Bexhill News, November 2023, Issue 17

NOVEMBER 2023 | ISSUE 17

We Will Remember Them Sunday 12th November

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT

MAYBUGS FULL STEAM AHEAD PAGE 4

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SAVED PAGE 7

TOILET CLOSURES PAGE 11

‘IT’S OUTRAGEOUS’

It’s ime Showt

BEXHILL - EASTBOURNE - HAILSHAM

FURIOUS LABOUR COUNCILLOR BLASTS GOVERNMENT’S £15.3M SPEND ON NORTHEYE SITE — SEE PAGE 2

2 NEWS

EDITOR’S WELCOME

I AM ashamed to write that until very recently I had never visited Bexhill Museum, but it is certainly a case of better late than never.

It is without doubt one of the premier attractions in the town and long may it continue to thrive in years to come.

I had been invited to see the latest additions to the model railway which has been wholeheartedly supported by Bexhill comedian, writer and actor Eddie Izzard.

Eddie, who is also happy to be known as Suzy, prefers the pronouns she/her and has had an enduring relationship with the museum.

For instance, the railway set given as a gift by Eddie/Suzy’s father has been donated to the museum and the comedian has also been heavily involved in the magnificent 1940s railway layout which brilliantly represents the town during that difficult time in Britain’s history.

Wandering around the museum certainly elicits a sense of wonder. There is so much to see and so much to learn.

Bexhill is a great deal more than a seaside town and its heritage certainly deserves to be thoroughly explored.

Entrance to the museum is cheap by today’s standards and it should be a mandatory visit for anyone living in or visiting Bexhill.

It is easy to ignore attractions which are located right on our doorstep when in fact we should cherish them.

Therefore it is imperative you don’t miss out. The museum needs your support and they thoroughly deserve it.

Kim Mayo, Editor

NOVEMBER 2023

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

FURIOUS ROTHER COUNCILLOR BLASTS GOVERNMENT’S £15.3M PURCHASE OF NORTHEYE SITE F URIOUS Labour Councillor Christine Bayliss has accused the Government and Home Office of wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money buying the Northeye site in Little Common for more than double the price it had been purchased for the previous year.

Responding to the news that the Government paid more than double the recent value for Northeye former prison site in order to house asylum seekers there, Ms Bayliss, Labour Group leader on Rother District Council, said: “This shocking waste of money is yet another example of the Tory chaos at our borders and in the asylum system which has cost taxpayers billions.

“Labour has a serious plan to end the government’s wasteful spending, stop the criminal smuggling gangs, clear the hotel backlog and take back control of our asylum system.

“If the Government has £15.3 million to spend in Rother, we would rather they spend it helping local residents get through the cost of living crisis, instead of wasting it by overpaying for land and lining the pockets of private developers.”

Approximately £15.3 million was spent to acquire the site, a former prison, but 13 months beforehand developers had purchased it for £6.31 million, meaning they would have made a profit of £9 million in a matter of months.

The Home Office has refused to comment on the reports, but a spokesman said: “We are exploring the use of the Bexhill site for detention purposes and assessments are being undertaken to consider the feasibility.

“We are working with local stakeholders to ensure that any facility is delivered in a way which minimises the impact on the local community.”

However, Rother District Council leader Doug Oliver previously said In a statement: “It is disappointing that neither Rother District Council nor local residents were informed by the Home Office of this important change (the purchase of

the site) despite the commitment made to keep all stakeholders informed.

“No final decision has been taken to use the site. We will continue to push the Home Office to provide more information on their proposals to use the site as a centre for people seeking asylum so that we can provide further reassurance to residents.

“We remain committed to seeking to ensure that any use of the Northeye site is lawful and acceptable and that the views of the local community are heard by all bodies responsible for making decisions.”

Plans to use the Northeye site to house asylum seekers have been controversial ever since it was first mooted and the issue has now been dragging on for months without resolution.

Despite claims and counterclaims as to the future of the site, the Home Office has yet to make

its intentions clear.

In the intervening months since the announcement that Northeye was one of the potential sites earmarked to house asylum seekers, residents are still none the wiser.

That led to vociferous protests in some quarters with a series of protests being staged to oppose the plans.

On several occasions, marches were held with protesters chanting “No to Northeye” while bearing banners with the same message emblazoned on them.

Bexhill and Battle Conservative MP Huw Merriman has stated that he is in close contact with the Home Office in order to ensure he is fully briefed as the saga continues.

In addition, Mr Merriman previously stated that he would host a public meeting once plans for the site become patently clear.

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. © 2023: 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.

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

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4 NEWS

NOVEMBER 2023

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

IT IS FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR MUSEUM’S SHOWPIECE DISPLAY T

BY KIM MAYO

HE ongoing construction of the Eddie Izzard-backed model railway at Bexhill Museum is firmly on track with new elements of the dazzling display constantly being added.

The esteemed comedian, actor and writer, who is also known as Suzy, has been heavily involved in the project from the off, providing both financial backing and her own personal insight.

It all started back in 2016 when Eddie, who now uses the pronouns she/her, donated the model railway given as a present by her father when she was young. It is now displayed in the Motoring Gallery.

Since then Eddie/Suzy has been a huge fan of model railways, joining the ranks of other celebrity enthusiasts such as Rod Stewart, Tom Hanks, Roger Daltrey, Pete Waterman and Jools Holland.

The vast model railway layout at Bexhill Museum, which is displayed in the Second World War Gallery, represents Bexhill as it was in the 1940s and is an impressive bells and whistles affair with trains whizzing around the tracks on a regular basis along with lights and sound effects adding to the spectacle.

Its construction is down to a group of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who are determined to make it one of the best examples in the country and they are certainly on course to make it just that.

Project co-ordinator Ken Bywater, who proudly showed off the display to Bexhill News, said: “It is absolutely a labour of love.

“Everyone involved works extremely hard to make what was initially a dream a reality and we are extremely proud of what has been achieved so far.

“We are absolutely delighted that Eddie is involved and she has contributed a great deal since we started this back in 2018.

“In many ways, it is a tribute to Eddie/Suzy’s father John, who first piqued Eddie’s interest in model railways and it is an interest she has retained to this day.”

The layout represents Bexhill as it was during the Second World War and, as Ken says, they have been replicating the “old town” for new audiences, both young and old.

He added: “The interest has been absolutely phenomenal with hundreds, if not thousands of people, paying a visit to see how the project continues to progress.

“In terms of the construction of the model railway itself, it has been a real group effort involving hundreds of hours of work in terms of making everything as authentic as possible.

“I must pay tribute to the efforts of Colin Bennett, Roy Blackmore, Steve Chatfield, Stuart Pemberton and Dave Aldred. Their combined efforts have been quite unbelievable.”

Although work continues apace on the model

railway when the museum is closed to the public, it is still possible to take on its sheer grandeur when it is open.

The museum is open from mid-January until New Year’s Day, Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 4pm. It is closed on Mondays with the exception of bank holidays.

Admission is £4 for adults with concessions £3.

Tickets are £2 for children aged five to 16 with

admission free for those under five.

Aside from the model railway exhibits, there are plenty of other attractions, including a doll which was once owned by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Bexhill Museum is a registered charity and is situated in Egerton Road. It can be contacted on Twitter (now X), Facebook, or by calling 01424 222058.

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6 NEWS

NOVEMBER 2023

ANIMAL RESCUE VOLUNTEER CONVICTED OF FRAUD

A

N animal rescue volunteer has been convicted of fraudulently using £190,000 of public donations to pay for his own property.

Chris Tucker was found guilty by jury following a five-day trial which concluded at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, October 6.

The money was raised for Bexhill and Hastings Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue between 2017 and January 2019, which Tucker claimed would help to secure his semi-detached house — where it is based — in a trust or community interest company.

He added that the money would be safeguarded officially for good causes and not benefit him or anyone else personally.

However, in November 2019 police received an allegation that Tucker had used the publicgenerated funds to buy out his ex-partner and take sole ownership of the property.

Following enquiries, the 59-year-old, of Chantry Avenue, Bexhill, was arrested and subsequently charged with fraud by false representation.

He denied the offence, but the crown’s case was proven that he did act dishonestly in order to acquire a valuable property in his sole name.

Following the jury’s guilty verdict, the officer at court Detective Constable Jake O’Reilly said: “In November 2019 Sussex Police were contacted following an allegation that Tucker had made promises to sign over his property to a trust which would oversee the future running of Bexhill and Hastings Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue if enough money could be raised by supporters.

“When this amount was achieved, it was alleged that Tucker had then acted dishonestly and taken sole control of a large property where the rescue is based.

“A police investigation followed and evidence was recovered that Tucker had made this false representation to several witnesses, as well as on social media and in interviews with local radio. But his financial records and Land Registry papers confirmed the money raised had instead been used by him to take full ownership of the property in Bexhill.

“The result of this fraud was that Tucker had acquired a large mortgage-free house and the rescue — which is not a registered charity — was not safeguarded by an independent trust which would make collective decisions on its future.”

Police Investigator Peters, who pieced together the investigation between 2019 and 2023, added: “This was a long and complex fraud enquiry involving a vast amount of donations and donators who were not given a true account of what would happen to their money. I am pleased justice has been served.”

On Monday, October 9 at Hove Crown Court, Tucker was further convicted of one count of contempt of court in relation to messages posted on social media, which he pleaded guilty to, and his sentencing was adjourned to Friday November 10 2023.

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

VOLUNTEERS SPRUCE UP BEACH AND CLEAN UP LITTER STAFF at the Bexhill central offices of Park Holidays UK took time out to visit the beach — but sunbathing and sandcastles were certainly not on the agenda.

That’s because the team members, based on Bexhill Enterprise Park, had all volunteered to take part in the Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean.

The initiative was supported by Park Holidays UK and its sister group Park Leisure, and teams from many of the 50-plus parks belonging to the company also swept their local beaches.

Marking its 30th anniversary this year, the annual clean-up event aims to rid beaches of litter and to highlight the importance of disposing of waste properly.

Group director Tony Clish said that there was no lack of volunteers coming forward to help keep the sands spotless for holiday guests: He said: ”This summer, as ever, the glorious beaches adjoining many of our parks made the perfect day out for families whether they were basking, playing, swimming or rock-pooling.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy a clean and safe environment when they go down to the sea, and are proud supporters of the Marine Conservation Society’s initiative.

“A beach free of litter doesn’t just benefit holiday guests, it also helps remove a serious threat to marine life when the waste is swept out by the waves.

“We hope that our efforts will send out a wider signal about the importance of taking items such

as plastic drink bottles and food wrappings back from the beach for recycling.”

Tony is based at the Bexhill central offices of Park Holidays UK and Park Leisure where a volunteer clean-up force also stepped out to complete a sand-sweep of their local beach.

He added: ”Every year our group invests considerably in a raft of different environmental projects on our parks, from wetlands conservation to habitat creation and protecting wildlife.

“This is one instance, however, where it was simply hard graft that made a major difference and we’re very grateful to everyone who gave up their time to lend a hand.”

According to the Marine Conservation Society, last year’s Beach Clean saw almost 5,500 volunteers taking part and collecting over 140,000 pieces of litter.

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NEWS 7

NOVEMBER 2023

NOT… BEXHILL WILL STILL DRUGS OFFENDER FEAR HAVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS THIS YEAR IS JAILED FOR SIX AND A HALF YEARS

A

DRUGS offender from Bexhill who was concerned in the supply of cocaine has been sentenced.

Craig Richards was linked to high level buying and selling of the class A drug in East Sussex.

Officers carried out a warrant at a lockup and found evidence that he was selling the drugs by the kilogram in bulk orders.

Police also seized thousands of pounds in cash notes from his home in Bexhill.

During the warrant executed at the lockup in the Rother area police also seized a firearm which had been converted to fire live ammunition, but this was not linked to Richards.

Officers from the Tactical Firearms Unit stopped a van driven by Richards on the A27 near Offington Lane, Worthing, on February 25 this year.

At Lewes Crown Court on September 18, Richards admitted being concerned in the supply of a class A drug and

possession of criminal property.

Richards, 38, unemployed of Mount Idol View, Bexhill, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison.

The court heard how police attended the lock-up in Mountfield on February 25 this year.

Inside a large box they found a large quantity of cocaine worth thousands of pounds.

Thousands of pounds in cash was found at an address linked to Richards in Bexhill.

Later that day his vehicle was identified on the A27 travelling west. He was detained and taken into custody.

BEXHILL Town Council has confirmed it will still install Christmas lights this year despite fears that the festive period would be devoid of its traditional decorations.

A number of streets in the town centre have already been earmarked to be lit up in the lead-up to Christmas and New Year.

Historically, Rother District Council raised funds from Bexhill taxpayers to go towards the Christmas lights in the town centre. It was part of a series of funding collected through the council tax system referred to as “Special Expenses” which is where a District Council can ensure that funds collected for a specific town or parish are only paid for by the residents living in the area that benefit from the service.

Following the creation of the Town Council the collection of Special Expenses in Bexhill ceased.

Light Up Bexhill, a local Community Interest Company, had a contract with Rother to deliver the Christmas Lights for Bexhill. This came to an end at the same time as Special Expenses.

The Town Council was concerned that the centre would be without lights for 2023, so made some adjustments to its budget to facilitate the installation of lights in the main shopping areas of Sackville Road, Devonshire Road, Devonshire Square, Western Road, Wickham Avenue, and Sea Road.

A lit Christmas Tree will also be on display in Devonshire Square, alongside an alternative tree provided by Community Supporters, using recycled materials.

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Lynn Brailsford, Mayor of Bexhill said: “We know how important Christmas is to Bexhill.

“So to facilitate the 2023 Christmas lights for our town, it was proposed and agreed during recent full council meetings that firstly subject to a retention of £1,000 for unforeseen contingencies, the residue of this year’s Mayor’s Budget is donated to funding the Christmas lights, and secondly to ringfence an amount from the general reserves fund to ensure that sufficient revenue is available for Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council to solely finance the Bexhill Christmas lights for this year.

“We are hoping to source a suitable Community Interest Company to work with us to bring an outstanding Christmas light up event for 2024.”

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8 NEWS

NOVEMBER 2023

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

BEXHILL FOODBANK FEARS VERY BUSY WINTER T

HE manager at Bexhill and Battle Foodbank fears the life-saving service will face a huge increase in demand this winter after it saw its busiest week of the year so far.

A week in September saw the foodbank give food to almost 200 people which was an increase of 25 per cent on the week before.

Project manager of Bexhill and Battle Foodbank, Michelle Pannell, said: “It was the busiest the foodbank has been since last Christmas, and we think this is just the start of a very busy season.

Clients are already starting to share their dread of the colder winter months and the fear of what their energy bills might be.”

She added: “The demographic of foodbank clients is changing as interest rates rocket and people can no longer afford their mortgages or rent. We now regularly see professionals like teachers and nurses using the foodbank as a way to get by when they hit a tough month, with an unexpected cost.”

Yet despite this increase in demand, there is still a stigma attached to using a foodbank, which means people who need it may not seek help.

Sarah, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, was a first-time user who was mortified and ashamed to need to use the foodbank. She felt like she was the only one and that others needed it much more than her, but her partner is self-employed and his work is down so they were really struggling for food.

“I’m so glad I came. I was really embarrassed and you can tell how hard things are that I came today,” she said. “I can’t believe I knew so many others here. Like mums from the school with children, just like me.”

Bexhill and Battle Foodbank works in partnership with Citizens Advice Bureau 1066, with CAB financial capability advisor Amy Baynes working directly with clients to help with benefit checks, applications, energy grants, budgeting and debt.

Amy said: “Some clients have got to the point where they are so desperate, they don’t feel anything any longer. They tell me they are just numb. Then they come to the foodbank and they feel seen and heard. It feels like a home to them, as they are made to feel welcome and are supported.”

Foodbank project manager Michelle feels this partnership is the way forward to helping clients, adding: “The difference that has made to so many of our clients is immense. Many no longer need to use the foodbank.”

But for now, the foodbank is still in need of donations ahead of the busy winter months.

Michelle said: “If you wish to make a donation to the work of the Bexhill and Battle foodbank then we would really appreciate one litre UHT milk or fruit juice right now, but if you’re not able to, the most helpful thing you can do is help your friends, family or neighbours know that the local foodbank is there if they are struggling.

“They do not need to be in receipt of benefits to use the foodbank, it is enough that their finances are not stretching to keep their family fed.”

Call 07866 570468 or email info@bexhill.foodbank.org.uk to find out more.”

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

NEWS 9

NOVEMBER 2023

BEXHILL TO RECEIVE £20M CASH BOOST OVER THE NEXT DECADE

A

TOTAL of 55 towns across the United Kingdom, including Bexhill and Hastings, will be given £20 million in “endowmentstyle funds” each over the course of the next decade to invest in local people’s priorities.

Announced just ahead of the Conservative party conference in Manchester on Sunday, 1 October, the Government unveiled the towns that will benefit from a £1.1 billion levelling up investment, which it says is part of a long-term investment for towns which will provide a boost for those that have “been overlooked and taken for granted”.

The Government also says it will work with local people and councils to change their town’s future for the better over the course of the next decade.

Under the terms of the initiative, each town will receive a ten-year endowment-style fund to be spent on local people’s priorities, such as regenerating local high streets and town centres.

Town boards will be implemented to bring together community leaders, employers, local authorities and the local MP to deliver the plan for their town and put it to local people for consultation.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement: “Towns are the place most of us call home and where most of us go to work. But politicians have always taken towns for granted and focused on the cities. The result of that is the half-empty high streets, rundown shopping centres and antisocial behaviour that undermines many of our towns’ prosperity and holds back people’s opportunities.

Without a new approach, these problems will only

get worse. That changes today. Our long-term plan for towns puts funding in the hands of local people to invest in line with their priorities over the long term. That is how we will level up.”

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove added: “We know that in our towns the values of hard work and solidarity, common sense and common purpose, endeavour and quiet patriotism have endured across generations. But for too long too many of our great British towns have been overlooked and undervalued. We are putting this right through our Long-term Plan for Towns backed by over £1 billion of levelling up funding. This will empower communities in every part of the United Kingdom to take back control of their future, taking longterm decisions in the interests of local people. It will mean more jobs, more opportunities and a brighter future for our towns.”

Bexhill and Battle MP Huw Merriman also expressed his delight and said: “This is a brilliant £20 million boost for Bexhill. I’m looking forward to setting up the new Town Board and working with the community on ideas to ensure this funding leaves a lasting legacy for our town and area.”

Minister for Levelling Up, Jacob Young added: “The Conservative Government’s new £1.1 billion Long-Term Plan for Towns will transform many of our towns that have been left behind for far too long. This first wave of 55 towns will receive £20 million in funding to help deliver their new longterm Town Plans as we secure a brighter future for local residents as part of our levelling up mission.”

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10 EVENTS

NOVEMBER 2023

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

BexhillEvents

ARE YOU HOLDING A CHARITY OR NON-PROFIT EVENT? For a FREE LISTING, email your details to: events@Bexhill.News

BEXHILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & TOURISM BIMONTHLY NETWORKING MEETING Last Wednesday every other month, 7.00-9.00am. (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov).

Trattoria Italiana, 68-70 Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1AX Tickets £13 – available on Eventbrite. Become a member for £90pa per business.

BEXHILL FARMERS’ MARKET

BEXHILL STAMP & POSTCARD CLUB

St Augustine’s Church Hall, Cooden Drive, Bexhill, TN39 3AZ Wednesday, 22nd November, 7.30 pm Everyone is invited to our once a year AGM. This will be followed by a Bourse with stamps and postcards for sale. with refreshments and our famous raffle to add to the excitement. We especially welcome newcomers or anyone who wishes to find out if the stamps or postcards, stored and forgotten in the loft, are worth keeping or selling. ‘You may even consider collecting again’! Dealers will be present.

COFFEE, CHRISTMAS CAKE & CHAT MORNING

Devonshire Square, Bexhill Every Friday, 9am-1pm

Pop by to visit and select local quality traceable produce and crafts, including freshly baked bread and sweet treats, fresh and cured meats and cheeses, fruit and vegetables, plants, honey, chutneys, plus lots more.

Stalls offer quality locally produced or sourced foods and goods.

AUTUMN FAIR

The Poppy Club, Meads Avenue, Little Common Saturday 4th November 10am

Royal British Legion Women’s Section are holding an Autumn Fair with many stalls including books, clothes, jewellery, cakes ,tombola, raffle and more.

ADVENT CRAFT FAIR AND TABLE SALE

St Peter’s Community Centre Bexhill TN40 2HE November 25th, 10am-2pm

Refreshments available, Tables (6ft) £15 each. Call 07801 440850 to reserve a table.

BEXHILL MODEL RAILWAY CLUB

Are you interested in Model railways? Would you like to take part in the construction and running of Model Railway layouts? Would you like to work with and Learn from other experienced Modellers? We are currently looking for new members to join us at our club in Bexhill-OnSea. Interested? Then for more information please email Brian Baker (Treasurer): bmrc@gmx.co.uk

St Barnabas Church, on the corner of Sea Road and Cantelupe Road in Bexhill Saturday 25th November 2023, from 11am.

Please join us for coffee, tea, choices of cake, a welcome and a chat.

BEXHILL LACE GROUP

John Baptist Church in the corner of Town Hall Square, Bexhill Monday mornings from 10am–12-noon.

During term time to make lace and to learn making lace. We are a small, friendly group and welcome beginners as well as more advanced lacemakers. The cost is £45 per 10 weeks. For more information ring 0791 3317 834 or email jdhammett@msn.com

CRAFT EVENT

St Stephens Church Hall, Down Road, Bexhill. TN39 4HD. Saturday 2nd November from 10am-2pm.

We have lots of talented local crafters showcasing and selling their lovely handmade items. Also available we’ve got handmade cakes, snacks and refreshments provided by JJST, along with a seating area. Free parking.

Free admission. So come along support small businesses, shop local and support local crafters with picking up a extra special gift or two and getting ready for Christmas. If you would like further information please feel free to email us on thecraftycollective3@yahoo.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

REMEMBRANCE SERVICES

REMEMBRANCE Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.

In Bexhill, the Devonshire Square parade leaves on November 12 at 10:20am and heads to the war memorial on the seafront. The service and the two-minute silence will be held at the war memorial.

Little Common Branch members assemble at the Royal British Legion Club in Meads Avenue at 10.30am and parade to St Mark’s Church for a Remembrance service, including the two-minute silence at 11am, after which the parade returns to the War Memorial where there is a short Act of Remembrance and wreaths are laid at around noon.

Unless November 11 happens to fall on a Sunday, members also meet at the War Memorial at 10.45am on that day for the two-minute Silence and a short Act of Remembrance.

The service in Sidley is in All Saints Church and is expected to start at 10:30am where members of the public are welcome to attend.

This year, Remembrance Sunday will be on November 12.

FREE GIVEAWAY

Living Word Church, side entrance, Eastwood Rd TN39 3PS On Saturday 18th Nov 9am-12-noon

Supporting the community. Clothes, food, baby milk, toys & other items.

Given free of charge. Held every 3rd Saturday of each month. Contact LWC Admin on 07368665204 for further details.

BEXHILL 100 CHRISTMAS CAVALCADE

Friday 22nd December from 3pm Old Bathing Station and Bexhill Town Centre

Bexhill 100 Motoring Club will be having a cavalcade of classic and custom cars along with Santa in his Hotrod sleigh. The parade will leave the Old Bathing Station and then proceed to drive around Bexhill town centre. All cars will be decorated with lights and festive decorations. Drivers may well be in Christmas outfits. Come and see Santa and have a photo opportunity when we return to the old bathing station. Till about 7pm weather permitting.

SPORTS CLUB WITH GREAT SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE SNOOKER, POOL, DARTS LONG MAN BEERS FREE POOL SUNDAYS, ALL DAY, EVERY SUNDAY KILLER POOL COMPETITIONS, SECOND FRIDAY EVERY MONTH

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

6A AMHERST ROAD, BEXHILL ADJACENT TO TOWN HALL

01424 219639

Email: amherstroadsportsandsocialclub@yahoo.com

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

NOVEMBER 2023

NEWS 11

PUBLIC TOILETS WILL CLOSE ON A TRIAL BASIS

A

BY KIM MAYO

NUMBER of public toilets in Bexhill, Battle, Pett Level, Sedlescombe and Rye will be closed on a trial basis over the winter months to help save Rother District Council thousands of pounds, the authority has confirmed.

Council bosses have made the decision as the authority faces a £3.8 million shortfall in its budget for 2024/25.

Over the last 18 months, the council has been in negotiations to see if the provision of public toilets could be devolved to town or parish councils but no firm decisions have yet been made.

Council chiefs say they now have no other option but to bring in the trial closures which will come into force on November 13 despite continuing efforts by Bexhill Town Council to keep them open all year round.

Council leader Doug Oliver said: “We know this decision will be unpopular, but we have to face up to the stark reality of the situation.

“After years of reductions in central Government funding, rising costs and inflation, we are now looking at a £3.8 million shortfall in our budget next year.

“We don’t want to close our toilets, but this is the first of many tough decisions we will have to make over the coming months in order to protect our statutory services such as waste collection and support for the homeless and vulnerable.”

Councillor Oliver said that toilet facilities are ageing, some buildings are no longer fit for purpose, and some have been the target of vandals, which are often costly to repair.

He added: “Contractor costs, the price of equipment and materials, and the cost of replacing damaged or worn-out items continue to increase.

“We currently have more public toilets than many authorities in the south, and unlike many other councils, we’ve been able to keep them open.

“However, our annual budget to provide them is now more than £300,000 per year, and we can no longer maintain the service in its present form.

“By closing 12 toilets across the district on a trial basis, we can

focus on providing an improved service in the remaining toilets in Bexhill, Battle and Rye, as well as Camber Sands.

“We remain very much open to any firm proposals from town or parish councils, or local organisations to take over the provision of these toilets or offer alternative community schemes.”

In response, Bexhill Town Council confirmed that it has been exploring taking on the maintenance of 14 public toilet sites across Bexhill for some time.

It set up an Asset Transfer Committee ( a small number of councillors) to negotiate a deal to transfer the sites from Rother District Council. The Town Council raised £150,000 in its precept last year to cover the costs of leasing and maintaining the toilets.

The Asset Transfer Committee wanted the transfer of the entire asset, that is the freehold. However, Rother District legal advice said that only a leasehold of 125 years would be offered.

After a series of negotiation meetings, the freehold could not be agreed so to maintain the public service in the town it was recommended to the Full Council to move forward with a lease.

When the recommendation reached full council in March 2023 it was decided to delay the final decision to take on the leasehold until a new council was elected in May. The new council in May 2023 formed an Asset Transfer Committee

and decided to insist on the freehold.

Rother District Council is, however, still insisting on a 125-year lease meaning at present it is deadlock.

In the interim, the Town Council still has the £150,000 budgeted for toilet maintenance.

Bexhill Town Council Mayor Lynn Brailsford said: “On March 8, 2023, Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council made the decision to defer agreement to taking on these public toilets until after the 2023 election, in order to give the new administration a chance to put an effective strategy in place.

“Following the election, the town council then made a request to Rother District Council for a freehold transfer relating to nine public conveniences, in order to ensure that revenue from Bexhill residents would be spent to bring the assets to a usable standard with the result that these buildings would ultimately be owned by Bexhill Town Council on behalf of their residents.

“The Town Council had previously increased their precept for the financial year 2023/2024 by £150,000 to allow for sufficient funding to continue with the day-to-day cleaning and maintenance programme for these toilets.

“I was optimistic when I heard about the £2 million per annum government funding (totalling 20 million) which is to be spent over ten years to improve Bexhill and had great hopes that this could be utilised to restore these dilapidated toilets to an acceptable standard for our residents and visitors to our town with potentially no further financial obligation from our residents.

“However, Rother District Council have maintained their policy of transferring these on a leasehold basis so we are unable to continue negotiations at present.”

In Bexhill, seven toilets will close leaving five open, in Battle one will close, and one will remain open, and in Rye two will close leaving two open.

Both toilets at Pett Level and at Sedlescombe will close and some other toilets will change schedules or close as usual during the winter months.

A full list of public toilets affected by the trial closures from November 13 2023 has now been published on the council website.

12 NEWS

NOVEMBER 2023

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

FOOTBRIDGE GALLERY BRINGS A REAL SPLASH OF COLOUR TO OUR TOWN T

BY KIM MAYO

HEY say a picture paints a thousand words and the Footbridge Gallery above the tracks at Bexhill Station certainly proves that old adage is true.

The gallery was the brainchild of husband and wife Tim and Diana Birch who came up with the idea of a public open air art gallery back in 2019.

The aim of the project, they say, was to create a positive and lasting impact on the local area in a location which had sadly fallen into disrepair.

Well, it has worked a treat. With support from the local community and several backers, including the project’s patron Tom Chaplin, lead singer of hugely-popular Battle rock band Keane, the project has flourished with the latest

batch of artwork unveiled on the footbridge in October.

Competition to be among the submissions selected to be displayed on the footbridge is fierce and the standard is incredibly high while incorporating all manner of styles.

Entrants have also come from all walks of life with ages ranging from six to a quite remarkable 96, according to Tim, who is justifiably proud of the project.

He said: “We displayed the first set of exhibits back in 2021 to brighten things up and engage with people after the Covid pandemic.

The feedback which we received almost immediately was overwhelmingly positive and support has just continued to grow ever since then.

“At the beginning, we knew nothing but the likes of East Sussex Highways, Rother Voluntary Action Group and estate agents Burgess and Co. supported us from the start and even more have done so since.

“We are incredibly proud, especially as people absolutely love the Footbridge Gallery. It is a conversation starter and so many people stop to enjoy the various artworks on display.

“When we open entries for the competition for 96 artworks to be selected for display we want everyone to have a go and it doesn’t matter whether or not you are painting or drawing for the first time. It is all about enjoyment and can be very therapeutic.”

The artworks are changed every couple of years with the latest ones unveiled on the

footbridge in October. Unfortunately, however, things didn’t go exactly according to plan.

It was hoped to make a real day of it with the newly-selected artworks on display alongside an array of stalls and events but torrential rain unfortunately led to the event being postponed.

Tim, however, remains undeterred and is hoping it can be rescheduled when the weather will be kinder, hopefully next Spring.

Despite that, the new artworks are on display on the footbridge and are well worth a visit. One thing is for sure, it has certainly brightened up our town considerably. What was once a drab space is now alive with colour and is well worth pausing for and admiring.

More about the Footbridge Gallery can be found by visiting www.footbridgegallery.art.

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

NEWS 17

NOVEMBER 2023

GRAND PLANS FOR BEAUTIFUL MURALS REPLACE LIGHTHOUSE TOWER NOW IT IS BACK ON SHORE UNSIGHTLY GRAFFITI

T

HE Royal Sovereign Lighthouse Lantern Tower.is safely back on shore with grand plans for its future.

It is envisaged that it will become the centrepiece of a new Maritime Environment Centre planned for East Parade in Bexhill.

The lantern tower has been rescued by the new charity Bexhill Maritime, working in conjunction with Trinity House, the organisation which runs and looks after lighthouses in England and Wales.

It is currently at Shoreham where it is awaiting asbestos-free certification. It will then be stored at a secure location until the centre is built.

Bexhill Maritime has inspected the tower and says it is in remarkably good condition, especially since it has spent 53 years sitting in the English Channel.

The cabin section of the Royal Sovereign is being broken-up and recycled. All that is left now is the pillar, which is still visible on the horizon from Bexhill. This will be taken down next year.

All that will be left is the lantern tower, which will become a focal point on the seafront.

The Bexhill Maritime Environment Centre will, subject to planning permission, be sited at the bottom of Galley Hill.

The charity’s aims are to advance the public’s education in the subjects of climate change and the marine environment.

The subjects will form part of the displays in the centre. It will also showcase the various forms of renewable energy.

The display space will have maritime artefacts

EYE-CATCHING murals painted by local artists have transformed an area targeted by graffiti vandals.

The Safer Rother Partnership, which works in tandem with other organisations to prevent and reduce criminal activity and antisocial behaviour, commissioned Wave Arts to carry out the work.

The wall beside the footpath from Sutton Place and Ashdown Place, Bexhill, has been vandalised on a number of occasions over the past few years, with each clean-up operation costing the taxpayer.

Councillor Jimmy Stanger, Rother District Council’s representative on the Safer Rother Partnership, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to take such positive action over graffiti that has been a blight on the community and provoked a fear of crime in the area.

“These striking murals are the latest project designed to address the issue of graffiti vandalism, with the Partnership having already commissioned Coastal Current to cover prominent and heavily graffitied BT boxes with artwork.”

and will include tributes to those who have connections to the sea such as fishermen, coastguards, RNLI, lifeguards and lighthouse keepers.

The centre will include a community room for local organisations and a refreshments area. It will also incorporate a new clubroom for Bexhill Sea Angling Club.

More details are on www.bexhillmaritime.org where there is the chance to show support for the project by becoming a member of the charity.

BOOKWORMS URGED TO JOIN LITTLE COMMON LIBRARY AVID readers in Little Common are being urged to join the library in order to enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. This year it is celebrating its 21st anniversary and is now a registered charity with a wide-ranging choice of more than 3,500 books.

In 2002 the county council decided to close the library in Little Common but a small group of people were shocked by the decision and were determined to ensure it continued to operate for the benefit of the community.

Now run by a dedicated group of volunteers, all of the books available to borrow have been donated, but the choice

is remarkable, encapsulating crime, thrillers, romance, historical and other works of fiction.

But that is by no means all as there is also a wide range of non-fiction titles too with travel, biographies and guidebooks on various topics too.

In addition, there is a choice of large print books available for those who may need them.

The library is situated in the heart of the village in the Little Common Community Centre in Shepherds Close.

It is open on Tuesdays from 9.30am until 3.30pm and Fridays from 9.30am to 12.30 pm and everyone is welcome to go along to find out more and join up if they wish to.

There are no joining fees, no fines for late returns and those who join can borrow as many books as they like.

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18 ADVERTORIAL

NOVEMBER 2023

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

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE ALLOTMENT NEWS

The one statutory duty of a town council is to provide allotments.

When Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council was formed in 2021, Rother District Council transferred the freehold ownership of eight allotment sites across Bexhill to the Town Council. Six sites are managed by independent groups: Preston Road, Watermill Lane; Ingrams Avenue, Crowhurst Lane; Barrack Hall Park, Belle Hill; Broad Oak Park; Collington Wood; and Summerhill. Two sites are managed by the Town Council: Sidley House, Turkey Road; and Preston Road, Norfolk Close.

‘Sidley House’ does not have any vacant plots and is a very productive site. The council is working with local contractors to repair the boundary fence and tidy up the trees and hedges. Some small improvements here will make a big difference.

Unfortunately, the ‘Preston Road’ site needs a substantial amount of work to bring it up to a suitable cultivation standard.

The council has formed a partnership with The Pelham Building Enterprise, a local construction, building, and maintenance enterprise providing opportunities for local young people. Work has already begun to bring four plots back into use, with more planned for next season. The council’s Climate, Nature and Environment Committee has created an Allotment Sub-Committee to oversee the improvements and monitor growth.

Another positive community partnership is developing with the Bexhill Family Collective. With an already successful Forest School and Community Garden at Ingrams Allotments, the team

PUBLIC CONVENIENCE UPDATE

The Town Council is saddened to hear that Rother District Council is temporarily closing some of the public toilets in Bexhill. The Town Council maintains its position of requesting the freehold ownership where available and discussions continue.

UPCOMING MEETINGS Heather Winchester CEO (centre) with Bexhill Primary Care Network team at Preston Road, who raised £400 with a raffle at their Quiz Night.

that run Dragonflies Nursery are fundraising to create a Collective Community Space at Preston Road too. You can meet the team at the Sidley Family Hub on 11th November between 12-2pm to find out more or visit www.bexhillfamilycollective.org.uk Please contact town.clerk@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk if you would like to go on the waiting list for an allotment at Preston Road.

• Planning Committee: 6pm, Wednesday 8th November and 6pm, Wednesday 22nd November • Full Council: 6.30pm, Wednesday 8th November • Asset Transfer Committee: 6pm, Wednesday 15th November • Community Committee: 7pm, Wednesday 15th November • Finance and General Purposes Committee: 6.30pm, Wednesday 22nd November Please check our website for the agenda as venues and times can be subject to change.

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL

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

The Collective Garden Community Consultation

SATURDAY 11th NOVEMBER • 12-2PM • SIDLEY FAMILY HUB Bexhill Family Collective CIC cordially invites the local community to an open discussion regarding our latest project, The Collective Garden.

Situated in the Preston Road Allotments, The Collective Garden will provide an opportunity for local people to grow their own food whilst accessing a range of wellbeing activities.

Please join us and add your views. The Sidley Family Hub is located within Sidley Community Centre. dock.props.zebra  www.bexhillfamilycollective.org.uk

Please RSVP: thecollectivegarden@bexhillfamilycollective.org.uk

GARDENING 19

NOVEMBER 2023

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

KNOW YOUR 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

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden “November’s sky is chill and drear, November’s leaf is red and sear.” — Sir Walter Scott The nights are drawing in and there is (finally) a nip in the air.

Bates Green Garden is now closed for the winter, which means us gardeners can get to work!

We can delight in creating huge amounts of mess and chaos knowing that we can clear up as is convenient rather than having a mad dash at the end of the day, I feel that the more we can get done in the Garden at the tail end of the year, the more organised the Team will feel during the crazy months of spring and early summer. You can do this too in your garden; it’s such a great feeling to tick things off the list before the winter weather sets in.

Wrap up warm and get started.

You can start by taking hardwood cuttings of woody plants such as roses and viburnums. Climbers too, would you like more vines or honeysuckle perhaps? Did you enjoy a good harvest of gooseberries or are you planning to grow more willow this year, perhaps to create a living arch?

Hardwood cuttings are probably the simplest of all propagating techniques.

Select a really nice shoot that looks vigorous and healthy. It should be a good example of the plant in question. Remove any soft growth at the top and then cut your stem into sections of roughly 20-30cms, cutting cleanly above a bud at the top, with a sloping cut to shed water.

Then, cut straight across the base of each section just below a bud or

a pair of buds.

Insert your cuttings ensuring that the sloping cut is at the top and the straight at the bottom, into good soil in a sheltered spot or into a container with two-thirds of the cutting below the surface of the soil or compost. Keep them cool and sheltered from strong winds.

Check them periodically and water in dry weather. They will be rooted by the autumn of 2024 — Violà!

Other propagating jobs that you can get out of the way during this relatively quiet time is the sowing of hardy annual seeds.

By doing this now, your plants will be sturdier and flower earlier than spring-sown plants. We will be sowing the beautiful and frothy Ammi majus, brightly coloured Calendula, delphinium — like larkspur and bellshaped flowers of Cerinthe ‘Purpurascens’.

These will be sown in plugs, trays or pots and placed into our cold frame to sit out the winter. They will germinate swiftly, and then spring to life in the early spring when we will plant them out to enjoy early blooms.

November is a really good month in which to lift and divide summer flowering perennials. If the past few years are anything to go by, our spring months are dry which is not good for anything recently split.

Do it now and the new divisions will benefit from any autumn showers. Cut the clumps back and anything that looks bare in the middle is ready for splitting. Such a satisfying job!

Anything slightly on the tender

side such as Red Hot Pokers or Agapanthus, will have to wait until the spring. They won’t enjoy sitting in our wet clay soil all winter without an effective root system.

Instead, try Asters, Bergenia, Crocosmia and Hemerocallis. Your plants will reward your efforts by growing in a more upright fashion rather than collapsing in the middle.

There is such joy to be had by working through borders, selecting which plants to cut down, which to lift and divide and which ones to leave for winter beauty and also to create a wildlife habitat. You can make these decisions as you go and mark groups of plants such as dahlias before they collapse in the first frosts. We use short lengths of bamboo canes, putting them low in the ground so that you don’t poke your eye out.

If you have access to organic matter, homemade compost, mushroom compost (not for acidic gardens), leaf mould or spent compost from container displays then you are in for a treat.

Mulching is one of the joys of gardening, it feeds the soil, looks smart, keeps plants warm over the winter, protects the surface of the soil from eroding and is also an excellent exercise for us all.

You can either chuck it with gay abandon onto bare patches of your border and then spread with a soil rake or if, like us you like to encourage self-seeders, then you can ‘tickle’ the compost in between groups of plants with a fork.

So, get a cup of tea, don your woolly jumper, do a few warm-ups ups and then start your autumn gardening. The rewards will be clear to see next year.

THE

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20 FEATURE

NOVEMBER 2023

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

Butterfly was unexpectedly filling, thanks to a generous amount of breadcrumbs, but it was undeniably delicious.

Choosing our mains proved to be a challenging 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 task given the tempting selection, but we food and drink! ultimately settled on ‘Tandoori’ Fillet of Salmon (salmon fillet marinated in a rich and spicy blend The dim candlelight and hops hanging from of dill, fennel, ginger, and mustard oil, barbecued the bar contributed to its cosy charm. The and served with fresh coriander) and Lamb Rogan rustic ambience, with bare floorboards and an Josh. The Salmon dish, while not particularly assortment of non-matching chairs, Indian in authenticity, was created an inviting atmosphere. remarkably tasty and perfectly The menu was a delightful mix cooked, accompanied by a of different meats and curries, refreshing wedge of lime and including options like Lamb Rogan fragrant Jasmine rice. The Josh, Chicken Balti, and King crowd-pleasing Lamb Rogan Prawn Masala. It appeared to cater Josh, true to its name, was a to a wide range of tastes, except rich and tasty dish with a large perhaps for vegetarians and vegans. amount of chillies.

While there was no indication of We didn’t go out purposely vegetarian options on the menu, we looking to have a curry, but as it didn’t enquire, was Curry Night, it seemed rude Starters including Lamb Jal so it’s possible not to participate. The meals Pur and Butterfly Prawns that they may be were as curryavailable upon request. like as you would For nibbles, we decided on expect outside ‘Papadams’ with lime pickle, of an authentic mango chutney, and onion Indian restaurant. salad. The homemade lime If we had one ur culinary journey this month pickle, with its generous small observation, led us to the charming village of chunks of lime and tangy it would be about Hooe, snugly positioned between flavour, we had a feeling the naan bread, Hailsham and Bexhill, The Red Lion. must’ve been homemade. but it’s not really We were immediately welcomed by a For our starters, we a criticism, as member of bar staff and informed it was Curry ordered Jal Puri (diced lamb mince in a fairly replicating the Main courses of Lamb Rogan Night. We overheard another waitress turning hot sauce, served on puri) and King Prawn true essence Josh and Tandoori Salmon away walk-in guests, so pre-booking paid off!

Butterfly (succulent king prawn fried in crispy of naan bread This quintessential English pub embodied breadcrumbs). The Jal Puri, described as a lamb without a tandoori oven can be a challenge — not the essence of an old English pub, complete meatball served inside half a pepper, was not even the supermarkets can replicate this well. with all the aesthetically pleasing attributes. only flavourful but also creative. The King Prawn We couldn’t fit anything else in, so we didn’t opt

A MATTER OF TASTE

THE RED LION, HOOE

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for a dessert. For the whole meal for two people with a round of drinks was £60.

After researching The Red Lion following our visit, I uncovered some fascinating history on the pub’s website. Dating back to the 15th century, this establishment has been family-run since 2014 when Leigh assumed ownership, only the sixth landlord in 120 years.

Most intriguingly, The Red Lion is credited with coining the phrase “Money for old rope.” This unique phrase finds its origins in the pub’s history, thanks to the presence of a smuggler’s tobacco mill in the attic. These crafty smugglers concealed their illicitly sourced tobacco in the core of woven ropes, which were then sold, thus giving rise to the popular saying.

The Red Lion is also known for its two resident ghosts, sparking numerous stories. One involves a man in antique attire entering the ladies’ bathroom and vanishing when pursued.

Former Landlord Mr. Keith Barton, serving 19681997, recalls waking to find a man in old-fashioned clothing at his bedside, who then disappeared into a wall, revealing a hidden passage leading to the attic roof and the smugglers’ tobacco mill.

While unconfirmed, local legends allude to a dramatic incident where a smuggler was shot over the cellar hatch, and a police officer met a similar fate just outside the ladies’ bathroom, merely feet apart.

During our time in the restaurant, I decided to take a photo of the bar area from our table. To my surprise, I noticed what appeared to be an orb in the photo, prompting me to capture a short video.

In the video, additional orbs became visible.

Uncertain whether these orbs are simply a result of the interplay of light and candlelight, but it certainly added a touch of mystery to our visit!

The Red Lion, Denbigh Rd, Hooe, TN33 9EW. Tel: 01424 892371

N

CAMPAIGN TO RECRUIT HOST HOMES AS BEXHILL GAINS IN POPULARITY

B

EXHILL-based company, Home from Home has seen the town continue to increase in popularity for German and Dutch schools using it as their UK destination for their school trips.

In 2024, it hopes to see around 3,000 visitors to the town starting from January running through to the school’s summer holiday in July, and then starting to visit once again from late August through to November.

It is embarking on a new host family campaign to attract more host families required for the increasing number of visitors.

The benefits of hosting in Bexhill are: • Groups typically stay in Bexhill 3-4 nights in duration, typically arriving on a Sunday or Monday, and leaving Thursday or Friday • Students are placed in minimum groups of two

or more • Paid for DBS check carried out by Home from Home • Payment is made the day after the group’s arrival. It’s a bond of trust in that Home from Home believe the student will be happy with their chosen families • Great for UK families who wish to offer a home-from-home experience.

If Bexhill residents have a free spare room suitable to host a minimum of two students, then the company would be keen to hear from them, as it requires additional families to cater for the ever-increasing number of groups now seeking to use Bexhill as their UK host town.

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22 NEWS

NOVEMBER 2023

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

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ADVERTORIAL 23

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

LET’S GET ON BOARD THE BOARD I

t is often said about buses that you can wait for hours for one to show up only to have three arrive together.

Well, it now seems that is also the case with Government funding for Bexhill.

Hot on the heels of recent announcements about £19m for the De La Warr and Sidley and the £20m promised for capital project “Levelling Up Partnership” funding we now have an announcement from the Conservative Party conference that Bexhill is to be one of 55 towns eligible for “Long Term Plan for Towns” funding which is to be another £20m spread over ten years administered by what is to be called “Town Boards”.

The objective is that these boards of local stakeholders would create and deliver a long-term

plan for reviving town centres, reducing anti-social behaviour, improving transport links and growing the local economy. The concept of these boards is not a new one.

Our Chamber colleagues in Hastings and Newhaven have been working with very similar Town Deal Boards for several years and before that, our own Chamber worked very successfully with the “Town Team” and Town Centre Steering Group to deliver public realm improvements around Bexhill including the map information boards, new street scene signage, CCTV and cycle racks etc.

Our Chamber was also very involved with delivering the motoring heritage trail on the seafront and the refurbishment of the old Job Centre on St Leonards Road into the DV8 media

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training hub. Through our membership Bexhill Chamber has access to high levels of regeneration expertise. For many years we have also been advocating for effective town centre management and a Shop and Bar watch scheme backed by modern responsive CCTV systems, these may now be available without increasing the burden on council tax bills or business rates.

However, as our MP recently alluded to in his newspaper column, these boards can fall foul of internal disagreements and funds can end up not spent. This may be of particular concern in Bexhill where we have a complex political landscape of forty councillors over three tiers of local government with many independents and no party in overall control. Whose voices should be heard?

What weight should be given to political

objectives over local experience and expertise?

While there are many questions around this Town Board initiative, like how it will function within the context of such things as the Council produced Local and Neighbourhood plans, how quickly supportive legislation can be pushed through Parliament, its relationship to the commercial sector etc. these should be addressed once the board is formed and not used as reasons to delay or deter this fantastic investment opportunity.

It is also vital that these Government investments are properly coordinated with each other so as to avoid duplication and conflict and to ensure that the desired long-term objectives are achieved.

Bexhill is finally getting the Government support we have campaigned for. Let’s all work together to make it work for Bexhill.

24 NEWS

NOVEMBER 2023

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

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he Association of Carers charity provide free volunteer-led support services to unpaid Carers across East Sussex.

It has just launched a new ‘Carers Café’ service at The Pelham in Bexhill which was a great success.

Those who visited enjoyed a range of activities, including card making, sewing, crocheting, drawing, and colouring. There was a lot of chat and laughter as people got to know one another.

Jan, who runs the café, treated everyone with her delicious homemade cakes — Coffee & Walnut and Victoria Sponge — which were very much enjoyed with plentiful tea & coffee.

The Carers Café serves as a great platform for caregivers to get together, share their experiences, and take a break from their daily responsibilities. It is a warm and welcoming environment that provides a much-needed

space for Carers to connect with others who understand the challenges they face. It’s a supportive environment for those with the support needs to enjoy some activities too.

Jan is also dedicated to making the experience as enjoyable as possible for all attendees.

From providing delicious snacks to organising engaging activities, she goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone has a great time. The success of the first Carers Café has left attendees eagerly anticipating the next one, and many have already signed up to attend.

The Association of Carers run two Carers Cafés a month — one in Peacehaven and one in Bexhill.

Contact the office on 01424 722309 or info@associationofcarers.org.uk if you would like to attend and they will give you all the information you need.

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26 SPORT

NOVEMBER 2023

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

LOGAN’S RUN IS SO IMPRESSIVE B

EXHILL SAILING CLUB members were able to complete all five races of the Brass Monkey series with Logan Adams standing out.

And the club is now cracking through the Frost Bite series as the season winds down.

There was no frost but bright sunshine for the opening Frost Bite race.

Jim Copeman took advantage of the course set by his son Michael, and with crew Simon Hookey, held out for the Asymmetric Fleet — but where were the rest of their rivals?

The Cats found the wind just about favourable and again it was Flo and Abi Wright striking out in their Dart 16A ahead of the RS 16J of Mark Scheldt and Lucy Spencer.

Rick Parker was chased but not overtaken by Chris Burchell in the Laser Radial contest for the Fast Fleet, with the handicapped Vortex of Tim Murray third.

The Slow Fleet saw the Palmers’ Miracle use the wind direction, waves and course most effectively as Malcolm Brookes and Fi Brown chased in their Comets. Novice Luke Saunders (Laser Radial) did very well.

In race one of the Brass Monkey, ten boats took to a choppy sea with winds bordering force four. Unusually for BSC, the Slow Fleet had a dominance of Lasers with 4.7 sails, led by Andy Bullen, who took first place, with Rick Parker third and cadet Eve Fifield fifth.

Richard Eagleton was second and Richard Bratton fourth, both in Europes. Perhaps the use of the 4.7, and its handicap, was a smart move.

The Fast Fleet saw the return of Tony Witham’s Supernova with a new mast, and he beat off Burchell’s Laser Radial. Chris Heath’s Zero was looking to take third spot but suffered a ripped sail. The Zero is a new boat on Bexhill’s beach, and Heath has a steady average of a capsize a race with it.

In race 2, youngster Logan Adams took first from Burchell as Lasers ruled the roost, with Heath third. Strong wind also unusually brought out the big guns sailing Lasers with 4.7 sails.

ELDRIDGE SAYS COMMONERS CAN DO BETTER Player-boss Russell Eldridge admits Little Common fell short at times during the past month.

An own goal and Jamie Crone effort pushed Kent side Tunbridge Wells all the way in a thrilling 3-2 FA Vase first-round proper defeat (Oct 21).

That came hot on the heels of a 4-0 loss at Leylands Park to Isthmian League side Little Common FA Vase action Burgess Hill in the Sussex Senior Cup second round (Oct 17).

In the league they opened October with a 1-0 defeat at Peacehaven. But Jamie Bunn and striker Lewis Hole were on target as the Commoners beat visitors Old Varndeanians 2-1 for three welcome league points (Oct 7) which took Eldridge’s side up to eighth spot.

Pagham consigned the Commoners to a 4-1 home loss the following Saturday as Lewis Parsons got the consolation.

Eldridge admitted: “We’ve put in some OK performances but we’ve also come up short and we should do better.

“It was a full-on month in terms of playing Tuesday-Saturday every week. We’ve been a bit stretched in terms of resources at times too, but that is not an excuse. I know what we need to do, we need to get better and put more points on the board this month.”

November fixtures: Midhurst & Ease (away, Nov 11); Shoreham (away, Nov 18); Lingfield (home, Nov 25).

Eve Fifield chasing Rick Parker

This sail usually used by the cadets, saw Bullen win the Slow Fleet and Parker, with a similar boat and sail, come third. The Palmers’ Miracle was second.

Race 3 was in difficult conditions but Witham, in his Supernova, came first in the Fast Fleet. Burchell (Laser Radial) took second with Heath’s Zero third. The only other boats were from the Slow Fleet, with Bullen, with that 4.7 sail, taking the honours away from Richard Eagleton’s Europe and Parker, third again.

Race 4 saw Dusty Miller and Bullen take the honours in a lonely Asymmetric class, and surprise surprise, won race 5, too. This time Tony Lane and Lynn Jarvis won amongst the Cats, again in both races. Mention must be made of novices Dave Baldwin, Wendy Watkins and helm Etain De Witt, coming third and second racing

their newly acquired Dart 16A. Malcolm Brookes (Comet Xtra) also won both races in the Slow Fleet.

And it was one of Brookes’ cadet proteges, Logan Adams, who won races 4 and 5 in the Fast Fleet using a Laser Radial to add to his successes in races 2 and 3. That must add up to a series triumph and he will discover at this month’s prize-giving dinner.

Logan, Eve Fifield and Charlie all competed in the Topper Open meeting along the coast at Hastings. Mid order results were a proud representation of their sailing skills against sailors from all over the country.

Earlier on October 1st the Club Cup was run, and yet again Logan Adams took first place, using a Laser Radial, followed by Brookes (Comet Xtra) and Burchell (Laser Radial).

BRT’S SUPER-CHARGED AUTUMN RUNNING B

BY JACKIE KNIGHT

exhill Runners & Triathletes have been busy during autumn and Izzy Mitchell set a new personal best as she smashed the Tempo Eastbourne 10k in 52mins.52sec.

There were also impressive times at the Hastings 10k with James Graham finishing in 1:08:04, Barry Ingram 1:04:00 and Lucy Walker 51:49.

Claire Overfield loved the Lewes Downland 10 Mile Race as she clocked 2:11:07, whilst Mandie Henderson and Joanna Swap both finished on 2:11.08 for amazing results.

Bournemouth Half Marathon was a James Graham, Barry Ingram and first for Dagmara Ginter, who was over Jackie Knight, Malcolm Jones, Catherine Cattaway at Hastings 10k Cathy Bate and Ellie Docksey the moon after completing the race in 2hrs.24mins. Gary Miles, Chair of BRT, finished in a swift 1:53:25.

The Great South Run 10-mile route takes place in Portsmouth and starts and finishes on the glorious Southsea seafront. The route offers a ‘run’ through history, passing iconic landmarks including the historic Dockyard and HMS Victory.

More than 20,000 competitors demonstrated their stamina, including BRT runners William Carey (56:41), Charlotte Elliot (1:20:00), Malcom Jones (1:37:26), Ellie Docksey (1:45:19), Jackie Knight (1:45:19), Megan Mathews (1:43:05), Matt Mathews (1:18:28) and Cathy Bate (1:55:48).

A final Tri-event for the month was completed by Antonio Serano who finished the Hampton pool sprint triathlon in 1hr.15min.

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.

Joanna Swap, Mandie Henderson and Claire Overfield www.bexhillrunnerstriathletes.co.uk

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28 SPORT

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NOVEMBER 2023

FOOTBALL PAGE 26

WRIGHT RUES UNITED INJURY CRISIS

Bexhill United and Peacehaven action

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BY SPORTS REPORTER, MIKE LEGG PICTURES: JOE KNIGHT (SEASIDE PHOTOGRAPHY)

EXHILL UNITED manager John Wright has never known an injury-crisis like it in his 40 years of football.

The Pirates’ hopes of a push up the SCFL premier division table from the bottom two have been scuppered during October after Wright’s list of injured or unavailable players hit double figures.

Such is the extent of the problem, the club dedicated a page in last Wednesday’s programme for their RUR Cup penalty shootout win over Oakwood listing all those players out and when they are likely to return.=.

Wright told the Bexhill News: “I’ve have been involved in football for over 40 years, whether playing, coaching or managing, and I have never known a time when we have been suffering with injuries like we are at the moment.

“So supporters do not think we are making excuses, Colin Davey dedicated a page to it in the programme. For the game against Oakwood, and it may sound like an exaggeration, I had 16 players unavailable.

“Two were suspended, one was cup-tied and another was working but we are in double figures now for injuries.

“The problem that we have had is numbers. It is unbelievable.

If I had everyone fit and available, then I would put my head on the chopping block and say we would be competing with the top three or four in this league. But at the moment I am playing all teenagers.”

Wright added three players to cover the growing casualty list in the past few weeks – Kian Moynes, Charlie Playford and Joe Summerbell — but all were unavailable for the cup game. Moynes was recalled by Hastings United, Summerbell has suffered a back

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

injury and Playford was cup-tied.

The Pirates had closed out September with a 3-2 loss at Haywards Heath with Tom O’Shaugnessy and James Stone on target.

High-flying Newhaven were given a run for their money at the Polegrove as United succumbed to a narrow 4-3 loss as Jack Samways, Ollie Hull and Charlie Playford all netted in a seven-goal thriller (Oct 4).

United showed their fighting spirit against Saltdean three days later as they hit back from 2-0 down inside 18 minutes to draw 2-2 thanks to Jack Shonk’s double despite having Bradley Pritchard sent off.

Title chasers Peacehaven escaped with a 1-0 win after United spurned first-half chances (Oct 11) before a trip to Midhurst & Easebourne resulted in a 4-2 loss with Shonk and Moynes, on debut, the scorers.

Aaron Cook was on target in the 2-1 Sussex Senior Cup loss at Wick (Oct 17).

Despite the problems, Wright added: “There is no lack of confidence in the team, and nobody is playing badly. We were 3-2 up against Newhaven and had a penalty to go 4-2 up and win the game, while we were 2-0 up against Haywards Heath and lost.

“We lost 1-0 to Peacehaven when we missed a penalty, so we are not having a lot of luck at the moment.

“I think because we are playing so many teenagers, they have an issue switching on for 94-95 minutes, hence why we have conceded so many late winners.

“I am sure it will come good and we shall have a different problem with everyone available.”

November fixtures: Loxwood (away, Nov 4); Pagham (home, Nov 11); Steyning Town (home, Nov 18); Crawley Down (away, Nov 25).

RAMSDEN RAID AT SIDLEY CC AWARDS NIGHT

BY SIMON NEWSTEAD

Sidley Cricket Club celebrated a season of progress on and off the field at its annual dinner and awards evening.

Around 40 club members were treated to delicious food and fine hospitality at Pebbles on the Beach, the Bexhill seafront restaurant which is also the club’s primary junior sponsors.

A number of awards were handed out to players and club officials in recognition of their efforts this year. Craig Ramsden deserves a special mention for winning four of them.

Both of Sidley’s senior teams achieved fourth-place finishes in their respective Sussex Cricket League divisions this summer.

The front side narrowly missed out on promotion following a finalgame defeat, while the second XI made significant steps forward during an encouraging campaign.

Sidley possess a developing junior section and delivered completely free weekly training sessions for boys and girls in Key Stage 2 upwards from February until the end of September.

The club also made appearances at several community events and recently delivered its first donation of food items to Bexhill Family Collective CIC’s community pantry as part of a new partnership.

The biggest triumph of 2023, however, was the continuing development of the club’s new home ground at St Mary’s Recreation Ground.

The installation of changing facilities at the site in St Mary’s Lane paved the way for Sidley to stage their first game there at the end of July — a huge milestone for the club.

A Sidley XI played a Chris Milton XI in a memorial charity match, raising £1,284.44 for the Sussex Cancer Fund.

Sidley’s first and second teams will play their home games at St Mary’s next season as the club returns to its local community after an absence of more than a decade.

Award winners: 1st XI Batting Cup — Steve Ramsden; 1st XI Bowling Club — Craig Ramsden; 1st XI Fielding Cup — Paul Oxborrow; 1st XI Best Performance (Jack Crittenden Shield) — Craig Ramsden; 1st XI Players’ Player Award — Craig Ramsden.

2nd XI Batting Cup — Dan Reason; 2nd XI Bowling Cup — Ryan Polton; 2nd XI Fielding Cup — Nigel Cole; 2nd XI Best Performance Award (Ian & Jenny Mollart Shield) — Alex Povey; 2nd XI Players’ Player Cup — Stewart Craig.

Trevor Ramsden Shield — Chris Hunnisett; Six-Hit Cup — Craig Ramsden; Arthur Brooke Cup (best young player) — Dan True; Tyrone Wildman Spirit of Cricket Award — Jamie Ramsden; President’s Cup — Jackie Ramsden; Chairman’s Cup — Simon & Maria Newstead.

DO YOU RUN A LOCAL SPORTS GROUP?

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send us your reports and photos to appear in our monthly sports pages and website. Email editor@bexhill.news.