Historical Exhibitions

Exhibition

Come and see our historical exhibition of photographs, postcards, letters, newspaper cuttings and artefacts which celebrate the history of Ditchling, many of its famous inhabitants and surrounding villages. Michael Alford has been collecting historical memorabilia over his whole lifetime; starting as a boy, he collected knapped flints from a field called Stonewish which gives its name to the Nature Reserve today. Continuing to collect as an adult; Michael now has an impressive collection running into thousands of items.

Stoneywish Nature Reserve has many farm implements which were used on the farmland by Michael and his predecessors. They date from about 1930 and are a fascinating collection of old agricultural tools used with a tractor.

Michael Alford in the Emett hut at Stoneywish Nature Reserve. This collection of artwork is a tribute to Rowland Emett, cartoonist and illustrator who lived in Ditchling and became famous for his designs, including automata in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and illustrations in Punch magazine. There is a short video in the hut dedicated to the life of Rowland Emett.

This is just one of many postcards in the exhibition depicting Ditchling crossroads long ago. Michael has collections of postcards and photographs of many villages surrounding Ditchling and, with notice, can alter what is on display to your request. Call the office on 01273 843498 to make an appointment to see the collection. Entry is free if you pay for the Nature Reserve or £2.50 per person.