Illustrated Talk and Q&A with Kevin Newman – The Story of James Bernard Clifton
Sat 6 June 2026 | Doors Open: 10:30 | Start: 11:00 | Q&A: 12:00-12:15
Following last year’s centenary, come and hear the incredible and unique story of the only school ever set up by a schoolboy – told by local author and historian Kevin Newman. Kevin, who is the author of the 2021 book ‘Beef Every Day But No Latin – The Boy Who Set Up a School’, tells the tale of James Bernard Clifton, who as an 11-year-old Hove schoolboy, not only set up his own school but managed to keep it running and ensure it was established enough to survive a mad school dog, shell-shocked Headmaster and also a wartime bombing raid.
Kevin explains what event triggered ‘Clifton’ off to leave his existing school and set up a rival one – and what happened when he did. You’ll hear about his one-legged swimming teacher, mysterious Deputy Head, the weirdest ever cross-country competition and why the school ended up serving ‘beef every day but no latin’ at Leonardslee this June!
£17.50 per person | 10% off for Members | Garden Entry Included | Tea, coffee and biscuits provided
