Archery Road area, c.1968

Old St Leonards celebrated in photographic exhibition

A photographic exhibition on the remarkable history of St Leonards-on-Sea is being held on Sunday 8 October at the Masonic Hall, East Ascent, St Leonards. A Moment in Time is being put on by the Burtons’ St Leonards Society, using materials from their archives. BStLS member Bernard McGinley reports.

A Moment in Time: Burtons’ St Leonards is on Sunday afternoon (8 October) from 3pm to 6pm at the Masonic Hall, at the bottom of St Leonards Gardens.

This photographic exhibition is about capturing moments in the life of the historic core of St Leonards from the mid-1960s to the early 1980s. For older generations, it will be a visual reminder of these decades, and for the younger generations, an insight into recent social history.

Let’s Save Burtons’ St Leonards

Many of the photographs which will be on display originate from an exhibition called Let’s Save Burtons’ St Leonards, put on by the Mount Preservation Society (the Burtons’ St Leonards Society’s original name) in May 1968. The exhibition ran for a week at the Royal Victoria Hotel to raise funds for restoration. Monies raised duly helped local restoration schemes. The Burtons’ St Leonards Society continues to strive to preserve and enhance our rich cultural heritage.

Maze Hill

The exhibition venue, the Masonic Hall, started life as the Subscription Rooms or Assembly Rooms — originally the social heart of Burtons’ St Leonards, built by James Burton in 1829. (His son Decimus and other children also helped establish the purpose-built new town of St Leonards.)

Sunday 8 October, 3–6pm.

Despite the Hall’s steps, disabled access will be available at the rear of the Masonic Hall.

Individual admission is £3, and for families, £5. For members of the Burtons’ St Leonards Society (£20 individuals, £35 couples), entrance is free.

A pay bar will be available throughout the event, and – subject to availability – small cream teas for purchase, and coffee.  

Allegria, Quarry Hill

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