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:
British Sign Language
Join Louise for a relaxed and enjoyable introduction to British Sign Language. The course will include games and basic signs and deaf awareness. Taught by a BSL native user.
For more information or to book, please contact louisegibsonbsl@gmail.com
Guest house story tellers
Under the January full moon, ride out of time on a silver broomstick and let Joanna Gilar immerse you in the collective memory of wild fairytale!
Tuesday 14th January, cafe open from 7pm.
Childrens Art Classes
Join Julia here at the Hillcrest for a fun filled after school art club. These classes will provide children with a creative outlet and teach them creative skills. For more information and to book a place, please contact Julia: 07393926173 or email juliadunstandesign@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
Guesthouse Storytellers
Join the guesthouse storytellers for an entertaining evening of storytelling for adults.
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.
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
Nukehaven
Join this informal ukulele group and learn a new skill. For everyone from brand new beginners to seasoned players - just £2.
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):
13 August – Morgan Le Fey with Xanthe Gresham Knight - Plant magic with Morgan Le Fey
10th September - Dionysus with Amelia ‘Ace’ Armand - Expect ecstacy, madness, conquest and resurrection
8 October - Women Who Gave No Fxxcks - Mythic mayhem! Tales to make you want to rip up the rule book and riot.
12 November - Reflecting Fridas - Frida Kahlo - 'Frida's soul echoes in all of us' - Brazilian Storyteller Ana Lines
10 December - Nordic Tales with Sara-Liisa Wilkinson - Expect Mischief and Mayhem from Nordic Mythstress, Sara-Liisa Wilkinson