Brighton and Hove Archaeological Society (BHAS)

Inaugurated in 1906 we are a charitable trust funded entirely by member subscriptions and donations. Our aim is to undertake and promote the study and appreciation of archaeology and local history and to ensure the proper recording and preservation of local antiquities and the area's heritage.

We have an active field unit during the summer and lectures and day schools during the winter. More details at: www.brightonarch.org.uk/ or on Facebook www.facebook.com/brightonarchpublic

Clive Gravett 

Curator of the Museum of Gardening, Hassocks, Clive is one of the world’s leading authorities on lawn mower history. He is the author of ‘Two men went to mow,’ published in 2018.

Clive founded The Budding Foundation charity in 2013 supporting young people in Sussex, dedicated to Edwin Beard Budding inventor of the lawn mower in 1830. Home | Budding Foundation 

Graeme Clark. 

Graeme has lived and breathed the Emmaus experience for over 20 years. He became street homeless in 1999 over Christmas. He’s been spreading the world of Emmaus for 15 years.

Dr Geoffrey Mead

Dr Geoffrey was born in Brighton and attended Brighton, Hove and Sussex Grammar School. He took a Geography BA at the University of Sussex, followed by the MA in Local and Regional History.

 In 2012, a gained a Doctorate, with his thesis on ‘Brighton’s interwar suburban growth’. After teaching on the Landscape Studies degree at the University of Sussex, and later with the Sussex Global Studies School, Dr Mead is now an exam invigilator at Sussex. 

John Shepherd.

A life-long Portslade resident, John and his wife, Clare, founded the Fresh Start Portslade charity in 2010. The charity - which includes the Easthill Park Community Cafe and the medieval manor ruins - offers various free community activities and training for unemployed young people.

Since 2018 Fresh Start Portslade have offered free heritage projects to celebrate Portslade's fantastic community. They also maintain and care for the manor ruins grounds - which are An Ancient Scheduled Monument.

Hamish  MacGillivray 

I have lived in Sussex most of my adult life surrounded by seagulls and cats.



I worked in museum touring exhibitions. As a heritage freelancer I have evolved into a story hunter, helping volunteer groups discover hidden stories in archives or museum stores. My previous clients include: the National Trust, Highdown Gardens, and Cranleigh Heritage Trust. 

https://www.acmemuseumservices.co.uk/about/ 

https://highdowngardens.co.uk/our-story/the-people-of-highdown-gardens/ 

https://www.cranleighheritagetrust.org.uk/ 

Liam O'Sullivan

Liam is passionate about Emmaus. He feels it is important to tell his personal story. The aim of his sharing his story is to raise awareness of homelessness and bring people closer together.

Trevor Povey. The Godfather of Portslade history research and a great influence and help on this Portslade project. Trevor grew up with local history, and developed a taste for Industrial History when it was in its infancy.

As a teacher, his subject area was extensive; Water & Shoreham Port being his main interests

On leaving school, Trevor decided that an open air job would suit him. Farming - there was plenty of it - and it gave him a chance to go to College.

An ever-popular guest speaker, Trevor is back for his third year at the Portslade History Day.

Zac Down. Zac is a passionate historian of both WW1 and WW2. He has been researching and collecting medals and militaria to Portslade soldiers for about 15 years. Portslade born and bred, he firmly believes the unique history of our village is something that should be highlighted. 

Zac was part of our 2023 series of Portslade history talks, and is back by popular demand after a fantastic and moving insight into Portslade's war heroes.

Vicky Lynch

Vicky was born, bred and educated in Portslade and is so pleased to be a part of this Portslade History Day.

She has a life long interest in history, especially local history, and spends her spare time exploring museums, art galleries  and churches.

Having worked at Gatwick Airport for 25 years, Vicky took early retirement and worked at The Royal Pavilion, Brighton for 11 years.

Although now happily living on the coast in West Sussex, Vicky feels that a part of her heart remains in Portslade Old Village, as she lived in the High Street for 23 years.

Julie Ryan

Julie grew up in Portslade and has assisted Fresh Start Portslade on many of its history projects. She is the author of ‘In and out of the Lion’s Den: Poverty, War and Football’, which provides a social history of a 1950s professional footballer through the story of her father, former Albion player, John Shepherd.

Julie also undertook extensive research into the Spanish Civil War and writes about the war from the perspective of her Spanish anarchist grandfather, José.

Coming from a footballing family, Julie played football for Courthope Ladies back in the 1970s/80s and also represented Sussex.

The book can be purchased via Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/out-Lions-Den-poverty-football/dp/1481081993/

Portslade Artists & Makers (PAM)

PAM is a group of local artists and makers living and/or working in BN41, promoting creativity in the area through engagement with the local community. Several of their members will be displaying their work.