Old Town Hall & Mental Health Initiative

 

I have written about Hastings Old Town Hall (and Museum) many times, eg blog about its history and it closing down, sadly, as a museum, but the latest initiative comes from Eggtooth (website), with their plan to reopen the building as a community hub, The Nest. The Nest will be home to Eggtooth's mental health and well-being service, focussing on the whole community, a creative event space and venue, provide training for younger people with barriers to employment, and with an alcohol-free bar.

Eggtooth remind us that Hastings is ranked the 13th most deprived local authority area in England, with high unemployment, particularly among younger people, and with limited employment opportunities for those younger people. Another purpose of The Nest will be to help change this, providing training opportunities, personal mentoring and fully funded therapeutic sessions.

There is currently a Crowdfunder online to help fund this worthy project, should you wish to support this, please go to Crowdfunder and donate or share, many thanks.

Albion Plays On...

No, not Brighton & Hove Albion, though they have, but I was shown round the Albion in George Street yesterday by Adam, cheers! There's still some work to be completed, but it's looking very good, indeed, eg the new fascia...

Rebuilt in the 19th century, as I wrote recently, and signs of the Victorian influence can be seen around the building, including unveiled William Morris wallpaper upstairs; to acknowledge the historical Arts & Crafts features, they have commissioned bespoke wallpaper in an appropriate style, which includes images of Hastings Castle too! This original wallpaper is in the larger room at the back/opposite the seafront, whilst the tartan and wood panels from the Youngers time here, and the newly built stage, remain in the George Street bar.

6 handpumps, for those who like their ale (like me); yesterday there were 4 different ales available, East Sussex brewed Harveys Sussex Best and Dark Star Hophead, plus Timothy Taylors Landlord and Theakstons Old Peculiar. I was assured that the availability of more local ales is being looked into, cheers!