Sussex Strictly Star To Raise Money For Ashdown Forest

Former Sussex Strictly Come Dancing star Katie Derham is hosting a fundraising evening for Ashdown Forest - an institution very close to her heart.

The former ITV newsreader and current BBC Radio 3 presenter and the face of the BBC Proms lives near to Ashdown Forest with the family, and the Forest provides a restful backdrop to her busy life.

And now she is helping fundraise for the Forest, which has made no secret of the fact this year that it needs to generate more income.

On Saturday 13 November at the Ashdown Park Hotel, East Sussex, Katie will be indulging her passion for classical music and Ashdown Forest when she hosts an evening of music and photography. 

The event - organised by The Ashdown Forest Foundation (TAFF) - combines the talents of the Icon Strings Quartet – featuring internationally renowned first violinist Martyn Jackson - with powerful images by local photographer Craig Payne. 

The quartet will perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and there will be an opportunity to purchase copies of Craig’s new book on Ashdown Forest beautifully crafted during the covid lockdowns.

Katie said:

"Ashdown Forest is a fascinating landscape very close to my heart. 

"This wonderful event combines my love of music with my desire to support the Forest. 

"I am looking forward to hosting a fantastic evening of music and photography in the beautiful Ashdown Park Hotel."

Ashdown Forest’s Chief Executive James Adler said:

"We are really looking forward to celebrating the unique beauty of the Forest through music and photography, and very fortunate that Katie has agreed to host our event. 

"Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is the perfect musical backdrop to the Forest over a year and we also have the visual accompaniment of Craig’s stunning photographs. 

"Between each of the concertos Katie will be chatting to Craig and me about how the seasons impact on the Forest, and the unique flora and fauna that call this amazing place their home.”

All proceeds from the event will support The Ashdown Forest Foundation, a registered charity established to raise awareness and funds to conserve and enhance Ashdown Forest for the enjoyment, education, health and recreation of current and future generations. 

Tickets and more information can be found at: Four Seasons on Ashdown Forest | The Conservators of Ashdown Forest

Tickets, Sun 13 Nov 2022 at 19:30 | Eventbrite

For anyone wishing to purchase Craig’s book of photography it is available at the Ashdown Forest online shop: https://ashdownforest.org/shop/ and copies can be collected or bought on the night.

Craig Payne is a local photographer who has recently published a book of his images capturing the Forest throughout the season. He found the Forest a place of great solace and many of the pictures were taken during the covid pandemic. Craig’s website is https://craigpayne.co.uk/gallery/ashdown_forest/