Bexhill News, August 2023, Issue 14

EDITOR’S WELCOME

TIME TO CLAMBER ON BOARD AND SUPPORT EXTENDED BUS SERVICE

BY KIM MAYO

ANEW extended bus timetable has received the enthusiastic backing of councillors who believe it will provide a real boost to Bexhill and the surrounding areas, including Sidley and Pebsham.

I HAVE now driven cars for more than 40 years since passing my driving test back in the Eighties and largely snubbed public transport… but no more.

These days, we should all embrace the new world order with increasing concerns over global warming needing to be addressed.

I am seriously considering selling my ageing diesel-powered Volvo V50 for the simple reason I barely use it, and it sits there forlornly on the side of the road hoping to be fired up, which largely it is not.

Previously, I was a complete petrolhead, loving fast motors and giving them a good blast when the opportunity, arose, but cars are increasingly redundant.

Admittedly, I rarely leave Bexhill because there is absolutely no need to do so. Our town has so much to offer so why travel to Eastbourne or Brighton?

In addition, if you do need to travel beyond the perimeters of Bexhill, the public transport offers the best alternative to the motor car.

Take rail strikes out of the equation and letting the train take the strain tends to be a positive experience. It is both cheap and efficient and to a large extent relaxing. Chill out, read a book or even have a nap. It is the way forward.

Hence, the reason our travel habits are changing rapidly and Bexhill News warmly welcomes the extended bus timetable initiatives, which means residents can travel effectively and safely from the likes of Sidley and Pebsham into town at extremely reasonable price.

The new extendable timetable ensures that those in outlying areas can now travel into Bexhill to enjoy a meal or a show secure in the knowledge that public transport is readily available and I, for one will be taking full advantage of it and so should you.

As for my beloved Volvo, I think the time has arrived to bid it a fond farewell. The times they are a changing.

Kim Mayo, Editor

Bexhill News is a publication by Regional Media Group Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales number: 13746177. We have taken care to ensure that

It means that buses will now run until nearly midnight, enabling those who want to travel to Bexhill and enjoy a meal or go to an evening show at the De La Warr Pavilion, for instance, will no longer have to rely on driving into town or using a taxi.

The service, run by Stagecoach, with the backing of East Sussex County Council and some funding from central government, is now up and running.

Labour councillor Christine Bayliss, who represents Bexhill Central ward, is among those who have been calling for an extended bus service.

As she joined several other councillors for a jaunt on the new service, she said: “I have campaigned for this for a long time.

“It is a key part of the bus improvement plan and will be funded for two years. However, the message is clear… people must use it or lose it.

“This is now the perfect opportunity to make the most of what our town has to offer, such as attending the De La Warr’s sunset screenings without having to worry about how to get there and make the return trip home.

“I know that Stewart Drew at the De La Warr is absolutely thrilled that the new service has been launched.”

Councillor Sam Coleman, who represents Sidley, also enthusiastically backs the new service. He said: “This will really open up the night time

economy and is a huge boost for the area.

late in the evening and it is cheap to use it too. Some kids in Sidley have never seen the sea, which is really sad. This is a great initiative and I am sure it will prove extremely popular.”

Those sentiments were echoed by fellow Sidley councillor Fazlul Chowdury who added: “This ensures that Sidley can have a real connection to Bexhill and I am sure the extended hours buses will run will prove to be a resounding success.”

Labour councillor Mark Legg, who represents Bexhill Old Town and Worsham, was also on board the bus and said: “This extended service was sorely needed. A clean and affordable bus service is absolutely vital for local residents.

“It will also provide job opportunities for those who want to work in the evening in pubs and restaurants for example.”

Independent councillor Hazel Timpe, who

“It will benefit all sectors of our society, especially those who don’t drive and young people as well. I am sure it will be warmly welcomed.”

Bexhill News joined the councillors on a journey which took in both Sidley and Pebsham. Editor Kim Mayo said: “Despite the atrocious weather the service was excellent and is sure to be successful. “It needs to be embraced and used regularly, especially by those who may not travel into Bexhill regularly in the evening because of concerns over parking or having an alcoholic drink with a meal before driving home.

“This new service is the perfect alternative to our over reliance on cars when it comes to local journeys and I can only agree with the councillors also on board who all welcomed the extended bus timetable.”

Hall is a local cartoonist drawing inspiration from Bexhill and the sea. His cards, books and other

Local councillors enjoy the new bus service

EXTRA INVESTMENT IS APPROVED TO IMPROVE COUNTY’S ROADS

ADDITIONAL investment to help improve the condition of East Sussex Roads and protect them for years ahead has been agreed.

The decision follows months of detailed discussions as to how extra investment could be most effective as more extreme weather is causing roads across England to deteriorate more rapidly.

East Sussex County Council Cabinet members unanimously approved the additional spending of £5.6 million from reserves to pay for extra patching and drainage work, and to increase the capital programme by £5.1 million, funded through borrowing.

They also agreed a recommendation to full council that a further £5 million be added to the council’s capital programme to help with early improvements to make the road network more resilient. A decision on this funding was due to be made. If agreed, it would bring the total extra investment to £15.7 million.

Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment, said: “Over recent winters, and in

on roads in East Sussex and across the country.

“I very much welcome this investment and

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP HOSTS PUBLIC MEETING WITH SOUTHERN WATER

REPRESENTATIVES of Southern Water faced a large audience at a public meeting organised by the Bexhill Environmental Group as the company outlined its plans to improve water quality and wastewater management.

Southern Water has faced plenty of criticism in recent years, including the escalating cost of using it services to various “outages” which campaigners believe have a significant impact

on marine life and also affects the quality of the sea water along the coastline. That has been a major concern for sea swimmers in recent times.

Therefore it was no surprise that a large number of concerned residents gathered at Beulah Church Hall to take in the presentation.

believe residents will as well.”

The increase in investment would help move 40 more miles of roads into good condition and significantly reduce the proportion of roads in East Sussex needing repair.

Extra investment has already been made in the county’s highways after this was set as an area of priority. In 2022-23 an additional £8.9 million was allocated, increasing the capital programme by £3.1 million for ten years and £5.8 million which boosted the council’s patching programme.

This led to an additional 730 sections of the road network being treated, funded 280 additional works to pavements, and repaired and maintained road markings, road signs and signposts across the county.

Decisions on future investment will be made during the council’s normal budget setting process, starting in the autumn.

Meanwhile, East Sussex County Council continues to lobby central Government for better and longer-term funding for road maintenance.

Team and Gary Sanders, the engagement officer for the Clean Seas and Rivers Task Force.

“Misconnections” refers to the historic and current construction industry problems of mixing foul water (sewage and polluted waste) with surface water drainage from roofs and roads.

Southern Water says it is now making concerted efforts to identify the sources of faecal contamination and aims to ensure that connections are as they should be.

Apart from cages within sewers which are designed to trap waste that causes problems, such as wet wipes and other debris, sensors are used by both Southern Water and their consultants Adler and Allen to monitor ammonia and E. coli presence within the network from inland to outfall.

This, the audience was told, includes 23,000 modern sensors in the region as part of the company’s Smart Digital Network.

In terms of flooding and storm overflows Southern Water says it is encouraging the use of sustainable drainage such as water butts and directly irrigated planters to reduce the use of the overflows and making greater use of holding tanks to regulate the amount of

The speakers were spared the broader matters of Southern Water’s past performance and questioning was mainly concerned

It was accepted that public advice was lacking, especially in terms of clear explanations and simple up-to-date information

The meeting was held on the day day the chief executive of Thames Water resigned and the financial future of five heavily mortgaged waste water companies is being questioned, However, Mr Butson and Mr Watson were keen to stress that Southern Water is making many local improvements and current water sampling shows Bexhill bathing water to be for now rated as

But many have been disgruntled by estimates of dividends paid by water companies since privatisation ranging between £50.6

Bexhill Environmental Group was pleased to welcome a number of new members on the night and details of the group’s activities www.bexhillenvironmentalgroup.org.uk

Tankers at the sewage plant at Galley Hill

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Taction, saw the Travellers move on of their own accord to continue their journeys. Although there were reports on Facebook of disruption, damage and aggressive behaviour at both Little Common Recreation Ground and Sutton Place, Bexhill News could not confirm this and has therefore chosen not to report on specific allegations made on the social media site.

After the Travellers had arrived a Rother District Council spokesman said: “We received reports of two Traveller encampments on Little Common Recreation Ground and at Sutton Place yesterday evening (July 13).

“Members of East Sussex County Council’s Traveller team attended the sites on the morning of July 14 to carry out welfare checks, accompanied by the police and officers from Rother District Council.

“The groups were asked to vacate the land and the council started the appropriate legal action.”

RESIDENTS URGED

AND SUPPORT CAUSE

RESIDENTS are being urged to buy a copy of the recently-launched 2024 Charity for Kids calendars, which raise money for a wonderful cause. The official launch was held on July 1 at the Maybugs shop in Devonshire Road. It was attended by Bexhill Town Councillor and Mayor, Lynn Brailsford and her husband Paul Brailsford, together with the joint owner of the shop, Greg Rose. Maybugs continue to be great supporters of the charity, having stocked the calendars when they first opened in Bexhill in June 2022.

For the next couple of months, to thank them for their support, they will be the sole outlet for the sale of the Bexhill calendars.

Charity for Kids is now in its 11th year as a registered charity that is dedicated to providing specialist equipment and support to local children and their families who have disabilities, life-limiting or in some cases terminal conditions.

Thanks to the fantastic support again from a number of local business all of the production costs of the calendars is paid for so every single pound that is received from the sale of the calendars goes directly to buying equipment or providing absolutely vital support to those in need.

The charity is run by a small dedicated committee who volunteer their time, services and expertise completely free of charge.

Charity for Kids was established in 2011 to provide help for disabled, sick and terminally ill children and their families across Bexhill, Hastings and Rother.

It helps children and their families with support and specialised equipment that is either not available via health services or comes at very high cost, which can be extremely difficult to fund.

The calendars are produced as part of the charity’s fundraising efforts and thanks to support from local businesses such as Bentleys Steakhouse, D&H Fencing and Landscapes, Hastings Direct, Pebbles on the Beach, London Road Butchers, D Porter Electrics, 1066 Street Bikes and Carrolls Florists.

Some of the money raised from the sales of the 2023 calendars was used to help 14-year-old Bailey and his family.

Bailey attends Glyne Gap School. He has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy and is registered blind.

He requires care 24/7 and is a full-time wheelchair user. Yet despite this he is a happy boy with a wicked sense of humour. He loves music and thoroughly enjoys being out and about in the local community.

Charity for Kids has helped to provide respite care for Bailey so he and his family can have a break and and for Bailey to have some one-to-one support to access the community.

Travellers arrive at Galley Hill. Pictured top: the site at Little Common.

BANKING BLOW AS NATWEST CONFIRMS IT IS CLOSING BEXHILL BRANCH

BY KIM MAYO

IN yet another devastating blow to Bexhill’s beleaguered town centre it has been confirmed that the town’s NatWest bank branch will be closing its doors for the final time in September.

This follows in the footsteps of Barclays in Devonshire Road which also closed its branch last year “due to a lack of customer use”.

In a letter to its customers, NatWest said: “Closing a branch is a difficult decision and not one we take lightly.

“We understand that this branch closure may be challenging for many, and we’re working hard to help prepare our customers and our colleagues for the closure.

“All of your banking details including sort code, account number, standing orders and direct debits will remain the same and you can continue to use your debit cards, paying-in books and cheque books.

“Only the branch address on your statements and any new cheque books will change. If you need to write to us the address

anyone who needs a little more support.

However, the closure of the Barclays branch will inconvenience customers for whom popping into their local branch on a regular basis to complete transactions is a way of life.

In addition, many “more mature” customers are totally unfamiliar with the concept of online banking and have absolutely no desire to discover how it works. Indeed, many do not even own a home computer or laptop.

The forthcoming closure is also a major blow to Bexhill’s town centre with another prime site due to stand empty, along with the aforementioned former Barclays branch and Edinburgh Woollen Mill building.

However, Howard Martin, President of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, takes a different view on the closure.

He said: “Although the loss of the facility is devastating for those who rely on traditional banking services, it can also be seen as a positive for our town if proactive thinking is utilised.

“Both the Barclays and NatWest buildings are prime examples of fantastic architecture and present a fantastic opportunity to boost the retail sector in Bexhill.

Natwest Bank, in Devonshire Road, to close

NEW SHOPS OPEN FOR BUSINESS IN WESTERN ROAD

NO LIFEGUARDS TO PATROL BEACH THIS SUMMER

IN a shock development the RNLI says it “regretfully” will not be able to provide lifeguard cover over the summer months due to a lack of new recruits joining its ranks.

Despite strenuous efforts to attract lifeguard candidates using targeted local advertising, comprehensive leafleting campaigns in local and neighbouring towns, recruitment fairs, and online engagement, the RNLI has encountered significant difficulties in a challenging recruitment climate in meeting its staffing requirements.

TWO new shops have opened their doors on Western Road, bucking the trend of doom and gloom which many predicted regarding the United Kingdom’s faltering economy.

July saw the exciting opening of the two new shops, namely Fragrant Affairs’ and Naturally Crafted Bexhill in front of a small crowd of excited customers.

Christine Bayliss, the Rother District councillor for Bexhill Central Ward and the portfolio holder for economic regeneration, had the honour of cutting the ribbons to open the two local businesses and welcome them to Western Road. Both businesses had previously been trading from units within The Mall in Western Road and have now taken on the two shops either side of The Mall.

The new outlets are larger and sit directly on Western Road, where it is hoped they’ll both see an increase in business.

the same time that the owners decided to hold a joint grand opening, creating quite a buzz in the town.

To the west of the Mall entrance is now the newly-opened Fragrant Affairs run by Chelsea Smith. It is selling wax melts, bath bombs and many other fragrant gifts and products.

To the east, Naturally Crafted Bexhill is run by Julie Wallis and Sam Coleman, selling local crafts, fair trade items and personalised gifts.

Both businesses had fantastic opening day sales and were warmly welcomed by fellow Western Road businesses.

Hopefully, the two popular new shops will go on to have fantastic success for years to come.

Both shops are contactable via social media, just search Fragrant Affairs and Naturally Crafted Bexhill respectively.

Therefore, the decision has been taken not to operate the lifeguard base at Bexhill for Rother District Council this year. The Camber Sands lifeguard service will remain unaffected.

While lifeguards will not be stationed at Bexhill, the RNLI remains committed to ensuring the safety of visitors to the beach and aims to deploy a faceto-face team in the town to provide safety advice throughout the season.

During the peak summer season, Rother District Council coastal officers and beach patrol will be present along Bexhill seafront offering first aid and sea safety advice, and raising appropriate sea safety flags when weather dictates there is a need to do so.

Councillor Hazel Timpe, lead councillor for Neighbourhood Services, Tourism and the Joint Waste Contract at Rother District Council, said: “While we’re obviously disappointed with this outcome, we know that the RNLI has made huge efforts to try to recruit the lifeguards and it is unfortunate that they have not been able to fill these posts.

‘Our own council staff will continue to play their part in promoting beach and water safety, and I’m pleased that the RNLI is looking at providing a face-to-face team to give sea safety advice to our residents and visitors when they visit Bexhill seafront”.

Meanwhile, the RNLI stressed it will continue to emphasise the importance of beach safety and urged everyone planning to visit the coast this summer to keep the key safety advice in mind such as swimming at a lifeguarded beach if available, calling 999 or 112 in an emergency, knowing your flags positioned on the beach and being fully aware of the risks which can be posed by entering the water.

The RNLI said it regrets any inconvenience caused by not operating a lifeguard base at Bexhill for the 2023 season.

The organisation remains dedicated to saving lives at sea and preventing drowning and will continue to explore different routes to address recruitment challenges in the future.

SUPPORT NEEDED TO RESTORE ICONIC FIRE ENGINE TO ITS FORMER GLORY

BY KIM MAYO

BEXHILL’S heritage must be cherished rather than consigned to history, which is why the latest initiative by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service must be supported by the community.

The Merryweather fire engine, now more than a century old, is proudly displayed at the town’s fire station, but it is in need of major restoration before it is ultimately moved to Bexhill Museum. However, the restoration work comes at a hefty price so the team at the fire station will be hosting a number of fundraising events to ensure the dream becomes a reality.

At the launch of the fundraising drive, the commitment and dedication of all those involved was plain to see.

Among those lending their support is leading comedian, writer and actor Eddie Izzard who is renowned for supporting local causes and recently visited the fire station to voice his backing for the plans.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Watch Manager Robin Thompson said at the launch on July 4: “The response so far has been overwhelming with so many people backing what we are trying to achieve.

“Several fundraising events are already in the pipeline which will have the dual purpose of being lots of fun while also contributing to the cost of restoring the Merryweather fire engine.

“We will be holding two wellbeing walks along Bexhill seafront on August 22 and August 29 and the following month plan a rope rescue abseil record attempt which will be challenging but we are all up for it.

“There will also be an open day at the fire station while a Halloween night event for children and their families is also in the pipeline.”

Chief Fire Officer Dawn Whittaker is also firmly behind the restoration project. Dawn, who was appointed Deputy Chief Fire Officer in East Sussex in 2016, took on the top job the following year, said: “We are all really excited about the restoration and look forward to it ultimately being completed.

“Once the Merryweather is fully restored and ready to be displayed at Bexhill Museum it will be a real asset to our town.

“The Merryweather was a remarkable piece of equipment for its time and laid the foundations for the fire service as we know it today.

“It is wonderful to look back into the windows of our past as the service is steeped in history, having saved countless lives both then and in the years since.

“The Merryweather is now 134 yeas old and needs to be restored to its former glory. We are hoping that we will also be able to replicate its former livery and ultimately put it on display at Bexhill Museum for everyone of all ages to enjoy. It is part and parcel of our town’s history.”

Among others attending the official launch of the fundraising drive were Bexhill North councillor Abul Azad, who said it was “an amazing project”, town councillor Paul Plim, who is also a firm backer of the initiative, Group Manager Simon Neill, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mark Matthews, Station Manager Keith Morris, and firefighter Andrew Hewson.

Representatives of Bexhill Museum were also in attendance,

including Trust Secretary Rohan Jayasekera and curator Julian Porter.

The appliance certainly has a long and illustrious history. The then Earl of De La Warr bought the pump in 1895 in order to establish a town fire brigade and it served the town proudly until it was replaced by a motorised version in 1920.

The immediate plan after its retirement was to put it on display at Bexhill Museum, which had just reopened after the culmination of the First World War.

But that plan was delayed as Bexhill Council then elected to use it for flood response work until 1935 when the boiler finally gave up the ghost after more than 40 years of service.

When the new fire station was built in Beeching Road in 1974 the brigade couldn’t take the machine with them so the council let it go and for a time it was loaned to the Fire Service Museum Trust until it was wound up and the Merryweather was returned to its spiritual home.

Once the restoration is complete it will be put on permanent display at the museum although it is envisaged that once a year it will be rolled out with a pair of horses as was the tradition at Bexhill Carnival every year from 1895 until 1974.

Keith Morris perfectly summed up the project when he said: “When you see the Merryweater next to our current fire engines it is clear to see how much the fire and rescue service has changed. It is a real privilege to be part of the efforts to bring it back home and restore it.”

Donations towards the restoration can be made at the museum while plans for future fundraising events will be posted on the East Sussex Fire and Rescue website and social media.

Writer and actor Eddie Izzard voiced his support for the century-old Merryweather fire engine restoration work

BexhillEvents

BEXHILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & TOURISM

BI-MONTHLY NETWORKING MEETING

Last Wednesday every other month, 7.00-9.00am (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov).

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

BEXHILL FARMERS’ MARKET

Devonshire Square, Bexhill

Every Friday, 9am-1pm

Pop by to visit and select local quality traceable produce and crafts, including freshly baked bread and sweet treats, fresh and cured meats and cheeses, fruit and vegetables, plants, honey, chutneys, plus lots more. Stalls offer quality locally produced or sourced foods and goods.

CRAFT FAIR

St. Stephens Church Hall, Down Road, Bexhill. TN39 4HD. Saturday 12th August from 10am - 2pm.

We have lots of lovely local crafters selling their beautiful handmade items. Lots of stalls to look around. We also have homemade cakes, snacks, with tea & coffee also available with a seating area. Free parking. Free admission.

If you would like any more information please contact us via our Facebook group ‘The crafty collective’ or email us on thecraftycollective3@yahoo.com

HOLIDAY CRAFT ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

At Living Word Church, side entrance, Eastwood Rd TN39 3PS.

Saturday 19th Aug 9am-12

Free giveaway to support the community. Clothes, food, baby milk, toys & other items — given free of charge. (Held every third Saturday of each month). Contact LWC Admin on 07368665204 or 07950190648 for further details.

SUMMER FUN DAY

MIND Bexhill Shop, 77 Devonshire Road, Bexhill

There will be lots of fun activities including Raffle, Tombola, Live music, Lemonade, Henna art, Glitter, homemade cakes and More surprises. Raffle tickets are available at the shop with some amazing prizes kindly donate by the local businesses. All money raised goes to the Charity to support our fight for mental health.

THE BEXHILL & DISTRICT VETERANS ASSOCIATION

The Town Square Social Club, London Road, Bexhill Every First Thursday of the month, 1pm — Meeting second Thursday of every month — Lunch, various locations

We are an Association for Navy, Army and Airforce Veterans and their wives and partners. On the 2nd Thursday of each month we go for lunch at various restaurants in the town and sometimes just outside. We support a number of our local Charities including Sidley Food Bank (The Market Place) plus Veterans Growth, British Legion Home and the British Legion

BEXHILL GARDENING CLUB ANNUAL SHOW

St. Augustine’s Church Hall, St. Augustine’s Close, Bexhill on Sea.

Saturday 12th August 2.00 pm until 4.30pm

You will be able to see a wide range of home grown flowers, vegetables, fruit, photography and handicrafts. There will be a plant sale, raffle and refreshments. Admission for adults is £1.00 and children are free. There is still time for anyone to enter your home grown produce, photographs or handicrafts. Please see our website www.lchs.co.uk for more information. You can print off the schedules, entry form and tips on showing. Last date for entries is Tuesday 8th August. “

SEAMAGIC SIDLEY FAMILY FUN DAY

Sidley Recreation Ground.

Saturday 12 August, 11am-3pm

Prepare for an enchanting coastal adventure as “SeaMagic Sidley,” a FREE community Family Fun Day event, sweeps into Sidley’s recreation ground.

Experience a day filled with seaside wonder featuring seathemed performances and activities for all ages. Local drumming group STIX Drummers will kick off the event with their infectious rhythmic beats.

Enjoy The Show Globe’s “Sea Sphere,” a captivating mermaid that will transport audiences to a magical marine world. Embark on storytelling adventures with the talented duo Xanthe Gresham and Kate Daisy Grant as they weave maritime stories and legends that will surely ignite the imagination.

RBL Mais House, Mais House, 18 Hastings Road, Bexhill.

Come along and join in with the fun. All money raised will go to the Royal British Legion — Mais House. All welcome.

Come

HOMEMADE PIES OUR SPECIALITY

The Bull Inn

To call, or reserve a table: 01424 424984 530 BEXHILL ROAD, ST LEONARDS ON SEA, TN38 8AY www.bullstleonards.co.uk

Facebook: @bullinnstleonards

Sunday Folk - 6th August & 3rd September from 5:30pm

Monday Charity Quiz - 28th from 8:00pm

Sunday Karaoke - 20th from 5:30pm

LIVE MUSIC:

Blues Brothers Show - Fri 11th from 8:00pm

Charity BBQ & Vintage Disco - Sun 13th from 5:00pm

Ritchie Lee’s “Rock Hits” - Fri 18th from 8:00pm

Ritchie Lee’s “Swing & Rat Pack” - Sun 27th from 4:00pm

Traditional freshly cooked ‘Pub Grub’ with many classic favourites, HOMEMADE PIES are our speciality! We also serve Goddard’s traditional Pie, Mash and Liquor. In addition, our traditional Sunday Roast is served every week. Enjoy our secluded beer garden, we have a large car park at the rear and we’re dog friendly too!

This is a drop-in event with different heritage themed craft activities each week

Suitable for children age 5+

Parents/carers must supervise children at all times

LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS PROVES AN ABSOLUTE CLASSIC

BY KIM MAYO

Photos: JTP53 Photography

IN the circumstances the capacity audience wanted pomp and that is exactly what they got. Yes it was the Last Night of the Bexhill Proms at the De La Warr and it certainly proved to be an absolute triumph.

It was the culmination of the annual Bexhill Festival of Music and to all intents and purposes mirrored the Royal Albert Hall showpiece with the Bexhill version designed to cater for all tastes. Divided into two distinct halves with an interval in-between, the concert kicked off with a selection of Viennese classics, including Blue Danube, the Thunder and Lightning Polka and the undoubted highlight, Champagne from Die Fleidermaus.

By that stage, we had already experienced the superb vocals of the featured soprano soloist Helen Bailey who was absolutely outstanding throughout, as indeed were the orchestra, choir and the conductor Kenneth Roberts who enhanced his skills with

second half of the show.

Of course, the music in the second half was what everyone had been waiting for with their mini flags at the ready to wave enthusiastically.

This, the grand finale of the 15th instalment of the Bexhill Festival of Music, was as good as it gets and the organisers and musicians involved deserve all the plaudits they received in the aftermath.

After a breather it was time for the second half which kicked off with the Radetzky March,c swiftly followed by the beautiful and touching I Vow to Thee My Country composed by Gustav Holst. Could it get any better? Well, yes, it certainly could as next up was Sea Songs, including the Sailor’s Hornpipe, before we were treated to that eternal crowd pleaser Rule Britannia.

Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 by Edward Elgar had most of the audience stamping their feet in unison before we were all encouraged by Mr Roberts to sing along to that perennial favourite

The audience then stood to pay tribute to our new Monarch King

a thoroughly enjoyable spectacle was brought to a close with Auld Lang Syne.

The most encouraging aspect of this all-inclusive show was to witness people across the age spectrum getting fully involved throughout, with the waving of Union flags adding to what made for a wonderful, engaging concert.

It was yet another testament to the variety of shows hosted by the De La Warr, the organisers, volunteers and organisations which supported the festival.

Equally, it is vital that those who work so tirelessly behind the scenes are acknowledged too for their contribution. Without them, there would be no shows. It is as simple as that.

What is patently clear is that the Bexhill Festival of Music, including the Last Night of the Proms, is proving as popular as ever.

But hosting events like this is an expensive business and it is absolutely crucial that other organisations follow in the footsteps of supporters such as Rother District Council and Bexhill Lions

READERS’ LETTERS

THE NEED FOR BALANCE

Dear Editor, We read with interest your article on our MP welcoming Southern Water improvements to water quality. It is not surprising that the quality had improved at the end of May as there had been virtually no rain. Your article does state that very heavy rainfall can still result in combined sewage releases into the sea. However, according to the alerts put out by Surfers Against Sewage, this happens practically every time it rains, even when it is only a light shower.

The additional pumping outlet at Glyne Gap shows why Bexhill and St Leonards are constantly identified as being a problem.

Instead of reporting just one point of view, it would have been useful to include a comment from, eg, Surfers Against Sewage to give a more balanced article.

Gill Davies and Barry Grist, Bexhill

DON’T BE COMPLACENT

Dear Editor, Having attended the talk by Southern Water organised by the Bexhill Environmental Group on 28th June I was interested to read Huw Merriman’s comments printed in the July issue of Bexhill News.

He noted the ‘Outfall Awareness’ project relating to the 11 outfall pipes along our beach. What he does not mention is that the government is being taken to the High Court currently over the environmental failing of their attempts to control the industry.

Under government proposals, ONLY outfall pipes in populated areas will be controlled. This means that untreated sewage and contaminated surface water can be dumped in the sea elsewhere. This does not account for sea currents, nor does it address the damage to protected marine areas and fishing

grounds.

I’m sure the treasury was pleased to receive the £90 million fine that Southern Water paid for their failures, but to my knowledge, there has been no recompense to local businesses.

20 years of neglect by privatised water business are reflected in the estimate of between £51 billion and £72 billion pounds taken out in dividends by the companies over that period.

Don’t get complacent, Mr Merriman.

Steve Hall

IS LABOUR THE MEAN PARTY?

Dear Editor, I would like to thank your newspaper for your really good local reporting. But, your reporting is also making me feel ashamed to be a lifelong Labour supporter in the UK.

We used to call the Conservative party the Nasty Party but now it seems that Bexhill is ruled by a nasty Labour coalition.

The way you reported that the Rother Council are now bullying charities to pay for the use of councilowned land is disgraceful.

I support Labour because they are supposed to support our communities and make the country a fair place to live. This seems like they are now a mean party picking on charities because they are desperate to fill a three-million-pound funding gap. I started to lose faith in them when the Town Council has now failed. It is not democratic at all.

It was a big Labour idea to put democracy for Bexhill and that has failed and now it seems they are spiteful against our community for their failure. I don’t know what I can do. But I hope they are not now the nasty coalition party.

Ms J Marrs

jewel in the crown of Bexhill the De La Warr has been pledged funding of many millions of pounds, but is this just masking an internal government trade-off for accepting 1200 male migrants?

Bexhill is a majority retirement community, we do not need the input of 1200 more people that have nothing to offer, often the case, no skills and certainly no money to come to a concert. If it’s for the general public of Bexhill to enjoy the

seafront. This is fast becoming a joke.

Bexhill will soon resemble Jaywalk as the local shops dwindle and close up for good, with no need to come. Bexhill becomes one big charity shop, so let’s hope you can offer this fabulous place to the public and not just private functions, it belongs to the people. Still, we have the Hugh jewel in the crown, for now!

V.K

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CARNIVAL WOWS THE CROWDS WITH PLENTY OF ENTERTAINMENT

BY KIM MAYO

BEXHILL Carnival once again proved to be a roaring success with the enormously popular Party in the Park at the Polegrove followed by the float parade through the town centre the following day.

Hundreds took full advantage of the sunny weather to gather at the Polegrove for an evening of music, fun and assorted festivities.

The Party in the Park took place on Friday, July 28 with music blaring out across the outdoor venue, leading to many getting to their feet for an impromptu boogie.

On stage were the Rockitmen who certainly lived up to their name with enjoyable covers of well-known hits which also went down a storm.

The music was headlined by the Rocket Men Decades Show Band who gave it everything as they performed an array of classic hits from the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties.

It is events such at this which really bring the community together as as families gathered to enjoy the spectacle and enjoy a great time on a lovely sunny summer’s evening.

The Friday night festivities culminated in a spectacular fireworks display.

That was by no means the end of the entertainment however, with the float parade taking place on the Saturday.

Again, the weather proved to be kind with youngsters enjoying ice creams and soft drinks while others took the welcome opportunity to pop into the pub for a quick pint or two.

Then the sound of distant drums gradually getting louder as the procession approached the town centre and it proved to be quite a spectacle and a wonderful way to bring the carnival to a close.

Crowds lined both sides of Devonshire Road with youngsters clutching balloons as the procession headed to its conclusion. The organisers once again deserve plenty of praise for putting on another splendid show.

Winners for the best floats included The Bexhill 100 Motoring Club who took the prize for the best float, followed by Mais House and third was the Bexhill Lions Club.

During the whole carnival week, events were held at the Polegrove including a popular dog show event and football tournaments.

ORDER YOUR PHOTOS: You can view and order all of these photographs, and more, as a print delivered to your door or a file download online. Simply scan the QR code or

DOG SHOW

The team from Bexhill Town Council

Bexhill Mayor hitches a ride with Bexhill 100

Carnival kicked off in Sidley

FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED AT ICONIC VENUE

Local councillors, business owners and friends helped to celebrate the first 12 months of Bexhill News at a special event last month.

More than fifty people gathered at the Sackville Bistro on the seafront to enjoy a drinks reception to celebrate the newspapers first anniversary.

Supporters of the newspaper, such as local councillors, advertisers and staff came together not only network, enjoy the venue which is full of history, and were able to flick through copies of the newspaper from the past year.

There was live music from Bexhill-based singer Lea Goddard who kept everyone entertained with music from across the eras.

Group Editor, and the creator of Bexhill News and sister newspaper, Hailsham News, said in a speech: “I cannot believe how quickly the last 12 months have gone. We’re overwhelmed by how the community have taken to the newspaper and how quickly all the copies disappear every month.”

He added: “It wouldn’t have worked without the support from Paul

all of our advertisers, many of you here tonight, who had the confidence in us from day one, some of you coming on board even before the newspaper was even launched.”

In the last fourteen issues of Bexhill News, the newspaper has covered some amazing stories including campaigns, protests, High Street closures, littering, rescue missions and new projects in the town and hundreds of other stories which affect the town.

We have some amazing plans for more expansion this and next year, and our team is rapidly growing. We are welcoming Lyle Acott to the team this month as she joins the company to liaise with all our advertisers and help Bexhill News to grow even further.

Gibson, Dean Cook and Howard Martin

Welcome drinks served at the Sackville Bistro

The Bexhll News team: Paul Gibson, Viktoria Cowley, Dean Cook and Kim Mayo

Paul Brailsford, Mayor Lynn Brailsford, Chamber President Howard Martin and Cllr Abul Azard

Group Editor Paul Gibson

Singer Lea Goddard

Cartoonish Steve Hall and Mark Sivyer from Sivyer Auction Rooms

A MATTER OF TASTE

We send anonymous members of the team to check out local pubs, cafes and restaurants to give you an honest reviews. These

THE BLACKSMITHS INN, NINFIELD

Just four miles north of Bexhill, situated along the bustling road that connects Hailsham to Bexhill, in the charming village of Ninfield.

Having passed through countless times during the daily commute from Hailsham to Bexhill over the past five years, we finally made the decision to put an end to that and visited The Blacksmiths Inn. This charming public house is perfectly positioned at a fork in the road, right by a zebra crossing. In recent years it had a facelift from a forgettable grey sign to a dominating black and white sign that demands your attention. New signs and eye-catching swingboards now showcase the amazing food it serves.

As soon as we walked in, the warm, inviting ambience welcomed us, hinting at something extraordinary awaiting inside. The charming wooden floor and rustic vibes instantly transport you to a place of comfort and delight. Despite it being early in the evening, the restaurant was already buzzing with activity. One table held a

occupied by various families having a great time.

This modern gastro pub embraces rustic charm and contemporary style with reclaimed barn doors, scaffolding planks, and changing room lockers acting as stylish dining separators. The additional warm glow of fairy lights, floral wallpaper, and trendy décor truly brings together the perfect blend of old tradition and new innovation.

Friendly staff is all we ask for when venturing out and about and found the staff here were very hospitable and obliging. The menus were offered on clipboards and a chalk specials board add modern twist to tradition.

They boast that they offer game and fish specialities and their menu absolutely screams of these foods. It was a tough decision to choose just one, so we opted for their tapas to sample a variety of their amazing food — Thursday night is Tapas night so it was rude not to!

Each platter included four samples of meat, fish, and vegetarian options, ensuring there was something for everyone. Our selection included Crispy Pork Belly, Chorizo & Parma Ham (two portions),

Mushrooms, and Brie Bites.

We didn’t have to wait too long, which was surprising as the pub was starting to fill up now. Pleasantly surprised that this village pub is clearly a very popular place to be. The tapas were served on wooden boards and was put together beautifully and was a real pity to spoil the art of it.

However, we delved straight in and it didn’t take long to completely clear the board! Every bite was bursting with flavour. We were spoiled by olives and bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip — the perfect amount for the two of us. Honestly, there was nothing we didn’t like.

We left feeling completely satisfied and enjoyed

The tapa’s menu if offered at £16 per person for four dishes. For that price, the bread, olives with oil is complimentary, so is a glass of wine. We’re not wine drinkers, so the staff were more than happy not to charge for one of our drinks, which was a very kind thing to do. Our total bill was £40, so only £20 a head for such an amazing meal and fine local beer.

Now we’ve visited this amazing pub, we certainly won’t leave it so long to visit again.

Ninfield’s best-kept secret, is now revealed!

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE

TOWN COUNCIL COMMITTEE NEWS

The Council has now agreed its committee structure for the year ahead. Cllr Paul Plim was elected Chair of the Community Committee, with Cllr Charlie Rustem as Vice Chair. The main projects for this year include organising a walk along the prom and Lancaster flypast for Bexhill Day, installing more noticeboards around the wards and a councillor training programme. This Committee is prioritising investigations into Christmas lights for the town centre.

Cllr Claire Baldry was elected Chair of the Climate, Nature, and Environment Committee, with Cllr Elly Gibson as Vice Chair. Hot topics for this committee include working with East Sussex County Council to improve the verge cutting in Bexhill, regenerating the allotments in Preston Road and Sidley House and starting the Neighbourhood Plan (a set of local policies that the planning authority should be minded to consider when looking at planning applications). Graffiti and general untidiness across Bexhill could be addressed with a “Grot Busting” team to make the town look smarter, this committee is looking into how this could be done.

Cllr Paul Wilson was elected Chair of the Finance Committee, with Cllr Bryan Clasby as Vice Chair. This committee oversees the income and expenditure of the Council and is responsible for granting funding to community organisations from the Council’s grants budget. We are encouraging local groups to apply for funding from £500 up to £10,000 =, see our website for more details.

Cllr Lynn Brailsford was elected Chair of the Asset Transfer Committee, with Cllr Paul Wilson as Vice-Chair. This committee is working with Rother District Council on the transfer of assets such as the public toilets, parks and open spaces and bus shelters.

Cllr Paul Plim was re-elected as Chair of the Planning Committee, with Cllr Andrew Crotty as Vice-Chair. The committee will continue to scrutinise local planning applications and send its views to Rother District Council for consideration. The committee meets with developers too, in an attempt to influence the new homes being built in Bexhill.

PUBLIC TOILETS UPDATE

A significant decision has been made by the Town Council’s Asset Transfer Committee. The key points are:

• 1. Proposal: To request the freehold transfer of nine public toilets, which are currently owned by Rother District Council, to Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council.

• 2. Refurbishment Plan: The Town Council intends to refurbish the toilets once the freehold transfer is completed. If any of the toilets are only available for transfer on a lease, they have requested that Rother District Council refurbish those sites.

• 3. Funding: The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds will be used to support the refurbishment process. The funds will be apportioned based on the number of toilets being transferred.

• 4. Communication: The Town Council will keep residents informed as the negotiations and transfer process progress. This transfer of ownership and refurbishment plan aims to improve and maintain public facilities within Bexhill-on-Sea, benefiting the local community. As negotiations continue and the plans are executed, we believe that it is essential to keep residents informed about the developments. Keep an eye on our website for further updates.

BEXHILL TREFOIL GUILD

At the beginning of July, members of the Bexhill Trefoil Guild met in front of the Colonnade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the organisation, with their sea of red in front of the rough sea of blue. The Bexhill Trefoil Guild, a section of Girlguiding for adults, were joined on the breezy seafront by Bexhill Mayor Cllr Lynn Brailsford.

At 3pm on the 1st of July, Trefoil members across London and the Southeast of England all joined hands to form their sea of red,

with members joining in across the region from Littlehampton, West Sussex all around the coast to Herne Bay, Kent. The sea of red continued along the Thames at Tower Bridge, at Alexandra Palace and other parks in Middlesex, Surrey, and London, and in Greenwich at the Cutty Sark.

Bexhill Trefoil Guild reached their 60th anniversary back in 2021, and planted a rose bush at Guide Headquarters, London Road to mark the occasion.

The Trefoil Guild also recently celebrated, along with Rainbows,

people living with dementia and their family members/carers. Bexhill Town Council have made a commitment to work towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Town and both ward councillors are pleased to start recognising this in Pebsham and St Michael’s, and look forward to developing this further in the future.

SACKVILLE WARD UPDATE

They visited to look at the new lighting that was installed in the hall, using the funds received from a Bexhill Town Council grant earlier in the year - they were impressed with the work that had been carried out and to see first-hand the positive impact that the grant had made to local people, as well as hear lots of positive feedback about it.

During the visit, Charlie and Huseyin also met with Sam from “Know Dementia”, a local charity, providing advice and support to

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN COUNCIL

35 Western Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DU

Cllrs Baldry and Gibson have been busy helping to set up a Sackville traders association, to provide support for local businesses and have also helped residents get a branch removed, tracked down the missing Cantelupe Road signs and reported missed rubbish collections.

BEXHILL CARNIVAL

The Town Council has decided to financially support the Bexhill Carnival and approve their Grant Application. By doing so, the Council is showing its commitment to the community and the preservation of this cherished event. The Carnival has a history that holds significance to the town, and supporting it ensures that the tradition can continue for future generations to enjoy.

With the Council’s support, the Carnival Committee will have the resources needed to organize and sustain the event in the years to come. This funding can help cover various expenses, such as organizing the parade, securing venues, providing entertainment, and ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all attendees. Events like the Bexhill Carnival play an essential role in bringing the community together, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting local culture and traditions. The Carnival attracts visitors from neighbouring areas, which can also have a positive impact on local businesses and tourism.

Overall, the Council’s decision to approve the Carnival Grant Application highlights their dedication to the town’s cultural heritage and their recognition of the value of such events for the community’s well-being and prosperity.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

• Planning Committee, 6pm, Wednesday 6th September and 6pm, Wednesday 27th September

• Full Council, 6.30pm, Wednesday 6th September

• Asset Transfer Committee, 6pm, Wednesday 13th September

• Community Committee 7pm, Wednesday 13th September

• Finance and General Purposes Committee 6.30pm, Wednesday 27th September

Please check our website for the agenda as venues and times can be subject to change.

Open: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-12pm, and 12:30pm-2:30pm Contact: town.clerk@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk • www.bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

TIME TO GO BEAT CRAZY AT THIS YEAR’S BEXFEST

band’s back catalogue, including Oh My Gosh, Red Alert and Turn Me On. Rozalla and Kele Le Roc were equally impressive and certainly got the crowd up on their feet and the

BY KIM MAYO

IF the thumping beats which were part and parcel of the 1990s dance scene are your thing then there was only one place to be last month and that was at Bexfest on the lawns behind the De La Warr Pavilion.

Hundreds gathered to enjoy the experience as they danced with vigour to the wide variety of acts performing throughout a gloriously sunny afternoon and into the night.

Fortunately, the weather was kind on this occasion as festival goers attired in a wide variety of colours with the addition of face paint and glitter celebrated in style. Basically, it was party time and everyone clearly enjoyed themselves.

Admittedly, as I edge ever closer to pensionable age, it was difficult not to feel a bit out of place. But what the hell? If you can’t beat them then you may as well join them.

The event was certainly staged in a convivial atmosphere as act after act took to the stage with a large number of Nineties ravers turning back the clock to relive their youth and good for them.

On the plus side, there were also plenty of young people in attendance and they too were also enjoying themselves hugely.

The popularity of the event was patently clear as tickets sold out in no time, which was hardly surprising considering the quality of the acts taking part.

There were several highlights including Vula of Basement Jaxx performing huge hits from the

shortly after 10pm.

Happy and content, the crowd headed home. BexFest once again proved to be a resounding success and long may it continue

Photos: Paul Gibson

90s legend Kele Le Roc

Vula (Bassment Jaxx)

WHY CASH IS KING AND FOR ME, IT ALWAYS WILL BE OPINION

BY KIM MAYO

I AM now on a one-way ticket to attaining pensionable age and there is no way I can engage in reverse gear like Brad Pitt did in the Hollywood film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

For those unfamiliar with the plot, Brad went from being an old man to a young vibrant dude, but of course, in real life, we cannot turn the clock back.

As we get older we also tend to get progressively more grumpy, and as a man in his sixties, I can confirm that this is undoubtedly true. In short, I believe that modern life is to a large extent rubbish.

For instance, NatWest recently confirmed that it will be closing its branch in Bexhill as the younger generation continues to embrace the “tap and go” culture and also increasingly utilise online banking. Well good for them but it is not for me.

When, many moons ago, I was a young man, my Dad told me that cash is king and I still subscribe to that view.

If I want to pay money in or withdraw some, then call me old fashioned, but I prefer some human interaction.

By that, I mean walking into my local branch, queueing up and then when it is my turn, state what I need to do in terms of my finances and get the necessary transactions done. However, these days you would think you have just

committed some unspeakable act of indecency. Normally, the exchange goes something like this…

Me: “I just want to pay £50 into my account.”

Cashier: “Mr Mayo you do realise you can pay in using our automated paying in machine over there? (points in the vague direction of some terrifying contraption inserted into the wall).

Me: “But I don’t want to.” Cashier: “Here, let me show you how it works.” Me: No, I don’t want to.” Cue a large sigh from cashier.

Well, I am not going to change the habits of a lifetime until every bank in Bexhill closes down and let’s face it that will happen sooner rather than later. We have already lost Barclays and Natwest will be next. With bank staff incessantly telling us to use new technology rather than bothering to actually turn up to complete transactions, they may as well pick up their P45 at the end of the working day. Fully automated banking equates to redundancies.

The older generation, including me, don’t like change. We want to go into the bank to pay in a cheque, have a natter and then head off for a cup of tea and a cream cake.

Well, even that simple pleasure is under serious threat and we should all be alarmed by what is deemed to be progress. It is not.

It is not only the banking industry which is indulging in this nefarious practice. Supermarkets are equally culpable and the victims ultimately will be the staff as

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener

at Bates Green Garden

August is a tipping point for me. The month begins being high summer and ends with the nights very noticeably drawing in and that delicious autumn fragrance in the air. We must soak up these sunny days in order to have warm memories to sustain us through the winter months.

One of the best groups of August plants here at Bates Green Garden is the clematis. Carolyn McCutchan, who designed and planted the Garden, was a big believer in them. She used to say that they take up such a small footprint on the ground but deliver bountiful flower power. Firstly, I recommend C. campaniflora to you. A charming climber originating from Portugal, with very small dainty bells coloured creamy-white with a pale violet edge to them. Do not be deceived by the delicate nature of this plant, it is tough and can easily climb and scramble up to 5m. We have it clambering over an old building, adding to the charm of both. This is a species clematis, which means that it can spread by seed and may even result in a new or improved flower if the plant has been cross-pollinated by other clematis in your own, or a

I am a purple addict and C. ‘Polish Spirit’ is the perfect deep purple for me. This really is an outstanding plant bearing satiny intense purple-blue single flowers. The foliage is very good indeed, remaining green all summer rather than the shabby look of some cultivars. At Bates Green, we have it growing on a metal obelisk in the Violet Border, we twine it around the support as horizontally as possible

automation increasingly takes precedence. Supermarket bosses are charging like lemmings towards the cliff with no thought as to how the future will pan out.

Again we are actively encouraged to use the automated checkouts which invariably go wrong. If you queue up at a till and proffer cash you are greeted like an alien. Social engagement is a no-no with monosyllabic cashiers and customers welded to their

mobile phones.

Welcome to the new world of commerce as automation takes over the world and it is not getting better. Hence I avoid supermarkets like the plague when at all possible, opting instead for the local greengrocers or fishmongers.

Yes, it is more expensive to do so but it makes life far more fulfilling. Therefore I am not going to change the habits of a lifetime. Cash is still king for me.

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

for maximum flower effect. Those of you who grow clematis will appreciate the delicate nature of this job, the stems snap so very readily so, if that happens, think of it as pruning…… Clematis ‘Purpurea Plena Elegans’ is an old cultivar from the 16th century or before. The flowers have a dusky violet-purple shade and are fully double. At Bates Green we have it growing up an old hawthorn tree which adds to the charm of both.

Now is the time to go out, visit gardens and admire clematis, taking your notebook or camera in order to note down your hearts’ desires. If you have a tree or a shrub in your garden, the chances are that there is a suitable clematis out there for it. Do some research to find specialist nurseries that are either local to you or that provide a mail order service. Once you have your plant (or many) then choose your specific site. Whether you are planting clematis against a wall or fence, over a pergola, into a tree or as ground cover, the basic rules remain the same.

1. Plant the clematis as far away from the base of your chosen wall as possible as the soil there is generally extremely dry and hot.

2. Choose the shadiest position for the planting site, if planting to climb through a tree or shrub then choose the shady side of the tree for your planting hole.

3. Submerge your plant in a bucket of water for at least 20 minutes prior to planting.

4. Plant the crown of your plant (where the stems emerge from the compost in which it was grown at least 10cm below soil level. This enables the plant to establish a decent crown of buds below soil level that will stand the plant in very good stead should it succumb to clematis wilt. If this disease should strike and all the stems collapse, then simply cut them all off and, in time, the plant will recover and grow away but only if it has been planted this deep!

5. Weather conditions are currently dry here and so I recommend that you water your plant regularly giving it at least 4.5L of clear water daily until the rain comes.

All of the above are Type 3 clematis which means they are super easy to prune. Simply cut the whole lot back to 30cms from soil level in late winter or early spring and it really is as straightforward as that. One of the skills in gardening is to plan ahead and so, if you would like your spring and early summer to be awash with tulips, then get those catalogues out now and start drooling over them. I find it hard to get into a tulip mood when all around me is high summer and so I find browsing through books to be useful. Anna Pavord and Christine Skelmersdale are particularly knowledgeable. Surround yourself with photographs and images of tulip shapes and colours that you like and

We tend to use fancy cultivars as bedding plants for our many containers and stick to the delicate wild species for the borders. Species or botanical tulips will reliably flower year after year in the ground providing conditions are right for them. We use Tulipa sprengeri, both in the Rock Garden and in borders. The slender flowers are a brilliant orange-red and it is as happy in part shade as it is in the sun. The other I would recommend is Tulipa sylvestris which is also good for naturalising. There is some debate as to whether it is a British native, but it has certainly been in cultivation throughout the world for many centuries. We use it on our Wildflower Bank where the large lemonyellow flowers gradually turn upright as they open. Despite its common name of woodland tulip, it actually prefers an open sunny position. Enjoy the hot colours of summer wherever you can find them.

Clematis ‘Polish Spirit’

Tulipa sprengeri. Photo John Glover

REGIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

East Sussex based company OHM Energy has won Renewable Heat Installer of the Year at the Energy Efficiency regional awards for the second year running and has been commended for its solar work.

As well as being crowned regional winners, this means the Hailsham company are now eligible for the Energy Efficiency national awards.

The judges choose the winners by looking at a number of criteria including installations completed and over the last 12 months - it has installed 41 heat pumps and 115 solar PV arrays. Growth was another key area they examined and OHM Energy is currently enjoying 150% year-on-year growth.

OHM Energy also works with a number of strategic partners to deliver a blend of funding, government grants, and finance options which, subject to qualifying criteria, can often result in a project being 100% funded.

Its funding options encourage more businesses to cut their carbon footprint and local companies it has helped this past year include Rossetts Mercedes, Gun Brewery, GT Factors, Jarvis Manufacturing, Wave Sport, and the Westgate Leisure Centre.

There were 11 categories at the event at Sofitel Gatwick Airport Hotel on July 14, attended by individuals and companies throughout the South East area that are involved in the energy efficiency industry.

Energy Efficiency Awards chairman, Gary

ingenious opportunities to help people save energy, drive down bills and help the environment”

September.”

‘GREEN OASIS’ IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S BEST PARKS

EGERTON Park has been recognised as one of the country’s best parks for the 11th consecutive year.

Bexhill’s ‘green oasis’ has once again been awarded a Green Flag Award, an accolade for green spaces that boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and offer much for visitors to enjoy.

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and recognises well-managed parks and green spaces nationwide.

Councillor Hazel Timpe, responsible for neighbourhood services and tourism at Rother District Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted we are raising the Green Flag at Egerton Park for an amazing 11th year in a row.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our contractor idverde, the Bexhill in Bloom volunteers and our officers who all work tirelessly to maintain this beautiful park for our residents and visitors.

“With the summer holidays starting, I hope this award will encourage even more people to come and enjoy all that the park has to offer.”

Facilities include a children’s play area, refreshment kiosk, tennis, kickabout and pickleball courts and an outdoor gym, together with plenty of space for other activities and quiet relaxation.

Egerton Park was among 2,216 parks recognised nationally this year, the largest number since the award scheme began 27 years ago.

Paul Todd MBE, Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme manager, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Egerton Park in achieving a Green Flag Award. healthy lifestyles.

MORE FOSTER CARERS ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED BY AGENCY

A FOSTERING agency is launching an urgent appeal for more families and individuals to come forward and support those who need a loving and supportive environment in which to thrive.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of 5Fostering becoming registered. Rob and Katie Edworthy started it after they themselves had been foster carers for 18 years.

As a result of the expertise and knowledge they had accumulated over that period of time they were determined to put it to good use by establishing the agency.

Having this understanding gives them the awareness and ability to help new foster carers, and brings a family friendly feel to the agency.

They are now launching their appeal in a bid to recruit more foster carers, who are desperately needed.

Of course, they acknowledge times are hard and it can be difficult to reach out and find

prospective carers.

However, with the number of referrals increasing at a rapid rate, more foster carers are desperately needed.

At present the agency receives approximately 120 referrals a day, from different boroughs looking for a placement for a foster child. Five years ago the figure was approximately 45 per day.

The most recent statistics showed there were about 98,000 children in care in the UK, with another 30,000 expected to come in over the course of the next 12 months.

The agency is looking for foster carers from all over East Sussex. Anyone wanting more information on becoming a foster carer can call 5Fostering on 01424 211 122, or alternatively email office@5fostering.co.uk, or visit www.5fostering.co.uk.

his band the Bevis Frond, was on hand to play a DJ set and said he is delighted to see the business continue to thrive.

Alex says he is thoroughly enjoying running the shop and added: “So far it has been great and we have received so much support.

“The resurgence of interest in vinyl records has been phenomenal in both the new and second market and long may it continue.

“More and more young people

are getting into collecting vinyl records and as well as wanting the new artists they have also picked up on the classics by artists their parents and grandparents loved such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac for example. All of those are still very strong sellers. “Then again, there are still the regulars who have been coming here for years. They shopped when Nick owned the business and they are still coming in order to seek out that elusive gem.

“In the early Nineties many believed that vinyl records would die out but in fact the complete opposite has happened and the demand is quite remarkable.

“We try to cater for all tastes and are always on the lookout for quality vinyl to both buy and sell. It is hard work but also tremendous fin and very rewarding.”

Platform 2 Records can be found at 9 London Road. It opens on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am.

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BRT ENJOY A JOYOUS JULY ENGLAND GLORY FOR POLEGROVE TRIO

BY MIKE LEGG

Polegrove Bowls Club’s Rachel Mackriell, Nina Allbut and Denise Hodd are the British Isles Ladies Triples champions.

They represented England in the competition held in Ayr, Scotland. They beat Jersey 20-13 in the semi-final and went on to beat Ireland’s Grace Henry, Barbara Cameron and Donna McCloy 21-13 in the final.

The success has not stopped there, though. The trio also won the Sussex County Triples semi-final to qualify for the National Championships at Leamington this month (August 10-27) for he second year running, so will have the opportunity to defend their title.

Mackriell has also qualified for the two-woods singles final after beating Eastbourne’s Linda Stanley 14-8 and also the four-wood singles after beating West Hoathly’s Chrissie Lyford 21-12. She has also reached the last 32 in the national Champion of Champions and the last four in the county Champion of Champions competition.

Polegrove’s ladies national top club team had a fantastic win over a strong Sutton outfit to earn a place in the last 16 in the country. They will play Appleyard from Kent and, if successful, qualify for a National spot at Leamington.

The ladies are defending their titles in county double rink and top club competitions.

They beat Sidley Martlets in the area final of the top club competition so play in the county final and they beat Eastbourne to also earn a place in the county double rink final.

The mixed over 60 double rink team had a great run in the national trophy with Tony Allcock reaching the last 32 before losing

Talbot enjoyed a comfortable win in the semi-final and has now been awarded his Sussex County badge.

BEXHILL THIRD IN FEDERATION CUP

Bexhill finished third as Pevensey Bay Sailing Club hosted this year’s Federation Cup. Cadets took centre stage on the Saturday, while Sunday was for the adults (July 1-2). The Cup features sailing clubs stretching from Rye to Newhaven and Seaford.

The Cadet team was frustrated by high winds and a heavy sea, plus not helped by small course markers, which in the waves were difficult to see. Eve Fifield (Laser 4.7) was leading, but while searching the horizon for the next mark, the organisers abandoned the race due to the capsizes in the fleet.

On Sunday, the conditions were not much better, but the race did commence and again the BSC team made satisfactory progress.

The wind strength caused Tony Lane and crew Hanna Bolton an early problem after they sailed up from Bexhill in their Catamaran. The wind twisted their sail and broke battens, which are there to keep the sail in shape. They started the race but withdrew after two laps as the boat became more unwieldy.

Paul Wright and his daughter, however, in Bexhill’s second Cat ran through the fleet to challenge the leading Dart 16, an Eastbourne SC boat, at each mark. The Cats were flying while the dinghies struggled to keep upright, many failing. Safety boats were on hand to assist on Laser which broke its mast and escort others needing assistance.

A problem on the last lap unfortunately allowed the Eastbourne boat to get ahead and in the end Bexhill SC had its highest placed competitor, the Wright duo fourth overall.

Richard Eagleton (Europe) competed well, and in the slow fleet took third place on the water. It was an exhausting race for all but well contested.

Pevensey came first and Eastbourne second — but Bexhill host the Cup next year.

Tony Witham (Supernova) won the club’s charity race by 30 seconds on a corrected time from Richard Eagleton and Neil Smith, both sailing Europes (June 25).

BY JACKIE KNIGHT

A big highlight this month for Bexhill Runners and Triathletes was IronBourne down the coast in Eastbourne. triathlons were on offer, with BRT’s Tom North producing the best time of the club trio who took on the middle-distance version after an awesome performance.

David Palmer and Dan Marsham also completed the middle-distance triathlon, while Mark Mitchell finished in the middle distance aquabike (swim and cycle).

James Allen entered the UTMB Val d’Aran PDA 55km World Series Major which presents unrelenting, gruelling technical mountain climbs and descents in the Spanish Pyrenees.

After clocking a magnificent time of 11hr.01min.26sec, a triumphant Allen admitted: “It felt good to ring the bell.”

A special mention goes to Geoff Tondeur who completed his third of four “Fifty Milers” of Centurions Grand Slams. He impressively came 52nd out of 125 starters after battling 3,000m of elevation. Tondeur stated it is the longest time he has spent on his feet.

Running for 13 hours is an impressive feat of strength and perseverance. Amanda Tondeur joined her husband undertaking some parkrun touring, followed by a 10-Miler race soon after as they produced some tremendous running together.

Bewl Water promised several BRT athletes a challenging adventure over 15 miles or the five-mile taster. Natalina Turner completed the five-miler in a super speed of 41.30, while Richard Paine, who returned after several months of injury with little training, completed the Bewl 15 in 03:14:59.

BRT club runners pulled out outstanding performances at the Tempo Last Leg Relays event, which features four runners and five legs. The fifth leg is run by the whole team and BRT fielded multiple teams in the friendly and competitive East Sussex event.

BRT runners wished the NHS a happy 75th birthday this month and celebrated this terrific milestone by running at local parkruns Bedgebury, Eastbourne and Hastings as well as touring at events including Ashford and Wendover.

Finally, huge congratulations go to Alison and John Brooker, who held a charity breast cancer tea party raising a fantastic £691 including gift aid. The wonderful community gathering, and contribution of delicious cakes will help fund life-saving research and support.

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

www.bexhillrunnerstriathletes.co.uk

The group worked hard to create a four-strong set of impressive sailing boats and cannot wait to sail them.

Federation Cup action

BRT runners at Tempo Relay.

Dan Marsham, Tom North, Mark Mitchell and Dave Palmer at Tribourne, Eastbourne. Alison and John Brooker, Breast Cancer charity event.

SPORT

BEXHILL UNITED WANT TO DO IT THE WRIGHT WAY

COMMON BOSS KEEN TO KICK ON

Russell Eldridge wants Little Common to build on last season’s strides in the Southern Combination League premier and secure a top-ten finish.

Common came 11th last term — a place behind the previous season’s finish — but posted their record points haul in the division.

They kicked off with a 2-1 win over visitors Shoreham thanks to an own goal and a last-gasp Sam Ellis clincher. Boss Eldridge took over the gloves as regular keeper Matt Cruttwell had got married the day before. Common go to Newhaven in the FA Cup next (Aug 5).

The majority of last season’s squad are back and the ambitions are straightforward.

Player-boss Eldridge told the Bexhill News: “The aim is always to improve on what we have done the previous season and, obviously, we would like to break into the top ten.

“We are not going to say we are going to finish in an X, Y or Z position because then you set yourself up to fail. We want to make progress on what we did last year and, as a club, bring through some younger players from the under-18s and 23s to move forward.

“Last season we also had the great FA Vase run where we reached the last 64, so we would like to go as deep as we can in the cups as

Eldridge has a loyal group, none more so than striker Lewis Hole who passed 600 games for the club during last season.

The prolific frontman, who was top scorer with 20 goals last season and fourth overall in the division, has another milestone in his sights.

Eldridge said: “Lewis is back and is just seven goals off the 400 mark for the club. He will be looking to chalk off that achievement for sure and I know he is keen to try to achieve that.

“He passed 600 games for us last season and I know he is keen on that next achievement.”

Common’s build-up has not been ideal after travellers pitched up at their Little Common Recreation ground home, meaning they were unable to train during part of July, but they did play a number of friendlies.

NEW Bexhill United boss John Wright is targeting the title — despite it being his first job in senior management. The club’s successful former under-18 and under-23s boss has taken over with coach Shane Lovell at the Pirates following Ryan Light’s decision to step down at the end of last season.

And he is not opting for the safety-first approach with his ambitions at The Polegrove.

The County League season is back underway and Wright told the Bexhill News: “It’s a brave statement, and people may say it is a bit foolish, but our targets are no different from before – we are going out to win the league.

“To keep players like Tom Vickers and the more experienced ones, if I was to have sat down with them before pre-season and said this would be a transitional season and looking at mid-table, they wouldn’t have stayed with me.

“So, our targets are no different from Ryan’s, which are to try to push on and get as close as we can to that league title and bring some silverware in. And win an FA Cup game as we still haven’t won one!”

A less bullish statement would have been understandable as Wright is new to senior management as he takes the reins at the Southern Combination League premier side.

He added: “Myself and Shane as a partnership this season will probably be not just the least experienced managerial team in the Southern Combination League but in the country. That’s because we only took two games last year, when Ryan and John Masters were away, which we won luckily, but apart from that I’ve been 23, 18s and youth football for the past 12 years.

“Chairman Graham Cox has shown some great faith in us and everyone seems to have embraced it. And I feel it is quite healthy for clubs these days to promote from within.

“I knew a year ago, so I’ve been able to sit on the bench, be

quiet, just watch and learn – not just from Ryan but also about the players. You see lots of things that Ryan and John probably didn’t see…how players react to things, what was going wrong and right.

It has been a really good experience.”

United started with a 3-1 defeat to much-fancied Steyning (July 29), with Jack Shonk scoring for the Pirates, and play Peacehaven at Hailsham Town’s Beaconsfield home on Wednesday (Aug 2) before North Greenford United visit at the same venue in the FA Cup on Sunday (Aug 6).

Established players Evan Archibald, Dan Hull, Joe Summerbell and Kyle Holden have left from last season but Wright is happy with replacements Brad Pritchard, Jake Nickless and Jack Samways.

And supporters can expect a new look on the pitch too as Wright stamps his mark on the side.

He said: “One thing we are doing this year is completely changing the way we play. Ryan played very direct, which was very successful, but I’ve been around academies and youth football and I don’t know anything else other than to play on the floor and playout from the back.

“We started pre-season earlier than any other teams and anyone who saw us will know we play a different way now. It’s not just the change with me and Shane coming in, it’s a whole new identity.” That philosophy could be tested at The Polegrove, which is hardly a bowling green.

But Wright insisted: “That’s the excuse everybody uses but there were plenty of teams who came to us last season and played football on it. It’s what you call high-risk, high-reward football… you’ll get the odd occasion when you’ll get a bobble and it will go against you, but the rewards are really, really high.”

August fixtures – Peacehaven & Tels (home*, Aug 2); North Greenford (home*, Aug 6), FA Cup; Crowborough (home*, Aug 8); AFC Varndeanians (away, Aug 12); Eastbourne Utd, (away, Aug 28).

*At Hailsham Town FC.

Eldridge: “Pre-season was OK. We have trained well and had a few games too although we don’t read too much into results because of availability and inconsistency of the team. It is about getting the fitness and working on a few things.”

Common’s August fixtures – Newhaven (away, Aug 5) FA Cup; Saltdean (home, Aug 12); AFC Uckfield (away, Aug 15); Newhaven (away, Aug 26); Eastbourne Town (home, Aug 28).

CLUBS LOVE HOOE TOURNAMENT

Hooe FC’s second summer youth tournament was a great success.

With glorious weather on both days and an army of volunteers, more than 100 teams, including 27 girls’ teams, from across the South East took part. The club received great praise for their efforts with many coaches and parents saying it was now their favourite tournament of the summer. Hooe FC’s star team were the under-11 girls who reached their final.

A raffle and collection for Great Ormond Street Hospital as a thank you for their brilliant care of one of the Hooe FC youth players raised £270. Club chairman Jay Skinner-Swain said: “I would like to send my gratitude to all the committee members, coaches and volunteers that made this weekend’s tournament possible. After the success of last year, we knew that we had to do it again.

“We are thankful for the support of the Hooe Parish Council, local residents and all our club sponsors. Two full days of nothing but kids outside in the sun playing the game they love! That’s what it’s all about.”

Bexhill United in pre-season action

New Bexhill United manager John Wright

Lewis Hole is chasing a goals milestone

Hooe FC Girls Team