TALK: A COMPANY OF CRITTERS
At the Ray and Sheldon Social Club for over 60s. All welcome. Entry is £4 which includes raffle and refreshments.
THE GARDEN SHOW
THE GARDEN SHOW is coming to Herstmonceux Castle from 17 to 19 April on Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm (last entry 4pm) and Sunday 10am to 4pm (last entry 3pm). Entitled Art, Design, Your Garden and You and taking over Herstmonceux Castle which is set within beautiful historic grounds. The show brings together over 170 exhibitors, including specialist plant growers, garden retailers, artisan makers and local independent businesses. Visitors can browse garden goods, homeware, furniture, fashion accessories and delicious country foods, alongside live craft demonstrations in the Studio Shops and Weald Craft Tent.
A full programme of expert talks and attractions will run throughout the three days. Gardening expert Paul Slater will be on hand daily to answer plant-related questions and will present a daily talk “Life Changing Small Gardens”, demonstrating how to make the best of any space. On Friday Tracy Mackness, the founder of The Giggly Pig and long-standing exhibitor at The Garden Shows, will give an inspirational talk ‘From Banged Up to Bangers’ reflecting on how an Essex bad girl made good. On Saturday, entomologist Dr Ian Bedford, will host a Pest Clinic, identifying insect samples brought in by visitors and offering eco-friendly gardening solutions. He will also present a talk on “The Slimy Truth about Slugs’. Ben Cross of Crosslands Nursery returns on Sunday to share insights into the British Cut Flower Industry, championing the message that ‘British Flowers Rock’.
Family-friendly entertainment includes birds of prey displays, live music, Morris dancing, children’s activities and visitors can also enjoy guided tours of Herstmonceux Castle and explore the castle grounds and gardens at a reduced rate when purchased with a Garden Show ticket.
The Garden Show promises an inspiring and enjoyable day out for all ages, celebrating gardens, creativity and the joy of outdoor living, life truly is wonderful in your garden.
Tickets prices on the gate are adults £14, concessions £12, child £5 (4yrs and under FOC), family £35 (2A & 4C). Pre-booked tickets online are 15 % discounted and offer a safer, fast track, guaranteed entry. Visit the Castle Grounds and Gardens: £6 when purchased with a Garden Show ticket, guided tours of the Castle at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Book and pay at the Front Castle Entrance: £7. www.herstmonceux-castle.com. The wonderful charity ‘Event Mobility’ will be at the show. To pre-book an electric scooter, either go to their website or give them a call at
www.eventmobility.org.uk or 01386 725391.
No dogs allowed in the Showground or in the Castle (except those needed to assist). However, dogs are welcome in the Castle grounds and Gardens.
WHITE HORSE QUIZ NIGHT
A PUB QUIZ WITH COUNTDOWN is being held at The White Horse Inn, Bodle Street Green BN27 4RE on Wednesday 11 March at 7pm. Dinner must be booked 48 hours in advance on 01323 833243 and is a chilli con carne or three bean chilli with rice and garlic bread with cheese and will be served at 8pm.
LITTLE MESSY MAKERS
A fun, relaxed messy play session for children aged 6 months to 5 years and it is coming to the James West Community Centre, Brunel Drive, Hailsham from 12 March between 10.15 and 11.15am. The sessions are filled with colours, textures and sensory activi-ties designed to encourage creativity, confidence and learning through play. Mess is encouraged, stress free for parents. Booking details to be advised.
RAY RUSSELL CONCERT AT THE PAVILION
LOCAL MUSICIAN RAY RUSSELL and also composer, producer and virtuoso guitarist is back at the Pavilion for another hometown gig, with his prestigious band and a whole set of new material for 2026.
Regarded by some as one of the most prolific recording artists in British Music history, Ray has been busy recording yet another album titled, ‘We Are Here’.
Co–producing and mixing the album, is his old friend Greg Walsh, who has worked with many internationally recognised artists most notably Tina Turner (with Ray Russell), Pink Floyd, Chicago, Luciano Pavarotti and Kate Bush.
Join Ray and the band at the Hailsham Pavilion and together we can say ‘We are Here’. The show is on Saturday 21 March at 7.30pm at Hailsham Pavilion. Tickets in person from the box office, by phone on 01323 841414 or online at www.hailshampavilion.co.uk.