Talk 1: “There is a corner of a French field that is forever Rottingdean” (Sarah-Helen Snow)    0930 - 1045

The title of this talk is inspired by Rupert Brooke's 'The Soldier'. Whilst the exact number of local residents who served in both world wars is undocumented, it is known that 37 men lost their lives in World War One, and a further 16 made the final sacrifice for king and country in World War Two.

As we are all aware, both conflicts took place across many different theatres of War, but this talk will look in detail into the lives of the men who are commemorated on Rottingdean War Memorial and in the lines of Brooke's poem, whose final resting places are in France.

It will look at the names and hopefully honour them by bringing their own individual stories to life. We will discover exactly who these men were; where they lived, loved, and worked.  These were men from all walks of life, whose stories are reminiscent of the social structures and conditions of their times, and they all lived locally to us. They walked the streets we walk, but all too soon they were facing unimaginable horrors. 

By learning more about them, we aim to honour their memories and provide a fresh perspective on our recent local history.

Talk 2: "Rottingdean and other Sussex Windmills" (Guy Blythman)    1115 - 1230

In this talk Guy Blythman will look at the history of the traditional windmill in Sussex and in particular that at Rottingdean. Through an analysis of the mill's workings and construction, he will discuss its technology and its place in the history of the traditional English windmill, as well as looking at its role in the local community.  

Sarah-Helen Snow: At the age of five, Sarah moved to Belgium with her parents and little sister. During her time there, her father would take her to visit the Commonwealth War Grave sites, and this instilled in her a lifelong interest in World War I and II.When she returned to the UK, she researched various WWI soldiers on behalf of their loved ones; a process in which she continues to be involved.

At university, Sarah read History and Archaeology and her interest and research into the stories of individuals connected to the conflicts took on a life of its own. She has widened her research to include not only soldiers, but also medical personnel and other non-combatants.

She is a member of organisations involved with the Western Front, Gallipoli and also Salonika, and the Middle East, as well as The Royal British Legion. Over the years she has published articles about her research and is considering reading for a PhD in the subject.

Guy Blythman: Guy was born in 1965 and educated at Millfield School, Somerset, and Southampton University.

He has been interested in traditional windmills all his life, has written many books on them, and is a member of the Mills Section of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and a former chairman of the Mills Research Group.

He has also published a wide range of books on other subjects including philosophy, history, theology and politics, plus over a dozen novels.