Bohemia Village Voice 80 (Aug 2011)

Page 1

Bohemia Village Voice

Len Shelley & Angie Biltcliffe

Issue 80. August / September 2011

For bohemians everywhere

Free


2

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


Property-management company managing blocks of flats for freeholders & lessees who want to take over maintenance of their building by setting up ‘right-to-manage’ companies. Tel: 439786 Mob: 07974 444112 77 Bohemia Road, St Leonards, TN37 6RJ

arkoproperty@aol.com

M. HOPE

What’s that Sooty? – you’d like to be our acting editor? Until our nice readers can help us find a new editor? Great idea, Sooty – Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy!

Bohemia Village Voice 79, Bohemia Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN37 6RJ

complete building service Brickwork – repointing Roof repairs Interior & exterior painting Fully qualified – Fully insured

07534 141 000 BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

+44(0)1424 430 460

www.bohemiavillage.com

Publisher John Humphries (john@bohemiavillage.com). Acting editor Sooty (editor@bohemiavillage.com). Proof-reader Nicholas Browne. Consultant editor Julian Beecroft. Website Alan Jeffries (mail@alanjeffries.co.uk). Advertising sales Mike Hayles (sales@bohemiavillage.com). Accounts Pam Brown (accounts@bohemiavillage.com). First published 2006. © John Humphries. Subscriptions by post for 6 issues: £6 (UK).

How to pay for advertisements or subscriptions

n Card all major cards accepted, including Mastercard, Maestro,

Solo, Visa, Visa Electron, V Pay and American Express. Either visit our office or telephone 01424 430460. n Cheque please make out cheques to ‘Bohemia Village Voice’. n Cash please visit office to make cash payments. n BACS our bank details are: a/c name ‘Bohemia Village Voice’. A/c no: 71359843. Bank: HSBC. Sort code: 40-40-09.

3

Photo: J J Waller

Editorial Our previous issue was a ‘stop gap’ as we struggled to fill the shoes of esteemed volunteer editrix Sarah Janes, who left in June to do much more interesting things elsewhere. She brought her boundless energy and unique style to the magazine, and was always bursting with new ideas – at least one a day. Her range of interests included public bathing & spas, recipes, social issues, children, the dog mess problem, arts and artists, music and musicians, live events, debating, puppetry & film-making, sci-fi and short stories. And she still found time to start the Bohemia Club and the Bohemia Brunch Club and edit four editions of the Voice [issues 76 to 78]. Thank you Sarah, you did brilliantly and are being sorely missed. A few changes – we now distribute the magazine throughout Hastings, which means that the Village Directory listing is not so appropriate and has been dropped. There will of course be a continuation of local stories about Bohemia and its residents plus a look at the wider, unconventional (and unorthodox) side of life town-wide – admittedly an odd mix, quite bohemian in fact. Our picture puzzle is back by popular demand, as is the Panagram puzzle. And please don’t begrudge our advertisers their space – without their support (and our wonderful volunteer helpers) there simply wouldn’t be a magazine. Following on from the national scandals facing the tabloid press, we felt it was time we too ‘fessed up: our attempt to get councillor Andrew Cartwright ‘in our pocket’ with a cup of tea and two sticky buns failed miserably. As did slipping across our slush fund (79p) in a brown envelope to street bobby Andy Hubbard. These men are incorruptible.


Bohemia

The bin men cometh – or not!

Council in bid to cut costs

the basis that only major streets are cleaned regularly. Other streets are cleaned only on a “need” basis when they have reached a certain level of dirtiness. This has never been popular with residents. Frequent regular cleaning of all streets is financially impossible, however, there may still be opportunities for improving street cleanliness. VEOLIA

Andrew Cartwright – seeking views

ASTINGS COUNCIL IS LOOKING to find ways of reducing the cost of waste collection and street cleaning. It has asked Andrew Cartwright (councillor for Gensing Ward, which includes Bohemia) to look at possible new waste collection arrangements for the ward. He has been meeting residents and gives his interim thoughts below. He says “How waste collection and street cleaning can be improved at the same time as reducing the cost is a very big challenge and it is far from certain whether it can be achieved.” Andrew concedes that “there appear to be signifcant difficulties with all the known methods of waste collection for an area like Bohemia.”

H

The contract which Hastings Council has with Veolia ends in about 2 years’ time. Due to a combination of heavy Government cuts plus price inflation, HBC needs to significantly reduce the cost of waste collection and street cleaning prior to signing a new contract. All districts and boroughs in East Sussex need to reduce their costs. However, this can only be done if the different authorities can agree on standardised methods of collection. Discussions between the different authorities are ongoing. Andrew says “a big reduction in cost might be made if several authorities signed a joint contract based on a standard method of waste collection / street cleaning. Discussion between four local authorities in East Sussex have begun to see whether a joint contract is possible.” o Andrew would love to hear from you. Cllr Andrew Cartwright (andrew@gensing.org Tel: 203231)

COMMUNAL BINS

“No one seems to think that “communal bins” are the answer for Bohemia although a number of residents living in the South of the ward bordering central St Leonards have expressed an interest in them in the past. The Council recently held a successful trial of small street bins on Church Road, however, even these are unlikely to be acceptable in most streets in Gensing ward.” WHEELIE BINS

Wheelie bins, says Andrew, “are the most widely used form of container for refuse and it is unlikely that these would be withdrawn from any household which currently has them.” BLACK BAGS

Plastic sacks “are used by many households and are problematic, resulting in dirty streets and low rates of recycling. Recently, Thanet District Council has trialled seagull-proof sacks. It is possible that these would be an effective replacement for plastic sacks.” STREET CLEANING

“Street cleaning”, says Andrew, “is undertaken on

4

Hastings Pier Shop At Arthur Green’s 34 White Rock, Hastings, TN34 0JY BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


Bohemia

HBC: rubbish costs 27p Hastings Council says rubbish collection costs each resident 27p per week WE TEND TO think of rubbish collection as ‘free’, but of course it is anything but – we pay for it via council tax. If residents were paying directly for rubbish clearance, (as they do, say, for gas, electricity, water and phone) they’d be very aware of the different levels of service. The Voice asked Hastings Borough Council for costs of the various methods of collection, so that a meaningful comparison could be made. Peter Mead, Waste and Street Scene Services Manager at HBC said “The total cost per household per year is £26.78 (52p per week), which equates to a cost per resident per year of £14.12 (27p per week). The cost of street cleaning when calculated per household per year is £25.88 (50p per week). The cost of street cleaning per resident per year is £13.65 (26p per week)”. He added “These are contactor costs only. The figures include all collections (daily, weekly and twin bin) and communal bins added together and divided by households or per capita. On-street containers are not included”. The Voice had also asked if there were separate costs for a) black bags, b) twin bins and c) communal bins. As we go to press, we still await a reply. o Peter Mead, HBC (pmead@hastings.gov.uk)

WANTED! Your UNWANTED records & CDs l 1950s ORIGINAL ROCK ‘N’ ROLL (78s / 7” Singles / E.P.s & LPs)

l 1960s POP / BEAT / SOUL / REGGAE / PSYCHEDELIC / ROCK (7” Singles / E.P.s & LPs)

l 1970s PROGRESSIVE / ROCK / PUNK /

HEAVY METAL / REGGAE (7” Singles / 12” Singles / LPs)

l 1980s TO THE PRESENT POST-PUNK / GOTHIC / GRUNGE / INDIE / BRIT-POP / ALTERNATIVE / HEAVY METAL / ROCK (CDs Albums & Singles / 7” Singles / 12” Singles / LPs)

GOOD PRICES PAID FOR THOSE IN RIGHT CONDITION

Please phone Steve on: (01424)

461 045

createrecords@btinternet.com BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

A Third view BILL THIRD (picture), resident of St Peter’s Road gives a typically vigorous response to Andrew Cartwright’s appeal for feedback in June. "Dear Andrew, As you may recall, the residents of St.Peter's Road have already clearly made their views known - they do not want twin bins, they do not want wheelie bins, they do not want top-down solutions that put their interests well behind those of the council, their contractors and the curtsey to the flawed EU legislation that is at the basis of all this bin tyranny. Granted, we do need to improve the council's performance - but what the last communal bin farce showed is how deeply incompetent the council officers are. Kind Regards, Bill Third."

And Andrew replied: “Dear Bill, I have to say that I profoundly disagree with what you say, however, I will respect your wishes and seek alternative contributions. As I say, I am always happy to discuss. Best wishes, Andrew. Cllr Andrew Cartwright.” In a comment to the Voice Bill added that he wished Andrew well, but felt he would have a difficult job in squaring the circle. 'Whatever solution is devised, it will need the kind of widespread support that comes from proper widespread consultation of Results of 2009 survey showing 87% of Bohemia residents were against residents’. communal bins

5


Bohemia The Bohemians No. 5: Brian Hughes WHY IS BRIAN so happy? "I think it's in my genes. My mum was always happy and very helpful to all her friends and neighbours." Brian was born in Cornwallis Terrace and grew up within the sound of steam engines at Hastings Station. Youngest of three, Brian, (60), has a brother, Michael, and sister, Jean, who live locally. "My mum brought us up on her own. We were poor. We did have a black and white television, but, to save on electricity, we only got to watch it on special occasions, like Christmas!" Brian went to St Paul's Junior School and Priory Road Secondary School. His first proper job, at age 15,

was at Maskins in the town centre. "I've always been sociable and always been happy. The death of my wife Barbara in 2005 knocked me sideways, as did a heart attack last year, but I feel I'm getting over it now." Hobbies? "Having spent a very happy childhood playing for hours on the rocks and the beach, I love anything nautical - especially nautical stories. I also love just wandering around the area, meeting and chatting to people." Brian works part-time as a gardener in Battle. What’s that you say Sooty? “happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” Well said, Sooty.

JOHN MCWILLIAMS

PLASTERING

10% discount

City & Guilds apprentice trained

for OAPs on production of this ad

25 years experience NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL Clean, friendly, reliable FOR A FREE QUOTE CALL NOW

Opening times: Mon-Sat: 9-5pm. Sun: 11–3pm

01424 465085 & 07956 601261

134 London Road, Bohemia Tel: 715650 & 440034

K J Anderson Maintenance Service Painting & Decorating U.P.V.C. Cleaning Service Garden Maintenance Free Estimates

01424 446 972 07758 216 067 kevin.and@sky.com

Simon Leeves Plumbing & Heating Engineer Gas Safe Reg. No. 174853

11 Aldborough Road St Leonards-On-Sea TN37 6SE

Tel: 01424 444 362 Mob: 07940 791 116 Fax: 01424 426 731

TILE DESIGN

Estab 1982

Wall & floor tile Specialists n Brickwork n Repointing n Chimney repairs n Driveways n Patios & Decking n Roofing

n n n n n n

Plastering Painting & Decorating Extensions Refurbishments Kitchens & Bathrooms Electrical Installations

“All general building work undertaken and carried out to the highest standards.” 14, BOHEMIA ROAD, ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA, TN37 6RB HOME: 01424 200135. MOBILE: 07979 502842 6

Visit our superb showroom displaying the most comprehensive range of tiles in this area

ESTIMATES FREE & FULL FIXING SERVICE Tel/fax: 01424 446613 www.tiledesign.contracts.co.uk

Terracotta floors Ceramic Wall Tiles Quarry Tiles Chinese Slates Suspended Ceilings

2 Upper Park Road St Leonards-on-Sea East Sussex TN37 6SJ

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


Brian Hughes by J J Waller of Brighton (office@jjwaller.com), as part of his photo series ‘The Bohemians’


Bohemia

Short Story Competition: £250 1st prize Our second Bohemia Short Story Competition is launched with this issue. Anyone can win one of the prizes. (£250 first; £100 second; £50 third). Simply complete an entry form (page 25) and send with your story and £3 to the Voice before 31 Dec 2011. SUPPORTERS Our wonderful supporters include: Bookman's Halt (Bohemia), Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, (Bohemia), Salmon's Bookshop (White Rock), St Leonards Writers, The Roomz (Western Road), and Waterstones (Priory Meadow). RULES, ETC: The entry fee is £3 per story. The competition is open to anyone of any age, living anywhere in the world. An application form must be completed by each entrant. There is a maximum story length of 600 words; there is no minimum length; they may be written in any style and

on any theme. It is much preferred that entries are as emails. Hard-copy entries should be typewritten. JUDGES The judging panel will include Cathy Walling (curator, Hastings Museum), Clive Linklater (Bookman's Halt), David Russell (local author), Diane Haberstroh (New York columnist for the Voice), Jonathan Broughton (St Leonards Writers), Julian Beecroft (art critic and author), Lizz Francis (Hastings reader), Nick Browne (author and proofreader for the Voice), Paul Rummery (Bohemia Book Fayre), Peter Winder (short story author), Viki Brooker (avid reader, St Leonards), William Third (technical writer and translator), Jacky Hayles (teacher).

Bakers ‘over the moon’ Bohemia bakers Little Mill scooped up a very impressive seven 1st prizes at the Kent Master Bakers competition in June. The London Road bakers entered all twenty-one classes and beat all challengers from Kent and Sussex. They won 1st prize for: the wholemeal loaf, French stick, round crusty rolls, granary Hovis cob, fruit cake, and novelty cake. They also came 1st in the open class. The judging, by professionals in the bakery trade, took place at the Ramada Hotel near Maidstone. Claire said “We’re over the moon and very much looking forward to defending our title next year”.

8

L-R: Claire & Michael Hitchings and Nicole Sinden

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


Bohemia The Wheatsheaf, 172, Bohemia Road by David Russell ohemia's early history is peppered with the surname of Jinks and many members of the Jinks extended family once resided in the district. In the second half of the nineteenth century, at least twenty-five people with this surname, in six family branches, lived along Bohemia Road. Their adult occupations ranged from the building trades, shop keeping (one was a greengrocer); taking in laundry and running pubs. Bohemia's first pub, the Wheatsheaf, was built by John Jinks, a bricklayer who had previously been a squatter on the America Ground, where he had a readymade clothes shop. This was approximately where 40 Robertson Street is today (Hoagies Reloaded Café). When the 'Americans' were given notice to quit in 1835, John Jinks moved to Spittleman's Down, later called Bohemia Place and now a part of Bohemia Road. He built the sandstone wall on the eastern side of Bohemia Road, probably the walled garden, (he was known as 'Brisco's right-hand man'), houses in White Rock and Prospect Place and ornamental brickwork in Warrior Square. He was also an early landlord of the Wheatsheaf. From 1848 to 1911 the Wheatsheaf was run by the Pratt family. In 1856 when it was advertised for sale, its stables (now the Pizza Hut takeaway) and skittle alley were especially mentioned. During the time of the Pratt family, the Wheatsheaf was popular with Landlords of the Wheatsheaf skilled artisans and respectable tradesmen, who regarded themselves as superior to the unskilled labouring classes. These men, dubbed the 1835-18?? James Holman 'Aristocracy of Labour', usually wore bowler hats and ties. In the 1870s 18??-18?? John Jinks they set up a number of branches of the Conservative Working Men's 1848-1848 James Platt/Pratt Association in Hastings. The Bohemia and Silverhill branch met at the 1848-1852 Sarah Gorring Wheatsheaf and had at least 100 members. Their secretary, George Upton, 1855-1855 Joseph Davis was at one time landlord of the Prince of Wales. 1889?1892 Peter Pratt From 1913 until 1922 the pub was known as Ye Olde Wheatsheaf. In the 1892-1895 James Pratt latter year it was sold by the brewery for £4,000 and reverted back to its 1902-1910 Sarah Pratt & Henry Kent original name. In 1917 the landlord was fined a steep £5 for serving a sol1910-1913 Edward Weeks dier with a bottle of beer and in 1919 he was fined again, this time for 1914-1918 Harry Webber 1918-1918 Frederick Fletcher overcharging. 1918-1923 Thomas Skinner The pub managed 1923-1923 Reginald Gurney to stay open dur1924-1924 William Strudwick ing WW2. Only 1924-1929 Ernest Browning recently, after 176 1929-1932 George Soffe years, did the 1932-1938 Sara Soffe Wheatsheaf close. 1938-1939 Thomas Hemmings It is now a 1939-1955 Ernest Josey Chinese restau1955-1955 Trixie Josey rant. 1956-1956 Charles Darby

B

Can a reader help identify any of these moustachioed customers (about 1900)? BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

o David is interested in your memories and photos of Hastings and St. Leonards pubs please call him on 01424 200 227.

1956-1960 1960-1967 1967-1971 1971-19?? 1980?1981 2010

Archibald Beard Harold Young John Hibbett Catherine Hibbett William Newton (Closed) 9


he pier first opened in 1872, and weathered storms, war and fire for over a century. However, the 1990s and 2000s saw a sharp decline in its fortunes, as its ownership changed from one set of private hands to another. On the pier itself, traditional amusements were sidelined in favour of numerous small business outlets vying for tourist money, while beneath the decking the structure's iron supports were neglected. Hastings Borough Council judged the pier to be unsafe in July 2006, shutting it to the public, and, despite a partial reopening of the shoreward end a year later, further storm damage necessitated full and final closure in March 2008.

T

– by Stuart Huggett

were eventually released without charge the following April, after the Crown Prosecution Service failed to find enough evidence to begin a prosecution against either individual. The HPWRT estimates £8.75m is needed to repair the pier in order to open it up to the public again. In May this year the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded a £357k development fund to the trust, which now has to raise £800k (10% of the initial restoration cost estimate) before the HLF considers whether to award the remainder of the money needed.

Without access to the major funding that benefited the council's 'Stade Masterplan', the HPWRT has turned to smaller scale initiaWith the pier in the intractable tives to help it raise its £800k tarownership of Raven's Claw get. Members of the public can Investments – unhelpfully based join the trust for £10 per year. The in Panama – the independent public has also been invited to Hastings Pier and White Rock sponsor individual planks for the Trust (HPWRT) was set up with pier – the donation of £50+ the aim of obtaining a compulso- Fundraisers Lesley Kennard & Carol Evans allows a personal 30-word mesry purchase order (CPO) on the sage to be inscribed on a plaque on the plank. With structure, and thereafter restore it to its former glory. the rejuvenating boost of May's HLF award, it is Hastings Borough Council approved the CPO in prin- hoped by many in the town that committed fundraisciple in February 2010, the same month that work got ing by the HPWRT [picture] could see significant underway on the redevelopment of the Stade. progress in the resurrection of Hastings Pier by the HPWRT received a £75k grant from the time the Olympic Torch Relay reaches the town next Communitybuilders Fund (then part of the July. For Hastings to be returning one of its bestDepartment of Community and Local Government) known landmarks to life would send a significant one month later. Sadly, the pier caught fire in the message to a watching nation on July 17, summing early hours of October 5, 2010, and 95% of its super- up the possibilities of the town's ongoing renewal structure was lost in the blaze. Two teenagers arrest- beyond the Stade Open Space alone. If so, the ed near the pier that night, and subsequently bailed, Olympic Flame could ultimately burn brighter in the hearts of the community than those flames that gutStuart Huggett grew up in St Leonards and ted its pier last year. Website: www.hpwrt.co.uk now lives in Brighton. He has written for Time Out travel guides, The Quietus, Bowlegs music review, Hastings Observer, East magazine, the Brighton Source and Latest 7. 10

o You can pay money in at any HSBC bank. Just pick up a paying-in slip, enter the following information and hand to the bank clerk: Hastings Pier & White Rock Trust, sort code 40-23-18, account 12249871. BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

Photo: Jo Hunter

Hastings Pier


Photo: Jo Hunter

In short n HASTINGS MUSEUM – is presenting a retrospective exhibition of the works of Len Shelley and Angie Bitcliffe. Both died within a few weeks of each other, of cancer last year. They were “hugely popular and influential figures within Hastings and the wider art world. Both worked closely with Hastings Museum and Art Gallery over the years, as exhibitors, guest curators and workshop leaders”. The exhibition, at Hastings Museum in Bohemia runs until 23 October. The above picture (and our cover illustration) shows Len’s We were no better off than before. Info: 451052. n BOHEMIA TWITTENS – further to the naming of some of our alleyways, [Voice, issue 79], we asked the Bohemia Area Association if there were plans to name all of them. Andy Holmes, of the BAA, said “There are no plans for us to act on any of the three tarmacked twittens in Bohemia, as these seem wellenough maintained at present. There are discussions afoot to sign the one known as "Shornden Passage" (Upper Park Road to Upper South Road, behind the Co-Op) in a similar manner, but the cost of this is to be met by the traders themselves, not by external funding.” n BOHEMIA AREA ASSOCIATION – next meeting is Monday 19th September at Park Road Church (in the Vestibule), contact Peter Holland, tel: 445086. Membership is just £3 per year and anyone may join – or renew – at Munday’s Newsagents (Terry Foord, 54 Bohemia Road, tel: 437233). n GOT A BUSINESS – in St Leonards? Contact the St Leonards Business Assocation? Matthew on info@sba-online.co.uk or visit http://sba-online.co.uk n GOOD WALK – congratulations to local accountants Sellens French for fielding a team for a charity walk across part of the South Downs in May this year.

n A SCHOOLBOY’S WAR – this is the title of a manuscript by Robert Laurence Smith left at the Bohemia Village Voice office a couple of years ago. We cannot use it and would like to trace its owner so that we may return it. Voice office: 430460. n FOSSILS local historian and geology enthusiast Ken Brooks is busy updating his popular Geology & Fossils of the Hastings Area, due for publication Spring next year. n LOCAL HISTORY – Edward Preston’s series of local history lectures continues at the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery in October and November. The dates and titles are: We’re Getting There (28th October). Mercatoria & St Leonards Without (4th November). Wind & Water Power (11th November). Ascending and Descending the White Rock (18th November). Music Music Music (25th November). All lectures start at 10.30am. Admission is free. Further info: 435849. n GROOVY GNU – was founded by singer and mother of two Emma Law. She says it’s “a fun music and movement class for young children and their parents/carers. Classes, which cost £3 and start at 10.30am, run throughout August on Thurs (at The Roomz Café) and Fri (at the Bumper Bookshop, George Street)”. Info: 200289 (www.groovygnu.co.uk)

The intrepid trio [picture, L-R] were Keith Sellens (time 7 hours 55 minutes), Debbie Hargreaves and Carly Dawson (both 9 hours 30 mins). Together, they walked 26 miles from Lewes to Beachy Head and raised a very impressive £2,000 for St Michael’s Hospice. Well done! BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

11


Wet Saturday in St Leonards - photo report of St Leonard’s Festival by Sin Bozkurt Photographer Sin Bozkurt managed to get down to the St Leonard’s Festival (Sat 16th July) despite the weather. “By the time I left most stands had packed up for the day and all the music etc had been cancelled. the festival was attended mainly by families and one tent had great activities for children with ST:ART creative learning adventures. Everyone said what a shame the weather was so bad.” o Sin covers live events and promotional work, in the studio and on location. He’s also been documenting alternative nightlife and had a solo show last year, Behind Burlesque, as part of the Brighton Biennial. He lives with wife Caroline on St Leonards seafront.

What’s that Sooty? you got soaking wet? Sooty, we ALL got soaking wet Gary Storer in the Under 5s tent

Karen Dearlove and Mustapha Baztout at the Chocolate Workshop Azur


Flavours of India

Vladimar in the ST:ART tent

The Java Bus and its owner Khadija Khan

Tara Robertson & Michael Wootton of 1066 Bakery

Security: (L-R: a nice chap – Matt – another nice chap – Daniella Winchester BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

13


Claire’s tango night

t Leonards rocked the other night when Claire Hamill hosted an evening of music at the Crown House to showcase her singing groups and raise some money for charity. Claire is well known as a singer-songwriter but has branched out into teaching and now has a number of different groups which come together each week to sing and have fun. Saturday July 16 was a themed South American evening to raise money for a charity in Guatemala and ended in style when the whole room sang “Livin’ La Vida Loca”. They were all thrilled to raise £473 which will be spent on food and medicine for the desperately poor people who live in the hills around Quetzeltenango.

S

All photos: Sin Bozkurt 14

Claire Hamill

(L-R) Linda King, Laline Paull, Beannie Nicholson

Sineid Codd (left) and Maggie Richards of The Belladonnas BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


The Shady Pines

Caroline Bozkurt (left) and Liz Plampton of The Heart -Shaped Stones

Des Malcolm of Decimus

Savannah Kerr (left) and Laline Paull

Anna Richardson and Nicola Jackson

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

15


Arts Canada’s Group of Seven

Julian Beecroft

F YOU’RE KEEN to World War. Badly discover new art, wounded in June then you might be 1916, he came to interested in an exhiEngland for convalesbition of virtually cence, the last part of unknown Canadian which, according to painting that's coming his autobiography, to Dulwich Picture was to be attached for Gallery in southeast 'three months' light London in the autumn. duty to the Army Post The Group of Seven, Office in Hastings'. along with their friend He even describes and trailblazer Tom his weekly visits to Thomson, were a the 'local cinema' bunch of Canadian (perhaps the one in landscape painters Silverhill?) and the from the first half of 'memorable occasion' the 20th century who when a circus 'mostly made a massive made up of little side impact on art in shows' arrived in the Canada but are still town. Local historians hardly known outside might even be able to Tom Thomson, The Jack Pine, 1916-1917, Oil on canvas, 127.9 x the country. Most peoidentify the circus to 139.8 cm, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Photo © NGC ple in the UK have which he's referring. never heard of them, including many among the art The second connection concerns Tom Thomson, establishment. But that may be about to change, and the painter of The Jack Pine. Probably the most iconI'll be doing my bit by writing an ongoing blog for the ic painting in all of Canadian art, it is one the Dulwich exhibition while travelling across Canada in the late exhibition is privileged to be allowed to show. summer/early autumn. Thomson died in 1917 at the age of only 39 in a My dad was Canadian, but although I had a vague canoeing accident that has never been properly awareness of the Group and Thomson, nothing had explained. In the previous three years his powers of prepared me for the revelation of seeing their paint- expression had grown by quantum leaps with every ings and sketches at the McMichael Canadian Art passing season and his best work has that combinaCollection during a visit to extended family in Toronto tion of vigour and sensitivity given only to the greata few years ago. I simply couldn't believe that work est artists. In 1912, however, he had yet to do anythis good was not ranked with the best art from that thing of note and was still a jobbing commercial golden period of early modernism. On a personal designer with vague dreams of being a painter. That level, for the first time I understood the rugged beau- summer he took a long canoe trip with a friend ty of a country whose endless spaces I had previous- through the impenetrable hinterland of Northern ly been unable to comprehend. Ontario. At one point the pair ended up at a place Then about a year ago I hit upon the madcap idea called Biscotasing, which even today is only accessiof travelling across Canada, from east coast to west, ble by floatplane. Who should he meet there but in search of all the different places where the Group Hastings's own and Thomson did their work. By sheer coincidence, Archie Belaney, Julian Beecroft: art at about the same time I learned of the Dulwich exhi- later to be known as editor and writer; bition, which incidentally is the first exclusively devot- Grey Owl, then lives in Hastings ed to the Group and Thomson's art that's ever been working as a fishing with his wife and two daughters. seen in the UK. As the gallery's curator says in the guide. Unfortunately Painting Canada: Tom Thomson official press release, 'Prepare to be dazzled.' for the sake of pos- and the Group of Seven will be And the connection with Hastings? Well, in keeping terity, neither man on show at Dulwich Picture with this town's uncanny habit of taking a walk-on seems to have Gallery from 19th October to 8th part in key historical episodes from this period, there made much of an January. You can read Julian’s blog every fortnight (from 2nd are a couple. Like many Canadians, Group member impression on the Sept.) at: A.Y. Jackson fought on the Western Front in the First other. Oh well.

I

www.dulwichonview.org.uk

16

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


Scary tales A writers group, St Leonards Writers, has just published two anthologies. They are: Driftwood (tales from the Sussex seaside) and Shivers (Sussex scary tales), £2.50 ea. ‘We’ve been writing all these great stories about St Leonards, scary ones and seafaring yarns and touching tales’, says Jonathan Broughton. ‘Our group meets for weekly lectures, workshops, creative exercises, writing practice, discussions and constructive criticism under the guidance of elected group members or guest speakers. The purpose of the meetings is to encourage creative writing – all sorts of writing. We also perform at local events. We aim to produce annual themed anthologies of members’ writing. At the meetings we read out our writing for feedback from the team.’ o St Leonards Writers, est 2007, is an informal group which meets Wednesday afternoons at St Leonards Parish Church, 66-68 Marina, St Leonards on Sea, from 1pm–3pm. Age: 18+. Charge: £1 per meeting. Contacts: Rayne Hall (rayne_dancer_uk@yahoo.com). Carolyn Markson (01797 260 763). Jonathan Broughton (438291).

Arts by John Merriman

Competition – Win a free PC This refers to a free police constable, not a free personal computer. A free computer will have you playing games all day. No, a free police constable will be much better. He will accompany you everywhere. He will ensure you are not being naughty. And when you do misbehave, he will be there to give you a good kicking (so long as no-one is watching). You will thank us heartily, as this PC improves your all-round behaviour, punishing any mistakes you might make by locking you in a cupboard (or any other suitable place of imprisonment). For regular supervision and punishment is the only way you will mend your evil ways. We should know, having been dodgy, erm, having seen people being dodgy. n To win your free PC, simply answer this question: Where were you on the night in question? THOUGHT FOR THE DAY– If all the world’s snorers were laid end to end, none of the rest of us would get any sleep. [Reprinted, with permission, from Paranoid Wiles, by John Merriman (pUBLISHED wHEN nO oNE iS lOOKING), available, price 30p from The Roomz, Western Road.]

Globally syndicated photographer Shahriar Mazandi, owner of The Cloudesley, opens his guest house for the Coastal Currents Art Festival 2011, where the photos are on display. Drop by for a drink and to see the work.

The Cloudesley – an award-winning luxury eco-guest house with spa facilities. Opening times for the exhibition: 3 – 4th & 10 – 11th September, 11 – 6pm BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

17


Arts

Art-mongst Other Things

H U R S D AY JULY 14th - review of art show Inside Out by Brian Coen saw the grand opening of "Inside out", a two-artist show at the hip St Leonards oddities shop, Amongst Other Things. The private view was, to quote one of the artists, "a real night of the night". Art-and-boozehungry folk swarmed to the show and were greeted by the beautiful and strange creations of street paste-up, digital and screen-print wizard Tobyuk44, mixed with work by multi-media illustrator and sculptor Thaddeus Skews [collage above].

T

Mr. Warren, shop clerk at Amongst Other Things, had the idea for transforming the shop temporarily into a cutting-edge gallery at the same time as being exposed to the flickering lights of the two contemporary local Artists' work. The Art cake ingredients were thrown in a bowl and, in the words of Bob Marley, he did "stir it up". The private view not only boasted art and drinks, but also the local oddball art band "Unicorn Dad versus Robo Dad" playing a stripped-down intimate set of their broody friendly tunes. Highlights of the exhibition include: a paste-up of Eastern European flats stretching across the whole shop front, a five-foot wooden skeleton based on a Fisher-Price phone caricature, the boy on the top of the wardrobe with de-tuned T.V. eyes, encyclopedias sculpted into collage theatres, a dazzling array of limited edition screen prints [below], cards and some jelly beans – a wonderful month-long event and another reason to love this town.

Limited edition screen print by Thad Skews

Don’t Try This at Home – collage by TobyUK44 18

The handsome artists: Toby (left) and Thad

Inside Out Until 14 August 2011, Fridays and Saturdays, 11am to 4pm at Amongst Other Things, 32, Western Road, St Leonards, TN37 6DJ. Tel: 719676. Thaddeus Skews: unicorndad@live.com Commissions possibly undertaken if your are extremely fortunate. See tobyuk44's stuff at: www.Flickr.com/photos/tobyuk BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


[Drawing courtesy David Russell]

The North Star Inn

Beautiful New Refurbishment - Delicious Menu - New Smoking Area and always a friendly welcome WEDNESDAY is Curry Night, 7-10pm THURSDAY Free Pool SUNDAY Alternate Sundays Pub Quiz l Food: Lunch and Dinner Tues - Sat Clarence Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 6SD

01424 436576

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

19


There's no place like home o you sometimes wish you could afford to get away from it all and be pampered on a spa holiday in some exotic location? With planning, you can enjoy a retreat from the stresses and strains of everyday life and revitalise yourself in the comfort of your own home in sunny St Leonards.

D

Start off by putting your home retreat days in the diary. Aim for two or three at least. These days are as sacred as if you had booked an expensive flight. If you have children try to arrange a visit to nanny's or if you have elderly relatives to care for make other arrangements. Even if it's for one day, make that space.

by Caroline Bozkurt

yourself to a massage or go for reflexology or shiatsu? Be adventurous! Get your clothes ready just as if you were packing, without having to squeeze it all in a suitcase. Then shop for everything you will need for your home holiday. Experiment with things you might not usually buy, as if you were in some exciting foreign supermarket. Make sure you include flowers, candles and bath products. Plan each day as you like with the ideas I have suggested and some of your own! Swim in the sea, picnic on the beach, walk on the cliffs. Pretend you're a visitor and enjoy where we live. There's no place like home.

Check out local classes that you might fancy going to such as Yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi. Contact Active Hastings, they have low-price or free classes to join. Treat

o Caroline Bozkurt is a shiatsu practitioner based in St Leonards.

HANDS-ON PHYSIOTHERAPY

MUSIC AND MOVEMENT for early years – Call Emma on 01424 200289 email groovygnu@gmail.com It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you gnu it!

www.groovygnu.co.uk

> Neck and back pain > Persistent headaches > Shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand pain and/or stiffness > Knee, ankle, hip, foot pain and/or stiffness > Muscle aches, tingling, numbness. Home visits possible. > Acupuncture

MARGARET BLURTON BSc, BA, MPhil, MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist

01424 720 621 albanyphysio@gmail.com

CHIROPRACTIC for back and hip pain, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, sport & work related injuries.

HOMEOPATHY for additional complaints such as hay fever, migraine, eczema, fatigue, menopausal syndrome, irritable bowel, anxiety states. Practised by: Duncan Frewen BSc (Chiropractic) Lic (Homeopathy) Working at: Pinehurst Holistic Health Centre, 3, Avondale Road (near to Garage on the Green)

To make an appointment or for more info call:

Duncan Frewen 01797 252 268 or 07513 005 366 www.homeopathy-chiropractic.co.uk

Home visits 20

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


Economies, Quirks & Foibles 1: The Odour of Detergents By Hastings resident Albert Hall THIS HEADING anticipates a series. If so, then the economies might be eclectic but for this first trick I will start with ‘Detergents’ and play the ‘Odour of Detergents’. Manufacturers euphemistically deem that their sythetic odour is a ‘fragrance’ and have foisted it on the public with astonishingly little opposition to it, or to the loss of that really exotic fragrance of sun-dried fabrics. When washing dishes, that odour is easily rinsed off, but failure to rinse and drain carefully can result in very strange flavours. Laundering is much more problematic. The added odour cannot usually be rinsed out of fabrics and some brands are absurdly overpowering. Fabric softeners are as bad or worse in that they are always added to the rinse water. Fragrance-free products have long been available from specialist eco-friendly stores at considerable expense, but the really good news is that a laundry

powder claiming to be fragrance free (and almost is so) can now be found in some stores, branded as ‘Surcare’. Also, our largest high street chemist now has its ownbrand range of truly fragrancefree detergents, not unreasonably priced. Because they are promoted as ‘for sensitive skin’ (as opposed to ‘odour free’) they are displayed under ‘Skin Care’. The only missing product from this interesting range is a biological detergent. May those Boots keep on walking, and all in that direction! o Future topics promised by Albert include: Water Use & Profligacy. Meters & Rating Tariffs. Waste Water & Loo Flushing. Boilers & Hot-water Run-off. Dishwashing Logistics. Automatic Washing Machines (and how to use them manually). Surfaces & Scent Marking. Cars & Contours (getting from A to B by the most efficient route).

KATS-FLEECE For hand-crafted gifts. Fleece materials. Moda fabrics for quilting. See our full range at:

kats-fleece.co.uk HYPNOSIS & PSYCHOTHERAPY with

JAMES CASPIAN BA(Hons),CHP, NRHP

Client-centred therapy for positive change by experienced therapist. Short/long term, any issue

Mathematics Tuition Retired mathematics lecturer (Masters degree and CRB clearance) offers Mathematics tuition at all levels: International Baccalaureate, Further Mathematics FM 1-3, A level Core 1-4, Mechanics 1-3, Statistics 1-3, GCSE and Common Entrance in Mathematics , Science and English

Destiny’s Healing Room Reiki aids all aspects Practitioner in of physical & emoReiki tional well-being Indian Head using Universal Massage Energy. Emotional E.F.T. Freedom Technique Crystal Chakra is excellent to help &Aura Clearing with phobias, addicCrystals tive and obsessive habits.

n n n n

01424 714647 07939 542632

Fully insured and qualified Reiki Master with 10 years experience. For further information or appointment call Mary on

www.jamescaspian.com

Tel: 0781-611-9131

Disturbed by someone else’s drinking? Living with alcoholism can be a lonely life. You need not be alone. To speak to someone who understands and for details of an Al-Anon group near you, ring

02074 030 888 – a confidential helpline.

Al-Anon Family Groups

Mike Baker 01424 717053 BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

21


Small ads Diane Haberstroh writes from Bohemia, New York

Hey, come to US !

DON’T LET your garden kill you – let us do it for you. Hastings 446759. SEWING MACHINE for sale – ring 446759 and ask for Mr Kelly, who loves with me. FOR SALE one oak coffin with brass handles, only used once. Tel: 446759. FOR SALE 30ft yacht – she needs barnacles removed from underneath

and also her bottom needs re-painting. Hastings 446759. HOLLYBUSH HOTEL book your holiday with us – we have 50 rooms with widows that give you wonderful views. Tel: 446759. SALLY & GEORGE Anderson will be celebrating their 10th wedding adversary at the Hollybush Hotel. Tel: 446759.

Dinosaurs This is what Bohemia, New York, looks like

I’ve been wondering if there would be any enthusiasm in Hastings for a UK/US Student Exchange Club. New York and Hastings both have a ‘Bohemia’ and I’ve been writing this column in the Bohemia Village Voice for a few years. I know that American teenagers would love to come to Britain and maybe British students would like to visit New York? I see the exchange club being for students from Hastings to come to the US and stay with same-age students and their families in Bohemia NY. Later, the favor is returned and our students come to stay with you! The overall aim would be to broaden experience for young people and foster greater understanding of our different cultures. Host families would be expected to provide full board and lodging, with the students being responsible for their air fares and spending money. Perhaps part of the stay could be in vacation time and part in term time, the visiting student attending the local school or college along with his or her host student? If anyone is interested in this scheme, whether as a student, host family, potential organiser or other interested party, or has any suggestions or comments please get in touch with the Bohemia Village Voice. [Views are very welcome, especially from those with experience of student exchange. Please write to the Bohemia Village Voice, address on page 3 – ed.] There’s an interesting article that ran in our local newspaper a few years back. Perhaps the Sayville Rotary Club could get involved, if there is interest. There is no Bohemia Rotary Club, but Sayville is the next town over. Here’s the link: http://www.suffolkcountynews.net/uploaded/SCN%2009-04-08.pdf Diane Haberstroh, Bohemia, Long Island, New York. What’s that Sooty? You want to go to America? Better check that Immigration hasn’t slapped a ban on glove puppets. 22

When Dinosaurs Roamed Hastings at the Shipwreck Museum in the Old Town on Sun 14 Aug (2pm, £3). Ken Brooks. Booking essential: 426459.

HILLCREST GARAGE

MOT Petrol, Diesel, Catalyst Repairs, Servicing Considerable savings on Main Dealer prices

Tower Road West St Leonards-on-Sea Tel: Hastings 422157 BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

23


For Sale

Puzzle Corner

Baby Grand Piano

Panagram can you find four, different, 6-letter words, all anagrams of each other? Clues are: 1 1) Essex town, 2) Father (2 words), 2 3) Turkish robe, 3 4) Nut. Answers on page 27

Black polyester finish. One year old, unused. Sale due to illness. Model Samik no. SIG50. £4,500 ono (£6k new) Buyer collects (Brighton area)

07432 646315

Karina’s Wool Shop Stockist of Sirdar & Stylecraft wools. Also cottons, needles and knitted baby clothes. Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri: 9am to 5pm, Wed, Sat: 9am to 1pm.

4

Puzzle Picture 80

Tel: 712226 131 Bohemia Road

Of course, you know this street so well – but what is its name? A £10 voucher, kindly donated by Empress Art of Bohemia, is the prize for the first correct solution opened. Please send answers to the Bohemia Village Voice, 79, Bohemia Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN37 6RJ.

Little Mill Bakery 265 London Road 421474 o Celebration cakes made to order o Specialty bread o Freshly made sandwiches o Wholesale customers welcome Mon–Fri 7.30am – 5pm Sat 8am – 3pm FOR ALL YOUR BAKING NEEDS

– What’s that, Sooty? You think you know where this is, and want to enter? As acting editor at the ‘Voice’ you’re not allowed. Sorry.

Sellens French CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS TAX ADVISERS for a comprehensive business service with the personal touch, contact: KEITH SELLENS, JOHN FRENCH or DEBBIE HARGREAVES for a free consultation

01424 446488

(Formerly Eclipse)

Faye’s

Hair Salon

Under new management

Fax: 01424 461348. email: accountant@sellensfrench.co.uk 93-97 Bohemia Road, St Leonards-on-Sea

The Wills and Trusts Specialists

... for peace of mind

collective LEGALSOLUTIONS David Cowley 01424 854 561 davidcowley@clshastings.co.uk www.clshastings.co.uk 24

73 Bohemia Road St Leonards on Sea TN37 6RG Tel: 01424 44 44 22 Senior citizen days: Tuesdays & Wednesdays BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


Bohemia Village Voice Grand Bohemia 2011

Short Story Competition

&

£250 first prize £100 second prize. £50 third prize

Closing date 31st December 2011 Open to all. 600 words max. £3 per entry Supported by

Bookman’s SALMONS BOOKSHOP Halt

St Leonards Writers

Bohemia Village Voice, 79, Bohemia Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN37 6JQ 01424 430460 www.bohemiavillage.com editor@bohemiavillage.com You can also download this poster and entry form from our website: www.bohemiavillage.com


Bohemia Village Voice Short Story Competition 2011

Entry Form

To: Short Story Competition, Bohemia Village Voice, 79, Bohemia Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN37 6JQ Closing date: 31 Dec 2011 o (please tick) I am making payment of £3 per entry. o I agree to have my story/stories published by the Bohemia Village Voice in its printed magazine, in an anthology (if published) and on the Bohemia Village Voice website. o In order that my work may be judged anonymously, I have ensured that my name and contact details do not appear anywhere on my printed submission(s) or email version(s). o The story/stories I have entered has/have not been previously published. o It is/they are all my own work and is/are less than 600 words. I understand stories may be on any subject and written in any style. o I have read and agree to abide by the rules and requirements as printed below. Name Address

Postcode Telephone number(s) email Title of entry Signed Payment enclosed

Date Method of payment

£

Please see below for methods of payment.

Rules and requirements 1. Prizes first prize will be £250, second prize £100 and third prize £50. No competitor may win more than one prize. Prizes will be sent by post to the winning entrants early in 2012. The list of prize-winners will be displayed on our website and published in the Bohemia Village Voice. 2. Entry fee there is an entry fee of £3 for each story submitted. Authors may enter as many stories as they like. Should the total entry fees received exceed the total prize money, the balance will be donated to the Bohemia Walled Garden Association. 3. Closing date for receipt of entries is 31st December 2011. 4. Submission postal copies will be accepted but it is much preferred that entries be sent as emails (editor@bohemiavillag.com). Each submission must be accompanied by an entry form. The competition is open to anyone, of any age, from anywhere in the world (except anyone employed by the Bohemia Village Voice). Entrants names should only appear on the entry form and not anywhere on their stories/manuscripts. The stories/manuscripts should be free of all personal information about the author – this includes name, age and address. The maximum length of submissions is 600 words. There is no minimum length. Stories may be on any subject and are welcome in any style. Entries will not be returned – please keep a copy. No corrections or alterations can be made after receipt. Online entries will be acknowledged by email. 5. Postal entries will only be accepted as printed typescripts, in any style of layout. Please send to The Short Story Competition 2011, Bohemia Village Voice, 79, Bohemia Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN37 6JQ. If you require acknowledgement of receipt of your postal entry then please enclose a stamped addressed postcard marked ‘Acknowledgement’.

For office use p 26

g

6. Disqualification entry implies an acceptance of all the Bohemia Village Voice Short Story Competition rules. Entries that fail to comply with the rules and requirements will be disqualified. Entries must be entirely the work of the entrant and must not have been previously published or broadcast or placed in another writing competition. Any entry found to have been plagiarised will be disqualified. 7. Cancellation any entrant wishing to withdraw a story from the competition before the closing date of 31st December 2011 will receive a full refund. 8. Judging early in 2012 copies of all entries will be submitted to a panel of judges chosen by the Bohemia Village Voice. The stories will be marked with a number only ensuring that the authorship will be unknown to the judges. The judges’ decision is final and no individual correspondence can be entered into. Judges are unable to comment on individual entries. 9. Publishing all entrants give permission to have their work published in the Bohemia Village Voice magazine or any anthology of short stories published by the Bohemia Village Voice, in both print and online formats. Authors will retain worldwide copyright on their work. 10. Payment may be made by any of these methods: CARD all major cards accepted, including Mastercard, Maestro, Solo, Visa, Visa Electron, V Pay and American Express. Either call in at our office or telephone 01424 430460. CHEQUE please make our cheques to ‘Bohemia Village Voice’. CASH please call at our office to make cash payments. Payment by BACS our bank details are: a/c name ‘Bohemia Village Voice’. A/c no: 71359843. Bank: HSBC. Sort code: 40-40-09.

j

k

You can also download the poster and this entry form from our website: www.bohemiavillage.com BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


Letters Bohemia homes Dear Sir – I wonder if any of your knowledgeable readers know the reason why the homes in Bohemia were originally built? Was there some specific local industry or some special need that required this concentrated housing development? John Malkin, Barnfield Close.

Welcome to Bohemia Dear Sir – the idea was mooted a couple of years ago in your fine publication of a sign at Needlepoint declaring that you were now entering Bohemia. Is that a dead issue now? A friendly welcome to Bohemia is, I think, a wonderful idea! I am an American and these signs are very common when you enter a town or city in the US [such as this one from Bohemia, New York]. Please think about doing something similar. Dan Scott, Church Road, Lower Bohemia.

Robert Tressell Dear Sir – I always enjoy the Voice, particularly the historical stuff. I‘m going to come across as a bit of an anorak but I just wanted to inform you that the relationship of Kathleen to Robert Tressell, was not wife, [Voice 78, page 4], but daughter. Susanne Gifford. Thanks Susanne, Ed.

****

Dear Sir – what has happened to the Puzzle Picture prize bit? – the mag looks like it needs more local info and listings – a bit thin this time. A What’s On page would be good and perhaps something about the local LETS trading scheme (Susie: 423687 or gems.office@googlemail.com). It would be great to bring more awareness to sharing local skills. Emma Frankish Law, Hastings. Dear Sir – I have to disagree with Vic Chalcraft’s comments [Voice #79] that the Dec and Feb edtions of the Voice were not up to standard. I very much enjoyed reading these editions and felt that a wider demographic was being represented in choice of articles and what's on information. I was disappointed by the June/July issue. What happened to the content? Without the very nice looking advertising copy it wouldn’t have withstood 4 pages of print. I realise that you are juggling a variety of expectation as to what the magazine could offer its local community and I do hope you find the way forward soon. Nicola Smith, Bodywisdom School. o Please see our editorial, page 3 – Ed. Puzzle Corner answers to this issue’s Panagram puzzle are: 1. Maldon. 2. Old man. 3. Dolman. 4. Almond.

The Voice Dear Sir – if this is supposed to be the voice of Bohemia, St Leonards, can you please explain how I received my first copy of your latest issue from Ore via Beckley? My second was delivered to my door. My first opinion still stands – in fact, it is strengthened. May I suggest you rename it the Bohemia Advertiser – that’s all it is now. What was a well-presented, well printed, well laid out little booklet is now, though well laid out, an advertising blurb of which we get enough pushed through our doors anyway without picking more up. Vic Chalcraft, Aldborough Road. Dear Sir – I agree with your correspondent [Voice #79]: going downhill. Ratio of editorial/reporting to advertising is far too low – maybe below 25%? Personally I miss the loss of the pages of free classifieds. Definitely needs a change of direction or it's just a glossy AdNews. Paul Buswell BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

27


Letters Wrens

****

Dear Sir – back in late May or early June, whilst pruning, I discovered a small wren’s nest in my garden (actually a tiny courtyard). It contained three tiny blue eggs. The nest was only 18 inches from my door and mummy wren often sat looking directly at us. Some days later I saw this tiny fluffy chick [photo] by the back door. A little later it was joined by a second, then a third, a fourth, a fifth, and finally a sixth chick. I’m now wondering if I’ll have six new nests next year in my mini jungle. Julia Garvey, London Road (photo by Luke Garvey)

George Monger Dear Sir – please note that George Monger did not receive the Victoria Cross for bravery during the First World War [Voice, issue 79]. In fact, "Private George Monger, 23rd Foot (the Royal Welsh Fusilers) won the Victoria Cross at Secundra Bagh, Lucknow, on November 18th 1857 for his gallantry in assisting an officer carrying a wounded comrade from a most exposed position. He lived at 25, Tower Road, died in great poverty, and lies buried in the Borough Cemetery". Marion Purdey, Hastings.

die. Benign – what you be, after you be eight. Caesarean section – a neighbourhood in Rome. Cat scan – searching for kitty. Cauterize – made eye contact with her. Colic – a sheep dog. Coma – a punctuation mark. Dilate – to live too long. Enema – not a friend. Fester – quicker than someone else. Fibula – a small lie. Impotent – distinguished, well known. Labour pain – getting hurt at work. Medical staff – A doctor's cane. Morbid – A higher offer. Nitrates – levels of pay for unsociable working hours. Node – I knew it. Outpatient – a person who has fainted. Post operative – a letter carrier. Recovery room – a place to do upholstery. Rectum – nearly killed him. Secretion – hiding something. Seizure – Roman emperor. Tablet – a small table. Terminal illness – getting sick at the airport. Tumour – an additional couple. Urine – opposite of you're out. Mrs Jo Hunter, St Peter’s Road.

The Roomz Dear Sir – I’d like you to know that The Roomz is all refurbished, studio is working and there’s a regular set of events - and it’s the only original music venue in Bohemia! [Western Road] Kat Lee-Ryan, St Leonards. What’s that, Sooty? You want to write a letter? OK, the address is Bohemia Village Voice, 79, Bohemia Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN37 6RJ.

Spaces stolen Dear Sir – last year huge double yellow lines were imposed on St Pauls, Salisbury, Cranbrooke and Horntye Roads. A petition was raised with over one hundred signatures and presented to the Council. As lead petitioner, I have to say that I am very disappointed with the outcome. Minor concessions were made but they have made little difference to the available parking for residents. All told 32 spaces were stolen by these lines. Also the work done is as shoddy as it gets, one could have done better with a can of black paint. One has to ask, “Where has democracy gone in Hastings & St Leonards?”, as it seems only minorities have any chance of justice. Most residents see no need at all for these lines. They have been imposed purely as cash collectors. Michael McIver, St Pauls Road.

Medical terms Dear Sir – I just knew your readers would like to become acquainted with these medical terms – Artery – the study of paintings. Bacteria – back door to cafeteria. Barium – what doctors do when patients 28

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


Letters Spelling Chequer

****

Dear Sir – eye have a spelling chequer, it came with my pea sea. It plane lee marks four my revue, Miss Steaks I can knot sea. Eye strike the quays and type a whirred and weight four it two say, weather eye am write oar wrong – it tells me straight a weigh. Eye ran this poem threw it, your shore real glad two no. It’s vary polished in its weigh. My chequer tolled me sew. Miss Steaks, Bohemia Road.

Sussex Day

Full servicing n All makes and models n Repairs – Welding n Bodywork repairs n Batteries / Clutches / exhausts n MOT preparation n Member of Good Garage Scheme n

Dear Sir – should Sussex Day, the 16th June, be declared a public holiday – in Sussex anyway? Mrs Jo Hunter, St Peter’s Road

Fur Face Animal charity raising money to build a local sanctuary for unwanted animals. We are always looking for volunteers and donations of good quality items. Contact: Michelle. Sanctuary, 58 Queens Road, Hastings. Tel. 421907.

RE-DEC Decorating

01424 440055 Elsinore Garage & Compay Limited 4 Ellenslea Road, St Leonards on Sea

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80

Richard Morris painter & decorator 73 London Road, St Leonards TN37 6AR

07748 373 061 richardmorris@redecoratingservices.co.uk www.re-decoratingservices.co.uk

WANTED

Postage stamp collections Pre-1980 accumulations, oddments. Used and unused. Fair prices paid according to condition. Please contact Dave McIver tel: Hastings 434821 or email macandmaggan@talktalk.net

29


30

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80



Crest House Charming Residential Care Home Crest House Care Home has been privately owned and managed by mother-and-daughter team Jo and Lisa since 1987. Our philosophy at Crest House is to create an environment in which residents feel at home. We offer care, comfort, respect and dignity within an environment that is safe and believe in family values and individual choice. l Single & double rooms – all rooms with en-suite facilities l Passenger lift to all floors l External wheelchair access l Two Victorian conservatories l Short-term (respite) care l Visiting chiropodist, optician & hairdresser l Arranged activities and entertainment l A good quality outcome for all awarded by the Care Quality Commission

l Your local neighbourhood care home l Telephone in all rooms l Short-term care available l Dedicated and trained staff l Under same management since 1987 l Home-cooked excellent meals l Special diets accommodated l Preferred provider to East Sussex Social Services

Contact Jo Crawford or Lisa Willard on: 01424 436229 St Matthew’s Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN38 0TN 32

BOHEMIA VILLAGE VOICE 80


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.