Category: News

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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”

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🎉 Hadlow Down Village Fayre – Saturday 5th July – A Summer Celebration for All! 🎉

The bunting is being strung, the grills are being scrubbed, and the excitement is building… It can only mean one thing – the Hadlow Down Village Fayre is almost here!

Join us on Saturday 5th July from 1pm on the Playing Field for an afternoon bursting with fun, laughter, food, and community spirit. This year promises to be one of our best yet, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone from the village (and beyond!) to share in the festivities. Continue reading “🎉 Hadlow Down Village Fayre – Saturday 5th July – A Summer Celebration for All! 🎉”

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Congratulations to The New Inn Hadlow Down – Runner-Up in CAMRA’s 2025 Pub of the Year!

We are absolutely thrilled to share the news that The New Inn, in Hadlow Down has been named Runner-Up in CAMRA’s 2025 Pub of the Year – a richly deserved recognition for a true Sussex treasure.

This accolade is a real testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of the loyal group of locals who have kept the pub thriving since the sad passing of longstanding landlord Graham Cook. Graham’s legacy lives on in every pint poured, every welcome extended, and every corner of this beautifully preserved pub.

If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting, The New Inn is not just any pub – it’s a historic gem. Rebuilt in 1885 following a devastating fire, the building today offers a wonderfully quirky, no-frills, and friendly atmosphere that embodies the very best of the traditional village pub.

CAMRA has identified The New Inn as having a regionally important historic pub interior, featuring original back bar fittings, ceramic spirit casks, and a handsomely panelled counter. It’s a rare example of how pubs once were – and how, with love and care, they can continue to be.

Although free of tie, The New Inn proudly serves a selection of cask beers exclusively from Harvey’s of Lewes, all excellently kept and a delight for ale lovers near and far.

This recognition by CAMRA is a well-earned moment of pride for the entire Hadlow Down community. Here’s to The New Inn – for its history, its heart, and its hospitality. Congratulations once again!

#thenewinn #lovehadlowdown #puboftheyear

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🧀Join Us for a Dramatically Cheesy Quiz Night!🧀


Friday 26th April | 7:00pm | Hadlow Down Village Hall

The Hadlow Down Drama & Variety Club invites you to an evening of fun, food, and a touch of drama at our Dramatically Cheesy Quiz!

Tables are going fast for this lively quiz night, taking place on Friday 26th April at 7:00pm in the Village Hall. For just £10 per person, you’ll enjoy a Cheese and Pâté Ploughman’s supper, a fun-filled quiz with a theatrical twist, and access to our pay bar to keep the good times flowing.

Expect laughter, friendly competition, and a great evening out with friends and neighbours – the perfect way to shake off the April blues!

So gather your team and come along for a night of fun, friendship, and good food – all served with a generous helping of drama.

To book your table, please contact Claire at 📧 claire.rivers61@gmail.com – we’d love to see you there!

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✨🎪Save the Date – The Village Fayre is Back!🎪✨

Saturday 5th July from 1pm | Hadlow Down Playing Field

Get ready, Hadlow Down – the Village Fayre is back, and this year we’re going to knock your socks off!

Join us on Saturday 5th July from 1pm on the Playing Field for an afternoon full of fun, games, food, and community cheer. After last year’s fantastic event, we’re pulling out all the stops to make this year even bigger and better!

🌟 Programmes will be available soon, packed with all the juicy details – from what’s on to how to enter our exclusive prize draw.
🎯 Traditional fayre games were a hit last year, and yes – they’ll be back, ready for another round of friendly competition.
🍰 The tea tent and bar will be overflowing with ale, cakes, and all sorts of delicious goodies.
🎟️ The grand raffle returns, with tickets available in advance – don’t miss your chance to win something special!

A huge thank you goes to the “A Rose and Three Thorns” quiz team, who generously donated their winnings from the New Inn’s monthly pub quiz to support the Fayre – we’re so grateful!

If you’d like to get involved, sponsor a game, or donate a prize or treat, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with Gill at gillbillie@btinternet.com to find out how you can help.

Mark your calendars, tell your neighbours, and get ready for a fantastic day on the field. We can’t wait to see you there!