Walking along in the snow... mostly images!

OK, I wandered lonely as a... nah, I went out this morning, and there was a wee bit of snow... which appeared to put this lad off his game at Priory Meadow 😉

Down Robertson Street and onto the America Ground...

When I reached the end of Robertson Street, onto the seafront and Pier...

...back on myself and past the cray golf courses...

...and onto the fishermen's beach...

...which really is a working beach!

Around and past the Miniature Railway...

... Past the Fishermen's Museum...

... and to their first exhibit in Rock-a-Nore Road, the Stacey Marie!

MANY more images of her and details of her history on her facebook page.

The end!

No need to sleep rough in wintry conditions!

If you are sleeping rough, know anyone who is, or meet anyone who is sleeping rough in Hastings, there is no need to do so these freezing nights, go to Christ Church in London Road, St Leonards by 10pm, see video on facebook.

It's snowing, so...

Freezing temperature and snow, so please take advice from Sussex Police if you have to drive today, go to their website. 

I cannot get through to the East Sussex County Council website to see about school closures, but  please have a go yourself, good luck! @ www.eastsussex.gov.uk 

Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, Final Week.

Today and tomorrow sees Stage 2 (Chosen Concerto with accompanist - website) of the 14th Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition at the White Rock Theatre. On Wednesday will be the Semi-Final Recitals (website) and Thursday sees the Masterclass (website).

Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd brings us the Final (website), enjoy!

Memorial and snow...

I just walked back from the old town, I took this photograph of the excellent memorial to Ron Everett (Popeye - blog) in Butlers Gap, George Street, and it's already snowing, but very light, expecting more tomorrow...

Beer Festival Final Day...

By Steve the Beermester:

OK, it's the final day of the first ale and cider festival at the Tower (also see previous blog) in Bohemia, St Leonards, and I'm hoping they have many more festivals, a great show Louisa! I worked as a volunteer there again, but had just 3 different ales this time and, sadly, the excellent Downlands Mosaic had already sold out. However, the Salopian Matrix (4.2%) was very good too, a pale golden ale with a fruity aroma, citrus taste, grapefruit and something more exotic, with a dry bitter finish, and...

Well, the Kent brewer Old Dairy provided another excellent ale to enjoy, that is, their session 3.8% What the Heck! Described as an 'orange pale ale' and it did what it said on the label, an enormous orange aroma, and taste too. This was beautiful, pale, dry and bitter, just what I love... oh yes! If you want to sample the ales, it'd be best to get there today, as they're fast running out, but, if you cannot make it, you never know what good value prices you may get tomorrow, if you're lucky enough that some of these ales are left, if not, still great ales every day anyway, starting at just £3 a pint, cheers!

Popeye Memorial in Butlers Gap.

Photograph thanks to Sid Saunders

A memorial to local character Popeye (Ron Everett) was unveiled yesterday by his daughter Lindy, and Judy Rogers, Mayor of Hastings, in Butlers Gap, George Street. The memorial was created by local sculptor Leigh Dyer, who hid upstairs, a wee bit shy, and is a wonderful recreation in metal of Popeye's cap, who's sad death was noted last year (blog). You can see more of the unveiling on youtube.

Ron Everett R.I.P.

Hastings Pier up for sale!

Maybe this is old news for you, apologies, but I just saw that the Pier is actually up for sale, not just looking for financial support of the People's Pier! Worrying news, but, hopefully, the newly reformed 'Friends of' can sort this out...

See BBC website for further information.

Water Leak!

OK, I've had a few days away, but noticed this leak when I got back, it's been leaking for at least 3 days now! This photograph was taken at the corner of South Terrace and Earl Street this morning, with a mixture of flowing water, standing water and ice... I have since found out (many thanks Rod!) that this has been leaking all week, also, that a leak in Stainsby Street in St Leonards has been flowing for several weeks!

No wonder our water rates are so high!

Tower Ale & Cider Festival 2018...

OK, it looks like I've been preoccupied by this ale and cider festival, but that's just the way it has happened, mostly because I've visited friends elsewhere in the country for nearly a week, and because, well, it's happening right now (blog)! Also, because I've just returned from there, and, even if you don't like ale and cider, the beef & ale stew (£1 a bowl!) is very tasty, rich and great value, and you only have the next couple of hours to enjoy it, if that! I cannot wait to taste the pork & cider stew tomorrow... Indeed, both made with ale and cider available at the bar.

As to the ales, well, I volunteered to help serve at the festival bar, so didn't go over the top, but tried 6 of the ales available, all at least were very good. The first I found to be a wee bit too malty and sweet for me, but Lisa, my colleague at the time really enjoyed it, and she's a wine and cider drinker; though she liked quite a few of the ales, so a new ale drinker signed up! But two in particular were very good, the Welsh Tiny Rebel Full Nelson and, especially, the Sussex brewery Downlands Mosaic, which I noted as "gorgeous"- say no more! 

As I suggested 'hurry, hurry, hurry!'

First Hastings Ale & Cider Festival at this Pub!

Sorry I've been away, but what a great way to start off now I'm back home! As previously mentioned (blog) The Tower on the corner of London Road and Tower Road, Bohemia, St Leonards, the reigning CAMRA South East Sussex Pub of the Year, is running a beer festival from tomorrow, Friday 23rd of February to Sunday the 25th, open 11.00 to 23.00. There will be up to 16 different ales available at any one time, with up to 25 different ales expected to be served over the weekend! 

These are the tasting notes provided (and there are about 8 real ciders and perry too!) with a bit added here and there by Steve the Beermeister (in italics):

ORKNEY SKULL SPLITTER (8.5%)  A rich fruity wine-like complexity on the palate includes fresh & dried fruits, warm exotic spice and light summer citrus fruits. Red colour. All the way from the Orkneys, a very reliable brewery. 

FUNKY HOP (RAW) DONKEY BIG FUNKY (6.2%) A collaboration between Raw and The Pigeon Fishers. A New England IPA, packs a donkey punch. Pale

PHOENIX WOBBLY BOB (6%) An amber coloured beer, with a strong malt and fruit balance, evident in both the aroma and flavour. A slight sweetness leading to a dry finish. Amber. I remember first drinking this at the Royal Oak in Lostwithiel, Cornwall (about 1990), and TOO easy to drink for the strength, an excellent premium bitter!

LOUD SHIRT PSYCHADELIC IPA (6%) A fantastic IPA, that will take you to another plain of thought. Pale. From Brighton.

DARK STAR HOPHEAD EXTRA (5.8%) Extra describes it beautifully double hops and 25kg of citra thrown in for good measure. Pale/Light. Hophead's excellent, but this is EXTRA!

BURNING SKY AURORA (5.6%) Premium strength pale ale, US hops and big citrus and tropical flavours. Pale Amber. From Mr Tranter who consolidated the Hophead recipe at Dark Star, excellent!

ARBOR WHY KICK A MOO COW (5.5%) Big malty NZ pale ale, large quantity of southern cross and rakau hops. Dry hopped with green bullet. Pale

TRING’S COLLEYS DOG (5.2%) Dark ruby premium ale is all about the malt. It’s nutty, malty and full of body. Ruby

DANCING DUCK INDIAN PORTER (5%) A modern twist on a classic style of beer. Smokey bonfire flavours with a spicy hop and pleasant warming afterglow. Dark. Another tried and trusted excellent brewery...

TINY REBEL FULL NELSON (4.8%) Maori inspired pale ale, musty flavour of nelson sauvin, with sweet munich malt compliments. Pale. Excellent Welsh brewery from a young company of men, multiple award winners too.
DOWNLANDS MOSAIC (4.8%) Vegan friendly single hopped APA that is a festival of tropical and citrussy notes. Pale

GUN SMOKED RYE (4.7%) Vegan friendly . Beech smoked German Bromberg malt provides a subtle smokiness with the spiciness of the rye. Smokey

OLD DAIRY MAD COW (4.5%) Milk stout with coffee and cocoa nibs. Dark

ILKLEY TRIBULUS LUPULUS (4.4%) Mandarina & Huell Melon bring fresh fruit. Ekuanot from the US brings a tropical punch to the party. Pale. Another excellent Yorkshire brewery.

FYNE ALES VITAL SPARK (4.4%) A dark rich beer that shows glints of red. The taste is clean, slightly sharp with a hint of blackcurrant. Mild. Another Scottish brewery, and one of my all time favourite breweries too.

DANCING DUCK WET FEBRUARY (4.2%) A crisp, clean 4.2% pale ale with hints of lemon, lime, tangerine and sherbet,a biscuity malt characteristic and a dry finish.

SALOPIAN MATRIX (4.2%) A refreshing golden yellow ale. Prominent hop flavours are balanced by biscuit malt dry finish. Golden. Another consitent great brewery.

HUMPTY DUMPTY LEMON & GINGER (4.1%) Pale amber crisp ale, finished with a refreshing ginger and lemon tang. Golden

CAIRNGORM NESSIES MONSTER MASH (4.1%) A pleasant mahogany best bitter, malt predominating, gives a satisfying fullness of flavour. Red

RAT WHITE RAT (4%) Very pale, hoppy ale is made from low colour Maris Otter malt. A combination of three high alpha American hops produce an intensely aromatic finish. Pale

OLD DAIRY WHAT THE HECK! (3.8%) Orange pale ale. A juicy banger straight out of the cattle shed. Pale

FUNKY HOP DONKEY FUNKY LITE (3.6%) Collaboration beer, hybrid IPA. Pale

BURNING SKY PLATEAU (3.5%) A beautiful pale ale with a crisp malt edge and sharp bitterness. Pale

WANDER BEYOND PEAK (3.8%) A beautifully crafted English pale bitter. Pale

Food will be available Friday and Saturday lunchtimes and snacks all the time, and there will be live music Saturday evening from 8pm. Enjoy!

Local Beer Festival coming up!

By Steve the Beermeister:

A reminder that The Tower on the corner of London Road and Tower Road, Bohemia, St Leonards, the reigning CAMRA South East Sussex Pub of the Year, is running a beer festival from a week today, ie from Friday 23rd of February to Sunday the 25th, open 11.00 to 23.00. There will be a planned 25 different ales available, old favourites and something new, including a wide variety of types... 

For example, from the light fruity session ale What the Heck Orange Pale Ale (3.8%), to the rather heavier Orkney Skull Splitter (8.5%), and the deceptively easy to drink Phoenix Wobbly Bob (6%) and very 'special' Sussex brew Dark Star Hophead Special (5.8%)! See link for more hints...

I'll be there, cheers!

Music Month & Piano Competition...

Well, another Hastings Music Month from Fat Tuesday to St Patrick's Day has begun (13th February to 17th March 2018 - website), not to mention another Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition as part of that month! Indeed, today and tomorrow you can play a grand piano in Priory Meadow as part of the build-up to the first weekend in March (15th February to 3rd March 2018 - website).

So, whether you like classical, rock, pop or jazz, the music just keeps on keeping on, when it comes to music in Hastings, in never rains but it pours! 😉

St Valentine's Day Massacre!

Quickly following on from Fat Tuesday and its musical extravaganza and it is St Valentine's Day, so, what do you do after singing, dancing, and eating piles of pancakes? Well, you could go out and eat a romantic meal, or you could do something a wee bit different from Bexhill to Hastings old town...

For example, at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, punk legends The Damned are playing (website), and you can get food there too, though it looks like it would be best to purchase your tickets beforehand... At the Kino Teatr in St Leonards there will be an evening of romantic opera with Lucy Ashton and John Twitchen performing (website), again, you can eat there too and probably best to book beforehand... 

Whilst at the Dolphin Inn in Rock-a-Nore Road there will be a St Valentine's Day Massacre (website), that is free live music from Chicago gangster times provided by Jess & Kitson, a free glass of  punch for just wearing a trilby or boa, and for those who turn up in fancy dress as gangsters or molls a 'happy hour' with reduced price drinks, and don't forget to conceal your weapons...

Happy St Valentine's Day, no need to spend it alone!

Mardi Gras - The Fat Tuesday Tour!

It's that time of year when you can chose between staying in and scoffing pancakes or going out to enjoy the abundance of free live music in Hastings old town, or you could do both! With 24 bands playing 20 minute sets at 12 venues, that's 6 acts at each venue if you don't want to follow particular bands... So. ensconce yourself in a venue where you'll feel more comfortable venue/acts wise, or dodge around the venues (it can be difficult getting drinks at, or even getting into, some venues once the ball's rolling!). 

Check the website for details of the venues and when bands are playing at each venue (too many to list here), dress up and enjoy the evening!

Boooo to twitter!

After years allowing me to share links to my blog on twitter they're calling me a 'robot', as if! I am not a number or robot, I am a free man! No idea why they're doing this, though I was allowed to tweet a complaint just not a link to my blog, I shall persevere...

Not so fat Monday...

Today sees a quieter day music gig-wise, though it certainly shouldn't be uninteresting! From 10am to 5.30pm in the Sussex Hall of White Rock Theatre is being held Unconvention, a free "one-day music conference aimed at the grassroots of the industry." You can catch "panellists from across the music business in conversation about the future of the music industry and attend workshops on a range of key elements including practical advice for gigging, and tips on securing crowdfunding & grants." 

Indeed, "Un-Convention is a UK based global music network and development agency. Their events and projects bring together artists and practitioners to share knowledge and expertise." If you're musically inclined this sounds like the place to be today! See the website for further details of  what the day offers.

Then, this evening, for the ninth year running, returns Slim Monday, a more relaxed 4 hours (7-11pm and also free entry) at the Palace, also at White Rock just along from the theatre, and including live music by King Size Slim; see website.

Have a good day before the serious fun tomorrow evening!

Sussex Police Recruiting for 3 Weeks.

Sussex Police today opened recruitment for police officers, and which remains open for the next three weeks to the 5th of March 2018. "Policing to a high standard means recruiting from all the communities we serve. From day one you’ll be helping make Sussex safer... Stronger together." 

If you wish to apply to join Sussex Police, or find out more, go to their website.

Even More Music Today!

Yes, even more music! From 12.00 to 10.30pm emerging artists and bands "curated by BBC Introducing, Joe Strummer Foundation, OFF AXIS network and Incubate" will be playing Under the Radar (website). These gigs are away from the old town, indeed at venues in the town centre; these are the Palace, White Rock (website - their image, many thanks!), On the Rocks, 4 Claremont (facebook page) and the Brass Monkey, Havelock Road (website).

And also, at The Printworks, 14 Claremont (website - their image, many thanks!)...

From 1pm to 11pm, there will be Thee Sunday Sonics 2018, a returning free "one-day celebration of experimental music, sound art and film" and the 'brainchild' of local artist Danny Pockets. There will be an eclectic mix of local DJs during the afternoon, followed by live performances from 6.30pm (website).

Enjoy your day, and more to come still!

Sunday & The Umbrella Parade...

It's Sunday and the Fat Tuesday festival continues with the Umbrella Parade this morning, and the weather forecast doesn't look too bad, though it may be a wee bit windy. The meeting place this year is The Stade open space, with the planned time of meeting/leaving being 11.30am; see website for further details.

The Parade will head along the seafront to St Mary in the Castle for Preservation Sunday, 12.30-6pm (free entrance), with food, drink, and music from brass bands; see website. Enjoy your day!

There will be even more music in town today, next blog...

Unplugged Saturday!

This afternoon, from 1pm to 6pm, from St Mary in the Castle at Pelham Crescent, across to the Dolphin Inn in Rock-a-Nore Road, 40 artists and bands play 200 brief 15 minute acoustic gigs at 20 venues, music galore! See website for further details.

Indeed, at Hastings & St Leonards Angling Association bar, there is a variety of excellent curries on offer as well as live music; see Clare Kittiwake's facebook page.

Then, this evening, at St Mary in the Castle, c'est Le Grand Mardi Gras Ball from 8pm to 2am, time to dress up and dance, and enjoy classic New Orleans sounds (website); tickets £11 in advance.

And we're still in the early stages of the Fat Tuesday music festival, enjoy!

Festival Kicks Off with the Fat Friday Launch Party!

The Hastings Fat Tuesday 2018 five day festival kicks off this evening at St Mary in the Castle, from 8pm, with tickets at £5 in advance, £8 on the door, when...

Skinny Lister

the "raucous punk-folk" Skinny Lister headline at 9.30pm, supported by singer-songwriter Jamie Smart at 8.45pm. See the festival website for more information.

The fun is about to begin yet again... 

Fat Tuesday and nicer news...

Small Reminder in Town Centre

Believe it or not the Fat Tuesday festival begins tomorrow with the Fat Friday Launch Party, then much music up to and including Fat Tuesday itself! See website.

Decorations are already festooning the Town, including reminders of our own special mardi gras, the largest in the UK, and the Umbrella Parade on Sunday (website).

Looking forward to having fun, not to mention eating pancakes!

Update on George Street Armed Robbery!

From the Sussex Police website: they are "appealing for witnesses after the owner of a convenience store in George Street, Hastings, was threatened with a gun as two men in balaclavas stole cash and cigarettes from behind the counter."

"The robbery took place at the Premier Store at around 7.10am on Tuesday (6 February)" while the manager and a male assistant were preparing for the day. "Neither was hurt."

"The suspects were both black, wearing black balaclavas, dark jackets and grey jogging bottoms. One was 5' 10", of stocky build and aged 25-30. He carried what appeared to be a black hand gun, although this was not fired. The second suspect was younger, in his late teens or early 20s, 5' 9"-6'.

After leaving the store both robbers made off down an alleyway towards West Street.

Anyone who saw the incident or who may have other information is asked to contact police online or phone 101, quoting serial 178 of 06/02. Alternatively, please visit the Crimestopperswebsite or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Milly, missing dog, have you seen her?

Have you seen Milly? If so, please call 07916 467204 or 01424 256344, or 0844 800 3220. It will be sad if she can't be found, already upsetting...

George Street Break-in, West Street Closed-in!

This morning, following a break-in in George Street in the old town, Police everywhere! That is, police blocking off West Street, behind where the break-in took place to the right, police cars at each road exit, the suspects may still be in West Street apparently. An increase of break-ins is rife right now, and local police have recently suggested it's mostly drug-related crime by local youths.

Though someone has just suggested to me on facebook that it isn't 'youths' offering stolen goods in the old town, many thanks, the police may have to re-think their theory!

Meanwhile the Sheps dray that had delivered to the Anchor Inn is blocked-in and cannot move, such is life...

Since seen on Sussex Police website.

Rail Problems, now it's the weather!

Trains between Hastings and Eastbourne are being affected by ice on the lines, and now it's snowing, not to mention a problem causing delays from Haywards Heath... 

It may be worth staying in Hastings!

A wander along the seafront, and some news...

OK, excuse me for being way behind the news, and I realise this isn't on the seafront, but I do live close by, hence the first photograph here, but! Yes, you probably do already know that Primark is coming to Hastings, and is to be situated in the old BHS store, with the fitting of the store commencing this Spring, and likely opening in the Summer (news website), good news I think, maybe not for other clothing stores though...

There was a meeting at the White Rock Theatre of Hastings Pier 'Shareholders and Supporters' yesterday, which unfortunately I couldn't attend, but it looks like the meeting was very positive. I've seen that many ideas were shared, and proposals agreed to, notably that Friends of Hastings Pier is to be rejuvenated, as soon as I see any further information I shall share this, and if you are a shareholder, or wish to support the future of the People's Pier, you may wish to join their facebook closed group (page).

Hmmm... There are a number of drainage pipes still sat on the beach by Denmark Place, opposite the Carlisle pub, Pelham Street, outside which, in December, the road was flooded for a few days, apparently because of water backing up from the water drainage outlet that was damaged by Storm Brian in October...

When will they be replaced?!?

The move of the Roebuck Surgery in the old town High Street to a Health Centre within the Ice House building in Rock-a-Nore Road is going ahead (website), again this may be old news to many people, but I hadn't taken a photograph down there for a while now! The main opposition appears to have come from 1) That public transport does not go to the door, though it didn't in the High Street, but it was a bit closer there. 2) That traffic gets overwhelming in Rock-a-Nore Road at times, notably in peak season, and where will parking be for staff and patients?

I believe that Rock-a-Nore Road is being widened, effectively by taking away the pavements, levelling the surface across the road with walking space designated for pedestrians. Planned better, the car park at the end of the road could easily allow for more spaces, and an electronic system could also be set up to let drivers know that the car park is 'full' at the mouth to Rock-a-Nore Road. With the widening of the road, 'dropping off' spaces outside the Health Centre could be allowed for too. 

What this needs is sensible planning, though, and we've seen for years how the road can clog up because people drive down to a full car park in peak season, or at other busy times, and then have to drive back with multiple traffic lights as you rejoin the main road. However, little has been done to solve this problem previously, perhaps replace the lights with a small roundabout, but something definitely needs to be done now...