‘Silly Sussex’ – Saturday 25 April 2026 – 10:30 – 15:00
Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP.
‘Silly Sussex’ was a phrase sometimes used about folk from Sussex; hinting we were all a bit daft in the ‘ead. Anyone doing so was mistaken however as the phrase actually derives from ‘Selig Sussex’; an old Saxon phrase meaning ‘holy’.
On April 25 2026, All-Inclusive History Events may not be able to offer anything particularly holy but we will be looking to get a bit ‘silly’ with our next light-hearted lunchtime event. Silly Sussex is fused with foolishness, food, fun and games, and all mixed up with more than a hint of history at Leonardslee for those people who don’t want foolishness to stop with April Fools’ Day.
This unique lunchtime event of local history, food, foolishness and fun is headlined by three engaging and entertaining Sussex speakers on local history and food. A break for lunch will be taken with afternoon tea which includes scones with cream and jam, a sandwich, a slice of cake and a tea or coffee per person. Please email info@leonardsleegardens.co.uk if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. £29.50 per person | 10% off for Leonardslee Members
Garden entry and parking included for Leonardslee Members | Book via the Leonardslee website to get your tickets
Event Information
10.30: Doors open – tea and coffee, meet the presenters
10.45: Your host – Kevin Newman
Silly Sussex is compered by Sussex’s most prolific writer of local history, Kevin Newman, author of over a dozen light-hearted history books on the county and busy public speaker. Kevin warms us up with some silly Sussex games (including ‘What’s Your Sussex Smuggler Name?’ & ‘Scoff or Keep Well Off?’) and a few tales of Sussex silliness over the centuries before he introduces our first guest. That guest is the very funny local historian Dr Janet Pennington, known across the county (and beyond) for her funny, saucy and always entertaining talks. Janet will be starting off the silly proceedings with a talk that everyone needs – on hats!
