All set for making spooky pumpkin lanterns on Saturday afternoon at Spook Up Ore Valley

Heart of Hastings wants to ‘Woo’ you!

So far, there has been Warm Up Ore Valley, Power Up Ore Valley, Spice Up Ore Valley, Speak Up Ore Valley, and now… Spook Up Ore Valley! This Saturday, 28 October, Rossana Leal and the BUD Team invite you to an enchanted afternoon/evening celebrating Samhain / Hallowe’en at the Old Power Station site in Ore Valley. Erica Smith lights her pumpkin lantern and sets off to find out more.

Samhain (pronounced Sawhain) is the old Celtic name for Hallowe’en – the night when the veil between the living world and the other world is said to be at its thinnest. It’s a night which is celebrated by ancient religions, and modern Christianity (All Souls Day in the Catholic Church) – and is especially loved by children, who like the pumpkin lanterns and toasted marshmallows, and also like being just a little bit scared.

Organiser, Rossana Leal says: “Samhain is a traditional time to gather as we move into the winter months. It’s a time to feast, to listen to tales and music – to sit together and share our stories, both personal and collective.”

The BUD team (that stands for Bottom Up Development) wanted to run an event on the old power station site which would be fun and family friendly.

“ From 3–5pm we have a Spooky Workshop for children and adults – there will be mask making and pumpkin carving.”

As night time creeps in, there will be fireside spooky storytelling and acoustic music performances from special guests. Rossana says: “Anyone is welcome to bring along a short story or song or poem – just make sure it won’t last more than five minutes – there will be a lot of different stories to listen to!”

To keep your spirits up, Penelope’s Pitstop will be providing pumpkin soup, hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Come and join in for a magical, scary, witchy weekend! There is no entry charge, but donations are encouraged towards the food and drink. The ususal guidelines apply – wear sensible shoes and outdoor clothes (it might get a little bit cold), bring a torch if you have one. Children must be accompanied by an adult. And well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Heart of Hastings – Ore Valley, is a community-led initiative planning to build low carbon footprint housing, affordable for local people on low incomes, and to create up to 100 long term jobs in one of Hastings most deprived neighbourhoods.

How you can get involved:
Become a volunteer 12–4pm
Buy a share for £25
Go to www.heartofhastings.org.uk for more information or come to the site on Saturdays and Wednesdays to find out more and help out.

Spook Up Ore Valley runs from 3–9pm on Saturday 28 October.
For more information about the event and to confirm that you are attending, visit the Facebook Page.
Access to the site is from Firtree Road, Hastings, TN34 3TR or from Broomgrove Road, opposite the Children’s Adventure Playground.

Also in: One Long Party