Thank you to Emergency Services Plus...

I took this photograph of the Lifeboat Station this morning, although the shop remains closed, the lifeboats and crews are very much ready to meet any alarm call received. Indeed, our thanks must go to all the Emergency Services, the RNLI Lifeboat, Coastguard, all NHS Workers and Pharmacy Staff, Police and Fire & Rescue, Volunteers, Street Cleaners and Refuse Collectors, Bus and Train Drivers and Conductors, Delivery Drivers and Shop Workers, in fact to anyone working to keep the economy and services carrying on as seamlessly as possible. Much Respect! 

Fresh Fish still available.

Library Photograph

Reading Hastings Online Times earlier, I noticed an article written by Chandra, fresh fish is still available from the huts along Winch Road, behind the fish market. Chandra reminds us that fishing boats are still going out from Hastings, and that fresh fish is still available to purchase here, not to mention the enterprising sons of Mick, Paul and Rob, offering a delivery service for those who cannot make it down to the old town, or who are self-isolating at this time. For more details please read Chandra's article on the Hastings Online Times website.

The ingenuity of Hastings folk, eh? Be safe folks!

Please feel free to add a comment if you know of similar happenings.

For Government advice about Coronavirus go to the website.

Quick Update!

I have already been out for my regular daily exercise, but I didn't take any photographs this morning, though I did meet up, by chance, with a couple I know (5 metres away from each other obviously!) and I saw a regular morning runner who I seem to be becoming buddies with too! Anyway, the photograph above I took earlier this year, lovely blue sky, so I thought it would cheer us all up a wee bit... 

So, an update? Indeed, in my blog published yesterday I shared information about bank and supermarket opening times, well, today I visited Tesco Express in Havelock Road, but it didn't open until 10.00 am, whereas it was open at 08.00 am yesterday (Sunday)! They do have a nice touch there, though, antiseptic handwash for customers to use on entering and on leaving the shop, nice one, many thanks! Anyway, I suppose I don't want to share just this one change of opening time, but suggest that, over the coming weeks and months, things are likely to be changing very quickly, so please bear that in mind if anything I write suddenly becomes out of date, and keep safe folks!

Hastings Central Banks, Shops & Other Information

Alexandra Park

Having had a lay in this morning (I woke at 05.00 instead of 04.00 😉 ) I decided my daily exercise, maintaining over 2 metres distance etc., would be an information gathering occasion too, predominantly for the town centre. Starting off via Morrisons at 06.45-ish I checked on their opening times (I haven't been in here for what seems like months, but more likely, a couple of weeks). Anyway, they are now opening Monday to Saturday 8 am to 8 pm, 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays. Responsibly, they have a queuing system to ensure that a limited number of customers are in the store at any one time.

Next, I had planned to walk up through Alexandra Park (blog about the park, among many) to Lidl in Bohemia Road, but as I walked through the park I realized that, at 07.00 hours, it was packed with people walking their dogs (avoid the park if possible, if you want to maintain social distancing easily that is!). So, I got out to Lower Park Road at my earliest convenience, then wandered up the path through the woods (above image, and saw no-one here) that connects with Amherst Road, and then up to Bohemia Road. To Lidl, who are ensuring sensible levels of customers by using a queuing system too (not while I was there, of course, I was way too early), their opening times appear to be the same as usual, that is, from 10.00 today.

Continuing my daily exercise regime (fewer miles today, Sunday being the day of rest), and the fact that, if you live a few minutes walk from the seafront, you should enjoy that fact when the weather is fine (though spots of rain and SNOW 😲 today), I carried on down to the seafront and took this photograph. Then I set back eastwards to see what was happening at Iceland, who have changed their hours a wee bit and, since the last time I was there, they appear to have changed their priorities too. Usual Sunday opening time from 10.00 am, but from 09.00 to 17.00 for customers Monday to Saturday, however, for NHS staff they are remaining open from 17.00 (5 pm).

Then, walking back into the town centre I checked up on bank opening times, which generally appear to be closed at weekends now, and open between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm (10.00 to 14.00 hours) Monday to Friday, although with slight deviations of opening at 09.00 some days, then closing at 13.00 hours. I imagine that at other banks around the Hastings area the opening times are very similar, but please add a comment if I am wrong here, many thanks. And I do apologize for switching between the 24 hour and 12 hour clock during this blog, but you'll get the gist. 

Also, at the 2 'local' shops, Sainsbury's Local in Devonshire Road (Station Approach, below the railway station) and Tesco Express in Havelock Road, both have monitored queuing arranged outside to limit customers. Indeed, impressively I found this morning, that Tesco Express asks customers to use the hand sanitizer provided by them, just inside the door, when you enter, and on leaving, excellent facility Tesco, many thanks!

Continue to remain careful, respect others and maintain at least 2 metres between you and other people at all times. We'll all be grateful for social distancing, no doubt...

Sussex Wildlife Trust Coronavirus Update

Sussex Wildlife Trust has recently advised its response to the Coronavirus crisis "to protect the health and safety of staff, volunteers and members of the public" -

"In light of the updated Government advice regarding Covid-19, all Sussex Wildlife Trust events until June are cancelled until further notice. This includes public and members events as well as volunteer work parties and school visits. We will be reviewing this regularly as the situation develops.

Our Nature Reserves will remain open. However the Woods Mill nature reserve car park, public toilets, Pop-up Cafe and the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Information Cabin are closed."

For further information go to the SWT website.

Observations from Yesterday in Hastings

Rock-a-Nore Road

I'll not be posting photographs all the time from my permitted and Government/NHS advised (website) daily exercise programme (carried out alone), because, quite frankly, there is only a limited number of photographic opportunities, otherwise they'll all start looking the same. But I have a few observations from my early morning walk yesterday (note the long shadows in the images), and a happier observation from earlier today.

First, I noticed that the lower promenade near St Leonards had been closed off, presumably not for maintenance, as non-essential work is not being carried out, in theory at least, but more likely to stop 'social drinkers' from forming groups of more than 2. However, it looks like, from the bent and moved fencing, that didn't have the desired result. Indeed, on the very day that local police officers were in the town centre reminding "people to stay indoors and away from the town centre" (blog), there were half a dozen 'social drinkers' in a close huddle in Queens Road around 09.15; I gave them a wide birth. Similarly, this morning, on return from my exercise, and in the town centre between the coffee shops, there were 4 people gathered together. Concerned.

Also, Hastings Pier was closed, appears responsible, but their facebook page states it is open from 10.30 to 17.00 (I passed it much earlier), likely an administrative oversight. Whereas a post apologises for it being closed due to the Coronavirus crisis (facebook). I presume it is closed, although I cannot check on that because I cannot stay out forever due to Government restrictions, and I get out as early as possible to avoid others (even I can be responsible, really!). But I had another thought, if the buildings on the Pier stayed closed, wouldn't it be an ideal place to enjoy exercise, providing people stayed over 2 metres apart, in fact, it is so large a space people could stay over 5 metres apart. If anyone has seen the Pier open please let me know in a comment, many thanks!

Finally, something positive, whilst out this morning, and being very responsible indeed, I first heard, then, whilst concentrating on where the sound was coming from, I saw, this lovely wee bird... Well, not the one in the image above, I don't have the appropriate photographic equipment to take such a good photograph from distance. But I did hear and see a Great Spotted Woodpecker (RSPB website). Result!

Please carry on being responsible dear folk, and look after yourselves!

Hastings Police Information and News

I have found that the easiest way to gather up to date information from Hastings Police concerning Coronavirus related issues, and other news, is to go to their facebook page, or twitter, for example, concerning police officers on foot in the town centre yesterday reminding "people to stay indoors and away from the town centre" and maintaining "social distancing." Indeed, my thanks and respect to the Hastings Police, NHS Staff, and all other Emergency and Essential Services, including fire fighters, ambulance staff and paramedics, refuse collectors, street cleaners, shop workers, transport workers, the list goes on... Please be careful!

Daily Exercise and Filsham Reedbed

My daily  exercise this morning had me walking in a different direction, again with an early start, consequently, I saw very few other people, particularly on the way out, and the early part of my return journey. As for all days these days, maintaining at least 2 metres distance was essential and, yet again, it was very rare that anyone else got within 5 metres of me, as I zigzagged along the less quiet later segment of the route. Anyway, I walked westwards this morning to Combe Valley Countryside Park, reaching the edge by the seashore at Bulverhythe.

Then I cut inland, crossing the footbridge over the railway tracks, and then crossing the A259, and walked up to Combe Haven. I saw one young woman walking her 2 dogs, but we maintained over 10 metres between us, and with no social discourse, not me being unfriendly I can guarantee, honest guv! Anyway, I coped with being ignored from 10 metres away and turned north up on the west side of the Combe Haven river...

About 600 metres on I crossed the small bridge to reach the entrance to the Sussex Wildlife Trust's Filsham Reedbed Nature Reserve. Being a member of the trust, and a regular visitor to this wonderful reserve, which is one of the largest reedbeds in Sussex, I have written about the reserve quite frequently, for example when I wrote a blog last month about World Wetlands Day 2020.

The image above is a rarely seen view of an area of wetland in the reserve, indeed, I cannot remember ever seeing this! Why? Because the reeds are usually very tall here and obstruct the view. However, the trust appears to have cut back the reeds in recent maintenance, so there you are (a rarely seen view for you!).

Finally, I reached my turning point for the walk, the 'hide' in the reserve, at the end of a very easy to manage raised wooden walkway (keeps your feet dry too). Gorgeous and peaceful, indeed, perfect tranquility. On this visit I didn't actually see any rare birds (though I did see a pheasant fly across the river on my way back!), but the reserve is an important stopover for migrating birds, reed warblers, bearded tits and water rail are among the birds that breed here, and specialist insects and plants thrive here.

For information about the Sussex Wildlife Trust, or how to join, go to their website, or go to The Wildlife Trusts website.

Remember, at least 2 metres apart, and be respectful!

PS. I only saw 2 people I know today, on my way back to the town centre, and I spoke to them both from about 5 metres.

Coronavirus: Community Support and Volunteering

I found a page on the Hastings Borough Council website that provides information for people who wish to volunteer to help the local community at this worrying time. In addition, an online application form that can be accessed for vulnerable residents of Hastings to request assistance for help at this time is linked too; the Council will liaise with organisations who can help to ensure the support is initiated (website).

Hastings Voluntary Action (website) are looking for volunteers who can help people who are affected by the Coronavirus and, if you would like to volunteer, you can access details and a link to register to volunteer your help at this page.

Furthermore, as you may well have seen or heard in the media, the National Health Service is also looking for volunteers, please go to this website for details of how to be a volunteer and a link to join NHS Volunteer Responders.

Be safe!

Hastings Country Park and the 'C' Virus

From East Hill

For some reason I appear to have many hours stuck indoors now, no-one to talk to (like many I live alone), and so, rather than bang my head against the wall, I am going to use some of that time to share the delights of Hastings and its environs, and to remind us all of our responsibilities in this Coronavirus related national, and international, crisis. Also, I am sharing the results of my personal form of exercise, very much alone, early in the day, staying "more than 2 metres from others" and, consequently, why I am now indoors for the rest of the day (BBC & Government website).

Rooftops of the Old Town

Luckily, walking is an accepted form of exercise as long as you remain at least 2 metres from others, as said above (website), also, since I had my fractured spine operated on near the beginning of the Millennium, I was advised by the Consultant Surgeon to take regular walks for the rest of my life, when possible. Therefore, I was out early this morning, from 06.00 hours, to avoid as many others as possible, however, it still didn't prevent me from waving at and speaking loudly across the road to, a young woman I regularly talk to near Pelham Crescent, whilst she walks her wee dog, and Paul, the main man for street cleaning in the Old Town, bless them both.

Then I walked up the East Hill steps, I met no-one else for ages, but I did spot these Primroses and Primula 'Wanda' (RHS website) just before meeting Barley Lane; I hadn't realised they are called Wanda until I looked them up when I reached home, all those years of ignorance... I then wandered to the East along Barley Lane, meeting a lovely woman along the way, and we had a wee chat from 7 or 8 yards apart (very socially acceptable now!); people really are coming together and not forgetting we're human, well, at least some are (coming together metaphorically).

The sounds of birds singing, including hearing my first woodpecker of the year, otherwise quiet and peaceful, and the lovely aroma of blossom in the air, it is difficult to impart how wonderful it was in writing. And, not too much further on, I met someone else who I know who works at Hastings Fishermen's Museum (older blog), walking with her husband and dog, it's a small world, well, small Hastings! Again, we kept respectfully apart, well over 5 metres, and exchanged pleasantries. Indeed, although, for the distance walked, I didn't meet many others on the way and way back, but we all ensured we kept well away from each other, never under 5 metres apart, exchanged our 'hellos' 'be carefuls' and 'keep wells' and it was all very heartening.

Warren Glen

So, Hastings Country Park nature reserve (website) is a wonderful piece of land to walk up to and cross, peaceful, respectful, and a delight to observe its beauty.

Oh yes, and there are Exmoor Ponies, and Belted Galloway Cattle too, well away from their natural homes, but apparently happy to abide in East Sussex! 😉 Older blog.

Who are you looking at?!?

So, I reached Fairlight, which was my turning round point today (under 4 miles each way), and yet another beautiful spot where Pre-Raphaelite artists, and their friends, eg Edward Lear (Lear, already an accomplished artist, was a student to the Pre-Raphaelite William Holman Hunt), visited and painted during the 19th century (blog).

I returned to Hastings, walking back down Barley Lane, and reached the retired lifeboat, Priscilla MacBean, which I haven't written about for a while (eg my first ever blog).

Then, soon after, I reached Cyril and Lilian Bishop, the hero and Ghost of Dunkirk, returned to Hastings in 2017 (blog) below All Saints Church.

To repeat myself, which I think is important at this time, we do need to ensure we maintain a responsible level of social distancing at all times. More importantly, if you are someone, or live with someone, who the Government has designated as a 'vulnerable person' you need to take note of the even more severe restrictions recommended. Please see the Government website for further advice, and stay safe folks.

I hope you have enjoyed the photographs I have shared today, and this blog.

Remember, please be careful!

An Upbeat Blog

I am going to be positive, this may change over the coming days, but, I got out early this morning, and it was very quiet, indeed, I didn't get within 5 metres of anyone else, and there were very few others around at the time. But I may well have to get out even earlier over the next couple of months, and depending on any curfew that may come into force. I wouldn't want to beat the bug, but get shot dead. Anyway, it was certainly safer than being in the crush at supermarkets around 07.00-08.00 hours!

Came back eastwards and reached Rock-a-Nore, windy and a wee bit choppy there.

On return, I walked back past Hastings Fishermen's Museum (closed indefinitely), to my left, and finished my walk about 08.30 hours, and now...

As soon as I reached home I battened down the hatches and, as I hinted at above, I do hope any curfew will allow me to remain healthy, I'd hate to be shot... 

I hope my photographs give some pleasure to those confined to barracks.

Advice etc about Coronavirus given with an earlier blog. Be careful folks!

Libraries Closed Too...

OK, not for good, fingers crossed, but today is the final day people can visit libraries until further notice. From East Sussex Library and Information Service (facebook).

"Following the UK government’s decision to ask public venues including pubs, restaurants, theatres and leisure centres to shut, we have decided to close all East Sussex County Council’s libraries from Monday (23 March) until further notice.

This means that today (Saturday 21 March) will be the final day when customers will be able to visit our libraries and borrow books or other physical items.
All current and new library loans will be extended until at least 30 June so no one has to worry about overdue library books or other items. We have scrapped fines for any items that were due to be returned after 9 March 2020.
Our online library of course will operate as normal and we have increased the number of items available online. Our eLibrary http://ow.ly/Iu4S50yRPDa  includes not just books but also audiobooks, magazines and reference material.
We are sorry to announce this measure but we feel it is clearly in line with the new Government policy which is intended to further protect public health.
We look forward to welcoming our customers back when the situation eases." 

Peacocks last day today.

Hardly a surprise really, sadly, Peacocks was doomed as soon as Primark came to Hastings. Anyway, it is their last day today, just trusting that their staff can find alternative employment in these difficult times, best wishes to you folks.

Britain Closes Down!

BBC  😧 

Watch out for each other!

Coronavirus, Advice, Help and Police Warning

N.H.S. advice (website) regarding Coronavirus is that if you have a high temperature and/or a new continuous cough you should stay at home, not go to a GP Surgery, Pharmacy or Hospital. Use the online 111 service (website), please only call 111 if you cannot get help online. Stay at home for at least 7 days, or 14 days if you live with someone with symptoms (symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear). Further advice about staying at home can be found on the website.

DO (website)

• Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitiser gel;
• Always wash your hands when reaching home or work;
• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, not your hands;
• Discard tissues immediately and wash your hands;
• Avoid people with symptoms;
• Only travel on public transport when necessary;
• Work from home if possible;
• Avoid social activities;
• Avoid events with large crowds.

Sorry, old notes in image!

There could well be more information coming out later today, or any day for that matter, but currently, if you are laid off or put on short time working, go to the Government website for advice and help to apply for financial support. Keep eyes and ears open for any possible changes to the support offered.

Hastings Police (facebook) have warned of possible COVID-19 (Coronavirus) scams, eg people door-knocking, claiming to be from the Health Authority and offering COVID-19 testing, even to take temperatures; so far, apparently, to residential homes.

Do NOT let them in, do NOT allow them to take details or take money, DO report to the Police on 101. If they do not leave when requested call 999.

Keep safe folks!

Council Tax Bill 2020-21

So the latest Council Tax Bill, for 2020 to 2021, arrived on most doorsteps this week, not really any surprise regarding the make-up... East Sussex County Council increase from last year 2.0%, Adult Social Care increase of 2.0%, Hastings Borough Council increase of 2.0%, East Sussex Fire Authority 2.0%.

But what about for the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner? Again, this exceeded the average increase, as it has done in recent years, eg 7.8% compared to 3.0% 2018-19, a whopping 14.5% compared to 3.0% 2019-20 (blog), and this year 5.3% compared to 2.0%. So, whilst Hastings receives no central government grants at all now, we keep on being asked for money over the inflation rate (11.5% over inflation this year passing!) to fund the Police. I doubt many would deny the Police need more funding, with over 23,000 fewer police officers now than in 2010, thanks to austerity cuts, but we keep on paying more, and I don't see any increase in police numbers walking the beat in Hastings, though the occasional support officer or two patrol in police cars.

Indeed, the Prime Minister has suggested he will ensure police numbers are added to by 20,000 officers, but still not enough to equal the number in 2010, and 30,000 fewer than Home Office and Police officials say will actually be required! The reason for that 30,000 number is because "so many are set to leave the service" (BBC).

Don't hold your collective breath.

Live Music Cancellations

My apologies for announcing the Blakeley Band would be playing at The Albion on St Patrick's Day, the gig was later cancelled because of the C word virus, and they have announced that all further gigs are cancelled until further notice (facebook). I am also aware other venues are likely to cancel gigs too, so it could be worth checking with any venues you want to visit for live music to see if they are still playing. 

Not great news, sorry, difficult times...

Happy St Patrick's Day!

So, despite all that's going on, I haven't forgotten St Patrick's Day, but what is on in Hastings today? Well, there's a wee Irish Beer Festival at The Jolly Fisherman micropub, 3 East Beach Street TN34 3AR (I have written about this hostelry before, but see blog if you want to read more about this lovely wee bar and its history). I have already enjoyed drinking 2 of those beers, Black is the Colour and Stouts Out! and a grand Irish Whiskey too, Pogues, not to forget that they are serving up a wonderful Irish Stew. Go to their facebook page for more details of the day.

This evening, 8.00 to 11.30 pm, and down the seafront a wee bit to the west, at The Albion, 33 George Street TN34 3EA, is a nice bit of appropriate folk music with St Patrick's Day at the Albion With The Garry Blakeley Band (facebook).

Enjoy the Craic, and Sláinte!

Moving Pebbles along the Beach!

Machinery at Rest yesterday

You may have noticed the quite regular moving of pebbles from one part of the beach to another, it happens at least once a year, sometimes quite a few occurrences. Well, it's a serious part of the process, going on as I write, of protecting the coast, Hastings Borough Council (HBC) and the Environment Agency (DEFRA - Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) work together to "produce Shoreline Management Plans and Coast Protection Strategies which enable schemes of work to be implemented in line with DEFRA policies" (Hastings Borough Council website).

In Action

Therefore not quite so silly as it may first appear to the general public and, indeed, one of the necessary factors that ensure our coastal protection locally. I have mentioned similar before, and know one of the lads involved in this work, cheers Graham, keep up the good work!

“This work will protect potentially vulnerable areas from flooding, remove surplus shingle from where it's not needed and help reduce the impact of wave action on the shoreline. The work is expected to last up to three weeks.”  Announced last week (HBC facebook).

Hastings Half Marathon 2020 is Cancelled

Sadly, because of the Coronavirus 'pandemic' the Hastings Half Marathon has been cancelled this year (website). 😞

Sussex Police Recruiting

Sussex Police launched a recruitment campaign earlier this week, focusing on non-degree holders for their Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA), a 3 year programme with "on and off the job learning." If you are interested in taking up this challenging career, whilst studying for a degree you would be paid as a police officer with no tutorial fees (website), applications should be made by Monday the 23rd of March, when recruitment closes. Apply at the website, and respect to you!

Ferris Wheel Returns...

I meant to post this the other day, but other events overtook me, apologies, but it appears the Ferris Wheel should be back in action by the beach for Easter.

Hastings Labour Party firebombed by Right-Wing Terrorists?!?

The Hastings Labour Party office in Bohemia Road was set on fire on Tuesday evening, and with Labour Party members on the premises, but what were the circumstances, Right-Wing Terrorism?!? See the BBC website (many thanks for photograph). I am very sure Sussex Police (website) would welcome any information please, many thanks.

A few days later

The Police have since confirmed the "fire was started deliberately" (Argus).