The talk will begin at 3pm sharp on Sunday 15th November, 2026, in the Burton Room of the Royal Victoria Hotel, TN38 0BD. Members free, non members £5. Doors open 2.30pm. No reservations.
A talk given by Ian Crick, entitled ‘Billiards and Nuns: The history of Gensing Lodge, home of St Michael’s Hospice’
Gensing Lodge was built a few years after the death of James Burton on the site that is now home to St Michael’s Hospice. Next year the Hospice will be celebrating its 40th anniversary there.
In his illustrated talk, Ian will explore the early history of the house: its owners and significant development as a convent. His research draws on census records, planning applications and personal recollections from one of the Sisters who lived there.
The talk includes a Decimus Burton cameo, a very public Burton spat, a mystery cottage, a Billiard Room, and WW2 stories worthy of an episode of Foyle’s War.
Ian has long had connections with the area and is enjoying living in St Leonards in retirement. He is a member of the Burton St Leonards’ Society and a Trustee at St Michael’s Hospice.