Bexhill News, January 2025, Issue 31

JANUARY 2025 | ISSUE 31

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR BEXHILL, COODEN, SIDLEY, PEBSHAM AND SURROUNDING AREAS INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT

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2 NEWS

WELCOME Happy New Year to you all, welcome to a brand new year for your local community newspaper.

I hope you all managed to take some time off over the new year period to spend with friends or family, or simply for a rest. We managed to get a few days off, which was a nice reset, ready for a brand new year of bringing you the latest news and information.

The festive period was a good chance for me to ponder over all the happenings of last year and looking back at everything we have done with the newspapers — I felt extremely thankful for all the support everyone gives us each and every month.

We call our series of publications ‘community newspapers’ for a good reason. When you look through the stories we publish, many of them are generated by the source of the story contacting us directly, which makes me feel grateful that we have become a trusted outlet for news and information.

We mentioned a few months ago, that a recent survey suggested that local newspapers are the most trusted source of local news, so I always like to make sure each edition is full of news that matters to the area you live in.

Our office receives many phone calls every single day with news stories and information from you — the reader, which is what makes this publication so successful.

So, I’d like to encourage you to keep doing this by contacting us using the details below as this is how we will continue to stand out throughout 2025 as your favourite local newspaper.

Paul Gibson Group Editor

THE TEAM PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk LYLE ACOTT – ADVERTISING SALES sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

CONTACT ADVERTISING SALES — 01424 762 128 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. © 2025: No part of this newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole without express permission of the editor.

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

Government to pull plug on controversial Northeye site GOVERNMENT Officials have announced they will not move forward with any immigration accommodation at the Northeye site in Bexhill.

A letter has been sent to MP for Bexhill and Battle, Keiran Mullan, informing him there will be no development on the site and it’ll be offered for sale again in the future.

Local residents and councillors have been fighting for almost two years against the plans to house migrants at the former prison site near Little Common.

Keiran Mullan said: “I know residents will join me in welcoming the government’s decision not to proceed with an immigration accommodation site at Northeye in Bexhill.

I want to thank campaigners, and cross-party councillors across all layers of local government for fighting against this plan. I am especially pleased for the residents of the Northeye Estate for whom the uncertainty and worry is over.”

In a letter sent by Minister for Border

Security & Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, it stated: “I write to confim that this Government has now made the decision not to progress with this site.

We are very conscious of the need to ensure best value for the taxpayer and progressing the site would have taken significant time and further

remediation and operational costs.

My officials will notify local partners, including Rother Council of this decision.

Moving forward, steps will be taken to ensure that the onward sale of the site is carried out appropriately, and the correct market value is reflected.”

Public toilets go on the market to secure their future FOURTEEN Public Toilet buildings throughout Bexhill are being marketed in the hope it could keep them open to the public.

Rother District Council is marketing the sites across the district ‘for let’ to potential interested parties.

Any agreement would have to incorporate keeping public toilets available, including facilities for the disabled and baby changing.

Council bosses hope the sites could be converted into business premises, providing suitable space for enterprises such as coffee shops, bars or florists.

Councillor Doug Oliver, Leader of the Council, said: “If these plans come to fruition, it will help us retain toilet facilities, save money in the face of a near £1.2 million pound budget shortfall, and unlock business opportunities and job creation.

“It’s a great example of the council thinking creatively with the aim of protecting services for the local community and boosting the economy.

“It should also assist with reducing vandalism which costs the taxpayer a considerable amount of money,” he added.

The 14 sites on offer for let are at: Battle Mount Street, Bexhill Cooden Sea Road, Bexhill East Parade,

Bexhill West Parade, Little Common Recreation Ground, Little Common Roundabout, Sidley, Normans Bay, Rye (Strand Quays, Gun Gardens and Lucknow Place car park), Winchelsea Town, Winchelsea Beach, and Sedlescombe.

The authority confirmed that it will consider all proposals for the sites, including freehold purchase, and it remains interested in hearing from parish and town councils, should they have an interest in operating these assets, either by leasehold or freehold.

Business owners, organisations and

councils who want to find out more about any of the sites should contact: Alex Hobbis, Dyer and Hobbis –

Cllr Doug Oliver, leader of Rother District Council said: “After almost two years of uncertainty and unanswered questions, we welcome the decision by the new Government not to push ahead with plans to use the former Northeye prison site in Bexhill to house asylum seekers.

Apart from serious questions about the safety of the site and its buildings, we shared residents’ concerns about the impact such a plan would have on the community and local services, particularly those living near the site.

It’s unfortunate that residents have faced months of uncertainty without any information from the previous Government, but I am sure they will, like us, be relieved to finally have an answer.”

He added: “The letter promises that steps will be taken to ensure the onward sale of the site is carried out appropriately and we look forward to a discussion with the Home Office regarding the future use of the site.”

Residents have finally won the battle against the plans after a number of angry protests and petitions.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Write to the editor by scanning the QR code here or visiting: www.eastsussex.news/letters

www.dyerandhobbis.com Email: AHobbis@dyerandhobbis.com Telephone: 01424 423 626.

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4 NEWS

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

Anger as town’s iconic beacon is removed A DECISION to remove the town’s beacon at Galley Hill has resulted in a huge debate on social media.

Rother District Council announced recently it has removed the structure due to unauthorised usage.

A statement from the authority read: “Unfortunately, the Beacon has been lit on several occasions recently without written permission which could put people in danger.

Having explored various options, the decision has been taken that the safest option is to remove the basket from the pole for safe and secure storage until required for official lighting events.

The Council is sorry to have to take this action, but trust people understand that the health and safety of our residents and visitors is paramount.

There are numerous risks to consider including climbing up to access the basket with fuel and lighter accelerant, the actual lighting of the Beacon itself in the dark, and potentially many people observing events close to the cliff

edge in low light.

The Council has a duty of care to members of the public to ensure appropriate plans are put in place by the event organiser to manage these risks, that the plans have been reviewed by the Council, deemed appropriate and written permission to light the Beacon has been granted.”

The basket at the top of the pole underwent extensive repairs a few years ago and was re-erected in situ for future occasions once permission is granted.

The Trafalgar Beacon at Galley Hill was donated to Rother District Council by Bexhill Old Town Preservation Society and has been lit on official Royal occasions to the great enjoyment of the local community.

Residents have argued that the beacon is a huge part of the town’s heritage and that a consultation should have taken place before a decision was made to remove it.

Howard Martin, President of the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce has been a key figure in organising many large events in the town over the past

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Write to the editor by scanning the QR code here or visiting: www.eastsussex.news/letters

Photo: JTP53 Photography

decade. He says taking the Beacon away, and not organising events themselves, is a kick in the teeth for the community.

He told Bexhill News: “Bexhill Chamber of Commerce disagrees with the decision to remove the Galley Hill Beacon basket as it was intended to be a unifying point of contact for our community as part of national celebrations and commemorations of important historic events.

It saddens us that neither RDC nor Bexhill Town Council took it upon themselves to organise an official beacon lighting to commemorate

the massive sacrifice so many made in June 1944 on D-Day. However, we also condemn the cultural vandalism of a small group of individuals who took it upon themselves without authority to set fire to the beacon, putting themselves and others at risk.

We hope that for the 80-year Commemorations of the end of WW2 this year, RDC will properly sanction organised events that include the lighting of the beacon as part of a national thanksgiving led by the King. Unfortunately, in recent years, RDC seem to have lost the spirit of bringing our community together

and recognising the importance of community cohesion by seeing these important historic events as an opportunity to make money.

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce members committed thousands of pounds to ensure Bexhill could have a public screening of the Coronation of the King and over 300 people turned out in the pouring rain.

However, RDC did not see this as a joyous celebration of our community coming together — it saw it as an opportunity to try to retrospectively charge the Chamber for the use of land that was open to the public.”

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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

JANUARY 2025

NEWS 5

County to receive £21m to fix potholes and roads — Councillors suggest it’s not enough THE Government has announced a countrywide £297m boost to fill potholes and repair roads, with East Sussex receiving £21m over the 2025/26 period.

It comes as part of a record £1.6bn Government investment across England — an increase of nearly 50% on local road maintenance funding from last year — it is enough to fix the equivalent of over seven million potholes, according to officials.

Local authorities in the South East will each receive a share of the funding, as the Government looks to rebuild Britain as part of its ‘Plan for Change’.

This comes as figures from the RAC show drivers encounter an average of six potholes per mile in England and Wales, and the cost of pothole damage to vehicles is around £500 on average, with more severe repairs costing considerably more.

According to the AA, fixing potholes is a priority for 96 per cent of drivers.

Each local authority can use its share of the £1.6bn for 2025/6 to identify which of their roads are in most need of repair and to deliver immediate fixes for communities and raise living standards across every

Pothole protest

area of the country.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Broken roads can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds on repairs. That’s a cost that can easily be avoided by investing properly in our roads.

Through our Plan for Change, we’re determined to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking people and improve living standards.

That’s why we’re giving councils funding to repair our roads and

get Britain moving again — with a clear expectation that they get on with the job.”

Bexhill is just one of a large number of towns across the county which has its problems. A recent protest organised by Councillor Christine Bayliss saw residents take to the streets to demand action by the Government.

East Sussex County Councillor for Bexhill South says the cash boost would be well-received, but a lot

more would be needed to bring our roads back to a good condition.

He told Bexhill News: ”The extra money to repair our broken roads is welcome news for Bexhill and wider East Sussex. As we travel poor surfaces can be felt or seen on our highways with many unfortunately experiencing damage to their vehicles.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Write to the editor by scanning the QR code here or visiting: www.eastsussex.news/letters The recent ESCC pothole review highlighted the different causes one of which is utility iron works or subsidence of trenches. Buckhurst Road is a clear example of how underground water is subjecting the base to move like a mattress cracking the top surface. To find the source of the water is difficult as it involves different contractors, once repaired the whole road needs to be patched or re-surfaced.

Recently Bolebrooke Road had a large sink hole backfilled and patched after a drainage and badger problem. The cost to repair is huge and with 5,000 roads in East Sussex we need probably about £400 million; this funding will help to repair some of the worst areas. The key to getting repairs done is to report every defect to East Sussex Highways and follow up with your local Councillor until completed.”

Road users in the South East are also being encouraged to report potholes in their area to their local council through a dedicated Gov.uk page.

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6 NEWS

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill You’re touring in April and May, how did you select the venues because they’re quite small compared to the traditional stadiums?

It’s very much trying to cover as most of the UK as we can and sort of reconnect with people that love that album and want to come and hear some of the maybe deeper cuts that we don’t play at festival sets and things like that.

In February, we’re supporting James Blunt on his Back to Bedlam 20th Anniversary Tour, so we’re going to some of these bigger places then.

But, it would have been nice to come down south, but maybe later in the year, we can work out something for Eastbourne.

Eastbourne’s Toploader announces 25th anniversary tour EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW TOPLOADER shot to fame in the late 90s with their Dancing in the Moonlight cover and over the past two and a half decades, they have performed all over the world boasting gigs with the likes of Coldplay, Robbie Williams and Bon Jovi.

The band recently announced it is hitting the road this year on a twelvedate tour around the UK. Frontman, Joe Washbourn took some time from planning the group’s 25th Anniversary tour and spoke to editor, Paul Gibson about the plans and the band’s love of Eastbourne.

You’ve announced twelve dates for a comeback tour in April and May this year to celebrate 25 years of making music, how are the plans going?

It’s been a little while since we’ve done a tour as such — it’s been a good few years. We’re always busy out and about during the summer doing lots of festivals and things like that, but I think the opportunity of going out and celebrating, unbelievably 25 years since our first album, is just mental.

It was a real opportunity to go out and tour again and play some of the songs from the album that maybe we haven’t played for many years, I’m really excited about the idea of being able to go out and share it again with people that loved it the first time around and people that maybe didn’t know it.

You still have a huge fan base in Eastbourne — do you find those fans still follow you on tour, or are you finding new fans along the way?

Absolutely, the joy of music streaming now means everything’s so accessible.

So, we really find it’s very much across the board.

In Eastbourne, where we all started, a lot of that first album was written in our bedsits and the student flats in the town. We sort of managed to go out and be a proper band so grew our fanbase from proper face-to-face gigs.

But, the success of something like Dancing in the Moonlight, means the album is now being listened to by lots of different people. I mean, that song, in particular, has gone through the generations.

I know from even my daughter’s generation, that they all know that song, which is a great little advert for everything else that we’ve done since.

How did that song come about?

Obviously, it’s a cover of the 1972 hit by Kelly’s Band Boffalongo, but what made you decide to pick up on that?

It’s funny, back in the day, I used to have this big elaborate story of how it was my Mum’s favourite song. She’s a Motown fan and she always used to do the Hoovering to it, but basically, it came down to when were working with an America producer. There was a lot of pop in the charts and as we’d gone past the Brit Pop thing, it

was quite difficult for an Indie band to break into. So, we had this idea for this song, which was a big hit in the ’70s in the States, and it was a real sliding door moment, but we nearly didn’t do it.

We just did a version of it one day in the studio and the vocal really suited my voice and it just turned out, as it turned out. It’s one of those songs that spreads a lot of joy to a lot of people and we’re really proud of it.

Twenty-five years on — do you ever get bored of singing Dancing in the Moonlight?

There was a little period in the middle, when we took a breather in the mid2000s, but like all bands after a certain while, you start to appreciate the big songs you’ve got, but these days, it pretty much sings itself really. So, we never get bored of singing it, we just always look for new ways to perform it live and do it justice on stage and get people involved.

That’s what a lot of the sets are about these days, getting everyone involved and making sure everyone feels immersed in what you’re doing and goes home having had a great time.

As we both lived in Eastbourne in the same era, I’m going to remind you of some of the hottest places we went to and I want to hear your memories of them.

TJ’s — Yeah, 100 per cent. I remember all the bouncers there André and Danny Berry and all those guys. I remember a little bit later on

down the line, when we got a record, we used to be able to skip the queue, which was when we really knew we had arrived!

Atlantis? — Yeah, We played in there with I think was Cast, but I wasn’t much of a punter there as I wasn’t really a ‘boogier’, but we did played there. Atlantis was a big part of the scene of growing up in Eastbourne, so, I remember it well.

Counting House? — I frequented there quite a lot. The back garden in the summer in those days was amazing. plastic chairs came out, so I was there quite a lot at that point — we all were.

We had a flat up in Bedford Grove, where I lived with Dan Hipgrave, the guitar player, where we wrote some of the songs for the album. So, the Counting House was just down the road; that was our local really.

Do you get back to Eastbourne much these days?

I still have a lot of friends and family there, so I get down as much as I can and see the town — it’s lovely to come back.

It’s interesting to see how the town has changed. Obviously, in the late 90s, it was kind of a different town altogether really, it has got an awful lot bigger now.

I still love being near the sea, and that’s where the dream of being in a band came about — looking out to see and thinking what is out there for us and that’s something about living by the sea that does that.

I was going to ask you why Eastbourne isn’t on your tour list — but you have played here quite recently right?

Yeah, over the years, we’ve played a number of gigs in the town, we did the Bandstand a few years ago, but, it’s just one of those things, when a tour gets put together by a promoter, you kind of just go with it.

We did a lovely Festival out near Arlington Reservoir last year which was absolutely lovely. It was just really nice to be back in East Sussex, and you know, get friends and family to come along. It’s a buzzing scene down there which is good.

You mentioned James Blunt earlier, but you’ve also played with some huge names over the years.

What’s been the highlight of your 25-year career?

It’s really difficult to say as we all still love playing live, but over the years, we’ve done the old Wembley Stadium with Bon Jovi, been out on big tours with Robbie. In the early days, we got to go on tour with Paul Weller which was incredible.

We feel very comfortable doing what we’re doing now, so, I think the highlight is that we’re still able to do it really. I think that’s something we’re very appreciative of and will continue to be.

So, what does the future hold?

Another 25 years?

If you had said to me when we started in 1997 that we would still be gigging 25 years later — I would have laughed at you and thought I’d be an ‘old man’ by then!

But, all the time we love doing it, I don’t see anything changing. I think this year, we’re going to be getting in the studio and recording a new album, so that’s exciting.

For me, it’s always about moving forward and doing new stuff.

Obviously, people come to hear some of the music they know and love, but as a band, producing new material is a big part of it. I think all the time we’re writing and love playing live, I can’t see any reason to end it.

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8 NEWS

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

Sidley pharmacist calls for more support from Government LOCAL Pharmacists dealing with hundreds of patients a day, are suffering from a lack of funding, drug shortages and staff retention.

Sidley Pharmacy owner, Mr Sukhy Uppal, says the industry is facing a shortfall of almost £2 billion and something must be done to secure the essential services.

Community pharmacies are private businesses providing services and prescriptions for the NHS under contract. The NHS is asking them to take on an even greater role in primary care, such as the Pharmacy First initiative, according to Sukhy.

Kieran Mullan, MP for the Bexhill and Battle constituency, recently visited Sidley Pharmacy, an awardwinning independent community pharmacy, to discuss the challenges facing this vital service.

Mr Uppal invited Kieran to visit the pharmacy to see first-hand the services they offer to patients and

hear about the issues they face with funding, drug shortages and staff retention.

He commented: “Thank you to Kieran Mullan MP for visiting us at Sidley Pharmacy and recognising the critical role community pharmacies play in supporting local healthcare.

Despite our commitment to providing vital services like prescriptions, advice, vaccinations, and NHS initiatives such as Pharmacy First, the sector faces a funding shortfall of £1.7 billion.

This crisis is hurtling towards disaster, threatening to derail efforts to fix the NHS and shift care into communities. Without urgent action, many will be forced to close, undermining the NHS 10-year plan and leaving patients without essential care. We’re ready to do more, but we need immediate investment to secure our future and continue supporting the health of our communities.”

MP Kieran Mullan with the Pharmacy team

Lancaster Pilot from Bexhill dies at a hundred years old

Roy at his favourite Bexhill restaurant Trattoria Italiana

A WAR Hero from Bexhill who celebrated his 100th birthday this year has died peacefully, his family has told Bexhill News.

Former Royal Air Force pilot, Flight Sergeant Roy Oldcorn was aged just 20 when he was the pilot of a Lancaster Bomber and was involved in “Operation Manna”, which flew tonnes of food in heavy bombers and to the starving Dutch in the occupied areas in 1944.

A special 100th birthday celebration was held for Roy, who lives in Bexhill, at the Albatross Club in Channel View West in February with family, friends and dignitaries in attendance.

Roy flew several sorties to the area of Rotterdam where he had to pilot his Lancaster at 300 feet, and as slowly as possible, by lowering the undercarriage and flaps to be able to drop the food to the people below.

Roy also took part in other missions

such as repatriating POWs from Belgium and Italy.

In recognition of his involvement in these operations, the Dutch Military Attaché, Captain Gerrit Nijenhuis from the Netherlands embassy in London, attended the party to present Roy with a “Thank You Liberator” medal on behalf of the Dutch nation.

Roy was in the RAF from the age of 19 until he was 23, having trained to fly Lancaster bombers in Canada.

As Roy excelled in mathematics, this gave him an advantage and he was quickly selected to be a pilot.

His daughter, Karen told Bexhill News: “My lovely Dad, Roy Arthur Oldcorn, has gone to fly higher.

He died peacefully at St Nectans, Bexhill, on Thursday 19th December.

I was blessed to have him as a Dad and to make lovely memories with him for so long.”

Roy leaves his loving wife Sue.

Kieran Mullan added: “Community pharmacies play a vital role in delivering advice, prescriptions and primary care services to local residents. They are an integral part of the community. During the hour I spent at Mr Uppal’s pharmacy, I saw first-hand just how hard he and his team work and the volume of prescriptions they prepare for patients every day. Alongside this, on the day I visited, the Sidley pharmacy was also delivering the COVID and flu jab for local patients, getting through hundreds of patients a day which helps take the pressure off GP surgeries and hospitals.

It is essential that the NHS and government support community pharmacies and make sure we use the right approach in funding the additional services we are asking them to take on to make sure that we retain the brilliant community pharmacies we have.”

Local business lends support to Bexhill Maritime project

Pictured Raymond Konyn and Paul Rendle (foreground) with Tanya Kirk, Ben Davey, Jess Daw–Collins, Gordon Smith (Maritime trustee), Liam Foster, Yolanda Laybourne (Maritime trustee), Debbie Wallace.

A Bexhill estate agency has become the latest business to back the project to build a maritime centre on the seafront.

Burgess & Co in Devonshire Square has donated £500 to Bexhill Maritime.

The proposed centre on East Parade will feature an exhibition area highlighting the environment, the threats to marine life and the effects of climate change. Its focal point will be the Royal Sovereign Lighthouse Lantern Tower, rescued from destruction by the charity

Bexhill Maritime.

Raymond Konyn, founder, chair and trustee of Bexhill Maritime said: “We are very grateful to Burgess & Co for their very generous support.

It is gratifying that local businesses can see the potential of what Bexhill Maritime is doing and are willing to help bring this landmark project to fruition.”

Paul Rendle, the Managing Director of Burgess and Co said: “We love to help and support local causes and one like this was always something of interest to us.”

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

JANUARY 2025

NEWS 9

New forum launched to ‘bridge the gap’ A NEW public forum is set to begin this year and aims to be a place where residents can raise issues, get answers and find out about new initiatives in the town.

Starting next month (February), The Rother Forum was founded by Bexhill resident Sharon Blagrove, who is planning a number of events and is hoping they will be a platform between the council and the public.

Sharon told Bexhill News: “The purpose of the Forum is to bridge the gap from the people to the councils and give residents a platform for free speech, it is an opportunity for them to have their say and to ask any questions they may have. My hope is that through debate, a better understanding of local issues will be ascertained, and residents will feel more informed.”

The first event is taking place at The Town Square Social Club and will be similar in format to BBC’s Question Time, according to Sharon.

Subjects such as the potential closure of Bexhill’s Post Office, public toilets and road repairs are on the

Bexhill Town Hall

agenda to be discussed by the panel.

Sharon added: “The Forum is an independently run entity by a committee of nine members who live in Rother and are knowledgeable on local and council issues, many of whom have served or are currently serving on Rother District Council,

East Sussex County Council and Bexhill Town Council.

If any question from the public is not satisfactorily answered at the meeting, a committee member can offer to take the question to the relevant council meeting to seek answers.

bus xi

e r h e t t e G with Fle

Initially funded by Sharon, she wants to stress that the forum is not connected to any council in any way.

She added “This is something exciting for the residents to get involved in, I want them to feel included and know that their issues are taken seriously. The public can

deliver their questions within the timed three minutes. One thing that is strictly off-limits is political discussion. I am very aware that an election could well happen in May 2025, but this won’t be the place for potential candidates to be heard, nor will it be somewhere that people can verbally attack the councils, that is not what this Forum is about.”

Meetings will be held bi-monthly, with the first three meetings taking place in Bexhill at the Town Square Social Club next to Bexhill Town Hall (The Former Legion Club). In due course, other more rural venues will be added, such as Battle and Rye. Agendas are set for each meeting, and the public will also be invited to suggest agenda items for future meetings.

Sharon concluded: “Whilst some lively and passionate discussion is inevitable, participants wishing to speak will need to get their questions over in a respectful way, keeping in mind that all speakers and committee members are volunteering their time and are there to help this Forum and the people that attend it.”

Residents are being invited to submit their questions prior to the first meeting on Saturday 22nd February between 11:30am1:45pm. Questions can be emailed to Therotherforum@gmail.com, and Sharon can be contacted on 07828 772475.

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10 NEWS

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Write to the editor by scanning the QR code here or visiting: www.eastsussex.news/letters

Calls to improve safety on Barnhorn Road A SPATE of serious and fatal accidents on a main road in Bexhill has resulted in calls from councillors to implement road safety measures.

In November alone, the A259 Barnhorn Road saw numerous motorists seriously injured with one fatality on the stretch of road

between the Little Common Road and Pevensey Roundabout.

When the road is closed due to incidents, traffic is diverted through nearby ‘unsuitable’ roads, increasing frustration and the risk of more accidents, according to local councillors.

Three people suffered life-

threatening injuries in November when two cars collided near the Custom Cafe whilst an 82-year-old man died from his injuries as he walked on the same stretch of road in the same month.

On Christmas Eve, another accident saw the road blocked after a collision between two cars and a motorcycle.

East Sussex County Councillor and member for Bexhill South, Ian Hollidge, recently chaired a county council speed limit review meeting, which will be presented to Full Council early this year.

Evidence was taken from Police with committee members raising the dual points on how speed limit compliance reduces both personal injury and property damage collisions.

Councillor Hollidge told Bexhill News: “Because the road isn’t managed by ESCC it is necessary to bring in all interested partners, our MP, Police, National Highways and local Councillors. When Barnhorn Road is closed, diversions are unfortunately on unsuitable local roads with often disastrous and costly consequences.

Good road design and signage can’t eliminate all errors, however, engineering safety measures with possibly a review of speed limits and better enforcement are definitely needed to reduce further collisions.”

Rother and Bexhill Town Councillor, Connor Winter said on social media: “I’ve reached out to our Member of Parliament, Dr. Councillor Kieran Mullen, urging Connor Winter him to convene an urgent Stakeholder Meeting with all relevant bodies, including myself, to discuss concrete measures for making this road safer.

It’s clear something must be done immediately to address the dangers on this stretch of road. We need effective solutions such as traffic calming measures, significantly reduced speed limits, or even the installation of a roundabout near the Hooe turning to slow down traffic, particularly around the Custom Cafe turning.”

Roadworks on the A259 are also being blamed for causing frustration and huge delays for motorists. Last month, a driver was convicted of causing serious injury by careless driving after turning in the road to avoid queues of traffic due to roadworks.

Councillor Winter added to his statement: “In addition to these ongoing safety concerns, I also want to raise an issue with the recent and

poorly planned roadworks.

Over the festive weekends, these works have left road users stuck for hours, creating further frustration and delays.

This level of disruption is unacceptable, and I believe the authorities responsible for planning and carrying out these works must be held to account.

Future roadworks should be better planned, ideally completed during the night to minimise disruption and executed far more swiftly.”

A National Highways spokesperson told Bexhill News: “Safety is our number one priority, and we’re doing everything in our control to make sure our roads are even safer. Every road death is a tragedy, and every serious injury is a changed life.

We have invested in more than 200 safety schemes throughout this road period and while the number of deaths or serious injuries has reduced this may not be enough to meet the target of halving these by next year.

Road safety is a shared responsibility and there are factors outside of our control that affect these statistics.

That’s why we have an enhanced safety plan, and we are working closely with organisations and stakeholders, such as local authorities, MPs and community groups to help us move closer to our target.”

What do you think? Send your letter to the editor by emailing: letters@bexhill.news

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JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

NEWS 11

New hospital development reaches key stages A TOPPING Out ceremony was held recently on the site of the new Combe Valley Hospital currently being built in Bexhill by Kier Construction for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT).

Topping Out is a construction tradition which takes place when the building reaches its full height

or the final structural beam is raised into place.

To mark this milestone, local dignitaries, including HM Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman; senior SPFT and other NHS representatives; Kier’s regional director — as well as an Expert by Experience and a member of SPFT nursing staff — all signed their names

on the final steel to form a lasting memento of the day.

Combe Valley Hospital will be a 54-bed hospital consisting of three 18bed wards for adults of working age and older people, all with individual bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms.

SPFT Chair, Sean Duggan said: “This is another major milestone for the new hospital which will

eventually provide high-quality mental healthcare for people across East Sussex and beyond in an exceptional and, importantly, therapeutic environment. “ SPFT Chief Executive, Dr Jane Padmore added: “This new hospital not only enables us to further improve the care we provide to the communities we serve, but also to recruit and retain the best people. Vitally, the hospital is being developed in partnership with people who use, or have used our services in the past, to make sure the facilities are fully co-produced at every stage.”

The hospital replaces outdated

facilities at the Department of Psychiatry in Eastbourne and is expected to be completed towards the end of this year.

NHS Sussex Chief Nursing Officer, Allison Cannon commented: “This ceremony marked another fantastic achievement in our journey to creating an incredible new hospital for the people of Sussex. Mental health is one of the key priorities in our integrated care strategy — Improving Lives Together — and Combe Valley Hospital will deliver better services and support to those that need it while also providing a welcoming and inspiring environment for both patients and our much-valued staff.”

Kier Regional Director, Cheryl Parsons concluded: “We are proud to be part of delivering the new Combe Valley Hospital and it’s fantastic to be celebrating this important milestone as it reflects we are getting closer to completing this project for the local community.

“This 54-bed hospital will be integral to transforming healthcare in the local area and forms part of a wider community-based mental health in-patient programme. We have worked closely with the Trust and patients to deliver the best and facilities for recovery, using our technical expertise to create solutions to better support patients, as well as delivering a step-change in terms of the environmental sustainability of the building.”

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12 NEWS

JANUARY 2025

An early cretaceous floodplain in southeastern England, 135 million years ago Credit Anthony Hutchings

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

Discovered teeth of (a) spinosaur, (b) tyrannosaur, (c) dromaeosaur, (d) possible tyrannosaur, (e) indeterminate tyrannoraptoran - the group containing tyrannosaurs and dromaeosaurs (Velociraptor and kin). Credit Barker et al (2024)

Tyrannosaur teeth discovered in Bexhill-on-Sea with help of retired quarryman RESEARCH led by the University of Southampton has revealed that several groups of meat-eating dinosaurs stalked the Bexhill coastline 135 million years ago.

The study, published in Papers in Palaeontology, has discovered a whole community of predators belonging to different dinosaur groups - including tyrannosaurs, spinosaurs and members of the Velociraptor family.

It’s the first time tyrannosaurs have been identified in sediments of this age and region.

Dr Chris Barker, visiting researcher at the University of Southampton and lead author of the research said: “Meat-eating dinosaurs — properly called theropods — are rare in the Cretaceous sediments of southern England. Usually, Isle of Wight dinosaurs attract most of our attention. Much less is known about the older Cretaceous specimens recovered from sites on the mainland.”

DINOSAUR TEETH

Gallery, and the Museo Miguel Lillo De Ciencias Naturales in Argentina.

Dr Barker added: “Dinosaur teeth are tough fossils and are usually preserved more frequently than

bone. For that reason, they’re often crucial when we want to reconstruct the diversity of an ecosystem.

Rigorous methods exist that can help identify teeth with high accuracy.

The new Bexhill dinosaurs are represented by teeth alone.

Theropod teeth are complex and vary in size, shape and in the anatomy of their serrated edges. The University of Southampton team used several techniques to analyse the fossils, including phylogenetic, discriminant and machine learning methods, teaming up with colleagues at London’s Natural History Museum, Dave Brockhurst at the site where the tyrannosaur and raptor teeth were discovered the Hastings Museum and Art

Our results suggest the presence of spinosaurs, mid-sized tyrannosaurs and tiny dromaeosaurs — Velociraptorlike theropods — in these deposits”.

The discovery of tyrannosaurs is particularly notable, since the group hasn’t previously been identified in sediments of this age and region.

These tyrannosaurs would have been around a third of the size of their famous cousin Tyrannosaurus rex, and likely hunted small dinosaurs and other reptiles in their floodplain habitat.

Lucy Handford, co-author of the paper and former University of Southampton Master’s student, who is now undertaking a PhD at the University of York said: “Assigning isolated teeth to theropod groups can be challenging, especially as many features evolve independently amongst different lineages. This is why we employed various methods to help refine our findings, leading to more confident classifications.

It’s highly likely that reassessment of theropod teeth in museum stores elsewhere will bring up additional discoveries.”

DISCOVERY AT ASHDOWN BRICKWORKS

The tireless collecting of retired quarryman Dave Brockhurst, who has spent the last 30 years uncovering fossils from Ashdown Brickworks, was key to the discovery.

Dave has uncovered thousands of specimens, ranging from partial

dinosaur skeletons to tiny shark teeth. Around 5,000 of his discoveries have already been donated to Bexhill Museum. Theropods are exceptionally rare at the site, and Dave has only found ten or so specimens there so far.

Mr Brockhurst said: “As a child, I was fascinated by dinosaurs and never thought how close they could be. Many years later I started work at Ashdown and began looking for fossils. I’m happy with tiny fish scales or huge thigh bones, although the preservation of the dinosaur teeth really stands out for me.”

Dr Darren Naish, a co-author of the study, added: “Southern England has an exceptionally good record of Cretaceous dinosaurs, and various sediment layers here are globally unique in terms of geological age and the fossils they contain.

These East Sussex dinosaurs are older than those from the betterknown Cretaceous sediments of the Isle of Wight and are mysterious and poorly known by comparison. We’ve hoped for decades to find out which theropod groups lived here, so the conclusions of our new study are really exciting.”

Dr Neil Gostling, also from the University of Southampton and supervised the project, said: “This project shows that museum collections, curators, and collectors are vital for pushing forward our understanding of the diversity of dinosaurs, and other extinct groups.

We’re also very thankful to Ashdown Brickworks for their cooperation in preserving the quarry’s important palaeontological heritage.

200 years after the naming of the first dinosaur, Megalosaurus, there are still really big discoveries to be made. Dinosaur palaeobiology is alive and well.”

Several of the specimens are on display at Bexhill Museum.

The research was funded by the University of Southampton’s Institute for Life Sciences.

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

Funding awarded to create digital learning suite at White Rock IT has been announced that the White Rock Theatre, operated by the charitable The Guildhall Trust, will receive £25,000 funded

by UK Government, awarded

by East Sussex County Council from the Hastings Skills Capital Fund, to create a bespoke Digital Learning Suite for the delivery

and development of digital skills training that will nurture and retain local creative talent.

Altering the layout and renovating a currently under-utilised space within the venue, the new learning facility will be equipped with high-quality technology including a large digital screen, sound recording equipment,

high-speed internet connection and Mac mini computers with Adobe Creative Suite software.

The Learning Suite will provide training in sound, lighting, production and design, digital marketing and bitesize workshops, that will support local creative development and deliver an

NEWS 13 expanded work experience offer.

The versatile and multifunctional space will also be available to other creative organisations and groups within the region, making it a valuable asset for the Hastings community.

Digital skills are a key part of our world, and this is as true in the creative industry as much as any other. Digital skills within the creative sector have a range of transferrable applications but as technology changes it is essential for training to be current and relevant, allowing the creative sector to recruit and retain key talent where it is needed.

The project is one of eleven to receive a share in £1million of funding from UK Government, awarded by East Sussex County Council from the Hastings and Rother Skills Capital Funds, that will help to enhance the local skills and training offer in line with the priorities of Skills East Sussex, the local multi-agency strategic skills board.

It is the aim of the board to support the local economy and residents by ensuring a skilled workforce and relevant training for young people and adults. It also focuses on maximising the benefits of future opportunities related to new technology and net zero.

The works to create the Learning Suite, due to start in January and expected to be completed by the end of March, will be the latest in a series of investments in the White

Rock by The Guildhall Trust since the organisation took over the operation of the venue on 1st February 2024.

Significant investment has been made in creating a new Studio performance space with new flooring, lighting, bars and the addition of a dressing room. With a unique programme of entertainment, the renovated Studio space is also available to hire for meetings and social events.

A full rock PA system has also been installed in the main auditorium which is already attracting a wide range of artists back into the venue.

Chief Executive Officer of The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays said: “We are delighted to receive funding to develop this high-tech facility which supports our vision to be a leading cultural organisation which places our community at the centre of everything we do, to inspire, entertain and transform lives.

The Hastings community has been so warm in its welcome to The Guildhall Trust since February, it is fantastic to be developing these learning facilities and deliver what we always promised we would. The support of the community is vital to the venue’s continued success, and we encourage everyone to make sure they are signed up to our mailing list and follow us on socials. The future for the White Rock is very exciting!”

To find out more about The White Rock and The Guildhall Trust, visit: www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

y r a r b i l l a c o l r u o y t a s r e t u p tory s i m h o y c l i e m e a f r , f g editin Book o e d i v , g n i t n i r es ns, p i o r i t a r a c b i i l L p r p e v a o b c o s J k/Di u . v o g . x e s s u s t and more eas

14 NEWS

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

Comet Neowise photographed by John through the slot of one of the Observatories at Herstmonceux

Andromeda M31

Astro images from Sussex are out of this world JOHN Fox has had his eye to a camera for the past six decades and has become famous across East Sussex for his incredible astrophotography skills.

Editor Paul Gibson sat with John within the grounds of the historic Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre, where he spends a lot of his time, to find out about his passion for photography and the solar system.

When John was just seven years old in the early 1950s, his father built a four-inch telescope reflector from a kit, and as soon as John observed the moon and planets through the telescope, he knew there was no going back, and a long and interesting and career in photography and astronomy began.

After leaving school, John worked as a salesman in a Brighton camera shop. Later, he and his brother Ian owned and ran a camera shop in Hove for 14 years, and over the years, he was recognised for his photography skills and was approached to become a news photographer for the then Evening Argus.

This career path led to him being headhunted by the Manchester

Evening News, where he became a key part of the team covering major stories across the city and the North West until he retired after taking redundancy in 1996.

During his 32-year career as a press photographer, John continued to develop his love of astrophotography and was always called upon to capture key stories, such as solar eclipses and comets that made huge headlines.

Throughout his career, John boasts he has photographed a total of 1,400 weddings — but admits to acting ‘dumb’ nowadays when being invited to ceremonies — going back to photographing the bride and groom is something far from his agenda these days. He was also named Photographer of the Year in 1983 after his award-winning images were published in the region’s press.

He is now often found standing in the dark looking upwards with his digital photography equipment to capture galaxies, planets and key solar moments to produce some breathtaking images for all to see.

As Chairman of the Wealden Astronomers, a group of almost 50 like-minded individuals, John

has been known to stand in deep snow for five hours to capture a night sky in temperatures as low as -6ºC, making him, quite literally, outstanding in his field.

John fondly remembers the days of film photography and says it has never been easier to get stunning images of space. He cites a memory in the late ’80s when most of us had never heard of the term ‘digital photography’.

John told me: “The Manchester Evening News (MEN) embraced technology from the earliest possible moments. Even in 1996, the company purchased the first Kodak/Nikon professional digital cameras with a tiny 1.5 MB memory and had mobile phones and modems mounted in a portable suitcase which transmitted images to the office — the company really was ten years ahead of anyone else.

By 1996, almost all photographers for the company were made redundant, and just one staff photographer would go out to take all the images for the newspaper and send all the images back to the office from a briefcase in true James Bond style. There was no need for him to

John Fox at Herstmonceux Science Centre

return to base to process images like the ‘old days’.”

Nowadays, John is happily retired in Polegate, where he Chairs Wealden Astronomers, which for two years had been based at Herstmonceux castle until the castle’s temporary closure for emergency restoration work in November 2023, and is extremely active in developing the group. He is also dedicated to passing on his skills in bespoke one-day Astrophotography courses, which are run from the Observatory Science Centre twice a year.

John said: “It’s paramount that we encourage new blood, not only into the astronomy group but also teach camera owners to point them to the skies to capture what is happening.

The courses are designed to help

anyone from absolute beginners to professional photographers get the best from their equipment.

There is so much happening up there, and with the developments in technology, almost everyone can get some stunning photographs like mine. All it takes is some patience and a love of space.”

Visit the-observatory.org/events to learn about stargazing evenings and John’s astrophotography courses. John is also a STEM ambassador volunteer at both the castle and the Observatory Science Centre and attends most of the OSC public stargazing evenings with his telescope equipment.

You can see more of Wealden astronomers work on their website www.wealdenastronomers.org

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

JANUARY 2025

NEWS 15

Spectacular timelapse photography from the Science Centre

Herstmonceux Castle captured at night

John being interviewed for BBC’s Sky at Night. Photo Raquel Taylor

Comet Neowise captured by John from Herstmonceux in 2020

16 REGULARS

JANUARY 2025

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

We are now closed until Wednesday 26th February 2025 when we will then be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 22nd October.

For details, please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

“If the birds begin to sing in January, Frosts are on the way.”

The New Year is traditionally a time the opposite. Thus, a good number of vintners and vinegar makers: both to glance back and to look ahead, of proverbs suggest that warm or ‘Remember on St Vincent’s Day, if and that has always been true when fine weather at the beginning of the the sun his beams display, ’tis a token it comes to the weather, a complete year is bad news, especially for the bright and clear of prosperous weather obsession of mine. coming harvest. all the year.’

Winter can be the harshest season, For example: “If grain grows in January, So, let us look out for the sun on the particularly for outdoor workers. I am it will be a year of great need”, “January 22nd. We gardeners could do with some always checking the weather apps on flowers do not swell the granary”, or the prosperous weather in 2025 after the my phone, looking for clues as to the deeply pessimistic “January warm, the disastrously wet and cold spring we likelihood of rain and frost but the Lord have mercy!” had last year. natural world — clouds, birds, animals, A lack of snow in January is also bad On St Paul the Apostle’s Day (January and plants — all provide their own clues news: as it is then likely that there will 25), we look again for a forecast for the to predict what the winter will bring. We be a freeze-up in March or April. rest of the yearperhaps could do with becoming more But the most intriguing belief is that “a If St Paul’s Day be fair and clear it does sensitive to these signs once more rather green January makes a full churchyard”. betide a happy year, than solely relying on technology.

This is based on the perfectly reasonable But if it chance to snow or rain then will The study of weather proverbs is notion that cold weather kills germs, be dear all kinds of grain, known as paremiology. Some are fanciful while mild winters allow them to spread.

If clouds or mists do dark the sky, great fun with no basis in scientific fact, while In the days before antibiotics, even a store of birds and beasts shall die, others have been found to have a kernel common cold could turn into a more And if the winds do fly aloft, then war of truth at their core. No matter what, serious, even fatal infection. shall vex the kingdom oft. these folkloric tales predicting winter So, we should perhaps hope for typical This one seems very specific, we hope weather are interesting to observe. winter weather. In the words of one very much to avoid great stores of birds January boasts a wealth of sayings, wise but anonymous French forecaster: and beasts dying! And as for a war. proverbs and rhymes, which were coined “A cold January, a feverish February, a Acorns that fall heavily mean a cold to help our ancestors work out what kind dusty March, a weeping April and a winter is coming. Similarly, a large crop of weather was likely to occur during the windy May, presage a good year”. of walnuts means a snowy, cold season. coming 12 months.

January weather lore — Certain days Thick nutshells predict a severe winter.

Many relied on the time-honoured in this month are given particular weight, Leaves which fall early, indicate belief that whatever the weather is including the feast day of St Vincent of winter will be mild. When leaves fall like now, in the next season it will be Saragossa (January 22), the patron saint late, winter will be wild. An extra cold

winter is in store if the leaves wither on the branches in October instead of falling.

We found here at Bates Green Garden that the leaves remained steadfastly on the trees and, as I write this the hazel leaves have yet to fall. Should I be getting my sledge ready?

“When leaves fall early, Fall and winter will be mild; When leaves fall late, Winter will be severe.”

Temperature — There seems to be an awful lot of folklore about August temperatures interestingly.

“If a cold August follows a hot July, it foretells a winter hard and dry.”

“For every fog in August, There will be a snowfall in winter.”

“If the first week in August is unusually warm, the coming Winter will be snowy and long.”

“A warm October, a cold February.”

“As the days lengthen, the

cold strengthens.”

I have always found that the coldest time of the year is mid-January, about 3 weeks after the shortest day.

There is an interesting concept known as las cabañuelas, a method of weather forecasting that originated in Spain and is still found throughout the Hispanic world. The idea is that the weather on each of the first 12 days of January represents the weather for the 12 months of the year — with the first day representing January, the second day February and so on. I like this idea; it is simple and straightforward and makes me more determined than ever to record the weather every day. Even if it is just a sentence.

There you have it, my resolution for 2025 is to keep a weather diary. I’ll let you know how I get on. Until next month, keep warm and dry and enjoy the quiet solitude of winter.

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JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

A MATTER OF TASTE

REGULARS 17

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!

ALL ABOUT YEW: A PUB TO REMEMBER

The Yew Tree in Arlington is a pub we’ve visited numerous times over the years. It’s a family favourite, often the destination for Sunday drives or impromptu lunches with friends. During summer, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. With a sprawling garden, a children’s playground, and a dogfriendly atmosphere, it’s a quintessential countryside retreat. But this time, our visit couldn’t have been more different.

It was a cold, dark evening in late November when we returned to the Yew Tree. The contrast to its summer charm was striking but equally delightful. As we approached, the glow of Christmas lights illuminated the wintery darkness.

The pub seemed to stand out even more against the shrouded countryside, beckoning us in with its warmth.

Upon entering, we were met with the unmistakable smell of an open fire—a comforting scent that instantly made us feel at home.

Camembert starter

Cauliflour Bang Bang

Pan-fried Seabass

Gluten-free Chilli-con-Carne

The pub was quiet, with just a handful of diners enjoying the calm before the festive season rush. We were shown to a table next to the crackling fire, a prime spot on such a chilly evening. It was the perfect setting: cosy, welcoming, and full of rustic charm. The Yew Tree has always maintained its traditional pub feel while offering modern twists to its food and drink menus, and this visit was no exception.

To start, we ordered a bowl of mixed marinated olives (£4) to nibble on while we browsed the extensive menu.

As always, deciding was a challenge.

The starters alone were enticing, with options like Leek & Potato Soup (£8), Prawn & Avocado Salad (£8), and Devilled Whitebait (£7.50). Ultimately, we went for the Crispy Bang Bang Cauliflower (£7.50) and the Baked Camembert (£9).

The cauliflower was a standout. Lightly battered and cooked to perfection, it retained its crunch, and the spicy sauce heightened it to a dish full of flavour.

It’s something I’ve tried (and failed) to replicate at home, making it all the more

enjoyable. The camembert was another hit. Served with garlic and rosemary, the addition of a fig and honey chutney added a delightful sweetness. While the crostini served alongside were crisp and tasty, we found ourselves wishing for a few extra slices to mop up the generous portion of cheese.

For mains, we opted for the Homemade Chilli Con Carne (£14) and the Pan-Fried Seabass (£18.50). The chilli, served with basmati rice, sour cream, and spring onions, was hearty and warming. The gluten-free twist gave it a slightly different texture from traditional beef chilli, but the flavours were rich and satisfying. The seabass was beautifully cooked, with its flaky texture complemented by plump king prawns and a garlic chilli butter that added a wonderful kick. The steamed potatoes and broccoli provided a perfectly balanced accompaniment.

The menu offers something for everyone, with other mains including Breaded Scampi (£14.50), Hunter’s Chicken (£14.50), and Pork Tenderloin (£17.50). For steak lovers, there’s an 8oz Sirloin Steak (£23). If you’re in the mood for burgers, the pub’s separate gourmet burger menu is worth exploring. With clever names like “Yew Know Yew Want To” and “Hallou-Me, Hallou-You,” they’re as creative as they are delicious.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available too, ensuring no one is left out.

Families are well catered for, with a dedicated children’s menu that’s both affordable and varied. For £6.95, kids can enjoy options like a Chicken Burger with Chips, Tomato Pasta, or Fish Fingers, Chips & Peas—all rounded off with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.

Speaking of desserts, the selection was as tempting as the rest of the menu.

We opted for the Sticky Toffee Pudding (£7), served with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The rich toffee sauce was the perfect indulgence on a cold evening. Other choices included a warming Apple, Plum & Cinnamon Crumble (£7) and a decadent Salted Caramel & Chocolate Brownie (£7).

By the end of the meal, we were full, warm, and utterly content. There’s something special about dining in a countryside pub, especially on a dark winter’s night. The Yew Tree manages to capture the magic of both seasons—its lively summer garden and its cosy winter fireside offer two completely different, yet equally enjoyable, experiences.

It’s a pub that combines great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and charm.

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18 YOUR MP

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

NE WS FROM YOUR C ONSERVATIV E MP

DR KIERAN MULLAN Reflections on the first six months I should like to start by wishing readers of the Bexhill News a very Happy New Year!

As I write this column, December is drawing to a close and it gives me a chance to reflect on my first six months as the Member of Parliament for Bexhill and Battle. It has been a Keiran with the Foodbank team Little Common Litterpick whirlwind of a time getting out and about in the constituency as well as news. There is still more work to be was overwhelming with over 3000 working hard in Parliament. done though, as there are remain signatories in just a couple of weeks.

When I stood for election, I set some issues relating to the site which Whatever the future for the building, out a number of issues that I would I want to get resolved for the residents my priority is to ensure Bexhill does prioritise if I was lucky enough to living adjacent to it. not lose a single service which the be elected as MP. One of these was We also received news that Bexhill main Post Office currently provides. to oppose the Northeye asylum Post Office might close as part of the Every time I drive down to the accommodation site. Soon after the Post Office Ltd transformation plan. constituency after a week in new Parliament began, I raised the Whilst the plan looks positive for our Parliament, I feel privileged and issue in Parliament and wrote to fantastic Post Office franchise owners, lucky to be driving through some Home Office Ministers. hidden in the detail was a proposal of the most beautiful countryside With other local campaigners and to close 115 directly-managed Post in England and passing by places residents, we kept up the pressure Offices, including Bexhill. like Battle Abbey which are so rich for a decision on the site. When the I was immediately concerned and in history. As I reach my office in Home Office announced last month raised a petition to see how impactful Bexhill, I still get excited to see the sea that the site would not proceed and this would be for local residents on the horizon. would be sold off, it was very welcome and businesses. The response Alongside the natural beauty of

the constituency, its biggest asset is definitely the people who also call it home. Everyone I meet is friendly and welcoming, and I’ve met quite a few! I’ve been out and about to businesses, schools, colleges, GP surgeries, charities, and voluntary organisations. I’ve met town councillors, district councillors and county councillors.

What strikes me most about all the people I have met in Bexhill, is how passionate they are about the town and its residents. So many people work incredibly hard in Bexhill to support their communities and are happy to collaborate with each other to achieve this.

I have particularly enjoyed going out and about meeting groups and organisations in Bexhill which are either entirely run by volunteers or would not exist without the support of volunteers. They work hard on projects which improve the town and the environment, or with groups

that offer friendship, advice, support or raise income for charities which benefit all generations.

Our communities could not exist without the support of volunteers, they have been, and will continue to be, vital to a healthy society. I’d therefore like to start the new year by thanking everyone who volunteers for what they do.

Statistics show that the age group most likely to volunteer is the 65-75-year-olds, which is no surprise as this is the age group which may have most recently retired but still want to be active and have a lifetime of skills and experience to offer.

However, there are opportunities for people to volunteer whatever their age. Volunteering not only helps others, but it also helps to make new friendships, build a CV and learn new skills.

I hope that 2025 may be the year when more people will think about volunteering in their communities and find out how enjoyable it can be.

I look forward to meeting many more volunteers in Bexhill this year!

ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

BY DOUG OLIVER, COUNCILLOR AND COUNCIL LEADER

New Year, New Hope, New Challenges I’D like to start by wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

We start 2025 with long-awaited answers on the Northeye site issue.

After almost two years of uncertainty and concern, I was delighted to finally have confirmation that the plan to use the former prison to house asylum seekers has been scrapped.

The new Government wrote to Bexhill and Battle MP Kieran Mullan to say the plans will not be progressed.

Whilst we all appreciate the need for accommodation for those seeking asylum, residents were worried about the impact such plans would have on the community and local services – a concern we shared.

One of the biggest issues seemed to be the lack of communication from the Government leaving us and residents searching for answers, and I hope the latest news gives the public some comfort.

Whilst the council will not be involved in onward sale of the site, we look forward to a discussion with the Home Office about the site’s future and any decision that will impact the lives of residents.

There is plenty more to look forward to in 2025. With a great deal of external funding confirmed last year, projects and schemes will progress at pace bringing significant benefits to the town.

Bexhill Town Board will continue to draw up investment plans to secure the £20 million of Long-term Plan for Towns funding announced by Government last year.

The funding is designed to boost economic growth, improve infrastructure, enhance social wellbeing and reduce inequalities over the next decade.

The Board will continue to speak to local people, businesses and community organisations to develop its plans and ensure that the money has the greatest possible benefit for the people of Bexhill.

The Board, made up of representatives from businesses and community groups, the local MP, Police and Crime Commissioner, and county, district and town councillors, expects to submit its plan to Government over the summer.

Work will continue on a new

community hub in Sidley which will provide new sports changing facilities, a café, function rooms, parking and landscape and encourage greater use by the community.

The development is being made possible with a £19.3 million Levelling Up Fund grant from Government designed to help deliver culturalled regeneration and help improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the district.

Having been granted planning permission, applicant The Heart of Sidley got started with construction and work is on track.

Once finished, the building will be an empty shell, and the community-led partnership launched a fundraising campaign to furnish the new facility.

You can find our more about their effort by visiting https://heartofsidley. co.uk/what-we-do/future-plans/ sidley-community-hub/ The Levelling Up Fund will also support a project at De La Warr Pavilion to improve accessibility for audiences, develop new auditorium technical and other learning facilities,

redevelopment spaces for outdoor community events, and install new environmental systems to help meet net carbon-neutral ambitions.

Work will also continue this year on our new plans to retain public toilets whilst boosting business and saving money.

Like local authorities across the country, Rother District Council is having to work incredibly hard to balance its budget this year whilst protecting the services that our residents rely upon.

With significant savings to make, thanks to soaring costs and reductions in Government funding, we simply do not have the money to continue to maintain public toilets across the district.

Thanks to the efforts of our officers, we have already been able to transfer a number of public conveniences to parish and town councils and are now looking to lease 14 facilities across the district, including those on Bexhill Cooden Sea Road, Bexhill East Parade, Bexhill West Parade, Little Common Recreation Ground, Little Common Roundabout and Sidley.

We are hoping that people will come forward with plans to convert the buildings into business premises incorporating the public toilet facilities.

It’s a bold and creative plan, but we are keen to retain these facilities and simply do not have the money to do so ourselves. As well as protecting services for the local community, the conversion of the buildings will unlock business opportunities and create jobs.

Whilst we have plenty of exciting opportunities to look forward to this year, we also face significant challenges.

The new year sees work to deliver a balanced budget ramp-up. Whilst we have been fortunate to receive significant funding from Government over the past year, this money is ring-fenced for specific purposes and cannot be used for day-to-day services.

As it stands, we face a funding gap of £1.2 million in the 2025/26 budget and we are working hard to find ways to make savings whilst keeping the impact on frontline services to an absolute minimum.

No-one enters local government to make cuts, and you can be assured that officers and councillors will make decisions with the best interests of residents at heart.

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

REGULARS 19

BEXHILL MUSEUM with Gordon Smith

DUSTERS AT THE READY – GO! NEW YEAR, NEW START, SAME OLD PROBLEMS

Steve Chatfield gets handy with the hoover on the World War 2 model railway

HAVING closed to the public after New Year’s Day, Bexhill Museum has entered its three-week annual closure.

It’s the time to give the place and the items on show a bit of a tidy-up. It’s also the time to swap some of the displays.

So, behind closed doors, the volunteers are still working hard.

The museum has a wealth of items in its stores — after all, it has been going since 1914, so there has been plenty of scope to gather interesting items.

There are about 42,000 objects in storage so there is just not the space to display everything.

What it does mean is we can “ring the changes”. Throughout the year we retire some items and bring others from

Mary Bywater, Collections Care Co-ordinator, gives a mannequin a checkover

the stores for a place in the spotlight.

The January closure gives us a longer period in which to do it so this is when the biggest changes are made.

The major change this year will be in the Costume and Social History Gallery.

The sustainable fashion display on the “catwalk” will be put away and another theme will take its place. You will have to wait until we open to discover what it is — but we expect it to be popular, and revealing!

The museum will open for the 2025 season on Tuesday 21 January. Opening hours remain the same, 11am-4pm, and admission prices will be unchanged.

It will remain closed on Mondays apart from Bank Holidays.

To start 2025, our ‘Our Cartoon of The Week’, is from the Bexhill Chronicle of 7 January 1911.

This reflects on the fine tradition of making a fresh start at New Year and trying to break bad habits.

The caption reads: NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS 1) Certain gentlemen resolve not to throw mud at Bexhill.

2) The organ-grinder resolves to leave Bexhill.

3) The Scorching Cyclist resolves not to frighten the old ladies.

4) The long-standing credit man resolves to pay.

Some of the references are a bit obscure. The ‘certain gentleman’ may be a reference to Jimmy Glover, local politician and character, given his famously large stature. Or was there actually a troublesome Italian organ grinder in town?

However, the “Scorching Cyclist” and the man, late to pay his bills, are still with us.

Of equal interest is the cartoonist, Pat Kinsella (1875-1936), who was a performer, designer, artist and cinema manager.

Pat, who with musician Harry Collard,

performed in and managed most of the town’s early concert parties, such as the Red Rovers, Poppies and Coronets.

They also created Bexhill’s first cinema in 1910, the Bijou in Town Hall Square.

Pat’s artistic and promotional skills culminated in his famous, but now lost, ‘Mermaid Poster’ of 1910, which was very successful in advertising our seaside resort nationally.

ABOUT BEXHILL MUSEUM Bexhill Museum, in Egerton Road, is run almost entirely by volunteers. Opening hours are Tuesdays to Sundays (from 21st January), 11am to 4pm. It is closed on Mondays except for Bank Holidays.

Admission prices are: adults £4, over 60s £3, children aged 5-16 £2, underfives are free. www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk

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20 ADVERTORIAL

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

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 Is 2025 Make or Break for Bexhill?

THIS is usually the time of year for casting off the past and looking forward to a happier, more prosperous future.

Unfortunately, for many Bexhill Chamber members and businesses, the next six months could be very hard indeed. There is a fear that more local businesses are on the edge of collapse now than at any time since the height of Covid.

It is not a political view, just a statement of fact, that the recent budget from the Government is breaking the back of many local businesses. The increase in employer National Insurance contributions, increase in the minimum wage and the equitability of ages receiving the minimum wage combined with postBrexit difficulties in recruiting, are pushing businesses against the wall.

Business costs are now spiralling to such a point that many longestablished local owners are

considering cutting their losses and getting out.

In Bexhill, economic activity has stagnated around an aging residential population rather than growing through new investment and stimulating a vibrant visitor economy. While over £20m of Government money going to the De La Warr is welcome, how much of that economic value will actually be kept in the town?

Every weekend, the Pavilion

Auditorium generates thousands of footfalls, yet virtually none of that visitor value remains in Bexhill, it just dissipates back to Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells.

As a consequence, we fear that several significant hospitality and retail businesses in Bexhill will be closing next year, leaving more empty premises ghosting the town alongside the derelict banks and hollowed out retail spaces. Where is the strategy that will stop the tumbleweed

blowing down Devie Road?

Bexhill Chamber is trying to fight back. We have long campaigned for an effective town centre strategy and we hope that the £20m secured for the Town Board will now be utilised to deliver tangible change to the way the town is managed rather than being spent, as many Chamber members fear, on expensive consultants, pet projects and filling financial black holes.

We ourselves are allocating £20k

of our own dedicated “levelling up” funding to making the case for a Business Improvement District (BID) that will give businesses autonomy over spending about £100k per year for the benefit of the town.

We are also very pleased to see that there is some fresh activity in the local hospitality sector with the opening of The Strand bar on Devonshire Road, refurbishment of the Ruddy Duck and Sovereign pubs and new restaurants like Food For Friends on Sackville Road.

Bexhill Chamber is also working with our MP to set up a hotel task force to try to resolve the long-standing problems around under-investment in our visitor accommodation sector.

2025 is definitely going to be a tough year but if we all work together Bexhill Chamber hope we can pull through. Let’s get a positive vision for our town that shows we can overcome our challenges and win on behalf of our community to bring everyone a really prosperous New Year.

clothes, goggles, sunglasses, hats, helmets, bells, lights, pannier bags, racks, puncture repair & tool kits etc.

The bicycle is all you need to free yourself away from stress. You and your personal transport deserve to be a part of your identity.

Years ago, there were many cycle shops in each town, their decline is a story for another occasion, now one either uses the local mega-store Halfords, similar alternatives are available or an online website delivered conveniently to your front door.

If you are considering a conversion kit to an E-Bike it must be done through a reputable manufacturer using the correct charger, those bought cheaply online have been proven to be the main cause of e-bike fires.

Finding the right track or route may be new to you, should you use a paper map or one of the many smart satellite navigation devices?

Digital mapping is now at a different level, Strava, Garmin, Google and many other brands offer digital live bike maps to your phone or other device with added extras. One is the possibility to share your routes, distance, speeds, times, height climbed all recorded and seen with your cycling friends, family or anyone you wish.

The possibility of your loved ones knowing where you are at any given time is very handy and for some a necessity.

Many routes cyclists choose are along

paths less trodden, hidden from car drivers. Making these unknown tracks traceable by recording creates a cycling community with a shared interest in exploring where finding the shortest or a different route is part of the fun.

The start of 2025 ends a quarter of this 21st century after cautions of a 1999 millennium bug or Y2K could shut down all computers.

Risking collapse of world infrastructure highlighting our reliance on technology, fortunately clever people stepped up and the impending catastrophe was avoided.

It is always best to be prepared with a plan B. Joining one of the many cycle clubs or national groups is recommended with Cycling UK being a leader in providing £10 million third-party liability insurance. This will cover you if you damage another person or their property, for example if you were to accidentally cause injury to a fellow rider or hit a car.

Your chance to bling the bike at Bexhill After Dark will be on Saturday 25th January. Details will be announced shortly about the parade around Bexhill.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on your bicycle, buggy, stroller or mobility scooter all lit up.

This month, I’ve included a photo of a photo from our July Coastal Culture Trail ride from Eastbourne to Hastings, which is fully kitted out with colourful additions and everything required for exploring our Sussex Coastline.

Happy Wheeling.

ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

2025: EXPLORE, CONNECT, AND CELEBRATE ON TWO WHEELS

Coastal Culture Trail ride from Eastbourne to Hastings last July.

Happy and Healthy 2025 to all readers of On Yer Bike.

Trust everyone was well-behaved and good last year? If so, perhaps Santa delivered a brand-new bicycle or useful accessories?

What better start to the New Year than enjoying the freedom cycling gives you and exercising on your bike. If you’re new

to cycling, or a regular rider, the chance to work off the excess of mince pies, turkey and Christmas puddings is out there.

It’s also time to look at what you can add or ask for to personalise your bike.

This year we will be able to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s day and other special occasions where the pleasure of giving allows an opportunity

to perhaps ask for accessories.

For first-time riders, consider yourself very lucky this is the start of a wonderful exciting journey of where to go and what to wear.

Endless trips of quiet solitude to clear the mind or with a group for exercise and social interaction, the fun has just begun.

Extras to consider could be: colourful

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

REGULARS 21

LIVING WITH CANCER with Nadine Searle

HOW MY LIFE CHANGED: A JOURNEY WITH CANCER AND FINDING CALM

Nadine Searle

Two years ago, in December 2022, my life changed forever. 8 December, I went for what I thought was just a routine mammogram—something I’d done before. I wasn’t worried at all; it wasn’t my first, and I didn’t expect it to be my last. But that appointment marked the start of a journey I never anticipated.

For those unfamiliar with my story, my name is Nadine Searle. I’ve always been passionate about helping others find calm and balance in their lives, even in the face of challenges. But when I was diagnosed with cancer, everything I knew about staying calm was put to the ultimate test.

Now, two years later, I’m sharing my story to offer hope, support, and practical tools to others who may find themselves on a similar path.

As I entered 2024, I reflected on how much had changed since last January.

January 2023 — Facing Fear and Uncertainty: My cancer diagnosis in late 2022 changed my life in ways I never imagined, but I was still not really sure what this would mean for me.

Back then, my emotions were a whirlwind. On one hand, I carried on as if nothing had changed—running my business, facilitating workshops on goal-setting, and encouraging others to adopt a positive mindset. Yet inside, I was riddled with fear and uncertainty, filled with “what ifs” and a sense of powerlessness over my future.

The irony wasn’t lost on me — I was helping others tap into the power of

their minds to create their desired futures, while I couldn’t escape the terror that my own days might be numbered. Let’s be honest—anyone who hears the word “cancer” immediately wonders, “Am I going to die?”

That fear consumed me, accompanied by sadness, shame, and a desperate need to shield those I loved. I told no one except my partner, who accompanied me to appointments, and one close friend who intuitively knew something was wrong. The thought of burdening others with my uncertainty felt unbearable.

Wrestling with Unexpected Emotions: A surprising emotion I wrestled with was shame—a strange reaction, but one I’ve since discovered is not uncommon among cancer patients. Through meditation and gentle self-inquiry, I traced this feeling back to old childhood patterns and worked to release it.

Despite the darkness, small moments of joy with friends and family became treasures. A cinema outing with my niece and a weekend with my nephew felt more precious than they could have imagined, as I feared they might be my last.

On January 18, I returned to the Brighton Centre with my friend. It was a freezing day, and as we arrived, I envied her carefree excitement about showing off her new Christmas coat. All I could think about was whether I’d see another Christmas.

Finding Calm Amid Chaos: During that appointment, the consultant explained the specific type of cancer I had—words that felt foreign and heavy.

The tests continued, including full-body scans, and the fear of cancer spreading loomed large. This period of waiting and uncertainty was the darkest and most terrifying of all.

Thankfully, I had my trusted Calmer Self Method to help me find peace amidst the chaos. Through relaxation techniques, I managed to sleep and even face tests with a sense of calm that surprised the medical staff. I am endlessly grateful for these tools, which gave me moments of control and strength during such a vulnerable time.

Sharing My Story: Looking back, I wish I hadn’t kept my diagnosis a secret for so long. Carrying it alone was a heavy burden, but I now understand why I did—and why others might feel the same.

Sharing my story, both privately and later through social media, lifted some of the weight and allowed me to process my emotions. The outpouring of love and support I received was incredible and reminded me of the power of connection.

Words of Advice: To anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, my advice is this: don’t carry it alone. Trust your intuition about when and who to share your journey with, but know that opening up can be a profound relief. You are stronger than you think, and so are the people you’re trying to protect.

Even in the depths of despair, there can be moments of joy and empowerment. Finding ways to reclaim even a small sense of control can be transformative—and this is what I aim to share with others.

If you’d like to learn more about how I can support you, please visit my website or YouTube channel, where I share more about my journey and the Calmer Self tools that have helped me. And if you need a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or simply need a listening ear.

Here are details to my YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@ CalmerSelfCoach Website: www.calmerself.co.uk/yourcancer-coach Text: 07856 169186 Email: nadine@calmerself.co.uk

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ACROSS 7 Hardly extreme (7) 8 Aviator (5) 9 Norway, to its inhabitants (5) 10 Put in the ground (7) 11 Rounded projections along an edge (8) 14 Grind down (4) 16 Reverse command (4) 17 Wise Tsar redirects one who takes orders (8)

20 Warm air current (7) 22 Enhance (5) 24 Former Portuguese territory in South China (5) 25 Cart driver (7) DOWN 1 Film-festival locale (6) 2 Half a shout of approval? (4) 3 Graceful antelope (7) 4 1965 Beatles film (4) 5 Little (4-4)

6 It has a bit (6) 8 Young horse (4) 12 Formal interview (8) 13 Placed under a fairy tale mattress (3) 15 Drunken Gran set about alien (7) 16 Period during which a machine is running (6) 18 One on watch (6) 19 Rounds (4) 21 Salacious (4) 23 Has (4)

22 ADVERTORIAL

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE awarded the Freedom of the Town by the Town Council to recognise this fantastic work.

If you’re involved with a local group, Alexis will be happy to come and speak at one of your events about the project and give a demonstration.

Alex also loves digitising old maps and books on Bexhill’s history, so please get in touch if you have items you wish to share.

Email: info@bexhill-osm.org.uk

APPLY FOR A GRANT FROM BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL THIS JANUARY!

Photo credit: Margaret Hayles

BEXHILL’S CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHT SWITCH-ON DAZZLES CROWDS

THE festive season began with a bang in Bexhill as the Town Council celebrated its first annual Christmas Tree light switch-on in spectacular style. Hundreds of residents and visitors gathered in the town centre to witness the magical moment that transformed Bexhill into a glittering winter wonderland.

The Community Christmas market was a new initiative, buzzing with activity as local artisans and businesses showcased their unique crafts, gifts, and festive treats. Stalls offering handmade ornaments, specialty foods, and mulled wine from the Bexhill Lions added an extra layer of charm to the event.

It was heartwarming to see local organisations engaging with visitors, spreading cheer, and embracing the community spirit.

The entertainment lineup was a testament to the town’s talent and creativity. Highlights included an uplifting performance by the K-Krew on their kazoos, a captivating poetry reading by Bexhill Quills, and an enchanting show by Culbaba Theatre.

Bexhill Choral Society filled the air with carols, while the Royal British Legion Band added a traditional touch. Bexhill Musical Theatre Group delighted with a spirited performance, and local favourite Kevin Terrell had the crowd singing along with his festive repertoire.

Children were thrilled to meet Father Christmas, who arrived with his Rotary Club sleigh, and the chance to pet real donkeys added to the magic.

The evening ended with the stunning tree lighting, a glowing symbol of the community’s holiday spirit.

We would like to thank Bexhill Lions for all their assistance, and we look forward to a bigger and better celebration next year.

If you would like to join us next year either with a market stall or a performer please contact us at info@ bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

ACCESSIBILITY MAP UPDATE

Did you know that our Accessibility Map was designed by Bexhill-OSM is part of a community of mappers that want to create a free, editable map of the world. You can learn about the global project at the official openstreetmap.org website.

Alexis Markwick receiving his Freedom of the Town award

Since 2016, this independent website has been continuously archiving Bexhill-on-Sea as it stands today; heralding history, community and business in an informative, accessible form.

Although Bexhill-OSM is not a business directory as such, nor a place for direct advertising, we welcome listings on all publicly visitable places.

Web-development and the underlying map data is maintained

by Alexis Markwick. Alexis was

Community groups in Bexhill-on-Sea are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £10,000 from the Town Council this January. This is a fantastic opportunity to secure funding to make a meaningful difference in your community. Applications are open until 10th January, and successful proposals will align with the Council’s commitment to supporting local initiatives that positively impact residents and uphold values of equality, social inclusion, and community spirit.

CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS — When reviewing applications, the Town Council will evaluate them based on several key factors: Effective Use of Funds: Demonstrate a clear plan for how the grant will be used to achieve your group’s goals.

Community Impact: Show how the funding will address the specific needs of Bexhill-on-Sea residents.

Realistic Costs: Ensure your proposal includes a well-thought-out and appropriate budget.

Local Contributions: Highlight any local fundraising efforts or community support for your project.

Funding Sources: Explain why this grant is essential and why alternative funding sources may not be sufficient.

Strong Management: Showcase your group’s capacity to manage the grant effectively, ensuring accountability and success.

Resident Benefits: Articulate how the project will positively affect the lives of local residents.

Commitment to Inclusion: Incorporate values of equality and social inclusion into your project’s design and implementation.

WHY APPLY? — This grant

program is a chance to bring your community-focused projects to life, whether it’s improving local facilities, launching support initiatives, or fostering cultural and social inclusion. By applying, you contribute to the vibrant, thriving spirit of Bexhill-on-Sea while addressing important local needs.

HOW TO APPLY — Applications must be submitted in January. Ensure your submission aligns with the criteria to increase your chances of success. For more information and application forms, visit the Bexhill-onSea Town Council website.

The council will consider grants up to the value of £1000 every month, and up to £10,000 in January, May and September.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a real difference. Apply today and help shape the future of our community!

The Town Council grants £5,000 each year to Bexhill-in-Bloom to keep the town blooming!

FUTURE MEETING DATES

• Amenities Committee 8th January 2025 • Planning and Development Committee 15th and 29th January 2025 • Finance and Audit Committee 15th January 2025 • Full Council 29th January 2025 We are currently holding our council meetings at the Bexhill Senior Citizens Club on Eversley Road. Meetings are subject to change, so please check our website for more information.

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council 35 Western Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DU Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-2:30pm Contact: town.clerk@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk www.bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

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REGULARS 23

LAURIE’S POEM CORNER So, into January we go then with all those short, dark and dreary days, but trying to be more positive. Christmas and all that has gone, so philosophically, we are going downhill to spring.

I was going to say we can “look forward” to spring, but that would have stolen my fire in giving the title away of my poem for this month as it’s called “Look Out”.

Of course, I don’t like anything to be too straightforward, so on that note Look Out does not obviously give away what the poem is about! Interesting then, so read on...

A look out can be as a sentry guarding the camp or barracks, or, can mean watch where you are going, or it could be for someone or something that has gone missing, so take your pick.

My Look Out though is in the form of an attractive person maybe luring or seducing you into their life.

That could be good you think, and so it should, but love rarely is that simple, so best read my poem for alternate thought, or dare I suggest, guidance?

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LOOK OUT You can’t look up as she walks by For you know what you will see, A probable vision of loveliness That will attract both you and me.

But do not have guilty doubts As most will feel just the same, Though many try to subdue this It is all part of life’s game.

Now I do know there are doubters As I can hear them very loud, Deriding life’s pleasures and fun Particularly in an agreeing crowd.

But I have a very confident feeling That if I was to place a large bet, Most people would want romance As without they will feel regret.

Thus recognise and enjoy attraction Because it surely goes both ways, And whilst can cause complications It usually brightens up our days, As men and women aren’t meant to be Lonely, separated, distant or apart.

Because one of the main joys in life Is to have a happy, singing heart.

So get out in the world and smile For it will make your face light up, And probably be returned by others Who may award a romantic cup, Because they may be smiling also In attempt to raise their attraction.

And if you can get together on this It could give mutual satisfaction.

To purchase Laurie’s books, visit www.lauriewilkinson.com

TRAVEL with David Powell

TYDDYN LLAN – ON THE EDGE OF SNOWDONIA North Wales is an excellent destination for a holiday or a short, relaxing break. Stunning scenery and plenty of things to see and do.

I recently stayed at Tyddyn Llan, which is in the small village of Llandrillo. Not far from the main A5 route into North Wales but far enough to experience a real rural location and an excellent restaurant with rooms! Tyddyn Llan is one of Wales’s most renowned restaurants set on the edge of Snowdonia National Park in the beautiful Vale of Edeyrnion.

access advice on the website and if you have any questions in this respect then you can always give reception a call for friendly advice.

telephone, Egyptian cotton sheets, fluffy dressing gowns, slippers and bath/ shower toiletries. Dogs can be taken by prior arrangement.

GREAT FOOD, WARM HOSPITALITY, AND A RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS A NEW OWNER

This really is a great way to experience excellent food in elegant surroundings.

There are 12 bedrooms and a ground-floor garden suite. I had room 2, a large en-suite first-floor room with a view over the main entrance. There are 3 acres of beautiful, landscaped gardens which you can walk around and super views of the Berwyn Mountains in the distance. There’s an ornamental pond in the grounds, a croquet lawn and a delightful terrace with tables and chairs adjoining the restaurant.

INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED GUEST ROOMS All guest rooms have been individually designed with all the extras needed for a memorable stay. Rooms have TV, DVD and CD players, radio, wi-fi,

Renowned chef Gareth Stevenson has been running the hotel and restaurant on behalf of the new owner since July.

Gareth brings to the restaurant his desire to support local producers and source quality ingredients, and growing food in the kitchen garden. At Palé Hall, a North Wales restaurant where he was Head Chef for seven years, his initiatives led to a Michelin Green Star, and three AA rosettes. This ethos now dictates the new cooking style at Tyddyn Llan, and sustainability is the focus in creating an exceptional and truly Welsh dining experience.

Chef Joshua Morris is second-incommand, and Robin Evans completes the senior kitchen team as specialist pastry chef. Finally, Maria Ganova,

Gareth’s partner, joins restaurant manager Torin, as front-of-house manager. These four are well used to working together and they bring expertise and experience from working at some of the UK’s very finest starred establishments. It’s a new vibrant crew for Tyddyn Llan together with a completely refurbished restaurant which looks fantastic!

DISABLED ACCESS Disabled access is well catered for and help with luggage is always on hand.

Whilst the upper floors may be unsuitable for guests with limited mobility (there’s no lift) one ground floor room has been recognised by Visit Wales as suitable for disabled guests. There’s disabled

sweetbread and shin, brown butter poached cod plus a choice of Welsh lamb or Welsh black beef fillet, and a selection of delicious desserts.

AMENITIES

THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA

Tyddyn Llan has three delightful and relaxing sitting rooms. I found it rather special sitting on a comfortable sofa, drink in hand, choosing from the dinner menu and wine list whilst being offered a selection of Canapés as a pre-dinner treat and then being shown to your dining table. The stunning dining room which is airy, elegant and a pleasure to eat in, is just across the hallway via the well-stocked bar.

Each night Gareth offers a six or ten course dinner taster menu starting with canapés with coffee and petits fours included in the dinner pricing. Breakfast is a five-course tasting menu. A good variety of wines are served by the glass and carafe, and there’s also a selection of half bottles. Food and wine matching is always fun and with the tasting menu Tyddyn Llan offer wines for each course, for a supplement.

You can see the wonderful dinner menus detailed on Tyddyn Llan’s website but here’s a little taster … Canapés, oat groat sourdough, citrus cured trout, hand dived Scottish scallops, charred sweetcorn soup, raviolo of rose veal

Tyddyn Llan is ideally placed to explore the local area. Close at hand there’s some excellent walks where you can experience the peace and quiet of the unspoilt landscape.

Llangollen is a popular tourist town, about 18 miles away, with its steam railway, Horseshoe Pass and the famous Pontcysylite aqueduct. Built by Thomas Telford 200 years ago, you can cross it by narrow boat or take a horse-drawn boat ride along the canal.

Bala Lake is also fairly close by and the narrow-gauge Bala Lake Steam Railway runs for several miles alongside the lake. You may also consider visiting the Berwyn Mountains, which is about a 20mile drive away, where you can find the highest waterfall in Wales.

CONCLUSION If you are looking for a relaxing, luxury breakaway that’s different, then Tyddyn Llan ticks the right boxes. Beautiful surroundings, a home-from-home feeling and sensational meals!

Tyddyn Llan: 01490 440 264 www.tyddynllan.co.uk

24 NEWS

JANUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

Campaign to Drivers to receive sat nav alerts to warn of emergency vehicles support mental wellbeing launched THE ‘How Are You Really Feeling?’ campaign, has been running over the festive and New Year period to raise awareness of the range of services and resources available in Sussex to support people with their mental wellbeing.

It also aims to make mental health a positive part of everyday conversation by encouraging everyone to regularly check-in with themselves and those around them.

An estimated 220,000 people in Sussex (around 13% of the population) are believed to have a common mental health disorder.

However, the true number is likely to be significantly higher, as this estimate only accounts for those who have been recorded as accessing services, according to statistics.

Coproduced by a diverse range of organisations including the NHS, local authorities, primary care providers, charities, voluntary groups, and people with lived experience, the ‘How Are You Really Feeling?’ campaign is the first-time organisations and champions of

mental health across Sussex have come together in this way to promote mental wellbeing.

The campaign also highlights the recently developed mental health signposting resources for adults over the age of 18, cocreated by individuals with lived experience, service providers, and partner organisations across Sussex.

It includes information on vital crisis support as well as resources for people to take proactive steps in managing their mental health.

Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Christmas and the New Year can be a difficult time for many, challenging us mentally and emotionally. It’s not always easy to see, as people often hide their struggles, or say they’re fine when they’re not. Checking in with someone - or reaching out yourself to others who might need your support — can make all the difference.

People across Sussex are encouraged to visit how-are-youreally-feeling-sussex.nhs.uk.

AMBULANCES across Sussex will be sending alerts via Sat Nav Apps to drivers to make them aware of their presence with an aim of improving response times.

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has become the first ambulance service in Europe to fit digital alerting to its emergency vehicles.

SECAmb is testing the system, Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert, which enables real-time alerting between emergency and other vehicles, with the aim of improving road safety.

Alerts are delivered to drivers today through leading navigation apps including Waze and Apple Maps. Soon, alerts will also become available through new compatible vehicles as they come to the market. Drivers can receive the alerts, potentially in advance of seeing or hearing a vehicle’s blue lights and sirens.

SECAmb will turn on the alerts on its vehicles next week (Monday, 9 December), allowing the notifications to begin being received when its vehicles are responding on blue lights.

As well as improving road safety,

the system is also expected to reduce the cost and time associated with repairing damaged vehicles. It is also hoped the alerts will enable ambulances to progress more smoothly through traffic, potentially reducing operational response times and the Trust’s carbon footprint.

The system is being implemented through SECAmb’s existing relationship with ACETECH which provides the Trust with a cloud-based fleet telematics solution.

SECAmb Fleet Services Manager, Rob Martin said: “We are pleased to be trialling this technology in

our response vehicles. The alerts, in addition to traditional lights and sirens, will mean motorists able to use the system will be aware of our presence sooner. This extra time not only creates a safer experience for motorists but also our operational crews and patients across the south east.”

For more information on the system visit Safety Cloud® | HAAS Alert<A new campaign has launched in Sussex to encourage people to look after their mental wellbeing over the winter months and seek support when needed.

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26 SPORT

JANUARY 2025

Derby success gives Common huge boost

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

Running man Matthews wraps up a successful year

BY JACKIE KNIGHT

BY MIKE LEGG LITTLE COMMON ripped up the form book as they beat Bexhill United 2-0 in the Boxing Day derby and breathed new life into their bid to avoid relegation.

Player-boss Russell Eldridge scored from the penalty spot in the sixth minute of stoppage time to wrap up what could prove a crucial victory for the SCFL premier division bottom side.

Eldridge slid on his knees after converting following Jordan Ray’s foul on Sam Ellis as Common inflicted a first league home defeat on United this season at The Polegrove.

The visitors had put themselves on their way to only a second win of the season in the 82nd minute when Ellis’ header came back off an upright before finally being forced home via a United player by Reuben Martin.

Ryan Light’s Pirates had started the day in sixth but never really got going as an attacking force, although Eldridge did have to clear off the line twice from corners as Common protected their 1-0 lead in the closing minutes.

Common’s Liam Ward saw his 22yard strike hit the bar and rebound down and out in the first half, while Ellis clipped the woodwork on 77 minutes with a curling right foot strike, too.

Common still have a huge task ahead of them to climb out of the bottom two. They suffered a 2-1

Jack Matthews, BRT Road Runner Award

Common celebrate after late penalty

defeat to high-flying Crowborough 48 hours later but they have a crunch clash at fellow strugglers Saltdean tomorrow (Jan 4).

Speaking after the derby win, Eldridge told the Bexhill News: “We’re delighted because we got the three points. People will say we’re delighted because it’s the derby but now it doesn’t matter who the games are against, it’s just about the points.

“I am really pleased for the boys because it’s tough times but we are working hard.

“Every game away from home a point is what we want as a minimum but we’ve got the three and it’s delightful and, obviously, it makes our Christmas a little bit better.

“We have got to use this as a springboard. It’s about us and we have to keep focused.”

Pirates boss Light admitted his side did not reach their usual heights.

He said: “It wasn’t a great spectacle, but I thought we were really flat and deserved what we got. They are fighting for their lives and ran around more than us. It’s our first home defeat of the season and we went down with a whimper.”

United suffered back-to-back defeats as they lost 1-0 to lowly Lingfield 48 hours later (Dec 28) in a game switched to the Polegrove.

Bexhill Jan fixtures: Eastbourne Utd (home, Jan 4); Crowborough Ath (home, Jan 22); Hassocks (home, Jan 25); Crawley Down (home, Jan 29).

Little Common Jan fixtures: Saltdean (away, Jan 4); Roffey (away, Jan 11); Crawley Down (home, Jan 14); Horsham YMCA (home, Jan 18); Haywards Heath (home, Jan 25).

Stylish victory for ATHA Strollers in new kit

JACK MATTHEWS scooped the BRT Road Runner award after smashing the Run Every Day for a year challenge.

The Bexhill Runners and Triathletes member has also now completed 200 Park Runs — with 150 at the Hastings event. He is now known as Mr Park Run by fellow members after winning an in-house Park Run competition, too.

Christmas cheers were raised for BRT award winners and those with honourable mentions at the club’s Christmas bash. Newcomer award winner: Anne Batchellor.

Honourable mention: Jamie Tiltman.

Road Runner winner: Jack Matthews.

Honourable mentions: Catherine Crombie, Laura Ward, Kimberley Carey and Nigel Jewell. Triathlon winner: Neil Smith. Honourable mention: Paul Zipperlen. Alex Hall winner: Zak Overfield. Trail Running winner: Ian Paine. Honourable mentions: Anya Cedilnik, Geoff Tondeur and Zak Overfield. Finally, Performance of the Year winner: Andrea Harwood.

Gary Miles, Chair of BRT, thanked all coaches and running leaders for their hard work. Andy Croft received special praise for all the work achieved in developing the juniors

over the last ten years. He will be missed for his unwavering support, guidance and inspiration to junior BRT club runners.

After many seasons, Andy now hands over to coach Mike Stokes with help from Antonio Serano, Andrea Harwood and Catherine Crombie, all who will continue the ongoing commitment for shaping young athletes.

Bexhill Santa Dash was enjoyed by many BRT runners including Barry Ingram, Claire Overfield, Lianne Hodgson and Nigel Jewell.

Malcolm Jones Barry Ingram entered the crosscountry Xmas Pudding Dash in Pett.

Joined by Lianne Foreman (57min 20sec) and Claire Overfield (57:21), Jones smashed a PB of 49:39 for 70th out of 187 runners.

The Marcothon returned and BRT runners set personal challenges and committed to run every day in December, including Christmas Day — no mean feat! Each athlete had to run every day for 25 minutes or a minimum of three miles, whichever came first. There is no playing catch-up, if a day is missed, then they are out. The Christmas magic is not the pace but the finish line at the end of 31days.

To end the year, BRT juniors and seniors enjoyed some great festive cross-country running at Newplace Park, Farmfield hosted by Uckfield Runners. Well done everyone who managed the challenge in very wet and muddy conditions.

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

BY ROB CAREY ATHA STROLLERS christened the club’s new kit with a 3-0 victory over Burwash WFC in the Over 60s Cup. The Strollers, the over 60s squad of Old Bexhillians Walking Football Club, made light of the wet and windy conditions to seal the win at Bexhill College.

Industrious little striker “Trigger” Brown netted his 12th goal of a very good season so far for the club.

They were the first OBs squad to be wearing the new sponsored kit supplied by the Wheatsheaf Inn, Little Common.

A few years ago, there were many Sunday teams that represented local pubs and clubs. The Queens Head (now sadly demolished), The Pelham

BRT Senior and Junior Running Awards

Hotel in Sidley (building still standing but no longer a pub), The Turkey (name gone but still running as the Rose and Crown) and The Continental Club (long gone) are just a few. So, it is a throwback and perhaps a sign of the times when a pub sponsors a walking football club.

The club in turn looks to reciprocate

this fine gesture by using the Wheatsheaf as a base for some social events and are grateful to Steve of the Wheatsheaf Inn for the sponsorship and look forward to a long relationship.

Club details can be obtained from Chair Mick Davies on 07961 008743 or email: mickdavies48@gmail.com.

Great BRT Senior and Junior representation at the ESSCCL Cross Country

Join us for our next event

Bowes House care home, Hailsham

Wills and Power of Attorney Wednesday 22nd January 2025 2pm - 4pm Listen to Elena Johnson from Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors explain the importance of wills and having a Power of Attorney in place for your loved one

Trusted to care.

To attend please call 01323 315957 or email lisa.phillips@careuk.com

28 SPORT

JANUARY 2025

Sport Busy Izzy strikes gold in Box Cup

Izzy Mitchell and Terry Freeman

BY MIKE LEGG PHOTOS: BEXHILL FILM COMPANY IZZY MITCHELL targets England Boxing National Youth Championship glory this month after grabbing gold at the Women’s Winter Box Cup. The Bexhill Amateur Boxing Club prospect beat Ellise Shirley Melling of Liverpool’s well-respected The Rotunda club in the final of the Youth B Under-52kg competition.

Mitchell only had to box once at the prestigious two-day event held at Leigh Leisure Centre near Manchester.

It was the fifth successive unanimous points decision on the trot for the 17-year-old and also a

confidence booster ahead of the Youth Championships starting this month.

Delighted coach Terry Freeman told the Bexhill News: “Although we had hoped to box twice over the weekend, one of her opponents pulled out so she went straight into the final against an opponent from a club well known for producing world champions in the pro ranks.

“Izzy boxed three great rounds, using good forward pressure behind great, well-timed head movement and good body shots to win every round.

“Ellise was a quality boxer, with a good record, and definitely gave a good account of herself. She was definitely in it to win it, but Izzy just proved too good on the day and took home the gold medal.

“It was her fifth unanimous win on the trot, and it was another great experience for not only Izzy but also for our boxing club.

“It just shows we are a club that is always trying to offer opportunities for young people. Others in the club have gained experience too having boxed in Sweden, Italy, and Guernsey.

“Izzy is now looking at entering the Youth Championships with the hope of one day being picked to box for England.

“As a club, we are proud of how she trains and pushes herself in a bid to achieve the top spot in our sport!”

The club also hosted a successful show in December at Pebsham Community Hub. On a packed 14-bout card, there were wins for home boxers Will Wright, Frazer Stephenson, Sonny Studley and Craig Duglin.

Bexhill also had Will Driver, Seb Mitchell, Callum Aling and Bailey Dewhurst in action.

Freeman added: “It was a great show and all eight of our boxers competed at a good level. We had the four winners, and the losses were all close.

“It’s all valuable experience for our boxers but also a great opportunity for the community of our town to come watch, support and see what we do as a club!

“We are thankful for everyone who has helped us over the years to keep us going, but as a registered charity run by volunteers, we are always looking for any more help people may be able to offer us in the future.”

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

Duval has big ambitions like good sport Littler

Luke Littler and Davie Duval

HOW’S this for a Littler and large double-act?

Bexhill six-footer Davie Duval towered over 5ft 7in teenage darts sensation Luke Littler when the pair met in Gibraltar.

Premier League and Grand Slam champion Littler, 17, made a surprise guest appearance on the Rock as he handed over the trophy to the winner of the first Luke Littler Legacy Open.

Duval, also 17, was out there to take part in Young Sports Personality of the Year winner Littler’s tournament and also the Winmau Junior Darts Open — in which he reached the last 32.

He told the Bexhill News: “It was a great experience. There were some top players there, so it shows you the standard of the youth now.

“It was great to meet Luke too — it’s incredible what he has done.”

Darts fever is sweeping this country at the moment with the PDC World Championship just coming to a climax at the Ally Pally.

And the Bexhill College student helped former world champion Rob Cross with his preparations as he practised with Voltage at Sidley Working Men’s Club in mid-December.

Sidley WMC member Cross

grabbed the headlines when he lifted the 2018 trophy in his rookie year but this time he crashed out early.

Duval also enjoyed success during December at the club when he won the Finals Night of the 11-week Wednesday competition.

He won three rounds of the 11 before taking the £220 prize at its culmination against a field which included former professionals Lee Bryant and Adrian Gray.

Duval enjoyed a good run in the Junior Open in Gibraltar, eventually bowing out in the last 32 to James Tate.

He started with an impressive 4-0 win over Scotland’s Robert Sutherland with a 70.73 average. He then saw off Welsh opponent Joseph Flenley 4-1 in the last 128 with a 74.36 average to move into the last 64.

Canadian Benjamin Goddard was edged out 4-3 with Duval recording a 62.22 average as he moved into the last 32. Fellow Englishman Tate came out a 4-0 victor despite a slightly lower average than Duval’s 69.89.

Although unable to play in Gibraltar again next year as he will turn 18 before the tournament, Duval will continue to chase prize money on the Junior Darts Corporation circuit this year.

Rugby round-up

Sonny Studley

Will Wright celebrates

OUTSIDE centre Jake Stinson scored two tries as Hastings & Bexhill won 47-15 against New Ash Green in Counties Three Kent.

Joe Field crossed twice in the previous week’s 22-17 win over Whitstable (Dec 8).

H & B bowed out of the Sussex Shield following a 33-5 defeat

to hosts Uckfield RFC at the start of December.

Frazer McManus got H&B’s consolation try while the other plus for the visitors was the return of Quinn McManus following his sevenmonth absence in New Zealand.

Hooker Josh Clarke was Hastings’ man-of-the-match.