Author: Eddie Westfield

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Hadlow Down Bonfire & Fireworks

Bonfire And Fireworks 2025

Weather permitting, the 2025 bonfire event is on Saturday 1st November. In addition to the massive bonfire, there will be the usual exciting firework display, licensed bar, BBQ, mulled wine, hot drinks, toffee apples and rocky road. Admission is FREE as usual but we EXPECT generous donations by cash in the collecting buckets or by contactless (QR code) before you leave. Free admission means your contributions are eligible for “Gift Aid” meaning we can reclaim 25% from the HMRC on top of your donations.
Timetable

  • 19:00 Gates open for public entry to the Playing Field.
  • 19:30 Torchlit procession departs the New Inn and proceeds down Hut Lane then along the footpath to Waghorns Lane and then to School Lane.
  • 19:45 Bonfire prayers and speech.
  • 19:50 Torches cast onto the bonfire.
  • 20:45 Grand Firework Display finale.

We advise meeting at the New Inn earlier so as to join the precession to the bonfire. Torches will be available for responsible adults to carry. If you want to carry a torch, wear suitable protective clothing and gloves.
Program
The 2025 Program is now available at reputable stockists – well, the New Inn actually. Only £1.

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An Evening With Owls

From Daniel Clark:
An Evening with Owls is coming to venues near Hadlow Down this November & December!

Join us for a magical evening in the company of our beautiful owls. From little to large, step into their world as they fly just inches over your head. Discover the hidden lives of these secretive birds as we travel the world meeting owls from frozen forests and sun-baked grasslands.
🗓️ Hadlow Down Village Hall – 16th November – 6pm.
🎟️Tickets available today via the website at www.owlandraptorcentre.co.uk/eveningwithowls
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Panto Read Through

The Hadlow Down Drama & Variety Club are delighted to announce that the HDDVC will be performing a pantomime on the 13th and 14th March, 2026.
Julie Twigg will be directing the panto we have selected, which is Dick Turpin. We felt this panto would be a bit different, and is not one that we have performed before.
On the 3rd December at 7.00pm, in the Village Hall, we will be holding a ‘read through’ evening; an opportunity, for those interested in joining the cast, to get a flavour of the panto prior to casting.
We always welcome new members and hope that you will feel you can join the cast, help backstage or support front of house.
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4th. Viscount Hood

Hon. Francis Wheler Hood
4th. Viscount Hood of Whitely

Set In the graveyard at the north east corner of St. Mark’s Church, Hadlow Down, outside the vestry, there is a most notable gravestone.  The grave itself is surrounded by a low hedge and the memorial stone, in the form of a large cross that lies prone, is decorated with a curious and unique labyrinth design which has five paths that have no obvious source.  Labyrinths and mazes do appear on gravestones occasionally, particularly in historical graveyards, often symbolizing spiritual journeys, remembrance, or even as a form of memorialisation. Labyrinthine designs can vary in complexity and material, from simple chalk outlines to more elaborate stone or tile work.
The grave is the last resting place of 4th. Viscount Hood of Whitely, Lt Colonel Francis Wheler Hood. 1838-1907.

Francis Wheler Hood was born in Marylebone, London on the 4th. July 1838 and baptised at the parish church of St Marylebone, Middlesex on 11th. August 1838 his father was Samuel Hood, 3rd.Viscount Hood of Whitely and his mother Mary Isabella Tibbits.  He had two brothers Albert and Alexander Frederick Gregory.  The family were living at No.38 Nottingham Place, Marylebone, London when he was born. Continue reading “4th. Viscount Hood”

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The Hadlow Down Summer Show – Conditions, Rules, Hints & Entry Forms

The Hadlow Down Summer Show – Conditions, Rules, Hints & Entry Forms

                          Hadlow Down Summer Show

                                                          CONDITIONS

  1. All classes in the schedule are open to all persons to exhibit on the payment of 30p per entry.
  2. Entry forms and fees to be handed in BEFORE THURSDAY 6PM JULY 31ST
  3. Entries will NOT be accepted after this date
  4. All fruits, flowers and vegetables, except decorative classes must have been grown in the exhibitor’s own ground.
  5. Only one exhibit per class may be entered by any one exhibitor.
  6. Exhibitors shall, upon request, allow members of the show organisers to visit the place where their exhibits were grown.
  7. All jams and other preserves in the Domestic section, must have labels clearly stating the contents and date of making.
  8. Exhibits to be brought to the hall between 8.30am and 10.00am on show morning. Judging begins at 10.00am.
  9. Judges have the power to withhold any prizes where the subject of the competition is considered unworthy or where there are insufficient entries.
  10. Any exhibit not according to the schedule will be disqualified.
  11. The Show organisers do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to any exhibit.
  12. PRIZE GIVING 3.30pm. No exhibits to be removed before 4pm.
  13. This year, for the first time, we will be auctioning exhibits that have been donated after the show. Exhibitors who do not wish for their exhibits to be sold in aid of Hadlow Down Summer Show, should remove them between 4.00pm and 4.20pm. The donated exhibits will be auctioned at 4.20pm.

Continue reading “The Hadlow Down Summer Show – Conditions, Rules, Hints & Entry Forms”