Happy New Year!

Sad that wars in Europe and the Middle East continue, and concern about conflict elsewhere too. Millions are having to survive without food, clean water, light and heating, and not just in the developing world, but in Europe because of the designs of a dictator. As I say regularly, we thought the world changed following 1945, at least in Europe, but it seems not. However, I remain an optimist, and trust things will improve in 2025, despite neo-Fascists in the West and religious fundamentalists gaining power worldwide. Yet I wish to share my hope for peace and true goodwill to the people of Hastings and everyone worldwide, fingers crossed. Happy New Year!

Pharmacies open over Christmas.

East Sussex County Council have issued a list of pharmacies that will be open in Hastings during the public holidays, including Kamsons Pharmacy (above) in Wellington Place, in the town centre, which will be open Christmas Day (25th) 10-13.00, Boxing Day/St Stephen's Day (26th) 14-17.00, and New Years Day (1st January) 14-17.00. 2 other pharmacies will be open differently over those days, as will 2 in St Leonards; opening times are listed on the Council website.

Seasons Greetings!

I give thanks to all those who continue to look after us, including carers, those working in the emergency services, the police, fire fighters, ambulance staff and paramedics, the NHS, doctors, nurses, other health professionals and ancillary staff, and the brave crews and volunteers of the RNLI lifeboat service. Respect! 💓 And many thanks to Charles Schulz for the imagery. 👍

Finally, with continuing wars, including in Europe and Syria, the rise of neo-fascism in Western countries and Russia, and the increasing rise of religious fundamentalism and intolerance, I'll keep my fingers crossed, and pass my best wishes to you, and wish for peace and goodwill to all, whatever one's beliefs, let's work together to protect our freedoms and the Earth folks. 👌

Wellbeing Support

At this time of year loneliness may become an even more pressing problem for mental health, East Sussex County Council provides details of support available at its website. Stay safe folks.

First Day of Spring?!?

Only yesterday I posted about Winter Solstice and the beginning of Winter (blog), yet I've been getting reports from around Hastings that it may just be Spring, as the 'Herald of Spring' the primrose (The Hazel Tree website), has been spotted here, there and everywhere about town! Many thanks to Maz for sharing the above image with me, cheers m'dears!

Happy Winter Solstice!

Happy Winter Solstice 2024! See Live Science for more information, cheers!

Refuse & Recycling Collection During Holiday Period

Seasonal information, see above for details of refuse and recycling collection days adjustments over next few weeks, or go to Hastings Borough Council at Hastings Online.

Severe Weather Emergency Provision & Homelessness

The Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) has been activated in Hastings for tonight (Thursday 19 December - facebook). The council has been working with Warming Up The Homeless (website) to provide a place of overnight safety for rough sleepers during the severe weather expected tonight. The overnight centre will be at Gizmo House, 23 Priory Street, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1EA.

Warming Up The Homeless have confirmed that: • People with pets are welcome • Three hot meals a day will be provided at no cost • People can access free shower facilities • People can access free laundry facilities. People do not need to approach the council in order to access this SWEP provision. But if anyone has any queries regarding this provision outside of office hours, the out of hours team can be contacted on 01424 451999.

The Council is continuing to offer support to rough sleepers this winter including support to find a longer-term home. If you are concerned about someone who is rough sleeping, please get in contact via StreetLink. Stay safe folks.

East Sussex Keep Warm & Well

East Sussex County Council offer advice and help for keeping warm (website). If you know someone who is on a low income and living with a long-term condition or disability, or on a means-tested benefit, or are yourself, a free home visit for a Warm Home Check can be arranged (website). Also, for advice about cost of living support go to their website.

Bottle Alley Festive Light Show

The lights in Bottle Alley are again in 'festive' mode, that is lasting 5 minutes twice every evening at 7.30 and 9.30 pm, extended to 30 minutes next Friday (HBC facebook), enjoy!

Nature recovery in action!

I have been contacted again by Sussex Wildlife Trust to inform me that it’s now been "over three years since a 300km2 area of Sussex seabed was protected from bottom trawling and signs of recovery are starting to be seen. Black Sea Bream and (large) Mussel beds... have been sighted in this protected area, demonstrating nature recovery in action. At the start of the century, 96% of the Sussex Kelp Forest, and the marine life it supported, had disappeared, so it is truly wonderful to see the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project bringing wildlife back to Sussex" (blog).

To find out more about Kelp and Kelp Ecosystem Benefits, including providing spawning and nursery grounds, acting as a carbon conveyor, and providing a natural coastal defence, go to the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project website. Nice one!

Premier Inn in Town Centre Update.

Well, since approval was given in February 2022 for a new hotel to be built between Cornwallis Street and Mann Street (blog), as you can see from the photograph above, it definitely is being built! This will likely change the neighbouhood, I have little doubt...

It's Now December So...

Indeed, I have held off this early seasonal blog until December because, well, just because it was too early for me in November, though apparently not too early for trees and decorations to appear around Hastings town, in shops, and in pubs and bars, so here I am...

Not only does a warm welcome meet you as you come down from from Hastings railway and bus interchange (top), but as you enter the Priory Meadow indoor shopping centre too.

Not to forget the caring bear in front of the Charity Giving Tree in aid of Hastings Foodbank, where you can make a donation by taking a tag from the tree, purchase a suitable gift, and then take the gift to Kids Stuff (website) in Priory Meadow, and many thanks for your kindness.

And a warm welcome also meets you when entering St Andrews Mews after crossing South Terrace from Marks & Spencer, there's a tree placed there since I took this photograph!

And, of course there are many other Christmas Trees, lights and allsorts of decorations around town, so, apologies, but early Seasonal Greetings folks, it's coming nery soon!