Hurst Festival Events

Artists' Open Studios - 17th-18th Sep

Whether you are buying or just looking, this is a unique chance to view a huge variety of contemporary and traditional art in a range of mediums - by both established and up and coming local...

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Unexpected Art - 17th-29th Sep

Following the great success of last year’s fantastic sculpture exhibition is a challenge, but we have risen to it!

We’ve asked people who are less advantaged in our community to share their talent and enthusiasm for art...

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Opening Parade - 17th Sep

STOP PRESS!

Red Zebra Drumming Workshop at 10 am at the Scout HQ FREE 17th September.

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Ninja Training Camp! - 17th Sep

Join Chris Bradford, author 
of the award-winning YOUNG SAMURAI series, and learn what it takes to become a ninja and a samurai. See an authentic samurai sword, listen to a 
dynamic all-kicking, all- 
punching book reading and...

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Furniture Painting Workshop - 17th Sep

Led by Tiffany Farrell, Head of Art at Hurstpierpoint College, a fascinating day exploring the 1930s style of the Bloomsbury artists of Charleston House. The day begins with a brief introduction to the styles and designs of these famous Sussex artists who developed unique arts and crafts items in the ‘Omega Workshops’.

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Superfunk Roller Disco - 17th Sep

Superfunk Roller Disco offers skaters of all abilities the chance to bounce, boogie and roll the afternoon away. With 600+ pairs of skates from UK sizes 2 to adult 13 for hire, and the option to...

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Face Painting - 17th Sep

After many years of travelling the globe, Naomi or NamNam www.namnams.co.uk as she is widely known, came to settle in sunny Brighton, where she has been painting faces since 2004.

A passionate and committed artist, Naomi takes...

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Pram Race - 17th Sep

An exciting competition for all the family.

Starts at 12 noon

St Lawrence School Field

Contact 
carey.tighe@btinternet.com
 to take part

Hurst Bellringers - 17th Sep

There will be a Quarter Peal of bells by the Bellringers of Holy Trinity Church to mark the beginning of the 2011 Hurst Festival.

Hurst Festival Ramble 1 - 17th Sep

The three walks this year (today, Saturday 24th September and Saturday 1st October) are from the Mid Sussex Ramblers’ varied programme of walks.

Mid Sussex Ramblers is your local group within the Ramblers national association.

This is an...

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Maracatu Cruzeiro do Sul - 17th Sep

Back again by public demand, Maracatu Cruzeiro do Sul will be performing. Along with vibrant costumes and dynamic movement the atmosphere and bass-heavy sound never fail to get people dancing!

Gig Inn The Garden - 17th Sep

After all the fun and energy of joining in with our community activities, why not enjoy a well earned drink and a sit down in The New Inn’s pretty walled garden and listen to some fabulous...

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Children’s Competition - 18th Sep

Children from local schools have been invited to participate in a Sandwich Design and a Smoothie/Shake competition. 
These competitions are open to all children aged between 7 and 11 years and the entries will be judged...

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Sussex Day - Local Foods, Agriculture and Crafts - 18th Sep

Pop in to our Sussex Day and share in our celebration of all things Sussex!

Throughout the day there will be a range of activities and demonstrations including cupcake decorating, wine making, brewing and the Slow Food...

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Fifty Heavenly Voices Sing! - Choir Workshop (10th and 18th) - 18th Sep

Saturday September 10th

There will be a preliminary workshop in Hurst College Music School between 11 am and 4.30 pm with a break for lunch between 1.00 and 2.00 pm. Bring your own lunch or visit...

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Songs and Things with Mike Reinstein - 18th Sep

Using his own songs and chants as well as things gathered from around and about, Mike Reinstein creates a safe and playful space for singing.

Mike is an experienced singer, songwriter and teacher who lives in Hassocks....

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Historic Hurst Walk with Ian Nelson - 18th Sep

SOLD OUT

Local historian Ian Nelson will take you on his popular walking tour of the historic locations of Hurstpierpoint.

An entertaining and knowledgeable guide, Ian makes this an afternoon to remember.

Tickets £2

Limited to...

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Guided Farm Walk - 18th Sep

This tour of the fields bordering Hurstpierpoint includes an opportunity to meet livestock farmers and to 
discuss food production issues.

The walk ends with refreshments at Grange Farmhouse, Bullfinch Lane. Led by local pig enthusiast, Hamish Raby.

4...

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Fifty Heavenly Voices Sing! - 18th Sep

The Festival has established a tradition, right from the first year, of putting on large scale choral concerts, open to everyone to sing or listen to. This year, we have commissioned our first work – a...

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Discover the Herbs around Hurst - 19th Sep

Join Medical Herbalists Tracy Goodman and Julie Padgham-Undrell on a herb walk around Hurstpierpoint. We will discover the rich and diverse range of herbs living alongside us in the village and learn about their folk history and medical uses...

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Things that go click in the night... - 19th Sep

Did you know there are around 2,500 species of moth in the UK? With names such as Scarlet Tiger, Maiden’s Blush and The Vapourer, these fascinating creatures come in a variety of sizes and colours.
The Woodland,...

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Soirée 1 - 19th Sep

The first of this year’s series of soirées introduces Kevin Carey’s second novel.

The Third Testament for the Third Millenniumis a complete 21st Century re-working of the New Testament which focuses on our world of mass consumerism,...

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Over 60s Tea Party with entertainment by 
members of Hurst Players - 20th Sep

Once again we are holding our special Festival Tea for the Over 60s. Members of the Hurst Players will provide the comic entertainment.

FREE  
but tickets will be needed from the Festival Box Office or the chairman...

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Soirée 2 - 20th Sep

Historic Cobb’s Mill hosts the trio who will be performing works by Britten and Mahler. There is a tour of the Mill available before it starts.                                            

Nicholas Bosworth (piano)

Michele Restieux(mezzo soprano)

Philip Harradine Robinson (tenor)

Britten 
Abraham and Isaac...

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Julie Hall and Robert Eggleston ***Buy 1 get 1 free*** - 20th Sep

Julie Hall’s musical roots are firmly in the folk and acoustic tradition and she blends traditional songs and tunes with original compositions. Julie is a trained violinist and singer whose first album Bluebells Rising was released...

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The 39 Steps - 20th Sep

Patrick Barlow’s Olivier Award winning stage adaptation, based on John Buchan’s gripping whodunit –memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935.

Nothing has been cut from this hilarious and spectacular version of Britain’s most spell-binding thriller – legendary...

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Historic Hurst Walk with Ian Nelson - 21st Sep

Local historian Ian Nelson will take you on his popular walking tour of the historic locations of Hurstpierpoint.

An entertaining and knowledgeable guide, Ian makes this an afternoon to remember.

Tickets £2

Limited to 10 people

Starts at 2.30 pm...

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Much Ado About Nothing - 21st Sep

Festival Shakespeare Company

This is a wonderful first for the Festival! The Great Hall at Danny has hosted recitals, concerts and readings of all sorts, and the park hosted the Medieval Fair in 2009, but we’ve always...

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The 39 Steps - 21st Sep

Patrick Barlow’s Olivier Award winning stage adaptation, based on John Buchan’s gripping whodunit –memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935.

Nothing has been cut from this hilarious and spectacular version of Britain’s most spell-binding thriller – legendary...

More details...

Much Ado About Nothing - 22nd Sep

Festival Shakespeare Company

This is a wonderful first for the Festival! The Great Hall at Danny has hosted recitals, concerts and readings of all sorts, and the park hosted the Medieval Fair in 2009, but we’ve always...

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Soirée 3 - 22nd Sep

Hurstpierpoint College 
Baroque Ensemble

The third of our musical soirées in private houses around the village. Pupils at the College will delight you on this evening with their baroque repertoire.


Limited to 30 People

Village Reads - 22nd Sep

Meet to review the read of the summer!

Join the panel to dissect and discuss what you thought of Brighton Rock by Graham Greene and enjoy a glass of wine. With now 2 films to compare to...

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The 39 Steps - 22nd Sep

Patrick Barlow’s Olivier Award winning stage adaptation, based on John Buchan’s gripping whodunit –memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935.

Nothing has been cut from this hilarious and spectacular version of Britain’s most spell-binding thriller – legendary...

More details...

Children Sing at Ribbetts House - 23rd Sep

Children from Hurst College Prep School are visiting Ribbetts House again this year to sing to the residents. Year 5 pupils will perform a variety of short pieces to entertain and engage their audience at this...

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In The Twilight Zone - The Magical Family Experience - 23rd Sep

Join us for an early evening party for all the family with international magician and illusionist Max Somerset who is sure to amaze with his brilliant and individual style of magic.

Refreshments included

Much Ado About Nothing - 23rd Sep

Festival Shakespeare Company

This is a wonderful first for the Festival! The Great Hall at Danny has hosted recitals, concerts and readings of all sorts, and the park hosted the Medieval Fair in 2009, but we’ve always...

More details...

The 39 Steps - 23rd Sep

Patrick Barlow’s Olivier Award winning stage adaptation, based on John Buchan’s gripping whodunit –memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935.

Nothing has been cut from this hilarious and spectacular version of Britain’s most spell-binding thriller – legendary...

More details...

Artists' Open Studios - 24th-25th Sep

Whether you are buying or just looking, this is a unique chance to view a huge variety of contemporary and traditional art in a range of mediums - by both established and up and coming local...

More details...

Hurstpierpoint
 Horticultural 
Society - 24th Sep

Autumn Show

Classes include chrysanthemums, dahlias, garden flowers, vegetables, fruit, cookery and children’s section.  Exhibiting is free to all and schedules explaining how to enter are available from Gibsons, the greengrocers in Hurstpierpoint High Street. 
Home-made cake and...

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Much Ado About Nothing - 24th Sep

Festival Shakespeare Company

This is a wonderful first for the Festival! The Great Hall at Danny has hosted recitals, concerts and readings of all sorts, and the park hosted the Medieval Fair in 2009, but we’ve always...

More details...

The 39 Steps - Extra matinee show - 24th Sep

Additional performance by popular demand

Patrick Barlow’s Olivier Award winning stage adaptation, based on John Buchan’s gripping whodunit –memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935.

Nothing has been cut from this hilarious and spectacular version of...

More details...

Hurst Festival Ramble 2 - 24th Sep

Mid Sussex Ramblers is your local group within the Ramblers national association.

Another excellent opportunity to sample ther walks and there is no charge.

Festival Walk 2 - Circular walk to the west and north
5.5 miles (approximately 2¹/₂  hours).

Circular...

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Richard Durrant - The Guitar Whisperer - 24th Sep

There is no other guitar concert on tour anywhere in the world like Richard Durrant’s Guitar Whisperer. 
He takes us first to Paraguay then to Spain and beyond. We hear Debussy, JS Bach on the humble...

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The 39 Steps - 24th Sep

Patrick Barlow’s Olivier Award winning stage adaptation, based on John Buchan’s gripping whodunit –memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935.

Nothing has been cut from this hilarious and spectacular version of Britain’s most spell-binding thriller – legendary...

More details...

Hurst College Art Studio 
Open House - 25th Sep

Tiffany Farrell, Head of Art at Hurstpierpoint College, warmly invites you to wander around the art studios and view a range of art work from its senior pupils. Come and find out what young artists at...

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Interactive Story Telling with Richard Young - 25th Sep

Story telling is a vital skill as children develop as readers and writers.  Focusing on classic children’s and anecdotal tales from around his farm, Richard sparks children’s imaginations as he makes stories come to life, often...

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Historic Hurst Walk with Ian Nelson - 25th Sep

Local historian Ian Nelson will take you on his popular walking tour of the historic locations of Hurstpierpoint.

An entertaining and knowledgeable guide, Ian makes this an afternoon to remember.

Tickets £2

Limited to 10 people

Starts at 2.30 pm...

More details...

Discover the Herbs around Hurst - 25th Sep

Join Medical Herbalists Tracy Goodman and Julie Padgham-Undrell on a herb walk around Hurstpierpoint. We will discover the rich and diverse range of herbs living alongside us in the village and learn about their folk history and medical uses...

More details...

Young Writers’ Workshop - ‘How to Write a Scary Story’ 
with Charlotte Raby - 25th Sep

How do you write a story that grips your audience and sends shivers down your spine?

Come along to this writers’ workshop hosted by Charlotte Raby to find out. 

Work together to create characters, settings and plots that...

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A Celebration of Dance - 25th Sep

Come and join us at this vibrant celebration of dance at the wonderful Bury Theatre at Hurstpierpoint College.

There will be a fabulous programme of varied acts from local schools to professional performers.

The event will cover a...

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Soirée 4 ***Buy 1 get 1 free*** - 25th Sep

Rattlebag Writers 

Rattlebag Writers are a group of poets and story writers who meet together at the Unitarian Church in Ditchling once a month to support, encourage and help each other in their work. They have been...

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Soirée 5 - 26th Sep

Benavente

The Benavente Quintet and Trio are named after the guitar-playing Marquis de Benavente for whom Boccherini arranged a number of his own works for guitar and string quartet. The ensemble was founded in 2009 to...

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An Evening with Fergus Anckorn - 26th Sep

We are delighted to welcome back Fergus Anckorn this year in a larger venue to tell us more about his amazing life, its coincidences and his experiences as a young soldier, and survival as a Japanese...

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Interactive Story Telling with Richard Young - 27th Sep

Story telling is a vital skill as children develop as readers and writers.  Focusing on classic children’s and anecdotal tales from around his farm, Richard sparks children’s imaginations as he makes stories come to life, often...

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Up - 27th Sep

There can be little doubt that Pixar make the best animated films going and Up is a strong challenger to Toy Story 3 as the best ever. This film will make anyone between the ages of...

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Wonder Boys - 18:00 - 27th Sep

This is a neglected comic gem from Curtis Hanson, director of LA Confidential. In possibly his best ever performance, Michael Douglas plays totally against type as Grady Tripp, a confused, pot smoking, one-hit wonder novelist, turned...

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Heaven and Earth - The Lewes Singers ***Buy 1 get 1 free*** - 27th Sep

Beautiful Music in the beautiful setting of Sayers Common Church

Under the direction of their conductor Nicholas Houghton

This talented group of singers present a delightful programme of favourite English Madrigalsand Motets surrounding a performance of William Byrd’s...

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An Evening with David Gold - 27th Sep

We are delighted that David returns to the Festival after being guest speaker at our first ‘celebrity dinner’  in 2007.  Businessman, entrepreneur, raconteur, and – of course – Chairman of West Ham Football Club, David will...

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Wonder Boys - 20:00 - 27th Sep

This is a neglected comic gem from Curtis Hanson, director of LA Confidential. In possibly his best ever performance, Michael Douglas plays totally against type as Grady Tripp, a confused, pot smoking, one-hit wonder novelist, turned...

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Historic Hurst Walk with Ian Nelson - 28th Sep

Local historian Ian Nelson will take you on his popular walking tour of the historic locations of Hurstpierpoint.

An entertaining and knowledgeable guide, Ian makes this an afternoon to remember.

Limited to 10 people

Starts at 2.30 pm from...

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Soirée 6 - 28th Sep

Anne Hodgson (flute)
Sally Course (harp)

Anne Hodgsonwas a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal College of Music, and went on to study at Trinity College of Music with Ann Cherry and then with Averill Williams at the Guildhall...

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The Maydays - 28th Sep

The Maydays present All About You a totally improvised show where every scene, line and song is made up on the spot. Audience members are invited to tell a true story from their life which can...

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Cake at the College - 29th Sep

Following last year’s success, the College warmly welcomes you back for another gentle afternoon of music and cake! Senior School pupils will be performing a varied repertoire of songs and music for your pleasure. Local groups...

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The History Boys - by Alan Bennett - 29th Sep

“The best moments in reading are when you come across something - 
a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - that you’d thought special, particular to you. And here it is, set down...

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The Maydays - 29th Sep

The Maydays present All About You a totally improvised show where every scene, line and song is made up on the spot. Audience members are invited to tell a true story from their life which can...

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Book Night with Charlotte Raby and Ella Berthoud - 29th Sep

Are you daunted by choices? Bored by Bestsellers? And have you lost the pleasure of falling into a good read?  Rekindle that reading excitement!

Wherever you are in life and whatever it has thrown your way, there...

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Drama Workshop -
for Children Aged 7 to 11 - 30th Sep

A chance for children aged 7 – 11 years to discover and experiment with their talents in drama in a workshop led by teachers and performers, Luke Gasper and Sarah London.

Limited to 20 children

The History Boys - by Alan Bennett - 30th Sep

“The best moments in reading are when you come across something - 
a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - that you’d thought special, particular...

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Soirée 7 - 30th Sep

Michael Dolovich

Pianist Michael Dolovich was born in Canada. He studied piano with John Melnyk and in England with the late John Bigg.

Twice a national prize winner in his home country, Michael has given concerts in Canada,...

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The Maydays Improvised Comedy Workshops 1-10am - 1st Oct

 CANCELLED 

Unleash your creative potential and increase your confidence with improvised comedy! ‘Improv’ uses no scripts or prepared material.

Comedy is created in the moment: a playful and liberating experience, which is both very funny...

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Machine Embroidered 
Landscapes Workshop - 1st Oct

Tutor - Wendy Dolan                

Enjoy a day of fun and use your basic domestic sewing machine to create a unique, machine stitched landscape. Learn how to ‘draw’ with your thread, using freehand machine embroidery. Dyed fabrics...

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The Maydays Improvised Comedy Workshops 2 - 1pm - 1st Oct

 CANCELLED 

Unleash your creative potential and increase your confidence with improvised comedy! ‘Improv’ uses no scripts or prepared material.

Comedy is created in the moment: a playful and liberating experience, which...

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Meet the Authors Luke Temple - 1st Oct

What better place is there to be? The Secret Theatre, Luke’s most recent title is a tale of mysterious buildings, spooky encounters and exciting adventures. Where will Luke take you today? An interactive storytelling session ideal...

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Meet the Authors Nicholas Allan - 1st Oct

Perennially popular with the Under 6’s Nicholas  has kept young children amused and reading with The Queen’s Knickers and Father Christmas Needs A Wee Join Nicholas to find out what happens in this interactive story session...

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Bits & Pieces or a Ceramic Miscellany with Anton Gabszewicz - 1st Oct

Special Offer - Buy 1 get 1 Free

This is a first for us! It is this year’s entirely new sort of event and has been asked for by several Friends of Hurst Festival.  We...

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Hurst Festival Ramble 3 - 1st Oct

Mid Sussex Ramblers is your local group within the Ramblers national association.

Another excellent opportunity to sample ther walks and there is no charge.

Festival Walk 3 of 3.Circular walk to the south 6 miles with one steep...

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The Hamsters 25th Year and Farewell Tour! - 1st Oct

Retiring after 25 years together and
here for one final show in the area -
the guitar, bass and drum trioThe Hamsters have long been established as one of our premier live attractions.

Although primarily playing their own brand...

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Harvest Lunch - 2nd Oct

The Parish Church celebrates Harvest Thanksgiving at 9.45 am on Sunday 2nd October and this will be followed, at 1 pm, by a traditional harvest lunch at the Scout Headquarters.

All are welcome.

Festival of Praise - 2nd Oct

Now thank we all our God with hearts and hands and voices

The Methodist church has held a service at the end of the Festival for several years. This year you are invited to tea on Sunday 2nd...

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