Dolphins, Duels & a Dash of Intrigue: Sussex Unveiled
- Lady Southdowns
- Feb 13
- 7 min read
Dearest and Most Esteemed Readers,
The week past has been one of extraordinary spectacles, remarkable encounters, and curious discoveries. From majestic marine visitors gracing our shores to the naming of a mischievous new resident at Drusillas Park, Sussex has once again proven itself a county brimming with delightful occurrences and stirring tales.
With excursions into the countryside, encounters with fearless maids of la mer and even a venture into the realm of the paranormal, this edition promises to be as varied as it is engaging. So, fetch yourself a cup of something fortifying, settle into your favourite armchair, and allow me to regale you with the most captivating happenings Sussex has to offer.
A Spectacle Upon the Waves
A most extraordinary sight graced our Sussex shores last month, for a pod of dolphins was observed frolicking off the coast of Eastbourne! The keen-eyed Simon Logan bore witness to this magnificent spectacle some 15 miles from Beachy Head, where approximately fifty common dolphins danced upon the waves. Amongst this merry company were juveniles and calves, as confirmed by the Sussex Dolphin Project, whose diligent efforts ensure that such enchanting encounters do not go unrecorded. Their distinguished managing director, Thea Taylor, remarked upon the rarity of these striking visitors to our shores, noting that these playful creatures are known to gather in far greater numbers than their marine brethren, sometimes forming pods into their hundreds.
For now, the Sussex Dolphin Project continues its noble endeavour to gather intelligence on these wondrous beings, relying upon the observations of those fortunate enough to witness their passage. While their aspirations for a dedicated research vessel are yet to be realised, each sighting submitted by the good people of Sussex serves as another step towards a greater understanding of the dolphins that grace our waters.
As for myself, those among you who are well acquainted with my precise abode shall know that I have positioned my binoculars most strategically. Should these delightful creatures deign to venture closer to my stretch of coastline, rest assured, dear readers, I shall attempt to be the first to report it!
A Most Refined Afternoon Amongst the Flora
This past Sunday, I was most fortunate to enjoy a visit to One Garden Brighton in the most illustrious company of the Duchess of Portislaird. This splendid retreat remains a favourite of mine - a place to revel in nature, good conversation, and a most excellent (and well deserved) hot chocolate. We took up residence at the far end of a table, in prime position for an encounter with the local winged beasts of the red-breasted variety. And those audacious little creatures, with a bit of coaxing and a crumb or two, honoured us with their presence. The Duchess, a true marvel with a photographic device, managed to capture one of these well-fed little devils, preserving him in digital immortality.
And so, dear reader, as the afternoon waned and a rather melancholy grey hue settled over the gardens, I found myself most reluctant to depart. But alas, even the most splendid of outings must come to an end. With a final farewell to our feathered companions and a promise to return soon, we made our way homeward, our spirits lifted and our hearts full from an afternoon most delightfully spent. However, before we departed, I had the most unexpected encounter - I found myself unnaturally close to the most sociable of squirrels, a creature of most magnificent proportions, sporting the bushiest tail I have ever had the pleasure of beholding. He/She/They (for out of respect, I abstained from inspecting it's regions) regarded me with an air of knowing mischief, and I dare say, for a fleeting moment, we shared an unspoken understanding - a most delightful encounter indeed!
The Winter Bathers of Seaford: A Tale of Courage and Ice
As news reaches me from the Earl of Lindinsfarne, I am regaled with tales of the bravest of souls - plucky sea swimmers who, just yesterday undeterred by the winter chill, took to the waters of Seaford before retreating to the warmth of The Nomadic Sauna at what3words location voltage.juices.leathers, a most inviting pop-up sauna! And truly, dear readers, what a selection of words to define such an establishment! Voltage, as one is jolted awake by the icy embrace of the sea; Juices, as one's lifeblood surges in defiance of the cold; and Leathers, perhaps a nod to the resilience required for such an endeavour - or merely a poetic quirk of fate!
Whatever the case, the Earl was most struck by their fortitude, and I must say, I cannot help but admire their resilience - though I should not be tempted to partake in such endeavours myself! But one must wonder - could the Earl have unwittingly borne witness to the fabled Seaford Mermaids? Are these daring bathers mere mortals, or do they possess an enchantment that allows them to withstand the frigid embrace of the winter waves? A mystery for the ages, dear readers, and one I shall ponder as I remain firmly wrapped in my winter finery!
A Name Fit for a Princely Primate
In further news of local delight, Drusillas Park has at last concluded its much-anticipated competition to name their charming baby Sulawesi black crested macaque. After receiving an astonishing 1,500 submissions, the winning name has been revealed - Mango!
The competition inspired an outpouring of creativity, with contenders such as ‘Moonhoohoo,’ ‘Elmo,’ and ‘Maui’ among the standout entries. Ultimately, the victorious submission came from Stacey Wall, whose three-year-old son took one glance at the little primate and declared him a Mango! Head Keeper Mark Kenward expressed his delight at the choice, declaring it a most fitting name for such a mischievous and lovable creature.
Sulawesi black crested macaques are, alas, among the world’s 25 most endangered primates, making Mango’s arrival all the more precious. The zoo’s revered manager, Sue Woodgate, spoke of the grave dangers these creatures face in the wild, from deforestation to hunting for meat and the vital role that conservation efforts play in ensuring their survival.
For those who wish to catch a glimpse of young Mango, his devoted parents, Kera and Moteck, have now begun to introduce him to the public, allowing visitors to witness his boundless energy and endearing antics.
A Brush with the Paranormal
Now, dear readers, I turn my attention to something a little more peculiar and find myself compelled to pose a question - do any of you believe in the supernatural? I must confess that I have rarely been one to entertain ghostly matters, yet a recent experience left me so unsettled that I was compelled to binge the entire first series of Uncanny in search of similar occurrences! The esteemed Danny Robbins, with his most singular haunting gazes, serves as the perfect host, though I shall admit that, after a few episodes I struggled to find repose! Pray, if you have your own tales of the paranormal, do share them, for I am most intrigued.
Sussex’s Most Splendid Upcoming Engagements & Diversions
As the social season unfolds, Sussex once again brims with grand amusements, exhilarating spectacles, and cultural delights most worthy of one’s attention. Whether one desires an evening of dazzling illuminations, a jaunt through history’s most dramatic moments or a whimsical woodland adventure, there is no shortage of engagements to fill the diary and stir the soul. And so, dear readers, allow me to present a modest selection of the most enticing diversions soon to grace our beloved county!
Dates: Friday 14 February – 16 March 2025
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Standen House and Garden, East Grinstead
Cost of Admission: Standard admission charges apply for the venue, plus £1 for the trail sheet
A Tale of Woodland Whimsy – Set forth on an enchanting escapade through the ancient groves of Standen, guided by the captivating world of Finding the Old Oak Tree from Tawny Owl Wood by the talented author Louise A. Shaw. This self-led quest beckons explorers of all ages to follow in the nimble footsteps of young Emilia as she seeks out the venerable Old Oak Tree and unravels the secrets of its hidden inhabitants. For the modest sum of £1 per child, little adventurers shall receive their very own trail sheet - an invitation to uncover nature’s hidden magic, where every rustling leaf and hollowed trunk may house a story waiting to be told!
Dates: Saturday 15 Feb - Sunday 23 Feb 2025
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
Cost of Admission: Free to members, standard entry price for non-members
A Journey Through Time & Triumph – Venture forth, dear reader, to the hallowed grounds of Battle Abbey, where history is not merely remembered - it is relived! This February half-term, prepare for heroic feats and lively storytelling, as the epic clash between the Normans and Saxons is brought to life before your very eyes.
Join in the rollicking tales of invasion and conquest, where the fate of England was decided upon these very fields. Then, don your armour (in spirit, if not in steel) and step into the ranks of Junior Norman Cavalry Training and Saxon Combat School, where aspiring warriors may test their mettle and learn the arts of battle. Whether you come as a scholar of history or an eager combatant, this promises to be an adventure most thrilling!
Dates: Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February 2025 - Different displays at 6pm and 7:30pm
Location: Chichester Canal Basin, Canal Wharf, Stockbridge Road, Chichester PO19 8DT
Cost of Admission: Free
A Symphony of Light and Water - Prepare to be enchanted as the Chichester Canal Basin is transformed into a kaleidoscope of brilliance. With performances at 6pm and 7:30pm, this year unveils a most thrilling addition - a colossal water screen upon which cherished scenes from beloved films shall be illuminated in dazzling synchrony with laser lights and music! Should you require sustenance amidst such splendour, food and drink stalls shall be at your service, while the Canal Café shall stand ready to offer refreshment to those seeking a moment’s repose.
Thus concludes our latest chronicle of delightful spectacles, daring feats, curious happenings and exhibitions yet to come. From the frolicking dolphins off our coast to the frostbitten bravery of Seaford’s sea swimmers, Sussex has once again provided no shortage of marvels. I shall await, with binoculars at the ready, for the next curious visitor to grace our shores, and no doubt, the coming days shall bring more scandal, spectacle, and social amusements to entertain us further.
Until we meet again, dear reader, may your days be filled with charming diversions, your evenings with delightful company, and should fate conspire to lead you into the unexpected, may the most gallant of souls rise to meet you!
Yours most sincerely,
Lady Southdowns
P.S. Should you have your own peculiar tales, spectacular events or revered local establishments to share, please do impart them. If you are among my close inner circle, you are permitted to slide them into my DMs and if we are yet unacquainted, please use the handy form provided. I shall await your news with most excited anticipation!
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