A Bank Holiday Seafront Wander

Living close to sea level means that many of us have to walk uphill to reach many of our destinations, unless we walk along the seafront 😉 At Bulverhythe.

The Azur/St Leonards beach huts have returned from their winter retreat (blog).

Hastings diminishing beach-launched fishing fleet; I've written about Hastings fishing industry a number of times, eg blog.

At Rock-a-Nore with very green water; I'm guessing due to algae... 

Indeed, it was a very pleasant walk this morning, cheers folks!

Hastings Seafront Walk & Homage to Byzantium...

I was out quite early this morning, shopping at Morrisons just after 07.00, and then walking via back streets to St Leonards Church at the end of Undercliff, then crossing to the seafront. I walked eastwards and took this photograph looking back to the west (my earliest photographs today are all facing away from the sun 😎), with Eastbourne and Beachy Head way over there in the distance. Indeed, the tide would be turning back towards shore about 10 minutes after I took the photograph.

The first photograph with a direct reference to the vampire film Byzantium (YouTube trailer), half of which was filmed in Hastings and half was filmed in Cork, is of the lower promenade part of the Azur Marina Pavilion (website), which was built in the 1930s; Hastings & St Leonards has quite a few art deco buildings from this time! This part of the building is featured in the film as the lounge of a home for older people, and the character played by Saoirse Ronan plays the piano here, and more, but I shan't ruin it in case you haven't seen the film yet, and decide to... 😉 I first wrote about the Azur over 7 years ago, when I reviewed the breakfast served, and eaten by me, here (blog).

I carried on eastwards, deciding to look back and take this photograph, with the Azur Marina Pavilion dwarfed by, and apparently listing towards it, Marine Court, which I have written about before (blog). Marine Court is another fine 1930s building and modelled on the Cunard Liner the Queen Mary, the blog is well worth the read.

Carrying on to the east and I walked through Bottle Alley, shortly before the end of which I looked back westwards again and took this photograph. I have written about Sidney Little's Bottle Alley before when the new lighting was installed 5 years ago, when I also mentioned it featuring in the film Byzantium (blog).

Carrying on further to the east and I soon reached one of the main stars of the film Byzantium (trailer), as in, the building used in the film as Byzantium. This was originally called the Palace Hotel, and was built in 1885-86, it is now the Grade II listed Palace Court, and is across the road from the beach.

Again looking back westwards, although nothing to do with the film, indeed, it wasn't even here when Byzantium was being filmed in Hastings, but I photographed this really quite marvellous sculpture on the beach. This was created as part of the 950th Battle of Hastings anniversary celebrations and depicts a Norman Longboat (blog).

First of all I have to admit the photograph above is one I took quite a few years ago, so you may well have seen it before, but in the film Byzantium the beaches of Hastings are filmed quite a bit, so a decision? I thought about photographing the groyne on the beach where the other main character, played by Gemma Arterton, well, I shan't say what she was doing there, but she was playing a vampire... 😉 Anyway, the beach above, and some of the fishing boats there, was featured in the film too, and this photograph also includes the East Hill in the background. Very early in the film, when the 2 main characters Clara and Eleanor Webb (Arterton and Ronan) are about to enter Hastings, they cross the East Hill and the camera looks down into Hastings Old Town, I have shared quite a few photographs of similar images before, particularly when walking back across Hastings Country Park during recent 'lockdowns.'

Anyway, the destination of my walk was Rock-a-Nore, and when the footpath ended, and Rock-a-Nore Road enters into car parks, unless walking down to the beach and rocks, this is as far as one can walk, and this one (me) didn't fancy walking any further eastwards today, particularly as the tide was coming in now. So the view of the cliffs looking eastwards from Rock-a-Nore, and up on top there Hastings Country Park.

I hope you have all enjoyed your August Bank Holiday, stay safe folks!

May Day, the Jack in the Green Procession and his slaying!

Well, we haven't had this event since 2019 (blog) but this May Day Jack in the Green is back, and the forecast isn't too bad, fingers crossed! Monday May the 2nd will again see the Jack released from Hastings Fishermen's Museum at 10.15, Bogies and attendants will gather around the Jack, who starts the dancing off, the procession will form behind him and proceed along Rock-a-Nore Road to meet the Giants (above), dancing all the while, then it will turn right up All Saints Street, crossing The Bourne at the top, then head down the High Street, where the procession pauses for refreshments (ale!), music and yet more dancing (website).

About 12.00 noon the procession will continue on, turning right by St Clements Church and winding up Croft Road and Collier Road to the West Hill, arriving about 12.30. On the West Hill stage there will be more music, dancing, drumming and frivolities, and close by will be food stalls and refreshments, including more ale, a craft fair, and toilet facilities. By 4.00 pm the Jack will have been led by the Bogies to the stage and he will be symbolically slain and the Spirit of Summer is released for another year!

The history behind the Jack in the Green May Day Festival goes back hundreds of years, but the local custom faded away towards the end of the 19th century. The custom was revived in Hastings by Mad Jacks Morris Dancers in 1983, and a 20th/21st century Jack in the Green custom and festival developed to the present day (barring the last 2 years), when thousands turn up to dress and make up, or just to observe the procession, or just have a few ales, and yes, Hastings does like to dress up!  

Oh yes, and the Police have asked, as they do for all festivals, that pubs and bars use plastic vessels in which to serve their drinks, thus negating broken glass all over the old town, so I suggest you bring your own pewter tankard, if you have one. 

Enjoy the festivities and do welcome the Spirit of Summer! 

And you may just spot a few motorbikes around too... 😉 

And don't forget roads around the old town will be closed for much of the morning!

Out for a Weekend Walk & Beer to Your Door!

I had to get out for a bit of exercise and to stop myself climbing the walls this morning, living alone can lead you to do suchlike, particularly if you don't see anyone else you know for too long. So I got out and managed to wave and/or say 'hello' to a few people I know, and a couple I don't know, as that face in my bathroom mirror gets a wee bit boring when the only other person I see. 😉 Anyway, a bit windy, high waters and waves, like above at Rock-a-Nore, where a couple of lads were actually fishing at the end of the east harbour arm, having to jump up for every high wave; I would have published a photograph of them, but I was giggling and the one above came out better.

I had managed to see a few people I know, thankfully, and had short very socially distanced chats, and on my way back I noticed that the Jolly Fisherman was again making Friday deliveries (blog from the first lockdown), and this lockdown the rules allow for click & collect too; above are the ales, keg beers and ciders/perry available; they also have numerous bottles and cans. Go to their website for further details, I have to admit to being tempted, particularly by the Angels & Demons brew, but... 😈

Notice anything different in the photograph above? Well, the footpath 'widening' has gone a few weeks earlier than originally planned (blog), there were a few complaints that it was effecting local businesses because of less parking, although with the lockdown until the beginning of December, at least, did it really matter? Anyway, now I'll have to walk in the road proper to avoid cycles on the footpath, or do as I did earlier and use the cycle path, much safer and less likely to get hit by a cycle! 😏

Talking of parking, was there an Optivo convention on Pelham Beach this morning?

Anyway, please look after yourselves folks, wash your hands regularly, maintain social distancing of at least 2 metres, wear face coverings where required, and let's respect and be considerate to each other, cheers m'dears!

Hastings Halloween!

OK, it may seem a little early, but there are already Halloween events happening in Hastings, including a special Halloween Quiz Night tonight at the Dolphin Inn, Rock-a-Nore Road (website). The Dolphin's Quiz Night is held every Thursday, starts at 8.30pm, has cash prizes, and is free to enter!

Already on up on the West Hill at Smugglers Adventure is a Ghostly Quiz Trail and at Hastings Castle there's Halloween Fun (website), and there's Halloween Fun at the Blue Reef Aquarium too (website), in Rock-a-Nore Road! If you know of other Halloween events please feel free to add a comment, and Visit 1066 Country suggests quite a few alternative Halloween events as well (website).

Don't be too scared, just be very wary... 



Today in Hastings, and interesting news...

Earlier this morning, a man, sadly deceased, was discovered at Pelham Crescent... I spoke to a local resident, who told me that the cleaner at St Mary in the Castle was the unlucky person to find the body, and that it was an older male who probably died of natural causes, R.I.P.

Oh yes, and Boris visited Hastings today, with a rather attractive woman (obviously not his wife, and no detrimental comment towards his estranged wife Marina meant by this, just saying, the woman in the Toyota 'people carrier' with him wasn't unattractive), and they were spotted at Rock-a-Nore, anyone else see them?

What to see in Hastings?

Recently, I've been asked to suggest what to see in Hastings "apart from the obvious tourist attractions" - hmmm... the only way I think I can answer this, is to list a number of things/places that are mostly free, and if anyone else wants to add anything else in the comments below, please feel free to add, cheers! The comment was added to my blog about Hastings Castle, so I thought I'd say, to start with, the views from the West Hill (above, where the Castle is situated) and the East Hill  are gorgeous! Can be a wee bit tiring walking up to the top of both, but they do both have lifts (not free), from George Street and Rock-a-Nore Road appropriately.

I'm, sort of, starting from east to west, but will go off at a tangent every now and then, eg here, when considering the 2 Hastings parks that recently won national awards (blog), ie Hastings Country Park Local Nature Reserve (above) and Alexandra Park. Hastings Country Park is accessed from the East Hill, running eastwards and along the top of the cliffs, though a deviation is sign-posted thanks to a landslip (I won't go into the politics of that here!), and great views and interesting wildlife! Alexandra Park, meanwhile, is situated further west just above Hastings town centre (blog). 

Rock-a-Nore Road

Coming down from the East Hill (seen in the background in the photograph above the buildings to the left), you get to Rock-a-Nore Road, from here all the way down to the end of Rock-a-Nore, there is plenty to see and do! This is the heart of the local fishing industry, with the fish market a third of the way down to the right, the fishermen's huts to the right, and the Stade, the shingle beach from which the fishing boats are launched (Visit1066 website), and landed; if you turn up at the right time, depending on tides and weather, you could well see a boat coming in to land! As you'd expect, plenty of fish is available to buy, either from the shops to the left, and in front of the market to the right, or direct from the fishermen in huts in-between the road and the beach on the right.

The Stade

If you go down Rock-a-Nore Road, past the market, there is the Blue Reef Aquarium (website), which costs to visit, but well worth the visit! Opposite the Aquarium is the Shipwreck Museum (website), both on the right-hand side as you go down the road, and which is free to enter. And just before that is Hastings Fishermen's Museum (blog), which has great exhibits, and a wealth of knowledge about the local fishing industry and its history, this is also free to enter, and its outside exhibits start well before you reach the museum itself, with RX134 The Stacey Marie (I have to mention this and the blog again!) and a rather large anchor, right opposite the Dolphin Inn, which is below the cliffs in Rock-a-Nore Road.

If you go up the first turning to the left in Rock-a-Nore Road, ie All Saints Street, you will find a wonderful road with many medieval, and newer, delightful buildings. This leads up to one of Hastings two remaining Norman churches, All Saints Church (blog), not often open, but it could be worth checking when it is, as it is a delight inside.

Down in front of the church is the Cyril and Lilian Bishop (blog), the Hastings lifeboat at the time of World War II, and which went to help the evacuation of troops at Dunkirk, and is a great memorial. This is on the corner with Old London Road, and if you walk a little further up Old London Road, on the right, is another retired lifeboat (worked from Eastbourne, I believe), the Priscilla MacBean (blog). In addition, down by The Stade and beach you can visit the RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Station (website).

If you cross the road, The Bourne (roughly above what was the old river Bourne), come back downhill and on the right is High Street (nearly opposite the Cyril and Lilian Bishop), another road full of wonderful buildings, though not as old as in All Saints Street, but most of the way down, just up a road to your right, Swan Terrace, is the other remaining Norman church of Hastings, St Clements (blog). Also, in this road, and in George Street, a little further down towards the seafront and on the right as you walk down the hill, there are a whole stack of shops full of interesting things to peruse!

But, if you want to explore above High Street and up to the West Hill, or back in All Saints Street and up to the East Hill, there are a maze of old lanes and alleys, which in Hastings are called twittens, another free delight, with a few dead ends here and there!

Coming back down to the front, obviously there are a couple of miles of promenade to enjoy, and below the castle up on West Hill there is St Mary in the Castle and Pelham Crescent, built nearly 200 years ago (blog). The restaurant below has access to the crypt (the toilets are there), now and then an exhibition is on in the crypt, and if you can get to visit the old church itself (eg if a concert is being played in there), it's well worth the visit, gorgeous building! Carry on westwards and you reach Hastings Pier, where you may promenade, or investigate, or have a drink or meal.

But before you walk too far, have a walk up Cambridge/Bohemia Road and you will reach Hastings Museum and Art Gallery (blog), well worth the visit!

Marine Court

Indeed, there are some amazing buildings along the front, not to mention in-between the Pier and Warrior Square Gardens (worth looking at) on the Lower promenade there is Bottle Alley (blog), quite a thrill to walk through there after dark with it's lighting display, which seems to begin as soon as dusk arrives! You are now at St Leonards (still Hastings Borough), and you reach the wonderful art deco/modernist Marine Court (website), built copying the design of the Queen Mary ship, this was the tallest apartment block in the country when it was built in the 1930s!

Carry on past Marine Court and you soon reach the Royal Victoria Hotel, turn right just after and walk up past the Freemasons Hall, and you reach St Leonards Gardens (blog), another beautifully designed oasis of peace to walk around!

Of course, in addition to all this and the shops, there are numerous restaurants, bars and pubs to enjoy, not to mention a fish & chip shop or twenty, and much more...

I trust this helps someone to enjoy the wonderful town that is Hastings!

Santa takes the plunge at the Blue Reef Aquarium!

With thanks to Leanna of the Blue Reef Aquarium at Rock-a-Nore, I have been informed that younger visitors are being invited to help Father Christmas find his missing reindeer, now there's an interesting story! OK, not real reindeer, but hidden 'reindeer' around the aquarium, then they can write down the letter next to each one found to unscramble 'magical' festive words...

Also, on Saturday (23rd), at 11am, allegedly, Father Christmas is going to be taking the plunge in the aquarium’s main ocean display; as it's the last day before the busiest day of his year, he may just have a little time free. He will be donning scuba gear and 'making a splash' to entertain visitors.

Indeed, the 'festive season' is well worth a visit to the aquarium to escape the colder weather, with naturally-themed tropical displays, and its underwater walkthrough tunnel, the aquarium is an 'oasis of light and colour' even on cold winter days; see website.

The "Ice House" - Democracy wins!

Great to read one of the local councillors, Dawn Poole's post last night, : "Have just spoken at this evening's planning committee in support of the application for a GP's surgery in the Ice House. Despite planning officers recommending refusal the committee listened to myself and the chair of HOTRA and voted to allow the application and a state of the art surgery be built for old town residents. Still work to do to improve accessibility but a huge achievement for local residents."

Congratulations to HOTRA and to Dawn, nice one! 👍

Good Sad News...

Down at Rock-a-Nore yesterday I was expecting to enjoy one of Pat & Tush's Fishermen's Rolls, but they weren't there! Though, as you can see from the flying red ensign, the Fishermen's Museum was open, now back to its summer opening times until 31st October; ie 10am to 5pm; see website for further details of this excellent museum run by the registered charity, the Old Hastings Preservation Society.

So, why good news, well, I was wondering aloud to Johnny Swan that Pat and Tush were missing out on sales on this wonderful day, maybe they were saving stock for Sunday and an even nicer day forecast? Hadn't I heard, asked Johnny, they've retired! So, good news for them, retiring, but bad news for us, as the end of an institution, the Fishermen's Roll, here's one made earlier in my life, thanks for the memories...and have a great retirement, though I'd be surprised if they retire completely! 😉

News...

News from Hastings Old Town Residents' Association's Spring 2017 Special Newsletter, and not only concerning the old town...

There's more in the newsletter than this blog contains, but, some news and information I thought are worth sharing include that Hastings Borough Council's Aquila House is now called Muriel Matters House, named after the Australian-born suffragette who lived for 20 years in nearby Pelham Crescent from 1949 to 1969 (though it still said 'Aquila House' on the outside of the building this morning).

Important for people living in the old town is that revised plans have been submitted to the council's planning committee for the 'Rock a Nore Surgery' at the old Ice House; that is, a health centre for 2/3 GPs, treatment rooms for physiotherapy etc, a pharmacy, 'healthy eating' cafe, gym, and possibly a dentist and/or an optician.

There are proposals for a new free play facility at the west end of Pelham car park; it is hoped that a 'water play' area will be open this summer (don't hold your breath!).

Parking Income: This was something I wasn't completely aware of, but, the seafront car parks are owned by the Hastings & St Leonards Foreshore Charitable Trust, Hastings Borough Council own the Bourne and other off-street car parks, and on-street parking is operated by a contractor on behalf of East Sussex County Council... Interesting, indeed!

Fishermen's Rolls with Tush & Pat...

Usually you can find these wonderful rolls down at Tush and Pat's stall/half upended boat near the Fishermen's Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road, like this roll (above) I ate last week, it was absolutely gorgeous, with lemon juice and black pepper I added myself (the pepper I bring myself, though condiments are available)...

But, sadly, not today, they're having a life/attending a family wedding!

Anyway, just to remind you what you missed, 2 succulent fillets of flat fish, usually, eg Plaice and Lemon Sole, cooked in olive oil in a wok, and in a white or wholemeal bap, great stuff! As it's summer, he's around during the week as well as at weekends. 

The next one you eat, enjoy, I will, very soon!

Seaside Tsar?

Will Hastings really need a Seaside Tsar, I don't think so, despite the British Hospitality Association wanting one, now that we're leaving the EU, and the Euro being much stronger than the £sterling? Surely more Europeans are likely to come over here for cheaper holidays, and, with the very likely increase in costs to travel abroad to come for us, surely more Brits are likely to have their holidays at the British seaside in future!

The Nearby Amsterdam wreck.

And look at just some of what we have to offer...

For more details of what the British Hospitality Association say go to link.  

Looking up at the West Hill.

It looks pretty rosy, looking up at the East Hill from Rock-a-Nore, and it should look rosy for Hastings tourist-wise, an opportunity that shouldn't be missed!

If there's any money going around, pass it to us, local people should get the chance to spend any extra money available, local people know better than some faceless bureaucrat, rather than keep reducing your annual contributions towards our council, pretty please!