15 Years Old Supriyaa Missing From Hastings

Police Message from facebook, "We’re concerned for Supriyaa, 15, who is missing from Hastings. She was last seen in the Mountfield area at around 8.50pm on Wednesday (4 September). Supriyaa, who has links to Shoreham, is 5’5”, has long dark wavy hair, green eyes. She is believed to be wearing black joggers, a black hoodie and black, red and white trainers. If you see her, or have any information on her whereabouts, call 999 immediately quoting serial 1411 of 04/09."

Hastings: Updates, Good & Bad News, What's Going On?

I was out earlier, walking along the seafront, and saw this quite lovely view of the Channel and a cafe, Goat Ledge (website), which I really do have to write a blog about soon. It reminded me of the Hastings Pride Festival and Parade on Sunday (blog). I found out earlier that our new Member of Parliament Helena Dollimore M.P. was the first ever Hastings M.P. to speak at Hastings Pride (twitter, wants to be called X); make your own assumptions about the previous 2.

I did wonder earlier this month (blog) whether the Hotel plan for Cornwallis Street Car park would be going ahead, well, something is definitely happening there! Let's wait and see...

Whilst in the area, surprise surprise, yet another water leak, this time in St Andrews Square, and it has been dug up since before the weekend. I spoke to a Highways official this morning, and yes, he said, there is a water leak... Waiting for it to be fixed, and remember all these leaks when you are paying your water rates/bill, and a wonderful visitor to the area decided to park, basically, where she shouldn't, thankfully she left before anyone turned up to work on it, laugh stifled!

There will be an exercise launch of the Hastings Lifeboat this evening at 18.00, recovery planned for 19.00 (facebook), worth a visit if you haven't seen a launch yet!

Do you recognise this man? Seen here entering the Dolphin Inn, Rock a Nore Road, early yesterday morning after breaking in through a window, after which he stole a number of charity boxes, obviously he has no conscience or scruples! If you do know the thief/criminal please get in touch with the Police (website), or call 101 or 01273 475432 for Hastings Police.

He rode off on a cycle, tats on arms/hands, and generously left his fingerprints behind...

Stay Safe!

We're all aware of violence around the country as right-wing thugs have been visiting local communities, attacking businesses and houses of worship, looting, burning cars, and attacking the Police who are there to defend us. Many businesses and health centres have closed early, and many people have been allowed to stay away from work. The Pram Race in the Old Town is still going ahead this evening, as I write, so the road along the seafront will be closed for most of the rest of the day, and some of the smaller H.O.T. Carnival events are not going ahead. The Police and local politicians have urged us to not get involved with any counter demonstrations, as this will just make the work of the Police harder, and they assure us that sufficient Police resources are available, as are prison cells for anyone arrested (Sussex Police Statement), respect. Updates can be found at the Argus website. Stay safe folks...

Police Presence in Town Centre!

Indeed, yes, a police presence in the town centre, had a chat and we may see more, it appears.

Strangely, it was very peaceful...

100th Birthday Celebration, Fat Tuesday Cometh & More!

If you wondered what all the singing was about on Tuesday at Winkle Island, then I can advise you that it was a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday" in celebration of George's 100th birthday, many congratulations to him, and quite a few glasses were raised to him yesterday as well! 

Sadly, George died on the 10th of January 2023, R.I.P. 😢

Indeed, the Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival 2022 is soon to be upon us, from the 25th February to the 1st of March, 2 years on from the last Fat Tuesday, which was the final major event in Hastings before the first COVID-19 Crisis lockdown (blog). The festival kicks off with the Fat Friday Mardi Gras Ball on Friday 25th, culminating with the Fat Tuesday Tour of 13 pubs and bars in the Old Town on the evening of Tuesday 1st March; more details will follow here, but if you can't wait, see their website.

Hastings Fat Tuesday is the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the UK, which, like the usually impressive New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro Mardi Gras, were all cancelled last year due to the pandemic. This year most of the parades in New Orleans will be shortened, and the Rio Mardi Gras has been put back to April the 20th to the 30th. 

On Tuesday I noticed a very significant Police and PCSO presence around Hastings and particularly in the town centre, this being a continuation of Hastings Police high-vis patrols, engaging with Hastings folk and maintaining an eye on the area (twitter).

And a warning, as if you didn't already know, that Storm Eunice will be upon us overnight and tomorrow, with an Amber Weather Warning that wind speed down here is forecast to reach up to nearly 50mph, with gusts of up to more than 70mph! Rain is forecast between 02.00 and 10.00 (Met Office), which will feel unbearable, I imagine, noting wind speed, so batten down the hatches and stay safe! 

Contacting the Police

Hastings Police have just posted on twitter a reminder of how to get in touch with them; you can get in touch for non-emergency crime reporting online at the Sussex Police website, or telephone 101, or in emergencies always call 999.

Remember to stay safe folks!

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!

Hastings Saturday and Latest...

A few bits and pieces I've picked up from following social media and the internet, and from chatting to people from a very respectable social distancing... First, from up here on the East Hill, no! I'll leave that for later, so? On the way up the 2 hundred plus steps, I noticed at least one fishing boat was out, but also a couple preparing to launch (and another I saw later when I was at Firehills on my daily walk/exercise), my respect!

A little birdy told me this morning that Hastings Fishermen's Museum has plans for reopening in August, all being well, and I just looked at their website and noticed that, although the Old Hastings Preservation Society guided walks of the Stade and the Old Town, are gradually being cancelled, they're still keeping them alive, so, presumably, August may see their return too... perhaps?

The Hastings Adventure Golf reopened yesterday as I advised in a recent blog, and I was told by another, not so little, birdy that it started off slowly, but picked up late afternoon. Good luck to them, I think they'll have their work cut out ensuring social distancing rules etc are maintained today and tomorrow, when visitors to Hastings will very likely increase in number, despite the lack of open facilities, notably toilets...

I saw Jonathan too, and he said that Martin's funeral yesterday was well attended, considering, I didn't know Martin very well, but still sad at his demise, other friends did attend the crematorium up on The Ridge, Mark, Maureen and Laura; R.I.P. Martin...

Oh yes, the 'rave' last night, or the "planned massed gathering on the East Hill" as Hastings Police put it on their twitter feed, appears to have gone ahead, before 06.00 this morning I saw a group of reasonably mature looking, certainly not 'rave' types, tidying up the rubbish left behind, many thanks to them. Comments on the feed suggests that there were at least 4 police cars and probably 8 police officers in attendance, but I haven't been able to find out yet if there were any arrests, or on-the-spot fines handed out. If I find out I shall share the information, I just had a look at the Sussex Police website News Search, and nothing there either, yet.

So, batten down the hatches and prepare for another weekend of madness, or go out and enjoy the sun (maintaining social distancing of course), delete as appropriate, whatever, do be careful and look after yourselves folk!

Congratulations to HBC, but I remain concerned...

Well, the Travellers moved on yesterday, and Hastings Borough Council (facebook) have thanked Sussex Police and East Sussex County Council for their help in the matter. The concern has been eased in this town, but it is really a problem just passed along the line to the next area, there is still a potential 'disaster waiting to happen' (paper) but, hopefully, not in Hastings...

Many thanks to the HBC cleaners who tidied up the Rock-a-Nore car park.

Oh yes, my daily exercise programme (first example I wrote about was in a blog 2 months ago! Where have those 2 months gone?), I'm averaging about 8 miles a day now, and many thanks to whoever used a strimmer to cut back this extension of Barley Lane, makes it much easier, presuming Hastings Country Park/Council, cheers!

Operation Blitz!

Operation Blitz is a Sussex Police initiative, which I believe to have been ongoing for a while now, but I have just seen from the Hastings Police facebook page that they have an *OP BLITZ* mobile phone, and that there are currently "officers out until 9pm tonight" and they "can be contacted directly to attend incidents of ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR in the area."

"They can be contacted on 07779 772 352."

I presume this is a usual way to contact local police about antisocial behaviour now, but happy to receive any advice about this from the Police, many thanks!

Thank you to Emergency Services Plus...

I took this photograph of the Lifeboat Station this morning, although the shop remains closed, the lifeboats and crews are very much ready to meet any alarm call received. Indeed, our thanks must go to all the Emergency Services, the RNLI Lifeboat, Coastguard, all NHS Workers and Pharmacy Staff, Police and Fire & Rescue, Volunteers, Street Cleaners and Refuse Collectors, Bus and Train Drivers and Conductors, Delivery Drivers and Shop Workers, in fact to anyone working to keep the economy and services carrying on as seamlessly as possible. Much Respect! 

Observations from Yesterday in Hastings

Rock-a-Nore Road

I'll not be posting photographs all the time from my permitted and Government/NHS advised (website) daily exercise programme (carried out alone), because, quite frankly, there is only a limited number of photographic opportunities, otherwise they'll all start looking the same. But I have a few observations from my early morning walk yesterday (note the long shadows in the images), and a happier observation from earlier today.

First, I noticed that the lower promenade near St Leonards had been closed off, presumably not for maintenance, as non-essential work is not being carried out, in theory at least, but more likely to stop 'social drinkers' from forming groups of more than 2. However, it looks like, from the bent and moved fencing, that didn't have the desired result. Indeed, on the very day that local police officers were in the town centre reminding "people to stay indoors and away from the town centre" (blog), there were half a dozen 'social drinkers' in a close huddle in Queens Road around 09.15; I gave them a wide birth. Similarly, this morning, on return from my exercise, and in the town centre between the coffee shops, there were 4 people gathered together. Concerned.

Also, Hastings Pier was closed, appears responsible, but their facebook page states it is open from 10.30 to 17.00 (I passed it much earlier), likely an administrative oversight. Whereas a post apologises for it being closed due to the Coronavirus crisis (facebook). I presume it is closed, although I cannot check on that because I cannot stay out forever due to Government restrictions, and I get out as early as possible to avoid others (even I can be responsible, really!). But I had another thought, if the buildings on the Pier stayed closed, wouldn't it be an ideal place to enjoy exercise, providing people stayed over 2 metres apart, in fact, it is so large a space people could stay over 5 metres apart. If anyone has seen the Pier open please let me know in a comment, many thanks!

Finally, something positive, whilst out this morning, and being very responsible indeed, I first heard, then, whilst concentrating on where the sound was coming from, I saw, this lovely wee bird... Well, not the one in the image above, I don't have the appropriate photographic equipment to take such a good photograph from distance. But I did hear and see a Great Spotted Woodpecker (RSPB website). Result!

Please carry on being responsible dear folk, and look after yourselves!

Hastings Police Information and News

I have found that the easiest way to gather up to date information from Hastings Police concerning Coronavirus related issues, and other news, is to go to their facebook page, or twitter, for example, concerning police officers on foot in the town centre yesterday reminding "people to stay indoors and away from the town centre" and maintaining "social distancing." Indeed, my thanks and respect to the Hastings Police, NHS Staff, and all other Emergency and Essential Services, including fire fighters, ambulance staff and paramedics, refuse collectors, street cleaners, shop workers, transport workers, the list goes on... Please be careful!

Coronavirus, Advice, Help and Police Warning

N.H.S. advice (website) regarding Coronavirus is that if you have a high temperature and/or a new continuous cough you should stay at home, not go to a GP Surgery, Pharmacy or Hospital. Use the online 111 service (website), please only call 111 if you cannot get help online. Stay at home for at least 7 days, or 14 days if you live with someone with symptoms (symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear). Further advice about staying at home can be found on the website.

DO (website)

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitiser gel;
• Always wash your hands when reaching home or work;
• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, not your hands;
• Discard tissues immediately and wash your hands;
• Avoid people with symptoms;
• Only travel on public transport when necessary;
• Work from home if possible;
• Avoid social activities;
• Avoid events with large crowds.

Sorry, old notes in image!

There could well be more information coming out later today, or any day for that matter, but currently, if you are laid off or put on short time working, go to the Government website for advice and help to apply for financial support. Keep eyes and ears open for any possible changes to the support offered.

Hastings Police (facebook) have warned of possible COVID-19 (Coronavirus) scams, eg people door-knocking, claiming to be from the Health Authority and offering COVID-19 testing, even to take temperatures; so far, apparently, to residential homes.

Do NOT let them in, do NOT allow them to take details or take money, DO report to the Police on 101. If they do not leave when requested call 999.

Keep safe folks!

Meet the Police at the Stade Hall...

Haven't seen a police officer for a while? Now's your chance! This Thursday (4th October) at the Stade Hall @ 6pm, and there's a public meeting with representatives of the Police and Hastings Borough Council concerning 'Drugs & Anti-Social Behaviour' in the Old Town; your chance to ask the questions you may have been dying to ask!

George Street Break-in, West Street Closed-in!

This morning, following a break-in in George Street in the old town, Police everywhere! That is, police blocking off West Street, behind where the break-in took place to the right, police cars at each road exit, the suspects may still be in West Street apparently. An increase of break-ins is rife right now, and local police have recently suggested it's mostly drug-related crime by local youths.

Though someone has just suggested to me on facebook that it isn't 'youths' offering stolen goods in the old town, many thanks, the police may have to re-think their theory!

Meanwhile the Sheps dray that had delivered to the Anchor Inn is blocked-in and cannot move, such is life...

Since seen on Sussex Police website.

Stolen Art from Rebel Gallery

Stolen... from the Rebel Gallery, 29 George Street (01424 425786), believed to be at least 4 or 5 limited edition prints from the browser in the gallery. If you are offered any cut-price Huldrick limited editions, or see anyone trying to sell them, please let either the gallery know, or call the police.

They believe that the prints taken include the following: 

"Red, White and Blue" Edition number 90/250

"The Stade · Hastings" Edition number 157/250

"Edward and Mary" Edition Number 106/250

"Stormy Stade" Edition Number 87/250

The works should be easy to notice as they are usually only sold direct from the gallery, or from the Tourist Information Centre at Muriel Matters House, consequently, if you see them anywhere else, they are most probably stolen!

Good luck with that Jon, trust they are found soon.

Contacting your Neighbourhood Police Team

Recently, PC Mark Chorlton, on twitter, told us how to contact your Neighbourhood Police Team, following the incident I reported last, I thought residents may feel assured how easy it is to get in touch. So here it is: Go to the Sussex Police website, click on Your Local District, click Hastings, click on your Neighbourhood Team by ward, by now you should be here (link). Easy peasy, and very reassuring, many thanks for the advice Mark!  

Two arrested following gunshots!

Devonshire Road this morning.

Yesterday, early evening, gunshots were fired at the front of a house in Devonshire Road, consequently, why the road was closed off for hours, but, as you can see, nice and quiet now, though with a number of police vehicles still present. Thankfully, no-one was hurt, two suspects have been arrested, and the Police assure us that this incident is not terrorist related. For further information, go to the Sussex Police website.  

Hastings Police Station Reopens

Following extensive refurbishment, Hastings Police Station in Bohemia Road was officially reopened yesterday by Peter Field, the "Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex"; more can be read at the Sussex Police website.