Bexhill News, June 2024, Issue 24

UNDERGROUND INVADERS CAUSE HAVOC

WELCOME

THE formation of Bexhill’s new Town Board is an initiative to be cautiously welcomed, but let us be in no doubt that there is plenty of work to be done.

With finances considerably bolstered by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, there is now a wealth of opportunities to considerably enhance Bexhill and not before time too.

If you take a walk into town from the railway station, as I did recently, you are presented with several unedifying sights.

For starters, the road infrastructure is an absolute disgrace with potholes multiplying at a quite alarming rate. The lack of parking for visitors is another significant issue which simply has to be addressed.

Bear in mind also that three of the town’s key retail areas; namely Devonshire Road, Western Road and Sackville Road, are hardly inviting with far too many retail outlets closed and in a considerable state of disrepair.

New business has to be attracted to the town in order for it to thrive. That has to be one of the major objectives for the Town Board.

With both Eastbourne and Brighton proving to be major draws for visitors to the South Coast it is absolutely crucial that Bexhill moves with the times and ensures it can also become a destination of choice.

Another key component in its potential resurgence has to be the establishment of more hotels to cater for visitors. This has long been mooted but now needs to come to fruition as an urgent priority.

The phrase “actions speak louder than words” has never seemed more apposite when discussing the future of Bexhill.

Touching tributes paid to

after his death at the age of 92. Ernest J Randall served the Bexhill branch of the Royal British Legion for more than 30 years and was a much-loved member of the Bexhill community.

Members of the Legion were saddened to learn of his death and subsequently decided a permanent plaque would be the perfect tribute to his life and achievements.

the Royal British Legion attended an unveiling of a memorial plaque for the lifelong member of the Royal British Legion. Ernest, known affectionately as Ernie, was born on May 4, 1931 and retired to Bexhill. He lived for more than 30 years at Sutton Place. He was a member of the Royal British Legion for more than 60 years, culminating in the Bexhill branch

held until his retirement through poor health.

The plaque has now been unveiled, called “Ernie’s Stop”, where he used to wait for the local community bus.

Local residents and fellow travellers on the community bus were determined to commemorate Ernie’s

include the yellow bus colour and identifying his loyal service to the British Legion, the plaque was unveiled by the current Bexhill Branch President, Lt Colonel Peter Swanson MBE, and was well attended. A QR code is included on the plaque so people can read more about Ernest’s life.

THE TEAM PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

KIM MAYO – REGIONAL EDITOR kim@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

HSIN-YI LO – REGIONAL EDITOR hsinyilo@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

Kim Mayo, editor Bexhill

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not endorse the accuracy of the advertisements or the quality of the products/services being advertised. Information provided by businesses and community organisations are provided directly by their own representatives; please direct any queries or comments regarding content directly to the organisation. Any opinion or views expressed within this publication are solely those of the author. © 2024: No part of this newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole without express permission of the editor.

Royal British Legion Bexhill members at the plaque dedicated to Ernie Randall

Vital roadworks brought to a juddering halt as four-legged invaders move in

disrupted.

remarkable as they brought their human counterparts’ efforts to a juddering halt.

lengthy kip and you disturb them at your peril.

us to fix the roads, we were in the process of rectifying the issue.

“Then just as we started to fill in the large sink hole in Bolebrooke Road badgers have taken advantage of our exposed clay foundation to set up home under the road.

“Of course, it is very frustrating to say the least but at present investigations are ongoing as to how best to resolve the issue.”

An East Sussex Highways spokesman said: “We are working with Natural England to confirm that badgers are living in the area.

“Badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 so we need to be very careful about any action we take.

“We apologise for the delay to the sinkhole repairs while these necessary investigations are carried out.”

At the time of writing, it appears the badgers are still in chill out mode as investigations continue.

about creating a series of tunnels in the

Amid much head scratching, a plan has now been hatched to remove the badgers to a far more suitable safe haven which is vital as they are a protected species and must be treated as such. In effect they have to be treated with kids’ gloves. Wildlife experts have been deployed to come up with a solution but, in a nutshell, moving the pesky critters on to pastures new is not going to be a simple task.

Waking a badger from a peaceful and satisfying slumber has only one outcome and that is a very angry badger.

East Sussex County Councillor Ian Hollidge, who represents Bexhill South, had dealt with a myriad of issues during his lengthy political career but he admitted that an invasion of badgers is a first.

After inspecting the damage caused by the unexpected invasion, he said: “While the public are rightly badgering

Work on repairing the sink holes has, for now, grounded to a halt with no date yet announced for the resumption of the vital repairs.

How far the badgers have burrowed beneath the road surface is anyone’s guess. Has Mr badger found love beneath Bolebrooke Road? Is Mrs badger pregnant and ready to unleash a new brood?

Is Bexhill about to be taken over by badgers? They are here for sure but for how much longer remains to be seen.

Badger holes in Bolebrooke Road, Bexhill

East Sussex County Councillor Ian Hollidge, who represents Bexhill South, in Bolebrooke Road

Prolific shoplifter jailed after targeting several Bexhill businesses

A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been jailed just days after he was arrested for multiple offences in Bexhill.

Chris Ball was taken into custody on April 29 having been identified in connection with a string of offences at stores in the town.

He brazenly walked into premises with his hood up and took items including wine, meat, chocolate, washing detergent, dishwasher tablets, cheese, candles and cakes. He filled up his own bags and even shopping baskets with goods, before making off without any attempt to pay for the items, which totalled hundreds of pounds.

Ball targeted the following stores between March 14 and April 28:

• McColl’s in Ninfield Road, Bexhill Lidl in Ninfield Road, Bexhill

• Sainsbury’s in Buckhurst Place, Bexhill

• One Stop in Sea Road, Bexhill

• Co-Op in Seabourne Road, Bexhill

• One Stop in Turkey Road, Bexhill

• Tesco Express in Collington Avenue, Bexhill

The stores reported the incidents which enabled officers to identify and arrest Ball.

• Entering any premises that he has been informed he is banned from entering with a written notice. A copy of each notice is to be recorded with the police.

• Concealing any item prior to payment at any retail premises.

• Remaining in any shop or commercial premises when asked to leave by a member of staff or

The 28-year-old, of Beauport

pleaded guilty to all offences. He was sentenced to a total of 14 weeks’ imprisonment and given a two-

Road in Bexhill.

• Entering Tesco Express in Collington Avenue, Bexhill.

Acting in an antisocial manner, that is to say a manner that causes or is likely to cause nuisance, annoyance, harassment, alarm or distress to any person including the use of foul, offensive, abusive or threatening language or behaviours against anyone anywhere in a public place within East Sussex.

Chris Neilson, the force lead for business crime, said: “Sussex Police will pursue those repeat offenders targeting our local shops and

“The conviction of Chris Ball is an example of the numerous arrests, charges and convictions against prolific shoplifters achieved already this year, due to the work of our officers working closely with our

PC Dan Turk, of the Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “This case shows the ability of Neighbourhood Policing Teams to efficiently and effectively respond to persistent offenders who cause harm to our communities.”

New Town Board seeking Bexhill community’s thoughts on £20 million grant

A new regeneration programme for Bexhill was kick-started with the official launch of a board that will decide how £20 million will be invested.

Bexhill is one of 75 towns to benefit from the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns grant funding, designed to boost economic growth, improve infrastructure, enhance social wellbeing and reduce inequalities over the next decade.

The Bexhill Town Board, made up of representatives from businesses and community groups, the Local MP and Police and Crime Commissioner, and county, district and town councillors, held its first meeting on Friday, May 10.

The Board will work with the local community to put together a vision

statement and investment plan, carefully developed to maximise investment and benefit Bexhill for generations to come.

The Town Board is chaired by Mrs Abi Newbury FCA, Managing Director of Honey Barrett, a Bexhill-based Chartered Accountants.

The other members of the newlyselected board are Dr Binodh Chathanath of Little Common Surgery, Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, Dr Mandy Curtis of One Eight Hours Limited, Eleanore Gordon of Bexhill Academy, Councillor Ian Hollidge the council member for Bexhill South, Ollie Jeffs the chief executive of the Pelham, Bexhill Chamber of Commerce President Howard Martin, Bexhill and Battle Conservative MP Huw Merriman,

Council and Mayor of the town.

Mrs Newbury said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to improve the prosperity of our town and empower the community to share ownership and take pride in Bexhill.

“With investment taking place over the next 10 years, people may not see visible changes straight away, but we will be working with residents and

public who may have information about issues faced in Bexhill or ideas for improvements. Any information or ideas can be sent by email to bexhilltownboard@rother.gov.uk

Information about the Town Board, the funding and Board members can be found at www.bexhilltownboard. co.uk, where decisions made by the Board will be posted.

Levelling Up Fund, which supports cultural regeneration and the Levelling Up Partnership, which has resulted in £20 million for projects across the district.

More information on how Rother is benefitting from the Levelling Up Programme is available at www.rother.gov.uk/regeneration/ levelling-up-fund/

The Bexhill Town Board

Fantastic educational programme for youngsters with autism and learning disabilities launched

LITTLE Gate College, an extension of Little Gate Supported Employment, has celebrated the launch of its unique educational programmes designed for young people aged 16-24 living with autism, learning disabilities, or both.

The launch event was attended by various stakeholders eager to explore the college’s distinctive approach to providing inclusive employment opportunities balanced with education.

Little Gate Supported Employment is a registered charity which was founded by Claire and David Cordell in 2013.

As parents of a young woman with a learning disability, they became very aware of the limited options available to their daughter Evie as she grew into adulthood.

This was in stark contrast to the opportunities available to her twin brother.

They decided to use the family farm to create a new opportunity to enrich the lives of people with autism, learning disabilities, or both.

Little Gate Farm consists of 46 acres of pasture and ancient woodland in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to the Little Gate Work Training Centre. It is there that individuals gain real employment skills in various areas including catering, horticulture, woodland skills, and land management.

These transferrable skills are all incredibly beneficial, and the aim is

that they will assist in the individual’s journey into paid work through supported employment.

In the last decade, Little Gate has steadily grown, and the organisation now also provides Supported Work Training, Supported Apprenticeships and Supported Employment opportunities for adults...intending to help them find paid employment and a brighter future.

In addition, Little Gate supports the parents of their trainees through a Parent Forum and runs a fun-filled Little Gate Rangers youth scheme for those aged eight and upwards. They meet at weekends and in school holidays throughout the year.

They spend their days enjoying arts and crafts, animals, treasure hunts, building dens and simply playing in the great outdoors.

Claire and David’s daughter Evie attended the Young Rangers scheme herself for many years and absolutely thrived there.

Like so many parents of children with autism, learning disabilities or both, Little Gate Founders Claire and David became increasingly aware of the “cliff edge” they were facing, caused by the lack of aspirational provision after the age of 19.

Identifying a gap in available services for individuals like Evie, Little Gate has collaborated with the local authority to establish a new and innovative educational institution; Little Gate College.

Catering for young people aged 1624 with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who aspire to secure

paid employment, Little Gate College, based at The Pelham in Bexhill, introduces two specialised study programmes known as Future Ready and Supported Internships.

Future Ready: Learning for Life and Employment is an immersive fourday per week curriculum designed for individuals who wish to explore the world of paid employment but might lack relevant work experience.

Aiming to equip students with essential skills for success in the workforce, this programme focuses on comprehensive personal and professional growth.

For students who have acquired a taste of the professional world through prior work experience or voluntary work, the Supported Internships programme is an ideal four-day per-week option.

This programme assists participants

in honing their abilities, gaining practical experience, and confidently transitioning into paid employment.

Evie herself is enrolled in the Future Ready course at Little Gate College which promises to open a wealth of opportunities for her and countless others, opportunities that would have remained out of reach without Little Gate’s remarkable efforts to establish an inclusive environment.

As Little Gate College opens its doors this September, the organisation demonstrates unwavering dedication to providing inclusive, high-quality education ensuring that individuals like Evie can aspire to and unlock their fullest potential and achieve their career aspirations.

With the promise of brighter futures on the horizon, the launch of Little Gate College sets a new standard in education, bridging the gap between

special needs and meaningful employment opportunities.

Pili Portelli, community development manager at the Pelham, said: “We at The Pelham are delighted to be hosting Little Gate College, further developing our partnership over the years since both charities formed.

“Together we have supported lots of work trainees and interns and are so excited to be a part of this new venture”.

If you are an employer who may be interested in partnering with Little Gate by offering a work experience placement or hosting an intern you can contact the college. There is more information on their website by searching Little Gate College or Future Ready & Supported Internships. Alternatively email: tracey-annecook@littlegate.org.uk

Little Gate Farm

Claire and Evie

Litle Gate College supports apprenticeships

Miffy is one of the students at Little Gate College

Little Gate College trains young people living with autism, disability, or both, gain employment skills

Apprentices learn to do arts and crafts at workshops

Bexhill’s Tory MP Huw Merriman will stand down at next General Election

IN a bombshell announcement

Conservative MP for Bexhill and Battle Huw Merriman has confirmed he will not be standing at the forthcoming General Election.

On a day of high drama, Bexhill’s Rother District Councillor Christine Bayliss was confirmed as the Labour candidate to contest the constituency and it was expected that Mr Merriman, who held a healthy majority in recent elections, would be her main opponent.

But in a stunning development on Thursday (May 23), Mr Merriman dramatically confirmed that he would be stepping down as an MP, leaving the race to succeed him wide open.

Mr Merriman, who won handsomely in the 2017 and 2019 General Elections, was expected to stand once again.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed on May 22 shortly after 5pm that the election would take place on July 4, but several MPs on both sides of the House have already

confirmed they will stand down come polling day, and now that includes Mr Merriman.

A replacement candidate has yet to be confirmed to represent the Conservatives.

Mr Merriman’s announcement, therefore, has come completely out of the blue and the Tories are now in a race against time to select an alternative candidate.

Mr Merriman issued a statement following his shock announcement.

He said: “After nine years as the Member of Parliament for Bexhill and Battle, I have made the decision not to stand as a candidate at the next election.

“This means I will also leave my job as Rail Minister on July 4. I have loved being an MP and I leave with a heavy heart. The constituency is a beautiful place, with wonderful people in every town and village.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work across the community, and political divide, with some fantastic people.

“I’ve also been fortunate to have

had the best constituency staff, and Association, an MP could ask for.

“Transport has been my passion throughout my time in Parliament.

I am grateful to have served for seven years on the Transport Select Committee, with almost three as Chairman.

Mr Merriman, a trained lawyer by trade, added: “I’ve loved my time as Rail Minister and am grateful to the Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak) for trusting me with this important portfolio. He will always have my full support.

“In each of these roles, I’ve seen the best of our amazing transport industry and community; from private and public sector, Ministerial colleagues, and the civil service.

“I wish my successor well in their role as Member of Parliament. To both the next MP for Bexhill and Battle and to a future Rail Minister: if these roles bring even half the amount of happiness as they have brought me, then it will make you very proud.

people I have met on my journey. I will miss everything but, as I sit in the political departure lounge, I am looking forward to a new journey (whatever that might be).”

Meanwhile, Christine Bayliss will be hoping it is third time lucky after being confirmed as the Labour candidate for the Bexhill and Battle constituency.

Ms Bayliss said she is “absolutely delighted” to have been selected. She is well known across the constituency and prides herself on getting things done for the benefit of the community.

Having stood in the General

fervently hoping that this will prove to be third time lucky by becoming Bexhill and Battle’s first-ever woman MP.

She says she has three main priorities for Bexhill and Battle which are better public services, cleaner, cheaper energy and more local better paid jobs.

The Liberal-Democrat Prospective Parliamentary candidate is Becky Jones, Jeremy Eldridge will stand for Reform, Jonathan Kent is representing the Green Party while independent candidate Nigel Jacklin will also be on the ballot paper along with another independent candidate, Jeff Newnham.

Youth charity workshop at risk after shocking ram raid on premises

THIEVES smashed into a youth charity workshop in Bexhill and stole a large amount of equipment and tools.

It is believed the culprits used a stolen vehicle to ram raid into Pit-Stop Youth Trust’s premises in Beeching Close at about 1am on May 11. The organisation supports young people in and around Bexhill from different backgrounds. They provide services to transform the lives of young people, particularly those living with a disability and people who are educationally disadvantaged.

The charity spoke of its anguish and heart-break about the incident, saying the loss has placed its services in jeopardy as the cost of the damages, repairs and stolen items is estimated at more than £17,000.

The next day after the ram raid, a member of public provided information which led to Sussex Police recovering one of the stolen bikes.

Lee Dunn, team leader and trustee of Pit-Stop Youth Trust, said: “Our

youth charity has been running for the past 14 years and offers various youth groups, respite facilities and a youth workshop/garage.

“Importantly to us, is that all our services are free to use. This means everyone from any background can take part and enjoy our youth charity activities.

“This awful and distressing attack on our charity’s youth workshop in Bexhill has really hit us hard.

“Almost all our tools and equipment have been stolen, along with nearly all our activities equipment.

“A lot of our young members, some as young as 13 years old, have been very worried in case we might not be able to run our popular workshop garage again and have been coming along to help us clear up the huge mess.

“We have informed them that we will not be beaten and we will

equipment stolen, along with repairs is coming in at more than £17,000 pounds, of which our charity will have a shortfall of nearly £8,000.

“We are a small yet very effective charity and our sole aim is to help and support young people and their families.

“All our volunteers and staff are unpaid and the charity pays no salaries, so all funds given to us are used directly towards the work and care we provide within our community.

“If anyone has any information that

“If anyone can help support us with a donation at this very difficult time, then please get in touch with us. Thank you.”

HOW TO SUPPORT PITSTOP YOUTH TRUST

To support Pit-Stop Youth Trust, email: pitstoptrust@gmail.com Post: Pit-Stop Youth Trust Church Street Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2HE. Donations can also be made directly to our charity bank account: HSBC Hastings Branch. Account No: 12382342 Sort Code: 40-23-18

H A T M A T T E R

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Pit-Stop Youth Trust supports many young people in Bexhill

Bexhill Rotary Club donates vital funds to support KSS Air Ambulance

BEXHILL Rotarians unanimously agreed at a special meeting to support Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) Air Ambulance’s campaign to purchase its own helicopter.

The Rotary Club donated £1,000 towards the air ambulance’s goal of raising £1 million.

The major campaign was launched in April this year and because of generous support from donors like the Rotary Club, the Air Ambulance has now reached its target.

Having full ownership of the helicopter will also mean the charity can proceed with plans to fly for six more hours every day so they can help more patients and save more lives.

The air ambulance said purchasing the helicopter will give them greater security and help them save almost half a million pounds a year.

Bexhill Rotary’s President James Slinn, said: “The purchase of the

really pleased that Bexhill Rotarians have agreed this donation of £1,000 towards our Rotary District’s fund.

“As the Air Ambulance covers our Rotary District in Sussex and Kent, the Rotary Clubs in the area are looking to raise a substantial sum towards

£18.8 million a year to operate.

The Rotary Club is also supporting the purchase of a rapid response vehicle costing £62,000, which is used when helicopters cannot fly.

David Welch, the chief executive of KSS, said: “This amazing achievement has only been made possible by the extraordinary kindness of individuals, businesses, trusts and foundations, schools and community groups, who have so quickly and

response so far and would like to thank everyone for their incredible generosity and inspiring messages of support.

“Every single penny and every single second counts when lives are on the line, so we’re now encouraging our communities to go even further above and beyond our £1 million goal in the final few weeks of our appeal.

“Every extra penny raised will be spent on our lifesaving helicopters

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

CHALLENGERS

3-27 JUNE - 14:15 & 19:30

A former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – West Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn.

SOMETIMES I THINK ABOUT DYING

10-13 JUNE - 14:15 & 19:30

Fran finds solace in her cubicle, listening to the constant hum of officemates and occasionally daydreaming. She is ghosting through life, unable to pop her bubble of isolation, when a friendly new coworker tries to connect with her.

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

14-17JUNE - 19:30

Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows.

BACK TO BLACK

18-20 JUNE - 14:15 & 19:30

The story of Amy Winehouse’s rise to fame and the making of her album, Back to Black. The film follows the remarkable woman behind the phenomenon and the tumultuous relationship at the centre of one of the most legendary albums of all time.

GOLDEN OLDIESMY FAIR LADY

21 JUNE - 14:30

Pompous phonetics professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) is so sure of his abilities that he takes it upon himself to transform a Cockney working-class girl into someone who can pass for a cultured member of high society.

IF

21-30 JUNE - 14:15 & 19:30

From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.

MADE IN ENGLAND: THE FILMS OF POWELL AND PRESSBURGER

24-25 JUNE - 14:15 & 19:30

the unique opportunity for individuals, businesses, schools and community groups, to donate £100 or more to have their name, or the name of a loved one in their memory, on its air ambulance helicopter. This opportunity is available until Friday, June 28 with all funds raised also being spent on its lifesaving helicopters.

To support the air ambulance visit: www.aakss.org.uk

Martin Scorsese presents this very personal and insightful new feature-length documentary about British filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA

28-30 JUNE - 19:30

Young Furiosa falls into the hands of a great biker horde led by the warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel, presided over by the Immortan Joe.

FREUD’S LAST SESSION

1-4 JULY - 14:15 & 19:30

Two of the greatest minds on the twentieth century, C.S. LEWIS and SIGMUND FREUD converge for their own personal battle over the existence of God. It interweaves the lives of Freud and Lewis, past and present.

THE LONGEST DAY

4 JUNE - 19:30

Hailsham Pavilion Film Club Presents.... The Longest Day...

In 1944, the U.S. Army and Allied forces plan a huge invasion landing in Normandy, France. Despite bad weather, General Eisenhower gives the okay and the Allies land at Normandy.

General Norma Cota (Robert Mitchum) travels with his men onto Omaha Beach. With much effort, and lost life, they get off the beach, traveling deep into French territory. The German military, due to arrogance, ignorance and a sleeping Adolf Hitler, delay their response to the Allied landing, with crippling results. Film Club screenings may start with a 20 minute introduction to the Film please arrive early to avoid any interruption to the speaker, Many Thanks.

All Film Club Members get a discount on their ticket prices, £5 for Members and £8 for Non-Members.

To obtain your Special Film Club ticket price of £5 Please see your membership card for the ‘Coupon Code’ when you book.

BOOK TICKETS VIA OUR WEBSITE OR CALL THE BOX OFFICE.

President of Bexhill Rotary Club, James Slinn

Air Ambulance ready to undertake life-saving rescue. Picture supplied by KSS Air Ambulance

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

BEXHILL

BEXHILL ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP TALK. Beulah Hall, Clifford Road, Bexhill, TN40 1QA. Wednesday 26 June, 7pm. “Sussex Greenways — Safer Routes for all” by Nick Hanna and Cllr Ian Hollidge. A talk about creating a non-motorised network linking traffic-free Greenways with Quiet Lanes to promote active travel and low-carbon transport. Everyone welcome, entry £2 for non-BEG members. bexhilleg@yahoo.co.uk

CRAFT Fair. St. Barnabas Church, Sea Road, Bexhill, TN40 1JG. Saturday 8 June, 10am2.30pm. FREE entry. Please do come along to our local craft fair at St. Barnabas Church Bexhill on Saturday 8th June. We have over 30+ local crafters selling their beautiful handmade items including: Knitting, Crochet, Decoupage, Jewellery, Glass, Pottery, Resin, Fabric, Sewing, Wood, Soaps, Cards, Stained Glass, Paper craft and much more. We also have a pop-up cafe with delicious homemade cakes, sandwiches and soup. Tea & coffee available with a seating area, so you can relax and enjoy your coffee & cake. We would love to see you there!

LOCAL Craft Fair. St. Stephens Church Hall. Down Road. Bexhill TN39 4HD. Saturday 1st June from 10am — 2pm. Pop along to our craft fair at St. Stephens Church Hall Bexhill on Saturday 1st June. We have a lovely selection of Local makers selling their handmade items. Homemade cakes available, Tea, coffee and hot snacks also available. Free parking and free entry. Opens 10am to 2pm. Please do come along and support local.

BEXHILL Model Railway Club. St Richard’s Catholic College, Ashdown Road, TN40 1SE. Saturday 10 August, 10am-5pm. Annual Model Railway Exhibition Layouts, Sales Stands, Refreshments. Free parking on site. Adults £6; Children £2; Family £14. www.bexhillmrc.co.uk

FLOWER FESTIVAL, JUBILATE. Friday 28th June and Saturday 29th June 10.00 am – 4.00pm. Sunday 30th June 12.00 pm-5.00 pm.. St Peter’s Church Church Street Old Town Bexhill TN40 2HE. Flower displays representing well-known hymns, concerts, refreshments, stalls, tombola and more. All welcome. Admission £3. Pay and display parking in Manor Gardens car park in De La Warr Road.

HAILSHAM

HAILSHAM & DISTRICT TWINNING

ASSOCIATION. Hailsham has been twinned with Gournay en Bray in Northern France (1hr from Dieppe) for nearly 25 years. We currently have approximately 60 members — some of whom have visited Gournay, some who have not but enjoy the social side of our Association. A number of members host our French friends when they visit but others do not wish to host. We usually stay with host families when we visit France but members can also choose to stay in a hotel. We visit twice a year and join in with various celebrations and learn more about their culture and their way of life. Many friendships have been made. We often lend craft items for Gournay’s exhibitions, have linked the cinemas, choirs ad a local tractor association. We are self-funding and raise money by holding many social events — cream teas, quizzes, treasure hunts, soirees etc. Contact Secretary — Pauline — 07415328282 or paulinetownsend@rocketmail.com

BUSINESS LOCAL NETWORK. Abbots Wood Manor, London Road. Tuesday 18 June, 10am. Come and enjoy our relaxed and natural atmosphere. At BLN, we cultivate a relaxed vibe with no awkward elevator pitches. Conversations flow naturally, allowing business owners to speak freely and engage in meaningful dialogue, brainstorm, and problem-solve allowing you to get to know the person behind the business. This encourages more organic referrals and builds on genuine relationships, which leads to stronger, more supportive business connections. Because networking shouldn’t stop when the networking stops. To Book: bit.ly/BLN_Hailsham. Members: £5; Non-Members: £10

ANGEL Connection & Reiki Healing. The Sussex Shala, Warren Farm, Thornwell Road, Wilmington, Polegate, BN26 6RL. Sunday 9 June, 10am-4pm. Join us for a beautiful day retreat at the Sussex Shala Yurt. Explore the Angelic realm, meditate, share spiritual experiences, and connect with your Guardian Angel using oracle cards. Enjoy one-onone reiki healing with Kerry. Leave feeling uplifted and energised. Please bring your own lunch and refreshments. 6 hours — £85. To book: https://bit. ly/sussex-shala

ACRES delivers adult courses in local communities in Hailsham and across East Sussex. FREE 4 week “Brush Up” courses start in June 2024! These include English for Functional Skills (Hailsham), English for GCSE (online) and Maths for GCSE (online). To enrol please phone 01825 761820 or visit acreslearning.org.uk. T&Cs apply.

HAILSHAM Friends for people on their own. We meet on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month — ‘The Crown’ back room, 19 High St., Hailsham at 10.30am. Drop in for a cup of coffee and chat to find out what we do. Website: www.hailshamfriends.club Email: ken@hailsham-friends.club Tel: 01323 893340

SWOOVE with Cat — sing, whoop, move and swoop fitness coming to Hailsham on 16 August. Come along and give it a go in the Diplocks Hall BN27 3JY. Every Wednesday morning 9.30am10.30am & Friday evening 7.30pm-8.30pm. Swoop consists of easy to follow moves and it really doesn’t matter if you go wrong, just keep singing whooping and moving and you’ll be burning off those calories. £7pp but you get your first two classes at half price. Need or want to bring your children? They can sit at the side for free or £1 each for them during the holidays if they join in. Tel: 07843 947383 cgb2903@hotmail.co.uk.

SOUND Works Free Music Workshops for Children & Young People with SEND. Junior group age 5-11, Senior group age 11-19. Wednesdays 3.30pm-5pm. Hailsham Family hub Hailsham East Community Centre, Vega Close, BN27 2JZ. Limited spaces, to sign up, Email: sam@lifesize.org.uk.

The publishers cannot be responsible for any errors or omissions in this noticeboard.

To submit your listing for publication on this page, visit: www.hailsham.news/ community-noticeboard or scan this QR Code.

Family’s tribute to Bexhill man following outcome of murder trial in Portugal Hospital receives major boost due to donations

A DEVASTATED family has issued a touching tribute to their “loving, kind, funny and protective son and brother” following the outcome of a murder trial in Portugal.

Joel Alexander Eldridge from Bexhill went to Portugal for work in January 2018 and was in regular contact with his family.

But he was reported missing in July 2018 after his family lost contact with the 29-year-old.

Sussex Police supported the Portuguese Judicial Police’s investigation into his disappearance and, in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Victim Support National Homicide Service, and the Portuguese Association for Victim Support, also provided support to his family.

Joel’s body was later found in August 2019.

Now, following the conclusion of a trial in Portugal, his family have issued a statement about the impact of the case.

In their statement, they said: “Joel

Alexander Eldridge was 29 years old when he was brutally killed in 2018.

“The impact on our family has been devastating. We have lost a loving, kind, funny and protective son, and brother.

“Always smiling, Joel was a constant presence at home, helping with any jobs that needed doing.

“As a child, Joel was mischievous and cheeky. He loved his Lego and computer games. As he got older, he took up guitar and became very

proficient. He trained as a security guard. Working a variety of jobs, he was a reliable, hard worker.

“He was a loyal friend to many; always willing to stand up for his mates.

“Joel just went to work in Portugal for a couple of months. He kept in touch with us regularly, as he always did.

“In July 2018 contact stopped. We never heard from him again. In August 2019, Joel’s body was found in Portugal.

“Joel was popular locally, with a huge circle of friends. His loss has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him that will never be filled.

“Joel will never get to enjoy settling down, becoming a dad himself, or sharing in happy future family occasions.

“He is loved and missed so much by our family and all who knew him.”

In February 2024, two defendants who stood trial accused of the murder of Joel were acquitted after court hearings held in Portugal.

AN East Sussex NHS Trust has received a major boost after three new Transnasal Endoscopes were donated to the Endoscopy department at Conquest Hospital to help reduce waiting times.

Transnasal endoscopes are inserted via the nose to avoid the gag reflex with which many patients struggle.

The Friends of Conquest Hospital and The League of Friends of Bexhill Hospital donated £55,424.88 for the purchase of state-of-the-art endoscopes which boast 50 per cent narrower tubes than a traditional endoscope.

Prior to the arrival of the new equipment, if a patient was unable to tolerate a traditional endoscopy, they would go on a waiting list to have the procedure carried out under anaesthetic in theatre.

With these new endoscopes, patients can now be switched onto a list for the transnasal procedure, either at the point of the original clinician’s request, at pre-assessment or even on the day of the procedure.

With the additional three the

Friends have purchased, they can now see ten to 12 TNE patients in a clinic.

Consultant Dr Fong said: “We are so pleased with this new equipment and thankful to the Friends for their generous donation.

Endoscopy Unit Matron, Myra Mendoza, said: “The equipment is ‘game-changing’ for the hospital.”

She also spoke about a recent patient, who was happy to share her experience.

Myra added: “The patient has a particularly strong gag reflex, and on previous occasions has had to undergo endoscopic procedures under anaesthetic in theatres.

“On this occasion, she was encouraged to instead have the Transnasal Endoscopy. While nervous, she agreed, and was delighted that she was not only able to tolerate the procedure, but she avoided sedation altogether, with just a local anaesthetic throat spray to ease her discomfort.

The Friends said: “We were delighted to be able to jointly fund this vital equipment.”

Joel Eldridge was from Bexhill

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce have launched one of the biggest consultations in their history to give as many businesses as possible the opportunity to have their say on how £20m of Government funding could be spent in Bexhill over the next ten years.

If you own, operate or have executive power in a business, charity or social enterprise that operates or significantly trades in Bexhill we want to hear from you! Whether you are a single person business operating from home, a multinational technology company, small retailer, restaurant, professional services business, self-employed trades person or charity shop all your views are important to us from all sectors of business.

WHERE IS THE FUNDING FROM AND WHAT IS IT FOR?

As part of the Government strategy called The Long Term Plan for Towns, the Department for Levelling Up Communities and Housing (DLUCH) have awarded Bexhill £20m of Government funding to be spent over the next 10 years on an endowment basis of £2m per year.

DLUCH have specified that the funding will be administered by a Town Board made up of four statutory bodies: The MPs office, Rother District Council (RDC), East Sussex County Council (ESCC), Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) alongside other representatives of the business sector and wider community. Bexhill Chamber of Commerce have a seat on the board representing our members and the wider business community of Bexhill.

REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR FUN EASYGOING FOCUS GROUPS

June 6th

The De La Warr Pavilion Studio Choice of two Groups both carrying out the same research: 1400 - 1530 or 1700 - 1830 Book here: www.bexhillchamber.org/events

Howard Martin, President of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce

Major housing project in heart of Battle gets the go-ahead

A HOUSING development in the heart of Battle has been given the green light by Rother District Council’s planning committee, paving the way for Rother DC Housing Company (RDCHC) to deliver its first major housebuilding project at the town’s Blackfriars site.

The project marks a major leap forward for RDCHC, a company established by Rother District Council in 2020 to accelerate the delivery of energy-efficient housing throughout the district.

Following public consultation, on February 15, 2024, RDCHC received unanimous approval for a Section 73 amendment to previous planning consent for the construction of 200 highly sustainable, low-carbon homes within the 16-hectare site.

The revised scheme incorporates a greater mix of two, three and four-

bedroom houses and reduces the number of apartments.

However, faced with a challenging financial backdrop of high inflation and increased project costs, and the necessity to avoid financial risk/loss, RDCHC is no longer required to deliver a proportion of affordable housing under Section 106.

Despite this, RCDHC said it remains committed to bringing affordable housing to the scheme further down the line where scheme finances allow. Conversations with a preferred registered provider will continue on this basis.

Richard Thomas, chairman of the Board, Rother DC Housing Company said: “This welcome decision marks a major milestone for RCDHC that will unlock 200 much-needed, high-quality new homes in the district.

“It recognises the project’s absolute focus on quality and cost efficiency

and, although we are saddened by the immediate loss of affordable housing, the company favours a scheme that includes considerable affordable housing, both rented and shared ownership, for local people.

“However, this solely depends on the financial performance of the scheme once the retender is completed.

“For now, we look forward to appointing a building contractor and getting spades in the ground on site later this year.”

The Blackfriars development aims to contribute towards creating a carbon zero district.

All 200 properties will feature air source heat pumps and will meet or

potentially exceed new Part L Building Regulations to ensure householders benefit from energy efficient homes which are cheaper to run.

Electric vehicle charging points within the site will support the transition away from diesel and petrol vehicles.

In addition, general enhancements to the scheme’s layout seek to improve the community ‘feel’ of the project and embrace public open spaces and greenery.

Divided into three zones, the development draws inspiration from the ‘High Weald Design Guide’1 through the use of architectural features, local building materials

such as slate, red brick and clay tiles, and landscaping with hedgerows and cottage-style borders.

RDCHC has invited local contractors to tender for delivery of the revised scheme to commence work on site later this year.

This follows a mutual and amicable decision, to part ways with the previous housing contractor, Wates. Meanwhile, Breheny is progressing the council’s major infrastructure project onsite, which includes the construction of a new spine road funded by Homes England. Completion of the first homes is scheduled for mid-2026 with the final homes completing during 2027.

Preparatory works at Rother DC Housing Company’s Blackfriars

Young BMX rider is making a real impression as she jumps to it in style

their footsteps, and started racing at a local club, Bexhill JumpClub in Sidley. Her journey began at Battle pump track to learn the basics of the popular sport and she has progressed rapidly since taking up the sport.

Amber has dedicated herself to improving her skills and practises regularly in order to move through the ranks.

Amber has been racing in regional competitions, representing the south. She is currently ranked 26 nationally for her age group.

Aged ten, she is already racing nationally and competed in tournaments such as the South West BMX Regional Series Round 5 in Bideford, Devon, and finished 5th.

Last November, Amber took part in Racing Under the Roof in Manchester and she finished 8th.

She also competed in Cyclopark in Kent finishing 12th on both days and is due to race in Scotland.

Talking about JumpClub, Amber said: “It’s a great local club who helps with tips and the riders help me loads to get we’re I want to be. It’s a great sport that keeps me busy and active.

“I really enjoy myself and have made loads of different friends all different ages, I feel like I am part of a bike

family.”

Keith Duly, JumpClub founder and head coach, added: “Amber is part of JumpClub, a national BMX race team based at Bexhill

“We’re excited to have Amber riding with us. BMX is a fantastic sport for young riders.

“It’s a tough sport and Amber and her team-mates ride hard and compete at a high level, but more importantly at this young age there’s also a real team spirit, fun and a sense of community and adventure.

“Amber’s progression on her bike has been amazing and she’s having fun doing it.

“We don’t get fixated on results when they’re young, we’re more interested in developing skill and enjoying the moment, but it’s impressive that Amber has crept up to 11th in the National rankings in her first season.”

For more information on the JumpClub team and training venue visit www.jumpclub.uk

SIDLEY WORKING MENS CLUB

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS & FUNCTION ROOM BOOKINGS

Open seven days a week @ 11am

Fully stocked bar, coffee, tea, sandwiches, toasties

Two Real Ales - Harvey’s and a guest ale on at all times

Members prices - Pints from £3.70 a pint, Double Spirits from £3.50, Large Wine Glass From £3.80 & Bottle From £14.00

Pool, darts, boxing machine, large beer garden, large function room available for hire day & night (with screen for presentations) £25 for members & £50 for non-members

Karaoke, Bingo & Quiz Nights Weekly/Monthly

Darts Competition every last Saturday of the month from 12pm Sky Sports on Five Screens

Male and female membership available,

Only £15 per year & £20 for joint membership (New members pay extra £5 for card initially)

Regular members event days, club-owned bouncy castle, BBQ

Days out & trips for members - Goodwood Racecourse, Ascot Racecourse, Hove Greyhound racing and lots more every year

Every Sunday - meat raffle, chase the ace game, football & tote draw

Free WIFI & Air Conditioning Throughout the whole club.

Amber was motivated to take up BMX after watching her cousins compete in Devon

Amber says BMX is a really great sport

Battle business celebrates being named as the best Sussex wine and beer specialist

AN independent shop in Battle has been named the best wine and beer specialist business in the prestigious Muddy Awards 2024. The awards are run by Muddy Stilettos, which is an urban guide to the countryside with regular reviews on the best restaurants, walks, boutiques, hotels, day trips and events across the UK.

Sarah’s Cellar in Tills Courtyard, 19 High Street, was voted as the best wine and beer specialist in Sussex. The awards support independent and small, lifestyle businesses in the UK, and they is in their 11th year. There were 515,000 votes cast across the country.

The owner of the business, Sarah Truman, was inspired to open her own shop when she went on a wine tour across France, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany and Belgium in 2012.

The epic journey opened up a whole new world to her as Sarah undertook her meticulous research of the

She wrote on her website: “I love wine. I am fascinated by the story of

“How the same grape variety grown in a slightly different soil can result in such a different taste experience is

“So you think you know Chardonnay and then you try a Chardonnay from perspective. Every bottle you open

“Wine should never be average. We want to make sure that every cork you pop, every glass you pour has you

“The glass of red with pizza on

Carethefromheart AT SOUTHLANDS PLACE

Imagine a place where you can be as independent as you choose, where everything is designed

and

occasion then you want to have confidence that you are buying a good quality wine, which will match the food and suit your taste.

“Sarah’s Cellar is here so that you can discover your new favourites.

“Enjoy every sip and have confidence that you will love your wine.”

Sarah left her teaching job in 2019 and in 2020, she and her husband Paul opened Sarah’s Cellar.

All regional winners of the Muddy Awards from each category automatically qualify for the National Finals, which takes place from July 3 to July 11.

Muddy Stilettos editors will judge and select the overall winners for each category, and results will be announced on July 11.

Sarah Truman, owner of Sarah’s Cellar in Battle. Photo credit: Darren Buss

Photo credit: Darren Buss

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

JUNE is the month containing the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice, when many plants respond by increasing photosynthesis and putting on huge growth during the long hours of daylight.

The summer solstice occurs at the moment the earth’s tilt towards the sun is at its maximum. On this day, the sun appears at its highest in the sky which is important for crops especially those under glass. This year, the solstice will occur on Thursday 20th June when we will hope to receive 15 hours of sunlight. This is a time of fertility, abundance, and growth, and certain plants are representative of this time of year.

Sunflowers are traditional symbols of the summer solstice. When the flowers are young, they appear to track the sun as it moves across the sky and so this is to be taken into consideration when deciding where to plant them. You want to see their happy smiling faces rather than have them peeking over your neighbour’s fence! It’s not too late to sow some, once they germinate, they will grow like the clappers!

In pagan celebrations, healing herbs were believed to be at their most powerful, and potent when harvested

on the summer solstice. It was thought

BATES Green Garden, an RHS Partner Garden, is open every Wednesday between the end of February and late October. For details, please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

protective garlands of herbs and flowers to ward them off. One of the most powerful was ‘chase devil’ known to us now as ‘St John’s Wort’ (Hypericum perforatum), a magical plant believed to bring prosperity, protection and peace. Gathering this native perennial was thought to harness the energy of the sun at its highest.

Lavender is another plant which was believed to heal and give protection in ancient times. On the summer solstice, people would mix lavender with mugwort (Artemesia), chamomile and

NO FUSS RUBBISH CLEARANCE

across East Sussex since the early 1980s. With 13 skip trucks on the road and over a thousand skips on sites across the South East, PJ is now one of the area’s most well-established skip hire operators.

In recent years, the business has widened the range of waste management services, providing more than skips. A fleet of 32T tippers, road sweepers and roll on roll off are kept busy on commercial projects. The recycling centre in Polegate is open for trade waste tipping and free hardcore disposal.

Operations Director, Joel Westguard, spoke to us about PJ Pick Up, a new ‘Man and Van’ rubbish clearance service for collection of single items and bulky waste.

“At PJ we pride ourselves on delivering a fast, reliable and friendly waste disposal service for thousands of customers

honouring midsummer. The longest stems were used to form lavender wands and the remainder would be dried in bundles and hung to dry. Lavender, a Mediterranean plant is used today to flavour food and drinks and the dried flowers are often made into lavender bags.

Other summer plants harvested at the time of the summer solstice when they were believed to have attained the peak of their medicinal value include chamomile, calendula (marigold), fennel, hemp, rosemary, thyme, verbena, sage

across East Sussex. But we understand that skip hire isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes people don’t have room for a skip. Or the time to wait for a permit for a skip to go on the road. Other customers simply don’t have enough rubbish to fill a skip. And it can be hassle taking items to the tip or waiting for a council collection. So we set up PJ Pick Up to offer a super-fast way to get rid of bulky waste like fridges, sofas, TVs and beds.”

PJ Pick Up offers same day collection — often within an hour or two. Alternatively, customers can pre-book a collection slot so there’s no hanging around.

Joel added “We do the hard work for you. Our two-man crew will do the heavy lifting and will even dismantle your bulky furniture if needed. The team are DBS checked and fully trained so you know you’re in safe hands. We want to make recycling easy for everyone. Our customers can rest assured that their waste is being disposed of legally and responsibly. All rubbish comes into our fully-licensed recycling centre, where we sort the waste so that as much as possible is diverted from landfill.”

Call us on 01323 48 88 88 or visit www.pj-waste.co.uk

available for use in oils, food, tinctures and teas all year round.

It is safe to start getting your halfhardy and tender plants used to the Great Outdoors now. Do this by placing them somewhere sheltered, ideally some sort of cold frame contraption, and then either covering them with frames or fleece or bringing them in for the night, just for a few days. You can then put them in their final positions, sit back and enjoy them. That is the idea anyway, in reality, there are far too many weeds AKA wildflowers to be dealt with and watering requirements that must be urgently attended to thus

preventing too much lounging around

Now that the Arlington Bluebell Walk has closed for 2024, we will be back to our regular Wednesday opening times of 10am-4pm when the Café will also be open. This year, we have developed our Thursday morning Bates Green Garden Workshops to include not only horticultural skills but also a wealth of subjects as diverse as singing, sound baths, sketch-booking and yoga to name but a few. Why not treat yourself to a mini-retreat day here? They will take place on Thursdays until the end of October.

Bring a packed lunch to enjoy on the Terrace with the Gardens Team and then enjoy having the ancient Wood, Wildflower Meadow or Bates Green Garden to yourselves for the afternoon. You can find the details by going onto our website www.batesgreengarden. co.uk and looking for the workshops under the Visiting menu.

We are really excited about this new venture and I very much hope to meet some of my readers there too!

Photo: Patrick Campbell

Wildflower Meadow at Bates Green Garden

Photo: John Glover

BULL’S HEAD: REBORN & SERVING UP DELIGHT

I CAN’T help but wonder how many times I’ve driven past the Bull’s Head in the eight years I’ve called Hailsham home, shuttling back and forth to Bexhill. Twice daily, five days a week— it’s a considerable number!

Having been a previous guest at the pub near Herstmonceux, we invited some first-time friends to join us — they always remarked on the welcoming sign that read “Come Into Our Friendly Pub.” So they decided to check it out for themselves.

From the roadside, it’s evident that the pub boasts a generous car park. However, a small driveway reveals an additional parking area and vast land beyond the hedge line, immersing you in the breathtaking East Sussex scenery.

and oh-so-filling!

The Seafood Platter was incredible. I don’t eat much seafood, not out of choice, but more due to its increasing price point. However, this platter was simply too tempting to resist, and I found the value for money to be great considering the quality and variety of seafood served.

I was so happy to see that they had a great selection of dishes for kids on the menu. It’s reassuring when a restaurant takes the little ones into consideration and offers them tasty choices too.

On this particular evening with the sun slowly fading on the horizon, (I love this time of day), it just makes everything look so magical, with that mesmerising ‘golden hour’, capturing the essence of the serene countryside.

Looking around outside at the ample seating, including some sheltered areas, along with an outdoor bar, it’s evident this establishment caters to barbecues, events, and festivals — such a welcoming environment — the kind of place I feel

warm reception from both the staff and the locals at the bar immediately made us feel at ease. Among the diners, a mix of first-timers and regulars, you could just tell that everyone was well looked after, further enhancing the sense of community.

The menu was a real treat, offering a wide range of delicious options that left us spoiled for choice. We spent quite some time studying it, getting more and more excited with each dish we considered. Eventually, we settled on the Harvey’s Beer Battered Chicken Goujons with Sweet Chilli Dip for £7.75, the Chicken Wings from the Specials Board, and the Beer Battered Haggis Balls served with Salad and a

our eye, priced at £16.95, promising a delightful array of oceanic delights. We then selected The Bull’s Head Pie, a hearty option at £14.95, which seemed like the epitome of comfort food. From the Children’s Menu, we ordered a Child’s Burger. From classic favourites to more adventurous choices, there was

ensured their satisfaction but also added to the overall enjoyment of our dining experience.

Sharing the starters allowed us to spread the love and indulge in a variety of flavours, which is always a winning strategy. I particularly enjoyed the Haggis Balls — usually, I reserve my haggis fix for January, but the temptation of deep-fried haggis was irresistible. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The haggis was beautifully seasoned, with a beautifully creamy texture that was incredibly satisfying

It was just over thirteen years ago, almost to the day, The Bull’s Head was on the verge of closure, and was in the throes of development for residential use?  It’s shocking to think that we could have lost such a gem in this local village.   However, fast forward to today, and the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. The pub has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming the vibrant heart of the community.  It offers not just fabulous food but also features an incredible terrazzo. What really excites me is the addition of gardens and a beautiful campsite.  Their efforts have rightfully earned them various awards. If they’ve accomplished all this in the first thirteen years, I eagerly anticipate the next thirteen with bated breath!

Tel: 01323 831981

www.bullsheadborehamstreet.com

The Strait, Boreham Street, near Herstmonceux, BN27 4SG

Haggis Balls to start

Seafood platter makes a hearty main

The Bull Inn Steak Pie

Childs Burger and Chips

Chicken Goujons and Wings as a starter

ON YOUR

BIKE with Ian Hollidge DUST THE COBWEBS OFF YOUR BIKE AND GET PEDALLING DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS

JUNE is when we celebrate our longest days with UK Bike Week and UN World Bicycle Day. Both push the bicycle as an instrument of sustainable transportation.

Events, activities, festivals, tours, charity rides and although they take place throughout the year energy accelerates during summer.

With 16 daylight hours on the longest day and 208 hours during the month it’s the best time to dust off that bike hiding away in the shed.

The UN wisely choose June 3 in the Northern hemisphere for their World bicycle celebration as 90 per cent of the planet’s roughly eight billion population live here.

Bexhill, Hastings and Eastbourne have hosted cycle festivals and BMX events in the past and although Covid stalled matters, Big Bike Revival started up by Cycling UK continues.

East Sussex successfully hosted the 2014 Tour of Britain with the route travelling very fast through our towns and villages.

Last year, Sussex Blazing Saddles came to Newhaven and Bexhill and are at Bexhill Museum from June 1 to 16 with bike checks, exhibitions and a heritage ride.

Bicycles often rest during winter and June gives us the chance to check their operation and see if we can remember how to balance. These events help novices to gain confidence and others develop to a different level.

June is always the annual British Heart Foundation 54-mile London to Brighton ride attracting 14,000 riders all for a great cause.

This is just one of many similar charity rides available, giving people a reason to cycle with support from like-minded people.

Also, Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride starting and finishing in Uckfield, riding through the South Downs is another favourite.

Memories and a sense of achievement are the riders’ reward along with knowing you are raising money for

charity.

and cycle between two distinct destinations using the long daytime hours to cover extra distances.

End to John O’ Groats trip taking ten to 14 days.

evenings and developing that confidence to cycle is one of the best ways to enjoy our coast and countryside. Find out who your local cycle group is or where events are in order to get involved.

high but remaining grounded. Try and find one of the many varied cycling activities near to where you are to enjoy the best month for cycling to start out.

step and next month will be about pedal assistance and cycling law.

out there and make the most of it rather than kicking back and becoming a couch potato.

CALLING ALL

FRUSTRATED DOG OWNERS

ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH TO WALK YOUR PUPPY?

HAS YOUR CUTE BUNDLE OF FLUFF TURNED INTO A TEENAGE TROUBLEMAKER WHO IGNORES AND EMBARRASSES YOU?

ARE YOU CONFUSED, LACKING CONFIDENCE AND RUNNING OUT OF TIME TO FIX YOUR DELINQUENT PUP?

THEN SIGN UP NOW FOR MY ‘TAME YOUR TEENAGE TROUBLEMAKER’ TRAINING FOUR WEEK CLASSES.

Mondays at 7:30pm (evening class). Held at Pebsham Community Hub, or Friday’s held at St Stephen’s church 1pm (daytime class).

“I found Harriet very approachable, and she explained things clearly, I feel more confident and in control. The training answered all my concerns. Thank you for providing a fun filled 4 weeks of knowledge and reassurance.” Lisa and River

There’s only 4 spaces in every class, so every owner gets the personalised help they need. My classes are very popular, so you need to apply for a space visit: pawtasticgundogadventures.co.uk/teen-classes/ or scan the QR Code below.

Have you got hundreds of old family photo 35mm slides being left to rot in a box?

Don’t let the memories fade and relive the photographs you’ve forgotten about and enjoy them once again in digital format on your TV or computer We can digitise your colour or black and white slides, or negatives and convert them to high resolution JPEGS for you to view and share with family

45p per slide

Photo credit: Margaret Hayles

Make time to visit Battle, a town with so many hidden delights

ANYONE who has visited Battle, the picturesque town in East Sussex, will know it offers a cornucopia of delights which are well worth visiting.

Although much of the town is caught in a bit of a time warp given its long and illustrious history it has also moved with the times to make a visit extremely rewarding.

Take, for instance, Battle Abbey, bang in the middle of town, which

remains a popular tourist attraction. It may be Battle’s jewel in the crown but there is a plethora of other delights to appeal to visitors.

Chief among its appeal is the vast array of independent shops selling an array of different items both current and antique, plus everything in between. There are bargains galore to be had.

But back in the day, the town had a very different story to tell. Prior to

1066, the area had been relatively empty and unpopulated.

The town developed around its abbey, which provided trade to survive in an otherwise improbable location for a new town.

Battle still retains some fine examples of Medieval domestic architecture, including the Wealdenstyle hall-houses in Upper Lake, Pilgrim’s Rest and others in the High Street.

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us on 07515 459949 35 High Street, Battle, TN33 0EA email: treatments@aestheticsthepinkroom.co.uk

permission to build a mill on land owned by the abbey.

A gunpowder works was located in Powdermill Lane, the remains were eventually turned into a hotel.

In 1722, Daniel Defoe, whose wellknown books include Moll Flanders and Robinson Crusoe, described the town as being “remarkable for little, but renowned for making the finest gun-powder, and the best perhaps in Europe”.

The Duke of Cleveland declined renewing the licence in 1874 after many mishaps and accidents, including one occasion in 1798 when more than 15 tons of gunpowder were left in the oven for too long and exploded.

Battle Bonfire Boyes is said to be the oldest of the Sussex Bonfire Societies and also to have the oldest effigy of

Guy Fawkes, which is now in Battle Museum.

Fortunately, Battle mostly escaped the conflict during the Second World War, although some bombs and incendiary devices did fall in the area, most notably on February 2 1943 when three bombs were dropped on the town.

Two failed to explode, but one did detonate, destroying two shops and killing two residents.

Fast forward to current times, however, and Battle is thriving once more and bearing in mind its easy access via either road or rail, it really is worth taking a trip to enjoy its hidden delights and fascinating history.

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE

Cllr Memish Huseyin, councillor for Old Town Ward, has been appointed as Deputy Mayor. If you wish to book the Mayor or Deputy to attend one of your community events, please see our website for more information.

Cllr Nigel Jacklin attended a meeting at Great Dixter of Parish and Town

range of insects. He also spoke about municipal gardening identifying different types of locations using the Bexhill Wild Domesday Project supported by the Town Council and a ‘mosaic’ approach to fostering biodiversity through provision of a range of habitats. The talk was well attended and appreciated by

Councillors from both Rother and Wealden.

The first engagement for Cllr Wilson was to the Bexhill Choral societies

Vivaldi - Gloria event on Saturday 18th May at St Peters Church in Bexhill

There were 2 soloists, Caroline Charnick and Rebecca Hughes who were excellently supported by the Sussex Concert Orchestra. All were very well led by the conductor

Kenneth Roberts

Cllr Wilson said, “This being my first engagement as The Mayor of Bexhill On Sea I was thoroughly entrained as was the packed church audience.”

Bexhill Choral society have other events during the year and I would recommend joining them. www. bexhillchoral.org.uk

Cllr Andrew Crotty reports that he has been contacted by residents in Western Road, who are complaining about the 4.40am deliveries in a residential area. Also, he is sorry to see that Clinton Cards is shutting in August.

BEXHILL WILD DOMESDAY PROJECT – GALLEY HILL UPDATE

THE town council has written to Central Government requesting the extension of the SSSI from Combe Valley to cover Galley Hill in line with government guidance.

SSSI stands for Site of Special Scientific Interest. These are protected areas in the United Kingdom designated for conservation due to their unique or significant natural features.

The primary goal of SSSIs is to safeguard and manage the best examples of the country’s flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features.

The designation helps ensure the long-term preservation of these sites by controlling activities that might damage or degrade their special qualities.

SSSIs are essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting scientific research and education.

Known Rare Bees mining at Galley Hill requiring urgent conservation status: Early Colletes (Colletes cunicularius) Grey-backed Mining Bee (Andrena vaga). This was previously thought to be extinct in Britain.

Other bees mining the cliffs: Gwynne’s Mining Bee (Andrena bicolor). Yellow-legged Mining Bee

plumipes). Silvery Leafcutter Bee (Megachile leachella). The Mourning Cleptoparasitic bee (Melecta albifrons) Spined Mason Bee (Osmia spinulosa) Buffish Mining Bee (Andrena nigroaenea). Trimmer’s Mining Bee (Andrena trimmerana). Hairy Yellowface Bee (Hylaeus hyalinatus)

The secret of Galley Hill is that although its cliffs are generally barren in their upper and mid-sections apart from the foreign incursive but usefully rock-binding Hottentot Fig (Carboprotus edulis), the lower levels contain many plants sought out by bees and the whole of the top of Galley Hill is a clover-rich lawn of good moist grass for many months with many flowers.

PUBLIC CONVENIENCE UPDATES

The council continues to demand the freehold of the public toilet facilities in Bexhill and Rother District Council continue to deny this due to their policy on the subject therefore most of the sites remain closed. Devonshire Square toilet facilities are owned by

bank holiday week, we experienced severe vandalism which led to the toilets being closed in the square. The current cleaning contractor refused to deal with the level of abuse of these facilities had suffered which has led to the return of the cleaning and maintenance to Rother District Council, paid for by the town council, until further decisions are made. The town council is hugely disappointed that individuals consistently damage our local toilet facilities and appeal to anyone that witnesses this behaviour to report to the police immediately.

FUTURE MEETING DATES

Amenities Committee: 5th June. Planning and Development Committee: 12th and 26th June. Finance and Audit Committee: 12th June.

Full Council: 26th June. 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.

Pyramid Orchids and Oxeye Daisy’s in a Private Garden in Normans Bay

Paul Wilson and Memish Huseyin

Mayor alongside Conductor Kenneth Roberts and the outgoing Chair of Rother, Cllr Vikki Cook

JACQUELINE FARRINGTON OF VINTAGE AT 25

With the reinvention of the vinyl record, we speak to Jacqueline Farrington from Vintage at 25 to find out what this new era means for her business…

How long have you lived in the area? I moved to Bexhill in August 1987, on that day the Red Arrows did a flypast and I thought to myself what a wonderful welcome. The town was quaint with an old-fashioned politeness to it (everyone saying “Good Morning”). It has changed but I still love living here.

to have a sea view from my home and could not imagine moving away.

What do you think needs Improving in Bexhill? We need more promotion of the town, people nationally and internationally need to know about its unique qualities. We have the fantastic De La Warr Pavilion with a wide variety of international artists, but the town needs more. Events such as the car show at the Polegrove draw a multitude of visitors into the town, so increase the number of attractions and the more people will visit. We also need to promote more than just the main street in Bexhill, many of the

I love an attention-grabbing headline, but if you’re looking for a personal design and printing service at great prices, with FREE DPD delivery, give me, Dean Cook, a call on 07884 263804. Whatever you need, I can help, advise and organise! Here are just a few example print prices.

Jacqueline Farrington

LIFETIME MORTGAGES IN THE CURRENT MARKET

finance for a number of reasons. A Lifetime Mortgage can provide a safe and welcome solution.

WHY MIGHT I CONSIDER A LIFETIME MORTGAGE?

A Lifetime mortgage may be a suitable option to repay a mortgage, fund home improvements, gift to family or to supplement income. The current cost of living is a concern for many and utilising one’s property to release funds is an option particularly for people on fixed incomes.

BACK

TO BASICS

With some plans no interest is paid and the interest “rolls up” over the lifetime of the plan. Many plans allow interest to be paid on a regular or ad hoc basis which enables clients to raise the capital they need without the longer-term costs they have potentially been worried about. It is usual for a plan to be repaid from the sale proceeds of the property When the (last) client dies or goes into long-term care.

DO CURRENT INTEREST RATES MAKE LIFETIME MORTGAGES LESS ATTRACTIVE?

Regardless of the economy people may have a need for finance. Many Schemes allow for an initial advance (typically from £10,000) plus a reserve Facility that can be drawn on as and when needed. The advantage of this type of scheme is that interest is charged at the prevailing rate when the funds are drawn. Depending on the reason and the urgency for the funds it is therefore possible to monitor interest rates and opt to draw down funds when rates are at a level you feel comfortable with.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO PEOPLE CONSIDERING A LIFETIME MORTGAGE?

I feel it is important to think carefully about why you are looking at later Life lending and about the amount of money needed. I am a great advocate of later life lending and lifetime mortgages, as I have seen people’s lives change when financial pressures are relieved, however as it is a transaction that may last a lifetime careful consideration and good advice from a specialist is needed before embarking on an application.

Call me on 07710 494423 or visit www.tracyellisfuller.co.uk

Tracy Ellis-Fuller

SUPPORTING FAMILIES LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

MINDFUL Oak Sussex is a newly formed CIC (Community Interest Company) supporting families in East Sussex living with Dementia.

Along with professionally trained staff and a team of enthusiastic volunteers; founder, Samantha Keylock, is delighted to offer three groups for people with memory problems, to attend together with a family member or care partner, to enable them to create some precious moments together.

The Memory Moments Cafés in Horam (Mondays 2.30pm4.30pm) and Bexhill (Thursdays 9.30am-12.30pm) bring local people together to create a network of support, to help one another navigate the challenges of living with Dementia.

Sam explains: “We provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment where new friendships are made, while we share meaningful moments and enjoy music, song, games, creative

The Woodland Moments group in Hailsham (Mondays 10.00am-12.30pm) is a very unique offering. Beside a beautiful, tranquil glade at the heart of Bushy Wood Activity Centre you will find a covered area where the Woodlands group members meet to start their week in the best way possible — connecting with nature, enjoying the visiting wildlife, listening to birdsong, all while engaging in woodcrafts and seasonal activities.

Passionate about supporting families to live life to the full, Sam shares that “The group enjoys being creative. We always offer a variety of activities for people to participate in to promote independence and choice.

Activities have recently included making Roman baskets, bird tables, fruit chutneys and a willow dome. We also arrange visits from local musicians and craftsmen & women, to share their talents. The site is accessible, even for those with some mobility issues. There’s onsite parking and toilet facilities. We also have access to a lodge on standby, so we’re prepared for the unpredictable British weather. It really is a wonderful way to start a new week and we’d love to welcome new members to the group to enjoy the benefits and share our special place.”

Email: mindfuloaksussex@outlook.com or call 07453 917399.

Owners or occupiers of land (including Buildings) near the operating centre(s), who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, Stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice.

Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A guide to making representations is

BURPS AND SLURPS EPITOMISE GHASTLY TV…

THE latest series of hit television show Britain’s Got Talent managed to plunge new depths when a woman burped her accompaniment to a backing track and was unbelievably voted through to the next round of the competition.

During a commercial break, viewers were then “treated” to an advert for a certain instant noodle product where the protagonist loudly slurped the featured product with considerable relish, thus ensuring that the Mayo household would never again buy it during the weekly shop. Clearly those responsible have seen the error of their ways because the slurping has now been replaced by a weird concoction of sounds and thank God for that.

Terrestrial television has now sunk to such a low ebb that it is virtually impossible to find anything decent to watch on any given evening. Crass TV rules the roost with the likes of Simon Cowell and his crew of fellow judges who are seen as modern-day deities.

Well, count me out when it comes to most reality programmes but there is light at the end of an extremely dark tunnel and it comes in the unlikely form of the utterly delightful Amazon Prime series

Clarkson’s Farm

Jeremy Clarkson is a man reborn after the unedifying end of his tenure as the leader of the pack in the BBC’s Top Gear

Since his departure along with co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond after a rose wine fuelled Clarkson whacked a member of the production team in a row over a lack of suitable food after a long day’s filming, the programme went into startling decline before one of its new presenters, Andrew Flintoff, suffered terrible facial injuries in a high-speed crash.

But even before that it was on its last legs as firstly Chris Evans and then Paddy McGuiness made a right pig’s ear of it. Top Gear is now on hiatus, hopefully never to return.

Talking of pigs, they feature prominently in the third series of Clarkson’s Farm which proved to be even more entertaining than the first two, which is quite some achievement.

The usual cast of disparate characters are still firmly in place with newlyappointed farm manager Kaleb Cooper, land agent “Cheerful” Charlie Ireland, “head of security” Gerald, and Clarkson’s partner Lisa, who clearly has the patience

of a saint.

It is the perfect mix of pathos and humour, the former when several of the newly-born piglets die and Gerald is diagnosed with cancer. Viewers were also horrified when it appeared, in a sleight of hand, that the farm’s beloved yet seemingly infertile pet cow Pepper had been dispatched to the slaughterhouse.

Then, in a fantastic interlude Kaleb and Charlie were sent to Downing Street to attend a farmers’ convention hosted by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Kaleb immediately blotted his copybook by hammering on the door of Number Ten only to be berated by a flunkey and told in no uncertain terms that he would be evicted from the hallowed premises if he ever had the temerity to do so again. He was eventually escorted to meet Mr Sunak whom he referred to as Ricky before telling the startled PM that he had “beautiful hair”. Pure comedy gold.

But it is the farm, Diddly Squat, which remains the epicentre of the action. Amid the chaos and financial woes, it is all held together by the enduring spirit and hard work of all those involved, including Clarkson himself.

He gamely carried on despite being

headbutted in an extremely sensitive area by one of his newly-acquired goats and then came up with a hare-brained scheme to harvest blackberries using a Hoover.

Harvest acquired he proceeded to make jam only to be told by Charlie that he couldn’t sell it in the farm shop because it hadn’t been subjected to the necessary health and safety checks.

With the crops failing to live up to expectations due to adverse weather conditions, matters were looking bleak but once again the team rallied against the odds and you found yourself rooting for them to succeed. They did in a manner of sorts.

As they looked for alternative means of income, different crops were planted and Clarkson also opted to bring previously unused woodland into use, with his young group of porkers given free rein to enjoy themselves while also helping to clear some of the overgrown areas of the farm.

With the diminished crops harvested, Clarkson opted to make his own mustard to add to his revenue stream. Much huffing and puffing ensued in the kitchen with the man himself resplendent in a blue hair net but, predictably, it all went a bit wrong.

In typically schoolboy fashion it was christened Jeremy’s Hot Seed and by all accounts tasted divine but the quantity produced was miniscule, even more so when he forgot to open the lid of the pepper cracker and most of the harvested crop ended up on the floor.

But that is the beauty of the programme… it shows farming warts and all from trials and tribulations to the triumphs, even though they may be few and far between.

In a final albeit somewhat predictable twist we then discovered that the adorable Pepper was not in cow heaven but still very much with us with alternative accommodation. Not only that but she had also given birth to a calf. That is the appeal of television series such as this. They really can be informative, sad, touching and funny.

Most TV executives and programmers are totally devoid of ideas, seemingly ignoring the fact that good quality entertainment is the name of the game. In contrast, Jeremy Clarkson is a television natural, whatever you may think of him as an individual. How the BBC must regret their parting of the ways.

Wedding bells toll for BRT Club

a

event offered a scenic and challenging swim in Burghley’s Great Lake and a closed road bike course. EarleHenson’s impressive split results gave him exceptional personal bests as he raced round in 10min.58sec for the swim (750m), 44:17 on the bike (20km) and then 26:52 for the run (5km).

Ellie Docksey completed her first Try-a-Tri at East Grinstead Triathlon

Trail from Farnham in Surrey to Knockholt Pound on the outskirts of London.

Mike Pain embraced the aweinspiring coastal Seaford 10k as he ran amidst the beauty of the South Downs to finish with a fabulous PB of 41:31:00. Dagmara Ginter entered a unique event on the beaches of Thanet in Kent. There was no stopping her as she raced the 10 bays around the coast to beat the tide. Running on the sand, across rocks, in and out of the bays, she finally ending her 15 miles in a fabulous PB of 02:56:17. This was then followed by the Big Way Round, successfully smashing 19 miles in a fantastic time of 3:53:01.

Sailors beat the weather to decide series

BEXHILL Sailing Club members will not let frustrating weekend weather get them down — hence they were able to finish the Saturday Series and start the Early May Short Series with respectable fleets.

Firstly, the Saturday series saw the Cats out with Tony Lane and Eitain leading in Davao Baldwin and Wendy Watkins (both Dart 16As).

It was former commodores Michael Copeman and Nikki Palmer (RS400), who led Tony Witham (Supernova) and Richard Eagleton, unusually sailing an Aero, in the Fast Fleet.

The Slow Fleet again saw a Europe win, helmed by Richard Bratton, from Malcolm Brookes (Comet) and Neil Smith (Byte). Matt Jones took the novice honours.

Two races took place in the May Short Series, and with conditions changing most of the fleet hotly contested the first, less so the second.

Rs400s contested the Asymmetric race, allowing them to fly their spinnakers effectively, and again it was the former commodores of Copeman and Palmer winning ahead of Dusty Miller and Andy Bullen.

Logan Adams, maintaining family tradition, was first in the Fast Fleet, ahead of Rick Parker and Bob Palmer (all Lasers). The novice win went to Matt Jones. Slow Fleet had Richard Eagleton (Europe) first followed by Hanna Bolton (Laser 4.7) then Richard Bratton (Europe).

The Early May Short series results had Asymmetric Dusty Miller and Andy Bullen (RS400) ahead of Nikki Palmer and Mike Copeman in a similar craft, whilst Bob Palmer led the Fast Fleet ahead of Logan Adams and Hanna Bolton (Lasers).

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

Title glory for Little Common youngsters

LITTLE Common Under-18s celebrated claiming the Southern Combination League East Division title following a goalless draw at home to closest rivals Peacehaven. But their Champions of Champions play-off with Worthing United was postponed and is now unlikely to be played after an appeal in the North division which could affect who claims the title.

The Linda Freeman memorial match featuring past and present Common players raised £1,410 for St Michael’s Hospice, Crohn’s Disease and Colitis UK. Common held their end of

Archie Warmington. U23 Manager’s Player: Jacob McArthur. Goal of the Season: Frankie Manning. Under 18 Players’ Player: Kieran Ludlow. Under 18 Manager’s Player: Jack Thoms. Parents’ Player: Ford

Laser Radials were out in force in the Fast Fleet, Bob Palmer took first from former cadet Logan Adams, Hanna Bolton, and Chris Burchell. Impressive finishes for the younger sailors.

In the Slow Fleet, a variety of dinghies challenged but it was the Comet of Steve Boniface on his first time out this season who won. He was followed by Neil Smith’s Byte, Miles Coote and Steve Roberts’ Miracle and Dave Kerr’s Lightning. Again, Jones represented the Novices.

In race two, it was Dusty’s RS400 which mastered the course, Bob Palmer in a Laser Radial taking the Fast Fleet lead, and Neil Smith’s Aero

Memorial Award: Lewis Hole. Presentations were also made to Lewis Parsons to mark his retirement along with various volunteers to thank them for their support during the season.

The Slow Fleet was won by Neil Smith, having moved on from a Europe to his Byte dinghy, ahead of Steve Boniface’s Comet and a Miracle of Miles Coote and Steve Evans.

The club had an interesting fleet of RS400s on May 12, with Bob Palmer helming his daughter’s boat with Mike Copeman, for the win ahead of Miller and Bullen, followed by Darren Good, Rear Commodore, and Logan Adams in third.

The late May half-term had cadets at sailing camp. Our trainee sailors will be tuning up to start the weekend course on June 8. There may be still some space on the course so, if interested, contact the club asap. The club will host the Federation Cup on July 7 against five invited South Coast clubs.

Bexhill United’s Joe Skinner picked up a hat-trick of awards at their end of season bash.

Skinner was voted Supporters’ Player, Players’ Player and also Manager’s Player of the Season. Teenage goalkeeper Alex Hobden was chosen as the Committee’s Player of the Season and also picked up the Young Player trophy.

groom William Carey for

prewedding Parkrun at Bedgebury.

BRT ultra-runner Sharon Dickson

ahead of Ken Edwards and crew in the Cats.

Little Common award winners

Under-18 East Division winners

Bridegroom, William Carey and Bride, Charlotte Elliott with BRT Club at Bedgebury Park run

Barry Ingram, Mental Health Awareness at Hastings Half Marathon

Jason Earle-Henson at Burghley House Tri-athlon

Ellie Docksey and Mollie Docksey at East Grinstead Tri-athlon

Andrea Harwood, Centurion North Downs Way 50

Sport Bexhill United in hunt for new manager

Close calls at Bexhill boxing show

MIKE LEGG

great success with the club’s under18s and under-23 sides.

Despite it being their first job in senior management, Wright bullishly set his sights on a title challenge, but the Pirates ultimately had a season fighting at the other end of the table, finishing two places above the one relegation spot.

Injuries and unavailability, as well

Lovell also thanked the players, former boss Light for giving him his chance, the fans and his “partner in crime and sidekick” Wright before signing off by saying: “Gutted it’s had to end but I look forward to the next chapter.”

United are inviting applications for the roles by June 1 to management@bexhillunited.com

PHOTOS: ADAM HATCHER/ INSTAGRAM: ADZ83

THERE were some cracking bouts and close decisions as Bexhill Amateur Boxing Club hosted their annual show.

Twelve club boxers were matched at Pebsham Community Hub on a packed 15-bout card — and the home boxers and their hard-working volunteer coaches served up a treat for family and friends in the crowd.

Will Driver performed excellently in his first skills belt, utilising his jab and footwork well to control opponent Oliver Hatchard (Brentwood) as the mandatory draw was recorded.

Junior Seb Mitchell (51kg) was up next, he had a close bout with Lenny Neaster from Brentwood and suffered a narrow split-decision loss.

Junior Fraser Stephenson (66kg) got Bexhill off to winning ways, boxing out of his skin and stopping Charlie Dunford (Lord Mountbatten) in the third round with some great backhands.

Youth Max Spillane (58kg) won by decision, outboxing his opponent Ollie Leeds (Brighton) in the first round and nearly stopping him. Leeds came back strongly in the next two rounds - but Spillane was the clear victor at the final bell.

Sonny Studley (65kg) had a cracking fight with Frank Bebb (Punchout Boxing Academy). The crowd really got excited for this one as they both left it all in the ring, but it was Bebb who had his arm raised for victory.

In other youth clashes, home fighter Callum Herod (66kg) boxed superbly to win every round and

And Callum Aling (68kg) boxed superbly in his first round and clearly won it, but opponent Celestino Precilla (Don Davis Boxing Academy) was strong and recovered to take the decision.

In the senior action, there is scope for a trilogy after Adam Excell (64kg) lost a decision in his rematch with Brighton’s George Brown. Excell had previously beaten Brown, who was desperate for revenge and working extremely hard in the second and third rounds to edge out the home favourite.

Terry Davies (58kg) had an excellent bout in which he really showcased his skill and ability against Matthew Moore (Don Davis BA).

He slipped and rolled his opponent’s shots then unleashed when he had his opponent in prime position. His second round was one of the best Pebsham Hall has seen. His opponent came back strong in the third round and although it seemed like Davies had done enough at the end of the bout having picked up rounds one and two, it was Moore’s hand that was raised on a

unlucky to not claim the win in his first ever bout. It seemed to everyone in the crowd that he had done the better work in rounds one and three against Kokhulan Ramanathen (Surbiton), but it was his opponent that took the split decision.

Louis Crouch (72kg) also enjoyed a great bout with Surbiton’s Remi Owen. After a remarkably close opening round, Crouch really showed his skill in the second as he used his jab and one-two combinations to clearly take it. His opponent, knowing it was all on the line going into the final round, came out strong and was the busier fighter as he sneaked a narrow decision.

Alfie James (80kg) was unlucky to not take the decision in the penultimate bout of the night after a war with the tall rangy Crawley boxer Michael Georgiev.

Aaron Davies (69kg) won a split decision in the final bout of the night, edging out the very skillful Brighton boxer Roland Johan. Aaron clearly won round one, his opponent adapted well but it was the home favourite’s boxing that shone through at the end to win the bout.

Hard hitting action from the Bexhill ABC show

Bexhill ABC boxers and coaches

Shane Lovell (left) and John Wright. Photo credit: Joe Knight