President: the Rt Hon the Lord Renton of Mount Harry
The Friends of Anne of Cleves House
President: The Rt Hon the Lord Renton of Mount Harry
February 2016
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the first newsletter of the year - and belated good wishes for 2016. As you know last year was very successful for us with many enjoyable events to swell the funds and I am sure this one will be equally fruitful.
Thanks to our volunteers
A group of the Friends came along during the final week of January to spruce up Anne of Cleves House ready for the reopening at the beginning of this month. Huge thanks to all of you who were able to come and brave the cobwebs – the whole house looked (and smelt) quite lovely by the time we had finished. Sussex Past is extremely grateful for our support.
Volunteers for historic Costume repairs
Are you handy with a needle and thread? If so, Isobel would love to hear from you as Sussex Past are looking for help in maintaining the costumes kept at the house and are so popular with visitors. If you can help, please let me know and I shall put you in touch with Isobel.
Forthcoming events
On Friday 18 March, Geoffrey Mead will give an illustrated talk about Contrasting Sussex communities and, on Friday 13 May, Ian Everest will visit us again to speak about the lives and work of Shepherds of the South Downs. A booking form is attached – so I do hope you will be able to join us for these the first of interesting and entertaining events. Later in the year we will, amongst other events, hear Early and Baroque Music from the Pastores Ensemble also another Jazz evening with Constance Owens and Charlie Crabtree.
Michael Marwood
I am very sorry to report the death of Michael Marwood at the age of 96. Michael had been a Friend of Anne of Cleves House for a great many years and must have been one of our longest standing members. You may have read his obituary in the Sussex Express, about his fascinating and eventful life, his distinguished career in the Royal Navy and long history of involvement in the Lewes community and the South Downs National Park. In recent years Michael had been unable to attend our events, but continued to give his support to Anne of Cleves House and will be very much missed.
Fundraising There are, as to be expected, a number of repair and restoration jobs planned for Anne of Cleves House for which we will be contributing funds. It might be particularly appropriate for the Friends to aim for a specific project – possibly improvements to the Lewes Gallery – which I shall be discussing with Sussex Past.
Membership Just a reminder that our membership year runs from 1 October – 30 September, and not from January each year. Our Membership Secretary, Mike Piller, is very grateful for renewals on time - and drops a line to any who are a little late with their subscriptions - but, although I am sure you are very keen to remain a member, we would not wish you to pay twice!
The Café The café has reopened with a new manager, Jake, and his team of staff and volunteers, so do drop in for a cup of tea and some lovely cakes.
With best wishes,
Anna Crabtree,
Chairman of the Friends of Anne of Cleves House
EVENTS BOOKING FORM
I/we would like ...... ticket(s) at £5 each for
Contrasting Sussex Communities
an illustrated talk by Geoffrey Mead on
Friday 18 March at 7.30 pm £…………….
I/we would like ...... ticket(s) at £5 each for
Shepherds of the South Downs
an illustrated talk by Ian Everest on
Friday 13 May at 7.30 pm £…………….
TOTAL £......
NAME(S)......
......
TELEPHONE NUMBER......
EMAIL ………………………………………………………………………….
Please make your cheque payable to The Friends of Anne of Cleves House and send it to:
Anna Crabtree at Anne of Cleves House, 52 Southover High Street, Lewes, BN7 1JA.
Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope for your tickets or else I will keep them at Anne of Cleves House for collection
Anne of Cleves House
52 Southover High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 1JA
Anna Crabtree 01273 473218
Registered Charity Number 1083690