New Picnic Tables in Kipling Gardens:
Have you spotted the three new picnic tables in Kipling Gardens? Thanks to the suggestion by one of our members, Andrew Clark, these have been purchased from part of the legacy of Seamus St George, a long-term resident and support of the village, who sadly died recently.
We’re so pleased to see they are already being put to use by children enjoying the gardens after school and we hope will be by many users of Kipling Gardens.
The Windmill Update:
We are so pleased to give the latest update on Rottingdean Windmill repairs.
The work on the mill has been progressing well since the stocks and sweeps were removed on 16th June. The millwright is currently refurbishing the sweeps (sails) at his premises near Heathfield in Sussex. He has also received the large wooden stocks from Holland and these will be painted prior to installation at the mill. (The stocks hold the sweeps in place) This work will continue for a few more weeks.
The millwright, assisted by a Rottingdean Heritage volunteer, has made good progress at the mill. The bearing blocks under the windshaft have been removed and will be replaced with new oak blocks as per the original design. The original iron and brass bearing has been cleaned and painted. This work on the bearing in the cap will last another couple of weeks.
On the outside of the mill many of the boards have been removed from the cap as they were in poor condition. A new felt waterproof barrier and new boards are in the process of being fitted to the cap. Some other split boards lower down the mill will also be replaced. This work is expected to be concluded in mid September, weather permitting. Some extensive painting on the outside will be done before the scaffold can be removed.
The stocks and sweeps will be refitted to the mill once the scaffold is removed and the refurbished items are finished and ready to be transported from the Millwright’s premises. Large cranes and cherry pickers are required to refit the stocks and sweeps and these vehicles can only access the mill whilst the underlying ground is firm enough to support their weight. If the weather is wet or windy then this work may be delayed. The refit may take two or three days. After the sweeps are refitted the lightning protection must be installed and checked.
Once the work has been completed it is envisaged that the inside of the mill will be cleaned and the metal frame will be painted to protect it from the corrosive damp and salty air.
Further progress reports will be given – watch this space!
The Grange Gallery: Helen Hilliard, Botanical Artist
An exhibition of botanical watercolour paintings by Sussex artist Helen Hilliard (1921-2004), sponsored by the Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group (RCMG) of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Find out more about this exhibition here: rottingdeanheritage.org.uk/6-perspectives/
Wednesdays at One – A series of short lunchtime talks at The Grange at 1pm 2026
We’re so pleased to be able to give details of this year’s very popular Wednesdays at One series of lunchtime talks.
These take place in The Grange Gallery (unless otherwise stated) above the library, opposite the pond, in our beautiful village of Rottingdean by the sea.
Places are limited to 40 people and as there is no booking required we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a voluntary suggested donation of £5.00 to help pay for our wonderful speakers.
*************************
A series of short lunchtime talks at The Grange at 1pm:-
Admission is limited to 40 seats
Suggested donation £5
Final Three Talks:
5 Aug: Cathryn Pearce : Wrecking and Smuggling
19 Aug: Mike Laslett & Bob Smale : Tour of the Churchyard. (Meet at St Margaret’s Church).
23 Sept: Tim Stevens : Tour of the Grange Gardens
Enquiries to [email protected]
Find out more about The Grange Tea Garden here: rottingdeanheritage.org.uk/wednesdays-at-one-a-series-of-short-lunchtime-talks-at-the-grange-at-1pm-2026/
