Hastings Pier, Borough Council & Covid-19 Updates

Taken this morning & it's locked up!

Well, I imagine most will have heard by now that the shiny seasonal suggested Winter Wonderland is not going to happen on Hastings Pier before this Christmas and over the New Year, so no ice skating (facebook page). I don't suppose many will be that surprised, I certainly ain't! What is it about the (mostly corrupt it appears) people running things in contemporary times, why are so many totally incompetent too?!? 😕

Oh yes, and I forgot to mention the other day that Pink Recycling Bags are now available at Muriel Matters House in Breeds Place; I spotted plenty of them inside this morning when I looked through the window. Also, among the many pieces of useful information on the Hastings Borough Council facebook page are appropriate links and information regarding temporary accommodation for rough sleepers over the winter, help and advice for people suffering from mental health problems and loneliness, and assistance for those with money problems and short of food. Plus, a reminder that applications to the Foreshore Trust Large Grant programme for charities must be submitted by 12.00 noon on the 6th of November. 

So why was I out and about early this morning taking photographs of a locked-up empty pier, ignoring my insomniac tendencies? 😉 Well, despite Hastings being well under the R rate/whatever that is these days (as I said in my recent blog), and, despite most of our local businesses, and most local people, being sensible regarding the COVID-19 crisis, our incompetent and corrupt leaders (see what I mean about people running things in contemporary times), are considering another lockdown! OK, we all want to fight this virus, but they've had 7/8 months to set up an efficient Test & Trace programme, which they've paid out £billions for to private companies that haven't done the business, rather than to local Public Health Authorities as required for notifiable diseases (Government website). That is, wasting £billions giving our taxpayer's money to rank amateurs with no experience of testing and tracing (corrupt?), rather than to health/local authorities with years of appropriate experience... 

Sorry, but that's why I was out earlier, I felt rather low, and angry... 😣

Covid-19 Cases in Hastings

The number of people with COVID-19 infection in Hastings is increasing, and has persistently increased since children and young adults returned to schools/college, but Hastings remains well below the national average thankfully. For example, there were 41 new cases in Hastings for the week 14-20 October, that is equivalent to 44 per 100,000, compared to the average of 123 per 100,000 in England. Also, recorded deaths of people in Hastings related to COVID-19 still remain at 11 since the outbreak began earlier in the year, which hasn't altered for a couple of months now (BBC).

Respect each other and stay safe folks!

Hastings News: Covid-19 Grants plus, and a Jolly Fisherman!

I walked to the eastern edge of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve and back this morning, nearly walked to the west, but with no Pier open I thought I would give it a miss today. There is an event I may well go to in the morning (Sunday) at 09.00 both of Hastings' lifeboats will be launched as an exercise, with recovery at 11.00. Of course emergency call outs may change this; further information at their facebook page.

Plenty of information from Hastings Borough Council on their facebook page, including reminders about the COVID-19 Crisis, maintaining social distancing, washing hands regularly, wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces and on public transport, the Rule of 6. Indeed, telling us that 'spot checks' of businesses in Hastings to ensure they are COVID Secure are being carried out, you are warned!

By the way, unless you've been asleep these past months (lucky you!) you'll be aware that £billions of Government money (that is your taxpayers' money) has been shelled out to private companies to run what is called NHS Test and Trace. It is not, and has never been, the NHS running this botched together failed cowboy outfit, so please drop the NHS from the name Hancock. Also, there is evidence that information gathered by these private institutions is being sold to third parties, I kid you not...

Oh yes, and I found this little piece of information from moreradio.online regarding emergency grants going to local councils. For Hastings a little over £2 million in total.

As for The Jolly Fisherman (facebook), I managed to get in a visit yesterday afternoon, it had opened at 15.00, so I had a couple of drinks. It was great to see all of the family, and as welcoming as ever. The Pavo was a very easy to drink pale session bitter, and the Hazy Oak Cask 2017 was a significantly more complex perry, sorry, but I finished it off by buying a take away of the remainder, although I have no doubt they'll have something just as interesting to replace it... Cheers! 😉

Visitors' Centre & Pier Updates, Plus...

This is how the new footpath by the developing Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve visitors' centre at Fairlight looks. I was suprised it doesn't seem very level...

And Hastings Pier? Never seems to be open, presuming they're waiting for the Winter Wonderland in November! Sad times...

Anyway, I had a nice walk to Fairlight and back this morning (Warren Glen above), and the weather has improved since then, nice one, trust everyone has had a nice day!?!

Hastings Parks win National Awards Again, Again!

Hastings Country Park

I keep on reporting that we have such excellent parks in the Borough of Hastings, and to support my assertions, they keep on winning awards (eg 2 years ago blog), and yet again three of our parks have won Green Flag Awards (website). They are Alexandra Park (blog), St Leonards Gardens (blog), and Hastings Country Park, which helped me make it through the first (pretty please not another one!) Covid-19 Lockdown (blog, plus many others written since).

Congratulations must go to the Council, to the workers who ensure these wonderful parks remain beautiful, and to the volunteers who give up their time to support them!

Battle of Hastings - Hastings Week

Battle Abbey

Well, we won't be celebrating the Battle of Hastings (954 years ago today) so loudly this year, and no bonfire on the beach or procession at the weekend (blog), but some things are happening to celebrate; see their facebook page.

Happy Hastings day! 😀

 

Hastings pier Update, sorry for going on, but...

I do apologize for going on about the Pier, but I have been away for a long weekend, visiting family before our increasingly obviously inefficient Government doesn't allow me to, let's hope we can meet up again this year and before Christmas, but their sheer incompetence leads me to doubt we will...

Anyway, talking about incompetence... Hastings Pier, Mr G, and now, apparently, whoever is managing it now! I spoke about a promising time on the Pier in my last blog, but I have been informed by people who have been in Hastings over the weekend that the Pier has been closed again recently! I'd be happy to hear alternative information, but it appears that the latest management of the Pier are just looking to their Winter Wonderland, and have no intention of keeping the Pier open at other times, but only to use it for that purpose alone, again, I so hope that I'm wrong, but...

The cynic in me doubts it... 😞

Hastings Pier Update: Ice Skating plus more!

So, I said I'd give updates in my last blog, and I contacted the new management of the Pier about opening times, their reply? "all opening times etc will be posted soon." Currently, they appear to be 10.00-17.00.

In addition, on their facebook page they are advertising Hastings Pier Winter Wonderland, that is, from 21 November 2020 to 3 January 2021 there will be an ice rink, festive rides, food, bars and hot chocolate and marshmallows! To book tickets go to this website.

So, we're getting there, ish...

Hastings Pier Remaining Open?!?

I wandered onto Hastings Pier this morning, as I wanted to have a final walk on it for this year before it closed down for goodness knows how long (previous blog). I was told that it is not closing down this weekend, but my source has no idea who will be managing the Pier after the lease runs out this weekend...

Anyone know please, I can't get any relevant information from anywhere, but I certainly will share any information I do receive, fingers crossed...

I suppose we'll know if it's still open when/if it remains open! 😉

Covid-19 Crisis & Lockdown Rules in your area

Reminder regarding Mask Disposal

I have found a great link on the BBC website that explains quite simply the lockdown rules in the area where you live, including meeting friends and family, going to work, schools and nurseries, leisure time, shopping, and face covering requirements on public transport and in other public spaces/buildings. Subsequently, if you need to travel anywhere, for where you are going and the rules there; check here. 

And a timely reminder about disposing of face masks and the environment (above).

Keep safe and considerate folks!

Hastings Fishermen's Museum Opening Hours Update

Hastings Fishermen's Museum has new opening hours, that is: 

Fridays 1-4pm

Sat/Sun 12-4pm 

Also, during the mid-term holiday (which I believe is 26-30 October) it will be open 12-4pm every day (website). Opening hours are "subject to change."