Talks and Events
Our meetings bring together, in a friendly environment, those who are interested, or would like to find out about the history Burgess Hill and its links to the wider field of local or national history.
The meetings take place on the second Friday of most months at the Cyprus Hall in Cyprus Road, members £3.00 (inc. other societies), non members £5, with refreshments and a raffle. Normally the doors open at 7.30pm, with a start time of 8pm. New members are very welcome. From 1 January 2026 annual subscriptions are: Single £20 and Family £30. If you would like more details about becoming a member please email us via the Contact page.
The AGM is held in November and a members’ fun social Christmas event follows in December. The committee meets regularly throughout the year and is always keen to welcome any members who would like to join in and lend a hand.
We publish an annual programme (see below), but our newsletters are temporarily suspended, we hope to reinstate these in the future. Our current programme below and an example of one of our previous Newsletters.
The AGM is held in November and a members’ social follows in December. The committee meets regularly throughout the year and is always keen to welcome any members who would like to join in and lend a hand.
Our Programme for 2025/26
9 January 2026
Sussex women - Culinary historySussex women - Culinary history
Louise Peskett will talk about some of the Sussex women, such as Elizabeth David, Fanny Craddock, & Marguerite Patten, who have pioneered culinary ideas, inventions & recipes.
13 February 2026
A history of witchcraft in SussexChris Horlock will tell us about historical aspects of Sussex witchcraft and what a typical witch (wise woman), would have done on a daily basis. Plus the Sussex witch trials and the legacy of witchcraft today.
13 March 2026
Uncovering your Burgess Hill rootsHelen Rimmer will draw on her own Mid Sussex ancestry to explore how to get started with Genealogy, what resources are available, and how to bring our ancestors stories to life. Something for everyone wherever you are with your research.
10 April 2026
Brightons tramwaysIan Gledhill will talk on the history of the transport that once served Brighton, which, in 1937 was the last town in the world still building open topped trams
8 May 2026
The contribution of Indian Soldiers in WW1Davinder Dhillon OBE will tell us about the contribution of soldiers from undivided India on the Western Front in WW1, and their convalescence in Brighton.
12 June 2026
The way we were - a film of Old SussexPaul Green will show a film of Old Sussex from the birth of the Royal Pavilion, through both World wars & up to 1950s. There is some excellent footage – a session not to be missed!
10 July 2026
Life at Danehill Stores & Post Office in the 1970'sGoo Coomber will talk about growing up in Danehill, watching & listening whilst her parents ran the village shop, the environmentally friendly hub of the village.
August 2026
Members' Annual WalkMembers only event, with limited numbers, details to be advised in due course.
11 September 2026
Lewes PrioryArthur Franklin, Chairman of Lewes Priory Trust will talk on important historical & archaeological evidence from The Priory, explaining why it is in contention to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9 October 2026
The Bayeux TapestryWith the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the British Museum in 2026, Simon Stevens will tell us why it’s not all Saxon violence
13 November 2026
AGM plus illustrated talk on Burgess Hill of oldOur AGM will start 19.30 followed by a talk from our members Ghislaine Davis & Peter Freer-Ash. This will be an illustrated walk round Burgess Hill over the last 150 years or so, with many interesting photos of how the town looked in Victorian and Edwardian times.
13th December 2025
Members' Christmas SocialMerry Christmas everyone.
Some past Talks
The Salt Industry of the Adur Valley by Janet Pennington
History of Balcombe by Tony Perkins
Brighton before the Pavilion by Dr Geoffrey Mead
My Mum was a Land Girl by Ian Everest