Carnival: Tuesday 1st August 2017

Although it hasn't been advertised as such, just as a 'Bike Race' up Crown Lane, what has previously been known as the Jimmy Read Memorial Bike Race, is the culmination of Tuesday's carnival events, starting at 5.30pm. Also in the evening is a 'Blessing of the Animals' at All Saints Church at 6.30pm, and a 'Ghost Walk' starting at Butler's Gap, George Street, at 7.30pm.

Earlier in the day there is an 'Open Day' at Hastings Lifeboat Station (11am to 2pm), a Talk and a Tour, an Open Garden, and a Hot and Cold Buffet Lunch. Plus guided walks: 'Foyles Walk' meets at the Shipwreck Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road, at 1.30pm; 'Original Old Town Walk' meets by the top of the lift on West Hill at 2.30pm; 'Twittens and Cat Creeps Walk' meets at the Shipwreck Museum, 3.15pm. 

For more detailed information go to the Carnival website, enjoy!

Carnival: Monday 31st of July

Plenty happening again today, even Mondays are busy during Hastings Old Town Carnival Week! Walks plus plus, including, today, another Stade Guided Walk (meet at Hastings Fishermen's Museum in Rock-a-Nore Road at 11am), Exploring Lost Roads of the Old Town (meet at Hastings History House in Courthouse Street at 2pm), and a Ghost Walk (meet at Butler's Gap, George Street, at 7.30pm). Plus, a Coffee Morning with Stalls 10.30am to 12.30pm, and the Old Town Treasure Trail from 6.30pm, and an Organ Concert at All Saints Church from 7.30pm.

In addition, much happening in Courthouse Street, between High Street and The Bourne, including the Cheese & Wine Extravaganza from 12 noon onwards, I've always enjoyed, and proceeds going towards charity, of course, plus the annual Seaboot Race! See the Carnival website for further details... 

Apologies for the photograph I took yesterday (top) looking down at Rock-a-Nore Road, but I was focussing on the Stacey Marie, the horizon therefore, is a wee bit skew whiff!

Stan Pepper R.I.P.

I noticed that the Red Ensign outside the Fishermen's Museum was at half-mast this morning, so went down and had a chat with Peter there. The Red Ensign is flown at half-mast by the Museum when a fisherman dies and until their funeral, and this time it was for Squeaky's (Pete Pepper, who died late last year, see blog) brother, Stan. 

Stan Pepper R.I.P. 

Carnival: Sunday 30th July 2017

And it carries on... with special church services, guided walks (Stade Walk, Foyles Walk, Twittens & Cat Creeps Walk), Coffee in the Garden, Family Barbecue & Picnic, and the Big Beach Breakfast with music from 10am to 12.30 at the Stade Open Space (website). Not to mention the Hastings Fishermen's Museum Exhibition from 10am to 5pm, and from 11am, Hastings Net Shops Museum (until 2pm) and the Hastings History House Exhibition (until 4pm) and plenty going on in Courthouse St.

Plus! Film shows at the Stade Hall (I Love this Town and The Ghost of Dunkirk), yet more music with the Nearly on the Beach Concert from 1pm to 7pm, and (why I've included a photograph of Winkle Island above) Winkle Tossing from 2pm to 4pm at Winkle Island, extraordinary traditional Hastings fun!

More details at the Carnival website, enjoy your day!

Many Police About?

A heavy police presence in Hastings Old Town yesterday gave evidence that the Home Secretary, and Hastings MP, was in town for the Old Town Carnival; at least 5 police officers, and a police vehicle can be seen in this photograph taken yesterday midday!

Today+, Priory Meadow celebrates too!

Today, and until the 3rd of September, Priory Meadow joins in the celebrating in Hastings, and people are being asked to join them, between Saturday 29th July and Sunday 3rd September 10am to 4pm in Queens Square where they will be celebrating their 20th birthday with a variety of family fun activities including:

"A-MAZE-ING FUN, 29th July - 19th August
The summer celebrations will start with the official opening of a giant MAZE. Navigate through the maze to the end in order to find our birthday surprise! Attend the launch on the 29th July and you may even come across the Queen!  £3 ENTRY.

HIGH FLYING ZIP WIRE, 21st August - 25th August
Hastings’ high flyers will be in for a real treat. It’s time for some thrill-seeking family fun! We will install a 10m high zip line from one end of Queens Square to the other. This will create a truly unique experience and allow you to see your favourite stores from a completely new angle! £4 A RIDE

KIDDIE RIDES, 26th August - 3rd September
Come enjoy our bungee trampolines, tea cups and more!"

They state there will be plenty of treats and goodies to giveaway!

Old Town Carnival: Saturday 29th July 2017

I tend to think the Old Town Carnival begins with the Tug-O-War in front of the Lifeboat Station (land side) at 10.30am on the Saturday, though beware of the Miniature Railway! But there will be a number of other events already happening, including the Coastguard Station Open Day, Rock-a-Nore Road, 10am to 4pm; Car Boot Sale at the Stables Theatre (10am to 1pm); and numerous other exhibitions and fairs; see website for full details of Saturday's events.

There are also numerous guided walks this coming week, including the Old Hastings Preservation Society's Stade Walk, meeting up at 11am outside the Fishermen's Museum. Sturdy walking shoes are advised, and, seeing the weather forecast, it may be worth wearing/carrying wet weather protective clothing; the guided walk is free, but a donation to the Fishermen's Museum would be appreciated, many thanks. 

The crowning of the Carnival Queen is planned for 12 noon on the stage at the Stade Open Space, quickly followed by the official Opening Ceremony of Hastings Old Town Carnival Week at the Fishermen's Museum, Rock-a-Nore Road, at 12 noon, or 12.30pm, depending on where you look (I'm guessing they'll get the coronation over with first!). The Union Flag will be raised up the Museum's flagstaff, and various local 'dignitaries' will be present, no doubt Mayor included, and who knows who else?!?

Plenty more happening, of course, and from 2pm until 8pm is the free "Nearly on the Beach" Concert, though collection boxes will be all over the place in support of Hastings RNLI, Pett Level Rescue, and Hastings Sea Cadets, so have plenty of small change, at least, available!

I presume the FILO will be providing a bar, as usual, but remember to look at the Carnival website, as there are many other things going on, so enjoy the fun!

Hastings Old Town Carnival Week...

Hastings Old Town Carnival Week starts this evening, and events cover 10 days in fact! This evening, registering at Reeves Corner, High Street, at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, will be the annual Old Town Criers Competition. 

More details can be found at the Carnival website; the bells, the BELLS!

Dog Grooming!?!

Now, I don't have a dog, and I don't accept advertising (you'll notice I don't allow the blog provider to advertise on my blog, either, but if they do, ever, please let me know, cheers!), but a friend regularly uses the same "Dog Groomer", so, why not share his positive opinion of Pawsitive Pet Grooming (website)?!? The dog in the photograph isn't mine, I have no pets, except a spider or two, but she's his, or he is her's, and looking up at her master with devotion... though the leg is mine! 😉 

Any tips or recommendations, and I'm usually happy to share, depending...

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!

Southern Railway: Good News?!?

The three strike days at the beginning of August planned by Aslef, and their 'work to rule', and the RMT's one planned strike day, have all been called off following "constructive talks" with the Government! I've regularly said that the Southern Railway industrial action is all about political interference by the Government and it's taken over a year for this to be potentially sorted out, by the Government, maybe... See, for example, my latest blog on the subject.

Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling MP, said "We're doing everything we can to resolve the situation... and get passengers the high quality rail services that they deserve." Whilst Aslef appear less positive, though did say the talks were "proactive" and that "Further talks are planned with both the company (Govia/Southern) and then the minister." So, 'monkey' first, and then talk to the 'organ grinder.' See BBC. 

I'd suggest, wait and see...

Added since, now the RMT have "full and frank" talks, their general secretary, Mick Cash stating that the Transport Secretary has a "clear understanding of the RMT position, Grayling said "We want more people helping passengers... not fewer." For more information see BBC.

Conservation Area Consultation: Still Time, Just!

You still have until tomorrow (Friday 21st) to make your views known on the Hastings Central Conservation Area Appraisal Consultation, so,  if you want to, hurry up! 😉

Go to Council website for more details and form.

R.I.P. 'Popeye'

Sadly, local character Popeye, real name Ron Everett, died on Tuesday 18th (aged 86), our thoughts are with his family and friends. He will certainly be missed along George Street cafes and at Hastings events, R.I.P.

Many thanks to our roving photographer, Marcus, for this photograph.

Regular Tuesday Guided Walk + Music

This afternoon, Tuesday 18th July, feel free to join the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) for their regular Tuesday walking tour of Hastings Old Town, the "premier ancient Cinque Port" meeting up at 2.30pm by the top of the West Hill lift. In the old town there is a wealth of historic buildings, twittens and cat-creeps to explore; you will also find out why celebrities of their day, eg the Pre-Raphaelites, flocked to Hastings; indeed, contemporary celebrities still do! A volunteer guide will lead the walk, which proceeds gently downhill, but, be careful, there are steps to manage here and there. The walk lasts about 2 hours and is provided free, but the OHPS would be very grateful for all donations given, many thanks, see their website.

It's worth wearing comfortable walking shoes and, as the forecast suggests sunshine, wearing factor 50 (or whatever level you wear, for me, it's factor 50!) may well be handy... Enjoy the afternoon!

This evening, after 9pm, and there is the regular Oirish diddly dee music at the Dolphin Inn, opposite the Stacey Marie RX134 (facebook); indeed, every Tuesday evening you can hear, mostly, non-vocal traditional music. Of course, there is music all over town, most days, so keep an eye, and/or ear, open for sounds, enjoy the evening too!

£6.6billion worth of contracts!?!

"The winners of £6.6bn worth of contracts to build the first phase of HS2 between London and Birmingham have been announced by the government." See BBC: £6.6BILLION!!!! All this money being offered out to tender by the Government, and they can't even run a decent rail service on the already existing routes of Southern Railway, I'm dismayed! 

It certainly is time to take the franchise away from Southern/Govia, and to nationalise our local line, if not all the railway companies!

Some Pirate Day Photographs 2017

Mods were here too, early doors

Bunting up at the Trader

Preparing the Stade Open Space

Looking across from Stacey Marie (facebook)

The Stacey Marie RX134

Drummers passing the Cinque Ports Arms

In the Cinque Ports

Still action at the Stade

Pirate Family escaping!

That's all folks!

Pirate Day 2017 - Sunday 16th July...

OK, there's always plenty happening in Hastings every weekend, but this weekend, events are likely to be dominated by Pirate Day on Sunday and, despite it not being a year needed to count the pirates in town (yet again, as Penzance still hasn't caught up with the Hastings' record of 14,231 achieved in 2012), Roger Crouch returns as organiser to ensure that much pirate fun will be there for young and old; see website.

And it's not just another event dominated by the 'old town' as plenty is going on from the end of Rock-a-Nore Road at the Blue Reef Aquarium, all the way to Grosvenor Gardens and the Bo Peep Inn, where I've been told pirate flags are flying already! The old town will see mermaids, shanty songs and drums; Hastings Lifeboat has an exercise launch at 09.00am and Pirate Day Refreshments from 11.00am; Pelham Beach will see free-fall parachuting and flags; the town centre and Priory Meadow will see music and workshops; the Pier and White Rock Theatre will see a treasure hunt and children's entertainment; then there will be 'Treasure Island' at St Leonards Warrior Square... Not to mention the procession, Punch & Judy, sword fighting, pirate films, and much more, and, of course much rum me 'arties!

Have piratical fun! 💀 

The Southern Railway Fiasco Trundles On!

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that the owners of Southern Railway, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), have been fined £13.4m for poor performance, explaining that the fine would have been higher, but most delays had not been the fault of the railway company! The transport secretary, Chris Grayling said that the £13.4m was to be spent on performance and passenger improvements, including £4m to fund 50 on-board supervisors over the next two years, adding that passengers had "been badly let down." Indeed, the train operator now runs only three-quarters of the trains that were run a year ago by Southern!

The Association of British Commuters (ABC) had taken legal action seeking a judicial review, as detailed in a previous blog. They had argued that ministers had acted unlawfully by failing to determine whether managers had breached franchise obligations. However, Mr Justice Ouseley said he would not grant a judicial review on the understanding that Mr Grayling would come to a decision over the Southern rail crisis by 13 July, well, he's come to a decision! Emily Yates, of ABC, said the fine "doesn't really touch the sides of this whole issue. This is a token £13.4m fine presented as an improvement package." See report.

However, the drivers' union, Aslef, continues with its own 'work to rule' or overtime ban, and, following a vote of all members, has called for strikes on Tuesday 1st, Wednesday 2nd, and Friday 4th of August 2017; see report. 

So, the Government, which has been funding Southern/GTR's escalating industrial conflict with the drivers' and conductors' unions, Aslef and the RMT, 'fines' the company, but gives the money back to them for 'performance and passenger improvements.' No solution has been found to ABC's assertion that the company has continued to 'breach franchise obligations' and Grayling retains his job, as do GTR retain the franchise. Meanwhile, customers who use Southern Railway, when possible, continue to receive a worsening service...

It's time to sack the Transport Secretary, who obviously cannot do his job without politically interfering in the industrial conflict, thus making it worse, and it's time to take the franchise away from GTR and re-nationalise Southern Railway, and quickly please!

Hastings Pier Update

Update from the most recent Hastings Pier Charity Newsletter:

The Pavilion
As you may be aware, we have been experiencing some unexpected technical difficulties with the catering launch. We have been working hard to alleviate these issues, but have had to extend The Pavilion's closure until this weekend.

The Pavilion will reopen with a bar service only (no food) from Saturday until we become fully operational, hopefully by the end of next week. We will keep you fully informed of any developments.

The Upper Deck Bar
The Upper Deck Bar will be serving our taster menu and a variety of drinks every day from 10am Wednesday - Friday this week. On Wednesday last orders will be at 4.30pm (owing to the pier's early closure - see below), and on Thursday and Friday last orders will be at 9.30pm.

The Upper Deck Bar will be open every day from Monday 17th July.

Wednesday 12th July
Hastings Pier will close at 5.30pm this Wednesday for a private event.

Saturday 15th July
The Upper Deck Bar, Pier Head and Central Section will be closed to the public this Saturday for Zooquarium Music Festival. Tickets are only £15 for the whole afternoon/evening - book your tickets here.

Sunday 16th July
The Upper Deck Bar will be open to Pirate Day VIP Deck ticket holders only this Sunday. VIP ticket holders will enjoy meet and greets, prosecco, canapes and the best seats in the house (£20 per adult and £7 per child, plus booking fee). Limited to 100 people so get yours quick - book your tickets here.

Kiosks
A variety of food and drink is also available from the Pelican, Cut & Grill and Billycan Coffee kiosks (opening times vary).

Memories and Birch Rooms
The Memories and Birch Rooms are closed all this week for events and will reopen next week. Please feel free to explore the pier's heritage with our On The Spot trail and Digital Touchtable in the meantime - both are available in our Hastings Pier Shop.

Tomorrow afternoon, Tuesday 11th July, it wouldn't be a bad idea to join the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) for their regular Tuesday walking tour of Hastings Old Town, the "premier ancient Cinque Port." Meet up at 2.30pm by the top of the West Hill lift. In the old town there is a wealth of historic buildings, twittens and cat-creeps to explore; you will also find out why celebrities of their day, eg the Pre-Raphaelites, flocked to Hastings; indeed, contemporary celebrities still do! A volunteer guide will lead the walk, which proceeds gently downhill, but, be careful, there are steps to manage too... The walk lasts about 2 hours and is provided free, but the OHPS would be very grateful for donations, many thanks, see their website.

It's worth wearing comfortable walking shoes and, it may just be a wee bit damp, but probably not in the afternoon, says the forecast... whatever, enjoy the afternoon!

Southern Railway: Industrial Action Today...

There is RMT (conductors) industrial action today, in addition to the ongoing 'work to rule' being carried out by Aslef (drivers). Probably best to travel by South Eastern if heading for London, though, should you wish to check up on planned railway services from Southern, you can refer to their website, good luck!

Council Watch: Conservation Areas Public Consultation

Hastings Borough Council is reviewing the existing Hastings Town Centre, White Rock and 'Old Town' conservation areas, including the Pier, Hastings Castle, the Pelham group of buildings and Wellington Square. Before they finalise the document, they would like your views on the draft Appraisal and Management Plan, go for it! See website to make your opinion known, I already have!

Busy, busy, busy, this weekend!

To start with, and it may appear a few days late, but the America Ground features its annual Independents Day today (Saturday 8th July) from 10am, celebrating independent businesses, creativity, thought, music, and art in the area. Head for the America Ground around Robertson Street, Trinity Street and Claremont; see website.

Around the corner, on Hastings Pier, the Pavilion Restaurant reopens today under new management (the Hastings Pier Charity going in-house now), and the extended Summer Opening Times begin too: 10am to 10pm (website). In addition to the usual Pier facilities, promenading, and events, there is also a Classic Car Boot Sale on both weekend days from 10am, with vintage fashion and accessories, homeware, collectables, vinyl records and much more (website).

Meanwhile, back to the old town and the Stade Open Space, and enter the 2017 Midsummer Fish Festival, with music, local wines and ales, cooking demonstrations, and, oh yes, fish! Since losing funding from the European Fisheries Fund a small entry fee is charged, £1 (for the whole weekend) available from the tourist centre at Muriel Matters House, or £2 on the door; under 18s get in free (website).

Meeting at the Fishermen's Museum in Rock-a-Nore Road at 11am both days, and you can take guided walks of the Stade with Old Hastings Preservation Society guides, exploring the Stade Fishing Quarter, and discovering the history of Hastings' sustainable fishing industry; the walks last about 90 minutes (website). Wearing strong shoes is advised as you will be walking on pebbles and uneven ground and, although the walks are free, donations to Hastings Fishermen's Museum are very much welcomed, many thanks! 

Of course there's much more around town, music, food and pubs, museums and parks, and, not to forget, as I wrote yesterday, the last day of the Hastings Beer & Music Festival (website) with its Family Day today. Have fun!

Hastings Beer & Music Festival 2017

The, for charity, Hastings Beer & Music Festival is now on, and, if you weren't aware, it has moved away from Alexandra Park and is now on at a new venue, The Oval TN34 1EU, on the other side of Bohemia Road and up from the Museum & Art Gallery, and opposite Summerfields; see website for full details and more information about this charity event, Family Day on Saturday.

Not a great banner on the Pier (above), apparently it started yesterday! 😮

Lifeboat exercise abandoned...

The lifeboat exercise on Wednesday was cancelled due to a call out, next launch planned for Sunday 16th July... Also, Pirate Day!  

Lifeboats Exercise Launch this evening...

Subject to operations, of course, this evening will see the fortnightly exercise of both Hastings' lifeboats from 18.00 to 20.00 hours. - Due to a service call out, the exercise was abandoned, next planned for Sunday 16th July, Pirate Day!

Also, happy to report that £1,088.23 was raised at the Open Day on Sunday, nice one!

Southern Railway: Is a compromise possible?

The RMT (conductors union) are putting forward a proposal to try to make a compromise with Govia Thameslink, the company who run Southern Railway at the moment, and are meeting with Members of Parliament for support of their proposal. The RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: "We will be telling MPs that we are hoping the company will reconsider our proposal for a trial six-month period of an accessibility guarantee... We would hope that they would agree to this sensible proposal as the Association of Train Operating Companies consultant's report has said train companies should guarantee a second person to comply with their legal obligations."

RMT members on Southern will stage a fresh strike next Monday, while Aslef (the drivers) continue with their 'work to rule', ie not working overtime.

See BBC website for more.

More Art on the Beach... with Pebbles!

I took these photographs yesterday morning below St Leonards, so I'm guessing they are something to do with the St Leonards Festival over the weekend...

Quite a few more too, nice one, or twelve!

This afternoon, Tuesday 4th July, you can join the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) for a walking tour of Hastings Old Town, the "premier ancient Cinque Port," meeting up at 2.30pm by the top of the West Hill lift. There is a wealth of historic buildings, twittens and cat-creeps to see around Hastings old town, and you will find out why celebrities of their day did, and still do, flock to Hastings. A volunteer guide will lead the walk, which proceeds gently downhill, but there are steps to manage too. The walk lasts about 2 hours and is free, but the OHPS would be very grateful for donations, many thanks, see their website.

I'd suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes and, should you have skin like mine, don't forget the factor 50 and a hat as a blue sky is forecast, enjoy the day!

Made me giggle, but good advice...

I was reminded of this image from a few years ago, made me giggle, but we do have problems with dog mess around town, and that's not amusing!