The Duck's Back!

The duck is back (blog), maybe not such a crime wave, needed repairing... 😏

Allegedly 😉

Crime Wave hits Hastings this morning!?!

Follow that duck... What duck?!? Well, as you can see (above, just now), the duck outside M&S, one of the two I photographed for an earlier blog about the money raising initiative for St Michel's Hospice, well it's only been lifted!

Oh yes, and before 08.00 this morning I'd already seen 2 cyclists going the wrong way down one-way streets, is there no stopping this crime wave?!? 😕

Follow that Duck!

Yes, Follow that Duck! Yesterday a friend castigated me for not writing anything about the ducks that have appeared across town, there are more than 50 apparently, so I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, cheers Louise, I deserved it! 😉 Particularly, as the 'rubber duck' sculpture opposite Johnny Swan's The Net Shop in Rock-a-Nore Road, and next to Hastings Contemporary, features the local fishing industry, notably standing out on the Duck's 'bow' (above)  RX134 Stacie Marie (blog).

Outside M&S, Queens Road

If you haven't stopped to read what it's about, it's about raising money for our local hospice, St Michael's (website), directly below each sculpture is the prompt to text DUCK to 70580, which would donate £5 to the hospice. There are other ways of supporting suggested too, and the sculptures will be auctioned off to raise more money to support the great service that the staff of St Michael's provide (website). Sculptures go westwards as far as Bexhill, and the event is due to end on the 4th of September.

Follow that Duck! 👉

Weekend and Christmas Events already!

Until Christmas Eve Santa's New Grotto is at Priory Square, Priory Meadow (see website for more details). Today, there is a Christmas Curiosity Bazaar at East Sussex College (10.30-6pm, free entry, more details on website); a Christmas Flea Market at the Isabel Blackman Centre, St Leonards (11-5pm - website); Creative Christmas at Hastings Arts Forum, St Leonards (11-5pm today and tomorrow, free entry, and many more days before Christmas, see website for further details); and St Michael's Hospice Christmas Fayre, St Leonards (10.15-12pm, 50p entrance fee includes cup of teas or coffee and bsicuits, website).

And, as you can see from the image above, at Stade Hall in the old town there will be Hastings Christmas Market tomorrow, Sunday 2nd 11-4pm, see website for details.

Plenty happening, enjoy!

Congratulations to the Dolphin Inn!

By Steve the Beermeister:

So, congratulations to the Dolphin Inn (website), Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings TN34 3DW, for winning the South East Sussex CAMRA Community Pub of the Year 2018!

 The Award

The Dolphin sells 6 different cask conditioned ales, 3 of which are regulars, ie Dark Star Hophead, Youngs Special and Harveys Sussex Best, so 2 local ales there. In addition, they always have 3 guest ales, with an emphasis on providing ales from local Sussex and Kent breweries.

Receiving the Award

Community pub? Certainly, the Dolphin is in the centre of the fishing quarter, opposite the Fish Market, and provides a service for the local community. You'll see fishermen, local tradespersons and artisans, retired and working, male and female, young and old! Regulars who need help get it, whether it's dropping off coal at their homes or providing food at home for those not so well, the landlord and a regular annually paint the Stacey Marie RX134 opposite (Hastings Fishermen's Museum outdoor exhibit), and various other locals help as well, including rebuilding and adding a fibreglass deck, as volunteers. And the catering side of the business is a firm champion of the local fishing industry and Hastings Fish (blog). 

Also, £thousands are raised every year for charity, including the local Winkle Club, RNLI Hastings Lifeboat, St Michael's Hospice, and, this year, making a specific campaign to raise money to support the grandchild of a local fisherman, Elsie- Rose, and for the Elsie-Rose & Friends Foundation (blog).

All in all, nice one Mark, Maureen, family & colleagues!

St Michael's Hospice Coffee Morning & Bazaar

There will be the monthly Coffee Morning and Bazaar at St Michael's Hospice tomorrow morning,  from 10.15am to noon, (Saturday the 6th of January 2018), Upper Maze Hill TN38 0LB. As the poster says, pick up some bargains and enjoy the homemade cakes, not to forget contributing to a well-deserving cause.

Saturday 9th December...

As we all know, there's always something going on in Hastings, so I shall just pick out a few events this Saturday starting with St Michael's Hospice's Christmas on the Coast at the Stade Hall in Hastings Old Town, from 11am to 4pm. The event itself is free, though with parts that cost, eg raffle, tombola and stalls, and is mostly child-oriented, though with something for everyone so adults shouldn't be bored; further information can be found at St Michael's website.

For children aged between 4 and 8 years old, during the afternoon from 2.30 to 4.30pm, Hastings Winkle Club are hosting the Children's Christmas at East Hastings Sea Angling Association's Function Room, at the Stade opposite the Lifeboat Station. For further information go to the Winkle Club's facebook page.

Then, in the evening, from 7.30pm, is the Christmas Soul Party, featuring live bands in aid of St Michael's Hospice and 'Surviving Christmas' at St Mary in the Castle; tickets £10 on the door, but can be purchased for £8.50 at Hastings Tourist Information Centre, Muriel Matters House, beforehand (I believe it closes at 5pm). For further information go to St Michael's website.

Truly, something for everyone, have fun!

A Quiet(er) Weekend in Hastings...

To help fund St Michael's Hospice, a dozen private gardens are opening in the Old Town to the public today, from 10.30am to 4pm for just £5, which can be paid at any of the gardens, and maps are available too (sponsored by Crest House). Whether in the twittens or main thoroughfares, and there are some short steep walks as you would expect in the old town, you will see terraces, ponds, flowers and shrubs, rowan and olive trees, art and stunning views, and so much more! Go to the hospice website for full details, and well worth your support, as well as enjoyment.

Meanwhile, over at Hastings Pier, the National Pier of the Year has been nominated for the country's top architecture award, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize. The 49 winners of the 2017 National awards were whittled down to 6 contenders, including Hastings Pier (see website for further information), good luck to the Pier! Whilst talking about the pier, the Pavilion has still not opened for food, though drinks are being provided there, and food can be obtained from the Upper Deck and at the smaller kiosks/huts. Events this weekend include Family Workshops, and the film Grease is being shown this evening from 8.15pm (see website).

And so much more around town, museums and parks, music and pubs, the castle and aquarium, and promenading along the seafront, whatever, enjoy your weekend!

Poly Styrene Exhibition

There is an exhibition in the crypt of St Mary in the Castle until the 30th June regarding Poly Styrene, lead singer and founder of the, primarily, 1970s punk band X-ray Spex, who wrote and sang iconic punk songs such as Identity (youtube) and Germ Free Adolescents (youtube). Now, I know about her, well, because I am of a certain age, but I was surprised to hear from 2 younger women I know that they had never heard of her!

So, who was Poly Styrene (misspelt 'Steryne' by St Mary's, not sure why)? She was born Marianne Joan Elliott-Said in Bromley in 1957, and was brought up in Brixton, London. Her links to Hastings? Well, her mother came from Hastings, though of celtic stock (Marianne's father was Somali), she was inspired to form the band X-ray Spex after seeing the Sex Pistols play on Hastings Pier in 1976, and she moved to an end of terrace house in St Leonards in her later life, enjoying riding along the promenade on her scooter.

Poly Styrene was a rebel, no doubt, she left home at 15 for two or three years visiting music festivals and hitchhiking around the country, after her first experience of punk, seeing the Sex Pistols in 1976, X-ray Spex brought out their debut single in September 1977, the anti-consumerism, anti-misogyny, anti-racist, Oh Bondage! Up Yours! I'd suggest you don't click on any video links here if you can't cope with bad language or more liberal views of life, but this was punk, after all; youtube link. 

Poly Styrene developed breast cancer, which spread to her spine and lungs, and died whilst in St Michael's Hospice, St Leonards, in 2011. Her daughter, Celeste Bell, herself a singer in the mode of her once classically trained mother, has been involved in the writing of the documentary Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliche, and a biography is due out next year; see her Guardian article written earlier this year.

Sadly, I missed the play Highly Inflammable, but you can still get into the exhibition at St Mary in the Castle until Friday 30th June 2017, 10am to 4pm; see website.

Poly Styrene, Marianne, 1957-2011, R.I.P. 😢 

St Leonards Gardens

We are, indeed, very lucky in Hastings, with beautiful countryside within easy walking distance, the seafront, and 2 excellently designed gardens; Alexandra Park (see previous blogs) and St Leonards Gardens. Pictured here is the South Lodge, Grade II listed, and divided by the doric arch with its fluted doric columns, half private residence, half home to the Burton St Leonards Society, and open to the public at these times:

Wednesdays, 11-2pm;

Saturdays, 11-4pm;

Sundays, 1-3pm.

Situated behind what was James Burton's St Leonards Hotel in 1828, but renamed the Royal Victoria Hotel following the young princess's visit. Burton bought part of Gensing Farm for his dream of a seaside resort for wealthy visitors, and so, Burton St Leonards was created. Burton was strongly influenced by John Nash for his design of the gardens, which were designed for those inhabiting, or visiting, the nearby villas or hotel that he built, consequently, the gardens were not free for public access, but could only be enjoyed by subscription payers, as they were the property of the Burton family!

They remained 'subscription' gardens until Hastings Corporation bought them in 1880, opening them up to the public, and renaming them St Leonards Gardens. Happily for me, and yourselves, they remain owned by Hastings Borough Council, were more recently renovated with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and are a pleasure to walk through, and spend time contemplating, whilst sitting on one of the many benches.

Whilst sitting by the pond, chatting with the gardener, Denis, who was busy planting young shrubs and herbaceous plants, I spotted 2 moorhens and their 6 chicks walking across the lily pads, though they shot off every time I approached to try and take a photograph! The pond has a very interesting wildlife, and Dennis said they get a monthly visit from a heron, and every now and then a cormorant may enjoy a visit too...

So, I wandered uphill, after thanking Denis for the information he had shared, and promising to pass on a message to a friend we have in common. When I looked back southwards towards the sea, I had to take another photograph, though the sea view is blocked by the South Lodge and Royal Victoria Hotel, whatever, such a beautiful day!

Still lovely walking uphill, so, another wee stop to enjoy the peaceful environment...

St Leonards Gardens has an interesting wildlife presence, and within the exquisitely designed beds is a mixture of exotic, and more local, trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants and flowers, indeed, you can enjoy a mixture of colours all the year round.

On leaving the gardens onto Maze Hill you come to the North Lodge, just below St Michael's Hospice. This is another building with an interesting history and list of visitors, notably with a blue plaque celebrating Sir Henry Rider Haggard, who authored King Solomon's Mines, Allan Quatermain and She: A History of Adventure, amongst others, and who lived here from 1918 to 1923.

If you want some peace, give St Leonards Gardens a visit!

For more information about the gardens and St Leonards try this website.

St Michael's Hospice Competition

Capture the Moment competition 2017

St Michael's Hospice competition organisers are asking that people capture special moments in life, and to take part in their photographic, poetry and short story competition; with children's and adult categories. Judges for the competition will include 'world renowned' photographer John Rankin Waddell, Oliver McNeil from Legend Photography, children's poet Brian Moses, and Hospice Celebrity Ambassador Mark Benton. 

The competition deadline is the 31st May 2017; see website.

Hastings Weekend: Pier & Beyond!

After a full weekend with an eclectic mix of music last week, again, areas of the Pier are closed this weekend due to a Pier Jam this Saturday (24th), with 2 outdoor stages and room for 2,500 people to enjoy the DJ talent on display (website); please note that Early Bird tickets are sold out, but Final Release tickets are still available. Also, on the Pier this Sunday, there will be a Wedding Fair from 11.00, and a Wedding Dress Walk, for all those who thought they may never wear their dresses again, starting at 10.00, and in aid of raising funds for St Michael's Hospice (website).

Of course, the Festival of Contemporary Arts, Root 1066, continues with numerous events around town, including The Story of Hastings in 66 Objects at the Museum, I Am A Norman, seven Hastings choirs performing Barefoot Opera/CLASH in the atrium at Sussex Coast College, and the Feast of the Dead at the Stade Hall has its final performance on Sunday evening; see website for full details.

And, if you want to go a bit further afield and partake in some exercise, the annual Sussex Walking Festival starts this weekend, 24th September to 2nd of October 2016, a joint event that is organised by Eastbourne Borough Council and Wealdon District Council. For full details of a wide variety of walks, and variety of difficulty and length, go to the Sussex Walking Festival website.

Whatever you do this weekend, either partaking in these specific events, visiting the beach, castle, aquarium, museums, restaurants, pubs and clubs and music, or whatever, enjoy!

St Michael's Hospice Phoenix Appeal

Following the fatal fire at St Michael's Hospice, reported last year, since when residents have had to be cared for elsewhere, the Hospice has now announced their Phoenix Appeal to help pay for the rebuild of the hospice building at St Leonards.   

Their Chief Executive, Celia Pyke-Lees, announced that the total cost of the rebuild would be £4 million; about £1 million of that will be met by insurers, and £2 million from their own reserves, leaving a target figure of £1 million still required. 

Knowing the propensity of Hastings folk to meet challenges, notably with such important local charities, I have little doubt the target will be met; for more information, go to the St Michael's Hospice website.    

St Michaels: Christmas on the Coast tomorrow!

The St Michaels Hospice charity event: Christmas on the Coast is tomorrow,  Saturday 12th, and includes Santa's Wacky Sleigh Race!

The event starts at 10.00 at the Stade, with the race starting at 11.00, commencing at the Stade, then to the Pier and back, have fun!

For more details go to the hospice website.

St Michael's Hospice Fabulously Vintage Fair

If you fancy a break this Saturday from Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival, or want to go there on Sunday, or just fancy a drive out, then this year, the St Michael's Hospice Fabulously Vintage Fair is being held in Bodiam on 19th from 10am to 4pm; see website.

6th September - Concert for St Michael's Hospice - PLUS!

A great variety of music tomorrow, at the White Rock Theatre, starting at 3pm (see website). I also have it, on very good authority, that 'real ale', from the local FILO Brewery, is being introduced to the bar this weekend; likely FILO Gold and Crofters Best Bitter. 

    

Also, don't forget that the Lifeboat Open Day is tomorrow as well, you could visit the lifeboat station before going to the White Rock Theatre! See their website. 

Today, at St Michael's Hospice!

From the Hospice's facebook page: 

We'll be cheering Gary Baxter over the finish line at the Hospice this evening, with an ETA of 6pm. We'd love to see you at the Hospice from 6pm to cheer with us!

Gary will be completing 380 miles, non stop, from Newcastle to Hastings and we'll be celebrating with him as he gets to the Hospice. There will be live music, nibbles and much more to celebrate his incredible achievement.

Gary is cycling in aid of the Hospice and Macmillan Nurses, who cared for his aunt and grandparents and in support of his Mum. Gary's Mum, who has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, has just received some fantastic news that the chemotherapy seems to be working. We're really pleased for Gary and his family and wish them all the best.

Hospice Fire update...

Irene Dibben, chairwoman of St Michael's Hospice, has been reported to say that the consequences of the 11 July fire have been "quite major", and the hospice may take up to a year to reopen (BBC), though nothing has been recorded to this effect on their own website, to date.  

Meanwhile, numerous local fund-raising schemes for the hospice continue to evolve, including many organised by local people, and businesses and shops; eg a Concert for St Michael's, featuring a variety of local music, on 6th September at the White Rock Theatre (website), and the 1066 Charity Walk on 27th September (Hospice website). 

Keep up the excellent work people of Hastings!  

Thank you from St Michael's Hospice...

The warmth and generosity of people is ever present, as exemplified by the recent donations and support given to the hospice in recent times (website).

St Michael's Hospice: Updated Statement.

"The fire, ambulance and police services all declared the fire a major incident and 23 palliative care patients with life-limiting illnesses and nine staff were all successfully evacuated. The patients were moved to the Conquest Hospital and neighbouring care homes, accompanied by members of nursing staff. Sadly, after the evacuation one of our patients, a 78 year old woman, passed away. A coroners report is yet to determine if this was a direct result of the fire.

We are also very sad to announce that 2 of our patients with life-limiting illnesses, a woman aged 62 and an 81-year-old man who were being treated for smoke inhalation at the Conquest Hospital, St Leonards on Sea, have subsequently passed away.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with all of their family and friends at this very difficult time. A 67-year-old St Leonards on Sea man, who is known to the Hospice, was arrested on Saturday 11 July on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He has now been further arrested on Sunday 12 July on two counts of murder.  

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: "This is an extremely difficult time for the residents and staff of St Michael's Hospice and for the families of the residents who have sadly passed away".

Celia Pyke-Lees, Chief Executive of St Michael's Hospice said: "We are extremely grateful to the police, fire services, local care homes and the hospital for their support. We would also like to extend our thanks to all staff, volunteers and supporters for all their support. Thank you for all your kind donations received so far which are helping us make our patients more comfortable." 

We are currently waiting for the Police to hand the building back to us and a structural engineer will then visit to assess the building so future plans can be developed. The Hospice will continue to update it's website and social media to keep you informed of any future development. 

For any urgent clinical / patient enquiries call the Head of Clinical Services on 07827 912570. For any other urgent enquires call the Head of Marketing on 07827 912621." 

Note: I believe the previous request for emergency items has now been fulfilled many times over, well done Hastings! 

R.I.P.