Hastings Old Town Tuesday Guided Walks

How did I miss the return of these? The regular Tuesday guided walks of Hastings Old Town are back, and facilitated by the OHPS (website). If you wish to take part you need to book at the website, these guided walks cost £6; remember when they depended only on donations? Memories... Walks start at 2.30 pm, meeting up by the West Hill Cafe close by the lift. An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here!

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast for the next Tuesday, July the 4th, suggests the chance of showers, but worth checking up nearer the day. Whatever, and whenever, be prepared, whether rain, sun or wind. 

Please do enjoy yourselves! 

Just a Reminder about the Old Town Guided Walks on Tuesdays

This is just a reminder, and mostly a repeat of my previous blog about these walks returning, but the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) Tuesday afternoon guided walks of Hastings Old Town continue on Tuesday the 10th of May (website). These are guided walks of the old town, of the "premier ancient Cinque Port." You are asked to book your place in advance, cost £6 per person, either on their website, or pop into Hastings Fishermen's Museum, call 01424 461446, or email ohpswalks@gmail.com.

You meet up by the West Hill Cafe (just above the lift by Hastings Castle, with its lower lift entrance at the west end of George Street) at 2.30pm on Tuesday, then every Tuesday until the 27th of September, plus a few other days too. There's a wealth of historic buildings, twittens and cat-creeps to explore in Hastings old town, and the volunteer guide will explain why celebrities of their day (for example, the Pre-Raphaelites in the 19th century, see blog) have, indeed, and still do, flock to Hastings. 

The walk will proceed gently downhill, including a number of steps to manage, and lasts about 2 hours. It's worth wearing comfortable walking shoes, obviously, and the weather forecast suggests it will be fine on Tuesday (Met Office).

Enjoy the day, and/or any future walks!

Hastings Old Town Guided Walks Return

The Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) Tuesday afternoon guided walks of Hastings Old Town begin again on Tuesday the 3rd of May (website), that is, a guided walk of the old town, of the "premier ancient Cinque Port." You are now asked to book your place in advance, cost £6 per person, either on their website, or pop into Hastings Fishermen's Museum, call 01424 461446, or email ohpswalks@gmail.com.

On the day, you should meet up by the West Hill Cafe (just above the lift going up to Hastings Castle, with its lower entrance at the west end of George Street) at 2.30pm on Tuesday 3rd of May; then, every Tuesday until the 27th of September, plus a few other days too... There is a wealth of historic buildings, twittens and cat-creeps to explore in Hastings old town, and the volunteer guide will explain why celebrities of their day (for example, the Pre-Raphaelites in the 19th century, see blog) have, indeed, and still do, flock to Hastings. 

The walk will proceed gently downhill, including a number of steps to manage, and lasts about 2 hours. It's worth wearing comfortable walking shoes, obviously, and the weather forecast suggests it will be bright on Tuesday (Met Office), so be prepared with Factor 50 or hat if, like me, you redden as soon as the sun casts its rays on you! 

Enjoy the day!

Easter in Hastings, and more to come!

If you'd like to explore Hastings fishing quarter, the Stade Fishing Quarter Guided Walk returns this Saturday and Sunday (website), organised by the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS). Meet up at 11am both days, outside Hastings Fishermen's Museum in Rock-a-Nore Road (inside if raining, though not expected to rain this weekend) ready to explore the net huts, fishing industry and beach, and learn the history of this hundreds of years old industry for a walk of up to about 90 minutes. You are advised to wear suitable footwear and clothing, and if you have any special mobility needs please contact the Fishermen's Museum in advance. This used to be a free guided walk dependent on donations, but now costs just £4, and is delivered by a volunteer. Great to see the return of these walks!

Of course there is much more to do over the weekend, for all ages, eg see Hastings Pier's facebook page, and, as I said last week, for most Sundays there is free live music on the pier too (blog). For further details of events this weekend, see Hastings Easter Festival website, or go to visit1066country.

If you've wondered what this (above) was, situated by the Hastings Contemporary Art Gallery, indeed, which arrived during the evening of the 31st of March, it is the Green Lady, and the harbinger of Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green, which returns to 'normal' over the May Day weekend this year (website). Incidentally, this week the gallery was accepted as a donation from the Jerwood Foundation to Hastings Borough Council; it will continue to be run by its current local management.

Have a good extended public holiday weekend folks!

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!

Hastings Old Town and Stade Guided Walks Cancelled...

Unsurprisingly, the Old Hastings Preservation Society free guided walks of the Old Town, due to begin today, have been cancelled until further notice (website), understandable in the circumstances. I only noticed a few minutes ago, and, of course, the Stade walks, due to have started for this year at Easter, are also cancelled.

Keep safe folks, let's hope this is over soon.

OHPS Guided Walks of the Stade this weekend...

The last 2 guided walks of the year organised by the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) are to be held this weekend during the Hastings Herring Fair, (Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November, previous blog). The free Stade Guided Walk begins at 11am both days, meeting up outside the Hastings Fishermen's Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road (inside if wet; may be Saturday less likely on Sunday, Met Office website). Should you partake, you will be shown around the fishing quarter of Hastings. The walk lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, and, although on the flat mostly, you will be walking over uneven ground, so sensible walking shoes would be, well, sensible (website). The walks are provided free, but all donations to the Fishermen's Museum would be very much appreciated, many thanks, enjoy!



Hastings Old Town Guided Walk

This afternoon (17th September) is the last of the regular Tuesday afternoon free guided walks of Hastings Old Town for 2019 (although there is another planned for Battle of Hastings Day on Monday October 14th), and is being provided by the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) (website). If you wish to take part meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm (the lift is still out of order I am afraid, so a walk up the hill will first be required; the website suggests a gentle-ish route). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here.

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a bright sunny day, so please be prepared, especially if, like me, you catch the sun too easily. Please do enjoy yourselves oday!

OHPS Guided Walks this Weekend!

The Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) guided walks of the Stade are also held during the Seafood and Wine Festival, so this Saturday and Sunday (14th and 15th September). The free Stade Guided Walk begins at 11am both days, meeting up outside the Hastings Fishermen's Museum (inside if wet, though very unlikely!), Rock-a-Nore Road, and, should you partake, you will be shown around the fishing quarter of Hastings. The walk lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, and, although on the flat mostly, you will be walking over uneven ground (though walks can be tailored to mobility needs, and interests), so sensible walking shoes would be, well, sensible (website). The walks are provided free, but all donations to the Fishermen's Museum would be very much appreciated, many thanks, and enjoy!

In addition, tomorrow afternoon (14th September) a Heritage Week Special free guided walk of Hastings Old Town is being provided by the OHPS (website). If you wish to take part meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm (the lift is still out of order I am afraid, so a walk up the hill will first be required; the website suggests a gentle-ish route). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here.

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a bright sunny weekend, so please be prepared, especially is, like me, you catch the sun easily. Whatever, please do enjoy yourselves!

OK, this is my last blog for the weekend, although there are obviously numerous regular live music sessions in bars, great places to eat and drink in addition to the Seafood and Wine Festival, the earliest Norman castle built in England, Aquarium, museums, seafront, etc etc, enjoy your weekend!

Old Town Guided Walk 10th September

This afternoon you can take advantage of experiencing the regular summer Tuesday afternoon Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website). If you wish to take part meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm (the lift is out of order at the moment, but the lower entrance to the lift is at the west end of George Street when it is recommissioned, hopefully not too far away, fingers crossed!). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here.

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a bright afternoon, be prepared, and do enjoy yourselves!

OHPS Old Town Walk 3rd September

Tomorrow afternoon (3rd September) and you can take advantage of experiencing the regular summer Tuesday afternoon Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website), now back to just one a week for 3 weeks. If you wish to take part meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm (the lift is out of order at the moment, but the lower entrance to the lift is at the west end of George Street when it is recommissioned, hopefully not too far away, fingers crossed!). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here.

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a brightish/cloudy afternoon, whatever, please be prepared, and it may well be worth taking a look again at the forecast closer to the time. Whatever, please do enjoy yourselves!



Old Town Guided Walks 20th and 22nd August 2019

Tomorrow afternoon (20th August) you can again take advantage of experiencing the regular (summer) Tuesday afternoon Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website), plus similar on Thursday afternoon (22nd). If you wish to take part in either meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm on both days (the lift is out of order at the moment, but the lower entrance to the lift is at the west end of George Street when it is recommissioned, hopefully not too far away, fingers crossed). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of historic buildings in Hastings Old Town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will explain why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do!

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast for Tuesday, and the forecast for Thursday, look very favourable indeed. Please do be prepared if, like me, the sun makes you go beetroot. It may well be worth taking checking the forecast nearer the time.

Whatever, please do enjoy yourselves!

Old Town Guided Walks 13th & 15th August.

Tomorrow afternoon (13th August) you can take advantage of experiencing the regular (in the summer) Tuesday afternoon Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website), plus similar on Thursday afternoon (15th) as during August there are  2 Old Town Guided Walks a week... If you wish to take part in either, or both, meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm on both days (the lift is out of order at the moment, but the lower entrance to the lift is at the west end of George Street when it is recommissioned, hopefully not too far away, fingers crossed!). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and will tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here.

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a chance of light showers tomorrow, although looking more favourable for Thursday with possibly a light shower later on, whatever, please do be prepared. It may well be worth taking a look again at the forecast closer to your choice of day. Whatever, please do enjoy yourselves!

Carnival Week Thursday:

Hastings Old Town Carnival Week continues this Thursday (website) with many more events, including walks, for example the free OHPS guided walk of the old town (see older blog), Guess the Weight of Cheese, Great Whelk Eating Competition and Grand Charity Auction! Carry on enjoying the week folks!

Guided OHPS Stade Walks

In conjunction with Carnival Week, the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) guided walks of the Stade restart again this Saturday (3rd August), and there will be another on Sunday, and yet even more on Monday, Friday, and next Saturday and Sunday too (10th and 11th)! The free Stade Guided Walks begin at 11am each of those days, meeting up outside the Hastings Fishermen's Museum (inside if wet), Rock-a-Nore Road, and, should you partake, you will be shown around the fishing quarter of Hastings. The walk lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, and, although on the flat mostly, you do need to cover uneven ground (though walks can be tailored to mobility needs, and interests), so sensible walking shoes would be, well, sensible (website), of course. The walks are provided free, but all donations to the Fishermen's Museum would be very much appreciated, many thanks, and enjoy!

Old Town Guided Walk 30th July & 1st August

Tomorrow afternoon (30th July) you can take advantage of experiencing the regular (in the summer) Tuesday afternoon Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website), plus, for August, Thursday afternoons are included as well! If you wish to take part, and it is well worth it, meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm on both days (the lift is out of order at the moment, many thanks Nona, but the lower entrance to the lift is at the west end of George Street when it is working). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and, indeed, many still do visit/move here!

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a sunny day tomorrow, although with a strong chance of showers on Thursday, so please be prepared. It may well be worth taking a look again at the forecast closer to your choice of day as the weather has been incredibly volatile the last couple of weeks. Whatever, please do enjoy yourselves!

Old Town Guided Walk

Tomorrow afternoon (23rd July) sees the regular Tuesday Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website). If you wish to take part, and it is well worth it, meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift by 2.30 pm (lower entrance at the west end of George Street). An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, walking the twittens and cat creeps, and tell you why celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings, and many still do!

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, although the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, of course, and the weather forecast is for a sunny day tomorrow, so please be prepared, particularly, if like me, you catch the sun quickly, so a hat and/or Factor 50 applied may well be appropriate, and do enjoy yourselves!

Old Town Guided Walk

Tomorrow afternoon (16th July) sees the continuation of the regular Tuesday Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website). If you wish to take part, and it is well worth it, meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift (lower entrance at the west end of George Street) by 2.30pm. An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, the twittens and the cat creeps, and tell you why 'celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings' and, indeed, why many still do!

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, though the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, and the weather forecast is for a sunny day, so please be prepared, particularly, if like me, you catch the sun quickly, hat and/or Factor 50 may well be appropriate, and enjoy yourselves!

Old Town Guided Walk This Afternoon...

This afternoon sees the regular Tuesday Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website). If you wish to take part, meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift (lower entrance at the west end of George Street) by 2.30pm. An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, the twittens and cat creeps, and tell you why 'celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings' and many still do!

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, though the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, and the weather forecast is for a bright day, though it's a wee bit overcast right now, anyway, please be prepared, particularly, if like me, you catch the sun quickly, hat and/or Factor 50 could be appropriate, and enjoy yourselves!

Tuesday: OHPS Old Town Guided Walk

Tomorrow (25th June) sees the regular Tuesday afternoon Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) free guided walk of Hastings Old Town (website). If you wish to take part, meet up by the top of the West Hill Lift (lower entrance at the west end of George Street) by 2.30pm. An OHPS volunteer will guide your exploration of the historic buildings of the old town, the twittens and cat creeps, and tell you why 'celebrities of their day flocked to Hastings' and many still do!

The walk proceeds gently downhill, with some steps, and lasts about 2 hours. It is provided free of charge, though the OHPS would be grateful for any donations made, many thanks. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is sensible, and the weather forecast is for a bright and warm day, so please be prepared, particularly, if like me, you catch the sun quickly, hat and/or Factor 50 could be appropriate, and enjoy yourselves!