November 11, 2025
Review: Sussex Heritage Trust talk
In case you missed it, last night at Talks At Six we learned about the work of the Sussex Heritage T...
In case you missed it, last night at Talks At Six we learned about the work of the Sussex Heritage Trust, a fabulous charity which aims to promote beautiful, tasteful contemporary design standards as well as ensuring that the rich heritage of the past is respected. Speakers Claire Reeves and Richard Crook pointed out that the Trust does much more than the presenting of design awards for which they are probably best known [you can see several of their award plaques around Chichester].
As we learned, the Trust also enables apprenticeships for young people to experience old-time building skills and much more. Richard’s part of the presentation stressed the value of ‘Public Realm’ design – from historic street furniture to flint walls to metal coal-hole covers – all features of our townscapes that give a character to our townscapes which we often fail to value but which we’d notice if it were lost. And much is under threat. In one shocking example, Richard revealed that Midhurst is in danger of losing its historic cast iron lamp posts due to questionable road safety policies.
If such features were more appreciated, he explained, it might encourage more citizens to fight for their preservation. Many thanks to all of you who came to listen last night, for helping to clear up the chairs after the talk, and for your kind donations.
Thanks to your generosity we raised £325 for the Sussex Heritage Trust which will go towards helping with their bursaries for apprenticeships. As always we were able to give 100% of the donated money to the charity. We will be able to maintain this 100% policy in 2026 thanks to our new sponsor Sussex Grange. If you haven’t heard of them, do have a look on their website https://www.sussexgrange.co.uk – they offer personal home care, respite care, as well as day- and residential-care in the Chichester/ Selsey area.
Our next talk, the last of 2025, will be on Thursday 27th November entitled The Scientific Heritage of Cambridge. For that we look forward to welcoming back Craig Gershater who will cover famous scientists like Newton and Darwin, along with the DNA story, and insights into the future of science.
Meanwhile if you’re looking for other things to do in and around Chichester at any time, do remember the website Chichester Living which has a remarkably comprehensive What’s On listings for events of all genres.
Once again, many thanks for your support and interest in Talks At Six. And thank you to all of the helpers – last night Jane, Cate, Mark and Julia. It is a team effort. If you’d like to join the happy band and assist with set up at future talks, please do let us know!
Marilyn
