Friday, 1st December was the official opening of the Old Workshop Barn as an exhibition about Sullington Manor Farm. A report on the exhibition can be found in the West Sussex County Times.
Sandgate Conservation Society members were specifically invited to the opening because the Society had supported Gail and Grahame Kittle in their efforts to obtain funding for the restoration work to the barn.
A wonderful afternoon was enjoyed by those who attended the opening. It started with some brief speeches, from Gail, Nick Herbert MP and a representative from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
There were also trailer trips up from the farm buildings to the top of the Downs. On these trips Grahame explained about the farm, how it is mainly beef cattle with a little arable. It operates under the High Level Stewardship Scheme which means that measures are taken to support wildlife by sympathetic farming methods. The success of these measures were evident by the number of sky larks we saw on the trailer trip. We also saw several buzzards and a red kite flew close and low.
As you can see from the picture the mode of transport was fairly rudimentary and the trailer had to negotiate some hair-raising slopes. Part of the return trip was over an ancient hill fort. In fact, there is so much archaeology in the area that the farm is paid not to plough one of its fields due to the archaeology at the site.
It was also noticeable as the tractor took us up away from the farm buildings that the farm buildings are located in a very sheltered spot. Considering how cold the day was it was relatively mild around the farm but as we were taken higher the icy wind became, shall we say, bracing! A lesson not to underestimate how exposed the top of the Downs are.
On our return we were treated to hot soup, cakes and savouries, tea and prosecco whilst being entertained by the South Downs Folk Singers.
You can see in the pictures of the interior of the barn the information boards on the walls explaining about the farm and giving a historical timeline. The table that can be seen in the picture above is an interactive display about the history and wildlife in the area. In the picture below you can see some of the old farming tools on display.
For those interested in architecture here is a picture of the roof beams
The exhibition is free and will be open during the winter at least over the weekends. In the spring the intention is that a cafe will be open in a downstairs space in the barn.