Hastings Weekend June/July 2018

So it's to be another busy fun-filled weekend in Hastings & St Leonards, to begin with, this Saturday (30th June, 12 noon to 10.30pm) and the St Leonards Festival provides a culturally diverse delight (website). There will be music, food and drink, a wonderful street market and street art, the carnival parade, and much more! Indeed, look out for a Friends of Hastings Pier presence too (we shouldn't forget there are many people who live and work in Hastings who still care about the Pier with a passion!). By the way, the £ Half a million they had raised through Crowdfunder has been returned to those who contributed (well mine has been returned anyway, so I'm presuming), and now they have a new Crowdfunder page so that they may continue to campaign and have a reserve fund should they get the opportunity to purchase the freehold of Hastings Pier. Good luck and my best wishes to the activists/supporters of Friends of Hastings Pier!

Talking about Hastings Pier and this weeked may well see the last Vintage & Retro Indoor Market  on there (website), open 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, as we still have no idea what the new owner is going to do with the Pier, he having no plan! Retrobella includes nearly 20 stallholders selling quality vintage garments, homeware, collectibles and vinyl. Good luck to this event too!

And Stade Saturdays brings us free "high energy music with African and Jazz influences," another culturally eclectic mix, when Hexagonal play on the stage at the Stade Open Space from 7.30pm (website).

So, together with all the regularly arranged gigs, and delights to visit, this weekend will again deliver fun for all, plus an excellent weather forecast (Met Office), and not to forget Hastings Fringe events; see website!

Kier Cleaning Contract

You may, or may not, have been aware that the cleaning contract with Kier is being ended before the original length of contract, indeed, I wasn't aware until very recently so decided I'd look into it. I have since had confirmation from Hastings Borough Council that the contract with Kier will end in a years time, on the 28th of June 2019. The Council is currently undertaking a procurement process, but it is still early days, 'nothing has yet been decided.' So, no idea yet whether cleaning will be brought in-house or whether a different cleaning company will be used... 

SANDS Charity: Money raised by Hastings Adventure Golf

A total of £1,467.50 was raised by Hastings Adventure Golf and their 'Charity Night' last Friday (blog) for the Stillbirth & Neonatal Charity (SANDS website) and towards the refurbishment of the Bereavement Suite at the Conquest Hospital, congratulations to all involved, including Dave Gomm who was overall winner, cheers!

Tuesday's Old Town Walk + Lifeboat Quiz Night...

This afternoon the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) will be leading their regular Tuesday afternoon free guided walk of Hastings Old Town, which will be meeting by the top of the West Hill Lift at 2.30pm. You will be shown around the old town, with its historic buildings, twittens, and plentiful stories, by a volunteer guide from the OHPS, who will also explain the huge number of talented celebrities of their age who have visited and/or lived here, and still do, eg a number of the Pre-Raphaelites in the 19th century (blog).

The walk proceeds across the West Hill and gently downhill into Hastings Old Town, with a number of steps included, and lasts about 2 hours. This guided walk is free of charge, though the OHPS, a registered charity, would be very grateful for all donations made, many thanks (website). You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, and the weather is forecast to be sunny all day (Met Office), so Factor 50 and/or head covering may well be required. Have a good afternoon!

Later on, this evening, starting at 7.30pm, there will be a Quiz Night at East Hastings Sea Angling Association by the Stade in aid of Hastings Lifeboat (facebook page). There will be a maximum of 4 people allowed per team, at a cost of £2.50 per person, with complimentary nibbles provided, good luck if you enter!

Hastings Pier is OPEN!

Well, Hastings Pier has reopened, but little change yet, other than the owner, indeed, there's even less on the Pier now! The bar wasn't open, though the restaurant part of the Pavilion was open and serving food and drink (presumably not alcohol), the Deck building wasn't open, nor the cafe above, though yoga was happening on the Upper Deck, and that is about it really! ITV were interviewing people, so expect something on television this evening, including interviews with a spokesperson of Friends of Hastings Pier and, presumably, Mr Gulzar.

The Certificate of Employers Liability Insurance in the Pavilion is still in the name of Hastings Pier Charity so I have no idea if it's insured or not; sorry about the image, I couldn't get a good angle as a bit difficult to get near.

So far no one-armed bandits or games machines, Hut 6 is, apparently, their 'office' however no-one was there, and nothing painted 'gold' yet, though there were gold balloons, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the roof of the Pavilion painted gold soon, and maybe the railings, not a lot else to paint; watch this space!

New Chief Executive for Sussex Wildlife Trust

Following the retirement of Dr Tony Whitbread, who originally joined the Sussex Wildlife Trust as Head of Conservation in 1991, becoming Chief Executive 15 years later, a new Chief Executive has been appointed. Tony played a great role in that time as an advocate for conservation, published The Vision for the Wildlife of Sussex, played a leading role in establishing the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre, promoted the need for the establishment of the South Downs National Park, acted as a Trustee of The Wildlife Trusts, and saw the membership of Sussex Wildlife Trust double to 30,000 during his tenure. A hard act to follow indeed...

Tor Lawrence

The newly appointed Chief Executive is Tor Lawrence, who grew up in Lewes, still lives in East Sussex, and has announced it as an "absolute honour to take over this important role from Tony." Tor's previous history includes senior management roles with London Wildlife Trust, East Sussex County Council, and more recently as South Downs National Park Authority Countryside Policy Manager for the Eastern Downs.  

My best wishes to Tony, and a warm welcome to Tor!

Photograph of Tor Lawrence from the website, with many thanks to Miles Davies.

Hastings Midsummer Fish Festival 2018 this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday the 23rd and 24th of June sees the Midsummer Fish Festival again return to the Stade Open Space, from 11.00 to 18.00 both days; entry for the whole weekend is £2 on the door (under 18s free), £1 in advance from the Tourist Information Centre at Muriel Matters House, 2 Breeds Place TN34 3AA (website).

Food and drink, music and dancing, cooking demonstrations, children's activities, free face painting, and much more, means fun for all the family, enjoy yourselves!

I'm off to play mini golf for charity!

I'm off to join in and be an early starter in a charity fundraising round of mini golf on the 'Pirate' course to support SANDS and the refurbishment of the bereavement suite at the Conquest Hospital. See my earlier blog.

Pirate course this morning

Hastings Pier update...

Well, this is from yesterday, and I have to admit they didn't say which Friday Hastings Pier would open again, but now it appears that, following the new owner not knowing he had to have 3rd Party Liability Insurance for the Pier (see previous blog), now the reopening will not be until Monday, hmmm, watch this space...

Yesterday, all our troubles seemed...

Anyway, I did a bit more research as I am a concerned person, notably, what is happening with the archives previously gathered, and what about the staff? Regarding staff, it appears that the majority have left already, but I was assured that the archives remain with friends, so are in safe hands! Oh yes, and the Heritage Lottery Fund Interactive Tables and Exhibition is going to Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, so at least some things are safe!

In addition, Friends of Hastings Pier are continuing to exist, primarily to secure a sustainable future for Hastings Pier "that serves the community's interests" and to explore ways of working with the new owner to achieve mutually beneficial objectives. If you wish to support or volunteer to work with the Friends of Hastings Pier and aren't already on their mailing list, email FriendsofHastingsPier@gmail.com 

Oh yes, and I have written to some major players, I shall share answers with you, though I doubt I'll get much different to what others are receiving...

Pirate Golf & Sands Charity.

This afternoon/early evening, 4-7pm, is your chance to contribute towards Hastings & East Sussex SANDS charity by playing on the Pirate Golf course at Hastings Adventure Golf for just £5 per person (£2.50 for those aged 5 years and under, website). The SANDS charity want to refurbish the bereavement suite at the Conquest Hospital, and all the proceeds received from this event will go towards the cost of refurbishment... so, not just fun for mini golf players later, but the chance to contribute to a very worthwhile local cause, and I shall be there!

Lifeboat Exercise Launch this evening.

This evening, from 6pm (Wednesday 20th June), both lifeboats will be launched from Hastings Lifeboat Station by the Stade; recovery is planned for 8pm, subject to operations. Your chance to see  the RNLI in operation by Hastings beach.

Hastings Pier Still Closed Worry...

Sorry to be going on about the Pier, but even more concerns... 

Hastings Pier today CLOSED, 19-06-18

Well, I just got back from Hastings Pier, hoping to see the reopening ceremony, or at least the reopening, and guess what? Indeed, it isn't open, though it may be reopening on Friday morning I was told (though I wasn't told which year!). And who told me? Well, someone from the Hastings Observer who was due to interview Mr Gulzar this morning told me, and he was there with a film camera person (I didn't wait, mainly because I wanted to let people know it's still closed and...). Anyway, the Observer hack told me he was a friend of Mr Gulzar, so don't expect too searching an interview!

Why is it closed still? Here's another worrying factor, Mr Gulzar didn't know he had to have 3rd Party Liability Insurance, which is a legal requirement in case a visitor to the Pier, or worker, is injured or dies whilst on the Pier. There's a relief! Even if the Administrators didn't tell him (an excuse I believe we are about to be given!), he would have to know about 3rd Party Liability Insurance as he already owns Eastbourne Pier and a hotel and presumably was thought to be a successful and competent entrepreneur by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Oh dear, please remind me never to visit Eastbourne Pier, in case they lack the required insurance. 

What have the people of Hastings done to deserve this incompetent businessman?!?

Hastings Pier Sold & Closed!?! And Online Petition...

Hastings Pier this Lunchtime, CLOSED!

I've been away over the weekend, and guess what happened, indeed, Hastings Pier was sold to the owner of Eastbourne Pier, Mr Gulzar, a businessman who doesn't appear to be too successful when taking note of comments about the other Pier miles over from our west side! Even more worrying is that he doesn't appear to have any plans about what to do with it, he got it for less money than Friends of Hastings Pier were prepared to pay, reported to be a mere £50,000, for a pier that has had £14 million or so from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and, again it is reported, that he can sell it after 2 years... it doesn't look too promising does it, but it does look suspicious!?!

I've regularly reported about Friends of Hastings Pier, who actually do have a plan, and today I read Jess Steele's excellent explanation of funding 'How the Money Works' (link), which is well worth the read, please don't have an opinion until you do read it, else you'll not really have an informed opinion! I'm guessing there will be some sort of demonstration tomorrow, because the Pier is reported to be reopening tomorrow (Tuesday 19th June), presumably with labour coming in from Eastbourne? 

In the meantime, there is an online petition 'Why have the Heritage Lottery Fund sold Hastings Pier?' (link) to sign, if you, like me, believe what has happened to be very suspicious, consequently it really does need to be investigated by someone in authority, surely?!? Whatever, watch this space, there's something fishy going on...

And I've not even mentioned shareholders being ignored and getting no recompense, supporters buying planks and making donations, etc etc...

Here is the Heritage Lottery Fund Statement.

Happy Beer Day Britain!

By Steve the Beermeister...

This is an extended version of a shorter piece on the Steve the Beermeister blog... Enjoy the annual Beer Day Britain today (website), it should be very interesting and with much appreciation of ales, but then, it's a wee bit special locally for CAMRA members.

And what an appropriate day it is for CAMRA members living in, and visiting, Hastings to discover that it's not just Wetherspoons giving discount to them, but now the award winning (more of that soon) Dolphin Inn, 11-12 Rock-a-Nore Road TN34 3DW (website) gives discount on real ale to card-carrying Campaign for Real Ale members!

Not just that, but on Monday evenings at the Dolphin, from 6pm until closing time, not only a great Fish & Chips deal from 6-9pm (website), which includes a free pint of beer, glass of wine, or soft drink, but also 50p off all drinks, not quite a 'Happy Hour', more like a happy 4 or 5 hours! 

Not to forget that The Plough Inn, 49 Priory Road TN34 3JJ, has "Thirsty Thursdays" (facebook page), with a reduction in prices late afternoon/early evening, and 'loyalty cards' in conjunction with Jamie's other pub, the North Star Inn (facebook page).

If anyone knows of other pubs and bars in Hastings and St Leonards giving discounts to CAMRA members and real ale drinkers, I'd be very grateful for information, cheers!

Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority in town!

The Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) were in town yesterday, a body with many responsibilities, but primarily to "champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and inshore fisheries..." If you would like to know more about what they do visit their website.

Hastings Pier Sell Out?!?

This was what the Pier looked like after 'private enterprise' last had possession... It was resurrected because of the efforts of local people, but now it appears the promise of good times ahead, with the project envisaged by the Friends of Hastings Pier that the Pier be retained in the ownership of the local community, is likely to be be kicked into touch by the administrators, backhanders?

A friend of mine, a shareholder, has been told nothing about this other than the odd email telling him what is going on, not asking his opinions, as no doubt similar has happened to many other shareholders, though it also looks like some have never been contacted at all by the administrators! Will shareholders get any money back from the buyer, and who will profit from ownership being exchanged?

Something smells very fishy!

Blessing of the Sea this evening.

This evening (Wednesday 13th July), from 6-7pm, you are welcome to attend the annual Blessing of the Sea at Hastings RNLI Lifeboat Station. The Blessing will be of the lifeboats, local fishing fleet and all other boats that sail from Hastings, and also remembers those who have lost their lives at sea.

The Blessing will be led by local clergy from the stern of the lifeboat (providing it's not out on a call) and includes readings, hymns and music (website).

The Crazy World Crazy Golf Weekend!

So why hadn't I blogged over the weekend? 1) IT problem; 2) Consequently I'd been using the library IT facilities; 3) I couldn't use the library's facilities Friday (practice) and Saturday ('not' competing, but taking part!) in the World Crazy Golf Championships 2018. See last week's blog, Cheers Davids and Maz!

One David 'kicks off' on Saturday!

Finishing off at the first hole, with organiser Sean to the right (light blue shirt).

Russell at the final hole (really, he's there!)

OK, I was only trying to cope in the 4 rounds of Saturday as a 'novice', first 3 rounds with Sean the organiser and Dee, who came eighth in the Novice Championship, nice one Dee! Both were a pleasure to go round with, and my third round showed a wee bit more promise. Russell Smith, who I'd gone round with for a practice round the day before, easily won the Novice event with a quality 10 under par, congratulations to him, well deserved! I've since been told he's now a member of Planet Hastings (blog); 2nd was Chris Horn, and 3rd Mark Berezicki.

Evidence I was there!

The fourth round, and us novices were playing with other novices with similar scores from the first 3 rounds, quite fun, even though I fell apart a couple of times, notably at the 16th hole (or 70th), and dropped from 26th to 32nd, oh well, it's only a game. 😉 Anyway, the 2 lads I went round with Simon (dressed as a 'classic' golfer, quality) and Dan were pleasant company too. Afterwards I discovered that Dan was one of the 4-strong Bavard Bar (website) team, of which I met 2 more later, good craic, we'd even been in touch via social media before, small world it is!

The second day of competition, Sunday, saw some novices join the pros for further crazy golf fun, here Russ, the previous day's champion is in the centre of this image, for his first competition he actually came seventh overall, 14 under, story of the weekend, nice one indeed! Overall winner was Marc Chapman, 26 shots under par; 2nd Adam Kelly, one shot behind; 3rd Michael Smith, a further one shot behind Adam.

You can guess that I refrained from taking part in crazy golf play on Sunday, thank you very much, and spent lunch and the early afternoon at the Cinque Ports Arms in All Saints Street, I think I deserved to relax, cheers!

Goodnight from Hastings Adventure Golf!

Overall, yes, I enjoyed myself, although because I took part this year I can no longer take part as a 'novice' at future championships, so don't expect me to humiliate myself again next year, though don't let that hold you back if entering as a novice, there's money to be won! But, seriously, everyone I talked to was very friendly and helpful, whether novices, pros or organisers, so many thanks to them all, cheers!

If you want to see the full results list, go to their website.

Yesterday, Gulls & Rocks...

Yesterday, early-ish, certainly before 07.00, and whilst availing myself of the use of the launderette in the High Street (opens earlier than the one in Queens Road!) I saw these 2 herring gulls knocking on the door of the Jenny Lind, OK, I'm easily amused...

Later in the day I spotted the arrival of rocks to the beach, I hadn't heard about new groynes being constructed, but no! Apparently, these are being delivered in aid of the strengthening of the harbour arm (many thanks to Sue at the lifeboat station for that information, cheers!).

One of the fishing fleet boats was employed to help keep boats away from the work here, Mark passed by in his kayak a little later (blog), and was politely loudhalered by the lads onboard and told to get back to his pub! 😁

Old Town Walk this afternoon...

Well, hopefully my IT issues have been sorted out now, so, fingers crossed, I should be sharing more blogs again, watch this space please!

This afternoon the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) will be leading their regular Tuesday afternoon free guided walk of Hastings Old Town, which will be meeting by the top of the West Hill Lift at 2.30pm. You will be shown around the old town, with its historic buildings, twittens, and stories, by a volunteer guide from the OHPS, who will also explain the huge number of talented celebrities of their age who have visited and/or lived here, and still do, eg a number of the Pre-Raphaelites in the 19th century (blog).

The walk proceeds across the West Hill and gently downhill into Hastings Old Town, with a number of steps included, and lasts about 2 hours. This guided walk is free of charge, though the OHPS, a registered charity, would be very grateful for all donations made, many thanks (website). You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, and the weather is forecast to be cloudy with sunny periods (Met Office), so Factor 50 and/or head covering may be required.

Have a good afternoon!

World Crazy Golf Championship 2018

The World Crazy Golf Championship is again being held in Hastings this year at Hastings Adventure Golf at the seafront by Pelham Beach and car park,  indeed this weekend, the 9th and 10th of June (website), and the weather forecast looks OK.

Many thanks to the 2 Daves and Maz who have entered me as a novice, fair enough, before my recent practice the last time I played here I was beaten by my 8 year-old niece (at the time) 6 years ago... Expect me to finish near the bottom!



Old Town Walk

Tomorrow, the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) will be leading their regular Tuesday afternoon free guided walk of Hastings Old Town, which meets up by the top of the West Hill Lift at 2.30pm. You will be shown around the old town, with its historic buildings, twittens, and stories, by a volunteer guide from the OHPS, who will also tell you about the wealth of talented celebrities of their age who have visited and/or lived here, eg a number of the Pre-Raphaelites in the 19th century (blog).

The walk proceeds across the West Hill and gently downhill into the old town, with a number of steps, and lasts about 2 hours. The guided walk is free of charge, though the OHPS, a registered charity, would be very grateful for all donations made, many thanks (website). You are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, and the weather is forecast to be nice and sunny tomorrow afternoon (Met Office), so Factor 50 and/or head covering may be wise.

Have a good afternoon on Tuesday, indeed, every day!



Eel & Bear: New Craft Beer Off-licence & Bar!

Recently opened in Hastings at 28 Waldegrave Street TN34 1SJ  (01424 602055 - facebook page), the Eel & Bear, and a mighty fine find too, and very close by the town centre! So I had to pop in and admire their many varied beers from local breweries (some I'd never heard of before!) and from further afield. Opens, for now, Tuesday-Saturday 12-9pm; Sunday 12-5pm.

So, what is this place? Well, they sell a decent old range of beers as 'off sales' here (bottles and cans, and they can provide the draught craft beers available in containers too), but it is also a bar, with 3 crafty kegs on draught, it is run by a friendly young couple who moved in very recently, and it is well worth the visit, unless you don't like craft beers, of course! It's quite small a small establishment, used to be a newsagents, a bit like a 'micropub' crossed with an off licence, and, well, I enjoyed myself...

I tried 2 of the draught crafty kegs, from Brighton, Cloak & Dagger (website) Komodo Bozo (4.2%), a fruity bitter beer, heavily hopped with Mosaic, very nice, and from Abyss Brewing of Lewes (twitter page), a rather fuller and hazy beer, but similar in taste, their 6.2% Hank Marvin, which I am!

A convivial time was spent here. indeed, and an old friend, Larry, turned up whilst I was there the first time, cheers!

Hastings Winkle Club's Jazz & Blues Fest 2018

Oops, nearly missed it! Hastings Winkle's Club's Jazz and Blues Fest 2018 is on this weekend (1st - 3rd June, website). This event is taking place at the Stade Open Space, and many local bars are participating as well, so much jazz and blues merriment around town this weekend, plus the Winkle Club (blog) are always "raising money for local charities and good causes!"

Of course, other pubs and bars have alternative music as well over the weekend, so there will be free music for everyone, enjoy!