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
See the below timetable for our regularly scheduled classes and events, or scroll down further for our special events. For a detailed view of our timetable see the events page.
See some of our upcoming special events below:
Dance Vader
Get ready for an unforgettable night at The Hillcrest Community Centre as the ultimate 90's cover band takes the stage for one night only! Join us for a fantastic evening filled with music, dancing, and a wave of nostalgia. Celebrate the iconic sounds and culture of the 90s performed by our very own local band, Dance Vader. Enjoy delicious food and drinks from the licensed bar provided by Haven Connections Café. Don’t miss out on this incredible event! 18+ ONLY!
Limited spaces available!
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Jumble Sale
Join us for a vibrant jumble sale on Saturday, 16th August, 10 am - 2 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for sellers and bargain hunters alike. Each stall is available for just £10, making it an affordable way to showcase your items or discover unique treasures. Whether you’re looking to declutter your home or hunt for hidden gems, don't miss out on this exciting community event!
To book a stall, please contact juliadunstandesign@gmail.com
Childrens Clay Club
This six week course will give Children an opportunity to play, explore, and learn all about clay. During the 6 week course, they will learn different techniques from glazing to coiling and everything in between! Creating a number of different objects.
7+years.
£60 for six week course, running Wednesday Afternoons 4.30pm-5.30pm.
Course starts 4th June.
Contact juliadunstandesign@gmail.com to book your place!
BSL 6 week course
Louise BSL user and her interpreter welcome beginners and those interested in learning some basics in BSL to her 6 week course!
The classes will be relaxed and informal and will include lots of fun, games and quizzes!!
Classes will be every Tuesday for 6 weeks, starting from 1st July. 10.30am - 11.30am.
£60 for the 6 week course.
Contact louisegibsonbsl@gmail.com for more info and to book your place!
BSL Coffee morning
Louise BSL user and her interpreter welcome you to join them for a cuppa and chat!
All welcome, deaf BSL users and hearing people who want to learn to sign, please come and join us for a fun group chat using sign language!
Every Tuesday, for 6 weeks. Starting 1st July.
11.45am - 1pm.
Donations towards room hire appreciated
(Suggested £2-£5)
Contact louisegibsonbsl@gmail.com for more info!
Clay Sculpture Course
Join Julia for a Clay sculpture course here at the Hillcrest! Enjoy creating sculptures and learning all the techniques to help you create the perfect piece.
£75 per person. Course runs Tuesday 15th, 22nd & 29th July.
For more information and to book your place, please email juliadunstandesign@gmail.com
Collage Workshop
Immerse yourself in a creative experience with Hayley at the Evening Collage Workshop! Join us on Friday, July 18th, from 6 PM to 8 PM for an inspiring two-hour session where you'll unleash your artistic potential. For just £15.
Perfect for all skill levels, this workshop promises a fun and relaxed atmosphere to explore your creativity. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create something beautiful and connect with fellow art enthusiasts!
Call Hayley 07751742127.
The Living Coast Undersea Experience
Discover the hidden world beneath the waves this summer 🪼🐟
Come see The Living Coast Undersea Experience at the Hillcrest Centre, Newhaven.
🌊 Thursday 31st July
🌊 11 am – 4 pm
Using virtual reality, this unique experience takes you into the very heart of the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone – a fascinating landscape that few people ever get to see!
Tickets are £2.50 per person.
Chakradance
Rythm for your soul. Come & Explore. Have fun. Find meaning. Let go. Come & look deeper into each chakra. Each part of you. Experience the feeling of coming home.
Wednesday 24th September, 7.30-8.30pm
Coffee Morning
Join Bluebird care for a delightful social event where you can gather to enjoy each others company over a cuppa and cake!
This coffee morning is the perfect opportunity to socialise, relax and meet some of the team!
Wednesday 23rd July, 11am-2pm
Art of Comedy stand-up beginners course
Over this two-day course, you will learn how to come up with comedy material, to structure and edit your writing, connect with and perform it to an audience. At the end of the course you'll have the option to perform in a showcase in front of a live audience with your new stand-up set.
Guesthouse Storytellers - Hive of Story
A prophecy, a hive of story and plenty of cross pollination.
Meet Mary Bumby, Aotearoa’s honey bee pioneer and the only woman in European history credited with the introduction of Apis Mellifica.
Mary has returned to earth to re awaken the bee- ing in humans. A high interactive and humorous excursion into a world where Apis Mellifera, New Zealand’s past & future, meet to make something sticky and sweet.
12th August. Cafe open from 7pm.
"A witty, educational, interactive and entertaining show, thoroughly enjoyable"
Lino Cut Summer Sessions
Unleash your creativity this summer by joining our linocut printing sessions in the vibrant art room! Over a selection of dates in August, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this unique printmaking technique. Each session runs from 2pm to 4pm, providing you with a couple of hours to dive into the world of art. For just £25, you’ll receive guidance and all the materials you need to create your own stunning prints. Don’t miss out on the chance to express yourself through this engaging artistic process!
Contact Sally to book your place
07876666784
jennings.sally@gmail.com
Into Art Classes
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
Meditation
Start your weekend right with a calming and mindful meditation session with Scarlet. Suitable for everyone, open to all.
Tai Chi Classes
Movement and mindfulness in this ancient art
every Tuesday afternoon 2-3pm. To book email allan@thetao.study
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
Following the success of the spring sessions Film Sussex will be hosting more workshops and courses throughout September to the end of the year.
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.
If you are interested in joining these enriching sessions, please email: hello@filmsussex.org or register through their website: https://www.filmsussex.org
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.
Stay Active Longer
Thursdays 11:00 - 12:00 - £8 - drop-in
As a community of 'Movers,' we help each other stay active and healthy as we age.
Each session focuses on balance, flexibility, aerobics, and strength - with fun music and encouragement.
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
Ballroom Dancing
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
6.45pm Beginners Tuition Class
7.30pm Social Dancing practice for all levels
8.15pm Follow-on Class Tuition
9.00pm Finish
Creative Writing
20 week course. Fridays 10am to 12.30pm - Visit the website for prices. Courses run year round.
Tutor: Xanthe Gresham - website: https://www.writingclinic.co.uk/weekly-classes-in-newhaven.html
For more details contact: Umi Sinha on 01323 325891
Email: umisinha.writing@gmail.com or visit our website
Haven Harmonies is a friendly community choir that performs at community and fundraising events. We have a professional music leader Cara Barseghian 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 – 8.30pm for a friendly and joyful hour and a half 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 £5 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.
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
Newhaven Ukulele
Join this informal ukulele group and learn a new skill. For everyone from brand new beginners to seasoned players - just £2.
Wednesdays 7-9pm