I love books, poetry books old and new, some modern novels, but old books on many subjects. I love the shape, texture, colour, smell and that’s all before the text. Some of them have really special end pages and interesting illustrations.

A talk about the mysteries of ‘Imps, Fairies, Dragons and Giants’ and Sussex Folklore, given by Colin Manton - Lecturer in Local history at the Whiteways Centre, led me to acquire a copy of ‘The Spirit of The Downs’ by Arthur Becket.  This was because I noticed that Colin seemed to be referring to it quite a lot during his talk.

This proved to be a fascinating  book full of anecdotes collected in person by the author as well as historical fact and speculations.

As I get older I find I am a slower reader so really have to be keen to read a new book! This means for instance a modern novel has to come well recommended before I will buy it or borrow it from the library! However my optician told me recently that a good eye test and really effective glasses can change one’s perception. He was right, now armed with decent glasses from no less than ‘Eye Site’ in North Street, Brighton I am finding reading a lot easier.

Thoroughly interesting talk at the latest Whiteways evening in Rottingdean on Friday. Imps, Fairies, Dragons and Giants - Sussex Folklore with the highly informative Colin Manton – who is a Lecturer in Local history.

Taking some of his research from another authority, Arthur Beckett’s book ‘The Spirit of the Downs 1930′ he took us on a journey of discovery into the element of life that has us believe in imps, fairies, dragons and giants. Another popular reference for his talk was Rudyard Kipling.

Having written about the ‘wishing stone’ in Rottingdean a few posts ago, I have to eat my words for I left out the essential ritual:

• stroke the nose with the right forefinger
• make a wish (that does not include money)
• turn around 3 times clockwise and not against the sun

The carved stone head was found in rubble in the churchyard.

Colin’s talk included the legend of ‘the Hangman’s Stone’ , ideas about the origins of fairies, the need we have to make sense of our experiences, the link with science and folklore.

Colin does summer schools at Sussex Uni but a there is to be a 10 week course in the autumn at Whiteways.   I can see that will be a real winner.  A lovely night out, all for £7 including a glass of wine. Check their website for more information about monthly talks and Saturday courses at modest cost.

Me…I love a bit of fairy magic and am the first to clap my hands to save ‘Tinkerbell’ in Peter Pan.  The idea of Dragon’s is great too..I’ve got one or two models of them, one ceramic made by my mother, she loved to hand build in clay, the  glaze a subtle green.

The Art Club meets every week and although there is sometimes a theme, members often get on with their own projects. The joy of this is that there are experienced artists in the group, using a number of  different mediums and one can pick up tips just by being part of it all.  However, whether you are a beginner or already experienced but wanting to improve this is friendly group  to join.

Sometimes members give demonstrations but today Joe was the artist in residence. In two and a half hours he had completed a painting from a photograph, explaining  composition, where to mask areas, how to mix the colours and many many tips that one could only get from a professional artist.

Joe runs Watercolour Workshops in Findon Village Hall near Worthing, where he offers students plenty of choice in subject matter.

His website is www.joedowden.com. Email joe@joedowden.com

Rottingdean Art Club meets at the Whiteways Centre and enrolment for new members is in September. The group has an annual exhibition at The Grange which is always well attended.

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