Whilst having coffee after Mass the other week we were reminiscing on times gone by and the changes that have come about in and around the Hailsham area.  I said that I had been in the area for over thirty years and used to attend the church within Hellingly Hospital grounds.
I was asked what it was like and I spoke about the ‘separated’ Church. This provoked a huge interest and that is why I have put fingers to lap top. So here goes — and this is how I remember them.

Being a one car family in those days!!!! I used to walk and push our two sons from Horsebridge to the Church and to Mass. I believe it used to be about 12 noon as the priest had to preside over mass at St. Wilfrid’s at about 10.30am.  The Church was separated into two sections. The front and larger part was for the Church of England parishioners and the back and smaller end for us, the Roman Catholics.

This was divided or sectioned off by a rather faded blue curtain which stretched and draped across the whole width of the church — so never the twain should meet, or that’s how it seemed back then. The services were staggered for obvious reasons!  If it had not been so it would have been an interesting experience I’m sure.

Last year I ventured back up to Hellingly with camera in hand to photo the demise of a beautiful iconic building — and part of local history. The church was still standing although surrounded by high wire fences. I will go back for another look and update my photos.

Just to stand there, close my eyes and to reminisce of times gone by, and wonder –  where has that time gone?

Frances Doe