WHAT’S ON AT THE HILLCREST
Scroll down for detailed descriptions of our different groups, events and classes.
Groups, Events and Classes at the Hillcrest Centre
Join HYC
Haven Young Creatives is a free drama group for 8-12 and 13-18 year olds in Newhaven. Build confidence, make new friends and have a great time in this welcoming community club.
Linocut Classes
Join Sally for the wonderfully fun and relaxing art of linocut crafting. All materials supplied in each 2 hour session for just £15, or £60 for all five weeks in May. Fridays 2-4pm - to book email Sally at jenkins.sally@gmail.com or call 07876666784
Friday Food from Cafe2Gather
We have a very talented group of chefs, Cafe2Gather, brought together by Diversity Resource International, bringing us their delicious South Asian cuisine. This group will be running our cafe every Friday from 12-2pm where you can taste some of their delicious dishes such as Taiwanese braised pork rice, stiry fry curry chicken, creamy shrimp, sushi and more! Starting on 15th March at 12pm, you won’t want to miss this.
Into Art for Wellbeing
Join local artist Hayley Cox every Monday 10-12pm and Friday 10-1pm for a social art session where you can develop your skills, learn new ones and meet other local artists. Suitable for any skill level, all welcome to this friendly and informal art group. To book email wildseaarts@gmail.com
Free IT sessions
Get your laptop repaired, learn some IT skills or get some advice on problem solving software and hardware with Dom. All in the cafe so you can have a cuppa too!
U3A Art Group
u3a is a countrywide charity-based organisation that hosts different groups and events for retirees and those no longer working. Join your local u3a group at the Hillcrest Centre for art every Tuesday 2-4pm.
Filmmakers Community
Fortnightly sessions for filmmakers starting 29th February
Film Sussex will be hosting their first open sessions in Newhaven. These sessions are designed to welcome everyone who is passionate about filmmaking to participate and engage in a series of bi-weekly workshops.
Each session will feature engaging talks from industry professionals, valuable networking opportunities with other local filmmakers, and the exciting chance to actively participate in the filmmaking process. The next sessions are 11th April, 25th April, 9th May 7-9pm, 23rd May and 6th June
If you are interested in joining these enriching sessions, please email: hello@filmsussex.org or register through their website: https://www.filmsussex.org
Art Exhibition
Come and view local artist Denise Fitter’s gorgeous watercolours and pencil drawings of English flora and fauna weekdays throughout May 9am-3pm
Hillcrest Cinema
Join us for May’s film Banshees of Inisherin, a black comedy about the disintegrating friendship between two men on a bleak Irish island. Nominated for 9 Oscars, this film received a 12 minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival in 2022 and is not to be missed.
25th May 2024, doors at 6pm, film at 7.30pm
Tai Chi Classes
Movement and mindfulness in this ancient art
every Tuesday afternoon 2-3pm
Stay Active
Thursdays 11:00 - 12:00 - £7 - drop-in
These classes will help you stay active and healthy as you age. Each session focuses on balance, flexibility, aerobics and strength with fun music, and encouragement all the way.
All bodies and abilities are welcome - Whether you're new to exercise or a regular mover, you will find the help you need to work out safely, at your level. Sit, stand or stand with support - and move at your own pace - no judgements here!
Any questions? Contact Mary at MaryMovesit@gmail.com or on 07773022429
MONDAY
Meridian IT - free IT help and support
1st week of month: 10am-12pm
Into Art for Wellbeing with Hayley
Every Monday – 10am – 12pm
To book email wildseaarts@gmail.com
Nebula - free mental health support group
Every Monday 2pm-4pm | Drop in
Tai Chi
Every Monday: 09.30-11.30am
www.taichieffect.com | 07429007691
Wood Creatives
Mondays & Thursdays 09.30am - 3.30pm
To book enquire call 01323 741878
Haven Harmonies
Every Monday 7pm - 8.30pm
Call: 01273 611068
Software Solutions - free IT support and help
Every Monday 4pm - 6pm
Free to drop in
TUESDAY
U3A
Every Tuesday: 2pm - 4pm
To book email graham.heys@btinternet.com
Historical society
7pm – 10pm
Doors open 7pm.
Guesthouse Storytellers
The Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at The Hillcrest Centre in Newhaven.
Time: Café opens 7.00pm. Stories from 7.30pm
Find out more: guesthousestorytellers.com
Please look at the Storytelling page for all dates in 2024
Pilates Classes
Every week 11.30am – 12.30pm
To book contact Tash on 07831120600
Tai Chi
Every week 2pm – 3pm
To book contact allan@thetao.study
Haven Young Creatives
Every Tuesday during term time
Contact Haven Young Creatives via havenyoungcreatives@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY
Life Drawing
10.30 – 1pm
To find out dates and to book email julianlebas@yahoo.com
Ukulele
Every 2 weeks: 7pm – 9pm
To book email peterandberylneal@gmail.com
FRIDAY
Ballroom Dancing
Every Friday – 6.30pm – 8pm
To book phone 01273 476565
Hayley Art
Every Friday – 10am – 1pm
To book email wildseaarts@gmail.com
Private Dance
Every Friday – 10am – 12.30pm
To book phone 01273 476565
Creative Writing
Fridays - 10am - 12,30pm
Contact Umi - <umisinha.writing@gmail.com>
or visit website
https://www.writingclinic.co.uk/creative-writing-course.html
Linocut classes
Fridays - 2pm - 4pm
Contact Sally via email - Jennings.sally@gmail.com
THURSDAY
Stay Active Longer
Time: Thursdays 11:00 - 12:00
Cost: £7 - drop-in
AA Meetings
Every Thursday: 7pm - 8.45pm
Drop in.
Wood Creatives
Mondays & Thursdays 09.30am - 3.30pm
To book enquire call 01323 741878
SATURDAY
4th Saturday Of EACH MONTH
HILLCREST FILM
The Hillcrest Cinema shows films on the fourth Saturday of the month September to November. January to July.
Tickets: £6 at the door. Doors open 6pm, films start at 7.30pm
Hillcrest Cafe open for refreshments etc on film nights.
To find out what's on or to learn more about the cinema either visit the Hillcrest Cinema Facebook page, or email hillcrestcinema@bn9.co.uk to join our mailing list.
Call: 01273 512376
Established in 1953, Studio Tempo offers a wide variety of dance lessons suitable for Adults.
We specialize in Adult & Private Lessons for Ballroom, Latin & Sequence and Argentine Tango Salsa!
Whether you would like to learn a 1st dance for your special day or engage in weekly lessons and fall in love with the variety of styles we offer we ensure all levels of experience are welcome!
If you are interested in finding out more why not give us a call. 01273 513784 / 01273 476565
We have lessons at the Hillcrest on Fridays
6.45pm Beginners Tuition Class
7.30pm Social Dancing practice for all levels
8.15pm Follow-on Class Tuition
9.00pm Finish
20 week course. Fridays 10am to 12.30pm - Visit the website for prices. Courses run year round, beginning in October and after Easter.
Tutor: Umi Sinha - website: https://www.writingclinic.co.uk/weekly-classes-in-newhaven.html
An informal and friendly prose writing class, suitable for all levels, that covers everything you need to know about how to write short stories, autobiography or memoir, structured around weekly writing assignments that allow you to practice different fictional techniques (also relevant to life writing). You are welcome to work on your own project if you prefer. Work will be read aloud in class and feedback given. The class will cover all the technical aspects of writing and will include discussion and short exercises based on writing prompts where time allows. We will also be reading and discussing the work and techniques of published writers, either as extracts or from a short story collection.
For more details contact: Umi Sinha on 01323 325891
Email: umisinha.writing@gmail.com or visit our website
New Term starts January 12th 2022 - £250 10 week term
Time: 10.30 - 1pm Day: Wednesdays
In a supportive and friendly atmosphere, participants are encouraged to search for rhythm and structure from a variety of the models set poses. The life models are all professional and the nude figure will be the main subject , apart from the occasional costumed model.
A combination of short - timed poses and those of a longer duration are aimed at developing observational skills. The expressive use of drawing materials is also encouraged.
As well as one - to - one tuition , work made in each session is displayed for the purpose of critical feedback and discussion.
About the tutor: Julian Le Bas is a well established practising artist who exhibits his paintings and drawings regularly. He has work in The Towner Collection in Eastbourne, as well as having work in many other Private and Public Collections. He has been a painting and drawing tutor for over thirty five years , teaching at Sussex University , Morley College, London , and the University of Brighton.
Materials: Drawing boards and easels are provided. Please bring your own cartridge paper , drawing board clips or masking tape. Charcoal is the preferred media. Erasers , white chalk and soft pencils are advisable. Julian will advise you what to bring at the first session.
Please contact Julian Le Bas by email julianlebas@yahoo.com or telephone 07770499495
Haven Harmonies is a friendly community choir that performs at community and fundraising events. We have a professional music leader Rosie Brown who teaches and leads us in a variety of popular songs. We also have a Singalong group who visit care homes and entertain the residents with songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Our choir is organised by a very active committee.
If you would like to join us on Monday evenings at the Hillcrest Centre 7 – 9pm for a friendly and joyful two hours of making music please do contact Marian Stanley on 01273 611068 or email our secretary at havenharmoniescommunitychoir@gmail.com If you want to know more we have a Facebook group and a website www.havenharmonies.wordpress.com.
There are no auditions and no requirement to read music. The first week is free and then we ask a fee of £6 every time you attend. Please do come along, we would love to see you.
The Nebula is a free, peer led support group at the Hillcrest Community Centre Newhaven.
Anyone is welcome to attend and there are free refreshments. We meet weekly to chat and offer support to each other. Locally it is difficult to find supportive mental health services that are immediately available. This peer led support is people helping each other. It is a safe and confidential space.
What is said in the room, stays in the room.
We support each other with compassion and no judgement as we all understand what it is like to suffer from poor mental health.
The Nebula is run by Pinky.
You can contact Pinky on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/535810757234539/?ref=share
You can also call hillcrest reception for information on times and sessions.
Eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart, the ancient art of storytelling is both timeless and contemporary. GuestHouse Storytelling Club hosts diverse professional storytellers to work in a community context and provides a sustainable platform for local storytellers to share and create work.
The Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at The Hillcrest Centre in Newhaven. We have no registered membership; everyone is welcome and you become a member by attending. To find out about upcoming events you can email us on info@guesthousestorytellers.com or visit the website www.guesthousestorytellers.com.
This year our focus is the Ogham Tree Calendar and we’ll be celebrating a different tree each month with songs and stories. There are two 7 minute floor-spots per Story Night. Tellers vary from the very well trained and experienced to people stepping into the water for the first time. Everyone is welcome and every story and teller is different, providing a varied and rich feast of tales to carry away with you and maybe even re-tell. If you would like a floor-spot, please write to us at info@guesthousestorytellers.com or catch us on a Club evening.
The rest of the evening is devoted to a professional teller, often of international renown.
Our History
GuestHouse storytellers began in 2006 and is inspired by a poem by the 12th century Persian mystic, Rumi, which you can read here: www.gratefulness.org
Find out more: guesthousestorytellers.com
Time: Café opens 7.00pm. Stories from 7.30pm
Mondays & Thursdays from 10am onwards
In the last hut behind the main centre
The workshop is well-equipped and, although there is no formal tuition, a lot of the members have been carving for many years and are able to give expert guidance at all stages of learning so that beginners quickly find the confidence to carve their first simple objects and gradually move on to more ambitious projects. We also have a kettle!
Our most experienced members produce beautiful carvings to a professional standard and are able to sell their work ranging from walking sticks to sporting trophies, and even our newest members are already turning out very pleasing works to be proud of!
New members are always very welcome, so if you share our love of wood and fancy trying your hand at woodcarving, or already have some experience, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Contact the Hillcrest reception for details - 01273 512376 / info@hillcrestcentre.co.uk
Or stroll down to the workshop on a Monday and see for yourself.
U3A Art - Tuesdays 2-4pm
Pilates every Tuesday 11.30-12.30
Ukelele - Wednesdays 7-9pm
Who are….The GuestHouse Storytellers
Eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart, the ancient art of storytelling is both timeless and contemporary. GuestHouse Storytelling Club hosts diverse professional storytellers to work in a community context and provides a sustainable platform for local storytellers to share and create work.
The Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at The Hillcrest Centre in Newhaven. We have no registered membership; everyone is welcome and you become a member by attending. To find out about upcoming events you can email us on info@guesthousestorytellers.com or visit the website www.guesthousestorytellers.com.
This year our focus is the Ogham Tree Calendar and we’ll be celebrating a different tree each month with songs and stories. There are two 7 minute floor-spots per Story Night. Tellers vary from the very well trained and experienced to people stepping into the water for the first time. Everyone is welcome and every story and teller is different, providing a varied and rich feast of tales to carry away with you and maybe even re-tell. If you would like a floor-spot, please write to us at info@guesthousestorytellers.com or catch us on a Club evening.
The rest of the evening is devoted to a professional teller, often of international renown.
Our History
GuestHouse storytellers began in 2006 and is inspired by a poem by the 12th century Persian mystic, Rumi, which you can read here: www.gratefulness.org
Find out more: guesthousestorytellers.com
Time: Café opens 7.00pm. Stories from 7.30pm
Here are the dates for 2024 (all second Tuesdays of the month):
9 January 2024 – Birch Tree Nell Phoenix: ‘Stories to Bring the House Down.’
13 February – Rowan Tree Xanthe Gresham: ‘The Bag of Wonders.’
12 March - Alder Tree Tim Ralphs: ‘The Secret Commonwealth.’
9 April -Willow Tree Sally Pomme Clayton: ‘The Mighty Goddess.’
14 May - Hawthorn Tree Anne-Marie, Umi and Wendy Host ‘The Best of GuestHouse.’
11 June – Ash Tree
9 July - Oak and Holly Trees
10 September – Hazel Tree
8 October - Apple Tree
12 November - Elder Tree
10 December - Yew and Pine Trees