MICHELHAM PRIORY FAMILY EASTER WEEKEND

by | Mar 29, 2026

MICHELHAM PRIORY EASTER WEEKEND runs from 3 to 6 April and you can celebrate with family-friendly activities at Michelham Priory House & Gardens. There will be a variety of activities and entertainment, and younger visitors can take part in a special Easter Trail, created by the Friends of Michelham Priory, exploring the site as they hunt for clues and Easter surprises.

There will also be plenty happening across the weekend: The Michelham and Wolfshead Bowmen will be on site throughout the weekend, demonstrating traditional archery. Trevor the Tale Weaver will be sharing enchanting children’s stories on Friday 3 April. On Saturday 4 April, visitors can meet Mark with DoG the duck and Goldie, offering a fun and memorable experience for families.

On Sunday 5 and Monday 6 April, Nigel will be working in the forge, demonstrating traditional blacksmithing. All activities are included with normal admission, making it a great value day out. For those keen to try their hand themselves, have-a-go archery will also be available for a small additional charge. Food, drinks and lunches will be available at the Blue Door Café. The historic buildings and beautiful grounds provide plenty to see and do.

ARLINGTON BLUEBELL TRAIL (Bates Green Garden open Wednesdays & Saturdays only)

by | Mar 29, 2026

THE BLUEBELL TRAIL starts on Friday 3 April and runs until 10 May. You can find out all about it and the charities running the event each day, on the website at www.bluebellwalk.co.uk.

Since 1972 the Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail has developed into five interesting walks over two working farms whilst helping to raise money for local charities.

One walk of 2/3 mile (1100 meters) through Beatons Wood has been made suitable for wheelchair users. This is where you see white anemones followed by the vistas of bluebells, established over centuries. On this walk there are seats for you to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this oak and hornbeam wood. Along the walks there are signs illustrating the flora and fauna of the countryside for your information.

In 2026, viewing of the cows being milked at neighbouring Parkwood Farm is again not possible, as a major new state of the art circular milking parlour will unfortunately still not be open to the public, as it has been beset with adverse weather conditions and planning issues. Also, it takes time for the large herd of cows to get familiar with their new milking parlour. In 2027 we will be publicizing the opening of a new viewing gallery, which was incorporated in the design.

At Primrose Farm there is a horse livery, also this is where the young cattle for the dairy herd are housed in the winter months.

There are pens of Kerry Hill ewes and lambs, and female pygmy goats with their kids, for the children to see close up. Please ensure children wash their hands thoroughly with warm water and soap at the adjoining sink if they do stroke any of the animals.

The Bluebell Walk is managed by John McCutchan with the support of The Bluebell Walk Advisory Group, comprising of members of his family and others committed to ensuring that the Arlington Bluebell Walk continues to raise money for local charities. It could not operate without the participation of the many local charities, who welcome visitors and offer them delicious refreshments every day it is open.

The first week opens on Friday and Saturday with the Sussex Cancer Fund, Sunday and Monday with East Sussex Foster Care Association, Tuesday and Wednesday with the Children with Cancer Fund, Thursday and Friday with the Children’s Respite Trust.

CHARITY FIRE & LEGO WALK

by | Mar 24, 2026

A FIRE AND LEGO WALK for Charity is happening this Saturday 28 March on the Cattle Market site, Market Street, Hailsham BN27 2AG. This is a major fundraising event for Hailsham Lions and other local good causes and runs in association with UK Firewalk who are hosting this exciting event.

The Lions are a well-established and much-loved charity, while UK Firewalk is a trusted leader in this extraordinary adventure, having twenty years of experience and over one thousand successful events.

Several members of the Hailsham Club, including the president, have already registered to take part. Hailsham FM will provide the music, the market cafe will be serving hot food, and a variety of stalls will welcome visitors. What’s not to love. For further information contact Geraldine on 0345 833 9828 or email geraldine.gurr@btinternet.com.

Go along from 4pm for a great evening, an atmosphere lit up with burning embers and support these brave participants. Dust off those winter blues and raise money while having fun.

EASTER ADVENTURE DAY

by | Mar 24, 2026

This promises to be a fun filled day starting at 11.30am to 4.30pm with games for all ages, creative easter crafts, a special visit from the Easter Bunny and exciting prizes to be won. There will be fun fair games, a sweet stall, face painter and a Golden Egg Challenge. £4 per child, adults free. Refreshments available. Book at https://buytickets.at/slightlyquirkyevents/2114842.

THE DAVIDSON AFFAIR

by | Mar 23, 2026

THE DAVIDSON AFFAIR is a modern take on the events of Holy Week, based on the novel by Stuart Jackman. Executed for treason on Friday, Davidson (Jesus, the Son of David) is rumoured to be alive again on Sunday. Cass Tennel, TV reporter, flies to Jerusalem to investigate and finds himself plunged into a tense political crisis. Out of a tangle of conflicting reports, he struggles to construct a documentary programme, which will reflect the truth about Davidson. But what is the truth? And how can Tennel, his cameraman Greg, and the millions of viewers come to terms with it? Through interviews with Pilate, Caiaphas, Thomas, Zechariah, Mary Magdalen and Cleopas, the story unfolds. This production will be performed as an informal play for voices at All Saints Church, Herstmonceux, on Palm Sunday, March 29, at 6pm. Refreshments from 5pm. All welcome. Admission and refreshments are free of charge.