BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ No. 31. Saturday 5 August 2006. Your local newsletter - everything and anything to do with Bohemia Price: £0.40 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ BOOKMAN’S HALT
SELLENS FRENCH
‘Vogue’ shoot in Bohemia
Accountants adding and multiplying
Clive Linklater has played host to a Vogue magazine fashion shoot at his shop, ‘Bookman’s Halt’ in Bohemia Road. The extraordinary incident happened a few weeks ago, and was recounted by Clive: “I was sorting out some books, when this car pulled up outside and a couple of chaps asked if they could look round the shop – with a view to using it as a backdrop for a fashion shoot.”
Local accountancy firm Sellens French is adding to its premises and multiplying its amount of office space, and Michael Foster was on hand to help the opening ceremony along. But there were 26 empty desks on Wednesday morning this week when all the staff gathered outside the firm’s new extension to watch Michael Foster perform the official opening.
Sellens French’s new extension is opened by Michael Foster (left), with partners Keith Sellens (centre) and John French (Wed 2 Aug)
Back to normal: Clive collecting books outside Bookman’s Halt prior to shutting up last Saturday [29 July 2006].
Clive agreed and the visitors took a lot of Polaroid shots to show other members of their team. “They later returned – there were eight of them altogether, including the model herself, - all crammed into the back of my shop.” Why on earth did they want to use his shop? “Apparently they were here in Bohemia looking for ‘unspoilt St Leonards’ locations,” said Clive. BOWLER
Who was the model? “I can’t remember her name, but she appeared in Vogue this May. She was 6’2” and wore a bowler hat in some of the shots. And when she walked down Bohemia Road, she brought the traffic to a halt. I was told the pictures will appear in August in the Italian edition of Vogue,” said Clive. Why was she walking down Bohemia Road? “The team were here all day and she wanted to use the loo, so my daughter Sarah took her to my house in Salisbury Road.” Where did she change her clothes between shots? “In the back of the shop.” Did you close the shop for the day? “Oh, no, I stayed open for business – I just said ‘Excuse me, but we’re doing a photo shoot for Vogue’ – as if it happened every day.” Why do think your shop was chosen? “I was told that there aren’t second-hand bookshops in Italy like mine, they’re all quite posh.” So was the team Italian? “No, they were English, from London in fact. They explained that they do all of their work on a speculative basis and only get paid for about (continued page 3)
Keith admitted that no expense had been spared: “The ribbon alone cost 60p (bought from ‘Bohemian Scrapsody’ next door). It was chosen by my secretary, Jan and the colour is burgundy – to match the colour of our logo.” Why was the extension required? “As you saw for yourself, the office accommodation is rather cramped, indeed we did not have enough desks to accommodate all staff. The new extension will enable us to accommodate a further 8 staff without either relocating the business or setting up a satellite office in another location.” Why didn’t you move to bigger premises elsewhere? “Well, we like it here, and it made more sense to expand these offices than experience the upheaval of moving away. We very much feel part of Bohemia and our staff contribute to the local economy by supporting the other businesses around us. And we always use local suppliers wherever possible to provide goods and services to ourselves.” An accountancy practice was established at 93-97 Bohemia Road in 1983 by Brian Reade. Keith Sellens joined the practice as an employee in 1985, becoming a partner just three years later and buying Brian out in 1997. In 2001, John French brought his clientele and staff into the practice, doubling the size of the now two-partner firm to 14. This figure has nearly doubled to 26 today and Keith believes that Sellens French is now probably Bohemia’s largest employer. “We contribute to the local business community in other ways as well, such as by providing panellists on the local grants and loan panels which are operated by 1066 Enterprise as well as providing other mentoring services to clients of that organisation. All of these activities are, of course, voluntary,” he added.
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No off licence please - BAA The Bohemia Area Association definitely does not want another off licence premises. At an extraordinary committee meeting at the Red Cross Hall in Newgate Road on Tuesday 1 August 2006, the BAA resolved to write a strong letter of objection to Hastings Borough Council, and encouraged anyone with similar feelings to do likewise. One BAA member remarked that “Half a dozen alcoholics used to use this area - some are now dead, and the rest seem to have gone. Will cheap booze bring them back?”
In attendance at the Bohemia Area Association meeting were: Peter Holland (chair), Jeanette Holland, Vivienne Bond, Vic Chalcraft, Mike Cramp, Rosemary Iddenden, Keith Wood, Iris Schofield, John L Humphries, Charles Levett, Terry Foord, Eileen Fermour, Steve Mann and Monty Modlinger who arrived just as the meeting ended. __________________________________________________________ BOHEMIA FOODMARKET
Masood Iqbal: from Hydrabad to Bohemia Interview by John Humphries Mr Masood Iqbal, owner of ‘Bohemia Foodmarket’ took a few minutes off work on Wednesday this week to talk to Bohemia Village Voice about his plans for his new store. Mr Iqbal has been in the grocery trade for 32 years, the last 24 of them in Hastings.
Site of the proposed Bohemia Foodmarket and Off-licence
Peter Holland, chairman of the BAA, said “Nine years ago when I came to live in Bohemia, there was a big problem with alcoholics. Now there isn't - now it doesn't seem any worse than any other area of the country. There are fifteen outlets within a mile that currently sell alcohol. Do we really need yet another? It's easier to buy alcohol than a postage stamp. Once premises are granted a licence it's very difficult to remove it.” Vivienne Bond, (Lib-Dem councillor for Gensing ward), said “Mr Iqbal needs a premises licence. He already has a licence in his own right to sell alcohol. Any grounds for objecting to a licence being granted are very specific. In fact, there are only four possible reasons for objecting to the issuing of a licence: 1. the prevention of crime and disorder. 2. Public safety. 3. The prevention of public nuisance. 4. the protection of children from harm. Vivienne intends to write a letter in her capacity as a resident of Bohemia to object to the licence. “I understand the police will be objecting to this licence being granted,” she said. “All objections must be lodged by the 17 August. The Council’s decision will be made on the 10 October 2006, when all letters of objection will be made available. Mr Iqbal will be in attendance.” The full details (all 14 pages) of the regulations concerning applications for licences can be found at www.hasings.gov.uk/licensing/licensing-act2003.aspx Keith Woods raised the subject of under-aged cigarette buyers and said that a firm policy of no sale to under sixteens paid off eventually the kids stop coming in to try to buy cigarettes. What, he asked, would be the policy of Bohemia Foodmarket? The application which was made public last week reads: “Licensing Act 2003. Premises Licence Application. Application for a Premises Licence. Notice is hereby given that on the 21 July 2006, an application was made to Hastings Borough Council by Masood Iqbal, 237 Wishing Tree Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN38 9LA, to obtain a premises licence for the premises known as Bohemia Foodmarket, 6870, Bohemia Road, St Leonards, Susses, TN37 6RQ, in the following respects: for supply of alcohol off the premises Monday to Saturday 8:00 to 22:00, Sunday 10:00 to 22:00. Any person wishing to make representations about this application for variation should write to the Executive Director, Environment & Safety, Hastings Borough Council, Century House, 100, Menzies Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN38 9BB, within twenty eight days of the application date shown above.”
Mr Iqbal used to own Mary's Foodmarket in Bohemia. It is believed that it was named after his wife, Mary.
Bohemia Foodmarket owner Masood Iqbal (left) chats to Robert Duck who will be one of his staff when the new store opens [picture 2 Aug]
What made you decide to open another store? “I tried to retire after I sold the Norman Road shop, but I got bored. I’m opening this shop because I like working – it’s not a matter of money. I’ll be working here in the shop myself – with about four staff, including this young man, Robert Duck, (18, see picture) who’s worked for me before. My wife, Mary, will be coming in for a few hours to keep an eye on things when I go to the cash and carry.” How many stores does you own? “I sold ‘Mary’s Foodmarket’ [in Norman Road, St Leonards] in January of this year, and I’ve also sold my store on the seafront next to the ‘Pig in Paradise’. This shop is now the only store I now own.” Will you be selling fresh fruit and veg? “I would like to, yes. I know that is what a lot of people say they want. So I will be trying to find a good supplier.” What will you do if you don’t get your licence to sell alcohol? “It doesn’t matter to me, I’ll just sell all the other goods. But I want to sell alcohol, as one thing supports another in this business.” A lot of people are worried about you selling cheap lager. “I can’t afford to sell at cut price. There’s not much call for cheap beer. I hope to be selling wine to the local families. There’ll be no stacks of cheap booze.” What about cigarettes and tobacco? “Yes, I’ll be selling these things. People want them.” What will the shop hours be? “The shop will be open 8:00am to 9:00pm every day, including Sundays.” When will the shop be open for business? “There’s a lot of work to do getting the shop ready – it’ll cost at least £60,000 to prepare the shop, and it will take time. All the floor has to be covered with plywood and ceramic tiles. I think we will be open in November.”
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Will you be selling newspapers and magazines? “Definitely not. I’ve done that before and know what that’s all about: getting up at 5am every day. No thanks!” What about fresh meat? “No, I won’t be doing any fresh meats, only frozen meat in packets. And I’ll be selling prepared meals and TV dinners [looking at me] – for the old aged pensioners.” Mr Iqbal who was born in Hydrabad, India, 61 years ago, has two children, both married. “I’m so pleased to be able to work – I had a brain haemorrhage three years ago, which was very serious. I like people and I like this area – I will enjoy working here again.”
(‘Vogue shoot in Bohemia’ - from page 1) one third of the work they do – but that pays for the rest.” Was it a profitable day for Clive? “They gave me a bottle of Champagne.” BLACK UMBRELLA
Why did it take a team of eight to take a few pictures? “I don’t know, but one of the team was a hairdresser who just seemed to stand around all day – he was only asked once to help – he just flicked a lock of hair from the model’s face.”
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Work starts at new market Work at the new ‘Bohemia Foodmarket’ has begun, preparing the new store for an opening in November. The premises were visited on Tuesday 1 August by Bohemia Village Voice. Two workmen and a lad were there, stripping out old shelving. The owner, Mr Iqbal, however, was not on the premises. The builders working at the site said “It won't be open for at least 3 months.” What changes will be made? “The front window will be kept, but the shuttering will be changed as the existing one is faulty. Also the front door entrance will be altered to provide higher access for dairy trolleys. And all the electric meters which are currently in the basement will have to moved to the ground floor,” the builder added. It is understood that the main floor will not be concreted over as originally planned as it is too expensive but will be covered with board and tiled instead.
Was Liz Hurley Clive’s Vogue model? It would explain the traffic stopping incident [photo: Vogue Italy]
What sort of pictures were taken? “They needed a long black umbrella for one shot and my daughter Sarah popped into town to get a cheap one for them – it was for a shot in the shop doorway. But most of the pictures were taken in the back of the store. I was told they’d send me some of the pictures – but none have arrived yet.” Bohemia Foodmarket – clearing the decks prior to fitting out.
Clive Linklater, Bookman’s Halt, 127, Bohemia Road, Bohemia Village.
What will happen to the upper floor? “The floor above will be refurbished as a flat with an independent access from the rear, leaving the shop self-contained.” The staircase from ground to first floor level has already been removed.
DE CHAM ROAD
The premises were, in the early twentieth century, used for a short time as a cinema, but only one half of the site was so used.
Death ‘suspicious’ say police
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Sussex Police this week announced that a ‘suspicious’ death has been reported in De Cham Road. Local councillor Vivienne Bond received the notification personally from Sussex Police’s chief inspector Trevor Bowles on Wednesday evening this week. It is understood the death occurred at number 32, De Cham Road. The police are conducting an investigation.
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STREET LITTER
Vivienne asks for ‘action’ but gets fine words Complaints about street litter have produced some nice words from the Council – but little else. Gensing Lib-Dem councillor Vivienne Bond has written a strong letter to Richard Homewood at Hasting Borough Council about lack of street cleaning and has been reassured that it’s Richard’s ‘top priority’. The text of Vivienne’s letter is:
ANTHONY’S FURNITURE
Composers’ quartet on offer A set of four pictures of famous composers is on offer at Anthony’s Furniture. The items, presumably prints, are of Beethoven, Listz, Wagner and Mozart. Each is housed in an attractive wooden frame, said to be Edwardian, and each measures approximately 22 by 14 inches. “Whoever buys them, will need to give them a good clean, as they’re a bit grimy,” says Anthony, a local resident who has traded from his corner shop in London Road opposite Buchanan Gardens for the last four years.
Richard – I was disappointed with the response from Cllr Wilson re the amount of litter in not only my ward but all areas. He seems to think that just reporting it is enough. My residents have been doing that, and have not got anywhere. Can I have some action please, as I need to tell my residents that something is happening about this mess. You have a look as you go back home along Bohemia Road – there are large bits of litter everywhere and the side streets are far worse as we do not seem to have a street cleaner. Is it correct that he has been replaced with a machine? I would be willing to do a walkabout if you could fit it in. Cllr Vivienne Bond.
The serious face of Beethoven – one of a set of four pictures on offer at Anthony’s Furniture this week Sadly, a typical scene in Salisbury Road yesterday afternoon
Richard’s answer, received after just nine minutes (really), seems to be very long on fine words but very short on definite proposals for immediate action. The text of his letter, reproduced in full, shows the real problem Vivienne is up against : Cllr Bond – We are acutely aware of the problem and are working to resolve it at all levels. At the basic level, all complaints are recorded and then reported to the contractor as they are then required by the contract to respond within the prescribed time limits depending upon the severity of the problem. At a higher level, I have written twice to the area manager and regional director of Veolia [the company currently responsible for street cleaning in Hastings] expressing my personal, the council’s and the public’s dissatisfaction with the standard of service to date under the new contract. I have since spoken to the area manager and he has been tasked to provide the regional director with a full report for a meeting we plan to hold next week to thrash out the issues. The waste team is still severely depleted and we are in the middle of recruiting new staff. I am also trying to source experienced temporary staff to help in the interim period. Please be assured that this is my top priority at the moment. Richard Homewood, executive director, Environment & Safety, Hastings Borough Council, Century House, 100, Menzies Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN38 9BB. Tel: 01424 783200. From the passage underlined it seems that Richard Homewood’s answer to our dirty streets is not to encourage the employment of more street cleaners but to recruit more pen pushers and paper shufflers for his ‘Waste Team’. Great, eh? _____________________________________________________________
He added “I’m selling them for a customer – he’s asked for offers, and has recently turned down an offer of £80 for the set. He’ll only sell them as a complete set. I’m told they used to hang in the Pump House in George Street in Hastings Old Town and that they were bought by the customers of the pub who clubbed together to get them.” Has there been much interest in the pictures? “Oh, yes, I’ve had lots of people pop in to talk about them, and I don’t mind if that’s all they want to do … it makes the shop look busy.” Anthony’s Furniture, 269, London Road, Bohemia Village. Tel: 01424 200650. Open Mon-Fri 8:00 to 5:30pm. Sats 8:00 to 3:00pm. Closed Sunday.
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HORNTYE PARK
‘Top drawer’ talent at Horntye Bohemia welcomed the Lashings World XI squad to Horntye Park on Thursday this week for a one afternoon match of 40 overs against Hastings Priory. Hasting Priory’s Ian Gillespie said “It was a fantastic match, even though we lost by about 70 runs. We got about 250 as against their 330. Lashings’ De Silva (see picture, above) was absolutely brilliant – really out of the top drawer. And Chris Cairns shot a sixer out of the grounds – heading towards Lidls, I think. And of course, Chris Lewis got a century – first class international stuff.” And Hastings Priory? “Jason Finch scored a great 42,” said Ian.
Commentators, including Scott (‘The Voice’) Charlton (left), Lashings’ Roger Dakin (centre), keeping an eye on the match – and the trophy – at Horntye Park on Thursday.
The Lashings World XI squad consisted of Richie Richardson, Aravinda de Silva (pictured below), Alvin Kallicharran, Clare Connor, Chris Cairns, Chris Lewis, Phil de Freitas, Chris Harris, Vasbert Drakes, Tatenda Taibu, Phil Simmons, Nantie Hayward, Rashid Latif and Russell Arnold. The Hastings Priory squad comprised John Morgan, 29, (captain), Tim van Noort, 32, (vice-captain), Jason Finch, 36, James Beeny, 20, Bradley Smith, 36, Tim Eldridge, 42, Will Hantam, 22, George Campbell, 26, John Hancock, 19, Max Finzel, 17, Alex Collier, 20 and Michael Glazer, 40. Sri Lankan batsman Aravinda de Silva waiting his turn at the crease on Thursday. Aravinda has played in 93 tests, scored 6,361 runs. He was Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1996. “I’ve never been to Hastings before, although I used to play for Kent. I reckon we’ll score 300 today.”
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Vie de Bohème …
The World XI are well named, having four members from the West Indies, two from Sri Lanka, three from England, two from New Zealand, and one each from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Pakistan. A heavy shower of rain in the morning looked like it might spoil the fun, but fortunately the weather cleared by the afternoon. This was the fifth consecutive year that Lashings have visited Bohemia to play Hastings Priory – and we even beat them once, in 2004.
How the Bohemian Club was Founded (10)
A good sized crowd turn out to watch Hastings Priory try to beat Lashings
White cricket balls were used for the match, with black sight-screens and dark-coloured stumps.
After reading to the end of this epistle, which the artist had written in the office of a friend employed at the War Department, M. Bernard crumpled it up in a rage. His glance falling on old Durand, who was waiting for the promised gratuity, he brutally asked him what he was doing there. “I’m waiting, sir.” “For what?” “Why, sir, for your gracious kindness … because of the good news,” the janitor stammered. “Get out! What do you mean, rascal, by standing in front of me with your cap on?” “But sir…” “Come, no answering back, get out! … or rather, no, stay here. We’re going to visit the room of this scoundrelly artist who moves out without paying me.” “What? M. Schaunard?
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“Yes.” The landlord’s anger was rising. “And if he has taken away the slightest thing you are dismissed, do you understand? You are dismissed!” “But that’s impossible, it is,” muttered the poor janitor. “M. Schaunard has not moved out. He’s gone to fetch the money to pay you, sir, and to order the cart to take away his furniture.” “Take away his furniture! Hurry! I’m sure he’s doing it now. He’s laid a trap, to get you away from your lodge while he plays this trick, idiot that you are!” “Heavens, idiot that I am!” Old Durand trembled before the Olympian wrath of his employer, who dragged him out on to the staircase. When they reached the yard, the janitor was accosted by the young man in the white hat. “Come now, janitor,” he exclaimed, “am I, or am I not, soon to be given possession of my domicile? Is today April the eighth, or is it not? Have I, or have I not, engaged the apartment, and have I not given you the earnest-money? Yes or no?” “Excuse me, sir,” said the landlord, “I am at your service … Durand,” he said to the janitor, “I shall attend to this gentleman myself. Run upstairs. That scoundrel Schaunard has doubtless returned to do his packing. If you find him at it, lock him in, and go fetch the police.” Old Durand vanished up the stairs. “Excuse me, sir,” said the landlord, bowing to the young man. “Whom have I the honour of addressing?” “I am your new tenant, sir. I have engaged a room on the sixth floor of this house, and am becoming impatient that it is not vacant.” “I’m extremely sorry, sir. A difficulty has arisen between me and one of my tenants, the one whom you are to replace.” “Sir, sir!” the janitor called, from a window in the top storey. “M. Schaunard is not here. But his room is still here. Idiot that I am, I mean, he has taken nothing away – not a hair, sir.” To be continued … [Vie de Bohème by Henry Mürger, a vivid portrait of the ‘Bohemian’ life of the artistic quarter of Paris in the nineteenth century was originally published (by Michel Lévy) in 1851. The extract above is taken from a translation by Norman Cameron, published by Hamish Hamilton. The illustration is by Dodi Masterman.] _____________________________________________________
Letters Hummingbird Hawk Moth Dear Sir, I spotted a Hummingbird Hawk Moth in St Peters Road on Friday [21 July]. It was pointed out to me by a lady. Dave Kent Cloudesley Road.. For the benefit of readers unfamiliar with this particular insect, here is one:
Hummingbird hawk-moth (scientific name Macroglossum stellatarum). The moth is named after its resemblance to a hummingbird, with its rapid hovering motion as it feeds on the nectar of flowers. The caterpillars grow to about 60mm in length. They are very colourful with a green or reddish-brown body with white dots and dark, white and yellow stripes, black spiracles and a blue, yellowtipped horn. The sexes are similar in appearance. The moth itself is often mistaken for a hummingbird as it hovers above the flowers. The moths have a brown, white-spotted abdomen, brown forewings and orange hindwings. They have a wingspan of 40-50 mm. The wings
beat so fast that they produce an audible hum. Hummingbird hawkmoths are abundant in Mediterranean countries, Central Asia and Japan. In the British Isles they can be spotted every year in the summer from June to September and have been recorded as far north as the Orkney and Shetland Islands. [BBC] _________________________________________________________
Puzzle Picture Even if you think you know Bohemia, can you recall where this unusual garden ornament is located? – answer next week.
Okay – you’re observant – but where’s this?
_________________________________________________________ Bohemia Village Voice Edited and published by John Humphries at 33, St Peter’s Road, Bohemia Village, Sussex, England, TN37 6JQ. Telephone: 01424 446759. Mobile: 07891 634377. E-mail: john@johnhumphries.f2s.com Items for inclusion: please send to the editor. To begin receiving this newsletter: please send an e-mail to John Humphries with the message “Please subscribe me to Bohemia Village Voice.” To cease receiving this newsletter: please send an e-mail to John Humphries, with the message “Please unsubscribe me from Bohemia Village Voice.” Circulation figures for this issue: e-mail version: 63, printed version: 7, total: 70. First published May 2006. Statistics for May to July 2006: total number of editions published: 30; total number of pages: 68; total number of articles: 113; total number of pictures used: 63; total letters published: 20; total free ads: 7; total copy sales: £nil; total advertising sales: £nil. © 2006 John Humphries.
Next issue: Saturday 12 August 2006. Please note that the deadline for all items for inclusion, is 6:00pm Friday 11 August.