Baroness Whittaker

Our President

When I became a life peer, I worked on encouraging a sense of place in town planning, so when we moved to Piddinghoe I was very pleased to get to know Newhaven with its potential for regeneration. Culture is a regeneration key, so the Museum, with its wealth of material on our maritime identity and fascinating history is essential.

Work at the House of Lords does not allow me to be in Sussex as much as I would like, but I take a keen interest in the Museum, applaud its dedicated volunteers, and know it will prosper with new funding. The museum is going from strength to strength.

Graham Amy

Hon. Chair of the Trustees

I was honoured to have been asked to become Chair of the Newhaven Historical Society in 2022. As my father was one of the founder members I am sure he would be proud of how the organisation and membership have continued to grow.

As a keen metal detectorist I am fascinated by the rich history we have in this area. My finds include bronze age, iron age, Celtic, Roman, Norman medieval and numerous modern coins and artefacts.

My favourite part of the museum (and the saddest) is the tribute to HMS Brazen. This is brought very much alive by the marvellous music and film produced by Jenny’s husband, Mike Flood.

Dr Will Pilfold

Hon. Secretary

I have been a trustee of the historical society since 2017 when I also took on the role of hon. secretary.

I regularly contribute articles to our journal ‘Newhaven Times’ and I also enjoy giving local interest heritage talks in Lewes and, for the society, at the Hillcrest.

I have also recently completed a series of heritage information panels for Lewes District Council’s Wayfinding Improvement project, highlighting stories from Newhaven’s past. You might have spotted them around the town.

My favourite place in the museum is the Peter Bailey Research Room, because it’s a treasure trove of stories and information about the town’s history.

Stefan Storoszko

Trustee, Hon. Treasurer,
Digital Archivist and Steward

I have been a trustee and hon. treasurer of Newhaven Historical Society since 2016 and a museum steward since 2018.

As the society’s digital archivist, I managed the introduction of the society’s digital management system, which enables visitors to easily search through our 20,000+ photographs. There’s always more to add, to the collection, so if you have any interesting photos of Newhaven you’d like to share, do let me know.

I also enjoy writing articles for the society’s magazine Newhaven Times.

My favourite object in the museum is the last penny toll which was paid to cross the old drawbridge.

Ian Everest

Trustee & Event Organiser

I have been a trustee of the society since 2004. As the society’s events’ organiser, I curate our annual programme of talks at the Hillcrest and make sure we attend local events, such as the Fish Festival, Denton Challenge and Lifeboat Fete.

Having been both the manager of Newhaven Fort and Clerk to Newhaven Town Council, I really value Newhaven’s interesting heritage. Although I’m now retired, I continue to deliver local history talks to groups throughout the South-East, as well as at the Hillcrest, for the historical society.

My favourite thing in the museum is the picture collection. You will always find something interesting or surprising in it.

Dr Jenny Flood

Trustee

I have been a trustee of Newhaven Historical Society since 2013 and am currently managing of our Arts Council project ‘Unlocking Newhaven’s Collection’.

As a Community Historian, I enjoy researching and talking about Newhaven’s rich and vibrant history. You may have met me at one of our talks. I’m usually on the desk ready to meet and greet everyone.

My favourite object in the collection is an ivory nut, with an image of HMS Hampshire painted on it by Harry Browning. Harry served on the ship from 1913 until he was killed, alongside Lord Kitchener, when the Hampshire hit a mine during the First World War. It shows how our local history is linked to the national story.

David Kent

Trustee & Steward

I have been a trustee of Newhaven Historical Society since February 2023.

I have just completed an inventory of the artefacts and objects in the Newhaven Museum. I am also managing the digitisation of our printed and uncatalogued photographic collections making them more widely available to people in and around Newhaven and further afield.

I steward at the Museum on Fridays and Saturdays and I really enjoy talking with the people who come into the Museum.

My favourite object in the collection is the statue of Ho Chi Minh, it is more the story that fascinates me rather the statue itself.

Richard Kirkman

Trustee & Steward

A strong interest in the history of rail and ferry services to Newhaven prompted me to begin the rewarding task of stewarding in Spring 2023. I became a trustee in 2024. It’s great to interact with visitors and show off the wealth of material on display (and behind the scenes) in the Museum.

For me, a favourite area is the diorama of East Quay that combines artefacts and models to bring the fascinating heyday of the Port to life, a focal point that prompts much attention and many anecdotes from our visitors.

Angela Simmons

Trustee

I have been a trustee of Newhaven museum since 2019.

I came to Newhaven in 1978 and my adopted town fitted with all the nautical connections in my family. Peter Bailey, the founder and curator of the then Newhaven Local and Maritime Museum became a firm friend. I was a Newhaven Town Councillor for 20 years. Now retired I can spend more time assisting in research and development at the museum.

My favourite object is the lovely practical box seat which contains the tools for caulking the old swing bridge – only the old rope is needed!

Sue Pilfold

Editor, Newhaven Times

I have been the editor of the Newhaven Times since 2017, and I enjoy compiling the many and varied articles that make up this popular journal, published four times each year by the Historical Society.

Writing the occasional article myself, I like to delve into the social history of the town and of those who lived and worked here, in particular, the women and children. My favourite item in the museum is the Hospital Ship flag from the Brighton V. My paternal grandfather served as chief cook on this ship, and he was in Dieppe when she was bombed during WWII. The flag is a reminder not only of my family’s link with the town, but also of those who lived locally and who fought for our freedom.

Allan Charles

Steward

2023 is my third season as a steward.

The one thing above all that I enjoy is being able to help a visitor to discover a previously unknown connection or photo to do with their relatives or the town.

My favourite item in the museum is the Royal Naval life-belt “HMS YARMOUTH” which hangs above the entrance on the inside. The reason for this I shall explain in an article which I’ll be writing shortly. (Watch this space, as they say)!

Roger Cohen

Steward

I have been volunteering at the museum since May 2024.

I steward on Wednesdays with Allan and Debbie.

I am a native of Denton/South Heighton and enjoy meeting visitors to the museum.

I have recently been working with Debbie archiving photographs and identifying people and places.

Mick Easton

Steward

I started as a steward in April 2022.

I enjoy meeting people who moved to town and want to find out about their house or area and the history of Newhaven . I also enjoy meeting people who were born in Newhaven but moved away many years ago and visit to recollect past days.

My favourite item is the long glass cabinet showing what the harbour was like when I grew up. I was born in Newhaven and have seen all the changes that have happened over the years.

Debbie Evans

Steward

Hi, I’m Debbie and I have been volunteering at the Museum since April 2024.

I help steward on Wednesdays with Allan and Roger.

I am Newhaven born and bred and have enjoyed meeting the visitors.

I have recently been archiving photographs and relish the challenge of identifying people and places.

Ron Packham

Steward

2024 will be my third year as a steward. I find it very satisfying to help visitors, locals with their memories, and those from further afield with my knowledge.

My best place in the museum is the model of the harbour. Ever since I was small the harbour and shipping going in and out has always fascinated me. I worked on the quay for nearly 30 years.

Trich Ripley

Steward

I started stewarding in 2015.

What I enjoy most about being a steward is helping people connect with their past by looking through photos of family members and Newhaven as it was many years ago.

My favourite space in the museum is the collection of large photos of people and places, schools, workplaces etc. of times gone by.

Ginny Smith

Steward

I started stewarding at the museum mid-summer 2021 and enjoy meeting its visitors and if I can, helping them with their queries or directing them to someone who can.

I especially like photos of old Newhaven, its characters and buildings, depicting its social history along with artefacts that tell a story.

Chris Young

Steward

I started stewarding at the museum in 2018.

My museum interests are nautically related after my father who was one of the first RAF / ASR (Air Sea Rescue) to help set up the Newhaven Air Sea Rescue base back in 1939.

I myself spent over fifty years in boat building and enjoy bringing all these aspects of our local history to our visitors. I also enjoyed creating the display about Newhaven’s boat building history and revamping the RAF / ASR display.

Nid Barnes

Volunteer

I first joined as a steward about 10 years ago taking over from Peter Bailey, who was the curator at the time.

Since then I have had several roles at the Museum, including as a trustee. I am currently working with David Kent on the archives.

I am particularly interested in Tidemills.

Lola-May Baldock

Volunteer

I have been a volunteer since the beginning of 2023.

What I most enjoy about being a volunteer at the museum is handling the huge variety of objects, photographs and books that the museum holds. No two days are ever the same and it’s always exciting finding hidden gems amongst the collection.

My favourite collection in the museum is the many photographs we hold. They are such a wonderful window into another time.