Bexhill News, January 2024, Issue 19

JANUARY 2024 | ISSUE 19

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR BEXHILL, COODEN, SIDLEY, PEBSHAM AND SURROUNDING AREAS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

TOILETS REOPENED PAGE 6

LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT

DRINK DRIVE CRACKDOWN PAGE 10

M A Y B U G S SALE NOW ON

NEW DOOR-TO-DOOR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY SERVICE PAGE 19

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2 NEWS

EDITOR’S WELCOME

JANUARY 2024

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

BEXHILL MAN JAILED FOR MULTIPLE SEXUAL ASSAULTS A

THERE is no doubt that district councils across the United Kingdom are feeling the financial squeeze as they battle with budget deficits.

Take Birmingham, for example, which to all intent and purpose, has declared itself bankrupt.

This is now the state of the nation, and it does not make for good reading.

Hence, it is hoped that Rother District Council can buck an extremely depressing economic trend in the months ahead.

Bexhill has plenty going for it but there is plenty of work ahead when it comes to balancing the books while also making the town a destination of choice.

Bexhill has a “jewel in the crown” which is the De La Warr Pavilion, and its status as a venue of choice has to be maximised both for the venue itself and wider commercial interests.

The one thing lacking in the town is the paucity of budget and boutique hotels, and this has to be addressed sooner rather than later.

The De La Warr regularly hosts top bands, which undoubtedly draws in the punters, but many who travel from far and wide to attend then have to make arrangements to get back home when it would be far easier to get a budget hotel room for the night if they wanted to enjoy a meal or a few drinks either beforehand or afterwards.

Fortunately, there is cautious room for optimism with plans afoot to attract hotel chains to the town, and Rother District Council is actively involved in trying to make it a reality along with the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce. Those efforts deserve to be applauded if they come to fruition.

There are enough empty commercial buildings in Bexhill which could be converted into alternative uses with banks which no longer have a presence on the high street being a prime example.

There is a real desire to put Bexhill on the tourist map, but the time for pie-in-the-sky schemes is over. What we need to see is real progress.

Kim Mayo, Editor

man who sexually assaulted five women as they walked in public in Bexhill has been given a seven-year sentence.

Max Wright, 27, formerly of Amherst Road in Bexhill, was charged with five counts of sexual assault relating to three separate incidents between November 2022 and June 2023.

The first incident was reported on November 20, 2022. A woman walking alone from Bexhill Railway Station the night before was grabbed and sexually assaulted by a man giving the name of Maximiliano.

She engaged him in conversation to placate him before running away from the scene.

An investigation was launched the next day, including extensive CCTV trawls and houseto-house enquiries, but a suspect could not be identified.

Overnight on April 15/16, 2023, three women walking from Cooden Railway Station were repeatedly sexually assaulted by a man who threatened to rape them before fleeing the scene.

It was reported on April 16, and officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team visited the scene the same day, carried out enquiries and identified a suspect.

Wright was arrested the next day, linked to both

Max Wright. Image supplied by Sussex Police

incidents and released on conditional bail while further enquiries were carried out.

In the early hours of June 24, another woman was sexually assaulted while walking in Bexhill by a man who threatened to rape her.

She was on the phone with a friend at the time and managed to capture brief footage of the attack.

Wright was swiftly identified as a suspect, arrested within hours and subsequently charged with five counts of sexual assault.

He pleaded guilty to all counts on July 24 at Hove Crown Court.

At the same court on 1 December, Wright was given a four-year jail sentence, with another three years to be spent on licence.

He was also given restraining orders against each victim and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

Sergeant Jon Thwaites, from Rother’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “These were terrifying experiences for each of the victims, and I would like to thank them for reporting to police and helping us to bring Max Wright to justice.

“This was a fine example of teamwork, with proactive enquiries from the Neighbourhood Policing Team supporting the investigation led by the Safeguarding Investigation Unit.

“A dangerous offender who posed a clear risk to women has been put behind bars, making the streets of Bexhill a safer place for women and girls.”

READ ME, SHARE ME, THEN RECYCLE ME! Bexhill News is a publication by Regional Media Group Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales number: 13746177. We have taken care to ensure that the information in this newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher, nor contributors can take responsibility for loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions. Bexhill News does not endorse the accuracy of the advertisements or the quality of the products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and community organisations are provided directly by their own representatives; please direct any queries or comments regarding content directly to the organisation. Any opinion or views expressed within this publication are solely those of the author. © 2024: No part of this newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole without express permission of the editor.

Steve Hall is a local cartoonist drawing inspiration from Bexhill and the sea. His cards, books and other items can be found in local independents and the Bexhill museum shop. He can be contacted at steve54.hall@gmail.com.

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CONTACT US | Telephone: 01424 762128 | Group Editor: Paul Gibson, editor@Bexhill.News | Editor: Kim Mayo, kim@Bexhill.News Features: Viktoria Cowley, viktoria@Bexhill.News | Publication production: Dean Cook

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

JANUARY 2024

NEW HOTELS FOR TOWN CENTRE ‘FIRMLY ON THE AGENDA’

The Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Breakfast meeting

I

EXCLUSIVE REPORT BY KIM MAYO PHOTOS: JTP53 PHOTOGRAPHY

T has been confirmed by Rother District Council that attracting budget and boutique hotels to the town centre is among the key targets it hopes to achieve in the near future.

At a special breakfast meeting held recently by the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce, they announced the launch of its new regeneration strategy for 2024.

The guest speakers were Rother District Council chief executive Lorna Ford and head of regeneration and housing Joe Powell, who both outlined their vision in front of a selected audience of the most influential business leaders in the area.

The meeting was hosted by Bexhill Chamber President Howard Martin and Vice-President Tracey Love, who outlined the three tiers of Government funding that will deliver up to £60 million of new Government investment into Bexhill and the surrounding area over the next decade.

Mr Powell, when asked about the prospect of more hotels being established in the town, responded: “We have a real opportunity thanks to the funding, which must not be squandered. We are all committed to making Bexhill a major tourist destination and having a thriving retail sector and successful nighttime economy. Everyone is being listened to in order to ensure the right decisions are made.

“As a council, we are committed to listening. A collaborative approach is vital. Of course, hotels are a priority, and we need to identify potential uses for empty bank buildings in the town centre. One of those future uses could certainly be converting them into hotel accommodation.

“We know what the key objectives are, and we need to meet the challenges ahead to accomplish our vision.

Meanwhile, Ms Ford did stress to Chamber members the difficulties and challenges faced by Rother as all councils struggle to address balancing their budgets against high inflation, high interest rates, static business rates and lower council tax revenues. While Mr Powell, as head of regeneration, presented a more optimistic picture of how Bexhill Chamber can be a partner in delivering the very real economic benefits and growth promised by the Government funding.

Joe Powell, Howard Martin and Lorna Ford

NEWS 3 Ms Ford said: “We acknowledge these are tough times, and we have to adapt accordingly. Costs are going up all the time, and there is not much wriggle room. We need to find solutions and all work together.

“It is all about making pragmatic decisions when it comes to raising income, but tough decisions will also have to be made in order to address the budget deficit we face. Despite that, however, there is every reason to feel positive about Bexhill’s future prospects.”

The pot of money is part of the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ initiative to help and support towns they feel have been ‘left behind’. The money is split into three different grant funds, each with its own criteria and eligibility, but all devised to work in coordination with each other to deliver long term and sustainable regeneration for Bexhill over the next decade.

In essence, there are three categories designed to boost Bexhill, which are firstly £20million capital that has been allocated to the De La Warr Pavilion for full renovation and new development work and Sidley Recreation ground for facility improvements.

Secondly, a share of £400million, giving Rother as a whole £20million to target significant capital investment projects. The Secretary of State will decide which group of proposed projects will get funding.

Finally, there is the long-term Plan for Towns which is a special fund allocated to 55 towns across the country, bringing £20million as an endowment-style fund of £2million per year for ten years. This fund will be administered by the Town Boards made up of local stakeholders with the special brief that they should be led by business and community leaders rather than politicians.

Mr Martin said, “We are very pleased that Lorna and Joe came to meet so many of our members. It is a really important step as we start to set up new working relationships to ensure that we are all heading in the same direction with co-ordinating the extraordinary investments from the Government.

“Bexhill Chamber is now working together with other stakeholders like Rother District Council, East Sussex County Council and the Town Council to bring together a new long-term strategy for the regeneration of Bexhill and the surrounding area.

“It has been recognised by the Government consultants who are working with us on our strategies that the key factor in the regeneration of Bexhill is addressing the shortage of hotel visitor accommodation. It is great to hear that Rother now sees this as a vital part of our ongoing plans. Hotels are the lifeblood of coastal towns, and we want to see not only the development of a national chain budget hotel but also the creation of a business environment that attracts boutique hotel investment rather than deterring it as has happened in the past.

“We are now in a position to develop with Government support a real joined-up visitor accommodation policy that encompasses budget hotels, boutique hotels, traditional and Airbnbs so that people coming to the area have a real choice and will properly consider Bexhill as their base to explore the wider area.

“The meeting also raised other important matters that will become essential elements to an ongoing regeneration strategy for the town, like the Sovereign Light Maritime Centre project and substantial investment in tech facilities and new light industrial spaces to create jobs and wealth for the area that is sustainable beyond tourism.”

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JANUARY 2024

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

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NEWS 5

JANUARY 2024

YOUNGSTERS TEAM UP BEXHILL FIRE INVESTIGATION FINDS WITH BEXHILL’S MEN SHED WOMAN DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES TO RESTORE RUN-DOWN MUD KITCHENS An investigation into the death of a woman following a fire in Bexhill last month has concluded she died of natural causes.

Police were called to assist the fire service at a maisonette in St Mark’s Close on November 13.

A 99-year-old woman, a neighbour, died after being taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

An investigation has concluded her

Y

oungsters from All Saints Primary School Nursery have teamed up with Bexhill Men’s Shed to restore some dilapidated mud kitchens in the playground.

Shedders Brian and Dave from Men’s Shed led the project with the help from other colleagues.

They were proud to announce that the “benches were built to RoSPA standards”.

The benches were donated

by Parkers Building Supplies and the pain was donated by Ronseal.

The Shedders team said: “The bench tops and supports were very sturdy and very heavy.

Indeed, each at 2 metres long, the two benches almost filled the available space in our workshop!

“To ensure longevity, each part was given several coats of Ronseal Garden furniture paint before assembly.

“We estimate a 15-years’ life for these items. The paint used was willow green, one of the school colours.

death was not related to the fire and a Coroner’s inquest will not take place.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

A 26-year-old man from Hastings was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and was released on bail, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with any information is asked to report it online or via 101, quoting 1457 of 13/11.

COUNCIL MEETING CUT SHORT AFTER COUNCILLOR’S INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS Bexhill Men’s Shedders together with teachers and pupils enjoy the arrival of two new Mud kitchens at All Saints Primary School Nursery

“A new lick of paint every three or four years will bring these play stations back to ‘as new’ condition.

“Bexhill Men’s Shed has now decided to ‘adopt’ All Saints primary school and we already have plans for additional items in the playground.

“Firstly, we will build a wooden ‘water wall’ with hand pump, which the pupils can use to direct the water to the top of the wall, then down channels via a water wheel.

“Eventually the water will flow back to the starting point to be pumped round!

“We are also planning a welly boot rack for 30 pairs of tiny welly boots.”

A

Bexhill Town Council meeting ended in dramatic fashion when a councillor was deemed to have made inappropriate comments to a staff member.

After the meeting on December 6, 2023, was called off, Bexhill Town Council issued a statement the following day, saying that such behaviour by an elected representative would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The statement said: “At last night’s meeting, a councillor made inappropriate comments and unsubstantiated allegations towards a staff member.

“Under the circumstances, for the well-being of everyone involved, we had no alternative but to close the meeting.

“Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council is an active participant in the National Association of Local Councils’ Civility and Respect initiative, which advocates for the highest standards of behaviour from councillors at all times.

“While the councillor has privately apologised and

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“Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council is committed to fostering an environment that promotes respect, civility, and collaboration.

“We want to reassure our community that we are actively addressing this incident to prevent its recurrence.

“Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council will use its best endeavours to uphold the values of Civility and Respect and to ensure that all council members adhere to these principles.”

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JANUARY 2024

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

TOWN CENTRE PUBLIC TOILETS ARE FINALLY REOPENED B

EXHILL Town Council finally came to an agreement with Rother District Council to reopen the public toilets in Devonshire Square after a stand-off between the two authorities.

The closure led to an outcry on social media as both residents and visitors had to seek alternative facilities in the town if they needed to go to the loo.

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The public toilets in the block cater for men, women and people living with disability.

The closure caused a major inconvenience, but now the issue has been resolved, and the public toilets in the square are fully open and functioning once more.

After agreement had been reached, the town council said in a statement: “Bexhill Town Council is pleased to announce that we have

come to an agreement with Rother District Council to reopen the toilets in Devonshire Square.

“The block is owned by Network Rail, who had an informal agreement with Rother District Council to provide public toilets.

“Rother District Council shut the toilets in November as part of a trial cost-saving initiative.

“During that time, the town council negotiated

a long-term lease to take over the service from Network Rail.

“In order to keep this essential public service open until the lease with Network Rail is complete, Bexhill Town Council agreed to fund the current cleaning and maintenance contract to allow Rother District Council to re-open the toilets.

“Town Mayor Lynn Brailsford said: “I am delighted with this outcome and would like to thank my fellow town councillors and our staff for their hard work, which has resulted in this positive outcome for residents and businesses in Bexhill.”

Rother District Council also welcomed the news that an agreement had been reached to reopen the toilets.

In a statement, it said: “The council is pleased that the Devonshire Square public toilets are now open to the public once more.

At a recent meeting, Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council approved proposals to pay the costs associated with reopening and operating the facility while negotiating a lease with Network Rail.

“The town council also agreed to take forward a lease for Channel View East toilets.”

The Devonshire Square toilets were among those temporarily closed in November by Rother District Council due to an expected £3.8million shortfall in its 2024/25 budget.

Councillor Doug Oliver, leader of Rother District Council, said: “I’m delighted that Bexhillon-sea Town Council has taken the decision to fund the running of these toilets for the good of the local community.

“I’d like to thank the town councillors and officers, and we look forward to building on this extremely positive step to protect services in Bexhill.”

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For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

JANUARY 2024

NEWS 7

RECORD SHOP MUSIC’S NOT DEAD CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE

Music’s Not Dead regular customer, Simon Smith

H

BY KIM MAYO

UNDREDS of fans packed into the De La Warr Pavilion recently to help vinyl record store Music’s Not Dead celebrate the fifth anniversary of its tenure at the venue on Bexhill’s seafront.

Four top bands put on a spectacular show which encapsulated all that is great about the local music scene.

First up was Borough Council, who got proceedings off to a flying start with a hugelyimpressive 40-minute set.

After a brief hiatus for everyone to catch their breath, it was time for the Office of Personal Development, a band which includes Music’s Not Dead co-founder Del Querns on keyboards, who threw everything but the kitchen sink into their performance, including brightly coloured and huge green balloons, as they played tracks from

Office for Personal Development performance at the De La Warr

their forthcoming debut album.

They certainly struck the right notes with the crowd, creating a real party atmosphere ahead of the appearance of the much-loved Aircooled, with fellow co-owner of Music’s Not Dead, Oliver Cherer, giving it his all on lead guitar.

By that stage, the place was absolutely buzzing as Oliver and his bandmates produced a performance which will live long in the memory.

Finally, the hotly-tipped Hot Wax kept the

Oliver Cherer member of Aircooled

crowd on their feet and dancing with an excellent set that brought matters to a close in spectacular style. It had certainly been a heady experience which both the performers and audience agreed had been a great night of music.

Prior to the gig, Del had reflected on the journey Music’s Not Dead had been on since the business first started in Devonshire Road in 2008.

He said: “We have been here in the De La Warr since December 8, 2018, after deciding to move from Devonshire Road.

“Initially, we had started the business with just two boxes of vinyl, but we knew the market was there.

“The shop has grown and grown. We have built up a loyal customer base, and we get a lot of regulars who are real vinyl junkies.

“An added bonus is that more and more teenagers are getting into vinyl. They start off with buying music they are familiar with, like Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey, and then they slowly move on to other bands and music. Other people are just re-buying old classic albums.

“We are fortunate to be situated in the most beautiful building on the south coast and try to come up with free live music to keep people interested while promoting local bands as much as we can.

“I am sure the increasing popularity of vinyl will eventually plateau, but it’s a great platform to listen to music.

“I am worried about the rising cost of vinyl, but they have been going up for many years in price and Brexit hasn’t helped.

“However, on the plus side, I think Bexhill is becoming a record hub. It’s good to have local records shops where you live because it reflects what’s going on locally. If people want records, they should come to Bexhill. It is a thriving scene.”

One regular Music’s Not Dead customer and regular gig-goer is Simon Smith, who should have been awarded a special prize as the most exotically dressed fan at the anniversary gig.

Sporting a hat adorned with feathers, a head scarf and a jacket which could have come straight out of the Wild West, he said: “We all love Bexhill for its music scene and record shops.

“It is great that Music’s Not Dead and secondhand vinyl shops such as Records and Retro continue to thrive. Long may it continue.”

8 NEWS

JANUARY 2024

The journey starts at Shoreham

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

The lantern tower is lowered gently into position

LANTERN TOWER ARRIVES IN BEXHILL AHEAD OF INSTALLATION T he Royal Sovereign Lighthouse Lantern Tower has finally arrived in Bexhill. The structure arrived last month and has been hailed as Bexhill Maritime’s first major objective by taking the delivery of the tower.

It had been sitting on the quayside at Shoreham Port since October. On Tuesday, December 5, it was lifted onto a trailer by Coussens Cranes of Bexhill and gently laid on its side.

After initially being taken to its temporary home at the Shoreham port since October, the Lantern Tower was lifted onto a trailer

by Coussens Cranes of Bexhill before the tricky operation of transporting it by road was successfully completed.

The following day it was transported by K

Drury and Sons of Hurst Green to its new temporary home at Ibstock in Turkey Road.

It will remain there in secure storage and under wraps until it can be placed in position on East Parade where it will form the focus of the new maritime centre.

Bexhill Maritime founder and chairman Raymond Konyn said the move went very smoothly.

He thanked Ibstock for agreeing to the storage and for their help and enthusiasm for this community project.

The grand plan is to build a coastal Maritime Environment Centre in the town’s East Parade with the Lantern Tower as its focal point.

It is envisaged the environment centre will incorporate a hub for education about climate

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change and the marine environment with information forming part of the display at the centre.

In addition, it will act as a showcase for various forms of renewable energy as well as a display space which will house maritime artefacts, including tributes to those who have connections to the sea and the tower itself.

There will also be a community room for local organisations and an area for refreshments.

As plans for the new centre continue, a significant step forward was achieved as the Lantern Tower finally arrived in Bexhill for storage ahead of it being installed permanently at a time still to be finalised.

Further information is available on Bexhill Maritime’s visit www.bexhillmaritime.org

9

JANUARY 2024

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

MOVIES, SHOWS AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT THE HAILSHAM PAVILION THE GREAT ESCAPER

3-4 JANUARY - 14:15 & 19:30 On the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings — octogenarian Bernie Jordan made global headlines. He’d staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy. He captured the imagination of the world.

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5 FEBRUARY - 14:30 In a Nottingham factory, Arthur Seaton works in a mindless haze, but his weekends are even more muddled due to his love affairs and his alcohol problem.

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19 FEBRUARY - 14:30 Lovable Englishman Charles and his group of friends seem to be unlucky in love. When Charles meets a beautiful American named Carrie at a wedding, he thinks his luck may have changed.

15 JANUARY - 14:30 Fleet-footed Colin Smith (Tom Courtenay) is a rebellious teenager in the poverty-stricken town of Nottingham, in northern England, who enjoys running as an escape from his harsh reality.

29 JANUARY - 14:30 This sweeping English drama, based on the book by Ian McEwan, follows the lives of young lovers who are torn apart by a lie constructed by Cecilia’s jealous younger sister, Briony. All three of them must deal with the consequences.

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12 FEBRUARY - 11:00 After a deadly earthquake destroys his home in Peruvian rainforest, a young bear makes his way to England in search of a new home.

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8 JANUARY - 14:30 Up-and-coming Houston oil executive “Mac” MacIntyre (Peter Riegert) gets more than he bargained for when a seemingly simple business trip to Scotland changes his outlook on life.

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18 JANUARY - 10:30 “Napoleon” is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix.

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6-14 JANUARY - 14:15 & 19:30 Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.

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Join Cinders as she transforms from rags to riches, outwits her very Wicked Stepsisters and with the help of a friend and two very magical Fairy Godmothers, meets her Prince Charming.

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10 NEWS

JANUARY 2024

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

MOTORISTS ARRESTED IN LATEST DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING CRACKDOWN

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weeks of the campaign.

EXHILL motorists are among those A significant number of drivers were stopped caught in Sussex Police’s latest Christmas for erratic or sometimes dangerous driving drink and drug drive crackdown. owing to being intoxicated through alcohol or Despite warnings from the force that they will drugs. adopt a zero-tolerance approach to those who By mid-December, 30 arrests had been made flout the law, it seems there are still many who in Brighton and Hove; 47 arrests in East Sussex are still prepared to take the risk. areas, including 11 in Hastings and St Leonards, By mid-December, police had made 134 arrests 12 in Eastbourne, seven in Bexhill and Battle and in Sussex as part of Operation Limit, the annual six across Lewes district. national campaign to tackle drink and drug There were also 57 arrests across West Sussex, driving. including 17 in the Crawley and Horsham areas, The campaign started on December 1 and was and 11 arrests in the Adur and Worthing areas. due to run until January 1, and Sussex Police had In 2022, Sussex Police arrested 2,000 motorists BEX NEWS POPPY AD JAN 24.qxp_BEX 14/12/2023 10:20 Page 1 already recorded 40 collisions in the first few for drink or drug driving.

PHOTOS: © SUSSEX POLICE

Head of Roads Policing Superintendent Rachel Glenton said: “Drink or drug driving is one of the main causes of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads.

“Since we started our campaign, there have been dozens of drivers who have risked causing similar serious harm to themselves or to other innocent members of the public on our roads.

“That is why we continue to urge people to take steps to prevent drink and drug driving, such as pre-booking a taxi or walking home.

“We ask friends and family members to persuade your loved ones not to get behind the wheel if they have consumed any alcohol or drugs. Where persuasion fails, we urge you to

report those drivers to the police for us to arrest them. This will save lives.”

Sussex Police reported no one has been seriously harmed in the collisions.

But during stops and at stop check sites, officers identified and dealt with a number of other offences, including arresting wanted persons.

The consequences of drink or drug driving could include: killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else; a minimum 12-month ban; an unlimited fine; a possible prison sentence; a criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment; an increase in your car insurance costs; and trouble travelling to countries, such as the USA.

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NEWS 11

JANUARY 2024

IZZARD FAILS IN SECOND BID TO BECOME LABOUR CANDIDATE FOR THE FORTHCOMING GENERAL ELECTION

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EXHILL comedian, actor and writer Eddie Izzard failed to secure the Labour nomination to contest the Brighton Pavilion constituency at the next General Election.

Eddie, who prefers to be known as Suzy and uses the she/her pronouns, had high hopes of securing the nomination, but it was not to be.

The activist, who has been a member of the Labour Party for many years, had previously been a candidate to represent the party in the Sheffield Central constituency, having previously been a student at university in the South Yorkshire city, but could only finish in second place.

Having campaigned relentlessly to secure the nomination to represent Labour in Brighton Pavilion, it seemed it might prove to be second time lucky for Eddie/Suzy, but once again hopes of entering Parliament have been dashed.

Ahead of the selection process, which culminated on Sunday, December 17, Eddie/Suzy had posted several messages on X,

formerly known as Twitter, urging Labour Party members to back his/her campaign.

On the social media platform, he/she said: “From the stages of drama and comedy to the roads of marathons every step and every challenge has led me to this moment… the chance to fight for Brighton, a place that has been a beacon of hope and diversity.

I am ready.”

That was followed by: “I will fight to keep our schools open and safe and give young people the skills they need to embrace the good, green jobs of the future here in Brighton. You can rely on me.”

However, despite his/her best efforts, Brighton’s local Labour Party instead opted for musician and activist Tom Gray to represent them in the seat which will be vacated by Britain’s only Green MP Caroline Lucas at the next General Election.

On social media Mr Gray, who previously won the Mercury Music Prize with band Gomez, said he was “delighted and

humbled” to be selected as Labour’s candidate.

Izzard has not commented publicly since finishing second out of four candidates hoping to be selected.

However, it seems the would-be MP has not given up on his/her dream to enter Parliament despite failing twice to be selected as a Labour candidate.

He/she previously told the ITV programme Lorraine: “I am going to push and push until I become an MP. “I am just going to carry on. I want to go in because I can communicate. I have a vision of the future which is that everyone has a right to a fair chance in life.”

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BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE

Toilet doors open at Devonshire Square

DEVONSHIRE SQUARE TOILETS ARE OPEN AGAIN

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council is pleased to announce a successful agreement with Rother District Council to reopen the public toilets in Devonshire Square, marking a significant victory for the local community. The toilets, owned by Network Rail, were closed last month as part of a trial cost-saving initiative initiated by Rother District Council. Following a month of negotiations, the Town Council has successfully secured a short-term arrangement to keep the essential public service accessible until a long-term lease with Network Rail is finalised.

The block of toilets in Devonshire Square had previously been accessible through an informal agreement between Network Rail and Rother District Council. However, when Rother District Council temporarily closed the facilities, Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council stepped in to negotiate a long-term lease to take over the service from Network Rail.

To ensure the uninterrupted provision of this essential public service, Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council has agreed to fund the current cleaning and maintenance contract. This proactive measure allows Rother District Council to promptly reopen the toilets to the public.

Expressing her satisfaction with the positive conclusion, Town Mayor Lynn Brailsford said, “I am delighted with this outcome and would like to thank my fellow Bexhill-on-Sea Town Councillors and our staff for their hard work, which has resulted in this positive outcome for residents and businesses in Bexhill.”

The reopening of the Devonshire Square toilets signifies a collaborative effort between the Town Council, Town Mayor, Lynn Brailsford Rother District Council, and Network Rail to prioritize the needs of the local community. Residents and businesses alike can look forward to the restoration of this essential amenity, enhancing the overall quality of life in Bexhillon-Sea. The Town Council will review the re-opening of other toilet sites of significance at future meetings.

BUS SHELTERS

In a bid to enhance public services and contribute to the community’s aesthetic appeal, the Bexhill Town Council’s Asset Transfer Committee is actively considering assuming responsibility for the maintenance of bus shelters throughout the town. The committee is particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of introducing new bus shelters on Dorset Road, Richmond Road, near Bexhill College, and along Hastings Road.

These proposed additions are part of a collaboration with East Sussex County Council, which has committed to funding the

installation of the new shelters and subsequently handing over the maintenance duties to the town.

Currently, Bexhill residents contribute to the upkeep of existing bus shelters through Rother District Council’s collection of ‘Special Expenses.’ This fund covers essential services such as graffiti removal and vandalism repairs. However, the Town Council’s Asset Transfer Committee aims to streamline this process by taking on the maintenance responsibilities directly. The move is expected to not only ensure the longevity and cleanliness of the bus shelters but also result in cost savings for local residents.

Under this initiative, East Sussex County Council will cover the costs associated with the installation of the new bus shelters. Once erected, the maintenance baton will be passed to the Bexhillon-Sea Town Council, showcasing a cooperative effort between different levels of local government to enhance public amenities.

Crucially, the Town Council has already earmarked reserves for future service transfers, enabling it to utilize existing funds for the maintenance of these essential public facilities. By doing so, the Council aims to alleviate the financial burden on residents while ensuring the continued provision of high-quality services.

The Asset Transfer Committee’s commitment to maintaining and improving bus shelters aligns with broader goals of fostering community pride, enhancing public spaces, and contributing to a cleaner and safer environment for Bexhill-on-Sea residents. As the plans progress, the Town Council invites community feedback to ensure that the proposed changes positively impact the daily lives of those who rely on these vital public services.

MODERNISING SURVEILLANCE: CCTV UPGRADE IN BEXHILL-ON-SEA

In an unconventional setup, Sussex Police has maintained a maintenance contract with BT for the provision of CCTV services in Sussex. Now, the police force is looking to transfer the maintenance contract to twenty-two councils in Sussex, which will align the county with the national standard with effective April 2024. In most districts, ownership of the CCTV lies with the Town Councils, as observed with Hailsham, Seaford, and Uckfield Town Councils.

The existing contract with BT, utilizing landline technology, is set to conclude in March 2024. Sussex Police has negotiated a new contract with ChromeVision, a provider of wireless technology, scheduled to commence in April 2024. However, this transition comes with a cost, particularly for the upgrade of nine cameras in Bexhill-on-Sea and three in Battle to be compatible with the new technology. The estimated expense for this upgrade is £31,000.

Ongoing costs associated with the upgraded wireless cameras include £1,000 per camera for electricity, £1,000 per camera for WiFi licenses, and an annual cost of £2,000 per camera. Additionally, the expense for a replacement, new, or additional camera is £6,000.

To address the financial aspect, the Rother Community Safety Partnership is willing to fund the upgrade of existing cameras if deemed necessary by the Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council. The proposal from Rother District Council suggests that the Bexhillon-Sea Town Council enter into a maintenance contract with ChromeVision and commit to covering electricity costs from April 2024. Notably, the CCTV infrastructure is on poles, classified as street furniture, and Rother District Council only owns the assets of the pole and camera, not the freehold of the highway where the pole is situated.

To alleviate some of the financial burdens, the Police Crime Commissioner has secured a Safer Streets Grant, expected to cover 30 per cent of the maintenance costs in the fiscal year 2024/25 only.

Addressing concerns about data protection, Sussex Police has agreed to serve as a joint Data Protection Officer with the councils.

However, the Council may still need to appoint a Data Protection Officer, potentially shared with the twenty-two other councils.

Answers to questions from the Asset Transfer Committee meeting on November 15th, 2023, revealed that all cameras, including those in Sidley, need replacement by April to be compatible with the new wireless technology. However, the exact locations of the cameras, as identified by their asset numbers, were provided. The report also outlined the frequency of camera access in both Sidley and Bexhill, indicating a higher usage rate in Bexhill.

Overall, the proposal signals a shift toward modernising surveillance technology in Bexhill-on-Sea, offering improved efficiency and potential cost savings in the long run. The detailed analysis of camera usage highlights the valuable role CCTV plays in emergency and priority incidents, with operators actively contributing to positive outcomes in various situations. As the town navigates these changes, the collaboration between local councils and law enforcement aims to enhance public safety through advanced surveillance measures.

The Mayor would like to thank our wonderful community for all the invitations to enjoy the festivities across Bexhill-on-Sea, including Sidley, Pebsham and Little Common. Here’s to a prosperous 2024!

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL

UPCOMING MEETINGS

• Planning Committee: Wednesday 10th January, 6pm and Wednesday 24th January, 6pm • Full Council: Wednesday 10th January, 6.30pm • Asset Transfer Committee: Wednesday 17th January, 6pm • Community Committee : Wednesday 17th January, 7pm • Finance and General Purposes Committee: Wednesday 24th January 2023, 6.30pm Please check our website for the agenda as venues and times can be subject to change.

35 Western Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DU Open: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-12pm, and 12:30pm-2:30pm Contact: town.clerk@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk • www.bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

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THE GRILL HOUSE: BRINGING ROMANIAN FLAVOURS TO LIFE O nce upon a time, in the heart of the owners, Ana and Bogdan, harboured a shared dream of bringing the authentic flavours of Romania to life through their own restaurant. Both had a deep passion for traditional Romanian cuisine and a burning desire to share it with the world.

Bogdan, a skilled chef with years of experience in some of the finest kitchens across UK, and Ana, a warm-hearted and creative soul, decided to combine their talents to create a dining experience that would not only tantalise taste buds but also capture the essence of Romanian culture.

After months of meticulous planning and tireless efforts, the duo found the perfect location for their restaurant. They named their establishment The Grill House, and they spared no effort in decorating the restaurant with elements that reflected the rich history and heritage of Romania. Wooden beams painted in a rustic brown, and vibrant folk art adorned the walls. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, reminiscent of a traditional Romanian home.

Ana and Bogdan poured their hearts into developing a menu that showcased the diverse and delicious dishes from various regions of Romania, complemented by the delicious and aromatic Romanian wines.

ADVERTORIAL 13

JANUARY 2024

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

THE TASTE THAT BRINGS US TOGETHER THE GRILL HOUSE IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR FOODIES LOOKING TO EXPERIENCE THE DIVERSE AND DELICIOUS TASTES OF ROMANIA

We pride ourselves on using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create a range of dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning palate Our chefs are passionate about cooking and ensure that each dish is prepared with care to bring out the unique flavors and textures of each ingredient

Owners, Bogden and Anna

From hearty mamaliga (polenta) to savoury sarmale (cabbage rolls), each dish was a testament to their commitment to authenticity and quality.

Visit The Grill House, 45 Marina, Bexhill-OnSea, TN40 1BQ, call 01424 213333, or email info@thegrillhousebexhill.co.uk for bookings.

We take great care in creating an inviting and warm environment for our customers to enjoy.

EVENTS @ THE GRILL HOUSE 24 FEBRUARY Dragobete - Romanian Valentines Event 27 JANUARY Live music with Yuri Betancourt 14 FEBRUARY Valentine Day event

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The Grill House, 45 Marina, Bexhill-On-Sea, TN40 1BQ

Tel: 01424 213333

info@thegrillhousebexhill.co.uk | www.thegrillhousebexhill.co.uk

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14 NEWS

JANUARY 2024

A MATTER OF TASTE We send anonymous members of the team to check out local pubs, cafes and restaurants to give you an honest review. These visits are not pre-arranged, and the venues do not know they are reviewing the food and drink!

YUMMY NOODLE BAR

Located at the Enterprise Centre, Eastbourne

Lively decorated interior

e’ve been going to Yummy Noodle Bar since it first opened as a single unit in the Enterprise Centre in Eastbourne way back in 1999.

Since moving out of Eastbourne, it hasn’t been on our radar for regular visits, so we decided to go there once again after a few years’ hiatus.

Great to see that nothing much has changed.

The familiar, friendly face behind the counter still warmly welcomed us to our seats. The service remains as prompt and efficient as ever, and the lively banter among the chefs behind the counter is a constant. Despite the animated discussions that might sound like arguments, having experienced similar interactions in Asia, we appreciate that it’s just a cultural aspect. The use of their native language adds to the ambience, making us feel like we’re on holiday, enjoying a taste of the Orient, and keeping us on our toes,

wondering if they’re engaged in a spirited debate or just bantering.

The menu at Yummy Noodle Bar offers a delightful mix of dishes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. From traditional Chinese and Thai options to the more unconventional Singaporean, Japanese and Vietnamese choices, there’s a diverse range to explore.

Whether you have a preference for rice or noodle dishes, the menu caters to both. An exciting addition is the option to customise your meal by selecting your preferred meat, allowing you to personalise your favourite dish to suit your taste. This enhancement adds an extra layer of flexibility and enjoyment to the dining experience.

With the customary Prawn Crackers, we also ordered starters of Salt & Pepper Squid served with Sweet Chilli Sauce (£5.10) and Vegetable Spring Rolls served with Sweet Chilli Sauce (5 for £5.10).

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For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

For mains, we ordered the Assorted Chow process—from the empty wok hitting the flame to Mein — Chinese noodles cooked with king the finished meal landing on the plate, each one prawns, marinated chicken breast, garlic, carrots, taking no more than 60 seconds. mushrooms, snow peas and bean sprouts (£9.20) It became evident that meticulous preparation and Spicy Beef with Onions — Chinese noodles played a pivotal role in their efficiency; every cooked with strips of marinated top-side steak, ingredient was precisely portioned for each dish. onions, garlic, chilli, seasoned Observing this gastronomic with dark soy sauce (£9.20). A performance was not just Glass of Prosecco (£5.95) and a mesmerising but also highly Tiger Beer (£4.70) finished off our entertaining—it’s this preparation meals nicely. This meal for two that epitomises their gourmet cost £39.25, which is fabulous perfection, highlighting the core value for money. of their success.

I remember when Yummy Yummy Noodle Bar proved such Noodle Bar first opened in 1999, a hit with the locals that when the for the same Assorted Chow Mein neighbouring unit became free dish was £7.20, so in 24 years, some years later it wasted no time they’ve only raised their prices £2. in expanding into it, opening up This modest adjustment serves a bigger restaurant to seat more as a testament to the excellent than double the original diners. value for money (hopefully, It’s It’s reassuring to note that the not an encouragement for further expansion hasn’t altered them in increases!) It suggests that they any way. Often, when businesses Spicy Beef and Onion Noodles have probably struck the right grow, certain aspects may suffer, balance in their pricing strategy. but they continue to operate with precision and Situated conveniently in the Enterprise Centre, maintain their usual standards. They run a very Yummy Noodle Bar benefits from ample parking tight ship, and all the familiar elements are still in options. Guests can make use of the centre’s own place. parking facilities, and there is also convenient Yummy Noodle Bar provides an excellent parking available at the adjacent Eastbourne dine-in experience and also offers a convenient Station car park. This accessibility makes it hassletakeaway service. You can locate Yummy Noodle free for patrons to find parking and enjoy their Bar in the Enterprise Shopping Centre, Station dining experience without any concerns about Parade, Eastbourne. In the evening, access is parking availability. available through the outside doors when the rest I have fond memories of sitting in Yummy of the shopping centre is closed. It’s important to Noodle Bar years ago, before its expansion, with a note that the toilets are part of the shopping centre prime spot right at the bar facing the kitchen. Our facilities and can be found upstairs, accessed via attention was captivated by the remarkable speed external steps. and skill with which an array of dishes emerged Tel: 01323 639800 from the kitchen. At one point, we even timed the https://yummynoodlebar.uk A

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BEXHILL AFTER DARK RETURNS TO THE TOWN

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exhill After Dark, produced by local events company 18 Hours, is returning for its third year. The event, taking place across Bexhill, will take place on the 27th of January 2024, 5-8pm.

The event will begin with an awe-inspiring performance by The Dream Engine’s “Heliosphere” at Metropole lawns. Spiralling, spinning and seemingly weightless, an acrobat suspended beneath a helium balloon explores the uncharted space between street level and rooftops. The evening will also include an illuminated wheels and walking parade featuring Dragon Heart Beats, a high-energy percussion, smoke, fire, lights & pyrotechnics spectacle.

In addition, Bexhill After Dark is set to showcase a range of local and international performances and installations including the UK African Acrobats, Zeroh with a projection inside St Barnabus Church, and SpaceGender by Shaun Prickimage. Further attractions include Mystic Mirror Globe by Show Globes, Shadow Shop by Circo Rum Ba Ba plus local performers Dolly Delicious and Xena Flame.

Local schools and community groups will create illuminated props, which will be used in the parade, a spectacular sight that should not be missed.

“We are pleased to announce the return of Bexhill After Dark this year” says Dr Mandy Curtis of Bexhil-based events company 18 Hours.

“With all the fun and excitement from the

previous years, we have no doubt that this year’s event will be even better.”

The event is funded by Arts Council England and Rother District Council plus has generated generous local sponsorship and is supported by an advisory panel. 18 Hours is a member of the Association of Festival Organisers and the Consortium of Development Education Centres.

For more information, please visit our website www.18hours.org.uk

NEWS 15

JANUARY 2024

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

Bates Green Garden, an RHS Partner Garden, is open every Wednesday until 25th October 2023. For details please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

“There are two seasonal diversions that can ease the bite of any winter. One is the January thaw. The other is the seed catalogues.” — Hal Borland

A New Year has arrived, bringing with it the hope of a brilliant year ahead for gardening. But the time for action is not now; relax with a delicious cup of tea (or your favourite tipple if the sun is over the yard arm) and do some reading for advice and inspiration.

Seed catalogues are traditionally read in January, but I thought that this month I would share just some of my favourite garden writers with you all.

These have been my companions for many years now, and I regularly curl up with them when I get the chance.

My bookshelves at home are groaning under the weight of so many horticultural tomes, and so it is very handy when two of the most inspirational writers join together to produce just one book.

The book in question is Dear Friend & Gardener

by Beth Chatto and Christopher Lloyd, published

by Frances Lincoln. The publication is a series of correspondence between these two most esteemed

gardeners, and it is absolutely fascinating to read.

The letters are in chronological order according to the time of year and so this is the ideal month to start. I loved getting the domestic insights into their respective lives, there are also beautifully written descriptions of plants and gardening techniques that will make you long for Spring. Patience.

Vita Sackville West is, for me, the quintessential garden writer. She writes poetically, amusingly and intellectually about plants that she clearly knows inside out. Scour the secondhand shops and websites for her informative books, I have a well-thumbed copy of her publication In Your Garden which is a collection from the weekly gardening column she wrote for The Guardian for 15 years starting in 1946. You will learn so much and be thoroughly entertained in the process.

Anna Pavord is probably best known for her weighty tome, The Tulip, which I regularly consult in August when we are starting to plan our container displays. I also like Plant Partners for its logical layout and practical inventiveness.

All about plant associations, the book focuses on the details of specific herbaceous perennials and what best to partner them with. The ideal handbook for sitting and daydreaming about billowing summer borders.

When I am not at Bates Green Garden, I am a keen grower of food. I have an allotment and also some raised beds at home, and I enjoy not only the taste and health-giving properties of my produce but also the beauty of their form, texture and architectural presence. My Vegetable Bible is and always has been Grow Your Own Vegetables by Joy Larkcom.

I am on my third copy now; living in my allotment bucket doesn’t do much for the condition of a book!

At this time of year, however, I luxuriate in the allurement of her book

Creative Vegetable Gardening. It starts with the quote from Saint Ignatius ‘There is nothing simpler, nor more beautiful, than a kitchen garden’, and the sumptuous photographs serve to illustrate this. The chapters are titled ‘Magic’ ‘Design’ ‘Drama’ and ‘Decoration’ to give you a small taster.

It is packed with unusual yet achievable ideas, and you will look at a cabbage leaf in a whole new light…

When I was a busy mother with young children and my own small garden, I was drawn to the book Dirty Weekends or the Part-Time Gardener by Sarah Creswell. I do believe, if my memory serves me correctly, that this was my first gardening book. I already had a house full of indoor plants, but my attention was gradually turning outside to the uninspiring square of a lawn on which my children played. This book made everything seem easy and achievable and I thoroughly recommend it to any beginners who may not know where to start. The author has illustrated it charmingly, it is well set out and accessible to all.

My advice to you all in January is to wrap up and get out in the daylight, even for a short while every day. I appreciate that this is hard for the indoor workers among us, but everyone is entitled to a lunch break, and if there is not a green space for you to walk in within 15 minutes away then start campaigning for one! If you WFH or can walk in your own garden or the countryside every day, then you will realise just how much Nature has provided for us in January.

Thank you very much for reading my ramblings, and I hope we all have Great Gardening Weather in 2024.

YOUR WINTER

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For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

B E X HIL L C H A M B E R O F C O MME R C E A ND T O U R I S M U P D AT E

CHAMBER ECHOES NEW YEAR — NEW HOPE FOR BEXHILL B

exhill Chamber of Commerce wishes everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Our members have worked incredibly hard over the past year to make sure their businesses, charities and social enterprises have remained viable in some of the toughest economic conditions we have seen for generations.

But now, as we auld lang syne into 2024, there are high hopes that Bexhill may have turned the corner. Thanks to a massive Government intervention and up to sixty million pounds of investment, we should be on the way back to the economic sustainability and the real prosperity we all need to make our town thrive as we fast approach the second quarter of the 21st century.

For far too long, the potential of our town seems to have been squandered by a systemic culture of mediocrity and complacency to such a degree that despite an outward perception of high wealth in some households and a strong entrepreneurial base we have two of the 10% most deprived wards in the UK and the Government officially describes Bexhill as being one of 55 “left behind towns” that deserve special attention and funding.

It is this potential influx of £60m in Government grants and expertise that is already having a substantial impact on our outlook for Bexhill in 2024 and beyond. Since declaring our town centre to be a crisis zone following the announcement of the closures of all four main high street banks, Bexhill Chamber members and our associates have worked tirelessly with other stakeholders to formulate a robust recovery strategy that will deliver economic growth over the next five to ten years in line with Government set objectives.

Thanks to Government consultants who came to Bexhill both physically and via Zoom Bexhill Chamber, working with the expertise of our members alongside Rother, Bexhill Town Council, ESCC and Locate, have started preparation work for the delivery of a regeneration strategy that is, as the Government say, from the bottom up rather than the top down.

This new dynamic, cooperative framework is already delivering results. We are hopeful that three of the four main bank sites will soon come back into use and that the fourth will be marketed globally before it closes.

Peacocks showing confidence in Bexhill

The promised Government investment in the De La Warr Pavilion and Sidley, along with targeted capital projects and a tenyear regeneration plan for the town, has restimulated investment interest both nationally and locally.

Peacocks expressing confidence in the potential of Bexhill on the Devonshire Road M&Co site as well as significant new interest from both the national budget chain and boutique hotel sectors has renewed confidence that the era of mediocracy and complacency is over and that Chamber members and our entire town are now working together and looking forwards to a really prosperous NEW YEAR with NEW HOPE.

IT’S COMPETITION TIME OH, YES IT IS!

You shall go to the ball with the fairy godmother of all pantomimes,

CINDERELLA.

Tickets can be booked by calling the box office for these dates: (not included in competition prize)

Hailsham News is giving away FOUR tickets to the Cinderella performance on Wednesday 24th January 2023 (not transferable), at the Hailsham Pavilion, by entering this competition.

Wednesday, 24th January @ 7pm

Join Cinders as she transforms from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked Stepsisters and with the help of a friend and two very magical Fairy Godmothers, meets her Prince Charming.

Saturday, 27th January @ 3pm

Thursday, 25th January @ 7pm Friday, 26th January @ 7pm Saturday, 27th January @ 11am Saturday, 27th January @ 7pm Sunday, 28th January @ 11am

HOW TO ENTER

Simply answer this question and email your answer to comps@bexhill.news by 5pm on 15th January 2023

24 – 28 January – Hailsham Pavilion Book online or call the Pavilion Box Office on 01323 841414

WHAT DOES CINDERELLA LOSE AT THE BALL? A: SLIPPER B: SHOE C: SLIDER

WHEN ENTERING, INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER WITH YOUR ANSWER. WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED AT 5PM ON 15TH JANUARY 2023, VIA EMAIL.

Sunday, 28th January @ 3pm

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

JANUARY 2024

NEWS 17

OPINION

POLITICS AND SHOW BUSINESS ARE BASICALLY THE SAME THING

BY KIM MAYO

IF you are a moderately successful politician with no prospect of ever becoming Prime Minister, there is a far more lucrative route to success.

Politics is, to a large extent, one big yawn fest.

Endless days spent in the House of Commons, the House of Lords or, prior to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, the opportunity to lead a chilled-out life in Brussels or Strasbourg.

But, why bother once you have spent years spouting off only to either find yourself cast as public enemy number one or, even worse, becoming Prime Minister?

A far more attractive proposition is to become a ‘reality television star’ where you can earn hundreds of thousands of pounds by spending three weeks in the Australian jungle being subjected to eating various unmentionables, being buried in a pit with creepy crawlies or spending the rest of the time having a damn good kip in a hammock?

This brings us neatly to Nigel Farage, previously dubbed the most hated man in Britain, but will he care? Not one jot, I imagine, because Nige apparently bagged a cool £1.2million for participating in the most recent series of ITV reality show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here.

PHOTO CREDIT: NIGEL FARAGE, I’M A CELEBRITY... GET ME OUT OF HERE!

Somewhat unexpectedly, Mr Farage, former leader of UKIP and the Brexit Party, finished in third place with rumours now abounding that he will return to frontline politics now that he is firmly back in the public eye.

He has followed in the footsteps of other politicians who have taken the jungle route, such as Edwina Currie, Stanley Johnson (father of Boris), Nadine

Dorries and Matt Hancock.

Mr Hancock has reinvented himself as a ‘reality television star’, having taken part in last year’s I’m a Celebrity, finishing in third place even though, as Health Secretary, he had broken his own Covid rules by canoodling with one of his aides only to be captured in the act on CCTV. Flushed with his initial success on reality television, he then took part in something called Celebrity SAS, Who Dares Wins, where he once again finished third while adding even more cash to his pension pot.

Indeed, so successful had his exploits been that he has now announced his intention to step down as an MP at the next General Election to concentrate on other potentially lucrative endeavours.

So, what’s next for our politicians? Looking intently at my crystal ball, I can foresee the future with some clarity. Why bother with debates in Parliament when you can star in the next series of Love Island? Politics is a complete waste of time.

Boris Johnson may well opt for the jungle after being deposed as Prime Minister and, let’s face it, he has already previously humiliated himself while London Mayor by getting stuck on a zip wire above the Thames, whilst sporting a pair of rather fetching Union Jack socks. It is but a short step to being filmed knawing on a camel’s rancid anus in one of

d l o c e h t m o r f Come in me o c l e w y l d n e i r for a f is more than books ry Your local libra verLibraries o c is D / k .u v o eastsussex.g

I’m a Celebrity’s notorious eating challenges. Plus, he would be given a bucketful of cash to boot.

It can only be a matter of time before we see the respective leaders of the Conservative and Labour parties facing off on reality television. It would certainly make for gripping viewing. I am all in favour of such a scenario.

That is because politics is, to all intents and purposes, show business. The two have merged into one in recent years.

There is, as I write this, talk of Mr Farage making a return to frontline politics, and he may well do so because his public profile has never been higher.

He is no longer vilified, having reinvented himself as a cuddly and loveable Nige. Whether he is or not is a moot point, but his success in the jungle underlines the power of reality television.

Politics has become boring and predictable, and the prospect of a forthcoming General Election is depressing rather than inspiring.

Mr Sunak could always book an appearance on Who Wants to be a Millionaire, but then again there is no point because he already is one.

The only option left for Mr Sunak and his Labour counterpart Sir Keir Starmer is a celebrity boxing match broadcast live on ITV. And only one question remains… which is, who will land the knockout blow?

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STAND ASIDE TESLA — BYD IS COMING THROUGH! I

REPORT AND PHOTOS BY PAUL GIBSON

T’S always rather exciting for car geeks like me to experience a brand-new manufacturer and get behind the wheel of a car from a brand I almost know nothing about.

So, I was intrigued when I received an invite to Scotland to discover an all-electric vehicle from a manufacturer that only had a handful of vehicles in the UK but with huge plans to take the EV market by storm.

Not being able to get to the Scotland launch, I arrived at a regional event at a plush Windsor mansion hotel, where I first set my eyes on the range of EVs from BYD — otherwise known as Build Your Dream.

You’d be forgiven for not knowing anything about BYD — you may think it’s a company that’s suddenly come out of the woodwork to cash in on the EV market but think again.

Originating in China, the company has more than 600,000 employees globally and has been producing battery technology since the 1980s.

The company has 90,000 engineers, and 1 in 5 mobile phones in the world today contain BYD products.

Remember the class original Nokia 3210 mobile phone with a battery that lasted for weeks? Well, that could be an indication of how good the BYD cars could be as the company produced that very mobile phone battery which properly stood the test of time.

BYD has launched a total of three models already this year — the Dolphin, Atto 3 and the Seal, which is the vehicle we managed to get our hands on and has only been in the UK a matter of weeks.

They produced their first vehicles in Asia in 2008, produced a total of six million EVs and sold 1.86 million vehicles in 2022 with a turnover of £56 billion in the first quarter of 2023 — they don’t sound much like a newcomer now, right?

When seeing the Seal for the first time, you cannot help yourself comparing it to models from Tesla — however, it soon becomes obvious the BYD is a far superior-looking car compared to any of the Tesla cars.

Inside, it’s the same story. You’re faced with an extremely highend quality interior, with soft stitched leather seats and a rotatable 15-inch centre screen. Everything on the BYD range of cars is made by them — nothing is borrowed or reused from any other manufacturer like you get in other cars.

The great thing about ‘new’ car offerings from the likes of BYD is that there’s fresh thinking and new ideas. Cars are made from the outset with electrification in mind rather than adapting current models to fit new drivetrains.

BYD is proud to say its cars are not designed and built around the battery packs — almost a metal shell, protecting the vulnerable cells. In fact, we were shown a video of one of the BYD Seals being crash tested twice, then the battery pack removed, put into a new vehicle and driven off showing the sheer strength of the battery pack, which is simply removable in one piece.

This shows the development of electric vehicles in such a short amount of time, and with the excellent quality and driving qualities I experienced in the BYD Seal in just one day, it makes me feel it could have a strong future in producing more luxury and clientworthy vehicles.

As a company, it’s certainly making itself known here in the UK with now 13 dealerships, with plans to double that each year, and all vehicles getting a 6-year warranty with an 8-year warranty on the battery pack.

As I said in the headline — watch out Tesla, there’s a new kid on the block.

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BEXHILL BOXERS ARE KINGS OF THE RING B

oxing brothers Terry and Aaron Davies struck gold at the world’s biggest international box cup — King of the Ring in Boras, Sweden.

Five boxers from Bexhill Amateur Boxing Club represented their club as more than 600 boxers stepped through the ropes with the hope of winning a medal.

Volunteer coaches Ian Fletcher, Terry Freeman and Rian Witcomb travelled with Samir Bepari, Max Spillane, Sonny Studley, Terry Davies and Aaron Davies for the three-day event with high hopes for the group after a focused period of training and sparring opportunities with locals in the build-up.

Bepari, 16, was first up, losing a split decision 3-2 against a wellseasoned opponent from Italy in an extremely close bout. Bepari boxed well, catching his opponent with multiple straight rear-hand shots as he put his heart and soul into battling his tricky rival.

Max Spillane, 16, made his amateur boxing debut at the competition. After demonstrating great footwork, angle creation and skill, progressed to the final within his class after seeing off stiff competition from a strong Swedish boxer with home support.

Spillane faced an older opponent from London club Aberfeldy in the final. Boxing in one of the event’s smaller rings, Spillane boxed well throughout the final, yet his effectiveness was spoiled by the scrappy approach of his opponent.

The Bexhill coaches were frustrated with the referee’s lack of warnings for his opponent’s lunging, brawling style, but Spillane held his ground and fought his opponent to the bell. Spillane did not get the result but walked away with the huge reward of obtaining a silver medal on debut.

Bexhill’s Studley boxed his first bout against a strong competitor from London’s Hoddeston Boxing Academy. Studley’s amateur

Bexhill Amateur Boxing Club boxers and coaches in Sweden

Bexhill ABC boxers in Sweden

boxing journey has been inspirational over the last couple of years, with his determination and dedication seeing him take multiple accolades at Bexhill’s annual awards.

Studley started his bout with keen determination and sharp straight shots, but his slick southpaw opponent went on to win the bout with some eye-catching skills. Although the silverware eluded him, Studley can take consolation in his opponent going on to win gold.

Bexhill’s senior elite brothers, Terry and Aaron Davies, both secured places in the finals of their respective classes.

Under the lights in an Olympic-sized boxing ring, Terry claimed gold against Danish opponent Rabin Thing (Pandrup Bokseklub).

Terry was relaxed and composed as he methodically deconstructed the Dane by changing angles and then catching him with crisp body shots. Terry found a relaxed rhythm, and further body shots brought an early stoppage in his favour. The gold medal received by Terry was a well-deserved reward for a true gentleman of the sport.

Elder brother Aaron entered his final buoyed by some great boxing in the earlier rounds that saw him stop an opponent with a spectacular left hook, straight right combination. He faced strong competition from Ritvik Kumar from London’s Left Hook club, who had caught the eye with a series of impressive wins.

Aaron started the final well, maintaining his range and matching the work rate of his rival. As the first round ended, the bout was relatively even, but it was also evident that Aaron’s sharp and accurate shots were troubling Kumar. Moving into the later rounds, the Left Hook boxer found himself in unfamiliar territory as Aaron dominated to claim a unanimous victory.

As a charity, the club aims to provide accessible boxing classes to the local community. The club is also hugely appreciative of donations provided by Chaffin Works & ETMS Highways, who enabled the trip to take place. Freeman said: “We are forever in need of any donations, sponsorship or business advertisement, so if anyone would like to help out, please ring me on 07840 914432.”

EAGLETON HONOURED AT BSC AWARDS NIGHT RICHARD EAGLETON received a special Commodore’s award at Bexhill Sailing Club’s successful end of season bash at the Cooden Beach Golf Club.

Eagleton will retire as the club’s senior dinghy instructor at this month’s annual meeting after many years of teaching sailors of all ages how to enjoy life on the waves. Lawrence Wright and Andy Bullen step up to fill Eagleton’s boots. They have been members of Geoff Padgham’s squad of instructors for some years.

Bullen is part of the Tuesday Crew, the group of members who maintain the clubhouse, RHIB’s and dinghies. Their hard work was recognised with the Baber Bowl.

Lawrence Wright took over as club treasurer, but also won a number of the Catamaran Class races, with his daughter Abbie. They both won the Federation Cup and also came second in that class of the major race event for our local Federation of South Coast Sailing Clubs earlier in the year.

Eagleton won a number of the slow fleet events plus competed in the Europe Class Nationals, where he is now classed as one of the Legends’ Class in view of his age, as well as competence.

Amongst the cadets two stars have emerged, both regularly challenging each other but also many adult sailors as well. Both Hanna Bolton and Eve Fifield received several of the prestigious cadet awards this year. Eve also competed in the Topper Open run at a local club alongside Logan Adams too.

TROPHY WINNERS 2023 SEASON

ICE BUCKET TROPHY — Slow Conventional (SC): Richard Eagleton; Fast Conventional (FC): Bob Palmer; Catamaran: Lawrence & Abi Wright. SPRING SERIES — SC: Richard Bratton; FC: Bob Palmer; Catamaran: Lawrence & Abi Wright. EASTER SHORT SERIES — SC: Richard Eagleton; FC: Bob Palmer; Asymmetric: Paul Miller; Catamaran: Tony Lane & Hanna Bolton; Novice: Dave Baldwin.

MIDWEEK EVENING SERIES — SC: Richard Eagleton; FC: Tim Murray; Catamaran: Ben Cole.

EARLY MAY SHORT SERIES — SC: Richard Eagleton; FC: Tony Witham; Asymmetric: Nichola Palmer & Michael Copeman; Catamaran: Mark Scheldt & Lucy Spencer; Novice: Michael Carzana & Maxine Dooley. LATE MAY SHORT SERIES — SC: Richard Eagleton;

Lawrence Wright at BSC awards

BSC award winners

FC: Bob Palmer; Asymmetric: Chris Heath & J Swan; Catamaran: Lawrence Wright & Abi Wright.

SUMMER SERIES — SC: Richard Bratton; FC: Tim Murray; Asymmetric: Paul Miller & M Turner; Catamaran: Tony Lane & Hanna Bolton. SATURDAY EVENING SERIES — SC: Malcolm Brookes; FC: Rick Parker; Asymmetric: Paul Miller & Andy Bullen; Catamaran: Tony Lane & Hanna Bolton; Novice: Helen Etherington. EARLY WORM SERIES — SC: Richard Eagleton; FC: Bob Palmer; Asymmetric: Paul Miller; Novice: Michael Carzana.

SATURDAY SERIES — SC: Rachel Wynn; FC: Tony Witham; Asymmetric; Nicola Palmer & Michael Copeman; Novice: Dave Baldwin. SUNDAY SERIES — SC: Richard Bratton; FC: Rick Parker; Asymmetric: Paul Miller; Catamaran: Ben Cole. AUGUST SHORT SERIES — SC: Richard Eagleton; FC: Bob Palmer; Asymmetric: Paul Miller & Tim Murray; Catamaran: Anthony Lane & Lyn Jarvis; Novice: Michael Carzana. AUTUMN SERIES — SC: Christina Terrazas; FC: Bob Palmer; Asymmetric: Paul Miller & Andy Bullen; Catamaran: Logan Adams & William Good; Novice: Lisa Adams. CLASS CUPS — SC: Richard Eagleton; FC: Logan Adams; Catamaran: Mark Scheldt & Lucy Spencer; Dart 16@ Lawrence Wright; Novice: Michael Carzana.

BEXHILL SAILING TROPHY – 1st PLACE — SC: Richard Eagleton; FC: Bob Palmer; Asymmetric: Paul Miller & Andy Bullen; Catamaran: Anthony Lane & Hana Bolton; Novice: Michael Carzana. 2nd PLACE — SC: Richard Bratton; FC: Rick Parker; Asymmetric: Nicola Palmer &

Michael Copeman; Catamaran: Lawrence Wright & Abi Wright; Novice: Lisa Adams.

CADET TROPHIES — GWEN GITTINGS AWARD (Award for merit): Callum Etherington. ALPINE TROPHY (Best personal achievement): Ana Fifield. COLONAL CHARLES TROPHY (Keenest cadet): Charley Youngman. TRYER’S AWARD: Thomas Slater. PIP’S PLATTER (1st overall cadet): Eve Fifield. MEASURER’S MUG (2nd overall cadet): Logan Adams. CLUB HOUSE TROPHY (most races sailed): Hanna Bolton. CADET SATURDAY SERIES: Eve Fifield. CADET SUNDAY SERIES: Eve Fifield. CADET EVENING SERIES: Eve Fifield.

CORONATION RACE — SC: Richard Eagleton; Catamaran: Tony Lane & Hanna Bolton; Cadet: Eve Fifield. BRASS MONKEY — SC: Rick Parker; FC: Logan Adams; Asymmetric: Paul Miller/Andy Bullen; Catamaran: Etain De Witt/Wendy Watkins. Dave Baldwin. CLUB CUP — Dusty Miller & Andy Bullen. FROSTBITE SERIES — SC: Bob Palmer; FC: Rick Parker: Asymmetric: Jim Copeman/Simon Hooley; Catamaran: Lawrence Wright & Abi Wright; Novice: Luke Saunders. MARINE CONSERVATION CHARITY RACE: Tony Witham. BART’S BASH: Colin Coard.

SPECIAL AWARDS, CAPSIZE TROPHY: Chris Heath. FEDERATION TROPHY (1st Bexhill boat): Flo Wright and Abi Wright. PRINCIPAL’S POT: Wendy Watkins. COMMODORE’S CUP: Ian Raymond. JOHN BABER AWARD: The Tuesday Crew. VICE COMMODORE’S CUP: Peter Gadsden. SPECIAL GLASS FROM COMMODORE: Richard Eagleton.

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CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR BRT

BY JACKIE KNIGHT

BOXING PAGE 22

BODDY ON THE MARCH WITH BRIGHTON

arvey Boddy is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Solly March and play for Brighton in the Premier League.

The Seagulls, who have one of the most highly regarded recruitment departments in modern football, have snapped up the 15-year-old on Academy day release forms and now he is battling to prove he has what it takes to make it to the top.

Boddy, whose mother Laura owns two shops in Bexhill, is studying at Bede’s, where Seagulls winger March was also a schoolboy.

But he is also spending three days a week with Brighton after earning a spot after impressing in an eight-week trial which involved a number of games and training twice a week.

The central midfielder won the opportunity after former Albion defender Adam Hinshelwood, the father of current Seagulls rising homegrown talent Jack,

thrust him into the limelight.

Boddy revealed: “I played for Worthing and manager Adam Hinshelwood gave me the opportunity to play for the first team against Brighton Under-21s, I performed well and Brighton gave me the opportunity to go on trial. And I was successful.

“I was thrilled as I’ve always wanted to play for them pretty much since the day I first started playing football. It was amazing.”

Boddy is not getting carried away though, as he knows there is a long way to go if he is to realise his ambitions.

He told the Bexhill News: “It would be my dream to play for Brighton — it is the one achievement I’d like to get.

“Of course, it is a case of taking it step by step. The goal is to get a scholarship then a professional contract. I will get that scholarship decision next year when I go into Year 11.”

Hailsham’s March, who is recovering from a serious knee injury, dropped into

non-league before Brighton picked him up from Lewes but keeps close links with his old school.

Boddy said: “He comes down to our school sometimes and does a training session but I haven’t had one with him yet — but I do see him every now and then.”

Boddy is enjoying testing himself against some of the best young, hungry talent around.

He said: “We are coming up against any type of team. It could be Tottenham, Watford or teams like Wimbledon or Gillingham — pretty much any team from the Premier League to League One. “It’s definitely different from playing at Worthing, the pace of the game is a lot quicker. Also, you are playing around kids who are of similar ability but have the potential to go somewhere so there is a lot of competitiveness between one and another. It’s also a good standard of football so it’s great.”

Boddy admits he has to pinch himself sometimes when he is at Albion’s state-ofthe-art training base in Lancing, where the youngsters rub shoulders with some of the hottest stars in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.

He added: “With it coming up to Christmas they will give us things we need to do to keep fit for when we come back.

It’s a very professional environment and when we’re on day release we will be eating lunch and see all the first team players in and around us, which is what most kids would love to see. It’s great.

“The other day Roberto De Zerbi came over to our table and tweaked one of my team-mates’ ears as a laugh and a joke. It was quite funny as it was such a surprise to us.”

And Boddy knows even if does not work out at Albion, the experience will stand him in good stead to pursue a career in football.

He added: “The goal at the end of the day is to play football as my job. Wake up, playing football every day — that’s the dream!”

BEXHILL UNITED will hope for home comforts this month as they bid to climb the SCFL premier division table.

They kick-off the month at Lingfield then have three games at The Polegrove.

December was another weather disrupted month although United opened with a 2-2 draw against high-flying Hassocks - again conceding in stoppage time to let slip three points. Joe Summerbell and Olly Hull got the goals (Dec 2).

Charlie Playford was sent off for two

bookings five minutes before the break as they lost 4-0 at Peacehaven (Dec 9). Jack Shonk was on target as the Pirates slipped to a 2-1 home loss to AFC Varndeanians (Dec 16).

January fixtures (subject to change): Lingfield (away, Jan 6); Steyning Town (home, Jan 13); Haywards Heath (home, Jan 20); Midhurst & Ease (home, Jan 27).

Little Common are tucked into mid-table as we enter January.

Russell Eldridge’s side drew 4-4 in a thriller

at Hanbury Stadium against Haywards Heath at the start of December. They hit back from 3-1 down to lead 4-3 before the hosts snatched a 90th-minute leveller. Common’s scorers were Sam Ellis (two), Sam Cruttwell and Eldridge. Common’s games against Newhaven (Dec 9) and away to Shoreham (Dec 12) were postponed.

January fixtures (subject to change): Crawley Down (home, Jan 6); Newhaven (home, Jan 13); Hassocks (away, Jan 20); Pagham (away, Jan 27).

Harvey Boddy and father, Dean

H

BY MIKE LEGG

UNITED EYE UP HOME RUN

Bexhill Santa Dash made a spectacular return with an amazing turnout of BRT runners braving wind and rain to join a sea of other Santas to run a festive 5K en masse along the Bexhill prom.

The club’s dedicated coaches were thanked for their motivational support and training throughout the year at Bexhill Runners & Triathletes’ Christmas lunch.

Special mentions were given to many of our ultra trail runners who have entered competitive races across the year including James Allen, Andrea Harwood, Malcolm Jones, Zak Overfield and Claire Overfield.

Sharon Dickson was congratulated for completing the year with an impressive UK Ultra Winter Downs 55 Miles, which started and finished at Eastbourne.

BRT Commendation to Coaches for Juniors, Seniors,Trail, Triathlon, Beginners and Social Running

BRT Award Winners 2023, Geoff Tondeur, Amanda Tondeur, Dagmara Ginter and Jackie Knight with Lead Coach, Ali Marshman

BRT Junior Winner 2023, Ksenia McCrae with Mike Stokes and Andy Croft

BRT Award Winners 2023, Izzy Mitchel (Triathlon), and Grant Docksey (Alex Hall Trophy) with head coach, Ali Marshman

Awards were handed out with most improved newcomer going to Dagmara Ginter and a special mention given to Paul Zipperlen. Geoff Tondeur received the award for Trail, Izzy Mitchel for Triathlon, Jackie Knight for Road and the prestigious Alex Hall award was scooped by Grant Docksey. Special thanks went to Amanda Tondeur for all her after-run cakes. Ksenia McCrae collected the junior award.

To end the year, a special club Tuesday trail took some runners to see the Westfield Christmas lights, topped off with mince pies and mulled wine. Other runners enjoyed some great slippery cross country, starting with the Xmas Pudding Dash at Pett and then Newplace Park, Framfield hosted by Uckfield Running Club.

BRT Juniors’ Cobey Buckley won first token at Battle Park Run with a time of 7:47, setting a new course record, while Eva Harwood broke her previous PB with 9:16.

If you have ever thought about running with a friendly group of like-minded people, please go to the BRT webpage for more information for both adult and junior membership. www.bexhillrunnerstriathletes.co.uk