With traditional Afternoon Tea in the beautiful ballroom.

On arrival we will have a self-led visit to the Goodwood Art Foundation which features the work of internationally acclaimed artists set in a natural landscape. There is a café on site serving tea/coffee, cakes and snacks.

We then have a guided tour of Goodwood House, a magnificent Regency building that has one of the country’s finest art collections.

This will be followed by a traditional afternoon tea in the beautiful ballroom.

THIS VISIT IS NOW FULLY-BOOKED WITH A WAITING LIST FOR INTERESTED MEMBERS.

Coach Departure:   

Hove Town Hall - 9am

Withdean Stadium - 9.15am

Ticket price:      £82

Click here for a booking form

On Tuesday 4th August 2026 at 2.30pm.

There are TWO tickets remaining - see booking form below for full details.

Join us on a visit to Chichester Festival Theatre to see Lerner & Loewe’s glorious, evergreen musical My Fair Lady – with an overflowing bouquet of ravishing songs including The Rain in Spain, I Could Have Danced All Night, With a Little Bit of Luck and Wouldn’t It be Loverly. With its sparkling dialogue, brilliant lyrics, witty story and gorgeous costumes, this 20th century masterpiece has been described as the perfect musical.

You will arrive in time to have lunch ( not included ) and at the theatre there is a choice of eating places – Brasserie and Minerva Bar ( pre-booking essential for both ) and Café on the Park. In addition, there are several places to eat in nearby Chichester.

Coach Departure:
Place: Hove Town Hall Tisbury Road
Time:9.45am
Withdean Stadium 10am
Ticket price: £60
Cheques payable to: `The Arts Society East Sussex’

Click here for a booking form

FULLY BOOKED:  WAITING LIST ONLY - contact Nick Goldsmith for further information.

Join us in a visit to Tate Britain to see this major exhibition marking 250 years since the birth of these two titans of British landscape painting. We will discover their rivalry, shared love of nature and works that redefined how we see land, light and sky. The visit will include refreshments on arrival, followed by a one hour introductory talk presentation in the Clore Auditorium, exploring the exhibition’s themes and analysis of the key works in the exhibition. After the talk a buffet lunch will be served exclusively for our group - in the afternoon we will have entry into the Exhibition and time at leisure to enjoy the exhibition for the rest of the afternoon.

Coach Departure:   

Hove Town Hall  -  Time: 07.45

Withdean Stadium  -  Time 08.00 

                         Members     Guests

Ticket price:       £110             £115

With Art Fund     £99              £104

Tate Member      £87              £92

Cheques payable to: "The Arts Society East Sussex"

OR BACS Payment to Lloyds Bank:

Sort Code: 30-91 -25: A/c No 01167287: Ref: Tate 2026

Cheques and booking forms to be sent to Mr Nick Goldsmith, Flat 25, The Vineries, Nizells Avenue, Hove, BN3 1PY

Tel: 01273 726355: Email: info@eastsussexarts.org.uk 

** BOOK NOW - Closing date 17th February 2026

Click here to download a booking form

Join us for a visit to Lullingstone Castle and their cutting edge World Garden.

Further details to follow but ticket will include Coffee / Tea on arrival and a sandwich & cake lunch.

Download a booking form - closing date for bookings is Friday 1st August 2025

Join us to see the matinee performance at 2.30pm of the musical TOP HAT.  Our seats are in the side stalls. It has been described as the musical equivalent of a finest champagne. Effervescent, elegant and exhilarating, TOP HAT is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes. Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes some of Hollywood’s greatest songs, the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.

We shall arrive in time for you to get something to eat in Chichester at your own expense or, at the Theatre there is The Brasserie on the ground floor of the Minerva that is open for relaxed dining using a contemporary menu. Upstairs at the Minerva there is a grill which provides main meals and lighter food choices. Booking is necessary for both these options. In the main theatre the café provides snacks such as sandwiches and soups etc. with coffee and drinks. There is also outside seating.

Coach departure: Hove Town Hall - 10.00am
                             Withdean Stadium - 10.15am

Fully booked: to join the waiting list please email Nick Goldsmith.

Download a booking Form

Join us for a journey of discovery to Pitzhanger Manor, set in beautiful grounds, that was the country home of Sir John Soane,one of the most influential architects in British history. Soane designed many extraordinary buildings, including the Bank of England, Dulwich Picture Gallery and his former home and office in Lincoln’s Fields, now the Sir John Soane Museum. Pitzhanger is unique because it was designed, built and lived in by Soane himself. The Antiques Road show was held here last year.

Coach Departures:

Hove Townhall at 8.15 AM
Withdean Stadium at 8.30AM

Ticket price:      £65 – to include tea/ coffee and croissants on arrival and a lunch of tea or coffee, sandwiches and cake.

This Visit is now closed.

Join us for visit and tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. 

We will have guided tour of the theatre followed by free time to explore the South Bank and visit places of interest Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral and the Tate Modern which are all close by.

Ticket includes coach travel with pick up points at Hove Town Hall and Withdean. 

Download a booking form here

Please book by 28th March 2025.

Join us for a matinee performance of Lionel Bart's musical masterpiece Oliver! at the Festival Theatre, Chichester. 

The orphaned Oliver escapes the harsh Victorian workhouse and takes refuge in London’s murky underworld with the wily gang leader Fagin and his team of resourceful pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger. He finds a friend in the kind-hearted Nancy and when he’s wrongly arrested for stealing, Oliver meets an unexpected saviour; but is happiness truly within his grasp?

We shall arrive in time for you to get something to eat in Chichester at your own expense or, at the Theatre, there is The Brasserie on the ground floor of the Minerva which is open for relaxed dining using a contemporary menu.  Upstairs at the Minerva there is a grill which provides main meals and lighter food choices.  Booking is necessary for both these options.  In the main theatre the café provides snacks such as sandwiches and soups, etc with coffee and drinks.  There is also outside seating.

Coach Departure: Hove Town Hall:  10.00am: Withdean Stadium:  10.15am
Ticket Price:  £65.00  (Members and Non-Members)

There are a limited number of tickets available so book early to avoid disappointment. 

Download a booking form here

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is getting ready for an exciting year with a spectacular calendar of events to explore 400 years of maritime history – our group will enjoy a dockyard tour by coach accompanied by a guide giving an overview of the history of the site.  Tea/coffee is included on arrival plus a mixed sandwich lunch, crisps, cake and refreshment. 

In the afternoon there is a ‘Call The Midwife’ guided walking tour featuring material from the latest series, as well as props, costumes, set and of course a costumed Midwife.  

Alternatively, there is free entry to the Discovery Centre and four immersive galleries - Command of the Ocean - along with 3 ships, working ropery, lifeboat gallery and much more to explore before heading home.

Coach Departure: Hove Town Hall:  08.30  |  Withdean Stadium:  08.45

Ticket Price:  £65 Members/£70 Non-Members including ‘Call the Midwife’ tour: OR £60 Members/£65 non-members excluding ‘Call the Midwife’ tour.

Download a booking form here

Bookings close on 31st May - please book early to avoid disappointment. 

THIS VISIT IS FULLY BOOKED - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED ON THE WAITING LIST PLEASE SEND YOUR DETAILS TO THE CONTACT ON THE BOOKING FORM BELOW

Celebrated for his striking portrait paintings, this exhibition sheds new light on John Singer Sargent’s acclaimed works. It explores how he worked like a stylist to craft the image of the sitters he painted, who he often had close relationships with.  Almost 60 of Sargent’s paintings will be on display, including major portraits that rarely travel. 

We will arrive at Tate Britain at 10.30am to be greeted by the Tours and Experiences Team.  Tea and coffee will be available in the Close Foyer for the exclusive use of our group.  At 11.30am we will attend a one hour introductory lecture presentation exploring the exhibition themes and in-depth analysis of Singer Sargent’s key works and the accompanying fashion items the artist has used in the paintings.  The exhibition includes some of the actual gowns depicted in the paintings.  

A buffet lunch consisting of a selection of handmade sandwiches and wraps, fruit platter, handmade cakes and drinks (wine extra) will be served in the Close Foyer, again for our exclusive use. Please make a note of any dietary requirements below.  

After lunch, members will be free to enjoy the exhibition for the rest of the afternoon prior to returning home.  The exhibition ticket package includes tea/coffee on arrival, introductory talk, buffet lunch and entry into the exhibition.

Coach Departure:  

Hove Town Hall:  7.45am   |   Withdean Stadium:  8.00am 

ExhibitionTicket Price:     

£79.00 – ASES members and guests

£70.50 – over 60 with Art Pass*

£61.00 – over 60 with Tate membership*

*NB: Art Passes and Tate membership cards must be shown prior to entry – please remember to bring them!

Please book by 1st March 2024.

Download a booking form here

Image: Mrs Fiske Warren and her daughter Rachel - John Singer Sargent (1903)

ONLY TWO PLACES LEFT!

Having been on the waiting list for several years we now have the opportunity to visit the Abbey for a musical tour.

Visitors assemble at 6.45pm in the Cloisters for a welcome by a member of the Purcell Club or Abbey clergy.  Then we move to the Abbey and take seats in the Nave for the commencement of the tour at 7.00pm when the first piece of sacred music is sung – the tour continues until 9 pm with various pieces of music played from the 16th to 21st centuries.

The Garrick Club was founded in 1831 and moved to its present premises in 1864, it houses the largest and most significant collection of British Theatrical works of art and has over 1000 paintings, drawings and pieces of sculpture on display.

Group size 30 – members only, guided by Sarah Hughes, the tour will take in the main rooms of the Club and point out the highlights from the art collection.  

NB: There will only be one pickup point at The Hove Town Hall at 07.30.

Coffee/tea & biscuits will be served in the Morning Room at 10 am followed by the tour until 12 pm.  

There is a smart dress code.  

Download further details and a booking form here.

Situated in the artists' village of Compton, the Watts Gallery is a unique Arts & Crafts gem nestled in the Surrey Hills. Discover stunning Victorian paintings and sculpture in the historic Watts Gallery. Wander to the nearby Grade I listed Watts Chapel, taking in the beautiful woodlands and grounds, or find out more about the lives of G F and Mary Watts at Watts Studios before taking a tour of the artists' home. 

Coffee and tea on arrival plus a sandwich lunch with fruit is included in the ticket price. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements when booking. 

Download further details and a booking form here

Enjoy a warm welcome to Brighton's ancient Mother church and hear and see some of the 1000 year history, treasures and characters of this beautiful building. Highlights include the precious and very rare Norman font, the magnificent windows by Kempe, and the Wellington memorial. Also, some of the stories of St Nicks, among them: Why was one particular vicar expelled from the church ?,the sculptor’s beautiful tribute to his late wife, and how well did one famous writer rate Brighton(clue: not at all well!).  

The tour starts at 3pm and tickets will be £15pp  (members only) to include a tour and talk by Brian Ogilvie, coffee/tea and cakes.  Maximum number 30 on first come, first served basis.

Download a booking form here

To coincide with our lecture last September with Lois Oliver, we have organised a visit to the Berthe Morisot exhibtition at the Dulwich Picture Gallery on 19th April 2023. This will be followed by a visit to the Horniman Museum in the afternoon. 

Download a booking form here

Join us for a front row matinee performance of Crazy for You featuring glorious Gershwin melodies at the Chichester Festival Theatre. 

What could be better than enjoying such Gershwin classics as Someone to Watch Over Me, Embraceable You, I Got Rhythm and ,They Can't Take that Away From Me in good company? 

Tickets: £62.00 (incl. ticket for the show and return coach travel from Hove/Brighton)

Lunch is not included but there will be ample time for you to enjoy lunch in one of Chichester's many eateries or in the theatre cafe, the Minvera Brasserie or the Minerva Grill. 

Download further information and booking form here

“His life was short, his work prolific, and his legacy immortal."

A painter, draughtsman, architect, archaeologist, and poet, Raphael captured in his art the human and the divine, love and friendship, learning and power. In his brief career, spanning just two decades, Raphael shaped the course of Western culture like few artists before or since. This exhibition, one of the first ever to explore Raphael’s complete career, looks at his celebrated paintings and drawings as well as his work in architecture, poetry, and design for sculpture, tapestry and prints. 

There are two timed entries at 11.30am and 12.00pm. The NG suggest allowing 60/70 mins for the visit.

Ticket Price: £50.00 (Members and Non-Members)
National Gallery members: £25 (free entry plus coach)
Art Fund Members: £35 (50% reduction on entry plus coach)

Coach Departure: Hove Town Hall: 09.00am | Withdean Stadium: 09.15am

Book early to avoid disappointment! 

Download a booking form here

The Courtauld Gallery is a short 15 minute walk along the Strand for anyone wishing to take advantage of the last day of the Van Gogh self-portrait exhibition (prior booking essential) or to just go along and see the newly refurbished building housing one of the world’s great art collections. Tickets range from £9 and Art Fund members go free (The Courtauld Gallery is optional and not included in ticket price).

We are delighted to announce our first visit of 2022! 

Titanic: The Exhibition arrives in London after touring through various cities in Europe, bringing with it a selection of never-before-seen personal artefacts that tell touching stories of the ship’s passengers. Travel back to 1912 through photographs, handwritten letters and other personal belongings experiencing countless stories with the help of an audio guide and recreated interiors of the ill-fated liner. Making the most of the resources available and discovering the 200 plus real objects will take approximately an hour and a half. Entry time 10.30am.

After time for lunch (not included) at the Exhibition we will head to the Dulwich Picture Gallery to see an exhibition suggested by our last lecturer Dr Kate Aspinall.

Dulwich Picture Gallery - Helen Frankenthaler : Radical Beauty is the first major UK exhibition of woodcuts by leading Abstract Expressionist, Helen Frankenthaler (1828-2011). Widely credited for her pivotal role in the transition from Abstract Expressionism to Colour Field painting, she experimented tirelessly throughout her six decade long career producing a large body of work across multiple mediums. To coincide with this exhibition, the Monet x Frankenthaler display brings together two seminal works by Claude Monet and Helen to reveal similarities in the artists’ ambition and approach (entry to the display is included in the ticket price). Entry time 2.30pm.

We will then have time for a much needed cup of tea (not included) before heading home.

Coach Departure: Hove Town Hall: 08.00am | Withdean Stadium: 08.15am

Ticket Price: £55.00 (Members and Non-Members)

Download a booking form here

There are only a few places left so please book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

We have been able to purchase 40 Stalls tickets for Donizetti's Don Pasquale for the Sunday matinee performance at Glyndebourne on 17th October at 4.00pm.

2pm - Cream tea @ £25.00 per person
4pm - Glyndebourne Opera stalls ticket @ £75.00 per person

Transport available from Hove Town Hall or Withdean Stadium @ £18.00 per person

There is a high demand for this visit and will be available to members only on a 'first come first served' basis.

Please email Jane Hopkin at janehopkin60@gmail.com for a booking form.

We are very happy to announce that the trip to see South Pacific at the Chichester Festival Theatre this August has been rearranged for Tuesday, 17th August 2021. We have secured seats for the matinee performance in the stalls.

We shall arrive in time for you to get something to eat in Chichester at your own expense, or at the Theatre there is The Brasserie on the ground floor of the Minerva Theatre which is open for relaxed dining using a contemporary menu. Upstairs at the Minerva there is a grill which provides main meals and lighter food options. Booking is necessary for both these options. In the main theatre the café provides snacks such as sandwiches and soups etc., with coffee and drinks, and there is also outside seating.

Further details will be posted here in due course but we can confirm that tickets will cost £42.00 (Members) and £45.00 (non-members).

Download a booking form here

Our friends at The Arts Society South Downs are inviting members from other Societies to join them on a virtual tour of The Mauritshuis museum in The Hague with Accredited Lecturer, Jane Choy-Thurlow.

The tour will take place on Wednesday, 21st April at 10.30am (Zoom meeting opens at 10.15am) and tickets cost £5.00.

Enjoy a tour of one of Europe's greatest museums from the comfort of your own home! For further details about how to book your place please click here.

Our friends at The Arts Society Midhurst, working with Accredited Lecturer, Sian Walters have arranged two exciting virtual walking tours and are inviting members from other Societies to join them.

The first in being held on Thursday, 18th March at 4.30pm (Zoom meeting opens at 4.15pm) and is an exclusive tour of the Querini Stampalia palace and its art collection in Venice. Cost £13.00.

The second is a guided walking tour of the fascinating Hungarian capital, Budepest on Tuesday, 13th April at 11.00am (Zoom meeting opens at 10.45am). Cost £10.00.

For further information and details of how to book your place please click here

Virtual Walking Tour around Chawton Village - Date to be confirmed

Join us as Arts Society Accredited Lecturer Barbara Askew takes us on a virtual walking tour from Windsor Castle to Eton College.

On this virtual walking tour, we will see Windsor Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world.  It has been home to 38 monarchs and is said to be the Queen’s favourite residence.  We’ll explore Windsor’s medieval streets with their timber-framed houses and the 17th century Guildhall where Charles, the Prince of Wales, married Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall.  We’ll also see the Long Walk, a three-mile avenue that connects the Castle to Windsor Great Park, a former royal hunting ground.  We’ll descend Thames Street with more timber-frames houses, passing a statue of a favourite grandson of Queen Victoria and a monument to King George V, the first monarch of the House of Windsor.

We’ll cross the River Thames with its boat houses and royally-owned swans over Windsor Bridge which connects Windsor to Eton, a Saxon settlement dating back to the 8th century.  We’ll proceed along Eton’s picturesque High Street to Eton College, the world’s most famous school, and hear of its foundation in 1440 by the saintly King Henry VI.  We’ll also hear about its longest-serving and most notorious headmaster, Dr. Keate, who had a great reputation for flogging the boys. 

20 British Prime Ministers have been educated at Eton College including the present one, Boris Johnson, writers such as Shelley and Ian Fleming who wrote the James Bond novels, actors such as Eddie Redmayne and Damian Lewis and Princes William and Harry.

Time: 10.30am

Tickets: £5 per household (members) or £8 per household (non-members)

To book: if you would like to join us on the walk please pay, preferably by Bank Transfer to:

The Arts Society East Sussex, Sort Code 30-91-25: Account No. 01167287 reference ‘Windsor’ and email janehopkin60@gmail.com confirming payment

OR - via cheque made payable to “The Arts Society East Sussex” and sent to Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove BN3 6AZ.

Please also send Jane a note of your name and confirmation of email address for the link to the walk. This link will be sent to you on Monday 8th February (NB: there will be no booking form)

Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh @ The Saatchi Gallery, Kings Road, Chelsea

Sunday 16th February - timed entry at 12.30  (limited ticket availability)

The legend of Tutankhamun captured imaginations globally when his tomb was unearthed by British explorer Howard Carter and financier Lord Carnarvon in 1922.  This Exhibition will unveil more than 150 original objects from teh tomb, 60 of which are travelling out of Egypt for the first and final time before they return for permanent display within the Grand Egyptian Museum which is currently under construction.  We have 20 reserved tickets tickets for a timed entry at 12.30 - after which we will have free time to explore the shops and restaurants in the Kings Road area or perhaps visit the V&S at Kensington.

Coach Departs from Hove Town Hall 09.45:  Withdean Stadium 10.00:
Tickets:  Members £44.00: Guest £46.00:
Cheques made payable to "The Arts Society East Sussex" OR
BACS payment to Lloyds Bank A/c No. 01167287:  Sort Code 30-91-25:  Ref:  'King Tut'

Booking Forms available now see  under 'Our Society' Tab and click on 'Documents'

SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY 2020:

The National Gallery, London Sainsbury Wing -  exhibiton of Gauguin: Portraits

Timed entries at 15.00 and 15.15  -  last minute tickets still avaialble.
Arrive in London around 11.00 for a wander around the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, and enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants and cafes nearby before we go into the Exhibition.

Booking form can be downloaded by clicking 'Our Society' and 'Documents'
 

FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2019 at 12.15 for 1.00 pm 

The Christmas Lunch is a  perfect opportunity for members to socialise together before the Christmas festivities.
There will be a choice of dishes to choose from each of the three courses as well as a welcome drink, wine with the meal and coffee to finish.

Cost £43.00 per person to include three-course lunch, drinks, gratuities and Raffle - bookings close 27th November.

Booking forms can be found and downloaded under "Our Society" tab and click on 'Documents' tabs or contact Jane Hopkin for hard copy.

Jane Hopkin:  Email: janehopkin60@gmail.com  Tel:  01273 649967

Cheques made payable to "The Arts Society East Sussex" or 
BACS payments Lloyds Bank A/c No. 01167287:  Sort Code 30-91-25:  Ref:  Xmas
 

Glyndebourne Touring Opera Matinee performance of Donizetti's 'L'ELISIR D'AMORE'

Sunday 13th October to include transport, tea and opera:

"Sophisticated and wealthy, Adina is the toast of her small Italian town.  Country boy Nemorino loves her but she only has eyes for Belcore, the smooth-talking sergeant who has swept her off her feet.  So when a travelling doctor arrives in town, Nemorino pins all hopes on a magical love potion, but nothing in this topsy-turvy comedy is ever quite as it seems ....."

Light and lyrical and bursting with energy, L'elisir d'amore was the biggest success of Donizetti's career - a comedy with the softest of hearts and the sweetest of melodies, including Nemorino's much-loved aria 'Una furtive lagrima'.
Updating the action to the 1940's, Anabel Arden's production celebrates the opera's original joyful, colourful spirit, painting an affectionate picture of an Italy on the brink of political change.

Coach Departs Hove Town Hall 13.15:  Withdean Stadium 13.30:
Tea @ Glyndebourne's Middle & Over Wallop Restaurant at 14.00
Opera Performance at 16.00 - 
Tickets:  Opera Only:  £73.00 (Stalls & Circle) Non-Members £75.00
              Opera & Tea:  £98.00  Non-Members £100:
              Opera, Tea & Transport:  £116.00 Non-Members £120

Booking forms under 'Our Society'' Tab and click 'Documents'
Cheques payable to "The Arts Society East Sussex"  Ref:  'Glyndebourne'
OR BACS Payment to Lloyds Bank:  Sort Code: 30-91-25: A/c No 01167287 Ref: 'Glyndebourne'
Cheques sent to Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel: 01273 649967:  Mobile 07793434761 Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 

DOWN HOUSE, KENT (English Heritage):  Spaces still available, see  below for contact details.

Down House, the family home of the world-renowned scientist and English naturalist Charles Darwin. It was in this house and garden that Darwin worked on his theories of evolution by natural selection which he had conceived in London before moving to Down.  Stand in the Study where Darwin wrote 'On the Origin of Species', stroll through the gardens that inspired him and discover his and wife Emma's newly recreated bedroom which overlooks the gardens.  Guided tour of House with free-flow stroll around the gardens.  Time for lunch (not included) in the Tearooms located in the kitchen where in the the mid 19th century all the Darwin's meals were prepared - or bring your own picnic. 

BIGGIN HILL MEMORIAL MUSEUM, WESTERHAM, KENT:

Telling the story of Britain's most famous fighter station through the personal experiences of those who served there and the community that supported them.

The Museum is situated on the same site as St George's RAF Chapel of Remembrance built in 1951 to preserve the legacy of those who served and died at Biggin Hill during the Second World War.  The Museum safeguards the future of this important building.

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 08.45:  Withdean Stadium 09.00:
Tickets:  Members £40.00  Non-Members £45.00:
For members of English Heritage 

Booking forms under 'Our Society'' Tab and click 'Documents'
Cheques payable to "The Arts Society East Sussex"  Ref:  'Down House'
OR BACS Payment to Lloyds Bank:  Sort Code: 30-91-25: A/c No 01167287 Ref: 'Down House'
Cheques sent to Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel: 01273 649967:  Mobile 07793434761 Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

VISIT TO CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE TO SEE THE MUSICAL 'OKLAHOMA'  Matinee performance at 14.30
Sold Out - waiting list only

With its glorious score and spirit of exuberant optimism ‘Oklahoma’ is the American musical by which all others are judged.  Handsome cowboy Curley is head over heels over farm owner Laurey, but lonely ranch hand Jud Fry has is sinister sights on her too.  And Laurey is not the only girl with cowboy problems.  Ado Annie’s beau is back from chasing steers in Kansas City where he won the fifty dollars which her father insists Will must have to marry her. However she is not so easily bought. Luckily Aunt Ellen is at hand to use her influence on this spirited gang of ranchers and bronco busters, and all works out well in the end.  This musical with its memorable tunes and fabulous sets is not to be missed.

We shall arrive in time for you to wander around Chichester, but for eating at the Theatre there is The Brasserie on the ground floor of the Minerva Theatre which is open for relaxed dining using a contemporary menu. Upstairs at the Minerva there is a grill which provides main meals and lighter food options.  Booking is necessary for both these options.  In the main theatre the Café provides snacks such as sandwiches and soups etc., with coffee and drinks, and there is also outside seating.

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 09.30:  Withdean Stadium 09.45:
Tickets:  Members £65.00:  Non-Members £70.00:
Booking forms under 'Our Society'' Tab and click 'Documents'
Cheques payable to "The Arts Society East Sussex"  Ref:  'Oklahoma'
OR BACS Payment to Lloyds Bank:  Sort Code: 30-91-25: A/c No 01167287 Ref: 'Oklahoma'
Cheques sent to Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel: 01273 649967:  Mobile 07793434761 Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

MID SUMMER SUPPER PARTY -  FRIDAY 14TH JUNE 2019

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF THE ARTS SOCIETY EAST SUSSEX

FINAL NUMBERS & BOOKINGS REQUIRED BY FRIDAY 7TH JUNE

To be held at St Nicholas' Church, Brighton BN1 (car park nearby - walking distance of Churchill Square buses and taxis)

Starting at 18.30 for Prosecco Reception 
Followed by a 3-course meal with wine

Alexandra Loske will be talking about 'George's Giraffe'
Dominic Desouza will be providing musical interludes on the piano.

We hope that many of our members, past and present, will be able to join us for the ver special occasion.

Tickets:  £25.00 per person
Booking form and contact details now available under 'Documents' tab under 'Our Society' or
Contact:  Jane Hopkin:  Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com:  Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793 434761:

TUESDAY 21ST MAY:  PROVENDER HOUSE, FAVERSHAM  -  
11.00 Private Tour of Provender House to include Tea/Coffee & Cake:

Provender dates back to the 13th century and was named after its first owner, Sir John de Provender. Sir John had become rich in the service of King Henry III, from whom he received a pension of one penny a day – a princely sum for the times.

Provender is now the home of Princess Olga Romanoff, the daughter of Prince Andrew Romanoff, the eldest nephew of the Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.  The Knatchbull-Huguessons rented the house to Princess Olga's maternal great-grandmother in 1890 and sold it as auction in 1912 to her Finnish grandmother Sylvia McDougall, born Borgström in Helsinki.  During the Second World War Provender was requisitioned and then returned after the war to Sylvia's daughter Nadine who in 1942 had married Prince Andrew Romanoff.

THE TEAPOT MUSEUM, TEAPOT ISLAND, YALDING, NR MAIDSTONE 
Teapot Island is a family run business that was established in Yalding in April 2003, housing the biggest collection of Teapots in England! With over 7600 teapots on display in our exhibition that is open to the public for a small charge with over 2000 teapots for sale and small mementos to purchase from the shop.  We will arrive in time for lunch which needs to be ordered in advance and paid on the day - menu choices will be circulated with the booking forms.

BATEMAN'S BURWASH (NATIONAL TRUST)
On the way home we have arranged to call in at the home of the world famous poet and author Rudyard Kipling - National Trust members will go free with NT membership card - non NT members will be required to pay an extra £10.90 payable on the day. 

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 08.30:  Withdean Stadium 08.45:
Tickets:  Members £37.00:  Non-Members £40.00: Lunch not included: Bateman's not included: 
Download a Booking form under 'Our Society' and click on 'Documents':
Cheque or BACS payable to 'The Arts Society East Sussex'
Lloyds Bank A/c:  Sort Code 30-91-25:  Account No. 01167287:  Ref:  Highclere
Contact:  Jane Hopkin:  Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com:  Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793 434761:

MONDAY 8TH APRIL:

HIGHCLERE CASTLE, EXHIBITION AND GARDENS 
Highclere Castle is one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1000 acres of spectacular parkland.  The Carnarvon family have lived at Highclere since 1679 and the current castle stands on the site of an earlier house which in turn was built on the foundations of the medieval palae owned by the Bishop of Winchester for some 800 years.  

However, most of you will know Highclere better known by the very popular TV Series 'Downton Abbey' and will recognise many rooms including the Drawing Room in which Maggie Smith has delivered many a withering comment to some unfortunate relation.

We have full access to the Castle, Egyptian Exhibition and Gardens and there is a self-guided tour of the Castle at 11 am.  Lunch and Refreshments can be found at the Tea Rooms open from 10.00 to 17.00 for sandwiches, baguettes, cakes and freshly baked scones through the day, plus hot food served from 12 noon to 14.00 in the main Castle Tea Rooms and Coach House Tea Rooms.

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 08.15:  Withdean Stadium 08.30:
Tickets:  Members £37.00:  Non-Members £40.00:  HHA Members £20:
Download a Booking form under 'Our Society' and click on 'Documents':
Cheque or BACS payable to 'The Arts Society East Sussex'
Lloyds Bank A/c:  Sort Code 30-91-25:  Account No. 01167287:  Ref:  Highclere
Contact:  Jane Hopkin:  Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com:  Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793 434761:

SUNDAY 10TH MARCH:

"Russia, Royalty and the Romanovs" Exhibition at The Queens Gallery, London
Timed entry to the exhibition at 11 am

Many of the rich and varied works of art to be displayed are unique, some commissioned as grand diplomatic gifts, others as intimate personal mementos between the royal family and the Romanovs, and they bring to life the shared patronage of artists and craftsmen from both countries.

Lunch will be taken at The Mad Hatters Pub, South Bank, SE1 9NY on the way home at about 2 pm (details to be confirmed later regarding menu choices and prices - payment to be made on the day).  

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 08.30:  Withdean Stadium 08.40:

Tickets:  Members £27.00:  Non-members £30.00 (Lunch not included)
Booking forms can be found under the "Our Society" and 'Documents' Tabs.

Cheques payable to "The Arts Society East Sussex" or BACS payment to Lloyds Bank Sort Code 30-91-25 A/c No. 01167287:

Booking Forms & Cheques sent to:  Mrs J Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com    Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793434761:

MONDAY 28TH JANUARY:

THE ROYAL ACADEMY - timed entries to Bill Viola/Michelangelo Exhibition 
Michaelangelo's exquisite drawings take us to the emotional core of his work.  In 2006 pioneering video artist Bill Viola after seeing some of these drawings at Windsor Castle, tried to convey in a radically different medium the thresholds between birth and life.  Both artists honour the symbolic power of sacred art.  This exhibition explores the affinities between then.  Timed entries 11.00 and 14.00

THE LANSDOWNE CLUB - guided tour of Club by curator Pamela Campbell-Johnston who gave us a fascinating Lecture on the history and Art at the Club in January 2017 and a Lecture on celebrating 250 years of the Royal Academy in April 2018.

Timed Tours : 11.00 and 14.00  coffee/tea included : Maximum 17 in each group.  NOW FULL - see below ***

There is a strict dress code for The Lansdowne Club - Gentlemen are required to wear smart business attire, i.e. jacket and fully button-fronted collared shirts - ties are not necessary.  Ladies should wear conventional or business dress which includes smart trouser suit, skirt or dress.  The Hove Club is affiliated to the Lansdowne Club and members will be able to dine at the Lansdowne Club (at own expense) provided they obtain an individual letter from the Hove Club Secretary by way of introduction which should be taken with them on the day.  Lunch in the Dining Room will require advanced booking.

The remaining members will be able to get lunch at their own expense at the many eating places in the area.

Tickets:  Members £44:  Non-Members £48.00:  RA Members £28.00

***The Lansdowne Club Tour is now FULL - however, if anyone would like to join us for the Royal Academy only the cost will be £35.00 for Members and £38.00 for non-Members.

Booking forms in Documents tab under 'About Us'
Further details contact Jane Hopkin Email: janehopkin60@gmail.com Tel: 01273 649967.

GLYNDEBOURNE TOURING OPERA 2018

'LA TRAVIATA' - Giuseppe Verdi 

SUNDAY 21ST OCTOBER - 16.00 Performance:
Stalls and Circle Seats - Tea and Travel avaiable if required

**Waiting list only

A tale of two young lovers separated by the cruelty of society and fate, La traviata is one of opera’s most powerful and enduring romances.

When Alfredo, an innocent young man from the country, meets charismatic Parisian courtesan Violetta, he falls deeply and immediately in love. But can Violetta ever escape her dark past and find a new beginning with him? And will his family ever consent to their relationship?

The only Verdi opera set in the composer’s own day, La traviata still feels startlingly contemporary – a truthful, unblinking exploration of love and desire and the many contradictions and complications of human emotion. Tom Cairns’ timeless production combines sumptuous visuals with heart-breaking dramatic realism to create a true contemporary classic.

Set to some of opera’s most memorable tunes, from rousing drinking songs to passionate love-duets, Verdi’s score amplifies a familiar story, transforming it into something profoundly moving, whether you’re seeing it for the first or the fiftieth time.

TRANSPORT AND TEA AVAILABLE IF REQUIRED.

Contact Jane Hopkin Email: janehopkin60@gmail.com Tel: 01273 649967 for availability.

OPERA, TEA & TRANSPORT:  £110.00 per person
OPERA & TEA:  £92.00 per person
OPERA ONLY:  £72.00 per person

THE EY EXHIBITION:  PICASSO 1932 - LOVE, FAME, TRAGEDY @ TATE MODERN, LONDON 

SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER:  (last day of the Exhibition)

This landmark exhibition, the first ever solo Picasso shown at the Tate Modern, takes you on a month by month journey through this pivotal time.  His three greatest paintings that feature his lover, Marie-Thérèse Walter, are shown together for the first time since they were created over a period of just five days in March 1932.  The myths around Picasso will be stripped away to reveal the man and the artist in his full complexity and richness.  You will see him as never before.  

Timed entries:  12.30 and 13.30:  Tickets - Members £40.00:  Non-Members £42.00:

Coach Departs Hove Town Hall 09.00:  Withdean Stadium 09.15:
Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793434761:  Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

FRIDAY 29TH JUNE - VISIT TO GREAT DIXTER HOUSE & GARDENS, NORTHIAM

We will look around the House and Gardens of Great Dixter and then head into Rye for Lunch and an afternoon of exploring.

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 08.30 am :  Withdean Stadium 08.45 am :

Tickets:  Members £30.00 :  Non-members £32.00

Cheques made payable to "The Arts Society East Sussex"
or BACS payment to Lloyds Bank Sort Code 30-91-25:  Account No. 01167287" REF:  'GREAT DIXTER'

Send booking form & cheques to:  Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793434761:  Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

Download Booking Form in 'Documents' tab or available at our May and June Lecture Meetings.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, RICHMOND, TW9 3AB

Come and see the world's greatest greenhouse - the Temperate House has been closed for five years for Kew's largest renovation project - time to stroll around Kew Gardens and explore London's largest UNESCO World Heritage Site - snacks, hot meals, cream teas, drinks etc can be purchased at the various cafés and restaurant facilities within the grounds (not included in ticket price).

We are running this visit alongisde the visit to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club, dropping those booked on the tour of The All England Tennis Club off first and then going on to Kew Gardens.

Coach Departs:  Hove Town Hall 08.15:  Withdean Stadium 08.30:

Tickets:  Members and Non-Members £32.00
Booking form and contact details under Documents Tab.

WEDNESDAY 6TH JUNE 2018

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the All England Lawn Tennis Club SW19, expertly led by a blue-badge guide.  The tour includes Media Centre, BBC studio, Player's Entrance, Main Press Interview Room and Centre Court.

Coffee on arrival, Guided Tour of the Grounds, Sandwich Lunch and opportunity to visit the Wimbledon Museum for a self-guided tour which includes a 3D experience in the Film Theatre.

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 08.15 am :  Withdean Stadium 08.30 am :

Tickets:  £48.00  (to include travel, coffee on arrival, tour & lunch).

Cheques made payable to "The Arts Society East Sussex"
or BACS payment to Lloyds Bank Sort Code 30-91-25:  Account No. 01167287" REF:  RA/JAZZ

Send booking form & cheques to:  Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793434761:  Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

Download Booking Form in Document Tab or future Lecture Meetings in March & April:

Monday 5th March

The Age of Jazz Exhibition, Two Temple Place, London in the morning
Charles 1 Exhibition, The Royal Academy, London in the afternoon

To celebrate The Arts Society Jubilee year, the Bulldog Trust is delighted to partner with The Arts Society to present:  'The Age of Jazz' an exhibition about jazz during the 1920's and 1930's as features in The Arts Society Autumn Review p.31.  The headquarters of the Bulldog Trust, Two Temple Place, London, WC2R 3BD is a mansion dedicated to the promotion of culture and philanthropy built for William Waldorf Astor - 

Tours last about 45 minutes with timed entries at 11.00 and 12.00

We then make our way over to The Royal Academy to view the landmark exhibition Charles 1: King and Collector in partnership with the Royal Collection Trust,arguably Britain's most influential taste-maker, a monarch who acquired masterpieces of uprecendented quantity and quality.  Discover the legendary art collection of Charles 1 for the first time since the 17th century - the exhibiton brings together the astounding treasurers that changed the taste of the nation, reuniting the greatest masterpieces of this magnificent collection for the first time, which includes over 100 works of art.  Times entries at 14.30 and 15.00.

Coach Departs:  Hove Town Hall - 08.00:  Withdean Stadium - 08.15
Tickets:  Members £40.00:  Non-members £43.00:
Cheques made payable to "The Arts Society East Sussex"
or BACS payment to Lloyds Bank Sort Code 30-91-25:  Account No. 01167287" REF:  RA/JAZZ

Cheques to:  Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793434761:  Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

Please click here for booking form

A DAY AT THE VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

BALENCIAGA:  SHAPING FASHION  

Discover how Cristóbal Balenciaga's exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs shaped modern fashion - this exhibition examines the work and legacy of influential Spanish courturier Cristobal Balenciaga, with over 100 pieces crafted by "the master of couture, his protegees and contemporary fashion designers working in the same innovative tradition.

Timed entries:  11.15 and 11.45

OPERA: PASSION, POWER AND POLITICS

Together the V&A and the Royal Opera House present a landmark exhibition exploring a vivid story of opera from its origins in late-Renaissance Italy to the present day.

Told through the lens of seven premieres in seven European cities, this immersive exhibition takes you on a journey through nearly 400 years, culminating in the international explosion of opera in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Timed entries:  14.15 and 14.45

Tickets:  £45.00 Members:  £48.00 Non-members

Cheques payable to:  'The Arts Society East Sussex' and forwarded to :  Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ:  Mobile:  07793 434761:  Tel:  01273 649967:
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com  or visit our website:  www.eastsussexarts.org.uk

Download the Booking Form - go to 'About Us' tab and click on 'Documents'.

WEDNESDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2018

Matisse in the Studio Exhibition at The Royal Academy of Arts, London - step into the Studio of Henri Matisse, brimming with the artist's treasures and objects focusing exclusively on their important role in his work.  For the first time we reveal how this eclectic collection took on a new life in his transcendent art and gives a rare glimpse into the artist's personal collection as well as the paintings, sculptures and drawings it inspired.  Timed entries at 11.15 and 11.45.  Lunch at your own expense.

Then - EITHER

The Matinee performance of "An American In Paris" at The Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road - it opened in Paris and then took Broadway by storm and now the multi-award-winning musical in lighting up London.  Stalls tickets in Rows M, R, S, T, U & X.

OR  Spend more time in the RA or go Christmas shopping and have a cup of tea at a choice of many venues in the area of GreenPark, Picadilly and Regent Street (place and departure time to be confirmed later). 

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 08.00 am:  Withdean Stadium 08.15 am:

Tickets:  RA only  -  Members £33.00:  Non-members £35.00:
             RA & Theatre  -  Members £63.00:  Non-members £65.00:

Cheques payable to:  'The Arts Society East Sussex' and forwarded to :  Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ:  Mobile:  07793 434761:  Tel:  01273 649967:
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com  or visit our website:  www.eastsussexarts.org.uk

Download the Booking Form here or go to 'About Us' tab and click on 'Documents'.

By popular demand we have 40 Opera tickets to offer this October for Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia, his most popular comedy comes roaring back in a production whose wit and playful energy springs directly from his buoyant music.

Discover a sultry, surreal world in Annabel Arden’s production

Clever Figaro, the famous Barber of Seville, has much to gain if he can win Count Almaviva his chosen bride.

But the crafty would-be bride, Rosina, is already several steps ahead of him, plotting to escape her guardian Dr Bartolo, who has kept her captive for long enough as he wishes to marry her himself. 

Director Annabel Arden creates a sultry, surreal and subtly Spanish world lightly touched by magic in which 'she pulls off trick after trick with such speed and deftness that the eye is constantly delighted and dazzled' (The Independent).

The performance lasts approximately 3 hours including one 20 minute interval.

20 Stalls seats in Row K & L:  20 Circle seats in Rows B & C:  Both £70 each:
Cream Tea at 2 pm - £18.00:  Afternoon performance at 4.00 pm
Transport available from Hove Town Hall - 13.00:  Withdean Stadium 13.15:
Opera, Tea & Transport - £103 per person:  Opera & Tea - £88 per person:

Please contact the Visits Secretary, Jane Hopkin to check on ticket availability:
Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793 434761: or Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

Canaletto & The Art of Venice exhibition at The Queens Gallery, London brings to light the irrestible allue of one of the most beautfiul cities in the world, presenting a spectacular selection of the Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square, to its festivals, theatre and masked carnival, bringing together some of Canaletto's greatest works.  We arrive in time for a coffee and introductory talk before a free flow tour of the exhibition.

Afterwards we travel on to Ham House, Richmond, a National Trust Property on the banks of the River Thames,  unique in Europe as the most complete survival of the 17th century fashion and power.  It is the creation of the tenacious Duchess of Lauderdale and her husband who together transformed Ham into one of the grandest Stuart Houses in England.  Our time is spend at leisure around the house and gardens

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 08.00: Withdean Stadium 08.15
Tickets:  Members £39.00:  Non-Members £41.00
Please add an additional £10 if you are NOT a NT member

Full details and booking form avaiable from 'Documents' tab or contact Visits Secretary, Jane Hopkin:
Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793 434761
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com Click here to downoad Booking Form

The first UK show in nearly 100 years devoted to watercolours by the Anglo-American artist, John Singer Sargent at Dulwich Piture Gallery.  Renowned as the portraitist of his generation, Sargent also devoted time to developing his talent in watercolour taking inspiration from the places he visited from The Alps to Venice.

In the afternoon we travel to Polesden Lacey (a National Trust property) where we have free time to look round the House and Gardens, originally an elegant 1820's Regency villa in a magnificent landscape setting.  Entrance is free for National Trust memebrs (please bring NT membership card with you).

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 08.00: Withdean Stadium 08.15
Tickets:  Members £30.00:  Non-Members £32.00
Please add an additional £10 if you are NOT a NT member

Full details and booking form avaiable from 'Documents' tab or contact Visits Secretary, Jane Hopkin:
Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793 434761
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com 

THURSDAY 15TH JUNE

Free time to visit all that Greenwich has to offer including The Cutty Sark, The Royal Observatory, The Old Royal Naval College and of course the Queen's House which has recently re-opened after major restoration which houses an internationally renowned collection of paintings within a masterpiece of architectural design.

We will have time for lunch in Grennwich before we head off to  Eltham Palace (National Trust) for a guided tour of the house at 2.15 pm.  The House is a unique marriage between a medieval and Tudor palace and a 1930's millionaires mansion.  

From the 14th Century to the 16th Century it was an important royal palace where monarchs often stayed and hunted in the surrounding parks.

After centuries of neglect, Eltham was leased to Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in 1933, who built an up-to-the-minute house here that incorporated the great hall.  The result was a masterpiece of 20th century design.

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 08.00: Withdean Stadium 08.15

Tickets: Members £33.00:  Non-Members £35.00:
There will be an opportunity to have tea/biscuits (£3.55) or a cream tea (£4.50) before we head home which requires ordering in advance.  Please add appropriate amount if desired.

Full details and booking form avaiable from 'Documents' tab or contact Visits Secretary:
Jane Hopkin Tel:  01273 649967  Mobile:  07793434761
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

Tuesday 2nd May 2017

Visit to Exbury Gardens in the New Forest near Beaulieu which was created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920's showcasing 200 acres of natural and horticultural varieties of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias plus parklands, lakes and walks by the Beaulieu River.

 On arrival at about 10.30 we have Coffee/Tea with a Meet and Greet talk followed by walk around the Gardens with the possisbility of a train and/or buggy (extra £4.50 pp) on first come first served basis on the day. 

After lunch we will visit Setley Ridge Vineyard and Farm Shop, Brockenhurst for a tour and wine tasting on the way home.

Full details and booking form now available at Lecture Meetings or please contact:

Jane Hopkin - email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com
Tel:  01273 649967   Mobile:  07793434761

Please note that due to the Brighton Marathon taking place on Sunday 9th Aplril we are having to re-arrange our pick up points and will have only one pick up at Hove Railway Station at 08.45.
Parking is available at Hove Station at a rate of £2 per car for the day - there are two disabled parking bays.

To celebrate David Hockney's 80th birthday, Tate Britain are holding a most comphrehensive exhibition of one of the most popular and influential British artists of the 20th Century.  This exhibition gathers together an extensive selection on David Hockney's most famous works clebrating his achievements in painting, drawing, print, photography and video across six decades.

From his portraits and images of Los Angeles swimming pools and Yorkshire landscapes and most recent paintings, some of which have never been seen before in public, this exhibition is a once-in-a-livetime chance to see these unforgettable works together.

Coach Departs:  Hove Railway Station - 08.45 am
Timed entry to exhibition:  12.30: 13.30: 14.00:

THIS VISIT IS NOW FULL - WAITING LIST ONLY 

Price:  Members £34.00  -  Non-members £36.00
For anyone who holds a National Art Pass (Art Fund), tickets for the exhibition will be half price, payable in advance.
Tate members go free.

Further information and bookings forms please contact the Tours Secretary, Jane Hopkin:
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com
Phone:  01273 649967    Mobile:  07793434761

Wednesday 22nd March

Visit and tour of the Poppy Factory Museum in Richmond followed by a trip to Syon House for a pre-ordered lunch and guided tour in the afternoon (NT).

Coach leaves Hove Town Hall -  08.00
Coach leaves Withdea Statium - 08.15
Guided Tour of Poppy Factory - 10.30
Lunch @ Wyevale Cafe Syon House - 13.00
Guided Tour Syon House - 14.30
Depart for Hove - 16.00

NOW FULL - waiting list only.

Tuesday 21st February:

Visit to St Paul's Cathedral, London for a guided tour followed by The Great Fire of London Exhibition at the Museum of London in the afternoon.  

Coach Departure:       Hove Town Hall 8.00 a.m.
                                             Withdean Stadium 8.15 a.m.

Price:  Members £42:  Non Members £44.
Cheques payable to: ESDFAS and forwarded to:
Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel: 01273 649967:  Mobile 07793434761
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

THIS TRIP IS NOW FULL - Waiting List only

 'Beyond Caravaggio' is the first major exhibition in the UK to explore the influence of Caravaggio on the art of his contemporaries and followers.  After the unveiling of Caravaggio's first public commission in 1600, artists from across Eurpoe flocked to Rome to see his work.

Bringing together exceptional works by Caravaggio and the Italian, French, Flemish, Dutch and Spanish artists he inspired, this exhibition examines the international artistic phenomenon know as Caravaggism.

Coach Departure:   Hove Town Hall:  08.45
                                       Withdean Stadium 09.00

Timed Entry to Exhibition:  12 noon and 12.30 pm
We leave London at 4.00 pm so there will be plenty of time for you to get your own lunch and/or explore the National Gallery/National Portrait Gallery (nearby) if you wish.

PRICE:  £32.00  Members:  £34.00  Non-members

Cheques payable to 'ESDFAS' and forwarded to:
Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967    Mobile:  07793 434761
​Email:    janehopkin60@gmail.com
 

Fully booked with Waiting List

We travel to Canterbury for a guided tour of the Cathedral and after lunch we can walk to The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge to see Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Differences which includes the six large tapestries created alongside the award winning Channel 4 series All done in the Best Possible Taste and was featured in our May Lecture.

Coach Departs:  Hove Town Hall 8.15:  Withdean 8.30
Tickets:  Members £36:  Non-Members £38
Cheques payable to 'ESDFAS'  and sent to:
Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967    Mobile:  07793434761
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

Click here to download the Booking Form or go to Documents Tab and download from there.

THURSDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2016  - SOLD OUT
Glyndebourne’s first ever production of Madama Butterfly, directed by Annilese Miskimmon.

Derived from a true story of a Japanese geisha married and abandoned by an American sailor, Puccini’s popular masterwork unfolds as a disastrous clash of East and West. In Glyndebourne’s first-ever production of Madama Butterfly, director Annilese Miskimmon delves deep into the humanity of the ill-fated Cio-Cio San and the American naval officer who marries her after both fall prey to false and dangerous stereotypes of one another’s cultures. 

Puccini’s use of authentic Japanese scales and folk melodies gives the music an irresistibly exotic flavour. Yet Madama Butterfly is Italian opera at its melodious and moving best, featuring such beloved numbers as the wellknown ‘Flower Duet’, ‘Humming Chorus’, and the heart-rending aria ‘ Un bel dì, vedremo’.

Sung in Italian with English supertitles

We have purchased 45 tickets for the above performance at 7 pm with cream tea at 5 pm.  Transport provided if required.

Ticket Price - £68.00 per person Stalls Rows E, F & G sold on a first come, first served basis.  Tea £17.50 per person.
Transport  has been arranged leaving Hove Town Hall at 4pm and Withdean Stadium at 4.15pm at an extra cost of £13 per person.

Please contact Jane Hopkin to be put on list:
Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793434761  
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

After the very interesting lecture on the Masterpieces of Medieval of Westminster in our April Lecture by Dr Caroline Shenton we are fortunate enough to have arranged a guided tour of The Houses of Parliament which has been organized through our local Hove MP, Peter Kyle, at 3.45 pm on Friday 14th October.

We leave Hove at 9.30 and Withdean at 9.45  in time to arrive in London to have time for lunch at The Old Carvery at The Rubens Hotel in Buckingham Palace Road,  after which we will visit The Jewel Tower within walking distance of Westminster with an introductory talk.  We then head over the road to The Houses of Parliament for our guided tour at 3.45pm which will last just over an hour.

WAITING LIST ONLY

Full details and Booking Form please contact Visits Secretary, Jane Hopkin 01273 649967
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

SPECIAL INTEREST DAY  (Limited places)
Sold out - Waiting List Only

We are visting Gorringe's Auction Galleries on the Thursday before the viewing days prior to their Summer Fine Arts Sale the following week to have a 'Walking Talking Tour' by partner Clifford Lansberry who will talk us through various items included in the auction and how this world is changing with the addition of Social Media. 

After a pub lunch we visit Firle Place for a guided tour following by tea and cake.  Firle Place has 500 years of history which started when Sir John Gage built a Tudor House in 1473 and his son, Edward, had the unpleasant duty of supervising the burning of the "Lewes Martyrs".  His descendants followed his example in remaining true to the Catholic faith until Sir William Gage (1695-1744) decided to renounce his faith in 1730.  The 8th Viscount now lives at Firle Place with his family and manages the estate.

Minubus departure:  Hove Town Hall 9.30:  Withdean 9.45
Price:  £33 Members:  £35 non-Members
Limited places - first come first served basis

Cheques payable to:  ESDFAS and forwarded to :
Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967  Mobile:  07793434761
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

To Download the Booking Form go to 'about us' tab and select 'documents' on left-hand side and click on Gorringe's Galleries Form.

SUNDAY 5TH JUNE 
Mottisfont Gardens are at their best in June especially the famous Rose Garden - we have a guided walk of the gardens at 11.45 pm  after which there is time to look round the gardens and House which contains the Derek Hill collection - 86 paintings given in 2004 that include Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Degas and Lawry.
There is a great choice of places to eat in your own time at Mottisfont before we head off to Avington Park for a guided tour at 2.30 pm.  this House and Gardens were extended and renovated in the 17th century and is a special, now privately owned, historical stately home.  St Mary's church is in ghe grounds, a Georgian Church with original barrel organ still in excellent condition.  We finish with tea and cake before heading home.

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall at 08.45
                                       Withdean Stadium 09.00

PRICE:  £35.00 NT Members:  £45.00 Non NT members
£37.00 non ESDFAS Members with NT:  £47.00 non ESDFAS members without NT:
Mottisfont House is a National Trust Property and entry is free to all NT Members who have up to date membership at this time – please bring your NT card with you on the day to enable you to gain free entry.
Cheques payable to:  ESDFAS and forwarded to :
Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967  Mobile:  07793434761
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

Click here to download the Booking Form

We have a guided tour of the Tudor Rooms and Kitchens of Hampton Court Palace and Gardens - the Tudor Kitchens were built to feed the Court of Henry VIII designed to feed at least 600 people twice a day.  

Hampton Court  are celebrating the Year of the Garden and the residency of the world famous landscape gardener Lancelot 'Capability' Brown where he lived and superivsed the famous and extensive gardens.  On show are the drawings of John Spyer, Brown's right hand man, that were sold to Catherine The Great in Russia and were preserved in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg and are now on loan.

There are several places to eat either at Hampton Court or nearby after which there will be time to visit the Cumberland Art Gallery - newly restored after two years of meticulous research, Kent's Cumberland Suite has been returned to as closely as possible to his original scheme.  A selection of the Royal Collection's finest paintings include masterpieces by Holbein, van Dyck, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Bassano and Gainsborough.
Click here to download the Booking Form

Coach departs:  Hove Town Hall - 09.00 
                                 Withdean Stadium - 09.15
Price:    £42 Members:  £44 non Members
Cheques made payable to:  ESDFAS and forwarded to:-
Mrs Jane Hopkin 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com
Tel:  01273 649967   Mobile:  07793434761

IGHTHAM MOTE & ALL SAINTS CHURCH, TUDELEY, KENT

Ightham Mote near Sevenoaks is a National Trust property and an outstanding 14th Century moated Manor House surrounded by peaceful gardens - the house has seen many changes owned by Medieval Knights, Courtiers to Hendry VIII and high society Victorians before becoming a NT property.  We have an introductory talk about the history of the house at 10.15 followed by a self guided tour around the house and gardens followed by the opportunity to have lunch in the Cafe (not included in ticket price).

We then head for All Saints Church in Tudeley which is the only church in the world where ALL 12 stained glass windows are by Chagall,  in memory of Sarah Venetian d'Avigdor-Goldsmid.  We have a guided talk at 2.30 pm for about 30-45 minutes followed by a cup of tea/coffee and cake prior to our departure.

Coach Departs :  Hove Town Hall:  08.00 am
                                   Withdean Stadium:  08.15 am

PRICE:  £30.00 NT Membership:  £40 non NT Membership:
£32.00 Guests with NT membership:  £42.00 Guests without NT membersship:

Ightham Mote is a National Trust Property and entry is free to all fully paid up members with a NT membership card - please bring your card with you to allow you free entry.

To Download the Booking Form go to 'about us' tab and select 'documents' on left-hand side and click on Ightham Mote Form.

Cheques payable to 'ESDFAS' and forwarded to:
Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
 Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793434761  

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR @ GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA HOUSE
WEDNESSDAY  3RD FEBRUARY 2016 
TIME:    10.30 am coffee/tea followed by Tour
PRICE:  £15.00 Tour only 
If there is enough demand a minibus could be provided for transport - alternatively we will all meet at Glyndebourne Opera House.
Limited tickets - Booking Now

Glyndebourne Opera House are opening their doors for the largest ever series of backstage tours.

A guided walking tour of 90 minutes to explore and discover more about the fascinating  history behind this world-class Opera Huse.

The tour will take us backstage with an opportunity to see the dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces, some of the costumes and props that have been used on stage, and much more.

Contact Jane Hopkin for further information
Tel:  01273 649967  Mobile:  07793 434761
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

Booking Form can be downloads in Document Tab under 'About Us' Heading.

SUNDAY 10TH JANUARY 2016
National Gallery, London
GOYA: The Portraits Exhibition present 70 of the artists most outstanding works from public and private collections around the world, including paintains, drawings and miniatures neer-before-seen in London.  
We visit the National Gallery for two group timed entries at 11.30 and 12.00 giving ourselves time to have coffee before we see the exhibition, after which there will be time for everyone to wander around the National Gallery or visit nearby places of interest and grab a bite to eat at local restaurants and cafes before we head hme at about 4.00 pm.
Coach Departs:
Hove Town Hall at 08.45 am
Withdean Stadium at 9.00 am
PRICE:  £35 Members:  £37 non-members
Cheques payable to:  'ESDFAS' and forwarded to:
Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967  Mobile:  07793 434761
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com
Download the Booking Form here or go to 'About Us' Tab and click on Documents on left hand side and download Booking Form from there.
 

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON - SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 

The Long Room, Spen Cama Pavilion, 
Sussex County Cricket Ground, Eaton Road, Hove 
At 12.15 for 1.00 pm 

The spacious Long Room with its traditional setting and extra special ambience is the perfect setting for a festive feast. There will be a choice of dishes to choose from on each of the three courses. A welcome drink, wine, and tea or coffee and chocolates to finish will all be included in this special meal. 

Cost : £40 per person, including gratuities 

Menu Choices are:
Starters:  
Spiced Parsnip Soup with coriander oil & Onion Bhaji
Prawn & Crayfish Cocktail with mango. lime & basil Mayonnaise
Chicken Liver Pate with toasted Brioche & Chutney

Main Course:
Festive Turkey with seasonal vegetables & all the trimmings:
Braised Beef with red wine Jus, horseradish Mash, baby Mushrooms & Onions and seasonal Vegetables:
Roast Fillet of Salmon with Risotto and a Tarragon sauce with green beans and roasted cherry tomatoes:
Aubergine Parmigiano served with a five bean casserole and braised fennel:

Desserts:
Christmas Pudding with a prune and armagnac iced parfait:
Chocolate Brownie with salted caramel ice-cream:
Cheese choice:

Coffee and mince pies or chocolate:
                         *******************************

The lunch will be a perfect opportunity for members to socialise together before the Christmas holiday period. 

A booking form and menu will be on the Visits Table at the September and October Lecture Meetings or download from our website under 'Documents' tab and click Christmas Lunch.
If you require a Booking Form to be posted please contact:
Visits Secretary, Jane Hopkin:  - Tel: 01273 649967
or email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com 
Closing date for bookings is 21st November 2015

The Bombay Sapphire  is proud to have restored the beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings to their former glory.  We will discover the fascinating history of Laverstock Mill in a heritage workshop with the Bombay Sapphire Archivist, charting more than 1000 years during which the mill produced watermarked bank paper for the Bank of England and British Empire.  Every guest receives a drink ‘on the house’ in the Bar alongside the beautiful River Test. 
N.B. Laverstoke Mill is a working distillery so they insist that guests wear suitable footwear – no open-toed shoes or high heels please.

 Just down the road we visit Whitchurch Silk Mill, the oldest silk mill in the UK still in its original building.  A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, the mill is a Georgian water mill that weaves silk using 19th century machinery.

 We have a guided tour at both venues starting with the Distillery at 11 am moving down the road to the Whitchurch Silk Mill for a quick snack before our tour of the Silk Mill at 2pm.  There will be time for shopping at both venues!  

Pre-booking Refreshments is recomment for speed with groups (sandwiches, tea or coffee £6.99pp) or bring your own.  Please let me know when booking if you would like to order in advance.

Coach Departs Hove Town Hall at 08.00: Withdean Stadium 08.15

Price:  £46.00 Members  £48 Non-members

To Download the Booking Form go to 'about us' tab and select 'documents' on left-hand side and click on Bombay Sapphire Form.

For further information please contact :
Jane Hopkin  Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com
Tel:  01273 649969  Mobile:  07793434761

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Die Entführung aus dem Serail
(Limited number of tickets)

Inspired by the 18th-century vogue for all things Eastern, Die Entführung tells the tale of the young Spanish nobleman Belmonte as he attempts to rescue his fiancé Konstanze from the seraglio (harem) of Pasha Selim, a Turkish despot. Aided by his servant Pedrillo, who wishes to be reunited with Konstanze’s maid Blonde, they set out to outwit the fearsome Osmin with their flight, but instead fall to the mercy of the Pasha.

The opera’s humane and surprising resolution defies all stereotypes, capturing a startling contemporary resonance in a story of cultural collision between East and West.

Die Entführung is considered Mozart’s first fully mature opera and boasts some of his most spectacularly virtuosic vocal music, particularly for its brave heroine.

Transferring direct from Festival 2015, this elegant production is directed by David McVicar, creator of our popular Tour production of La bohème.

Tickets:  £68.00 per person Stalls Row K, L & M
Performance 4.00 - 7.00 pm (2 x 20 minute intervals) 

12.30  Minibus from Hove Town Hall to Glyndebourne 
             - £17 per person return
14.00  Tea in Middle & Over Wallap Tea Rooms - £15 per person
16.00   Die Entführung aus dem Serail Performance
19.30   Minibus from Glyndebourne to Hove Town Hall

SOLD OUT - Waiting List Only

For further information please contact:

Jane Hopkin - Tours Secretary
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com
Tel:  01273 649967  Mob:  07793 434761

RAVILIOUS EXHIBITION AT DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY
plus ZANDRA RHODES GALLERY AND PETER LAYTON'S GLASS BLOWING STUDIO IN BERMONDSEY

This is an exciting trip to see Eric Ravilious, oe of the finest of English watercolourists of the 20th Century -

Eric William Ravilious (22/07/1903 - 02/09/1942) was an English painter, designer, book illustrator and wood engraver.  He grew up in Sussex and is particularly known for his watercolours of the South Downs.  He served as a war artist and dies when the aircraft he was on was lost off Iceland.

Zandra Rhodes The Fashion and Textiles Museum is a museum based in Bermondsey dedicated to all aspects of fashion and textile design.  Founded in 2003 by the designer Zandra Rhodes the museum is now operated by Newham College and rather than running a permanent exhibition, offers an ongoing programme of temporary displays.

Peter Layton is one of the world’s most widely respected glass artists and he has done more to promote glassmaking as an art form than anyone else in Europe. He has influenced, encouraged and nurtured several of this country’s leading glassmakers and has inspired many more internationally. At the age of 75, Peter remains extremely active and is regarded as the ‘grand old man of glass’.
 

Peter runs the London Glassblowing Studio in Bermondsey like a collective at which glassblowers are free to use the kilns to create their own work and develop their skills as well as work on pieces that help to pay the vast energy bills. Peter has always put creativity before the need to be commercial which is why the Gallery is an Aladdin's cave of unique and surprisingly affordable works of glass art. Much of the richly coloured glass art is his own work which can also be found in museums, galleries and exhibitions across the UK, Europe and America.

TICKETS:  £40.00 pp (Members) £42.00 pp (non members)
Download the Booking Form here

For more details contact Visits Secretary:
Jane Hopkin - email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com
Tel:  01273 649967   Mob:  07793 434761

To mark the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, City & Village Tours have arranged a tour around Dover and Folkestone to include a two-course lunch at The Dover Marina Hotel followed by a short walk on the seafront and The Battle of Britain coach tour with our guide of coast and countryside in what became known as Hellfire Corner, finishing up at the National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne, including the new Scramble Experience at The Wing at the Battle of Britain memorial, recently opened by Her Majesty the Queen.

We arrive in Dover at 11.45 ready to enjoy lunch - please chose from the menu selection on the Booking Form - closing date 5th June.

Coach Departure:  Hove Town Hall 9.00: Withdean Stadium 9.15:

Price:  £46.00 Members:  £48.00 Non-Members:

To download Booking Form go to Documents under 'About Us' tab:

For more information please contact:

ESDFAS Tours Secretary, Jane Hopkin
Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com
Phone:  01273 649967  Mobile:  07793 434761  

The V&A is delighted to announce that it will present Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty in London - the first and largest retrospective of the late designer's work to be presented in Europe, the exhibition will showcase McQueen's visionary body of work.  Spanning his 1992 MA graduate collection to his unfinished A/W 2010 collection, McQueen's designs will be presented with the dramatic staging and sense of spectable synonymous with his runway shows.

We will arrive by coach at the V&A at about 10.30 a.m. in time for coffee before we have a 30 minute Introductory Talk at 11.00 a.m., after which we have free time for lunch (at your expense) followed by two groups of 20 timed entry to the ‘Savage Beauty’ Exhibition at 1.45 and 2.15 p.m. 

Price:  Members £37:  Non-members £39:

click here for Booking Form 

or contact Tours Secretary:
Jane Hopkin Tel:  01273 649967
email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

For the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta the British Library is staging a once in a lifetime exhibition as part of an entertaining and stimulating day examining how parliament, the people and the monarchy have forged their sometimes uneasy relationship over the past 1000 years.  

Our Blue Badge Guide joins us on the coach in London as we travel from the Tower of London to the British Library and in the afternoon continue on to the Palace of Whitehall.

Price:  Members £45.50:  Non-members £48.00

Click here for Booking Form 

or contact Tours Secretary: 
Jane Hopkin  Tel:  01273 649967
email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com

DUE TO LOW NUMBERS THIS VISIT HAS HAD TO BE CANCELLED - WE WILL BE ORGANISING ANOTHER VISIT WHICH WILL BE ON THE WEBSITE SHORTLY

The spacious Long Room with its traditional setting and extra special ambience is the perfect setting for a festive feast. There will be a choice of dishes to choose from on each of the three courses. A welcome drink, wine, and tea or coffee and chocolates to finish will all be included in this special meal. The lunch will be a perfect opportunity for members to socialise together before the Christmas holiday period. Cost : £39 per person, including gratuities

Departing Hove Town Hall at 8.15 am Withdean Stadium at 8.25 am Black Lion, Patcham, at 8.35 am PRICE: £35 members, £37 non-members For a Booking Form please contact our Acting Tours Manager: Mrs M Macfadyen - Tel: 01273 207545 or email: mininbrighton@aol.com