Jane Austen in Worthing – a talk by Susan Belton & David Clark
Rustington Heritage Association, Rustington
Towards the end of 1805, Jane Austen, aged 29 and as yet an unpublished novelist, visited Worthing for a month or two, staying at Stanford's Cottage on Warwick Street (now a Pizza Express). During that time, Jane became friends with Edward Ogle, the driving force behind Worthing’s transformation into a well-ordered seaside resort. In 1817, the year of her death, Jane Austen used Worthing as the background for her final, unfinished novel, “Sanditon”, one of whose main characters was based on Ogle. Susan Belton and David Clark from the Worthing Society present this talk exploring the links between “Sanditon” and Worthing in its early days.
Entry is free for paid-up members of Rustington Heritage Association. Visitors £5 (cash only) payable at the door. All admissions subject to availability of seats on arrival.
Entry is free for paid-up members of Rustington Heritage Association. Visitors £5 (cash only) payable at the door. All admissions subject to availability of seats on arrival.
10 Sep 2026
14:30 - 15:50
The Highdown Big Dig – a talk by James Sainsbury
Rustington Heritage Association, Rustington
In the summer of 2025, a major archaeological dig took place on Highdown Hill, near Ferring, as part of a joint project by Worthing Museum, the Worthing Archaeological Society, and the National Trust. Finds made at the dig made the site one of "national importance", according to James Sainsbury, curator of archaeology at Worthing Museum, who led the project. “The discovery of new graves makes returning for more excavations in 2026 critical,” he said. The Rustington Heritage Association is delighted to welcome James to its meeting on 24th September, when he will give an illustrated talk bringing us up to date on the finds.
Entry is free for paid-up members of Rustington Heritage Association. Visitors £5 (cash only) payable at the door. All admissions subject to availability of seats on arrival. Please note this is an evening meeting and we hope that those who are unable to attend our usual afternoon talks will be able to make it to this one.
Entry is free for paid-up members of Rustington Heritage Association. Visitors £5 (cash only) payable at the door. All admissions subject to availability of seats on arrival. Please note this is an evening meeting and we hope that those who are unable to attend our usual afternoon talks will be able to make it to this one.
24 Sep 2026
19:15 - 20:45
Make a Pewter Pendant – wax carving, mould making and cast in pewter
Mettle Studios, Angmering
This one-day workshop is ideal for both complete beginners and those with some experience who would like to explore working with pewter.
You’ll be introduced to a range of traditional techniques, including cutting metal, soldering, casting, mould making, finishing, and polishing. Fleur will guide you through each stage of the process, ensuring you feel confident and supported throughout the day.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have created a stunning pendant. You will also be able to take home the wax and rubber mould, allowing you to reproduce your design in the future.
No prior experience is needed — just an interest in learning and making.
https://fleurgrenier.co.uk/pewter-casting-workshops/
https://fleurgrenier.co.uk/pewter-casting-workshops/
26 Sep 2026
10:00 - 16:30
Roses Grow On You
Goring Gardening Society, Worthing
Elizabeth Sawday has a family-run business in Chichester. She is a rose expert and will explain how they produce their roses. She will focus on their care and how to get the very best from them.
01 Oct 2026
14:00 - 16:00
Worthing Antique, Arts & Collectors' Club
Worthing Antique, Arts & Collectors' Club., Worthing
Est 1968, We are a small friendly club that meets on the first Tuesday of the month , 7.30 - 9.00pm at Field Place BN13 1NP. Each month we invite a guest speaker, and for October we have Caroline Walker, Lecturer and author .
Caroline will be talking about her great uncle Max , MacDonald Gill , Map maker and Artist Born Brighton 1884.
All are welcome to attend, non members £7.50 or why not become a member for only £35 pp pa.
For more information on the club and speakers please visit our website www.worthingantiqueclub.org.uk
or call Andy on 07984 403890
Caroline will be talking about her great uncle Max , MacDonald Gill , Map maker and Artist Born Brighton 1884.
All are welcome to attend, non members £7.50 or why not become a member for only £35 pp pa.
For more information on the club and speakers please visit our website www.worthingantiqueclub.org.uk
or call Andy on 07984 403890
06 Oct 2026
19:30 - 21:00
The Journey to the South Downs National Park - an illustrated talk by Geoffrey Mead
Rustington Heritage Association, Rustington
The South Downs are one of the iconic landscapes of the UK. In 1946, they were on a list for inclusion in the new National Parks Act, but they were unsuccessful until the 21st century. This illustrated talk by Dr Mead looks at the long journey of British landscape conservation from the early 19th century to the present, via the Open Spaces Society, the National Trust, the Campaign for the Preservation of Rural England and local groups.
Entry is free for paid-up members of Rustington Heritage Association. Visitors £5 (cash only) payable at the door. All admissions subject to availability of seats on arrival.
Entry is free for paid-up members of Rustington Heritage Association. Visitors £5 (cash only) payable at the door. All admissions subject to availability of seats on arrival.
08 Oct 2026
14:30 - 15:50
The Dream of Gerontius
Arun Choral Society, Arundel
Arun Choral Society presents Edward Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius in the stunning surroundings of Arundel Cathedral.
The piece is widely regarded as Elgar's finest choral work, and some consider it his masterpiece.
The piece is widely regarded as Elgar's finest choral work, and some consider it his masterpiece.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of choral music as Arun Choral Society brings 'The Dream' to life with professional soloists and orchestra.
25 Oct 2026
19:30 - 21:30
Worthing Antique, Arts & Collectors' Club
Worthing Antique, Arts & Collectors' Club., Worthing
Est 1968, We are a small club that meets on the first Tuesday of the month 7.30 - 9.00pm at Field Place BN13 1NP.
Each month we invite a guest speaker, for November we have Kalsang Shoba , Woodcut Artist a modern twist on an old craft. All are welcome to attend, non members £7.50 or why not become a member for just £35 pp pa .
For more information on the club and speakers please visit www.worthingantiqueclub.org .uk or call Andy on 07984 403890.
Each month we invite a guest speaker, for November we have Kalsang Shoba , Woodcut Artist a modern twist on an old craft. All are welcome to attend, non members £7.50 or why not become a member for just £35 pp pa .
For more information on the club and speakers please visit www.worthingantiqueclub.org .uk or call Andy on 07984 403890.
03 Nov 2026
19:30 - 21:00
Secret Gardens in Sussex
Goring Gardening Society, Worthing
We are delighted to welcome back Leslie Chamberlain who will tell us all about Sussex gardens we probably didn't know existed.
05 Nov 2026
14:00 - 16:00
Policing Sussex – a talk by Mike Scott Rumble
Rustington Heritage Association, Rustington
The first “professional” paid police officers in Sussex appeared in 1836 and by the 1880s the whole of the County was patrolled, though it wasn’t until 1968 that the five separate Forces combined to form Sussex Police. Mike Scott Rumble joined Sussex Police that year as a sixteen-year-old Junior Cadet and stayed for another 32 years. In his talk, he will look at the history of the Forces, including some of the more notable crimes investigated over the years. He’ll also look at the advances in transport, communications and crime detection.
Entry is free for paid-up members of Rustington Heritage Association. Visitors £5 (cash only) payable at the door. All admissions subject to availability of seats on arrival.
Entry is free for paid-up members of Rustington Heritage Association. Visitors £5 (cash only) payable at the door. All admissions subject to availability of seats on arrival.
12 Nov 2026
14:30 - 15:50
REMEMBRANCE CONCERT by Edwin James Festival Orchestra
Edwin James Festival Choir and Orchestra, Littlehampton
A Time for Remembrance Orchestral concert raising funds for Littlehampton and Bognor Regis Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs.
Doors open at 6:45pm.
Doors open at 6:45pm.
Box office: 01243 584920 / 01243 582330. £10 adults/ £5 children.
Some ticket availability on the door.
Some ticket availability on the door.
14 Nov 2026
19:30 - 21:45
WINTER CONCERT by Edwin James Festival Choir
Edwin James Festival Choir and Orchestra, Littlehampton
A choir concert featuring songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat, raising funds to enable future charity concerts.
11th December 2026. Doors open at 6:45pm. Performance commences 7:30pm
11th December 2026. Doors open at 6:45pm. Performance commences 7:30pm
12th December 2026. Doors open at 2:15pm. Performance commences 3:00pm
Box office: 01243 584920 / 01243 582330. £10 adults/ £5 children.
Some ticket availability on the door.
Some ticket availability on the door.
11 Dec 2026
19:30 - 21:45