The Elders Project, supported by the Lund Trust, is an important oral history of a community in rural East Sussex. It comprises records of stories and impressions about nature and the farming landscape in Chiddingly Parish. These records are spoken by the contributors, all of whom live in the parish and have spent a considerable part of their lives here.
The Elders' stories are intended as a legacy and testament to the very special places that we live in and share with the natural world that surrounds us. The recordings enable important intergenerational connections. They also provide evidence – both to those who live in or visit our Parish and those that shape policies – of the memories, species and landscapes that are worth protecting. They also serve as a reminder of the species and landscapes that we have lost.
Interviews were recorded by Gail Giles in January and February 2026, with digital sound editing support provided by Amber Giles. To hear the recordings, simply click on the grey triangle at the left hand side of each sound clip.
The Elders' stories are intended as a legacy and testament to the very special places that we live in and share with the natural world that surrounds us. The recordings enable important intergenerational connections. They also provide evidence – both to those who live in or visit our Parish and those that shape policies – of the memories, species and landscapes that are worth protecting. They also serve as a reminder of the species and landscapes that we have lost.
Interviews were recorded by Gail Giles in January and February 2026, with digital sound editing support provided by Amber Giles. To hear the recordings, simply click on the grey triangle at the left hand side of each sound clip.
Hear from The Elders
Tina Letanka moved to Chiddingly with her family in 1997. Tina is a founding member of Greening Chiddingly and one of the longest-serving volunteers at the Village Shop.
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Tony Penrose has lived in Chiddingly for 75 years and – with the next generation of his family – continues to farm in the village. He seeks to balance farming with nature conservation.
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Roz Penrose and Tony are both members of Greening Chiddingly Farmers. They contributed their Dada poems to the FARMSCAPE exhibition, part of Artwave 2024.
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Dave Harrison is an accomplished ceramicist who has lived in the parish since 1976. He draws on materials, inspiration and techniques from the local landscape. Dave has been Chair of Chiddingly Festival for many years.
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Barbie Harrison is a talented artist who has painted a series of icons recording endangered species in Sussex. These icons were exhibited in 2024 as part of the Greening Chiddingly FARMSCAPE exhibition.
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Noel Hardy and Winnow have lived in Chiddingly for 50 years. Noel was one of the founders of the Chiddingly Festival and an advocate for the Village Shop & Cafe, Millennium Oak Sculpture Garden and Greening Chiddingly.
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Winnow Hardy and Noel moved to Chiddingly in 1976 with their three children. Winnow was instrumental in opposing development on the Glebe Field and the founding of the Millennium Oak Sculpture Garden.
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