Hastings Pier Update: Ice Skating plus more!

So, I said I'd give updates in my last blog, and I contacted the new management of the Pier about opening times, their reply? "all opening times etc will be posted soon." Currently, they appear to be 10.00-17.00.

In addition, on their facebook page they are advertising Hastings Pier Winter Wonderland, that is, from 21 November 2020 to 3 January 2021 there will be an ice rink, festive rides, food, bars and hot chocolate and marshmallows! To book tickets go to this website.

So, we're getting there, ish...

Hastings Weekend, 23rd/24th December...

Fed up with shopping? As already advised in a previous blog, there's plenty happening at the Blue Reef Aquarium at Rock-a-Nore, including Santa Diving at 11.00 today.

Also, the nearby Hastings Fishermen's Museum, also in Rock-a-Nore Road, is open both days too, indeed, it is only closed on the 25th! See website.

In the town centre, there is still the Ice Rink to visit at Priory Meadow, if you can either skate, or don't mind getting a cold backside... See website.

On Hastings Pier, both days, there are Christmas Movies from 11.00 (website), and a Festive Trail for children, not to mention a brisk promenade!

Then, of course, there is always shopping in St Leonards, the town centre, or in the old town, if you need to buy late gifts! For example, in the old town, at the Black Market in George Street is the POP-UP Christmas Indoor Emporium, a chance to get late gifts there, perhaps, plus much more (website).

And, no doubt festivities all over the place, notably in pubs, but we should always remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas, notably those with health problems (see my earlier blog), and that many people will be working to provide emergency and other essential services, or to provide you with facilities that you would otherwise be denied on a public holiday. 

So, my best wishes to everyone, whoever and whatever your beliefs, at this time of year, and please let us take over into 2018 the spirit of 'Peace and Goodwill' that usually exists, if only for a short time, during the festive season, indeed, let us make it a much better and ever improving world for the future of us all...

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 Hastings Weekend, Fun and Terror!

As usual, there is plenty happening in Hastings this weekend, and we all know about the decent pubs, and music in pubs and bars, that will be enjoyed, but, in St Leonards, during Saturday daytime, there will the Frost Fair, see internet link.

In the town centre, at Priory Meadow, there is the annual Christmas ice rink...

On, and from, Hastings Pier, mucho stuff happening too! The Snow Slide, Neverland at Christmas, the Pirate Ship, Fishing from the Pier, and so much more (website).

And the terrorists?!? Well, the Cycling Fascists appear to have decided to break the law, yet AGAIN, as in, many cyclists are happy to jump traffic lights, and pedestrian and zebra crossings, on the odd occasion that they actually do use the road (which they're allowed to use legally), many don't use the cycle lanes they have been crying out for for years, and many prefer to use footpaths, as it is so much easier to ride into pedestrians, very soft targets, obviously...

and they now appear to be ignoring the fact that the cycle route through Alexandra Park hasn't actually been approved yet! The Borough Council does not seem to be supporting the safety of nature lovers, pedestrians, mothers and pram pushers who enjoy the Park, indeed, a shame if it ever does get approved (council website), let's trust the County Council looks after the law abiding people of Hastings, pretty please!

Be very careful on Sunday... cyclopaths/psychopaths are on the loose!