Free Events & Activities 1-16 June

Come and enjoy FREE activities and events in Bexhill, uncovering the revolutionary history of women and cycling in Sussex.  This two-week-long programme in Bexhill includes a variety of events and activities including upcycling sewing workshops to remake cycling fashion, talks, cycle repair sessions and free outdoor tours.  Come and join in!

Bike Safety check for women & girls: To launch SBS events on Saturday 1st June, and Sunday 2^nd June 12- 3pm there are Bike Safety Checks by Bexhill Wheelers, located just behind Bexhill Museum next to Egerton Park.  We encourage women and girls to bring bicycles to ensure you can enjoy Bike Week.  

Re-Imagining Re-Making women’s clothing for cycling, or any time, sewing workshops.  Book a session or stay as long as you like:  Saturday 1^st June – 10.30-12.30 & 13.00-15.00 and Monday 10^th June – 10.30-12.30 & 13.00-15.00 at the Eco Hub, Western Road, with Community Supporters.  Come and transform preloved clothes—repair or make them fit; transform them completely by adding splashes of colour or different fabrics; or help us create a dressing-up box of upcycled bloomers and sashes for the Sussex Blazing Saddles exhibition.

Talks at Bexhill Museum

1: Friday 14 June 2.30pm With Julian Porter – Curator of Bexhill Museum, exploring memories of Bexhill and cycling of Bexhill cycle track, Pleasant Sunday Afternoon cycle club, Lady Brassey cycling passion, and

2: Sunday 16 June 2pm With Karen Poley – Sussex Blazing Saddles Creative Director introducing the project and its findings…

Pleasant Sunday Afternoon on Sussex Day Inspired by the PSA’s cycling club of the early 1900s, come and join us for a pleasant Sunday afternoon on Sunday 16 June.  Meet at Bexhill Museum at 1.45pm, to look around the Exhibition and hear an introductory talk.  Then cycle off on a Bexhill Women and Cycling heritage ride led by Ian Hollidge of Bexhill Wheelers.  The route will last about an hour, encompassing the cycle chalet built by Muriel Brassey, the old cycle track and back for a musical finish with The Other Band, at the Coronation Bandstand.  If you wish to stay on, the ride will cycle back to Egerton Park for a picnic at 7.30pm

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Bexhill Schedule

1 June – Re-Imagining & Re-Making sewing sessions at the Eco Hub, Western Road, Bexhill 10.30-12.30 & 13.00-15.00

1 & 2 June – Women & Girls Bike Safety Checks by Bexhill Wheelers, Egerton Park back of Bexhill Museum 12-3pm

10 June – Re-Imagine Re-Make sessions at the Eco Hub, Western Road, Bexhill 10.30-12.30 & 13.00-15.00

14 June – Talk by Senior Curator Julian Porter Bexhill, Bicycles & Brasseys, Bexhill Museum 2.30pm

15 & 16 June, Bexhill Museum SBS Exhibition – themes from clothing to rides, races & events; Ladies cycling superstars, clubs & cycling suffragists; as well as current cycling clubs, promoting learning to ride & maintenance sessions for women.

16 June, Bexhill Pleasant Sunday Afternoon – exhibition, talk, heritage ride, & music – bring your bike & meet at Bexhill Museum at 1.45pm. The ride will last approximately an hour, finishing at the Coronation bandstand.

16 June, Bexhill talk by Creative Director Karen Poley Sussex Blazing Saddles, 2pm

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A full list of all the Sussex Blazing Saddles (SBS) events taking place across Sussex in 2024 can be found HERE  

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On 2 May 2024, Sussex Blazing Saddles hosted a visit to Worthing Museum & Art Gallery’s Costume Archive. Seniour Curator, Gerry Connolly showed us a series of amazing utfits from the late 1800s to early 1900s, giving us an overview of womens’ clothing of our period (1890-1928).

From the tortuous constraints of Edwardian fashion & the incredible engineering of undergarments, to convertible horse riding outfits, in a similar vein to the convertible cyclewear featured in the Blazing Saddles show.

Huge thanks to Gerry & Worthing Museum & Art Gallery, & to everyone who came along from across Sussex for a fascinating introduction to costume archives & women’s clothing.

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Following two years of research in local archives around Sussex, SBS created a pop up, touring exhibition which travelled to partner locations in June & September 2024, where it was seen by an estimated 38,300 visitors.

The exhibition was presented as a series of themes which emerged during research – from clothing to rides, races & events; pioneering lady bicyclists, clubs & cycling suffragists; as well as current cycling clubs, promoting learning to ride & maintenance sessions for women. You can explore the exhibition at this link

Photos © Raysto Images / KP Projects CIC 2024

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Bexhill Museum 10-16 June, linking with Bike Week

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Worthing Museum 18-30 June, as part of Worthing Festival

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Newhaven Library 1-15 September, as part of Heritage Open Days and Newhaven Festival

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Jubilee Library Brighton 16-29 September, coinciding with International Car Free Day & Kidical Mass

Photos © Raysto Images / KP Projects CIC 2024

Huge thanks for all the wonderful volunteer archive researchers who delved into the archives & dug out stories, & special thanks to Heritage Consultant Nicola Benge who led the volunteers & developed the exhibition with KP Projects.

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FREE – SBS Taster Workshops in Newhaven & Brighton

We’re delighted to offer a series of fun, sociable taster sessions for you to learn some basic moves with your bike, develop your own moves & short sequences & work with the whole group to create a short choreography.

Confirmed dates so far:

22 June – 10.30am -12.30pm, Preston Park, Brighton

23 June – 10.30am-12.30pm, The Sidings, Newhaven

25 June – 5.45pm-7.45pm Haven Young Creatives, Newhaven

6 July – 10am-12noon with Our City Dances, Brighton

14 August – 6pm-8pm, Preston Park Brighton

30 August – 10.30-12.30pm, Third Space Theatre Summer School, Brighton

What you need to know: All ages are welcome, we just ask that you have a level of cycling proficiency, recommended Bikeability Level 2 – essentially that you can ride safely with one hand off the handlebar. Wear comfortable clothing & bring your bike.

Borrow a bike: some bicycles are available to borrow. If you need one, please contact us on info(at)sussexblazingsaddles.co.uk giving your age & height

Participate in the Show: If you love it, as we’re sure you will, please sign up to participate in Blazing Saddles shows in September. More info HERE

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Come & take part in a Sussex Blazing Saddles performance. The show is based on the moment women in the 1890s, transformed their clothing & society to be able to ride bicycles.

• to join the Newhaven show on 7 & 8 Sept, sign up HERE

• to join the Brighton show on 21 & 22 Sept, join HERE

We will create the shows with local women & girls (you & your bike) over a weekend, starting with workshop/rehearsals & a ride around the performance sites on the first day; further rehearsal & performance on the second day.

You will learn the show’s choreographic structures & moves, as well as create your own moves & short sequences & work together safely as part of the cast. You will develop your cycling skills & confidence, improve control of your bicycle on the roads & as part of a group, & have the best fun doing so.

Previous Participants said…

All ages welcome. Previous participants have been 8 to 80 years old; in their own words HERE

No experience necessary, apart from a basic level of cycling proficiency. Bikeability Level 2 is recommended – the equivalent of riding safely with one hand off the handlebar.

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You can take part in either the Newhaven or Brighton shows, or both if you have the time/energy. Rehearsals & performance will take a whole weekend.

Here’s a very rough, draft schedule for both weekends:

Saturdays 7 Sept in Newhaven or 21 Sept in Brighton

9.30am-10am – Arrival

10am-1pm – Introductions, workshop to learn core skills & basic choreographic moves & introduction to the show choreography

1-2pm – Lunch break

2-4pm – Rehearse in performance site

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Sundays 8 Sept in Newhaven or 21 Sept in Brighton

9.30am-10am – Arrival

10am-12.30pm – Rehearsal running through choreography

12-1.30pm – Lunch break

1.30-2.10pm – Costume call & prep

Leave 10 mins before show starts

2.30 & 4.30pm – Performances

There’s more information at the Eventbrite links. Sign up to join in above

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Here’s a short film of the show

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Loads of FREE activities & events throughout the year. The calendar below lists confirmed events only & we’re working on dates for a programme of FREE workshops to upcycle cycling outfits, dance with your bike & SBS heritage inspired rides. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for updates

April

13 April, 11am-4pm, A FREE, all day or drop in sewing & remaking workshop at CREW 8-9 South Street, BN11 3AL. Participants made bloomers & sashes from men’s shirts for a dressing up box for the SBS exhibition. More HERE

May

2 May, Worthing Museum Costume Archive Training, an invited group visited the costume archive for a special talk, with examples from the collection, about 1890s-1928 women’s clothing constraints, contraptions & convertible horse riding outfits by Senior Curator Gerry Connolly

22 May, Newhaven, Come along & help us shape the Re-Imagining, Re-Making programme in Newhaven over the next few months. Hillcrest Centre Newhaven 6pm-8pm

June

1 June, Bexhill – Re-Imagine Re-Make session at the Eco Hub, Western Road, Bexhill time tbc

1 & 2 June, Bexhill – Women & Girls Bike Safety Checks by Bexhill Wheelers, Egerton Park back of Bexhill Museum 12-4pm

10 June – Bexhill, Re-Imagine Re-Make session at the Eco Hub, Western Road, Bexhill time tbc

14 June – Bexhill, talk by Senior Curator Julian Porter Bexhill Bicycles & Brasseys Bexhill Museum 2.30pm

15-16 June, Bexhill SBS Exhibition Bexhill Museum

16 June, Bexhill Pleasant Sunday Afternoon – heritage ride, talk & music – bring your bike & meet at Bexhill Museum at 1.30pm

16 June, Bexhill talk by Creative Director Karen Poley Sussex Blazing Saddles, 2pm

18 June – 9 July, Worthing SBS Exhibition Worthing Museum

22 June, Brighton Blazing Saddles Taster Workshop, Preston Park, 10.30am – 12.30pm

23 June, Newhaven Blazing Saddles Taster Workshop, The Sidings 10.30-12.30

25 June, Newhaven Blazing Saddles Taster Workshop with Young Havens Creatives

July

6 July, Brighton Blazing Saddles Taster Workshop with Our City Dances, Richmond Square 10-12noon, FREE but ticketed

10 July, Brighton SBS Creative Director Karen Poley’s talk for Better Bike Social

13 July, Brighton, re-imagining cycle clips & re-making preloved leggings at Sew Fabulous at the Old Market

31 July, Brighton, SBS Creative Director Karen Poley’s Pecha Kucha for Brighton & Hove Museum, tickets CANCELLED

August

14 August, Brighton Blazing Saddles Taster Workshop with choreographer Virginia Farman, 6pm – 8pm

30 August, Brighton Blazing Saddles Taster Workshop with Third Space Theatre’s Summer School

31 August, Newhaven, Drop-in sewing & upcycling workshop. Come along & re-imagine cycle clips & re-make session pre-loved leggins. Drop in to Hillcrest Centre 12.30-16.30 More info here

September

1-15 Sept, Newhaven SBS Exhibition, Newhaven Library, as part of Newhaven Festival

3 Sept, 7pm for 7.30pm start – SBS Talk with Newhaven Historical Society, Hillcrest Centre, Newhaven

7 & 8 Sept, Newhaven Participants workshops & rehearsal for Blazing Saddles performance 10am-5pm both days, more info

8 Sept, Newhaven Blazing Saddles Performance & Ride, 2.30pm-4.30pm, starting point Newhaven Skatepark & Pumptrack BN9 9DL

14 Sept, 11am, SBS Talk with Jubilee Library Brighton. Free but ticketed here

16-30 Sept, Brighton SBS Exhibition, Jubilee Library Brighton

21 & 22 Sept, Brighton Participants workshops & rehearsal for Blazing Saddles performance 10am-5pm both days, more info

22 Sept, Brighton Blazing Saddles Performance & Ride, 2.30pm-4.30pm, starting point St Peter’s Square Brighton BN1 4GU

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In the late 1890s, women embraced cycling & transformed their clothing to be able to ride safely in shorter skirts or bloomers, & breathe more easily without corsets. This was a revolutionary transformation sparking a significant backlash, that also helped fuel the suffrage movement.

As part of Sussex Blazing Saddles’ exploration of the pioneering heritage of women & cycling, we were thinking about how perceptions of cycling clothing today – lycra, helmet hair etc – discourage women & girls from riding bicycles. We invited local women & girls to join the conversation.

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SBS ran a series of free sewing workshops, in each of our partner locations, to Re-Imagine, Re-Frame & Re-Make women’s clothing for cycling, or any time. Participants also found out about the heritage of women cycling & how this related to our sewing workshops. They developed new ideas for revitalising & remaking old clothes, learned new sewing techniques or tried out sewing for the first time.

This element of SBS started with a series of creative conversations in Worthing & Bexhill. Local people & organisations came to learn about the project, help us develop ideas & frame how we might work together:

• Worthing – Saturday 24 February 1.30-3pm at the Stitch It Don’t Ditch It session at CREW, Climate Resilience Centre, on South Street, &

• Bexhill – Monday 26 February 1.30-3pm at Bexhill Museum

We evolved an initial plan to create a dressing up box of bloomers upcycled from men’s shirts, for the Sussex Blazing Saddles exhibition & ran sessions in:

• WORTHING – 13 April, an all day or drop in workshop at CREW (Climate Resilience Centre Worthing) in South St 11am-4pm

• BEXHILL – 10 June, two drop in sessions iwith Community Supporters at the Eco Hub on Western Road, on: 10 May & 1 June – 10.30am-12.30pm & 1pm-3pm

In Newhaven, we also ran an initial, though unsuccessful, session on a very wet & stormy night in Hillcrest Centre on 22 May 6pm-8pm. We were advised to present specific ideas & people would come.

So, we evolved our theme to remake modern day bloomers by upcycling old leggings. We re-imagined cycle clips (unchanged since the 1800s), & made bumbags from pre-loved materials & invited local & budding seamstresses to sessions:

BRIGHTON – 13 July, Sew Fabulous, The Open Market 12.45pm-2.45pm & 3pm-5pm

NEWHAVEN – 31 August, Hillcrest Community Centre, Newhaven 12noon-6pm

BRIGHTON – 12 September, Found Cafe, Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6LD, 12-2pm & 6pm-9pm

NEWHAVEN – 25 September, Youth Club at Newhaven Youth Centre, 6-7.30pm

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Click on the images below to see what happened:

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Huge thanks for all the wonderful seamstresses who led workshop sessions & everyone who participated, & special thanks to Re-Imagining Re-Making Project Manager, Kate Laird.

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There are two versions of TLC Undersea Experience for different types of events:

The HTC Vive version is a high-quality, vr installation, enabling users to move around an area approximately 3.5-4m² to explore a virtual, chalk reef gully, similar to those in the MCZ.  Users can follow their curiosity to explore, pick up rocks to see creatures underneath & see marine life all around. Scroll down for Technical Specs

The 360-film version, is suitable for schools & busy community events or festivals where there are large numbers of people.  We currently have 8 headsets, each with the capacity for 8-10 users per hour, so 70-80 users per hour, depending on size of space available. 

Scroll down for Technical Specs