Village Leaf – now in the Nutshell

Welcome back to the new minimalist incarnation of the Village Leaf. As may have been obvious, we’ve recently been experiencing a few technical difficulties that have resulted in the website being ‘off air’ for quite a while. Things still aren’t fully back to normal. Hence for the moment, we’re living the “less is more” dream with just a front page of blogs. We hope to have other sections back in operation soon.

Chris Liddiard

It was with great sadness that we learnt that much loved local artist and musician Chris Liddiard has died. Chris’s funeral will take place in the Main Chapel, Eastbourne Crematorium on Wednesday 12th December at 1.00 p.m. Flowers will be provided by family members, so please no flowers. However for anyone wishing to donate, proceeds will be donated to ‘Parkinsons UK’.

Our deepest sympathy goes to Jenny, at this very sombre time. Jenny and Chris lived happily, as hugely cherished friends of many locals, at the heart of Rushlake Green for many years until they moved to Hailsham following Chris’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease.

Chris was a hugely talented and ceaselessly creative composer, musician and visual artist. He was for many years the organiser and mainstay of the popular local White Horse Folk Club and performed regularly as a solo musician and with his delightful folk group Cornflower Blue. His musical pedigree dates back to his early years in Southend where he grew up as a sharp-dressing guitarist alongside other budding local musicians that included Robin Trower. And Chris’s uniquely insightful and ironic songs will continue to be played by the many local musicians who loved him and his compositions. Chris was also a very creative and original visual artist whose timeless paintings feature on the walls of many local homes. He initiated and for many years organised the popular annual Art on the Green exhibition of local artist’s work and he went on to be the founder and creative director of the unforgettable 2016 Little Arts Festival of music, visual arts, theatre, literature and poetry in and around Rushlake Green.

Chris will be sadly missed but will live on through his art and his music, and in the hearts of all his many friends.

Local events, in and around Rushlake Green

Start time: 09:00 End time:  15:30
A range of stalls selling fine food, Christmas gifts, decorations, cards and many other items. Mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and a hog roast. Live music incl. The Sussex Stompers. Santa will be handing out free sweets to children and Hailsham FM will provide popular Christmas tunes throughout the event.

Sunday 16th December 2018 : A Celtic Christmas with Calan. The old Chapel, Alfriston
Against the backdrop of old traditions the show includes ‘Plygain’ singing popular at Christmas in the chapels of Wales. Step dancing also features and the seasonal tunes are played on a range of instruments including fiddle, guitar, whistles, accordion, Welsh harp and Welsh bagpipes! For tickets contact: https://hailshampavilion.co.uk/events/a-celtic-christmas-with-calan

Weds 19th December 2018 7.00pm : Christmas Carols, outside Osborne House, Rushlake Green
With the Warbleton Brass Band / the Warble Singers. 
Then join the WarbleSingers in the Horse and Groom and hear them sing Christmas

Saturday 22nd December 2018
Christmas Carols, Rushlake Green, Warbleton Brass Band.

To add your local events here, email the details to rushlakegreenvillage@gmail.com