WHAT’S ON AT THE HILLCREST
Scroll down for detailed descriptions of our different groups, events and classes.
Groups, Events and Classes at the Hillcrest Centre
See the below timetable for our regularly scheduled classes and events, or scroll down further for our special events. For a detailed view of our timetable see the events page.
See some of our upcoming special events below:
Easter Bunny 🐇Pottery Workshop
Join Julia for an Easter pottery class and create your very own Easter Bunny out of clay.
Suitable for ages 5+
£15.00 Per Child
4pm - 5.30pm
To book contact : juliadunstandesign@gmail.com
Earlier Event: March 31
Later Event: April 1
Shaolin Ba Duan Jin
Workshop
🌿✨ Here’s an opportunity to learn this ancient sequence directly from Rhys, a trained Shaolin practitioner and experienced physiotherapist. Rooted in the Shaolin classics Yi Jin Jing and Xi Sui Jing, Ba Duan Jin’s eight simple yet powerful movements support flexibility, balance, immune health, stress reduction, and long-term vitality. Suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, this workshop offers an accessible, in‑person introduction to a practice that blends authentic tradition with modern anatomical insight, giving you the confidence to continue at home and experience its many benefits.
29th March, 12pm - 3.30pm
6-week handbuilding course
Get creative this season with Julia’s 6‑week Handbuilding Clay Course! 🎨✨
Perfect for beginners and anyone wanting to deepen their skills.
You’ll learn pinch, coil, and slab techniques while crafting your own unique ceramic pieces 🏺💛
All materials & firings included.
Spaces are limited — don’t miss your spot!
Email juliadunstandesign@gmail.com to secure your space!
Newhaven Community Closet👖👕👗
Launching on Thursday April 23rd
3.30pm - 5.30pm
Join Newhaven Community Closet for clothing for all ages.
Tea, Coffee, Cake and Conversation
Activities For Children
ALL FREE
Dodgeball Club
We are pleased to announce an exciting brand new club at The Hillcrest Centre - Dodgeball ⚽
Ages 8 - 12 Years
£45.00 for 6 weeks starting on Wednesday April 15th until May 20th
6pm till 7pm
To book contact James on :
Tel: 07889 742573
Email: sussex@jandccoaching.co.uk
Seahaven Makers Evening
An introduction to brush calligraphy and seeded gift tag project. ✒️
This welcoming workshop is the perfect introduction to modern brush lettering.
All materials provided
£30pp
Children’s Clay Club
⚱️🎨 Julia's Clay Club is back, and it's going to be so much fun! ✨️
This exciting five-week course invites children to dive into the wonderful world of clay, where they can play, explore, and learn together. They'll discover a bunch of cool techniques, from glazing to coiling, and create all sorts of amazing projects! Perfect for kids aged 7 and up, this course is only £50 for all five weeks. Join us on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30, starting on February 25th. We can’t wait to see you there!
Email juliadunstandesign@gmail.com to book your place!
Introduction to British Sign Language - 5 week course
Join Louise, a friendly BSL user, and her interpreter for an exciting 5-week introduction to British Sign Language course! Whether you're a complete beginner or just looking to learn some fun basics, this course is perfect for you. Get ready for a good time filled with games, quizzes, and lots of informal fun! It’s a fantastic way to connect with others and improve your hand-eye coordination. We can’t wait to see you there!
Course starts Tuesday, 24th February.
11.30am - 12.30pm.
£56 for the 5-week course.
To book, email louisegibsonbsl@gmail.com
British Sign Language gathering
Louise, BSL user and her volunteer, offer a warm welcome to D/deaf & hearing BSL users to her morning gathering at the Hillcrest!
Its a great way to build your confidence and a safe space to communicate and express yourself in BSL.
Open to all!
Every Tuesday, starting 24th February 2026. 10am - 12.30pm.
For more information, email louisegibson@gmail.com
Urban Motion 🎶
A brand new Hip Hop dance class.
Build Confidence, Creativity & Friendships
Ages 6 - 13 Years
Wednesdays 4.15pm to 5.15pm
Starting 21st January
Sign up now at urbanmotiondance.com
Stay Active Longer
Thursdays 11:00 - 12:00 - £8 - drop-in
As a community of 'Movers,' we help each other stay active and healthy as we age.
Each session focuses on balance, flexibility, aerobics, and strength - with fun music and encouragement.
All bodies and abilities are welcome - Whether you're new to exercise or a regular mover, you will find the help you need to work out safely, at your level. Sit, stand or stand with support - and move at your own pace - no judgements here!
Any questions? Contact Mary at MaryMovesit@gmail.com or on 07773022429
Shaolin Qigong class
🥋 Join Rhys for Shaolin Qigong classes every Monday at 10am at the Hillcrest! 🥋
£10pp - No booking required
These sessions focus on the 8 Treasures Qigong— simple yet powerful movements — along with dynamic meditation and breathwork techniques. For more information, visit Qiphysio.co.uk or call Rhys at 07773143886
Into Art Classes
Join local artist Hayley Cox every Monday 10-12pm and Friday 10-1pm for a social art session where you can develop your skills, learn new ones and meet other local artists. Suitable for any skill level, all are welcome to this friendly and informal art group.
For more info, email wildseaarts@gmail.com or call Hayley 07751742127.
Meditation 🧘♀️
Start your weekend right with a calming and mindful meditation session with Scarlet. Suitable for everyone, open to all.
Tai Chi Classes
Movement and mindfulness in this ancient art
every Tuesday afternoon 2-3pm. To book email allan@thetao.study
U3A Art Group🖌️
u3a is a countrywide charity-based organisation that hosts different groups and events for retirees and those no longer working. Join your local u3a group at the Hillcrest Centre for art every Tuesday 2-4pm.
Join HYC
Haven Young Creatives is a free drama group for 8-12 and 13-19 year olds in Newhaven. Build confidence, make new friends and have a great time in this welcoming community club.
Ballroom Dancing 💃
We specialize in Adult & Private Lessons for Ballroom, Latin & Sequence and Argentine Tango Salsa!
Whether you would like to learn a 1st dance for your special day or engage in weekly lessons and fall in love with the variety of styles we offer we ensure all levels of experience are welcome!
If you are interested in finding out more why not give us a call. 07810251391 / 01273 476565
6.45pm Beginners Tuition Class
7.30pm Social Dancing practice for all levels
8.15pm Follow-on Class Tuition
9.00pm Finish
Creative Writing
20 week course. Fridays 10am to 12.30pm - Visit the website for prices. Courses run year round.
Tutor: Umi Sinha - website: https://www.writingclinic.co.uk/weekly-classes-in-newhaven.html
Email: umisinha.writing@gmail.com
Haven Harmonies is a friendly community choir that performs at community and fundraising events. We have a professional music leader Cara Barseghian who teaches and leads us in a variety of popular songs. We also have a Singalong group who visit care homes and entertain the residents with songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Our choir is organised by a very active committee.
If you would like to join us on Monday evenings at the Hillcrest Centre 7 – 8.30pm for a friendly and joyful hour and a half of making music please do contact Marian Stanley on 01273 611068 or email our secretary at havenharmoniescommunitychoir@gmail.com If you want to know more we have a Facebook group and a website www.havenharmonies.wordpress.com.
There are no auditions and no requirement to read music. The first week is free and then we ask a fee of £5 every time you attend. Please do come along, we would love to see you.
The Nebula is a free, peer led support group at the Hillcrest Community Centre Newhaven.
Anyone is welcome to attend and there are free refreshments. We meet weekly to chat and offer support to each other. Locally it is difficult to find supportive mental health services that are immediately available. This peer led support is people helping each other. It is a safe and confidential space.
What is said in the room, stays in the room.
We support each other with compassion and no judgement as we all understand what it is like to suffer from poor mental health.
The Nebula is run by Pinky.
You can contact Pinky on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/535810757234539/?ref=share
You can also call hillcrest reception for information on times and sessions.
Eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart, the ancient art of storytelling is both timeless and contemporary. GuestHouse Storytelling Club hosts diverse professional storytellers to work in a community context and provides a sustainable platform for local storytellers to share and create work.
The Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at The Hillcrest Centre in Newhaven. We have no registered membership; everyone is welcome and you become a member by attending. To find out about upcoming events you can email us on info@guesthousestorytellers.com or visit the website www.guesthousestorytellers.com.
There are two 7 minute floor-spots per Story Night. Tellers vary from the very well trained and experienced to people stepping into the water for the first time. Everyone is welcome and every story and teller is different, providing a varied and rich feast of tales to carry away with you and maybe even re-tell. If you would like a floor-spot, please write to us at info@guesthousestorytellers.com or catch us on a Club evening.
The rest of the evening is devoted to a professional teller, often of international renown.
Our History
GuestHouse storytellers began in 2006 and is inspired by a poem by the 12th century Persian mystic, Rumi, which you can read here: www.gratefulness.org
Find out more: guesthousestorytellers.com
Time: Café opens 7.00pm. Stories from 7.30pm
Mondays & Thursdays from 10am onwards
In the last hut behind the main centre
The workshop is well-equipped and, although there is no formal tuition, a lot of the members have been carving for many years and are able to give expert guidance at all stages of learning so that beginners quickly find the confidence to carve their first simple objects and gradually move on to more ambitious projects. We also have a kettle!
Our most experienced members produce beautiful carvings to a professional standard and are able to sell their work ranging from walking sticks to sporting trophies, and even our newest members are already turning out very pleasing works to be proud of!
New members are always very welcome, so if you share our love of wood and fancy trying your hand at woodcarving, or already have some experience, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Contact the Hillcrest reception for details - 01273 512376 / info@hillcrestcentre.co.uk
Or stroll down to the workshop on a Monday and see for yourself.
U3A Art - Tuesdays 2-4pm
Pilates every Tuesday 11.30-12.30
Newhaven Ukulele
Join this informal ukulele group and learn a new skill. For everyone from brand new beginners to seasoned players - just £2.
Wednesdays 7-9pm