News and Views

Published 25 September 2024

Sat 09/11  Haunted Heritage Night

A night of history, heritage and haunting

A chilly welcome back to Michele Smith and Gillian Hibbert for another night of HAUNTED HERITAGE at Southwick.

Passionate about history, the region’s heritage and – “most importantly”, in their own words – hauntings, Michele, Gillian and their team are also among the most experienced investigators of paranormal activity in the country. Using their individual skills, faculties and equipment, they lead their groups through sessions aimed at sensing and connecting with the paranormal. 

Three areas of Southwick Hall have been identified by them as particularly rich in paranormal presence: the Crypt, the Priests' Room and the Middle Room, where pets can become inexplicably agitated. These are where Michelle, Gillian and their team will be focusing on the night, unrushed, in small groups. Their experience also enables them to quickly debunk "manifestations" that would be quite common in old, creaky houses, which for us makes the investigation all the more fascinating and "real".

At Southwick, of course, we hardly bat an eyelid when witnessing something out of the ordinary, perhaps because our spooks are invariably friendly phantoms – if at times mischievous. (Our staff, more than once, have been locked in the medieval lavatory, with no key to be seen; or "nudged" towards some unlikely discovery, such as graffiti from Southwick's Tudor residents.)

But will more spirits come out of the woodwork this time – a cast of strong characters spanning 700 years – with their stories of love, laughter and pain? Or will the medieval "Witches' Daisy" carved in the Crypt continue to ward off the darker demons?

And could they yield the defining clue telling us where the infamous Execution Warrant of Mary Queen of Scots is hidden?
‍
(We have a rough idea where it was walled in, back in 1587; but . . . )

Saturday 9 November 20.00-01.00
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TICKETS

Adults – £42 Direct from Haunted Heritage‍

Published 6 September 2024

Sun 22/9  Delights of Dousing

Water, the Life Giver

It's not unknown for dousing rods being used to this day by farmers, water engineers and oil companies: even the military have resorted to the technique in recent decades in desperate situations. Whatever scientific basis they may hold, their popularity is undeniable.

We also know that the waterways below ground at Southwick have played a vital part since the Hall's construction in medieval times: early buildings were often erected without foundations, but carefully laid out on dry 'islands', or purposely built over a rivulet that would feed a well in a courtyard, as is the case here.

At Southwick Hall, the combination of iron-rich soil and plentiful water has in centuries past made it a centre of iron ore production – certainly in Roman times, given the archaeological finds in the local area. Further evidence of this industrial heritage is the discarded slag in the soil and the strong magnetic fields recorded around the woodland.

But Water, beyond its utilitarian function, has always been venerated for its spiritual properties as well – from the Egyptians through to the Druids and Romans: Water the Life Giver. Southwick's little-touched woodland has provided a natural venue for mindfulness gatherings, and this workshop explores a new way of discovering and connecting with nature's hidden wealth.

Sunday 22 September 13.00-16.00
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Adults – £45 Direct from Nina Heaton‍

Published 5 February 2024

Sat 9/3  Haunted Heritage Night

A night of history, heritage and haunting

A chilly welcome back to the Haunted Heritage team for another night of PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION at Southwick.

Passionate about local history and hauntings, Michele, Gillian and their team are among the most experienced in their field. Using their individual skills, faculties and equipment, they lead their groups through sessions aimed at sensing and connecting with the paranormal. Even though we hardly bat an eyelid here, accustomed as we are to our friendly spooks, Haunted Heritage have identified three areas that are particularly rich in paranormal energy: the Crypt, the Priests' Room and the Solar Room, where pets can become inexplicably agitated. They will be focusing on these on the night, divided into small groups.

But will more spirits come out of the woodwork this time – a cast of strong characters spanning 700 years – with their stories of love, laughter and pain? Will the medieval "Witches' Daisy" carved in the Crypt continue to ward off the darker demons?

And could they yield the defining clue to where the infamous Execution Warrant of Mary Queen of Scots is hidden?
‍
(We have a rough idea where it was walled in, back in 1587; but . . . )

Saturday 9 March 20.00-01.00
______________________________

TICKETS

Adults – £42 Direct from Haunted Heritage
‍

Updated 19 December 2023

WARMEST WISHES . . .

. . . for a magical Christmas & New Year

It’s been a pleasure opening up the Hall in 2023 as and when possible, and seeing so many people enjoying it.

So, a BIG Thank You to all who flocked to Southwick, big and small – whether you were here for the otherworldly show of daffodils… or the Living History day (with its bells, bangs & whistles)… our Haunted Heritage nights… the Oundle Fringefest finale… Wellness workshops… Arts & Crafts mini-festival… or for one of our in-depth guided tours... or to view the restored Roubiliac sculpture here at the Church....

We shall now join a contented, if exhausted, Hugme (pictured here by the fire) for our own hibernation – also a time to beaver away ("bear away" doesn't sound quite right) behind the scenes. Please stay tuned – or use the Contact Us page to get in touch with us.

Finally... roll of drums & crash of musket fire!...
We may see you across the road at the Shuckburgh Arms. The estate's historic inn – home, of course, to the World Conker Championships – is reopening this week after an amazing spruce-up. Under new management, it'll be offering a cosy Far-from-the-Madding-Crowd ambience, best ales and more.

Updated 22 November 2023

Fri-Sun 1-3/12  ARTS & CRAFTS

"Whispers" Exhibition
Live Music • Mulled Wine • House Tours

We are delighted to welcome Whispers, an exhibition by 7 of our top local  artists, with a festive twist of live music and mulled wine in a magical setting.

Curated by Jane Sanders and Ingrid Hunter, Whispers showcases an unusual diversity of arts and crafts under one roof, including:

• Ingrid Hunter – cast glass & ceramics
• Jeremy Hunter – photojournalism and travel photography
• Deborah James – landscape paintings
• Hilary Moralee Salomon – mosaics & paintings
‍• Mike Moralee – sculptures
•  Pip Rawlings – monoprints & pastels
• Jane Sanders – jewellery & paintings

Plus:
• a selection of original cards by the artists
• Jane Sanders' The Really Wonderful Food Book
• Nick Penny's Call of the Kingfisher, a local nature writing best seller.
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WEEKEND PROGRAMME & PRICES

Friday 01 Dec 6-8pm
Saturday 02 Dec 10am-4pm
Sunday 03 Dec 10am-4pm

Entry is free, including the music, with most exhibits on sale and available before Christmas.

Music
Friday
• Nick Penny – Paraguayan harp / Birdsong recordings

Saturday
•  Sandy MacDonald – acoustic guitar
• Paula Kennedy & Anthony Short – piano & violin (inc. Bartók's Romanian Christmas Carols arrangement)

Sunday
• Danssella – early music performed in medieval costumes
• Carolean Band – early music performed on spinet, recorders & cello
‍
(Musicians will play in the Main Hall, in short sets spread through the day.)

Victuals
Mulled wine, hot chocolate and cakes for sale in the Tearoom, served by Hannah's Tempting Treats team.
By popular demand, the beamed "Laundry Café" will be open – a rustic retreat far from the madding crowd. Enjoy your victuals, hot and cold, around the fire, surrounded by Bill Richardson's celebrated collection of rural bygones.

House Tours
Also available on Sat & Sun: 40-min tours of Southwick Hall's historic quarters.
£5 – 11:00, 13:00, 15:00
(Numbers are limited and prior booking is recommended.)
Click here to contact us with preferred slot
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Whispers
Southwick Hall
Oundle - PE8 5BL

Friday 01 December, 6-8pm
Saturday 02 December, 10am-4pm
Sunday 03 December, 10am-4pm

Published 19 September 2023

Sat 16/9  Haunted Heritage Night

A night of history, heritage and haunting

Thank you to Michele Smith and Gillian Hibbert for another night of HAUNTED HERITAGE – and thank you to our visitors on this latest paranormal investigation at Southwick Hall.

Passionate about history, the region’s heritage and – “most importantly”, in their own words – hauntings, Michele, Gillian and their team are also among the most experienced investigators of paranormal activity in the country. Using their individual skills, faculties and equipment, they lead their groups through sessions aimed at sensing and connecting with the paranormal. 

While previous searches appeared to focus on some of the "grander" names associated with Southwick Hall (significant members of the incumbent families, but also Mary Stuart and her cousin, the "Virgin Queen" – who may have secretly met here, away from prying eyes), this last investigation also turned the spotlight (or darkness!) on some of the humbler residents of bygone times – child servants in particular.

Whatever one may witness, sense or think (and ultimately believe) on such occasions, the setting and ambience certainly bring to life the reality of everyday existence at Southwick Hall, through its stories – a narrative that embraces love, laughter, despair, tragedy, hope...

Our next Haunted Heritage night:

Saturday 11 November 20.00-01.00
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TICKETS Direct from Haunted Heritage (Click here)
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Published 14 August 2023

Sat 16/9  Haunted Heritage Night

A night of history, heritage and haunting

A chilly welcome back to Michele Smith and Gillian Hibbert for another night of HAUNTED HERITAGE at Southwick.

Passionate about history, the region’s heritage and – “most importantly”, in their own words – hauntings, Michele, Gillian and their team are also among the most experienced investigators of paranormal activity in the country. Using their individual skills, faculties and equipment, they lead their groups through sessions aimed at sensing and connecting with the paranormal. 

Three areas of Southwick Hall have been identified by them as particularly rich in paranormal presence: the Crypt, the Priests' Room and the Middle Room, where pets can become inexplicably agitated. These are where Michelle, Gillian and their team will be focusing on the night, unrushed, in small groups. Their experience also enables them to quickly debunk "manifestations" that would be quite common in old, creaky houses, which for us makes the investigation all the more fascinating and "real".

At Southwick, of course, we hardly bat an eyelid when witnessing something out of the ordinary, perhaps because our spooks are invariably friendly phantoms – if at times mischievous. (Our staff, more than once, have been locked in the medieval lavatory, with no key to be seen; or "nudged" towards some unlikely discovery, such as graffiti from Southwick's Tudor residents.)

But will more spirits come out of the woodwork this time – a cast of strong characters spanning 700 years – with their stories of love, laughter and pain? Or will the medieval "Witches' Daisy" carved in the Crypt continue to ward off the darker demons?

And could they yield the defining clue telling us where the infamous Execution Warrant of Mary Queen of Scots is hidden?
‍
(We have a rough idea where it was walled in, back in 1587; but . . . )

Saturday 16 September 20.00-01.00
______________________________

TICKETS

Adults – £42 Direct from Haunted Heritage
‍

Published 14 JULY 2023

Sat 15/7  OUNDLE FRINGE FESTIVAL

PROGRAMME UPDATE

The Fringe event due to take place at Southwick Hall on Saturday 15 July has unfortunately had to be cancelled due to a severe weather warning.
‍
Southwick Hall Cancellation
The cancellation covers all parts of the planned afternoon programme here – with the exception of music (see below) – including guided tours, meditation session and any indoor and outdoor activities.

Music at the Yarrow
Alternative arrangements for the musicians who were due to perform at Southwick Hall are as follows:

Yarrow Gallery, Glapthorn Road, Oundle
13:00 - Sandy MacDonald – Enjoy fine classical guitar pieces and some all-time favourites with a twist
14:00 - Nick Penny – Relaxing and meditative harp & handpan compositions
15:00 - CaleyBrown – Ever-popular acoustic duo covering great timeless songs
‍
There is also an ongoing Art Exhibition at the Yarrow Gallery, organised by the Fringe Festival, which people are welcome to view.

We hope to see you soon back at the Hall!

‍‍

Published 24 JUNE 2023

Sat 15/7  OUNDLE FRINGE FESTIVAL

(THE Grand Finale!)

What a treat to welcome, for the first time: the Oundle Fringe Festival – and for their finale, too!

All aboard for an afternoon of free entertainment – and soul nourishment – at magical, tucked-away Southwick Hall

11:00 - Hike in the woods of Rockingham Forest – maps provided
12:00 - Bring your own picnic & Café open
12:30 - Guided Tour of Hall – 15 people max but repeated at 13:30
12:45 - Nina Heaton – Meditation in the enchanted Water Garden
13:30 - Guided Tour of Hall – 15 max
14:00 - Nick Penny – Paraguayan Harp & Handpan
14:00 - Nick, with a passion for birdlife largely honed at Southwick over the years, will also talk about his forthcoming book, Call of the Kingfisher
15:00 - CaleyBrown – Folk duo extraordinaire
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Plus . . .

Oundle Art Group – in Action
Tempting Treats – Hannah's Café (& ice creams)
‍
Dogs welcome

Sat 15 July – 12-4pm
‍
An Oundle Fringe / Southwick Hall FREE EVENT
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* * * Bring Your Own PICNIC - Enjoy the Grounds * * *

Published 17 May 2023

Sun 01/5  Living History Day

(Thank you!)

A BIG Thank You to all who joined us on our King's Coronation Sunday, an event fired by a spirit of its own!

It was a pleasure to welcome, for the first time, the Militias of Anglia with their firepower, bangs and blades. But beyond the fearsome weaponry, they also gave us a fascinating insight into everyday life in the 17th century, warts and all.

If the surgeon, her props at the ready on her kitchen table, was enough to make the hardiest of us squirm, they also made us appreciate some of the gentler crafts of the day. A hands-on quill writing stall drew young and less young, as did the platoon's cook, with her authentic ingredients and chattels.

And you know when the costumes and props are the genuine article, when the soldiery smells of sulphur from the spent gunpowder.

We were blessed by the spring weather at its best (unlike the troops on Coronation Day...), with the tree blossom abuzz, the Tearoom itself buzzing and picnics unbundled throughout the grounds.

There was also a chance to enjoy, unrushed, Penny Reading's art exhibition, Lifted – both in the Tearoom and the medieval Crypt. Reading's exhibition has drawn considerable interest both locally and from afar, her eclectic range of subjects, styles and techniques perhaps at its most striking against the bare stone of the Middle Ages.

We hope to have the Militias of Anglia back soon for more, so watch this space (and next time bring a good hardhat).

Meanwhile: one for your diaries:
Sat 15 July – Oundle Fringe Festival comes to Southwick
(More details to follow)

Please keep checking our website for updates

Published 07 April 2023

Sat 01/4  Southwick in Bloom Day

(Thank you!)

A BIG Thank You to all who came along last Saturday for what was a record turnout.

It was a pleasure to welcome you back and share the homely ambience, history and little-touched nature of "Northamptonshire's hidden gem".

Sure, the otherworldly sea of daffodils that Southwick is renowned for would've shone brighter in the sun – but they needed that rain! (And just you wait till the blossom and bluebells start singing their Hallelujahs . . . )

Indoors, the fireplaces roared . . . Hannah's cakes in the Tearoom went like – well, like hotcakes . . . Our latest exhibits (including those Victorian school writing boxes full of  trinkets) drew in both young and less-young . . . Penny Reading's art exhibition – so unusual in its range of styles and techniques – captured eye, mind and soul.
(Photo right: Still Life with Hellebores, by Penny Reading, in Southwick Hall's medieval crypt)

We hope to have you back soon for more splashes of nature, culture and history.

As always, do contact us if you'd like a Private Guided Tour (min.2).
We include a leisurely hot drink & biscuits, and we can often tweak private visits to suit specific interests.

Meanwhile: one for your diaries:
Sat 15 July – Oundle Fringe Festival comes to Southwick
(More details to follow)

Please keep checking our website for updates

And a VERY HAPPY EASTER from all at Southwick!

Published 17 January 2023

Sat 22/4  Haunted Heritage Night

History, heritage and haunting

Thank you to Michele Smith and Gillian Hibbert of Haunted Heritage for another sell-out night of paranormal investigation at Southwick Hall. Please note that group numbers are restricted to provide a more hands-on investigation – typically 8 people in an area at any one time.

New date now on sale – please check their website:

‍HAUNTED HERITAGE

Saturday 22 April 20.00-01.00

Passionate about history, the region’s heritage and – “most importantly”, in their own words – hauntings, Michele, Gillian and their team are also experienced investigators of paranormal activity. Using their individual skills, faculties and equipment, they lead their small groups through sessions aimed at sensing and connecting with the paranormal. 

Three areas of Southwick Hall have been identified by them as particularly rich in paranormal presence, and this is where they will be focusing on the night, unrushed, in small groups.

At Southwick, of course, we hardly bat an eyelid when witnessing something out of the ordinary, perhaps because our spooks are invariably friendly phantoms – if at times mischievous. (Our staff, more than once, have been locked in the medieval lavatory quite inexplicably, with no key to be seen; but then they've also been "nudged" towards some unlikely discoveries, such as graffiti from Southwick's Tudor residents.)

But will more spirits come out of the woodwork this time – a cast of strong characters spanning 700 years – with their stories of love, laughter and pain? Or will the medieval "Witches' Daisy" carved in the Crypt continue to ward off the darker demons?

And could they yield the defining clue telling us where the infamous Execution Warrant of Mary Queen of Scots is hidden?
‍
(We have a rough idea where it was walled in, back in 1587; but . . . )

Saturday 22 April 20.00-01.00

HAUNTED HERITAGE ‍

Published 23 December 2022

A very Happy Christmas . . .

. . . to everyone & See you back at the Hall in 2023!

These wishes also come with a Big Thank You for supporting us in 2022.

Events
We have a trunkful of surprises to share with you in 2023 – starting with another Haunted Heritage event on Sat 14 January.

Watch this space over the next few days for details or visit the Haunted Heritage website.

Tours
‍In 2023 we'll be restarting regular weekly tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays – also to be announced soon.

Meanwhile, if you'd like a private tour (min. 2 people), please contact us using the CONTACT link. Private tours can usually be tailormade too, to suit specific interests, e.g. the sweep of architectural styles at Southwick, Victoriana, Southwick at War (evacuees, Land Girls, the story of Roderick Capron the Lancaster Navigator), Rural Bygones museum, the Mary Queen of Scots connection, Graffiti Trail.

P.S. – Hugme, who's bearly (sorry!) a century old, also wishes you well and looks forward to seeing you in 2023. But first, what have we here?...

Published 20 September 2022

Sat 24/9  Haunted Heritage Night

A night of history, heritage and haunting

A chilly welcome to Michele Smith and Gillian Hibbert for a night of HAUNTED HERITAGE at Southwick.

Passionate about history, the region’s heritage and – “most importantly”, in their own words – hauntings, Michele, Gillian and their team are also experienced investigators of paranormal activity. Using their individual skills, faculties and equipment, they lead their groups through sessions aimed at sensing and connecting with the paranormal. 

Three areas of Southwick Hall have been identified by them as particularly rich in paranormal presence, and this is where they will be focusing on the night, unrushed, in small groups.

At Southwick, of course, we hardly bat an eyelid when witnessing something out of the ordinary, perhaps because our spooks are invariably friendly phantoms – if at times mischievous. (Our staff, more than once, have been locked in the medieval lavatory quite inexplicably, with no key to be seen; but then they've also been "nudged" towards some unlikely discoveries, such as graffiti from Southwick's Tudor residents.)

But will more spirits come out of the woodwork this time – a cast of strong characters spanning 700 years – with their stories of love, laughter and pain? Or will the medieval "Witches' Daisy" carved in the Crypt continue to ward off the darker demons?

And could they yield the defining clue telling us where the infamous Execution Warrant of Mary Queen of Scots is hidden?
‍
(We have a rough idea where it was walled in, back in 1587; but . . . )

Saturday 24 September 20.00-01.00

This HAUNTED HERITAGE event is sold out but we hope to offer further dates very soon.

A chilly welcome to Michele Smith and Gillian Hibbert for a night of HAUNTED HERITAGE at Southwick.

Passionate about history, the region’s heritage and – “most importantly”, in their own words – hauntings, Michele, Gillian and their team are also experienced investigators of paranormal activity. Using their individual skills, faculties and equipment, they lead their groups through sessions aimed at sensing and connecting with the paranormal. 

Three areas of Southwick Hall have been identified by them as particularly rich in paranormal presence, and this is where they will be focusing on the night, unrushed, in small groups.

At Southwick, of course, we hardly bat an eyelid when witnessing something out of the ordinary, perhaps because our spooks are invariably friendly phantoms – if at times mischievous. (Our staff, more than once, have been locked in the medieval lavatory quite inexplicably, with no key to be seen; but then they've also been "nudged" towards some unlikely discoveries, such as graffiti from Southwick's Tudor residents.)

But will more spirits come out of the woodwork this time – a cast of strong characters spanning 700 years – with their stories of love, laughter and pain? Or will the medieval "Witches' Daisy" carved in the Crypt continue to ward off the darker demons?

And could they yield the defining clue telling us where the infamous Execution Warrant of Mary Queen of Scots is hidden?
‍
(We have a rough idea where it was walled in, back in 1587; but . . . )

Saturday 24 September 20.00-01.00

This HAUNTED HERITAGE event is sold out but we hope to offer further dates very soon.

Published 01 June 2022

Thu 02/6  Jubilee Thursday at Southwick

Piper Ceremony & Toast to the Queen

A warm welcome to Southwick village as bagpiper Mark MacLaughlan ushers us into our local celebrations.

Mark will be leading us all from the church into the candle-lit grounds of Southwick Hall and, accompanied by children, play for us from the West Room balcony.

The village will then join Christopher Capron in raising a glass to Her Majesty, whom we thank for 7 remarkable decades. This will be followed by the National Anthem and a short burst of fireworks from atop the Medieval Tower, at the foot of the flag.

Our . . . tractor – we're further delighted and proud to announce that, at Southwick Hall, we celebrate not one, but two Jubilees today: our trusty Fordson Major, without which we'd be utterly lost, also marks 70 years of loyal service to the community. (Our piper is still working on a special tune for it.)

Thursday 02 June 21.30

Free – a village event
Dogs – the fireworks are Level 2 ('Low Noise'), but please be aware that even these can distress pets, so tonight's event wouldn't be suitable for them.

Published 25 April 2022

Sat 30/4  Southwick in Blossom Day

Nature . . . Culture . . . and Home Bakes

Nature's palette of colours beckons once again at Southwick Hall, with her water garden of bluebells, trees in blossom, tulips and – resolutely refusing to let them rest for the year! – more of her celebrated 'Southwick Daffodils'.

Art's palette also bursts with colour and an extended showing of Timelines. This exhibition by abstract artist Anita Hunt (see below), which dovetails the Old and the New, has drawn significant interest and can still be viewed in our medieval Crypt and the café.
Prices range from £150 ('Blue Wave' - a musically-inspired watercolour) to £750 ('Signature' - Oil on canvas, exploring the Sanskrit symbol OM).
All works are framed.

Hannah's café, Tempting Treats, also lures with her creative cakes, ice-creams and refreshments.

Saturday 30 April 11.30-16.00

Entry to grounds & exhibition: Adults £2 / Children (under 16) Free
- Free Parking
- Dogs welcome (on a lead)

30 March 2022

Sun 27/3  Southwick in Bloom Day

Thank you – creatures great and small!

‍Mother Nature with her 'ten thousand daffodils' (do listen to the poem!) wrapped us in her mantle of gold . . .

String players Nick Penny (Paraguayan harp) and Sandy MacDonald (Acoustic guitar) set the tone  . . .
‍
Artist Anita Hunt's creations brought colour, form and Spirit . . .
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A Big Thank You to all who came along to enjoy the day (and Hannah's cakes!) with us, and helped us raise funds for the upkeep and restoration of Southwick Hall.

– SEE YOU AGAIN AT EASTERTIME! –

Next opening: Easter Sunday 2-5pm (grounds & house)
‍
More details soon – watch this space

23 September 2021

Saturday 18/9 Charity Event

Thank you – musicians, magicians, creatures great and small!

Hannah's pop-up café was as popular as ever (not least her choc orange brownies) . . .
‍
Storyteller Nickhola-Susanne bewitched creatures big, small, furry and feathery in Southwick Hall's enchanted grounds . . .

Young Musician George on the Southwick Cello, Sandy (classical guitar), Clare, Tim and Tony (violin), Eugene (folk fiddle), Paula and Fran (piano) all enraptured us with rhapsodies and reveries . . .
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None of which we could've done without you Volunteers: you were great!
‍
A Big Thank You to all who came along to enjoy the sunshine, nature and treats, and contributed to a charity event with a difference.

From all at Southwick Hall & St Mary's: " See you back again soon! "

23 August 2021

Pop-up Café & Storytelling * Confirmed *

Sat 18 Sept: cakes, myths, music and a magical setting

Come and enjoy Hannah's pop-up café  in the lush grounds of Southwick Hall.
‍
Nickhola-Susanne's bewitching tales and live music from Young Musician George on the Southwick Cello & Friends.
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Entry is free or by Charitable Donation (proceeds to conservation of Saint Mary's Church and Southwick Hall).

– A treat for all ages –