Author: Maria Bligh

Author

  • Maria Bligh is a journalist, published author, professional speaker, singer and artist now settled in Sussex, UK, having previously travelled extensively throughout the UK and overseas, including a period living in Geneva. Married to a successful musician and with a background that encompasses working in the music industry, finance, sales and presentations training, she maintains a diverse existence. Her interests encompass travel, nature, animals and the arts: music, theatre, painting, writing and philosophy. Maria now writes for online and print magazines. Having once maintained a regular full page in “A Place In The Sun” magazine, travel is an obvious interest, but her articles also cover a wide variety of subjects. She bills herself as “an observer of the human condition and all that sail in her.” Maria has frequently appeared on radio & TV as well as in print. Her humorous style has seen her travel the world addressing audiences throughout Europe, Asia and Australasia and as a cruise-ship speaker with P&O and Fred Olsen.

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Health & Beauty, Kent

Essential Guide to Homecare in Kent

Choices and Top Provider Choosing the right care for a loved one is one of the most significant and emotional decisions a family can make. Whether it’s for elderly... Read more.
Celebrity, Eastbourne, Entertainment, Sussex

Review of Lindisfarne at Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne

Lindisfarne took to the stage at Eastbourne’s elegant and intimate Royal Hippodrome Theatre on a Friday night in July, the red flock wallpaper in the bar was humming... Read more.
Celebrity, Eastbourne, Entertainment, Kent, Sussex

Sensational Story of the Mitford Sisters Comes to the Stage

The World Premiere of a Marlowe Theatre Production THE PARTY GIRLS The sensational story of the Mitford sisters Written by Amy Rosenthal / Directed by Richard Beecham... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Forestry and Nature, Sussex

Nightjar Numbers Increasing on Ashdown Forest, Sussex

The annual nightjar survey on the Ashdown Forest has recorded the highest number of Nightjar breeding territories to date. This is an especially significant result... Read more.
Forestry and Nature, Further Afield, Kent, Sussex

Lost in the Middle of Nowhere? There’s an App for That: Why What3Words Is a Rural Lifesaver

Let’s be honest: living or walking in the countryside is glorious… until it isn’t. Rolling hills, winding lanes, and tree-canopied footpaths are a dream for... Read more.
Art, Eastbourne, Entertainment, Kent, Sussex

The Curious Case of Crocheted Letterbox Toppers

Stroll through a sleepy British village or wander along a suburban street and you may well notice that some of the post boxes wear a rather snazzy hat.  Don’t... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Sussex

Wildlife Cruelty on the Rise

WARNING:  DISTRESSING IMAGES Wildlife cruelty is sadly becoming an increasing concern across the UK, and here in East Sussex we are witnessing the impact first-hand.... Read more.
Further Afield, Historic Buildings, History, Kent

A Tale of Two Dovers: Kent, UK & Kent, Delaware, US

Dover, Kent in the United Kingdom and Dover, Kent County in Delaware, United States, are more than just transatlantic namesakes. Their shared heritage speaks to... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Forestry and Nature, Sussex

Swan Rescued from Roundabout on Busy Sussex Road

A juvenile swan that crash-landed on a busy roundabout in East Sussex this month has been successfully rescued and released by East Sussex Wildlife Rescue &... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Forestry and Nature, Sport, Sussex

Ashdown Forest, East Sussex: Volunteers Open Day on 3 July

Ashdown Forest is holding a Volunteers’ Information Day on Thursday 3 July to celebrate its existing volunteers and showcase the roles on offer for new volunteers.... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Sussex

Double Swan Rescue At Barcombe Mills

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) responded to a dramatic double swan rescue this week at Barcombe Mills, after two separate incidents unfolded... Read more.
Celebrity, Entertainment, Further Afield, Historic Buildings, History

A Visit to the Handel Hendrix House, Mayfair, London

There aren’t many buildings that boast more than one English Heritage Blue Plaques, signifying their association with a famous person. At the last count there... Read more.
Entertainment, Sussex

Review: The Illegal Eagles, Theatre Royal, Brighton, Sussex

  I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing The Eagles perform live, despite having been a fan since discovering them in the mid-1970s.  As a performer, several... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Eastbourne, Sussex

Heroic Duck Family Rescue in Eastbourne

A remarkable wildlife rescue took place at Tidebrook Gardens in Eastbourne when a mother mallard duck and her newly hatched ducklings needed help navigating a dangerous... Read more.
Celebrity, Entertainment, Sussex

Hastings Production Company’s Audience Participation Shows

TUFT launches bi-monthly experimental performance series Bold new performance company TUFT, who brought you Concert At The Castle and Concert In The Caves, has announced... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Celebrity, Charity, Eastbourne, Entertainment, Sussex

WRAS Charity Shop, Eastbourne, Reopens Today Following Refurbishment

The Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service (WRAS) Charity Shop on Terminus Road, Eastbourne, will officially reopen at 10am this morning following a short period of refurbishment... Read more.
Celebrity, Eastbourne, Entertainment, Sussex

Absolute Bowie – Tribute Band – Review

David Bowie is dead! But he was very much alive last Friday evening at the Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne, courtesy of tribute act Absolute Bowie. They hit the... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Entertainment, Historic Buildings, History, Kent

Summer Jousting Tournament Coming to Hever Castle

Watch in awe as The Knights of Royal England battle for bravery and honour at the 2025 Summer Jousting Tournament in the historic setting of Hever Castle & Gardens... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Eastbourne, Sussex

Over 120 Animal Casualties Helped Over One Weekend

During Bank Holiday weekends, while many of us enjoy time off with family and friends, the dedicated staff and volunteers at East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance... Read more.
Food and Drink

Pimp My Pizza!

Sometimes it’s just too much effort to cook a meal from scratch. There’s no shame in resorting to the odd ‘convenience’ meal. Let me share... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Eastbourne, Forestry and Nature, Sussex

Triple Fox Rescues Highlights Demands on Local Wildlife Charity

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) responded to three fox rescues in a single morning across Sussex, underscoring the vital role the award-winning... Read more.
Cars, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Forestry and Nature, Historic Buildings, History, Sussex

Step Back in Time to 1940s Britain at Hever’s Home Front

Step back in time to 1940s Britain at Hever’s Home Front event on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2025 at Hever Castle & Grounds nestled in the beautiful... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Sussex

Lonely Fox Cub Seeks Comfort in Teddy

When you’re not feeling your best, sometimes all you need is the comfort of a friend. This little traumatised fox cub was brought to WRAS on April 12th after... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Entertainment, Forestry and Nature, Kent

Enjoy May Day Weekend Activities at Hever Castle, Kent

This coming weekend is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Hever Castle in Kent.  Not only will the gardens be springing into bloom, with the rhododendron walk... Read more.
Food and Drink, Further Afield, Historic Buildings

Ely: A Timeless Treasure in the Heart of Cambridgeshire

While many tourists will have Cambridge in their sights for a visit, ideally located less than an hour’s train journey from London, I’m going to suggest... Read more.
Food and Drink

An Impressive and Filling Sunday Breakfast/Brunch

This dish is easy, very filling and extremely versatile as you can embellish it all you wish. I’ve been enjoying it in various forms for years and always roll... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Celebrity, Charity, Forestry and Nature, Sussex

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex Visits WRAS for 30th Anniversary

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman, who is His Majesty The King’s personal representative in the county of East Sussex, including... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Forestry and Nature, Sussex

Celebrating 40 Years of Wildlife Rescue: The Journey of Trevor Weeks, MBE and WRAS

In 2025, East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) celebrates two extraordinary milestones: 40 years of founder Trevor Weeks’ tireless dedication... Read more.
Celebrity, Entertainment, History, Kent

Book Review: Pagans by James Alistair Henry

I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of the debut novel by James Alistair Henry.  You might not have heard of Henry, but you’ll certainly be acquainted... Read more.
Celebrity, Entertainment, Kent, Sussex

Awards Galore for Our Featured Artists – and a Special Upcoming Concert

It’s always nice when talent one recognises and champions is also recognised by others, and even better when that recognition comes with a worthwhile award.... Read more.
Celebrity, Entertainment, Further Afield, History

Explore Marilyn Monroe’s Story Through an Exhibition of Her Own Possessions

In the early 1990s, I lived on Tooley Street, which stretches from London Bridge to Tower Bridge and beyond. At that time, it was a pretty shady area, it’s only…... Read more.
Art, Celebrity, Food and Drink, History, Sussex

Lee Miller & the Surrealist’s Retreat of Farleys House, East Sussex

Look up the definition of ‘Renaissance man’ in the Britannica dictionary and you’ll find this: the notion that humans should embrace all knowledge... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Art, Celebrity, History, Sussex

Maria’s Favourite Article of 2024: Sight Loss Got Me Back Into Art

For my favourite article of the last 12 months, I thought I’d revamp this one about the art I’ve done since being forced out of my previous incarnation... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Forestry and Nature, Sussex

Shout-Out to WRAS & All Charities Working Today

While most of us are tucking into our Christmas dinner before falling asleep in front of The Morecambe & Wise Christmas Show (oops, sorry, got caught in a 1970s... Read more.
Art, Celebrity, Coastal, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Sussex

Barnaby’s, Hastings: the Must-Visit Bistro & Music Lounge

Deep in the wilds of Hastings – well, Robertson Street, to be precise (handily situated between the railway station and the beach), one can find a real gem of... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Forestry and Nature, Sussex

WRAS Deals with its 6000th casualty of 2024

East Sussex WRAS has admitted its 6000th casualty of 2024. The first time ever the charity has admitted over 6000 casualties in any year in its history! The hedgehog... Read more.
Art, Celebrity, Coastal, Eastbourne, Sussex

Eastbourne Artists Open House: Paul Jennings

Over the last two weekends Eastbourne was home to Eastbourne Artists’ Christmas Open House event.  This is where various artists invite people to visit them... Read more.
Forestry and Nature, Further Afield, Historic Buildings, History, Sussex

From Sussex to a Medieval Tower in Scotland

One of the great things about living in the Home Counties is the ease with which one can leave and go elsewhere!  Here in Sussex, we have access to the…... Read more.
Entertainment, Sport, Sussex, Uncategorized

Best bars in Brighton to watch the Autumn Rugby Internationals

For rugby fans in Brighton, there’s no better way to dive into the rugby Autumn Nations Series than in one of the city’s top bars, surrounded by lively crowds,... Read more.
Art, Entertainment, Kent

Carnival of the Baubles kicks off the Festive Season in Ashford, Kent

On Saturday, 23 November, thousands of people will be lining the pavements of Ashford town centre as Carnival of the Baubles kicks off the festivities and lights... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Entertainment, Sussex

A Evening of Songs and “Tails” in Aid of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) has organised an evening of music and “Tails”  to raise money for its community service which is... Read more.
Entertainment, Food and Drink, Sussex, Villages

Every Last Friday in Battle, East Sussex

I’m in Battle, Sussex (ACTUAL site of the Battle of Hastings) on a Friday night and there’s much ELF talk about.  Well, it IS only two months to Christmas. ... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Forestry and Nature, Sussex

Calls to Protect Rare Fungi on Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest is calling for more prosecutions of illegal commercial foragers to deter the destruction and theft of the Forest’s rare fungi. The call comes as... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Charity, Forestry and Nature, Sussex

Rescue of Two Deer Tied Together, Forest Row

A report received from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) about a horrific, but not isolated, incidence of a double deer entanglement.  Such... Read more.
Celebrity, History, Sussex, Villages

The Piltdown Man Hoax: Sussex’s Infamous Scientific Scandal

In the early 20th century, Sussex became the epicentre of one of the greatest scientific hoaxes in history: the Piltdown Man. This elaborate deception captivated... Read more.
Celebrity, Entertainment, Sussex

Leo Sayer Returns Home to Sussex

My friend and our photographer, Ann and I arrived at Worthing Assembly Hall nice and early just in case the advertised start time of 7:30pm was true while not expecting,…... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Art, Forestry and Nature, Sussex

Artist, Nicola Bagge – Reflections of the Forest

During September, Sussex residents and visitors were treated to a weekend of Open Studios organised by Crowborough Arts.  We were given free entry to studios and... Read more.
Celebrity, Charity, Eastbourne, Historic Buildings, Sussex

Friends of The Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

The Friends of Devonshire Park Theatre were formed in said theatre’s Centenary year of 1984 with the purpose of keeping the historic Devonshire Park Theatre... Read more.
Animals & Wildlife, Art, Celebrity, Forestry and Nature, Historic Buildings, History, Kent

The Most Magnificent Castle Visit – Hever, Edenbridge, Kent

  Despite having lived only 20 miles away from Hever Castle for the best part of 30 years, I’d never visited.  Ain’t that often the way? All that was set…... Read more.