Happy New Year!

Here's wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous 2019, Best Wishes to you all!

Good News and Dolphin Sightings 2018!

The Sussex Wildlife Trust has announced that there have been 18 Cetacean (collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoises) sightings reported to the Brighton Dolphin Project in 2018 (website). This includes 10 bottlenose dolphin, 3 common dolphin, 1 harbour porpoise and 4 unidentified cetacean sightings. Indeed, when kayaking across to France in order to raise money for the Elsie-Rose & Friends Foundation (blog), Mark reported seeing 2 pods of porpoises accompanying them for part of their journey, so plenty of cetaceans around the Sussex and Kent coasts! 

If you wish to add to the records of the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre based at the Sussex Wildlife Trust, please go to their website, many thanks.

Jim Breeds, many thanks!

I'm having a technical problem and cannot make a comment with my laptop! I have suitably amended the blog, and am grateful, and I do appreciate the humour! 😁

Hastings Pier Confirmation: Closed until March 2019!

Sorry about going on about Hastings Pier, but the story just gets worse! Now it has been confirmed that the Pier will "remain closed until March 2019 to allow time for essential repairs and improvements to be carried out" (Hastings Pier facebook page); though they keep changing what's written on that page, plus are deleting comments made by the Hastings community, so expect an evolving message!

All the staff did resign, and walk out united as one because they had been treated with "disrespect" by their employer and were not paid their due wages until very late, Christmas Eve to be exact. It has been reported they all have a new job, except for one, and he appears confident he will get one soon, and "we all appreciate the support... and anything about repairs and lies to cover the fact of how badly we were treated" (Where do we go from Pier? facebook page). There you have it about the staff, and their treatment by, and their suspicions of, their very dodgy employer, which is not good; but our very best wishes for the future for all those staff who suffered, effectively, constructive dismissals (Government website), think about that... 😉

It will be interesting to see if it does reopen in March 2019... Happy New Year!

Sad News... Jimmy Toller R.I.P.

I've just heard the sad news that retired Hastings fisherman Jimmy 'Toller' Adams has died... The funeral has been arranged for 2pm on Friday 18th January 2019 at Hastings Crematorium on The Ridge, and the wake will be afterwards back down at the Stade in East Hastings Sea Angling Association club.

Jim has always been a pleasure to chat with since I first met him, and has taught me most of my limited knowledge about fishing and Hastings. Above he is photographed next to his old boat, the Dorothy Melinda RX53, now docked outside Hastings Railway Station (blog from 2015). I have already been missing him, R.I.P. Jim...

Hastings Pier Yet Again!

It's still closed, there's a surprise, not, but Gulzar's fake Lord buddy, who appears to be his PR guru, has stated on twitter that Hastings Pier is closed because some staff had resigned (elsewhere says they all walked out because they hadn't been paid their wages! Though they appear to have been paid it after the due date, as I've said before). More importantly, because of "necessary repair work" (and we all know how any repair work missed has arisen, if this is true, don't we?!? Because the 2 person maintenance team came into conflict with Gulzar/his company and were given the boot/suffered from constructive dismissal/whatever, they don't work there anymore! 

The bottom line? Hastings Pier is so obviously being mismanaged, and the Christmas Opening Times we were waiting for? A figment... Don't expect the Pier to reopen anytime soon, the owners have no concrete plan for its future, and likely have no money to actually improve the Pier, consequently, very happy to not have to pay wages to staff. Maybe there should be a sweepstake on when it will be put up for sale, just suggesting... What a sad mess for this wonderful award-winning structure!

So, who did benefit from a stuffed brown envelope? 😯

And the weather is now perfect to promenade along the Pier!

Still Closed...

Further to my blog the other day, I have just come from Hastings Pier and it remains closed! I've been advised that staff were paid their late wages at the eleventh hour, though not sure how much allegiance the Pier owner/s now have from staff, but I so hope it was true that they did receive the appropriate remuneration, and that their taxes and national insurance were paid by the owner too.

The weather isn't exactly bright, but no wind to speak of, indeed, hardly a breeze, so no obvious reason for the Pier to remain closed... and Hastings Library is open, as I am, at the moment, using a computer in the library from which to post this blog, cheers!



STOP PRESS!

Apparently Pier staff were paid yesterday, hoping that's true... Merry Christmas!

Not Open, Library and Pier Today (24th December)

I meant to say the other day that Hastings Library is closed today, and until Thursday 27th, then closes again on Sunday, as usual, but not opening again until Wednesday 2nd January 2019. Should you wish to borrow books, or use other facilities, such as access to the internet, you'll have to wait until Thursday, sorry.

And Hastings Pier? What can I say, but who knows when it will open again, if ever with the current owner!?! Over recent days it was because of the "weather/strong winds" but today is lovely (above), and with winds of between only 6 and 8 miles per hour... 

Locked!

Now that it is out in the open that only £60,000 was paid for the Pier (at least that is what is recorded with Her Majesty's Land Registry), it appears from sources that staff have not been paid wages and have walked out, meaning no staff to open the Pier (unless he buses in staff from Eastbourne Pier, but not today it seems). So all the promises of Christmas Opening Hours being published were rubbish, and it looks ever more likely his company will go into liquidation so that Mr G can sell the Pier, we'll see...

Oh, and just a reminder of what the Hastings Pier Charity (for all their faults) organised 2 years ago, from 18th November 2016 to 2nd January 2017, a Snow Slide in the centre of the Pier, Pirate Ship, Fun Fair rides, a Christmas Market, and a Christmas Menu in the Pavilion Restaurant, plus 'festive kiosks' (sheds to you and me, all that Mr G has put in planning permission for, sheds!). Now the Pier isn't even open to promenade along though, Merry Christmas!

I'll share some of the ever evolving information about Hastings Pier, Mr Gulzar and his companions and failed businesses very soon, as more information keeps coming out, and not to mention brown envelopes stuffed with banknotes! 😉

Peace and Goodwill to All!

Another year has passed, and I again want to share best wishes and peace and goodwill to all, and particularly thanking those helping to keep us safe and healthy; in Britain that is those working in/for the NHS, RNLI, Coastguard, Ambulance, Police, Fire & Rescue, and any Emergency and Essential Services not already mentioned!

Much Respect.

Don't forget it may be lonely this Christmas...

Again, it is time to remember that, although many people will be celebrating over the coming days, some will not, many being lonely, stressed, and/or isolated, whilst people with long-term or acute mental health problems may lack essential support.

Here is a link providing 12 tips to help with loneliness this Christmas, and don't forget that thousands of Samaritans volunteers will be giving their time over this 'festive season' to listen to people with problems and to provide support (website). The national Samaritans Helpline can be called free on 0800 116123, and Hastings Samaritans are available on 01424 436666 (local charges).

Here's wishing for the people of Hastings and beyond to have an excellent time, but that those who need help and support receive that help and support.

So, Best Wishes and Peace to All, and with many thanks to those who help to keep us safe by working in the NHS and Emergency Services, to those working in other essential services, and to all the volunteers!

Artificial Lakes a Year Apart!

The lake  reported in my blog the other day has been sorted out, as in, it is no more, and it appears it may well have been the same problem as a year ago when, apparently following storm damage to the drainage pipe on the beach that goes into the sea below the Carlisle, a 'lake' appeared in the same place (blog).

This piece of heavy moving equipment on the beach yesterday, plus the rather large piece of pipe next to it, gave me the hint that the problem was probably the same...

Let's hope the problem is really sorted out!

Hastings Foodbank: "Many thanks!"

Hastings Foodbank has published a 'thank you' message (facebook) to all those good enough to donate to them this month: "We've been overwhelmed by your generosity towards local people facing crisis situations." They continue to report that from today their volunteers will be taking 2 weeks off, consequently, there will be no more donations collected during that time, however, please "donate again in January if you can" as they will very likely remain busy in the New Year due to cold weather. 

They end with "Merry Christmas - we hope you have a joyful, peaceful one!"

And many thanks to Hastings Foodbank and you too, for helping local people who require help to feed themselves and their families, often even when they are working! 

Missing Cat - Last seen in St Leonards/Bohemia.

Missing Bengal cat, lost since its humans moved, I believe, and last seen in St Peter's Road, St Leonards/Bohemia, please get in touch by phone if spotted, many thanks!

Yet Another Water Leak!

Walking down behind Jempsons, on my way to the Old Town early this morning, and I quipped to the gentleman cleaning the windows of Jempsons "When did a river start flowing down here?!?" OK...

This is where it flowed from, and the drains couldn't cope with the deluge, but the river came from this lake, by the Carlisle... I thought we had a similar problem earlier this year, but, looking back, it was actually a year ago in December 2017, sort it out for good this time Southern Water, please!

Southern Rail - Planned Engineering Work

Below is the content of an email I received from Southern Rail about planned engineering work into the New Year, good luck if travelling by train this Festive Season. For more information, go to Southern's website. Merry Christmas!

Planned engineering work 22 December - 3 January   Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 December  • All day  Buses will replace trains between Brighton and Littlehampton. Sunday 23 December • All day  No trains to and from London Victoria. We suggest you use alternative Southern trains from London Bridge. • All day We suggest you use alternative London Underground services between London Victoria and London Bridge / London Blackfriars / Balham / Vauxhall and South Western Railway between Clapham Junction and Vauxhall / London Waterloo. • All day  Trains between East Croydon and Milton Keynes Central will not run. We suggest you use alternative London Northwestern Railway and London Overground services. Monday 24 December • All day An amended Saturday timetable will run with services finishing from 20:00. Tuesday 25 December • All day  No service on Christmas Day. Wednesday 26 December • All day Special boxing day services between London Bridge and Brighton / Gatwick Airport / East Croydon / Sutton. No other services will operate. Thursday 27 - Friday 28 December • All day No trains to or from London Victoria. We advise you to use alternative Southern trains from London Bridge. • All day We suggest you use alternative London Underground services between London Victoria and London Bridge / London Blackfriars / Balham / Vauxhall and South Western Railway between Clapham Junction and Vauxhall / London Waterloo. • All dayTrains between East Croydon and Milton Keynes Central will not run. We advise you to use alternative London Northwestern Railway and London Overground services. Saturday 29 December - Tuesday 1 January  • All day  No trains to and from London Victoria. We advise you to use alternative Southern services from London Bridge. • All day  We would advise you to use alternative London Underground services between London Victoria and London Bridge / London Blackfriars / Balham / Vauxhall and South Western Railway between Clapham Junction and Vauxhall / London Waterloo. • All day  Trains between East Croydon and Milton Keynes Central will not run. We advise you to use alternative London Northwestern Railway and London Overground services. Monday 31 December • Evening Additional late night services will run between London Bridge and East Croydon via Selhurst. Tuesday 1 January • All day  Buses will replace trains between Three Bridges and Billingshurst. Wednesday 2 to Thursday 3 January • From 22:45 - early the following morning Buses will replace trains between Purley and Caterham or Tattenham Corner. • From 23:15 - early the following morningBuses will replace trains between Balham and Sutton.

Christmas at the Aquarium

You may, or may have not, heard that the reindeer will not be appearing at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Rock-a-Nore Road this Saturday, following the shocking revelation of animal cruelty (not by Santa!) and these wonderful animals (BBC). However, there will still be plenty of Christmas fun to be had at the Aquarium, including Santa diving in the main ocean tank, a themed trail for children, face painting, seasonal food and drinks in the cafe, and the opportunity for children to post their 'wish lists' to Santa, not to forget the usual wonders of sharks, rays and other sea creatures! Indeed, the only day in the year that the Aquarium is closed will be Christmas Day itself (website).

Enjoy an excellent time at the Aquarium, merry Christmas!

Hastings Soup Kitchens and Workhouses...

Having recently written about Hastings Foodbank (blog) and the Snowflake Winter Night Shelter (blog) I then thought about similar facilities for poorer people in Hastings over 100 years ago, how can things still be so desperate, haven't we developed as a caring nation, the 5th/6th richest country in the World?!? For example, this shop in Queens Road (above) used to be a soup kitchen, as shown in a photograph of this building taken in 1909 that is in the Hastings Edition of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell (Wordsworth Editions, 2014).

And the building that was the Hastings Old Town Workhouse is still in George Street (Hastings Chronicle), also with a rather nicer usage now!

Since 1909 Britain has fought in 2 World Wars and many others around the world, however, in 1945 Britain adopted the fight against the "5 Evils" described by Beveridge, and there should thus be freedom from "Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness."* The Attlee Labour governments began that fight against the 5 evils despite Britain being in considerable debt following World War 2. The NHS was created, Full Employment was a target, the Education system became improved and available to children and young adults of all classes, Unemployment, Sickness and Welfare Benefits and Pensions were improved, and a great wave of building decent homes for the public was started, indeed, the number of council houses built was surpassed by Conservative governments during the 1950s. By the early 1960s there was virtual full employment, even in the late 1970s you could walk into a job which was offered to you on the spot.

How did we allow the return of the evils, poverty and homelessness continuing to worsen despite Britain being a much richer country now than it was in 1945? Hastings is the 7th worst town in the country for unemployment (nomis). Life expectancy in Britain is lower than in other developed countries and has stopped rising, indeed, lowered in some areas of the country (BBC). Furthermore, fear of the USA helping to further privatise the NHS as part of a trade deal when we leave the EU, this may well increase the influence of the evil of Disease.

Makes me feel rather sad, and angry!


* Derek Fraser, The Evolution of the British Welfare State, Macmillan 2nd edition 1984.

Council Tax Scam Warning!

Hastings Borough Council has put out this warning on its Facebook page:

"Council tax fraud
A company may call and try to convince you to pay £150 to lower your banding for council tax. Other councils have also reported this fraud. The phone number, if you are contacted, is 08080646333."

Be warned, just in time for Christmas! 

Rock Fall at White Rock Yesterday

Whilst we were in Rye yesterday (blog) there was a rock fall at White Rock in Hastings! Thankfully no one was hurt, but one resident's home was seriously damaged, and many others have had to/been advised to move out until their homes are ensured safe to return to (Hastings Borough Council website).

Our thoughts are with those involved, trusting you'll all have safe roofs over your head again before the holidays, best wishes!

Many thanks to the BBC for photograph.

Snowflake Night Shelter

I recently wrote a blog about the Snowflake Night Shelter in a blog, and they have recently written on their facebook page that they have had up to seven vacancies overnight. They ask that people pass on details to homeless people, many thanks!

Also, I noticed on their page that there will be another Volunteer Recruitment Meeting at the Salvation Army Citadel in St Andrews Square TN34 1SR at 10-12.00 on Saturday 5th January 2019.

Hastings Foodbank

Last Friday (7th December), the Hastings Foodbank, which receives support from the The Trussell Trust (website), gave out 1800 meals in just 2 hours, ie 1.2 tonnes of food! The Foodbank provides emergency food and support to people in crisis, and is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks that work to combat hunger and poverty. As can be seen, an increasing number of people have to resort to emergency assistance from foodbanks, even people in work, and consequently emergency food stocks deplete very quickly! Indeed, over 90% of the food they distribute is donated by members of the public. Currently, urgent requirements in Hastings include tinned meat and fish, tinned tomatoes, spaghetti and vegetables, tinned custard and rice pudding, pasta sauce, and teabags 40s and 80s packs; go to the Hastings Foodbank website for more details of requirements and donor sites, which are at: 

Community Contact Centre, Hastings Town Hall, Queens Road TN34 1TL;
Tourist Information Centre, Breeds Place TN34 3AA;

Tesco Extra, Church Wood Drive, St. Leonards TN38 9RB, front of store near exits;

Sainsbury’s, Station Approach, Hastings TN34 1BA, next to restaurant;

Asda, opposite self service points;

Tesco Express, Havelock Road, opposite self service points;

Sainsbury’s Local, Devonshire Road, in main entrance;

The Hastings Centre, The Ridge, in main entrance.

Any of us could need help at some time, many thanks for donations!

Pop Up Record Store!

Following its success a month ago (blog), Dead Format is again hosting a Pop-Up Record Store today and tomorrow in the Eel & Bear at 28 Waldegrave Street TN34 1SJ (Eel & Bear facebook page), so, where to go to buy some vinyl. The times of opening are 12-9pm on Friday 14th December and on Saturday 15th. Somewhere well worth visiting, vinyl and beer, what's not to enjoy?!?

Elsie-Rose & Friends Thank You.

The Dolphin Inn, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, today received this beautiful 'Thank You' card from the Elsie-Rose & Friends Foundation for the £3,253 (blog) raised to support Elsie-Rose and the Foundation, and received on her birthday too, quality... having met Elsie, her mother, family and friends, I feel humble...

Hastings Independent Art Auction Tonight

Tonight, at The Printworks in Claremont, from 7pm, the Hastings Independent is holding a Christmas party & Art Auction to raise funds for this truly independent newspaper (website), which gets better and better! So much good art to chose from, and a great cause and newspaper to support, don't miss out!

Hastings to Rye Walk - Yesterday

My brother and I left Hastings at a reasonable time early-ish yesterday morning, with the aim of missing as much of the forecast rain as possible, and walked towards Rye with the wind behind us for most of they way! The photograph above was taken looking back over Fairlight Glen, a popular place to paint in the 19th century, particularly by Pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman Hunt (blog).

Once we'd completed crossing Hastings Country Park (blog) and cliffs, we descended to Pett Level, where we had a bite to eat, we carried on along The Royal Military Canal (website), constructed from Hythe to Pett to defend against the perceived threat of Napoleon in the early 19th century. We continued along by the canal to Winchelsea, where we walked up to the road and reached the 13th century New Gate (website).

Winchelsea's "New Gate"

Proud parents & their 4 teenagers

We walked through and then around the North of Winchelsea, returning to the wetlands, where we were followed by rain for the last 2 miles of our walk. Okay, we had damp backs to our legs, but we did miss the worst of the rain, mostly!

So, we arrived in Rye and walked up the interesting old streets to St Mary's Church...

Once up at the top of the hill and in St Mary's Church, I loved the stained glass window of another Pre-Raphaelite artist (1891), and best friend of Arts & Crafts Movement hero of mine William Morris, that is Edward Burne-Jones, an aspect of which was featured on the 2009 Christmas 90p postage stamp (St Mary's website).

We then had a pint each at The Queen's Head and caught the train home soon after as it was hectic in Rye, the walk there took about 4 hours, but we were back in Hastings in not much more than 20 minutes!

Old Town Hall available to Let again...

So Hastings Old Town Hall (earlier blog) is available for letting again, with thanks to Dyer & Hobbis for details, should you be interested?

More Christmas Events This Weekend

Further to last my blog last week regarding pre-Christmas events, tomorrow (Saturday the 8th of December) sees even more! From 11.00 to 3.00pm, at the Lifeboat Station is Christmas at the Boathouse (facebook), with tea, coffee and cakes; a tombola, jewellery stall, books and bric-a-brac; carols at 12.00; Ukulele at 12.30; Christmas cards and gifts, and, of course, Hastings new Shannon Class lifeboat to view!

I'm not sure if tickets are still available, but Hastings Winkle Club (earlier blog) has its Children's Christmas Party for children aged 4-8 years old is also tomorrow, 2.30 to 4.30 pm, at East Hastings Sea Angling Association, opposite the Lifeboat Station (OHPS website). To find out if tickets are still available, call or visit the Fishermen's Museum in Rock-a-Nore Road, the Anchor Inn in George Street, or go to Deeday's Yard in Courthouse Street!

Bye bye to Kittiwake's?

Many of you may already be aware that Kittiwake's (blog) at Hastings & St Leonards Angling Association club is no more as Clare left last week, and I spoke to her yesterday about any future plans she may have. I can assure you that I will share any further news as I receive knowledge, but her excellent good value breakfasts will be sorely missed, good luck whatever you end up doing Clare, cheers m'dear!

Lower Promenade safer to walk along now?

East entry to Bottle Alley

Well, it's been made pretty obvious now that cycling along Bottle Alley and the Lower Promenade is a no-no, let's see how often it's ignored...

West entry to Lower Promenade

West entry to Bottle Alley

That is where you cycle, pretty please!

Walking Along the Seafront (Yesterday!)

Yep, it's a bit damp at the moment, so this was yesterday, and, as you'll probably be well aware, Hastings Pier is still closed to the public, not even allowed to promenade along the Pier! I saw a member of staff take 2 workers (of some sort) over to the White Rock Hotel, presumably for breakfast, or coffee?

So, with the Pier's Pavilion Restaurant closed, along to the Goat Ledge cafe instead, for me, great little business, open from 9 to 4pm, I believe, nice one, cheers!

... further back in Bottle Alley I saw this, not sure if it's architecture or art, but quality construction, someone took time to present this, another nice one!

And it's true, the Children's Library in Robertson Passage no longer exists, luckily there's a great children's department in the upgraded Hastings Library (blog).