Stamp Out 'Spiking' Drinks in Hastings!

There has been plenty of publicity about 'spiking' drinks and the legal consequences in recent years, eg the Stamp Out Spiking website, and advice on how to recognise if your drink has been 'spiked' eg Greenock Telegraph, a few years ago, this is not new! A couple of nights ago a Hastings woman could have died when falling from a balcony following a 'spiking' of her drink in the Old Town, and our thoughts are with her. Whoever 'spiked' her drink had better hope the Police find him/her before the local population does, any information please call 101.

Hastings Pirate Day/Weekend 2024

There's always plenty happening in Hastings, but this weekend also includes Hastings Pirate Day 2024 (Weekend 20/21 July 2024), what more can I say?!? Ever since Hastings recorded the Guinness Book of Records standing record of the number of pirates in a single area, that is on the beach in Hastings in 2012 (14,231 above), we've been waiting for our Cornish piratical chums in Penzance to catch up, and they still haven't! So, it's yet more chance for Hastings folk to dress up and enjoy themselves and, of course, there will be drums and music aplenty!

An early warning sign that the seafront between central Hastings and the Old Town will be closed to traffic tomorrow (Sunday 21st) between Noon and 1.00pm, more of later... Today, though, do not be surprised to see a few pirates around, indeed, there will be a piratical presence in many places around the Old Town all weekend, including a craft market at the Stade and workshops for children by the Aquarium, and much more, see the website for the programme.

On Sunday the reason for the temporary road closure will become clear, as there will be a procession (route above) between the America Ground and the Old Town. The procession will begin forming up outside OWENS/the old Debenhams building from 11.30am tomorrow (Sunday the 21st of July), leaving at 1.00pm, and heading along the seafront road to the Stade Open Space in the Old Town, where many will disperse around the Old Town, or stay to sample the delights around Rock-a-Nore and the Stade (programme). Enjoy the weekend me 'arties!

Road Closure for Resurfacing from this evening - A259

From 19.00 hours this evening to 06.00 hours in the morning, and between the same times overnight for the next 3 weeks, the A259 will be closed to traffic in Hastings old town, stretching between the seafront and up The Bourne to Old London Road. A diversionary route will be in place via Priory Road, Mount Pleasant Road and Elphinstone Road; access for residents will be possible from the Old London Road/Priory Road junction to 100 metres north of the High Street (website).

East Sussex County Council say this is part of their continuing improvement of East Sussex roads and this particular work should continue until the 22nd of March, weather permitting. Not the worst road in the area, I'd suggest...😕

Be aware folks, there are going to be likely delays...

Police Incident Early Doors

This was before 06.00 yesterday (wet at the same time today!), 2 police cars, and later a van (presumably to assist the removal of an individual who was shouting and screaming), the man was making a racket and disturbing people locally...

The officers involved appeared to handle the situation very professionally, nice one!

Drugs Arrests!

We all know about the recent and past history of smuggling in the 'Old Town' but over the last few days these steps have been used to distribute illegal drugs from, well not now, many thanks to Sussex Police for their quick response to information received!

A weekend wander East and West...

I ensured I got out early, before it became too warm, but we do have a few steep hills in Hastings, notably these 2, and it wasn't chilly at all! As I live in the centre of town I began by walking up the West Hill, first of all to take this photograph from outside Hastings Castle (images within are included in my older blog).

Taken of the 'old town' looking down from the West Hill, most will already be well aware that the 'old town' is actually the Norman New Hastings. This became the new centre following the great storms of the 13th century, which altered the local coastline, depositing a vast bank of shingle which helped to create the America Ground at the west of the new town centre, and filled in the old harbour over which the castle stood, got that? Maybe it's better explained in an older blog about the America Ground.

I then headed down to the 'old town' and passed one of our two Norman churches on the corner of the High Street and opposite Swan Terrace, St Clement Church (blog).

I then crossed The Bourne, now a road, but once a river running through the centre of the old town, and part of local drains I do believe. I walked up to and along Tackleway to above All Saints Church, the other Norman church, where I took this photograph (more about this church, and photographs inside and out, on this older blog).

I then walked up the East Hill, from where I took this photograph looking down into the 'old town' and across to the West Hill. Oh yes, by the way, there are iron age forts at the top of both hills too!

Before I had an early drink at the Dolphin Inn, and then visited the Sussex Street Food Festival on the Stade Open Space (blog), and then had a drink at the Jolly Fisherman (I was thirsty!), I wandered down the steps that start by the top of the East Hill Lift, and down to Tackleway, and then turned left down to Rock-a-Nore Road.

Yesterday...

Well, it certainly was another beautiful day yesterday! Out in the morning and I'd forgotten to mention yesterday was Independent's Day on the America Ground (website), actually I wasn't aware (so much going on!), apologies for that...

I was heading for Hastings Library in Claremont, but the main focus for Independent's Day was just round the corner by the Library, behind The Printworks at Gotham Alley.

I then headed for the Old Town, passing many people on the way (too early to see what was happening at Pier Jam), and even Hastings Adventure Golf had arranged for music opposite their chip shop! Anyway I took this photograph down Rock-a-Nore Road before heading up All Saints Street to:

The Cinque Ports Arms, where I spent a few hours in pleasant company, then a 'mob' came in to watch the England football match, if you don't know the score you're probably not interested in football, otherwise, yes, I enjoyed it. 😉

On my way back home I passed the Stade Open Space where people were participating in the workshops for Strictly Stade Saturday, oh yes, and plenty of noisy football fans walking along (met Joe who I hadn't seen for a while, good to see you Joe!), in vehicles, sitting outside pubs. Apparently something may be coming home...

Weekly Old Town Walk this afternoon...

Organised by the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS), this afternoon's free guided walk of Hastings Old Town meets up by the top of the West Hill Lift at 2.30pm. This is arranged for Tuesday every week until the middle of September, with an extra one here and there during the year. You will be shown around the old town, with its historic buildings, twittens, and tales, by a volunteer guide from the OHPS, who will also tell you about the wealth of talented celebrities of their age who have visited and/or lived here, eg a number of the Pre-Raphaelites in the 19th century (blog).

The walk proceeds across the West Hill and gently downhill into the old town, with a number of steps to contend with too, lasting about 2 hours. The guided walk is free of charge, though the OHPS, which is a charity, would be very grateful for any donations made, many thanks (website). You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, and the weather today is forecast to be overcast with sunny periods (Met Office), so appropriate apparel and protection would also be advised.

Have a good day!

Please note that this walk is included in the 1066 Walking Festival (website).

JAM for JIM!

Jim Fitzgerald, ie Jim the Postman, was recently scammed out of nearly £2000 by some local people he thought he could trust. He is beloved by people in the local community in Hastings, and friends are coming together to host a fundraiser at his favourite haunt, Whistle Trago in George Street, Hastings Old Town. 

Whistle Trago will be holding a day of music, food and drinks on Sunday the 8th of April (facebook page), and a small charge will be requested at the door. All profits from this will go to Jim, but if you cannot make it on the day, or would like to donate now, you may do so at gofundme. 

Many thanks for your support!

Hastings Announced As Britain’s Best Walking Neighbourhood!

Hastings Old Town has today been announced, at last (they took their time about that!), as the Rambers' Best Walking Neighbourhood 2018, receiving over 20% of the vote, with 9 other shortlisted areas (i News website). "The Ramblers say the area's streets were (like Nancy Sinatra's boots) "made for walking" and several factors contributed to its victory." Though they didn't actually say like Nancy Sinatra's boots, that was me, but the factors mentioned included priority for pedestrians in some local roads, certain vehicle restrictions and improvements to pavements and paths, and the historic twittens that allow people to walk between the roads peacefully.

You may have noticed, if you looked at the i News website, that the wonderful Stacey Marie, RX134, and net huts, were again used as photographic support!

Nice one Hastings!

2 days left to vote for Hastings!

2 days left in which to vote for Hastings old town as the Ramblers Best Walking Neighbourhood in Britain (vote at the Ramblers website).

I've had a problem with my laptop so haven't written much lately, and I've so much I want to write, fingers crossed no more technical, or other, problems!

Christmas Trees...

Now I'm not making any religious remarks here at all, but Christmas Trees can be quite enthralling, and, I believe, the idea comes from a very old pagan tradition, but I'm bitterly disappointed with the public ones around town... For example, the main tree, outside Debenhams in the town centre, well, it's impressively big, but only has a few very small lights, and way up high!

The tree in Butlers gap in George Street in the old town appears to have more lights per square metre, and, presumably, it's supplied by the Old Town Traders? Anyway, please correct me if I'm wrong, but it does appear to have about 10 times as many lights per square metre as the one in the town centre!

And then, over to St Leonards, and, frankly, I couldn't notice any lights whatsoever, though a fairly impressive tree, however, as I've said elsewhere, it would be better if it was still rooted in the ground...

Apologies for the poor quality, but I took this photograph early morning with my mobile phone, but the tree in Priory Meadow does have lights and baubles, making it the most decorated public Christmas Tree of the lot, though...

This was similar, taken 5 years ago by me, a bit more impressive... oh well, we're living in a world of austerity, fair enough, Bah Humbug!

Another Fisherman's Roll, well, why not?!?

Earlier today I enjoyed a Fisherman's Roll in Rock-a-Nore Road at The Net Shop...

Look inside luv!

At 10.45, following a nice wander around the area, a Fisherman's Roll with two plaice fillets, and pepper and lemon juice for me, nice one (see the Net Shop's website).

Then, at 11.00, a pint of a lovely pale bitter at the Dolphin Inn (website), a few doors further along Rock-a-Nore Road, it's a hard life! 😉 

I've had a break, but plenty coming up!

I have had a short break, if you're used to reading my blogs they're usually more frequent so you'd have noticed! Anyway, I've taken time out, visited family and had a good (ish) rest, but I'm back during a quieter weekend than many coming up as we head into the 'festive' season. So what is happening over the next week? 

On Hastings Pier tomorrow (Monday) and Friday 1st December, there will be Yoga on the Pier, in the Deck Building from 10.30, these have become very regular sessions now. At the weekend, in the Memories Room of the Deck, there will be a Vintage and Retro Market from 11.00 to 17.00 both days, with homeware, clothes, records and collectables, and free entry. For more details of events coming up see their website.

OK, this is a stock photograph from a few years ago, but seasonal events have already started at Priory Meadow, notably, near the indoor entrance to M&S is the annual Santa's Grotto; from Thursday the 31st of November to the 3rd of December, then from the 7th of December every day until the 24th of December. Also, from the 1st of December until the 7th of January 2018 will be the annual Priory Meadow Ice Rink; see the Best of Hastings website for more details of these and many other events.

On Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of December the Hastings Illustration Festival 2017 (HiFest) will be taking place from 11.00 to 18.00 each day at The Printworks in Claremont and the surrounding America Ground area. There will be an array of workshops, screenings, talks, exhibitions, gift options, cards and books, and much more; see their website for further details.

Finally, for today, here is notice of the Spirit of Christmas in Hastings Old Town, Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of December, from 16.30 to 20.00 each day, courtesy of Hastings Old Town Traders. There will be live music, food and drink, 'late night shopping' and another Santa's Grotto as you can see from the poster! See their facebook page for further details, or just pop into the Old Town and have fun exploring.

The festive fun is already upon us, have fun!

Another Full English Breakfast!

It's a while since I've had a 'Full English' recently, but I was talked into having one by a mate, cheers Mark, many thanks for this!

Apparently, the landlord of the Anchor Inn in George Street, Dennis, had recently suggested to Mark that he come in and eat one of their breakfasts, the Anchor being 'dog friendly', so Mark, his dog Rosie, and I, enjoyed a pleasant early-ish morning there! Steve the Beermeister has already added a blog to this publication about the Anchor Inn, its history, and the argument for and against it being the oldest continuous pub in Hastings, which there should be more written soon, I hope... Anyway, we arrived, and the Full English Breakfast variations, including vegetarian options are:

The Anchor Light Breakfast at £4.95 - Includes 1 x Sausage, 1 x Rasher of Bacon, 1 x Slice of Black Pudding, 1 x Large Flat Mushroom, 1 x Hash Brown, 1 x Egg (Fried or Scrambled), Plum Tomatoes or Baked Beans, a Slice of Toast or a Fried Slice, and a Mug of Tea or Coffee.

The Anchor Gut Buster at £7.95 provides 2 of all the above, and 1 Tea or Coffee.

The Anchor Veggie Breakfast at £4.95 - Includes 1 x Hash Brown, 1 x Bubble & Squeak Sausage, 1 x Large Flat Mushroom, Halloumi, 1 x Egg (Fried or Scrambled), Plum Tomatoes or Baked Beans, A Slice of Toast or a Fried Slice, Mug of Tea or Coffee.

Unsurprisingly, the Anchor Veggie Gut Buster at £7.95 also doubles up!

Well, this is what we both had, with slightly eyes bigger than our stomachs, notably Mark's, the same version of the Anchor Gut Buster, though he had coffee and I had tea, a nice strong mug of Breakfast Tea with the tea bag left in the mug, and milk on the side, so up to you how strong to have it; I forgot to ask Mark about his coffee, but he seemed happy with it. I just made little notes, so here goes my opinion:

The sausages were cooked well, not sure if they were Lincolnshire, though not packed with herbs so I doubt it, very tasty, not bad at all, and we all know how important I place the sausage on the ingredients that often need to be improved upon, so a pass here! The bacon was again cooked well, not burnt, nice and thick rashers of Middle, though not with the extra long thin bit. The slices of black pudding, hash browns and baked beans were what you would expect, difficult to go over the top about either of those ingredients. I love mushrooms, so always happy for as many as I can get of them, and the slices of toast were perfect and well buttered, I presume you could ask for this not to be buttered, but suited me, oh yes, and you can get brown toast if you want.

Overall, a very decent breakfast, pretty good value, and nicely presented. As I suggested, Mark left a bit, though not the meat, I didn't leave any, but was well full up, and we both shared various samples with Rosie (so I didn't eat it all!), so she was happy too. It has been suggested by another friend that you can ask for different combinations too, eg if you'd prefer a slice of bacon to a sausage. Mark's final words were "next time I'll just have the "Light Breakfast" - which means he/we'll be back!

A Beautiful Day to visit the Old Town and eat...

It's a lovely blue sky down here in Hastings today, so what better than to walk down to the seafront, wander along to the Old Town, and enjoy one of these for lunch...

Fishermen's Rolls cost just £3 each at Johnny Swan's The Net Shop in Rock-a-Nore Road, excellent! See earlier blog, and enjoy the roll and day!

Jack in the Green Festival Starts Today!

OK, today starts with music, but the Festival carries on until the procession on Monday; see Jack in the Green website for further details. Of course, music continues at all the regular venues as usual, the pubs and bars, and a special Liane Carroll Trio gig at the Kino Theatre, St Leonards, on Sunday, you'll never guess who the other two are... or, you will if you regularly follow music in Hastings!

Of course, the May Day weekend doesn't only mean Jack in the Green, as thousands of motorbikes descend upon Hastings on May Day, which is, indeed, May the 1st this year!

I'll add a couple more blogs this weekend to keep up to date on events over the next few days, and the weather forecast looks good too, so enjoy!

Hastings Lifeboat Exercse

Watch both of Hastings Lifeboats launched on their regular exercise tomorrow evening (Wednesday 8th March). The launch will be at 1800 hours, and recovery should be at 20.00 hours (subject to operations). Hastings RNLI  have recommend that the best view of both will be from the Harbour Arm...

Congratulations to the FILO Brewing Company!

By Steve the Beermeister:

A little birdy told me that Gold, the 4.8% pale 'premium ale' brewed by the FILO Brewing Company (website) has won the South East Sussex Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) 2017 Beer of the Year prize! Nice one, so... 

I had to visit the 'brewery tap' and try a wee drop of the Gold there, That is, at the First In Last Out (FILO), so you may well have seen me drinking in there, or walking up/down the High Street in the old town yesterday afternoon, and, yes, it was very fine indeed, a well balanced pale golden ale, not too bitter, so meeting the needs of many drinkers, cheers!

Christmas Beer is Back!

By Steve the Beermeister...

It's that time of year and, for the past few years, we have not only had Harveys 7.5% Christmas Ale available in East Sussex, but also the, much more local Hastings brewed, FILO Our Auld Ale at 6.5%. This is a gorgeous 'Christmas Pudding' of an ale, well worth the visit to the First In Last Out in the old town High Street, rich, but not too sweet, with a dry bitter finish... I had my first pint of the year yesterday, and it's at least as excellent as previous years, cheers!