02 Oct Dawn’s Diaries
November; How did that happen? I know they say the years go faster as you get older, but this year has been ridiculous! I guess I’m always looking ahead to the next events and the time just disappears. The clocks have gone back and the evenings are darker earlier, but there is still much going on in and around East Grinstead. It would be impossible to know about everything, however with this monthly round up I will highlight some of the great events coming up and give you some dates for your diaries. Hopefully there will be no excuses to miss a thing. There will also be a few pointers as to where to look for things to do and perhaps some of you will advise us at the tourist information desk, of any events that you are involved with that we should pass on and encourage people to attend.
Look through the latest Chequer Mead programme http://www.chequermead.org.uk/ The pantomime this year is Cinderella…Oh yes it is! which will be packed with plenty of slap-stick silliness, beautiful costumes, mesmerising scenery and of course the obligatory boos and hisses!
Step into a 1930s Christmas at the stunning Standen NT property https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen-house-and-garden dressed for a traditional family Christmas from 23rd November. Don’t miss the twilight tours of the house after dark or the Winter tree, decorated by NEON in the courtyard.
Visit East Grinstead Museum and take a tour of the High Street or attend one of the many talks https://www.eastgrinsteadmuseum.org.uk/ and find out what special events are on at the Bluebell Railway https://www.bluebell-railway.com/.
Live music and comedy events pop up around East Grinstead on a regular basis so keep your eyes open and regularly check venues you’d expect to find them; Chequer Mead Theatre, The Dorset Arms, The Ship and The Railway Tavern, but also keep checking smaller more intimate and unusual venues such as The Open Arms, The Engine Room, Hay & Straw and …The Book Shop!
The Book Shop is more than that..it would be it’s an East Grinstead Bookshop! There’s chess available most days, book signings, town tours, live music and much more https://www.eastgrinsteadbookshop.co.uk/events
And If you have anytime left here are some dates for your diaries.
East Court 250th Anniversary Exhibition on until the end of the year.
East Grinstead Town Council is proud to be the current custodian of East Court. This year an exhibition in the main hall, celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the building. There will also be a family event followed by a Mayoral Quiz on August 6th. Details to follow.
Built in 1769, the house was initially a family home set in 900 acres, including three additional farmsteads.
Over the years it became an army barracks, was squatted and finally home to East Grinstead’s Urban District Council, later to become East Grinstead Town Council.
Come along to East Court, to see how the house has changed in this free an exhibition covering the last 250 years.
Open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday – College Lane East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 3LT 01342 323636
This exhibition will run through to the end of the year, however opening times may change as events may make the hall inaccessible to the public. Please call to check if exhibition is open.
The exhibition is also available to view online https://www.eastgrinstead.gov.uk/tourism/leaflet-stand/east-courts-250-anniversary/
Calling all witches and wizards!
Bluebell Railway is inviting all witches and wizards, ghosts and ghouls, to a spooky gathering this October half term!
Head to Horsted Keynes Station for Halloween fun and games, including a fancy dress competition, crafty fun, and much more from Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November.
Visitors on Halloween (31st October) will also enjoy extra spooky fun, including pumpkin lighting, a disco for small children, and an additional evening train.
Lost your broom?
Catch a steam train from Sheffield Park Station or East Grinstead Station to join in the fun!
November 1st-3rd
- Adult Rover – 3rd class: £16.00
- Child Rover – 3rd class: £8.00
- Family Rover (1 adult & 3 children) – 3rd class: £28.00
- Family Rover (2 adults & 3 children) – 3rd class: £44.00
- Bluebell Adult Member – Adult Rover – 3rd class: £8.00
- Bluebell Child Member – Child Rover – 3rd class: £4.00
- Bluebell Family Member – Family Rover (2 adults & 3 children) – 3rd class: £22.00
- Dog: £2.00
- Bluebell Child Member: £5.75
- Bluebell Family Member (2 adults & 3 children): £28.75
Lest We Forget
Remembrance Sunday 10th November
East Grinstead will again come together to commemorate all those lost in conflicts
10.00 – East Court short service – WW2 memorial East Court 10.45 – Parade leaves from London Road/king Street junction
10.50 – Parade arrives at High Street War memorial EG Concert Band finish playing 10.55 – Church Parade arrive EG service follows Big Ben relay to the hour of 11.00 and silence
During the Wreath Laying … members of the public wishing to lay their own tribute (RBL crosses or wreaths) should make themselves known to the parade commander at the war memorial and they may then follow on from the marching groups
Join together on the High Street to pay your tribute to those gone before – service sheets will be available.
Monday 11th November
The Town Mayor will lay a Wreath at the High St Memorial at 11.00 am Traffic will be held on the High St during the minute of silence.
The Big Reveal and Town Lights Switch On. Saturday 23rd November
The much- anticipated event of the Christmas period. The Town’s traders will have been feverishly working away behind brown paper to create their festive window displays and one by one they will be revealed. Expect surprises and excitement as they compete for the bragging rights to claim the prize as the public’s favourite window. Starting at 4pm at the Clock tower in London Road the trail will head to the High Street. East Grinstead concert band and Sackville School choir will entertain the crowds for the countdown to 5pm when the lights and tree will be switched on. More reveals will follow with entertainment from local performers and late- night shopping. London Road closed from 4pm to 5pm and High Street 3pm to 8pm
There are many more events than can be listed here, but hopefully this will give you a bit of a taster. Look at the what’s on calendars of both www.eastgrinstead.gov.uk and www.visiteastgrinstead.com
There is always a full range of leaflets and fliers on offer at the East Grinstead Town Council’s tourist information desk in East Grinstead Library where You are always welcome to pop in and say hello to me or my colleague Roger. You can contact us on 01342 410121 or tourism@eastgrinstead.gov.uk
I will look forward to letting you know all the exciting things coming up for December in next month’s Dawn’s Diary.
Dawn Spalding
Town Promotion Manager: East Grinstead Town Council.
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