Newhaven Mencap welcomes community to Riverside Hall following Remembrance Sunday service

Newhaven, Lewes & District Mencap was honoured to take part in Newhaven’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations on 8th November, supporting Newhaven Town Council’s community event and welcoming those attending to Riverside Hall afterwards. The service began at 10:45am on the Memorial Green, bringing together local residents, community organisations and uniformed services to remember those who served and sacrificed their lives.

Members of the community and representatives of local organisations were given the opportunity to lay wreaths. Adam Knell, Chairperson of Newhaven, Lewes & District Mencap, and Rebecca, from the charity, laid a wreath on its behalf.

Following the service, the local community was invited to Riverside Hall, home to the charity, for teas, coffees and refreshments. The gathering offered an opportunity for people to spend time together, share memories and learn more about the charity’s work supporting people with learning disabilities.

Adam Knell said: “It was an honour for Rebecca and I to lay a wreath on behalf of Newhaven, Lewes & District Mencap and pay our respects alongside the wider community.

“It was so lovely to see people queuing out of the door at Riverside Hall and coming in to experience our hospitality after the service. We had the opportunity to speak with members of the uniformed services about our charity, what we do and how we help people with learning disabilities feel included and supported within their community.

“One visitor also shared fond memories of Newhaven Mencap from its beginnings in the 1960s and remembered our founding Chairperson, John Baldwin. Hearing those memories was a touching reminder of the charity’s long-standing place in the town.”

In a comment on the charity's Facebook page, Newhaven Mayor Mark Wardle said: “Thank you all for hosting us and making us feel so welcome this morning! Look forward to your amazing Christmas fayre on the 5th December.”

The charity thanked Newhaven Town Council, everyone involved in the commemorations and all those who visited Riverside Hall following the service.

Community invited to Annual Christmas Fayre

Newhaven, Lewes & District Mencap will next welcome visitors to its Annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday 5th December 2026, from 11am to 3pm, at Riverside Hall, Riverside, West Quay, Newhaven, BN9 9BP.

The event will include a guest appearance from Father Christmas in his grotto, welcoming visitors of all ages.

The charity looks forward to bringing the community together again for a festive occasion in support of its work with local people with learning disabilities.