Merry Christmas!

 

Best wishes to you all!

Seasons Greetings!

Things are certainly better than for the previous 2 Christmases, despite the dreaded COVID-19 still hanging around, vaccinations appear to have done the trick, fingers crossed! But please let us all have a good and happy season and enjoy ourselves as much as we can, remembering others too. 

I give thanks to all those who have helped us to survive these last two years, too many to mention individually, but including all the keyworkers, the drivers and carers, those working in the emergency services, the police, fire fighters, ambulance staff and paramedics, the NHS, doctors, nurses, other health professionals and ancillary staff, the brave crews and volunteers of the RNLI lifeboat service, and not forgetting the scientists who helped develop the vaccines to rid us of the cause of distress and illness caused by the pandemic... Respect!

Finally, I wish to share my best wishes with you, and peace and goodwill to all, whatever one's beliefs, let's continue to work together folks. 👌

And remember, stay safe!

Stacey Marie (facebook page) sends her regards too! 😉

Alexandra Park and Cycling, sensible Council Vote!

I'm surprised that Hastings Borough Council came to a sensible decision about having a cycle path running through Alexandra Park, as in, no cycle path approved (Sussex World). I've already expressed my opinion about this, eg in this blog, but ruining a safe environment in the park, and making it dangerous to walk, or indeed, use a wheelchair or pushchair, doesn't help the ecological problems of the world. Having cycle paths within the roads adjacent to the park, thus narrowing them, would discourage drivers to come into Hastings town centre, and more buses together with out of town parking would also help, but a cycle path through the park doesn't stop carbon emissions... 

Seasonal Problems, Loneliness, Shelter, Money and Food & Help

Every year Christmas and the 'festive season' means an increase in loneliness, but remember that the Samaritans can provide 24 hour emotional support; calls on 116 123 are free, and their local telephone number is 0330 094 5717 (local call charges apply). They can also be visited, and their opening hours and further information is on their website. Many thanks to their volunteers and staff.

2 pubs in Hastings are offering free meals over the weekend, on Saturday 24th and in association with Mental Health Help Sussex, The Pig Hastings at 37 White Rock, is offering a Free Wellbeing Christmas Meal at 6.00pm. The event is aimed at "anyone and everyone in the community who may be struggling either mentally, physically, or financially" (facebook).

On Christmas Day, Sunday the 25th of December, The London Trader at 4-7 East Beach Street is offering a free Christmas lunch and glass of wine to anyone who wants one, in their words "don't go hungry, miserable or lonely, come in, see us and get fed!" (facebook) Nice one, helped by "kind donations from locals and local businesses" including "Andy Fraser and Sedlescombe Golf Course, LWC Drinks Ltd, and Rosie Adams the people's champion at Morrisons."

In past years in Hastings & St Leonards, temporary accommodation for homeless people has been supplied by The Snowflake Trust, sadly there are still problems providing overnight dormitory style accommodation, but Hastings Borough Council are providing temporary single room accommodation for the homeless, having leased properties for the purpose. They have asked Snowflake to provide hot evening meals and to be involved still; further details can be found at their website. Help can also be sought via the Seaview Project (website) and for their other services too.

OK, it's more than just a seasonal problem these days, but foodbanks seem to be with us long term now, and Hastings Foodbank (website) is desperate for certain items:

UHT Milk, Full Fat and Semi-skimmed;

Tinned Meat (but not corned beef and pork);

Tinned Vegetables (especially peas and carrots);

Tinned Fruit;

Coffee.

Also required are:  Toilet Rolls;

Toiletries (shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste);

Tinned Fish;

Tinned Potatoes;

Tinned Rice Pudding;

Jam;

Fruit Juice.

There are Foodbank donation points all over Hastings, and full details of addresses and opening times are at the website, and include the HBC Community Contact Centre (Muriel Matters House), The Hastings Centre (The Ridge), Tesco Extra (St Leonards), Sainsbury's (Station Approach), Asda, Tesco Express (Havelock Road), Morrisons, NatWest Bank (Havelock Road), and Nationwide Building Society branches. 

Finally, from me for now, East Sussex County Council provide advice on their website regarding 'cost of living support' with links to money help and advice, your mental health, help with benefits, your home, food, employment and learning, health, transport, and help for households.

Stay safe and secure and watch out for each other folks, and much respect to those offering help and charity. Any other places where help can be found, eg free dinners, please feel free to add in comments and I'll write another blog, cheers!

Refuse and Recycling Collections for Christmas & New Year

Refuse and recycling collections from your homes are not planned to be too disruptive this Christmas and New Year, indeed, from Monday the 2nd of January 2023 should return to normal! See changes planned over the seasonal period below (HBC):

Christmas Waste Calendar 2022

Normal Collection Day              Revised Collection Day 

Monday 26 December               Tuesday 27 December 

Tuesday 27 December              Wednesday 28 December 

Wednesday 28 December         Thursday 29 December 

Thursday 29 December             Friday 30 December 

Friday 30 December                  Saturday 31 December

This Weekend in Hastings 16/18 December

My apologies for not writing recently, I've been visiting friends and family while the trains were still running, but the winter certainly seems to have hit us this last week, with snow falling on Sunday, not to mention live rails being frozen whilst travelling. Okay, the photograph above is originally from a previous blog of mine some time ago in February 2018, but you get the gist. It's been cold, and it snowed, and more so a little further inland from the seafront and town centre.

However, all this hasn't stopped the 'holiday season' fun and festivities developing, and this weekend certainly has plenty to offer in addition to the always thriving town that is Hastings. From activities to keep children happy whilst you're shopping at Priory Meadow, to live music and carols, to eating and drinking, to fancy dress and Burlesque, and to theatre and pantomime, there is something for most of us!

Indeed, so much is on that I am adding links to various sites, or just use google 😉

• Visit 1066 Country 
• Hastings Flyer 
• All Events In 
• Skiddle 
• Event Brite 

It's staying bright and sunny, so no snow but chilly over the next couple of days, but warming up from late Sunday, though wet then and on Monday too, but with the temperature getting into double figures during next week (Met Office). 🌞⛆🌂⛅

Whatever you do, whether shopping, going out, or just chilling out, have an excellent weekend, and stay safe folks! 🎄

Oh yes, and there's cricket in Pakistan to watch or listen to... 

Bohemia Creative Quarter December First Sunday

Today is the Bohemia Creative Quarter (BCQ) regular first Sunday of the month event for December. The event will be from 11.00am to 4.00pm in the Bohemia/London/Tower Roads triangle, an area consisting of 80 or so businesses.

There is a facebook page for the group and, as the image above suggests, expect creative workshops, live performances, wellness and beauty, affordable art, home decor, music, antiques, bric-a-brac, street food, fancy dress and vintage stalls. You are invited to visit and explore the Bohemia area of Hastings & St Leonards...

Also, there will be many new stallholders at their festive market in the old HSK shop in London Road, opposite the Tower pub, could be useful for Christmas gifts... 😉

Hastings Parking & East Sussex Transport Consultations

I only recently discovered that there are 2 consultation exercises being carried out regarding parking and travel and transport, with both consultations closing on Friday 9th December, so you still have time to share your opinions! 

The Hastings Parking Review asks for our opinions of the East Sussex County Council's proposals to be implemented in the Spring, after considering submitted responses. Full details, and a link to the online survey, are at the Council website.

The consultation regarding the East Sussex Local Transport Plan 4 is in connection with the Council's local transport plan for 2023-2050, looking at all forms of transport, including walking. Our opinions are being sought for the following areas:

• what your priorities are for travel and transport,
• the key issues you encounter, and
• what opportunities for improving travel across the county are important to you.

Again, for further details, and a link to the online consultation, and other ways of participating, go to the Council website.

Always happy to share my opinions, are you? 😉

Festive Fun Day - Sunday.

For a Sunday that looks to be damp (Met Office), Priory Meadow has arranged a Festive Fun Day, I'll copy & paste details from their website below, but I suspect the weather may well mean that its organisation may be a little different on the day:

FESTIVE FUN DAY, SUNDAY 27TH NOVEMBER, 10AM – 4PM

Our Christmas Shopping Festive Fun Day is back this month!

Sunday 27^th November between 10am and 4pm there is free festive entertainment for all the family to enjoy throughout the day whilst Christmas shopping, with a magical atmosphere, live music, Father Christmas and even The Grinch!

OUTSIDE – LIVE MUSIC AND STREET FOOD

You’ll find a stage in Queens Square by our 35ft Christmas tree with a fantastic local line up.

Kick starting the festivities is White Rock Theatre, who are bringing along some of the cast from this year’s must-see pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. Local panto legends Tim McArthur and Ben Watson will be providing all the laughs, and White Rock Tiddlers will be taking to the stage too.

Lea Goddard, The Coverups, and HPO Brass will also take to the stage with a host of Christmas tunes.

Take a seat on one of our many benches, grab a bite to eat from The Swing Grill, El Changarro or Khalid’s Kitchen and sit back and enjoy the shows.

INSIDE – FATHER CHRISTMAS, CRAFTS, THE GRINCH, FACE PAINTING AND MORE

Inside the shopping centre you’ll find even more festive delights, such as free face and glitter painting by Fantasy Face Painting, and a children’s Christmas card making activity run by the Glow Baby team.

It wouldn’t be a Christmas event without Father Christmas. Meet the jolly man himself outside Marks and Spencer for free throughout the day and take a photo with him in his sleigh. Plus keep an eye out for his wife, Mrs Claus, who will be wandering around handing out delicious complimentary treats and surprises.

A cantankerous, green, fluffy misery will be roaming at intervals spreading his grumpy charm… The Grinch will be attending with his usual mischief and trying to ruin Christmas!

Our charity partner of the year, RNLI, will be joining us for the festivities. Donations to the charity are greatly appreciated.

Centre Manager, Andy Harvey, said: “We hope you can join us for what is going to be a very festive Christmas shopping experience this December, something you certainly can’t enjoy when shopping online.”

Please note all entertainment is subject to change or be cancelled at any point. Acts are performing at scheduled intervals throughout the day.

Hastings the Happiest Place in Sussex - Official! Plus more...

Indeed, Hastings has been rated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as the happiest place to live in Sussex, with a happiness rating of 7.9, which is above the national average of 7.45 (Sussex Live). If you want to know more about the research, and comparisons to other 'well-being' statistics and areas of the country, go to the ONS website. It appears the really happy English live in Hexham up int' north, and Brits? Well people in Northern Ireland are the happiest, makes you wonder about the Brexit fuss on that side of the Irish Sea! But good news for us still.

Back in September I gave a very unsubtle hint about the takeover of The Italian Way by Rocksalt (blog), well it is now well and truly open, and has been busy when I've passed it whilst open, this image is from earlier this morning. And it most definitely sells Italian style food still, with just the one burger, the Rocksalt Italian Burger!

I've written a few times about the closure of St Mary in the Castle (for example, blog), not such good news, and looking into the restaurant yesterday (above) cleared of trappings, it looks pretty bleak, so for here, still not so good news, yet...

To cheer me up I took a photo of the lights in the town centre early doors, Hastings Council does like to illuminate early every year, but it does look nice. 👍

Oh yes, and the issue of 39-41 George Street, where scaffolding had blocked the road for ages until removal 2 years ago (blog), well, it's still boarded up (above), but approval has been given for the demolition of the former amusement arcade and nightclub. In its place the construction of ground floor commercial units with 20 flats above has been approved (Sussex World), see the image below of how it should then look.

That's all from me today folks, enjoy the weekend!

Sussex Brewery Dark Star to leave the county...

 By Steve the Beermeister

Sad loss of Sussex brewery...

Since Fullers took over Sussex brewery Dark Star, we saw early problems when Fullers tried to brew Hophead at their West London Griffin Brewery to maximise production. Subsequently, brewing of Dark Star's full range of ales was returned to Partridge Green in West Sussex (website). Then Japanese giant Asahi took over Fullers (blog), and a little under 4 years later, the sad news is that the brewery at Partridge Green is to be closed down, maybe we should have seen that coming, it shouldn't be a revelation...

Because the brewery at Partridge Green is operating "significantly below capacity" it is to be closed down (not increase output there) and the brewing of Dark Star's range of beers is be moved to another Asahi acquisition Meantime Brewery in South East London. A spokesperson for Asahi suggests that the Dark Star beers will remain 'exactly as they are today' being brewed to the same recipe, but we all know what happens when beers are brewed away from their origins and water supply, 'tis not promising. A good short history of Dark Star Brewing and details of this sad news was written by Jessica Mason at the drinks business, worth reading.

Not great news, but it's what happens when accountants take charge... 😢

The Bale House: Cost of Living Menu!

Already serving up excellent value meals, the Grumpy Cook at The Bale House Visitors Centre, which I blogged was opening last year, is introducing, from the 21st of November, a remarkably great value Cost of Living Menu (above). This is at Hastings Country Park, Lower Coastguards Lane, Fairlight TN35 4AD (facebook).

A friend commented that people who need help are unlikely to visit here, but why not? What a great reason to walk across our wonderful Hastings Country Park, thus improving fitness and health, and with a good value meal to boot, great stuff!

Sussex Wildlife Trust Photo Competition Winner!

I shared details of the Sussex Wildlife Trust's Photo Competition for their 2023 calendar in a blog back in August. I have now received details of the winner, which is of a damselfly (above) and was submitted by Brian Watkins, congratulations to him!

The runner up is a photograph of a fox submitted by Anthony Thomsett, nice one!

For more details go to the Trust's website, and congratulations to all who took part!

Hastings Pier: Apparently New Management for 2023?

Well, I shared my concerns for the future of Hastings Pier, as furniture was being sold off, in a blog at the beginning of the month. Then I was reassured by a couple of friends that they have sold off the benches etc each year they've managed entertainment on the Pier, so no problem really (blog).

I've since seen on Sussex World (website) that on the Pier's official facebook page they have said the Pier is not closing down, but will be "getting new management" and should re-open by April, but I can't see that comment on facebook, I can only see comments from people saying how sad and thanks for the last 2 years. 

I'll keep my eye on what's going on... 😟

Hastings Philharmonic & Food - Saturday 5th November

OK, I have to admit it, the image above is one I took of a Hastings Philharmonic concert from last year, however, I forgot to take a photograph on Saturday... Again though, I visited the quite majestic 19th century Christ Church, Silchester Road (corner with London Road) St Leonards TN37 6GL (website) for their Autumn Concert 2022. Oh yes, and my niece was singing at both 'gigs' which started this time with the rousing Magnificat in D by Bach, then My Heart is Inditing by Purcell, and finally Te Deum by Charpentier. Excellent!

Before the concert my brother and I treated my niece to a 'snacky' meal at Reel (website), the restaurant within Kino-Teatr,  43-49 Norman Road, St Leonards TN38 0EG (website), agreeing that we didn't fancy anything too heavy beforehand. I'd never visited here before, but was waiting for an opportunity, and it was not far from the church, so I suggested here, and we were all very pleased with the choice. So, convivial chat, a drink, and we shared 3 of the starters and a bowl of fries, and very tasty too: House Pate and Toast, Spicy Chicken Tacos and House Hummus and Flatbread. 👌

I excuse myself as the photographs haven't come out too well, apologies, but I'll blame the lighting 😉 and above is the entrance to the cinema, within a gallery beside the restaurant, nothing compares to you! 👍

We saw a few fireworks on the way home too... 🎆

Hastings Borough Council Job Opportunities

5 job opportunities are currently available with Hastings Borough Council (website).

Deadline 11 November 2022:

Senior Lawyer Enforcement & Litigation;

Senior Lawyer Contracts & Procurement.

Deadline 14 November 2022: 

Casual Sport & Physical Activity Worker;

Civil Enforcement Officer.

Deadline 23 November 2022:

Strategic Contracts & Performance Manager (Rough Sleeper Initiative).

For details of all positions go to their website.

Bohemia Creative Quarter First Sunday!

On Sunday (6th November) the Bohemia Creative Quarter (BCQ) regular first Sunday of the month event is being held again. The event will be from 11.00am to 4.00pm in the Bohemia/London/Tower Roads triangle, an area consisting of 80 or so businesses.

There is a facebook page for the group and, as the image above suggests, expect creative workshops, live performances, wellness and beauty, affordable art, home decor, music, antiques, bric-a-brac, street food, fancy dress and vintage stalls. You are invited to visit and explore the Bohemia area of Hastings & St Leonards...

Maybe Hastings Pier News Not So Bad...

Indeed, maybe the news about Hastings Pier isn't as bad as I had first suspected (blog), since writing that blog I have received messages from 2 sources, a friend on twitter, Fee, and another on facebook, Helga, who both have told me the same promising news, many thanks! That is, the management team who have been running the pier's entertainment venue the last couple of years sell off the furniture and buy new furniture, benches etc., when the lease is renewed the next year, fingers crossed a new lease is offered to them again in 2023... 😌

And, who remembers fishing from the pier? OK, maybe not that long ago (above, and many thanks again to Sandra Bryant for sharing that image nearly 5 years ago - blog)!

But, for example, 5 years ago (blog), when the weather was a bit friendlier than today, and certainly compared to the previous photograph too!

'tis a shame the resource that is Hastings Pier hasn't been used by anglers for a few years now, and not by anyone the last month plus... 😞

Anyway, hopefully a bit more promising news for us.

Bye Bye Hastings Pier?!?

What is it about Hastings landmarks being lost? Now, and I'm just guessing, but if 53 benches, and 52 PED barriers, are being sold off (Hastings Pier facebook page), what are the chances that the lease for Hastings Pier is being renewed for 2023? 

Concerned of Hastings... 😒

Bye Bye for now St Mary in the Castle...

I wrote earlier in the year (eg blog) that St Mary in the Castle would be closing at the end of October as the St Mary in the Castle Charitable Trust was not renewing the lease due to understandable reasons, namely, it could not raise enough money to cover costs, whether through grants, ticket sales or other means. Today they announced on facebook their sad goodbye after the final event held there last night.

Indeed, a sad loss to Hastings and its facilities, my fingers are crossed that a suitable cultural partner can be found to replace the Trust very soon, adieu... 😢

Information about St Mary in the Castle's history in this older blog.

Clocks have gone back this morning...

Indeed, at 02.00 this morning the time in Britain reverted to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT - website - and many thanks for the image above), that is, the clocks went back an hour. Now, this may be great for people who stay in bed until later in the day, for me it just meant I was awake earlier, sort of, because my body clock doesn't recognise changing time, and many will know that I am an early riser!

Why is there 'Summer Time' then? In many parts of the world altering clocks has been used to get the most out of hours of daylight supposedly, but why not just keep GMT then, if we adopt it for light purposes, surely in the summer more hours of useful daylight is completely unnecessary? It doesn't make sense in the modern world. However, it's not just in Britain that clocks go back and forth, no, in much of the Western Wold it does too, but there are many countries that don't follow this process, including Japan, India, China, countries near the Equator for obvious reasons, similarly at/or near the Poles, eg parts of Canada and Greenland, and Argentina.

So why is the 'Prime Meridian' line at Greenwich, and has been since 1884? This boils down to "that in the late 19th century, 72% of the world's commerce depended on sea-charts which used Greenwich as the Prime Meridian... (and) ...would be of advantage to the largest number of people" (website).

So there you have it, I trust that not too many people will be reading this as soon as I publish it, excepting 'early birds' like me, and maybe people living in different time zones. I also trust that 'night owls' will be enjoying the extra rest, and I'm sure they will not be reading this at time of publication, unless, etc etc... 

Let's just stick to GMT I suggest, I'm not so fond of this type of time travelling! 😉

Energy Bill Support Scheme Scams...

I detailed in this blog from September how the Energy Bill Support Scheme works (and thanks to Rod too, again!), and I predicted that scams would come with this scheme, hardly an amazing prediction. Well, yes, the consumers' rights organisation Which? has exposed a text scam that has arisen from this (website), and it's well worth the read, and there's a video to watch too...

Remember, energy support payments will be sent automatically, and already have been knocked off bills this month, so there's no need to claim...

Be careful folks! 👌

Hastings Park Run and O.W.E.N.S

Hastings Park Run was held this morning, as usual on a Saturday starting at 09.00 at West Marina Gardens, 2.5 Km along the seafront to just beyond Hastings Pier and back again. I took my photographs just as they were passing the Azur Pavilion the first time, looking down on the lower promenade; they return on the upper promenade. 262 runners took part, with 17 achieving personal bests, respect to them, young and not so young, and to all volunteers who help to make this a fun 5 Km run (website).

On my return to the town centre I ventured into O.W.E.N.S as it was open, and, apparently, at least for weekends and school holidays anyway, it is open from 09.00am to 11.00pm, so feel free to visit!

Alexandra Park Vandalism & Wildlife Crime!

Sad and angry to hear of youths in Alexandra Park killing parent ducks using catapults and leaving ducklings orphans (Make Alexandra Park Hastings safe facebook page), posts on that page share information, and the Police are now well aware, indeed, Bexhill & Hastings Wildlife Rescue had to be called to rescue ducklings rather than their being left to perish. Park Rangers don't appear to be capable of preventing these crimes, but if you do witness such crimes please report them the Police (website).

Stay safe folks!

Literature & Music in Hastings this Weekend

Obviously there is always something to do in Hastings, for example go to visit1066country, but this weekend there are a couple of festivals too, including the Hastings Storytelling Festival (website), and Sonics 2022 (website), a "3-day festival of ground-breaking experimental, electronic, and culture."

Whatever you do enjoy the weekend folks and stay safe! 👌

Hastings Bonfire, Pier, RNLI Stall & O.W.E.N.S

Apologies for the language, but this was the effigy destroyed yesterday evening, self-explanatory, and cheers to Rod for sending this photo to me - credit for this photo goes to @allybobble from twitter - many thanks to you, nice one! But no fireworks last night sadly, as the wind was too strong to enable their safe display, still, looking on the bright side, plenty of fireworks available for next year!

I had chatted to a few of HBBS members clearing up before wandering to the west and passing the very empty Hastings Pier, apparently not to open up for Christmas, sadly.

A wander through Bottle Alley to just below Warrior Square Gardens and on the lower promenade was, and is still I presume, a RNLI Lifeboat Stall. Had a good chat with the 2 volunteers, good luck to their endeavour!

Oh yes, and carrying on home, walking into Robertson Street, and O.W.E.N.S appears to be open, sort of, they're not great with the online explanations (website), but the notice (above) is in the window of what was Debenhams, and presumably shows the opening times until they open 'officially' on the 11th of November... Not sure if it meant yesterday or next Saturday, but be watchful in the town centre. Anyway, the website gives alternative opening times to the 12.00 noon opening times in the notice.

I have spoken to friends who have visited O.W.E.N.S, so go for it people!

Hastings Bonfire, Procession & Fireworks and more!

The bonfire set up on Pelham Beach earlier today (above). Roads will be closed to traffic near the seafront and in the old town between 6.00 and 11.00pm this evening, to allow for the Procession and Hastings Bonfire celebrations to go ahead safely (HBBS), the culmination of Hastings Week 2022 celebrations. The procession will congregate at White Rock and starts from that end of Robertson Street about 7.15pm, following the lighting of the beacon at 7.00pm up on the East Hill and the arrival of lit torches. The procession will proceed along Robertson Street and across the America Ground, turning right into Harold Place, then turning left and heading eastwards along the seafront to Rock-a-Nore Road in the old town, turning left and walking up All Saints Street to the top. Then crossing The Bourne to the High Street and back down to the seafront and turning right to the west and to the Pelham Beach car park for the bonfire and fireworks at 9pm, see the map below, and website for full details.

I wonder who the effigy will be of this year... Putin? 😏

As it still is Hastings Week (website), there are other things going on too this weekend. Today (Saturday) includes the 5th Hastings Vintage & Classic Motorcycle Show, from 10.00am to 2.30pm at The Stade, and the 69th National Town Criers Championship at Butlers Gap in George Street from 11.00am. Tomorrow (Sunday) sees the 13th Sprat & Winkle Run, which begins in Sevenoaks from 7.00am, driving through Kent and East Sussex before arriving in Hastings between 10.00am and 12.30pm, and finishes at 4.00pm. What is the Sprat & Winkle Run? It is a run organised by the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society (website), so expect to see about 70 vintage commercial vehicles at The Stade tomorrow...

The closing ceremony, that is The Reflection, will be held in St Clements Church, Swan Terrace from 4.00pm tomorrow (Sunday). 

Further details for the weekend can be seen at the website, enjoy, and stay safe!

It's Hastings Day!

Indeed, it is Hastings Day, today being the 956th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings (English Heritage), and, as usual, Hastings Week has been set up around this anniversary. For details of the Hastings Week events today, including walks, talks and Order of 1066 Award, go to the website. Yet more to come this weekend! 🎆

SWT Photo Competition & Hastings Week Continues

The 12 finalists for the Sussex Wildlife Trust's Photography Competition have been chosen, see above (and my blog), and they are now asking for people to vote for which photograph/photographer should win. If you'd like to take part in the vote go to the Trust's website, you have until 5.00pm on 31st October to vote, many thanks.

Also, Hastings Week 2022 (blog) continues, go to their website for details of events.

Cheers! 👌

Hastings Week 2022 has commenced!

Indeed, Hastings Week 2022 (8-16 October) has already began, and as most will be aware, it is always organised around Hastings Day (14th October), the date of the Battle of Hastings. The week kicked off this morning with the opening ceremony by Hastings Fishermen's Museum at 10.30am. Events can be seen at the website, including today and tomorrow the annual Jewellery Sale at Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Station (10.00am-3.00pm) and the Classic Car Show on the Stade opposite the Lifeboat Station (also 10.00am-3.00pm), plus there are many guided walks!

And there's a 'beer festival' on too, see blog!

Enjoy!

Hastings Tap Takeover 2022!

By Steve the Beermeister...

This weekend, Friday 7th to Sunday 9th, is the 2022 Hastings Tap Takeover (website), which, in effect, means that there is a beer festival, but at 15 different venues in Hastings & St Leonards, with each venue having its taps taken over by a different independent brewery!

I'll list the breweries below in alphabetical order, as the organisers have on their website, with the corresponding venue; opening times will vary so check with the venue as appropriate. Cheers!

Abyss (website) of Lewes will be at The Piper, 1 Norman Road TN37 6NH (facebook).

Arbor (website) of Bristol at The Tower, 251 London Road TN37 6NB (facebook).

Beak (website) of Lewes at Collected Fictions, Unit 1, 6-8 London Road TN37 6AE (Nicelocal).

Drop Project (website) of Mitcham at The Seadog, 32 Station Road TN34 1NJ (website).

Floc (website) of Canterbury at The Imperial, 119 Queens Road TN34 1RL (website).

Good Chemistry (website) of Bristol at The Jenny Lind, 69 High Street TN34 3EW (website).

Hand (website) of Worthing at The St Leonard, 16-18 London Road TN37 6AN (website).

Only With Love (website) of Uckfield at The Crown, 64-66 All Saints Street TN34 3BN (website).

Overtone (website) of Glasgow at Eel & Bear, 28 Waldegrave Street TN34 1SJ (website).

Pig & Porter (website) of Tunbridge Wells at the Albion, 33 George Street TN34 3EA (website).

Pohjala (website) of Estonia at The Jolly Fisherman, 3 E Beach Street TN34 3AR (website).

Revolutions (website) of Castleford at 1200 Postcards, 80 Queens Road TN34 1RL (facebook).

Sureshot (website) of Manchester at The Courtyard, White Rock TN34 1JA (website).

Track (website) of Manchester at Heist Market, 22-26 Norman Road TN37 6NH (website).

Verdant (website) of Penryn at The Marina Fountain, 26 Caves Road TN38 0BY (website).

Cheers!

Hastings Park Run, Azur Beach Huts, O.W.E.N.S

Out for a seafront walk this morning and the regular Saturday morning Park Run passed me by, in the photograph runners either coming up to 2.5km or just after 2.5km to the east of the Pier😉and virtually all the 251 runners went past, respect (website).

The Start and Finish ahead

Also, I noticed the migratory Azur Beach Huts have disappeared again...

... to their winter retreat between St Leonards and Bulverhythe!

Finally, they seem to be getting there-ish, but O.W.E.N.S still isn't open!