Stories from the South Downs
a talk by Ian Everest
A fully illustrated talk about some of the less well-known aspects of the Downs. Ian spent his childhood on a Downland farm and has some fascinating stories to share. Expect to find out about the Home Guard Cavalry, a College for Lady Gardeners, a Grand National Winner, Poverty Bottom – and much more!
Ian was brought up on a farm on the South Downs and after attending Agricultural College in the late 1960’s, he worked in the agricultural sector with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, before being employed in commercial activity with an animal feed supplement business. His growing interest in family and military history led to a career change in 1987 when he was appointed manager of Newhaven Fort in Sussex, a scheduled monument, which he prepared for public opening the following year, and continued to manage for fifteen years. Following this, a further change in career as the Newhaven Town Clerk for ten years – and then retirement.