Hastings Lifeboat Open Day Saturday 27th of July 2024

This Saturday (27th of July 2024) will see Hastings RNLI Emergency Services Open Day (facebook). This will be held at Hastings Lifeboat Station and on The Stade Open Space in front of the station from 10.00am to 4.00pm; that is 10.00 to 16.00 hours.

You are invited to see how the Shannon Class RNLI 13-28 The Richard and Caroline Colton and Hastings RNLI Emergency Services work; also see video. Enjoy the informative day folks!

RNLI Donations, Nice One!

I just saw on Facebook that the Dolphin Inn had amassed donations totalling £1,379.50 in the RNLI Charity Box, nice one! 👍

Fire Station Open Day, RNLI Vacancy, plus more this Weekend

On Sunday, the 21st of August, the Bohemia Road Community Fire Station, strangely enough up Bohemia Road, TN34 1EX, on the right as you go uphill, is having an Open Day. Doors will be open and visitors will be welcome between 11.00am and 4.00pm, with "fun for all the family" 🚒 and I know the son of a certain friend will be absolutely delighted to attend! 

"Crews will be showcasing their new Aerial Ladder Platform" and activities will be "going on throughout the day, including a Breathing Apparatus drill and Chip pan fire demonstration" and "firefighters will also be providing advice on road, water and home safety" (Hastings in East Sussex Town Guide).

And while we're talking about Emergency Services, you could always visit Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Station at The Stade TN34 3AR (facebook page). Indeed, I noticed that they are looking for a volunteer to join them in the role of Deputy Launching Authority. The closing date for applications is the 2nd of October 2022, and the role description and further details can be found at the website. 

Of course there is always plenty to do in Hastings, museums, art galleries, amusement arcades, crazy golf courses, parks, the beach and promenade, restaurants, cafes and pubs, and, of course, fish & chips, but beware of the gulls swooping down to pinch any food you may have, chips, ice cream, whatever, just look up and they're like vultures! 

Also, there is the award winning Hastings Pier too, great to extend your promenading on, but also with music from this evening until Sunday, see their facebook page for details. There's plenty more music around town too, always worth a wander around the Old Town any evening, certainly over the weekend/Sunday afternoon, including live music at St Mary in the Castle this evening and tomorrow, music at The Carlisle tomorrow evening and Sunday afternoon, local band Cushty playing at the Dolphin Inn on Saturday evening (it will be busy!), and the Martin Blackman Band will be playing at the Lord Nelson pub on Sunday from 5.00pm, but look out for more music elsewhere!

The weather should be okay over the weekend (Met Office), enjoy!

Had to see the latest Norman Invasion of Hastings...

Indeed, I'd got the day wrong originally, but glad to have found out and passed that information in my last blog, where I gave details of the friendly invasion, the Normandy Food Tour 2022, and it seemed pretty friendly too! Food, drinks (where most visitors appeared to be sitting - behind the vehicle in front of me) and music...

The Food Tour is well worth the visit, and still 4 hours left for it to be open in Hastings, but, of course, the RNLI Lifeboat Station a few metres away is well worth the visit too, if not today, over the weekend. And, adding on to what I said in my last blog, of course, there are many other places to visit and things to do: Hastings Pier, the Blue Reef Aquarium, Fishermen's Museum, Shipwreck Museum, Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, Hastings Castle, the award winning Parks, pubs, bars and restaurants galore, and fish and chips galore!! Not to forget Jack in the Green this weekend...

Enjoy yourselves!

Hastings RNLI Lifeboat - Seeking Jewellery Donations for Sale!

Hastings RNLI Fundraisers continue to raise funds for Hastings Lifeboat Station (website), indeed, a Jewellery Sale is planned for October, all money raised will help "save lives at sea" and would be very much appreciated.

"If you have any jewellery you would like to donate please pop into our gift shop for our volunteers who run the event." (Facebook page).

As ever, with respect to the brave men and women who crew the lifeboats,  beach support workers, and to all those who support them, mostly unpaid volunteers!

Vacancies for Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Shore Crew Volunteers

Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Station is looking for volunteers to join their Shore Crew. Responsibilities would include, following training, assisting the launch and recovery of the all-weather and inshore lifeboats, and contributing to the upkeep of the station, lifeboats and equipment. For further details and how to apply go to their website.

The role will help the RNLI "save lives at sea by assisting with the safe launch and recovery of the lifeboat on service and exercise." Respect. 👍

Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer Vacancy

Indeed, I seem to be writing about the RNLI and Hastings Lifeboat quite a bit recently; for example, my last relevant blog. However, I've just noticed an advertisement for the position of Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer at Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Station. The position will be for someone who wants to help "save lives at sea by raising awareness of the RNLI, through promoting the activity of the lifeboat station, highlighting the lifesaving work of (their) volunteers and sharing key messages via local, digital and social media." The closing date is the 30th of January 2022.

If you want further information, or wish to apply, go to the RNLI website.

RNLI now threatened Nationally by Bigots, Dark Days!

Following on from the recent threats against our own local lifeboat crew and trying to prevent the lifeboat's launch (blog), and I have had feedback from the local lifeboat station which confirms this. More recently, right-wing bigots/bampots/whatever you want to call these thugs, have latched onto 'hacking' the national RNLI's website, it appears, which has had to be closed down (report).

My support, as most decent people's does surely, continues to be given to our brave lifeboat crews, mostly volunteers, who risk their lives to save other people's lives at sea, and who are simply doing their job, my respect to the RNLI. 

Here comes the Weekend!

There will be a Pop Up Market at the Stade Hall close by to the RNLI Lifeboat Station (always well worth a visit too!) on Saturday and Sunday 11.00 am to 4.00 pm (2-3 October- website), featuring the work of creative 'makers' and small businesses.

And plenty of music up at the Oval with UKG By the Sea on Saturday 2nd October from midday to 11.00 pm; to purchase tickets please go to this website.

Indeed, here comes the weekend (YouTube), enjoy it, but stay safe!

Yacht towed to safety by Hastings Lifeboat.

Hastings Lifeboat Station (early hours)

It was a few nights ago, but I just noticed on their facebook page, that the Hastings Lifeboat RNLI 13-28, the Richard & Caroline Colton, was called out to just off Pett Level as a 36ft yacht was in difficulties. The coxswain assessed that the best course of action was to tow the yacht to safety, which happened, as appropriate. 

With respect to the RNLI and its crews and volunteers, many thanks! 

RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Volunteer Vacancy

The RNLI are still advertising a vacancy for a Volunteer Fundraising Group Leader, if you are interested in applying please read the RNLI Hastings Jobs advertisement reproduced below, applications can be made at WhatJobs. 

The RNLI has a large network of local volunteer fundraising branches, the members of which help to raise vital funds by putting on different events and activities in the local communities. We are looking at creating something different and new which will enable all members of society to get involved. We hope to build a group which will consist of a wide network of people where each member will be able to operate and build networks of their own should they wish to, whilst at the same time maintaining strong communication links with each other to enable all members to pull together when necessary. Can you help us build this group? It is crucial that we have the right person at the helm! We are therefore seeking to find a Volunteer Group Leader who can help us to put together a team of diverse people who will use their skills and energy to design, create and run an array of different fundraising events throughout the year. The impact you will make This role will help us save lives at sea by raising awareness of the RNLI group and inspiring group members to create new and innovative ways to raise funds to help save even more lives at sea. What you will be doing Encouraging and welcoming a diverse group of people Encouraging members to develop their own network of supporters Leading, guiding and motivating group members to deliver an array of different events. Promoting good communications within the group Find out more about becoming a fundraising volunteer What you need for this role Excellent interpersonal skills Experience of leading and motivating teams/people/volunteers (desirable) Basic IT skills - Word/Excel/email Ability to delegate tasks effectively Influencing, tact and diplomacy Ability to chair group meetings What's in it for you Join an inclusive and diverse organisation Have fun, meet new people and join a motivated and enthusiastic team who are making a difference Learn skills and gain experience to enhance your CV Gain the satisfaction of giving back Training to fulfil your volunteer role will be provided and reasonable out of pocket expenses reimbursed.

Christmas Day Walk Photos & Another Bakers Shop!

Not much chatting for me today, but it was glorious yesterday, if a bit chilly, so I wandered out to St Leonards along the seafront, and Beachy Head waaay over there!

I turned around at Marina Court and headed to the Old Town and one of my favourite views down Rock-a-Nore Road, I nearly added a photograph of the Stacey Marie, but, despite repainting it very recently she's not among today's photographs. 

A lovely 'blue sky' image of the Lifeboat Station with the East Hill in the background.

OK, I own up that I'm a bit late, apparently it reopened as a baker's shop a few weeks ago, but the Old Customs House is now an outlet for Frankonia (website). I'm assured by my mate Frank that it's nothing to do with him, but he also assured me that there are good bakers shops in St Leonards too, but I only noticed the Customs House had become a bakers shop a couple of days ago, and didn't know about St Leonards bakers. Sorry, but I just don't eat much bread and patisseries, so can't really review bakers, but there's another one in the Old Town now! 😉

And on my way home I had to take a photograph looking up at the West Hill, with St Mary in the Castle and Pelham Crescent sitting below the ruins of Hastings Castle. 

Happy St Stephen's Day!

Walking, Seafront, Parks and Shopping, Lucky Us!

Rather than walk eastwards today, my exercise included a couple of walks along the seafront, first, to the west and then heading away from the seafront by the majestic Marine Court (older blog) and walking up through the delightful St Leonards Gardens (another older blog). I cut across to Bohemia Road via Tower Road to go shopping at Lidl, as you do sometimes when you go shopping. Then, to get home, I walked back downhill through yet another delightful park, Alexandra Park (above, and yet another older blog). We are so lucky, not only do we have the healthy seafront to walk along, but 3 excellent award winning parks too (blog), quality! 

Hastings Lifeboat

It almost makes lockdown bearable... almost, but it does help a lot. Anyway, after a mug of tea and a couple of Rich Tea biscuits, I headed out along the front again, though eastwards this time, as I had to collect something fishing boat/work related. Lo and behold, our Shannon Class lifeboat, RNLI 13-28 Richard & Caroline Colton was sitting outside the Hastings Lifeboat Station (above), that was a pleasant surprise! The video linked in this blog during Storm Ciara earlier this year is well worth watching if you haven't already seen it. Although I've seen it quite a few times and feel blessed by our lifeboat crew and volunteers every time I see it, my respect to them all!

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! 😉

Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Shop Reopening

Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Station shop is reopening today (Friday 4th August 2020), from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm daily. Of course there will be observation of Covid-19 precautions, including visitors required to wear face coverings and to maintain social distancing. Welcome back, although the lifeboat never went away thankfully!

Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Quiz Night

This Tuesday evening, and another fun money raising activity for Hastings Lifeboat Station (facebook), Tuesday 19th of November 2019, 7.30pm start, Quiz Night at East Hastings Sea Angling Association at The Stade; £2.50 per person, maximum 6 people per team... Have fun supporting the RNLI in Hastings!

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."

Carnival Week: Tuesday 6th August!

The carnival week continues to entertain, including the legendary Crown Lane Bike Race from 5.30 pm and not easy at all (website), the OHPS led Old Town Guided Walk from 2.30 pm and another on Thursday too (see blog for last week as same details, and the lift still was under maintenance earlier today), continuation of the Guess the Weight of the Cheese, Free Music, Winkle Tossing, many more guided walks, a Hastings Lifeboat Station Open Day, and much more to enjoy (website), please do!



Hastings Old Town Carnival Week 2019

Carnival Week (3rd to the 11th August - website) returns! As traditional, it really begins with the Tug-o-War at 10.30 am, by the Stade, and in front of Hastings Lifeboat Station by the railway line, but officially the opening ceremony begins at 12.00 by the flagstaff outside Hastings Fishermen's Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road.

Every year plenty is organised for Carnival Week, including many recurring events, for example, in liaison with Stade Saturdays, the Nearly on the Beach concerts, Saturday and Sunday afternoons/evenings (3rd-4th): starting 1.30 pm on Saturday and 1.00 pm on Sunday (website). For full details of events for the week, please go to the website, as there are way too many to mention here, although I have written a separate blog about the return of the OHPS free Stade Guided Walk (among many other guided walks this week!) that meets outside Hastings Fishermen's Museum on many days this week.

Whatever you do this week, enjoy yourselves!

Hastings Pirate Day 14th July 2019

Tomorrow is not only Bastille Day, but it's Hastings Pirate Day too! People were already setting up for Pirate Day yesterday (eg see above image), so you may be sure that there will be much to see, do and enjoy. The organisers have had to raise more funds themselves as there are now fewer sponsors (crowdfunder), and although Hastings already has the world record of Pirates on a Beach at 14,231, an attempt will be made to gain the World Record for the largest human image of a boat, on Pelham Place Beach at 12.30 pm; requiring over 6,000 pirates to turn up please.  For more information about events go to the official facebook page.

Music, displays, refreshments, pirate market, Hastings will be awash with pirates too, another opportunity to dress up obviously. The RNLI Lifeboat Station down at The Stade will be providing refreshments and entertainment too from 11.00 am, and you can take a look at the new speedy lifeboat if you haven't already seen it.

Ever environmentally aware, there are tips for a 'Plastic Free Pirates' Day, primarily, please bring your own reusable drinking vessels, eg if you still have a reusable Fat Tuesday or Beer Festival plastic vessel, or bring a pewter tankard if, like me, you have one, because the police will be banning the use of glasses in pubs for the day.

Whatever, enjoy Pirates Day me 'arties, yo ho ho!!