Location

South Heighton Village Hall is situated on the A26, just under 1 mile north of Newhaven.

Grid reference: TQ 449029.

A brief history

The building now used as the Village Hall was built in 1860 as South Heighton School. Constructed mainly of local flint the school, comprising a single classroom and attached house for the School Master, was very similar to others built in neighbouring villages during the same period.

During the 1890's the population of the village increased considerably. A new cement works with a workforce of 250 men transformed the village, the population growing from under 100 to over 500 within a few years. As a result the school was extended and another classroom added.

The school continued to operate until 1969. Following closure, the building was left in trust to the local citizens and started a new life as the Village Hall. The School Master's house became a private residence.

The Hall is now run by an elected management committee and the money required for upkeep and repairs is raised by letting the premises for use by local organisations, including the Women's Institute and the Parish Council, and for private functions. In addition the committee runs a regular Bingo evening, annual firework display, summer music festival party and the village fête.

We are indebted to Mr. Ian Everest for the historical information contained above

Secretary-Sophy Thorpe
01273 513106