It's Now December So...

Indeed, I have held off this early seasonal blog until December because, well, just because it was too early for me in November, though apparently not too early for trees and decorations to appear around Hastings town, in shops, and in pubs and bars, so here I am...

Not only does a warm welcome meet you as you come down from from Hastings railway and bus interchange (top), but as you enter the Priory Meadow indoor shopping centre too.

Not to forget the caring bear in front of the Charity Giving Tree in aid of Hastings Foodbank, where you can make a donation by taking a tag from the tree, purchase a suitable gift, and then take the gift to Kids Stuff (website) in Priory Meadow, and many thanks for your kindness.

And a warm welcome also meets you when entering St Andrews Mews after crossing South Terrace from Marks & Spencer, there's a tree placed there since I took this photograph!

And, of course there are many other Christmas Trees, lights and allsorts of decorations around town, so, apologies, but early Seasonal Greetings folks, it's coming nery soon!

Christmas Tree & Decorations: But isn't this still November?!?

I first noticed that Christmas lights had gone up when I was out for my daily exercise (walking) early-ish on Tuesday morning, and since then, on Thursday, 5 Christmas Trees were erected around the Borough of Hastings, including this one (above) in the town centre. The early advent of Advent (officially begins a week from today) this year, and around the country, appears to have been stimulated by a campaign started in Nottingham to 'boost' mental health (BBC), a very worthy proposition indeed. 👍

It would be churlish of me to not support this campaign, particularly as I'm a retired RMN, but am I the only person wondering why, with lockdown lasting until the 2nd of December at the earliest, consequently, no-one out and about during the night, and most of the evening for that matter, lights are lit for hours and not being appreciated by the good folk of Hastings? Seems like a waste of energy and money to me... 😔

But let's trust things will improve asap, be careful folks and please watch out for each other: wash your hands regularly still, wear face coverings where appropriate, maintain social distancing, and respect each other always, and Best Wishes to all. 💓 

Together, we can beat COVID-19, roll on the 3rd of December, and fingers crossed! 

2-4 December, another packed weekend!

This evening, and tomorrow and Sunday evenings, from 5pm to 8pm, sees the Hastings Old Town Traders present 3 Nights of Christmas; for more details see events page.

Now in its third year, Hastings Illustration Festival (HiFest) will be taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December 2016 (11am to 6pm) in a new venue, The Printworks at 14 Claremont; see website for full details.

And lots more as usual, including, on the Pier:

Neverland at Christmas continues, the Snow Slide, Fishing from the Pier, the Pirate Ship, the Hastings Pier Festive Trail, a Vintage and Retro Indoor Market this Saturday and Sunday, you can now buy christmas trees on the Pier too, and, of course, you can promenade on the Pier; further details at their website.

Have fun!