30pm. It is with great regret that we had decided to cancel the lunch.

In these unprecedented times we are no longer able to host the lunch at Pangdean Old Barn within the current Government guidelines.  I am sure you will share our disappointment – the lunch forms a large part of the Awards continued success and has become a fantastic networking opportunity and celebration for everyone involved.

We are delighted to announce that the Awards will still be revealed on Wednesday 25^th November through a virtual ceremony.  The ceremony will go live on our website at 12.30pm where all the Awards and Highly Commended projects will be announced by our Chairman, Simon Knight.

The Awards Programme detailing all the Awards entries will be posted to all those who have entered the Awards, sponsors, home/site owners and Trustees and Patrons.  The programme will also be available on our website and distributed by email. This will maintain a wide circulation for your project.

If you are an Award winner a Trustee of the Sussex Heritage Trust will hand deliver your Awards plaque and all certificates, including for Highly Commended projects, will be posted to you after the ceremony.

We are very excited to still be able to deliver a high-quality Awards ceremony and we look forward to inviting you all to the launch of the 2021 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards (government guidelines permitting!) in the Spring.

If you have already purchased tickets for the lunch, we will email separately with details of a refund.  Like many charities and business 2021 will be financially particularly challenging, so if you are able to contribute any of these funds to our work as a donation this would be very much welcomed.

As always, do not hesitate to contact the Sussex Heritage Trust office on 01243 576 524 or by email if you have any further enquiries.

National Lottery funding boost for Heritage in Sussex
Sussex Heritage Trust receives Emergency Heritage Fund support

Sussex Heritage Trust has received £10,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on heritage.

Like many charities, the Sussex Heritage Trust faces a challenging and difficult future. This funding will go a long way to ensure the Trust’s continued work to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural landscape of Sussex.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trust has continued to operate focusing on the popular Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and our bursary scheme, which offers educational opportunities for young people and those looking to retrain in building conservation craft. The only-Sussex-wide Heritage Awards supports excellence in conservation, restoration, and good design of newly built projects, whilst also encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts. Moving to later this year, the new deadline for entries is Friday 26th June with the Awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday 25th November 2020.

Chairman of the Trust, Simon Knight DL said, “we are so grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and indeed all those who play the National Lottery, for providing this funding to the Sussex Heritage Trust. As a small charity we like to think we punch well above our weight with the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and our work giving bursaries to young people looking to improve their traditional craftmanship skills. This money will ensure we continue to deliver this important work across Sussex in the next 12 months and beyond.”

The funding was made possible by National Lottery players, was awarded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Emergency Fund. £50 million has been made available to provide emergency funding for those most in need across the heritage sector. The National Lottery Heritage Fund is currently open to applications for its Heritage Emergency Fund. To find out more visit: https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/responding-coronavirus-covid-19

The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will be taking entries across nine categories including the Sussex Heritage Trust Person of the Year until Friday 26th June. For an entry pack and to enter the Awards please go to www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk or email us.

Sussex Heritage Trust Awards 2020

Update on Awards Timetable

Like many charities and award schemes we have had to take into account the recent Covid-19 outbreak. We hope you will agree that the safety of our judging teams and all those who allow us into their homes, places of business, schools, public places and gardens is the most important thing at this time.  We would therefore like to confirm that, subject to the evolving outbreak of the virus, the Sussex Heritage Trust plans to run the Awards later in the year, but with a new timetable as follows:

• AWARDS DEADLINE – Friday 26^th June 2020
• AWARDS JUDGING – Tuesday 6^th and Wednesday 7^th October 2020
• AWARDS LUNCH AND CEREMONY – Wednesday 25^th November at 12.30pm at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe

The Trustees of the Sussex Heritage Trust will continue to monitor the situation and if any further changes need to be made, we will be in touch further.

Thank you to all those who have already submitted an Award entry for this year, and we look forward to receiving any further submissions before Friday 26^th June 2020.

Finally, a further thank you to all our sponsors who have supported the Awards and continue to do so despite the recent events.  Like most businesses and charities, the Sussex Heritage Trust will face the same uncertain economic future in the up and coming months.  So, if you haven’t already thought about becoming a friend of the Sussex Heritage Trust now is the time to do so! Please click here to apply to become a friend.

As always, do not hesitate to contact the Sussex Heritage Trust office on 01243 576 524 or by email if you have any further enquiries.

Tickets now available for Sussex Heritage Trust Awards Lunch and Ceremony

The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will take place on Wednesday 25^th November 2020 at Pangdean Old Barns, Pyecombe. Tickets are £70 each.  To purchase a ticket please contact the administrative office on 01243 576 524 or email: office@sussexheritagetrust.org

For further details about the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards please go to the Awards section on our website.

Launch of Sussex Heritage Trust Awards 2020

On Tuesday 11^th February 2020, the Sussex Heritage Trust called for new entries to its Awards scheme. This much-loved and anticipated annual Awards is the only Sussex-wide Heritage Awards supporting excellence in conservation, restoration and good design of newly built projects, whilst also encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts.

The Charleston Trust’s Barns and Galleries won a Sussex Heritage Trust Award in the Public and Community category last year. Celebrated by the judging panel as “a stunning and beautiful restoration of Sussex barns juxtaposed with contemporary new gallery spaces”, the Barns were the setting for the launch of the 2020 Awards.

Chairman, Simon Knight DL welcomed guests including the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Violet Hancock and the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Davina Irwin-Clark. Friends and supporters of the Awards also heard from Nathaniel Hepburn, Director of Charleston and Jolyon Brewis, Trustee of Charleston and Partner at Grimshaw – which has seen his architectural portfolio include the Sussex Heritage Trust Award winning building the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Headquarters at Goodwood, Chichester.

The Chairman of Sussex Heritage Trust, Simon Knight DL, said: “I was lucky enough to judge Charleston’s wonderful Barns and Galleries last year and cannot think of a more fitting venue in the iconic centre of the Bloomsbury Group to launch the prestigious Sussex Heritage Trust Awards for 2020. The Sussex Heritage Trust thank headline sponsor: Gatwick Airport Limited and launch sponsors: Toovey’s, Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers and all our other friends and sponsors of the Awards”.

The Director of Charleston, Nathaniel Hepburn, said: “Charleston was honoured to be the recipient of a Sussex Heritage Trust Award in 2019 for our restored barns and new art galleries and we are delighted to be hosting the launch of The Sussex Heritage Trust’s 2020 awards at Charleston.”

The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will be taking entries across nine categories including the Sussex Heritage Trust Person of the Year until Friday 27^th March 2020. Winners will receive a hand-crafted slate plaque presented by President of the Trust, Lord Egremont on Wednesday 8^th July 2020 at Pangdean Old Barns, Pyecombe. For an entry pack and to enter the Awards please go to www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk or email: office@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk

Pyramid of Eccentric Sussex Gentleman under Threat

For any of you who have visited Brightling in East Sussex, you cannot possibly have missed the Pyramid Mausoleum of John (Mad Jack) Fuller, the Georgian Squire of the village. He achieved great prominence during his lifetime, both controversial and philanthropic. He was an MP who could not be ignored, he supported artists (including Turner), scientists and garden designers. He granted large sums of money to the Royal Institution, part of which funded a professorship for Michael Farraday, the man who really started the production of electricity through his induction experiments.

The Mausoleum where Mr. Fuller is buried is now at the stage where, if we don’t do anything about it, it will go into irreparable decline and will not only spoil the whole presentation of the village and church, but also, will make it more difficult to encourage visitors to the area where, once they have seen the Pyramid, they can then undertake about a 7 mile walk around various follies. Mr. Fuller dotted these around his Parkland here in an AONB. It is a walk which will stretch the eyes to the distant coastal views, expand the chest with fresh air and generally give you a real sense of wellbeing. It will also feed the romantic side of your soul – the follies really do enhance.

Come and visit Brightling (TN32 5HH) and see for yourself. Pick up a brief history of the follies on sale inside the church. Admire the bust of John Fuller in the church. Bring a picnic and your wellingtons – get out there.   You may even be moved to help fundraise to reach our target of £45,000.

For further details of the project or to add your support please email fullernew@gmail.com

The City of Brighton and Hove Commemorates Antarctic Pioneer

The City of Brighton and Hove is to commemorate Edward Bransfield R.N. (1785-1852), the navigator and explorer who discovered Antarctica in 1820, by erecting a Blue Plaque on his former home in Brighton. The ceremony will take place at 11 Clifton Road on January 30, 11.30 for 11.45am 2020 to mark the 200^th anniversary, to the day, of Bransfield’s pioneering discovery which began the celebrated era of Antarctic exploration and later featured Captain Robert Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Edward Bransfield lived in Clifton Road from 1847 to early 1851 and later moved to 61 London Road where died on October 30, 1852 at the age of 67. He is buried in the Extra-Mural Cemetery, Brighton.

The Brighton and Hove Commemorative Plaque Panel has approved the Blue Plaque with the support of the Remembering Edward Bransfield Committee. The unveiling ceremony will be performed by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Alan Robins, with Rear Admiral Richard John Lippiett CB. CBE. DL in attendance.

The Plaque Panel set up by Brighton & Hove City Council VisitBrighton in 2005 is the successor to schemes run originally by Brighton and Hove Corporations and the Regency Society. The first plaques in Brighton appeared in 1925 and the scheme is now believed one of the oldest initiatives for plaque installations in the world, apart from that in London.

The Remembering Edward Bransfield Committee is a voluntary group established to commemorate Bransfield and to erect a monument in his birthplace of Ballinacurra, Cork. After arranging support from international and Irish sources, the monument is to be unveiled on January 25th, 2020.

BRIGHTON & HOVE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE PANEL                              

REMEMBERING EDWARD BRANSFIELD COMMITTEE

Bursary to support heritage crafts at risk

The Sussex Heritage Trust opened their bursary scheme for 2020 for young people and those looking to retrain in building conservation based in Sussex.  The Trust has recently received funding for the courses from The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust and Historic Houses, South East.

In March 2019 the Heritage Crafts Association updated The Red List of Endangered Crafts – which looks at the vitality of traditional heritage crafts in the UK and identify those crafts most risk of disappearing.  Brick making, Flint Knapping and Tile making (floor and wall) all featured as endangered crafts.   We are delighted to announce three students have been awarded bursaries in courses including conservation and repair of brick and flint masonry and practical flint walling.

Full or part time bursaries are offered to cover costs of building conservation courses.  Most recently students have been rewarded for courses at the Weald and Downland Living Museum and West Dean College of Arts and Conservation.

A previous bursary recipient who attended a Oak Timber Framing course at Weald and Downland Living Museum, said: “The course gave me an insight to gain a deeper understanding about selecting each specific tool of the sequence it demands to achieve a highly crafted piece of work.  This has driven my desire to work in conservation.”

Simon Knight DL, Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust, said: “We are very grateful to The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust and Historic Houses, South East for funding the bursary scheme, which has allowed us to continue to offer much needed support to endangered traditional heritage crafts.”

For further details of the Sussex Heritage Trust Bursary Scheme please check our website or contact the office on office@sussexheritagetrust.org.uk

Outstanding Private Home hosts Sussex Heritage Trust Dinner

Firle Place hosts fundraising dinner for heritage in Sussex

The evening of Wednesday 16th October saw over hundred guests enjoy the hospitality of the Gage Family at Firle Place. The black-tie dinner raised funds for the Trust’s work to support the conservation and heritage movement in Sussex.

The dinner, supported by Adams and Remers, featured Dr Anna Keay OBE, Director of The Landmark Trust, as the after-dinner speaker. Speaking about her work at The Landmark Trust – which looks after 200 buildings with a continuing role to acquire buildings at risk transforming them using traditional skills and crafts – she also is a television presenter, distinguished writer and historian. Anna was recently awarded an OBE for services in heritage.

Attended by guests from across Sussex including the President of the Sussex Heritage Trust, Lord Egremont and his wife, Lady Egremont, Lord and Lady Gage, Henry Gage; Patrons of the Trust: Lord Lloyd of Berwick and Dr John Godfrey; High Sheriff of West Sussex, Davina Irwin-Clark and Trustees and Friends of the Sussex Heritage Trust.

The black-tie dinner and drinks reception took place in the Great Hall and Long Gallery at Firle Place, hosting some of the house’s impressive collections including works by van Dyck and Thomas Chippendale. The evening concluded with a lively auction conducted by The Reverend Rupert Toovey, of Toovey’s, Fine Art & Antique Auctioneers, which raised over £19,000 to support the Trust’s charitable aims to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural landscape of Sussex.

Simon Knight DL, Chairman of the Trust said: “We are very grateful to Lord and Lady Gage, and Henry Gage for hosting our fundraising dinner at their outstanding family home. To have access to such beautiful house and surroundings for our guests and supporters made for a very special evening. Thanks also much go to our dinner sponsors Adams & Remers, Ridgeview for supplying the award winning English sparkling wine for the drinks’ reception, Jackson-Stops, Mid Sussex for sponsoring the flowers and Harvey’s Brewery for the wine during dinner.”

For details about the Sussex Heritage Trust and to become a Friend please go to www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk

Photographs: Sarah Olivier Photography

Victorian hydrant restored in Eastbourne after being ‘put in a skip’

A Victorian cast-iron water hydrant installed in Eastbourne town centre during the horse-drawn transport era to fill water carts has been restored to its former glory – after being accidentally removed by workmen.

Historian Frank Woods discovered that one of the last remaining Victorian water-posts in Gildredge Road had been inadvertently ripped out by contractors working on the town centre improvement scheme. The full details of the story and further images can be found here.

TICKETS NOW SOLD OUT FOR SUSSEX HERITAGE TRUST BIENNIAL DINNER

Wednesday 16th October 2019 at Firle Place, Firle

Sponsored by Adams and Remers LLP

Lord and Lady Gage will welcome the Sussex Heritage Trust to their home, Firle Place for the 2019 Biennial Dinner.  Firle Place is an outstanding privately-owned country house in Sussex that dates form the time of Henry VIII.

The dinner will take place in the Great and Little Hall, with pre-dinner drinks kindly provided by Ridgeview and canapes in the Long Gallery.  Following the four-course dinner with wine provided by Harvey’s Brewery, the speaker will be Dr Anna Keay OBE, Director of The Landmark Trust.  The flowers have been sponsored by Jackson-Stops, Lindfield.

We look forward to welcoming our guests at what promises to be a wonderful evening.

ROLAND BRYCE: Carmina ex Ruinas – Sunday 29th September 2019, doors open at 6pm

Roland Bryce is a composer and a music technology tutor at the East Sussex Academy of Music.

His new work, Carmina ex Ruinas, (Songs from the ruins) is a set of songs, plus narration, inspired by the stones from the ruins of Priory of Saint Pancras in Lewes.

A musical drama traced around the 1538 destruction by Sappers and Sr. Portinari of the Lewes Priory, at the behest of Cromwell and the monarch. The musicians and actor portray the story of an itinerant Monk who witnesses the events around the 20th to the 24th March 1538. The fiction is well keyed into historical accuracy and the poignancy of the story and the music combine to make a new and very ‘Lewes work’.

The songs feature transcribed phrases of Gregorian chant with a blend of functional harmony and modern textures including some synthesizer timbres that support the vocals.

Venue: St Mary’s Church, Church Hill, Ringmer, Lewes BN8 5JX

Entry: £10 at the door (portion of proceeds to Prostate Cancer UK)

Sussex: West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)

Chairman, Dr John Godfrey attended the launch of the new Sussex: West volume in Pevsner’s Buildings of England series on 11th June at Arundel Castle.  The original edition was published in the 1960s and was quite a slim volume, covering both East and West Sussex. The new, revised Sussex: East volume came out in 2013 and the companion Sussex: West has just been published.

One of the authors Elizabeth Williamson launched the new volume and a copy of her speech can be found here Launch Speech.

A copy of the book can be purchased at www.yalebooks.co.uk

Weald & Downland Museum – Annual Building Conservation Conference

Building Conservation conference: Stone

Tuesday 24 September 2019

2019 building conservation conference will focus on Stone in historic buildings: conservation, materiality and skills.

There will be plenty of time for discussion, a chance to view various materials at the Museum during the break or after the end of the formal presentations, as well as networking opportunities.

Speakers include: David Odgers (Conservation Consultant), Chris Wood (Historic England), Martin Higgins (Historic Buildings Officer, Surrey CC), Adam Stone (Director of Chichester Stoneworks; Training role at the Worshipful Company of Masons), Matthias Garn (Master Mason), Ross Lovett (Head Mason, Winchester Cathedral), Andrew Ziminski (Mason Conservator, Director of Minerva Stone). Day Chair: Dr Gill Chitty, University of York.

For full programme and to book online:
https://www.wealddown.co.uk/courses/building-conservation-conference-stone/

Record Number of Winners for Heritage Awards

The 2019 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards were announced on Wednesday 3rd July at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe with a record number of Award winners and Highly Commended projects.  

The 21st anniversary of the Awards scheme saw 98 entries, with 27 Award winners including four building craft Awards and 32 Highly Commended projects. Dr John Godfrey, Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust said:  

“The increase in entries this year, from 76 in 2018 to 98, clearly underlines the regard and prestige which the Awards scheme now commands, across the whole of Sussex, including Brighton & Hove, and much further afield.”  

The Awards are designed to highlight excellence in architecture and conservation work in Sussex, representing the highest quality new build, conservation and rejuvenation projects.  

Both the Commercial (sponsored by Savills) and Public & Community (sponsored by Gatwick Airport) categories saw a particularly strong list of winners which included a public house, an hotel, a real tennis court, gallery spaces, a theatre and a railway station.  

Winners included: Gravetye Manor Hotel in West Hoathly (submitted by Pilbeam Construction) – a large new restaurant building and basement set within the underused asymmetrical yard of the world-famous Jacobean manor house (Grade I Listed); White Horse Inn at Sutton (submitted by Odile Griffith from Eclipse Partners Limited) – a project to conserve and develop an historic, listed country inn; the Volk’s Electric Railway, Aquarium Station and Visitor Centre in Brighton (submitted by ABIR Architects) – the world’s oldest working electric railway; and The Charleston Trust’s Barns and Galleries (submitted by The Charleston Trust), which the judges described as a “beautiful restoration of traditional Sussex barns juxtaposed with contemporary new gallery spaces has greatly added to this iconic centre of the Bloomsbury Group”.  

Terry Adsett FRICS was named Sussex Heritage Trust Person of the Year 2019. Terry is a Chartered Building Surveyor who has practised in Sussex for over 40 years. Having run his own successful architectural practice in Petworth for 27 years, he then joined Savills (Smiths Gore at the time) as a partner in 2000, before retiring in 2013. He now acts as a consultant most recently on the Award-winning Petworth House Tennis Court extension. Terry is also an accomplished watercolour artist and has exhibited at the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours.  

For a full list of Award winners and Highly Commended projects please go to www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk

Sussex Heritage Trust Award Entries are now closed!

The 2019 Award entries are now closed and all projects have been judged.  We have had a fantastic 94 entries this year – all of very high standard – so I am sure our team of 31 judges had quite the unenviable task of deciding who would win awards or highly commended certificates.

Winners will be announced at the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards luncheon on Wednesday 3rd July 2019 at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe.  Our president, Lord Egremont, will present winners with a beautiful hand-crafted slate plaque.

There are still very limited tickets available in the Stable area at the Awards lunch.  Please get in touch with the office on 01243 576 524 if you wish to reserve a place.

Winners of the K6 Phone Box Competition 2019

At its meeting on 18th April, The West Sussex Association of Local Councils (WSALC) Board was delighted to welcome the winners of the K6 phone Box competition, organised in association with Sussex Heritage Trust. The award ceremony was hosted by the WSALC Board this year because all three winning entries came from within the County.

In first place and awarded a SSALC voucher for £500 was Ansty & Staplefield PC with its imaginative entry of ‘Brook Street Library’ – an adaptation that not only accommodated shelves of books but two folding seats.

Second place and a £300 voucher was awarded to Parham PC for its ‘Greatham Poetry Booth’ entry, echoing the literary legacy for which the area is renowned.

In third place and a £100 voucher was Sutton & Barlavington PC with its well stocked and conveniently sited ‘ Information Point’ aimed at walkers and cyclists many of whom drop down from the South Downs Way and into this very small community.

Chichester architect and artist Neil Holland was present to represent the Sussex Heritage Trust, Neil commended the winners for their imagination and measures to preserve an iconic feature of our countryside.

WSALC President, Michael Chater presented the awards and hoped this would encourage many more entries for this year’s competition – details to be announced soon!

Private Tour of Clinton Lodge – Tickets Still Available

Lady Collum has generously invited the Sussex Heritage Trust to Clinton Lodge Gardens, Fletching for a private tour and canapés reception.

Clinton Lodge dates from the early 17th Century and has a garden of about six acres divided by hedges into small room reflecting periods of English Garden design.  Starting with a small knot garden, an Elizabethan herb garden with camomile paths and turfs seats, a pottage, wild flower meadow, a pre-Raphaelite allee of white rose, clematis and lilies, broad double borders of white, yellow and blue, the closed garden of old roses and a twentieth century swimming pool.  We are told at the of our visit the roses will be of exceptional quality.

The tour takes place on Tuesday 4th June from 5.30pm.  Tickets are £50 or £45 for Friends.  To book your ticket contact the Sussex Heritage Trust office.

Peter Carreras, 1921-2019

We were very sad to hear the passing of Peter Carreras on 25^thFebruary 2019.  Born in 1921, Carreras was a distinguished Sussex artist and printmaker.  Recognised as one of the county’s most lively and original print-makers, Carreras was educated in Worthing and where he continued to live.  “From the age of four,” he said, “either playing along the sea shore or, later, walking the Downs with my friends, I grew up feeling that Sussex was a part of me.”

Sussex Heritage Trust were very grateful in 2008, to receive from Peter Carreras, a collection of his prints which span a 25-year period of his life. The prints are hand worked by the artist in limited editions and are notable both for their imaginative quality and for their technical achievement.

The Trustees and Patrons pass on their deepest sympathy to his family and friends.  Mr Carreras’ funeral took place on Wednesday 20^thMarch 2019 at Worthing Crematorium.

New Deputy Lieutenants of West Sussex

Sussex Heritage Trust would like to congratulate Lady Emma Lavinia Barnard DL, of Parham Park, West Sussex, and Mr Gary Richard Shipton DL, Editor and Editorial Director in Sussex for JPIMedia, who have been recently appointed as new Deputy Lieutenants of West Sussex.

We wish them every success in their new role and would like to use this opportunity to thank them for being wonderful supports of the Trust. We very much look forward to working with them in their new capacity.

LIMITED TICKETS available for Awards Ceremony 2019

There are limited tickets available for the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards ceremony and lunch on Wednesday 3rd July at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe from 12.30pm.  You will enjoy the ceremony, a delicious two course lunch and a sparkling wine reception in beautiful gardens.

Tickets available at £60 each.  If you would like a ticket please get in touch with the Sussex Heritage Trust office as soon as possible info@sussexheritagetrust.com 

Gateway launches

2019 Heritage Awards

Headline Sponsor: Gatwick Airport

Launch sponsored by Thesis Asset Management and Toovey’s Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers 

The 2019 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards were launched at the Award-winning Weald & Downland Living Museum on Thursday 7th February 2019.  The Gateway Project, a new 850sqm visitor reception facility for the museum, has received a total of five Awards from the Trust.   

The launch of the Awards is an annual event to announce the official call for Award entries, which is now considered the most prestigious architectural and conservation programme in East & West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

The Gateway Project, described by the Award judging team as a “superb and welcoming space, thoughtfully reflecting the site and features of the museum”, reflects the aims of the Awards to recognise and reward high quality conservation, restoration and good design.   

The new building, comprising an entrance area, retail, galleries, café and other ancillary accommodation as well as community spaces, received three 2017 Building Craft Awards for the craftsmen involved in the English Shake Roof, a 2018 Building Craft Award for Andrew Holloway for the Green Oak Timber Frame and a 2018 Public and Community Award for the completed project, designed by ABIR Architects and constructed by A&F Pilbeam Construction.   

The Chairman, Dr John Godfrey welcomed guests including the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Harry Goring, High Sheriff of West Sussex, Caroline Nicholls as well as previous Award winners, sponsors, judges and friends of the Sussex Heritage Trust.   He particularly thanked Gatwick Airport as the headline sponsors of the Awards and the kind sponsors of the launch event: Thesis Asset Management and Toovey’s, Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers.  

The Chairman, Dr John Godfrey, DL, said:  “As a small charity we are very grateful to our sponsors, in particular Thesis and Toovey’s, who have helped us launch the prestigious 2019 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards. The Awards go from strength to strength with record number of entries and a sold-out Awards luncheon and ceremony in 2018.  I now look forward to receiving entries to the 2019 Awards.” 

The winners of the 2019 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will be presented by the President of the Trust, Lord Egremont, on Wednesday 3rd July at 12.30pm at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe.  The deadline for Entries is Thursday 28th March 2019, to enter the Awards please go to: www.sussexheritagetrust.org.uk or email: info@sussexheritagetrust.com  

A step back in time for Lady Penelope Gardens

Lady Penelope Gardens have stepped back in time to recreate an historic photograph from over 100 years ago which was uncovered by City & Country during research into the history of the King Edward VII Hospital estate in Midhurst, West Sussex.  The estate has been a winner of Sussex Heritage Trust Awards in both the Large Scale Residential and Landscape and Gardens category.  The black and white photograph shows patients working in the gardens.  Up to 75% of patients were given some form of work in the garden as therapy.

The gardens and grounds were a design collaboration between Percy Adams with extensive planting plans by Gertrude Jekyll (c1903). It is a classic example of an Arts and Craft garden.

The gardens have been restored and Lady Penelope Gardens are responsible for maintaining the historic gardens and grounds. This was when the idea to recreate the original photograph was born. “I suggested the idea that it would be great fun to recreate the original photograph and pay homage to the staff and patients whose home it was then” Director and Founder of Lady Penelope Gardens, Angela Palmerton said. “My team were very eager models! Not only are they highly skilled horticulturists, but also now professional models!”

Suzanne Aplin, Sale and Marketing Director of City & Country said “We absolutely love discovering the true history of the buildings and gardens that we restore. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Lady Penelope Gardens to bring the gardens back to life and acknowledge Gertrude Jekyll’s original designs”.

The gardens are listed on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens and at Horticulture Week Custodian Awards 2018, Lady Penelope Gardens were delighted to be Finalists in the Best Gardens or Arboretum (1-5 staff) for their work on this very special garden.

For further details about Lady Penelope Gardens and their work please go to www.ladypenelopegardens.com

A visit to the House of Lords

Friends and supporters of the Trust visited the House of Lords on Thursday 8th November, kindly sponsored by Lord Lytton.

The evening began with a presentation by Tom Healey.  Mr Healey is the Programme Director for the Restoration & Renewal of the Palaces of Westminster.  The 1,100 room Palace dates in its present form from the mid-19th Century and is a Grade I listed building.  The programme has been established to tackle the significant work that needs to be done to protect and preserve the historic fabric of the Palace of Westminster.

The sold out event was attended by over 80 guests from across Sussex who enjoyed a canapés reception with wine kindly supplied by Harvey’s Brewery.

Sussex Heritage Trust enjoy a private tour of Glynde Place

Sussex Heritage Trust enjoyed a private tour of Glynde Place on Tuesday 5 June. Friends and supporters of the Trust, were welcomed by Lord Hampden, who hosted the event.

The event celebrated Phase I and II of recent restoration work to the Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house. Winners of a 2017 Sussex Heritage Trust Award, the principal architects, Giles Quarme & Associates Design alongside Lord Hampden, showed the sensitive transformation to part of the building that now provides a home for 21st-century family living, whilst conserving and restoring the historic fabric.

The event was attended by over 80 guests from across Sussex including Giles Quarme and Natasha Brown (Giles Quarme & Associates), Jacquie Brunjes (Folkington Manor), Lady Collum, future High Sheriff of East Sussex and Trust Patron, Violet Hancock, Mr and Mrs Mark Driver (Rathfinny Estate) and Sir Clive and Lady Whitmore.

The afternoon tea took place in gallery overlooking the Glynde Estates, prepared by Champagne and Caviar.

Dr John Godfrey DL, Chairman of the Trust, said: “We are very grateful to Lord and Lady Hampden, Glynde Estates and Giles Quarme & Associates for enabling us to have such an insight into the restoration programme at Glynde Place. It was a very special afternoon for all our guests and friends and a wonderful demonstration of the importance of the Trust’s mission statement: ‘design for the future, respect the past’.”

SSALC launches 2018 K6 phone box competition in Sussex

Following the success by Ticehurst PC in winning last year’s award with Heathfield & Waldron PC as runner up, the 2018 competition is launched today in association with Sussex Heritage Trust.

We are looking for imaginative uses of K6 phone boxes in communities where the initiative has been supported by the local town or parish council. Across the Country 5,000  redundant phone boxes have now been adopted – so there will be one very close to you !

Such an imaginative use is that by Kingsbridge Town Council in Devon where, believe it or not, the phone box has been turned into a nightclub, complete with glitter ball, lighting and a sound system. Use of the dial a disc system costs £1 and all proceeds go the Kingsbridge Charity.

We look forward to something similarly imaginative in Sussex; the winner and runner up will be announced at the WSALC or ESALC Conferences in October when cash vouchers to be used against SSALC services will be awarded.

Entries with photographs and description are to be with SSALC CEO by Friday 7^th September and will be judged by an independent panel. More details on how to enter can be found here.

Registered Office change of address

As of 1 March 2018, the Sussex Heritage Trust registered office address is:

Sussex Heritage Trust
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
Singleton
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 OEU

All postal mail should still be sent to PO Box 769, Chichester PO19 9RT.

20^th Anniversary of Heritage Awards Launches

Sponsored by Harvey’s Brewery

The 2018 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards were launched at the award-winning Depot in Lewes on Tuesday 13^th February.   2018 marks the 20^th anniversary of the prestigious Awards scheme, designed to recognise and reward high quality conservation and restoration projects, good design of newly built projects and the use of traditional skills and crafts.

Depot in Lewes was the former Harvey’s Brewery depot site, which now houses an independent cinema and cafe.  The judging team in 2017 describe the completed project as “of exceptional attention to detail in every respect.”  We are again grateful to Harvey’s Brewery, a long-term supporter of the Awards scheme, for sponsoring the launch event.

The other 2017 winners ranged from Hound Lodge at Goodwood, Chichester to the i360 in Brighton and Glynde Place, an Elizabethan manor house which has undergone a comprehensive and continuing restoration programme.

Chairman of Sussex Heritage Trust, Dr John Godfrey DL, said:

“To reach the 20^th year of the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards scheme demonstrates the continued importance of supporting Sussex-wide architectural and conservation projects.  We are indebted to our sponsors: Gatwick Airport, The Hans & Marit Rausing Charitable Trust, Savills, Lawson Commercial, RH & RW Clutton , The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, Pilbeam Construction, Harvey’s Brewery and all corporate Friends and supporters.”

The winners of the 2018 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will be presented by the President of the Trust, Lord Egremont, on Wednesday 4 July at 12.30pm at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe.

To enter the 2018 Awards please go here or email: info@sussexheritagetrust.com

Sussex Heritage Trust December Newsletter

We have just published our newsletter: Sussex Heritage Matters, full of information and news about the Trust  Please click here to view.

Winner of Phone Box Competition Announced

Ticehurst Parish Council announced as the winner

In October, the Sussex Association of Local Councils (SALC) have announced the winner of a competition to find the most imaginative use of redundant K6 Red Telephone box in Sussex.

Ticehurst Parish Council won the Award, which included a certificate and £300 worth of SALC vouchers.  Lord Ampthill, President of East Sussex Association of Local Councils, presented the Award to Councillor Anne Cook of Ticehurst PC (left) on Friday 6th October. The runner up of the competition was Heathfield & Waldron PC.

For details of the Sussex Heritage Trust Red Telephone Box Campaign and for a free guide about how to preserve your red telephone box and change its use please click here.

40 years of heritage celebrated

Sussex Heritage Trust 40th anniversary dinner

Sussex Heritage Trust celebrated its 40th Anniversary at a black-tie dinner at Petworth House on Friday 6th October.  Hosted by the Trust’s President, The Rt. Hon. Lord Egremont and Lady Egremont, the dinner highlighted the Trust’s work to support the conservation movement in Sussex.

The dinner, supported by Nyetimber and RH & RW Clutton, featured Sandy Nairne CBE FSA, former Director of the National Portrait Gallery, as the after-dinner speaker.  Sandy is currently a Trustee of The National Trust and he spoke about his work with the Trust, alongside his distinguished career in the museums and galleries sector.

The dinner was attended by over 150 guests from across Sussex including the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Maureen Chowen DL; Patron of the Trust, Lord Lloyd of Berwick; former High Sheriffs of West Sussex, Denise Patterson DL and Mark Spofforth OBE DL; owner and chief executive of Nyetimber, Eric Heerema; former Private Secretary to Margaret Thatcher MP, Sir Clive Whitmore GCB CVO; and Trustee, Charles Anson CVO DL and his wife, historian and author Juliet Nicolson.

The black-tie dinner took place in The North Gallery at Petworth House, hosting some of the house’s impressive art collection, including works by Turner, Fuseli, Flaxman and Blake.  The evening concluded with a lively auction conducted by The Reverend Rupert Toovey, of Toovey’s, Fine Art & Antique Auctioneers, to further raise funds to support the Trust’s charitable aims to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural landscape of Sussex.

Dr John Godfrey DL, Chairman of the Trust, said: “We are very grateful to Lord & Lady Egremont, the National Trust and Sandy Nairne for enabling us to celebrate 40 years of the Sussex Heritage Trust’s work in the incomparable surroundings of Petworth House. It was a very special evening for all our guests and friends which will be remembered for many years to come and inspire us to continue our vital work in celebrating the natural and built environment of West & East Sussex and the city of Brighton & Hove.”

Nyetimber said: “The influence of the Sussex natural landscape on the quality of our celebrated sparkling wines cannot be overstated, which is why Nyetimber is honoured to be able to play a part in this evening, recognising the remarkable work of the Sussex Heritage Trust.”

RH & RW Clutton said: “RH & RW Clutton are delighted to be supporting the 40th anniversary dinner of the Sussex Heritage Trust at Petworth House on 6th October.”

40th ANNIVERSARY DINNER in the North Gallery, Petworth House, Friday, 6 October 2017

We thank Lord Egremont, our President, and Lady Egremont, who have generously invited us to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Sussex Heritage Trust.  

The dinner will be in The North Gallery and is sponsored by RH & RW Clutton.  The North Gallery has a fine collection of classical sculpture and pictures which includes works by Turner, Fuseli, Flaxman and Blake. An English sparkling wine reception, sponsored by Nyetimber, will take place in The Marble Hall.

We are also pleased to welcome Sandy Nairne CBE FSA, Trustee of the National Trust, as our after dinner speaker.  Sandy is a distinguished art historian and curator, with a distinguished career in the museums and galleries sector, and as a writer.

Following the dinner and speaker, there will be an auction conducted by The Reverend Rupert Toovey of Toovey’s, Fine Art & Antique Auctioneers. The full list of auction items is available in Auction Brochure and we welcome bids prior to the event.

Tickets for this exclusive event are now sold out.  For further details of the event or for information about the auction items please get in touch on 01243 576 524 or info@sussexheritagetrust.com 

Dinner kindly supported by:

Sparkling wine kindly supported by:

Conservation Bursary Opportunity for Sussex Young People 

The 2017 Sussex Heritage Trust Bursary Scheme was announced today, offering educational opportunities for young people based in Sussex.

Funded by the Historic Houses Association and supported by the Weald & Downland Living Museum, the bursary aims to support young people who are or hope to be in the construction industry.  The Weald & Downland Living Museum will be supporting the scheme, offering courses on Building Conservation techniques.

Full or part bursaries are offered to cover the cost of Weald & Downland Living Museum courses.  The Trust will also support successful students in contributing to any travel and accommodation costs they may incur.

Previous bursary recipient, Richard Toogood says: “I am a 25 year old self-employed heritage carpenter. The insight and confidence that these courses have given me is invaluable and is providing the foundation on which I will work with buildings of all types for the rest of my life.”

CEO of the Weald & Downland Living Museum, Martin Purslow says: “We are delighted to work in partnership with the Sussex Heritage Trust to support young adults at the beginning of their careers through training. The Museum provides the perfect environment to learn practical skills, find inspiration from our buildings and gain in confidence from contact with expert the craftspeople who tutor our courses.”

Chairman of the Sussex Heritage Trust, Dr John Godfrey says: “The Sussex Heritage Trust Bursary Scheme provides a great opportunity for young craftspeople in Sussex to improve their skills and we welcome the strong partnership we have developed with the Weald & Downland Living Museum to encourage traditional building techniques.”

For further details on the Sussex Heritage Trust Bursary Scheme please go to the Bursary Scheme page on our website or contact the Sussex Heritage Trust office on info@sussexheritagetrust.com

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS – ASHCOMBE TOLL HOUSE

Ashcombe, Lewes, East Sussex, Saturday 9th September and Sunday 10th September

This Toll House is the sole survivor of a pair that marked the beginning of the Brighton turnpike. It is on the south side of the A27 and was originally conceived as a store and shelter, the partner-building having accommodation for the turnpike keeper and his family. It was built circa 1820. The road was de-turnpiked in about 1870 and the larger Toll House sited on the north side of the road demolished in about 1868. The history of the toll house is of interest to young and old alike, as it yields an insight to travel in a bygone age.  To visit the Toll House over the weekend please visit: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/ashcombe-toll-house4

Guardian of Eastbourne Heritage wins Person of the Year: architect, Richard Crook, honoured by Sussex Heritage Trust

The Sussex Heritage Trust announced Richard Crook as the Sussex Heritage Person of the Year at their prestigious Award’s Presentation on Thursday July 6 at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe.

Richard Crook is currently the senior partner in John D Clarke Architects of Eastbourne, which he joined in 1987. He specialises in the care, restoration and extension of Listed Buildings which include the Eastbourne Heritage Centre, the Brewery Tower extension of the Grade I listed Harvey’s Brewery, the refurbishment of Harvey’s Brewery Grade II listed Jacobean offices, as well as many churches including the Ancient Monument of St. Helen’s Church, Ore.

Richard was born and bred in Eastbourne. He joined the Eastbourne Society in his early 20s and has been their architectural adviser for over 40 years. He has lectured widely on the development of Eastbourne and campaigned on a variety of issues including the retention and restoration of Victorian lampposts in the town. Chairman, Dr John Godfrey, DL, who announced the Awards, said

“There is little doubt of Richard Crooks commitment to the heritage of Sussex, in his day-to-day work as an architect. However, it is his love for Eastbourne and particularly Victorian architecture, which truly validates him as the Sussex Heritage Person of the Year.”

The Award, was one of 26 Awards announced this year at the sold out Awards luncheon, presented by President of the Trust, The Rt Hon Lord Egremont DL.

The Awards seek to recognise and reward high quality conservation, restoration and good design of newly built projects and encourage the use of traditional skills and crafts.