We would love to welcome you to join us for these events whether you are a member of the Association or not but please let us know in advance if you intend to come so we can keep you updated if details change at the last minute. Also, if you have booked a place and then can’t make it, please let us know as soon as possible so somebody else can take the place and we don’t waste time waiting for somebody who isn’t going to turn up.

Sunday 1st December
Annual General Meeting at 2pm in the Durbar Hall. All members welcome. All documents will be available on this website nearer the time.

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Sunday 13th October
The Durbar Hall was packed for Kevin Boorman’s fascinating talk on Hastings’ railways. Kevin shared his lifetime enthusiasm for his home town and its railway history with many anecdotes, historic details and memorabilia.

Saturday 3rd August
On Saturday 3rd August, members enjoyed a fascinating and very informative tour of St Clements and All Saints churches in Hastings Old Town. Ken Bentall talked to us about the Rossetti Heritage as displayed in the current exhibition in St Clements. Dante Gabriel married Elizabeth Siddal in St Clements in 1860 and lived in All Saints Street. Then Judy Cubison explained the history of the stained glass windows before leading us across to All Saints to learn more about the history of this “fishermen’s church”.
More information about the churches https://oldtownparishhastings.org.uk/

Saturday 22nd June
Comment from our Treasurer, Dee Daly:
“Just got back from a really fascinating walk and talk led by Bruce Dowling (former Mayor and Head of Parks & Gardens at Hastings Council) of Alexandra Park for the Hastings and St Leonard’s Museum Association. Polished off with a visit to the restored glass houses. A truly lovely way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon!”
Dee also posted a number of photos from the event on Facebook.

Saturday 11th May
A large group of interested members and non-members joined this year’s Tressell’s Hastings walk led by Dr Trevor Hopper of the University of Brighton.

Sunday 7th April
We enjoyed a very interesting tour of the Mermaid Inn in Rye on Sunday 7^th April. The owner, Judith Blincow, showed us round and explained the history of the Inn which was rebuilt in 1420 following a devastating fire. Cellars date back to 1156. She explained about mysterious tunnels and hidden rooms which are still being discovered with the help of modern technology. Of course, there are some ghosts and each room has a silver globe to protect visitors from witches.

It is highly likely that William Shakespeare performed here as his company is recorded as having received 20 shillings for playing on the final day of the mayoralty of Thomas Hamon, 27^th August 1597.

If you couldn’t make it, we encourage you to take a look at their website for more information and a virtual tour. Home – The Mermaid Inn

Saturday 2^nd March
We enjoyed a very interesting and informative presentation from Phil Hadland, Collections and Engagement Curator (Natural Science/Archaeology), about the HMAG fossil collection, their stories and mysteries.