Ditchling Beacon Storywalk
Jon Norman-Mason
A summary
An autumn trek through Sussex folklore and history, along the hilltops and trails around Ditchling Beacon. Stretch your legs and your imaginations, among tales of witches, ghost dogs and ancient history, and the spectacular scenery of the South Downs.
Local storyteller Jon Mason will lead you on a 2.5hr circular walk, starting and finishing at Ditchling Beacon car park and taking in Downs, hillsides and villages. And as you walk, he'll share stories and history embedded in the landscape around you, from folktales to modern-day legends, sprung from local people past and present, and from the physical traces they've left in the land.
Moderate walk suitable for all ages, mixture of gentle trails with some steep slopes, might be more challenging depending on the weather conditions. Risk-assessed and compliant with Covid-19 guidelines.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Weather-dependent, and may be affected by changes in Covid-19 guidelines - if there is any need to cancel/rearrange, attendees will be contacted and refunds given.
- If you or a member of your household have symptoms of Covid-19 (temperature, persistent dry cough, sudden loss of taste and/or smell) or test positive, please do not attend - let me know and a full refund will be given.
- Social distancing must be maintained throughout the walk between members of different groups.
- Hand sanitiser will be available, but please bring your own if possible.
- Face masks are not mandatory but please do wear them if you wish.
- No cash will be accepted on the day, please book and pay online in advance.
GETTING THERE:
- Limited parking, so public transport is recommended: Brighton & Hove bus no 79 runs roughly hourly, first arrival at 10:13 and last departure at 17:00.
- Ditchling Beacon car park is open all day, but has LIMITED AVAILABILITY. Parking costs £3 for all day - or free with a National Trust membership card.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING:
- Coats and appropriate clothing are advised, in case it's cold, windy or wet
- Sensible, comfortable shoes are also good, ideally walking boots or wellies.
- Torches are recommended for the 2pm walks, JUST in case it is gloomy when we finish.
- Please bring water bottles for refreshment, and feel free to bring sandwiches/snacks for yourself if you wish.
Tickets
Standard
£15I offer concession prices to: - keyworkers - under 16s - those in full-time education - unwaged - over 65s
Concession
£10Standard
£15I offer concession prices to: - keyworkers - under 16s - those in full-time education - unwaged - over 65s
Concession
£10About your mentor
Jon Norman-Mason
Jon Norman-Mason
As a storyteller I constantly research local folklore. I am also fascinated by history, and so read avidly on the lives and activities of people in the past. I have devised and delivered school sessions for many years on the connections between local folklore, history and landscape; and have created and led walks and Time Travel Treasure Hunts since 2016, included as part of the Brighton Festival Our Place programme. In 2017 I completed a course on Telling for Heritage at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. I have a BA in History with Archaeology, an MA in Contemporary History, and am currently undertaking a PhD looking at links between folklore, community and landscape.
Learning aims
Aim 1
Aim 2
Aim 3
Location
Safety
Enhanced DBS
Basic DBS
Risk Assessment
Public Liability Insurance
Safeguarding Training
First Aid Training
First Aid Kit
Smoke Detector
Please note:
It is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the measures provided above and any other details represented in this listing. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed.
Cancellation policy
If the event cannot go ahead due to a poor weather forecast or changes to Covid-19 guidelines, you will be notified and a full refund given. If you or a member of your household test positive for Covid-19 or show symptoms (high temperature, persistent dry cough, sudden loss of sense of taste or smell) please do not attend - notify me in advance and you'll be issued with a full refund. If you need to cancel for any other reason, you may do so up to 48 hours before any session and receive a full refund.
My experience is an educational activity, and the ‘14-day cooling period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 therefore applies. After the 14 day period my standard policy will apply.
