What's On in Lodsworth: 2024
The Old Vicarage Visit 10th October 24. 6.00 – 7.30pm
With many thanks to the generous hospitality of Laura and Mark Sherlock, the Lodsworth Heritage Society is delighted to announce a visit to the 18th century house ‘The Old Vicarage’ in Lodsworth on Thursday 10 October from 6-730pm. Mark will be joined by local architect Jamie Brooks – Fisher in describing to members the fascinating early history of the house, and subsequent refinements and changes. The visit continues the occasional series in recent years arranged by the Heritage Society to homes of historic and architectural interest and importance in the area.
Please email Peter Beckingham at Peter.beckingham@hotmail.com by Friday 27 September if you are interested in attending. For obvious reasons of space, numbers who can attend will have to be strictly limited to a maximum of 25, signed-up members.
Detectoring with Martin Wiltshire
Thanks to the initiative of some local residents, and an introduction to the Heritage Society, we are able to report on an exciting, wide range of coins, medallions, buttons, small pieces of armoury and many other finds dating back several hundred years by a visiting metal detectorist.
Martin Wiltshire, owner of Adur Furniture, was invited by a local resident to use his metal detector over their grounds. Members of the Heritage Society were able to have an initial view of Martin’s extraordinary collection in February, with no less than 70 items unearthed over a period of several days exploration. Commenting on the finds Heritage co- chair Vanessa Mclean said they revealed what an amazing amount of fascinating material must still lie buried under our soil, and how fortunate the village was to have these initial findings. She hoped there would be more to come.
The Heritage Society arranged an interview with Martin, who describes the extensive findings he has made.
I started metal detecting during lockdown as a way of getting out and filling my spare time as work had decreased. I have always found this interesting and this seemed the perfect opportunity to start.
There are approx 5 acres of paddock, gridding and flagging areas to cover and explore in this area of Lodsworth.
On one of my first digs, I was lucky enough to find a 1560 Elizabeth 1 hammered silver penny.
One of my most exciting finds was finding a dagger pommel that dates back to the 1500’s.
I have also found a silver button that has the name John Hollist etched on it.
We believe he was a resident of Lodsworth but so far, we have not been able to find out any more information regarding him but it does look very old.
I share all my findings with the land owner and if there is any value to any of the findings, this is split 50/50. If the finding is of historical value, it must be reported to the Finds Liaison Officer for further investigation and this may then be offered to a museum for display. They will pay what the item is worth and again, this would be split 50/50 with the land owner. I have also agreed that any findings relating to Lodsworth can be put on display in the village.
Martin has generously offered to show members of the Heritage Society his findings at one of our future meetings. In the meantime he would be pleased to hear from anyone in Lodsworth who might be interested to discuss metal detecting on their grounds. He can be contacted by phone or text on 07941 274830 or email info@adurfurniture.com
EVENTS HELD IN 2023
Tuesday 7 November 2023
SUSSEX SHOWCASE – BOOK LAUNCH AT HERITAGE SOCIETY MEETING
Members and guests of the Heritage Society will have an opportunity on Tuesday 7 November to hear and see how Sussex has influenced some of Britain’s most famous and popular artists. Local resident and co – chair of the Society, Peter Beckingham, is giving an exclusive talk that evening, with drinks from 7pm, at the Village Hall about his new book ‘Sussex Showcase: 2000 Years of Great Art from Bignor to Brighton’.
This new book follows the Heritage Society’s highly successful publication, ‘ South Downs Showcase’, which is being reprinted this month. In his talk Peter describes the growth of interest in painting in Sussex, starting with Roman mosaics, medieval church frescoes, and moving on to the magnificent landscapes of John Constable and J M W Turner in Petworth, Brighton, Arundel and other locations.
‘Sussex Showcase’, which has a foreword by The Duke of Richmond on the significance of art at Goodwood House, will be launched in October at the prestigious Petworth Literary Festival.
Copies of the book will be available on the night, or from the Lodsworth Larder, or Petworth Bookshop, at £16.99. A great early present for Christmas! Peter is donating any profits from the book to the Motor Neurone Association of West Sussex.VENTS
Thursday 22 June 2023
AGM plus – Goodwood Then and Now, a presentation by Mark Featherstone
Membership available at event. £10 per family
Saturday 15 July 2023
Visit to Botany Bay Nature Conservancy, Duncton
Saturday 15th July, 4pm
This small conservancy located in Lavington Park close to the entrance of Seaford College, is a beautiful haven of ancient woodland, meadow and chalk stream gill. Our group will be guided by Anne Dennig, co-owner and specialist in the rewilding and restoration of this precious habitat. We will explore the site, taking in the flora and fauna that thrives in its unusual microclimate, enjoy a cup of tea and for those who’d like to, pop over to The Cricketers for a drink
Autumn 2023: 01 October 2023
Boundary Walk led by James Tree
As in previous years a section of the boundary walk will be walked, whatever the weather. Wellies essential and weather proof clothing is up to you. Sunday 01 October 2023.
This year we will walk round the north end of the parish and as has been customary we will end up at a pub, the Three Horseshoes (formerly the Lickfold Arms) where lunch has been arranged.
We will gather outside The Hollist Arms at 10:00am, from where cars will ferry us (with well behaved dogs if desired) up to the start of the walk in Bexley Hill. The map attached shows the approximate route only as part of the north-east section is inaccessible.
The walk will be about three miles in length. As usual the dress code is weather dependent, but please do wear appropriate clothing, and walking boots.
