RNLI D-835 Richard Francis

The Hastings RNLI Inshore Lifeboat was formally named on Saturday, I shall cut and paste the following information about this boat and its naming, obtained from the RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Station facebook page, many thanks for the information and photographs to the Hastings Lifeboat Station, crew and volunteers, cheers!

The new lifeboat was named Richard Francis...

"Richard’s mother, Elizabeth Anne Francis, who was known as Anne, was born on the 26th July 1924. As a child she loved the sea and spent her childhood holidays on the Norfolk coast. She and her brother Dick loved to sail the Norfolk and Suffolk coast throughout her teenage years, which often terrified their parents.

When Anne was 15 war broke out, and as soon as she was old enough, she joined the WRNS. She did not go to sea as she had hoped but served at Bletchley Park as part of the code-breaking Team that is now acknowledged as being a vital part of winning the war. She also sailed to Ceylon, to work on Japanese codes at the Bletchley Park outpost until the end of the war.

After the war Anne went to Cambridge University to read English and met Peter Francis. They married and had six children. Their eldest son, Richard (pictured below), loved the sea and sailing. He learned to sail as a boy and during his teenage years, like his mother, sailed whenever he could. Richard, with his three brothers, built his own sailing boat, but very sadly, soon after this was finished, he became ill and died shortly before his 22nd birthday.

Because of their shared love of sailing and the sea, and because she wanted Richard's memory to continue after her death, Anne left a legacy to the RN LI, as this best reflected her and Richard's passion for the sea, and compassion for those at risk from it.

Peter Adams, the RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager at Hastings said. ‘Anne’s legacy has funded the new Hastings inshore lifeboat which will be formally named on Saturday. Her generosity, and her son’s memory, will live on for many years to come as the lifeboat, and its volunteer crew, carries out its work of saving lives at sea. Everyone at Hastings, and the wider RNLI family, wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Anne, and the members of her family, for supporting us with this lifesaving work."

A quieter Weekend...

The weather isn't going to be too bad this weekend (forecast), although Sunday morning doesn't look great, and there isn't much obvious going on event-wise (eg no Stade Saturdays this week), except that the Coastal Currents Arts Festival 2019 is very near to its end, and so a last opportunity to investigate the venues (website). For example, visit the Big Green Fair to be held on Sunday (29th) 11.00 to 16.00 hours at the Stade Hall, Stade Open Space and Shipwreck Museum (facebook).

Since first writing this I have learned from Licy Clayden, many thanks, that the inclement weather the marquee could not be erected, consequently indoor events only for the Big Green Fair, I trust no-one was too disappointed... 

Plus the regular things to do in Hastings, of course, gigs in pubs, museums to visit, parks, castle, aquarium, promenade, beach, food and drink etc., have a look at visit1066country website, whatever you do, have a good weekend!

International Day of Peace

Today, Saturday the 21st of September 2019, is the International Day of Peace with, what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres states, the focus on the "climate emergency" and why the United Nations is "convening a Climate Action Summit" (website). Please ignore reactionary contradictions to this scientific reality!

Peace be with you...

Hastings Car Free Day 22 September 2019

It is the first time Hastings has held this international event (World Car Free Day website), a car free day on the same day around the world, which I first experienced getting on for 20 years ago when I was visiting my brother when he lived in Brussels, except in Brussels it is car free for the whole city and region! In Hastings, it is just to be for 12 noon until 6pm, with a street party and other events, but the seafront road will be closed from 10am until 8pm on Sunday, from Warrior Square Gardens to the White Rock Theatre (Eversfield Place to Verulam Place - website). 

This event is part of the Sustainability on Sea Festival (21-29 September 2019, for more details see website), a 9 day festival featuring events from Winchelsea to Bexhill. On Sunday, for the Hastings Car Free Day, there will be a range of family friendly activities, including alfresco dining, music, dancing, and much more to enjoy!

Hastings Old Town Guided Walk

This afternoon (17th September) is the last of the regular Tuesday afternoon free guided walks of Hastings Old Town for 2019 (although there is another planned for Battle of Hastings Day on Monday October 14th), and is being provided by the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) (website). If you wish to take part meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm (the lift is still out of order I am afraid, so a walk up the hill will first be required; the website suggests a gentle-ish route). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here.

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a bright sunny day, so please be prepared, especially if, like me, you catch the sun too easily. Please do enjoy yourselves oday!

Part 2 - Battle to Hastings via Bexhill

Having walked from Hastings to Battle we believed we deserved refreshments, especially as the day was pretty warm and, also, in-between our birthdays (a week apart), so a dual celebration and well deserved indeed! Consequently, we wandered along the High Street, a short distance from Battle Abbey to, built in the 17th century with stone from the Battle Abbey kitchen, The Bull Inn, 27 High Street, TN33 0EA, where I met someone I always seem to meet here, and sometimes in Hastings hostelries too, so not a surprise. We had a pint of ale each of course (sorry I forgot to make a note of it, but certain to either be from Sussex or Kent, so local), and a meal each too; I shall not tell you what it was, at risk of someone who knows what I shouldn't eat reading this, but good value tasty meals both, well enjoyed, cheers!

We followed the same root back southwards to Crowhurst and stopped in at the early 19th century The Plough Inn, 1 Plough Lane, TN33 9AW (facebook). Here we drank a pint each of Sussex brewer Weltons (website) American Graffiti (4.5%), a pale golden US style pale ale with hints of citrus and marmalade, dry and bitter, very refreshing!

We continued back along the 1066 Country Walk - Behill Link, this time not heading towards the Combe Valley Country Park once we'd walked under the new road, but following the newly built pathway that incorporates the old disused railway line all the way to Bexhill, where we enjoyed a coffee at the iconic De La Warr Pavilion (website).

Our final walk was towards the east, back along the seafront to Hastings where, early evening Friday (we'd had a short walk to Bexhill and back on Friday) and Saturday, we passed the Goat Ledge cafe (website) with a thriving clientele, whereas the Pier in the back ground was closed/near empty, sad, but glad for Goat Ledge, nice one!

A review of Goat Ledge is well overdue...

Walk from Hastings to Battle...

We set off on our walk from Hastings to Battle, via Crowhurst, Saturday morning, hence the 5K Hastings Park Run going on in the background in the photograph above, the successful Saturday morning Park Run, which runs along the seafront (from 09.00 every Saturday), and having been held in Hastings for over 4 years now (blog), excellent! Oh yes, and we spotted this amazingly constructed bumble bees and flowers presentation, a good 100 metres to the west of the Royal Victoria Hotel (blog).

Entrance to Filsham Reedbed

We had been walking up by Combe Haven before entering Filsham Reedbed, which I love visiting, and which I have written about before (eg blog). This is the view from the Viewing Platform, which is reached by a raised boardwalk; for more information go to the Sussex Wildlife Trust's Filsham Reedbed Nature Reserve website.

We then carried on north of west, roughly 290 degrees from the north west edge of Filsham Reedbed Nature Reserve (photograph), until we met the 1066 Country Walk - Bexhill Link, where we headed roughly north towards Crowhurst.

After walking under the new bypass we continued northwards into Crowhurst, where we visited St George's Church, whose origins are from early Norman times, probably still the nave and chancel, but has mostly been rebuilt in the following centuries; the tower is 15th century (Sussex Parish Churches website).

In the churchyard of St George's is a historical yew tree over 1300 years old (not to be confused with the yew tree in the church of St George's in Crowhurst, Surrey, or you're well lost, though it is a threefold coincidence indeed!). For more information of the history of this famous yew tree, and more, go to the Forestry Journal website.

Battle Abbey Gatehouse

We then walked further north, through the RSPB's Fore Wood Nature Reserve (website). Soon after exiting Fore Wood we walked up by the 'battle field' below Battle Abbey, which was built by William the Conqueror, or William the Bastard as he was called in 1066, in penance to the Pope due to the loss of lives during the battle, up to 50% of those who took part (of up to 20,000 probably involved), depending on where you source your information (1066 country website).

Anyway, we carried out a similar walk recently, which includes heading back to Hastings via Bexhill, as we did this time too, next blog is about the ales and return...

OHPS Guided Walks this Weekend!

The Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) guided walks of the Stade are also held during the Seafood and Wine Festival, so this Saturday and Sunday (14th and 15th September). The free Stade Guided Walk begins at 11am both days, meeting up outside the Hastings Fishermen's Museum (inside if wet, though very unlikely!), Rock-a-Nore Road, and, should you partake, you will be shown around the fishing quarter of Hastings. The walk lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, and, although on the flat mostly, you will be walking over uneven ground (though walks can be tailored to mobility needs, and interests), so sensible walking shoes would be, well, sensible (website). The walks are provided free, but all donations to the Fishermen's Museum would be very much appreciated, many thanks, and enjoy!

In addition, tomorrow afternoon (14th September) a Heritage Week Special free guided walk of Hastings Old Town is being provided by the OHPS (website). If you wish to take part meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm (the lift is still out of order I am afraid, so a walk up the hill will first be required; the website suggests a gentle-ish route). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here.

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a bright sunny weekend, so please be prepared, especially is, like me, you catch the sun easily. Whatever, please do enjoy yourselves!

OK, this is my last blog for the weekend, although there are obviously numerous regular live music sessions in bars, great places to eat and drink in addition to the Seafood and Wine Festival, the earliest Norman castle built in England, Aquarium, museums, seafront, etc etc, enjoy your weekend!

Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival 2019

Not to forget that this weekend, 14-15th September, also sees the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival 2019 at the Stade Open Space (website), and not just food and drink, but live music and entertainment too. Adult entrance is £4 at the gate, children under 18 free, though you can purchase a wristband to gain entrance for £2.50 if you buy in advance from Hastings Tourist Information Centre at Breeds Place. 

As usual, on Sunday morning is the Jazz Breakfast with Liane Carroll and Friends, price £19 for adults and £10 for children 17 and under, tickets from Breeds Place too, though hurry up, because this event usually sells out early, please don't hold your breath as they may have already gone by the time you read this blog.

Enjoy your weekend, though I may have one more blog to add... 😉

Steampunk Circus of Curiosities 2019

As if there isn't already much to do and see this weekend, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September also sees the Hastings Steampunk Circus of Curiosities at St Leonards Show Ground, Magdalen Road TN37 6EG (website for tickets/information). Also, this evening (13th) from 18.00 to 23.55 at The Carlisle, 24 Pelham Street, at the seafront, is their Preparty (facebook), it keeps on keeping on!

Minigolf British Open this weekend

This weekend, on the Pirate Course at Hastings Adventure Golf on the seafront, sees the 2019 BMGA British Open (website), Saturday 14th to Sunday 15th September; and today (Friday 13th) is the Players' Championship.

If you want to see international level minigolf played by people who make me feel quite inept at the game go along and be surprised at how good they are!

Queens Road closed on Sunday 15th

Notice for drivers et al, Queens Road is closed for road repairs on Sunday, planned from 06.00 to 17.00, fingers crossed...

Old Town Guided Walk 10th September

This afternoon you can take advantage of experiencing the regular summer Tuesday afternoon Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website). If you wish to take part meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm (the lift is out of order at the moment, but the lower entrance to the lift is at the west end of George Street when it is recommissioned, hopefully not too far away, fingers crossed!). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here.

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a bright afternoon, be prepared, and do enjoy yourselves!

PS Happy Birthday to ME!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Amber Rudd has RESIGNED!

If you haven't already heard, our Member of Parliament, Amber Rudd, has resigned from the Conservative Party whip, consequently, she has resigned from the Conservative & Unionist Party/Cabinet/Government (BBC)! Why? Well, quite frankly, why did she join Boris Trump's (Johnson's) cabinet in the first place?!? 

She gives 2 main reasons, first, that she doesn't believe Boris and his assertion that he is working for a 'deal' with the EU, that he wants to leave the EU without a deal, ie, that Boris is a serial liar who cannot be trusted. Secondly, the sacking of "21 talented, loyal One Nation Conservatives... I cannot support this act of political vandalism." 

The roads have just reopened.

10.10 hours, reopened,,,

Serious RTA - Road blocked.

The bottom of The Bourne, corner with Rock-a-Nore Road is blocked due to a serious road traffic accident, please avoid for a while..

Congratulations to the Police and Council!

Congratulations to Sussex Police and the Council for moving them on from the Stade within 20 hours, and the police were polite, speedy and efficient, nice one!

OHPS Old Town Walk 3rd September

Tomorrow afternoon (3rd September) and you can take advantage of experiencing the regular summer Tuesday afternoon Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website), now back to just one a week for 3 weeks. If you wish to take part meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm (the lift is out of order at the moment, but the lower entrance to the lift is at the west end of George Street when it is recommissioned, hopefully not too far away, fingers crossed!). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here.

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a brightish/cloudy afternoon, whatever, please be prepared, and it may well be worth taking a look again at the forecast closer to the time. Whatever, please do enjoy yourselves!