Hastings Weekend & Week in pictures...

... and a few words 😉 

Last weekend kicked off with SaSaSaS headlining PierJam Part 1 (facebook page) on Hastings Pier (to whose facebook page I am grateful for allowing me to use the photograph above, many thanks!). As you can see there was a fantastic and enthusiastic large audience, proving that live events on the Pier can be well supported. A Pier many want to retain in community ownership, as I wrote about in my recent blog, and Friends of Hastings Pier are seeking pledges to support their business plan to keep Hastings Pier in community ownership at Crowdfunding; your support would be very gratefully received!

As I also posted last Sunday, both Hastings lifeboats were out on an exercise between 09.00 and 11.00 approximately, as you can see from the empty Lifeboat Station. The chap coming towards me in the photograph thought I was trying to get run over by the returning tractor and trailer (behind my right shoulder), suggesting that cleaning blood off the beach isn't much fun! I assured him I was well aware of the possible peril and no need to panic as I had no desire to get run over, H&S, eh?!?

To help my recovery from the potential shock I wandered up to The Net Shop in Rock-a-Nore Road (website) and purchased a couple of Fishermen's Rolls which each had a plaice fillet and a substantial whiting fillet as filling. I added lemon juice and pepper to mine, and I shan't tell you that Mark has brown sauce in addition every time! 😉 Mine was certainly delicious, and he seemed happy too!

We then had a very miserable wet and cold Monday, but what a difference a day makes! On Tuesday I returned to Rock-a-Nore Road and took this photograph of the love of my life RX 134 the Stacey Marie (facebook page).

I then wandered down to the Fishermen's Beach as 2 fishing boats were landing...

Heading back towards the town centre, looking up at the West Hill and one of Hastings very own 'Jewels in the Crown' St Mary in the Castle (see blog).

And plenty to look forward to, so watch this space!

Hastings Weekend

Now, we all know that Halloween isn't really until Tuesday, when, no doubt, even more ghoulish fun will be had, but, you can hardly move anywhere in Hastings and St Leonards without spotting a Halloween event over this weekend! Whether that be pumpkin carving and movies on Hastings Pier (website), Hastings Zombie Walk (website), or the myriad number of other events around town (eg, see website), not to mention the parties and live music in, and outwith, public houses! 

Also, tomorrow, at the Dolphin Inn, Rock-a-Nore Road, there is an unexpected extra one-off gig by 62 Stone, a slightly re-jigged line-up I believe, just 60 or 61 stone now? They start at 3.30pm, this, in addition to their usual 3 evenings of music; tonight The Seize (website). Of course there's music galore all round town; readers, please feel free to let me know of future extraordinary gigs in Hastings and St Leonards etc, cheers! 

And not forgetting that tasty Fishermen's Rolls are back, and now available over autumn and winter weekends at Johnny Swan's The Net Shop in Rock-a-Nore Road too, we are being spoilt! See earlier blog.

Enjoy your weekend, and look forward to Halloween on Tuesday!

Fisherman's Rolls coming back? Beach Huts gone!

Sadly, since Pat and Tush retired, I haven't eaten one of these, a Fishermen's Roll, but, when I was wandering round at the back of Rock-a-Nore Road, I saw Tush's old hut door open, and, lo and behold, there was Johnny Swan filleting small plaice! All I can say is, expect to see Fishermen's Rolls supplied from John's place very soon...

I noticed yesterday that the beach huts by the Azur Pavilion, St Leonards, had done a flit again, so I decided to carry on walking down to Bulverhythe...

Where I saw the beach huts nicely cuddled together for the winter break, it's good to see many things just do not change, very reassuring! 😌 

Good Sad News...

Down at Rock-a-Nore yesterday I was expecting to enjoy one of Pat & Tush's Fishermen's Rolls, but they weren't there! Though, as you can see from the flying red ensign, the Fishermen's Museum was open, now back to its summer opening times until 31st October; ie 10am to 5pm; see website for further details of this excellent museum run by the registered charity, the Old Hastings Preservation Society.

So, why good news, well, I was wondering aloud to Johnny Swan that Pat and Tush were missing out on sales on this wonderful day, maybe they were saving stock for Sunday and an even nicer day forecast? Hadn't I heard, asked Johnny, they've retired! So, good news for them, retiring, but bad news for us, as the end of an institution, the Fishermen's Roll, here's one made earlier in my life, thanks for the memories...and have a great retirement, though I'd be surprised if they retire completely! 😉

Fishermen's Rolls with Tush & Pat...

Usually you can find these wonderful rolls down at Tush and Pat's stall/half upended boat near the Fishermen's Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road, like this roll (above) I ate last week, it was absolutely gorgeous, with lemon juice and black pepper I added myself (the pepper I bring myself, though condiments are available)...

But, sadly, not today, they're having a life/attending a family wedding!

Anyway, just to remind you what you missed, 2 succulent fillets of flat fish, usually, eg Plaice and Lemon Sole, cooked in olive oil in a wok, and in a white or wholemeal bap, great stuff! As it's summer, he's around during the week as well as at weekends. 

The next one you eat, enjoy, I will, very soon!

Dressing up Hastings for Jack in the Green.

The Fishermen's Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road, where the Jack will emerge on Monday.

The Dolphin Inn, Rock-a-Nore Road, opens at 09.00 on Monday morning for those witnessing the early stages of the procession to imbibe at; remember, plastic 'glasses' are provided throughout Hastings on this, and other, festival days, so, bring your own pewter tankard if you want to drink from something more substantial.

Harveys Bogie Man (to do with the Jack procession) Ale, 4.3% of easy drinking ale, a pale golden colour with a slightly fruity aroma and dry finish. As Steve the Beermeister said, not enough hops for him, as usual with the lighter Harveys ales, but very drinkable, and enjoyed at the Dolphin Inn!

I'm looking forward to eating a few of Tush and Pat's wonderful Fishermen's Rolls over the 3 days! They can be found near the Fishermen's Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road. 

No 10 joins in! 

Don't forget The Albion's beer festival in George Street.

The other side of The Albion faces the sea as well! 

The Crown 

I also enjoyed a few drinks at the Cinque Ports yesterday!

The First In Last Out, High Street, has its own ale too, Thirst of May (4.1%), using Admiral hops, and tasting more like a traditional 'best bitter' than its pale colour suggests.

And even the Church supports our pagan festival!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Unofficial Pirate Day today, ooh arr...

We'll have to wait and see how many brave the forecast wet weather today, but when did pirates ever shy away from suchlike? 

Whatever, Tush told me that he will be there selling 'Fishermen's Rolls', so, at least, I know what I'll be eating for lunch... Enjoy the day!