The aim of the event is to enhance the profile of Bishopstone Parish Hall, St Andrew's Parish Church and The Willett Charitable Trust (which administers the village green) by raising awareness of the three key groups within the community, encouraging support and generating much needed funds.

There will be a wide range of events to mark this celebratory period.
It is intended that this community initiative will engage everyone in protecting and improving the resources of the village including the hall, church and village green.

The Golden Anniversary marks the fact that Bishopstone Parish Hall has been significant in creating and retaining an active village life since it was donated to the village in August 1958.

It offers the community a much-needed public meeting room, it is the vibrant centre for numerous activities including fetes, talks, horticultural shows and is regularly used for sports and social groups throughout the Seaford, Bishopstone and Newhaven area.

The church provides a traditional focus to village life and both of these organisations are supported by the provision of the village green, which has hosted village events and been a unique asset for many years.

The hall has recently featured in the local media as a result of its roof renovation project, but it is only one part of the community activity in the village.

The Golden Anniversary celebrations commence next month with a flower festival and an exhibition of Bishopstone's past times in St Andrew's Church and Parish Hall, Bishopstone on August 29 and 30, from 10am to 5.30pm.

On August 31 the event runs from 12noon to the weekend's finale — a choral evensong at 6pm attended by the High Sheriff and other local dignitaries.

Visitors will be able to enjoy flower arrangements depicting past times of this historic place, and in the hall will be able to view old photographs of Bishopstone and Norton, together with artefacts covering the last 200 years.

Further information can be located on www.achurchnearyou.com, selecting Bishopstone, St Andrew's when prompted.

The hall will then be closed in early September for two months whilst restoration work is carried out.

During this period there will be a barn dance at Seaford Constitutional Club on October 18 from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

Admission including entry, ploughmans supper and entertainment will be by pre booked ticket only at a cost of £10 per person with concessions for families — further details will follow.

A raffle will be held including the chance to win an original art work from local artist Mike Harrison who will also present the prize.

Mike is part of the locally based entertainment duo Hope and Keen, who are supporting the hall roof project and the festival year.

Two more of the very popular tea dances that have been held over the past 18 months are scheduled at this venue on October 1 and December 3 featuring live music in support of the hall roof project.

The programme of events continues with a traditional Sussex Christmas event exploring the history and traditions of Christmas in Sussex on December 6 at Bishopstone Parish Hall.

The evening promises an excellent start to the festive season with a chance to hear and even take part in a Mummers play with an accompaniment of mince pies and mulled wine for all.

Ticket and timing information will be made available nearer the time.
Many other events are planned for 2009 and details of these will be advised during the autumn.