#BexhillianMag June 2013

The

YOUR FREE & LOCAL MAGAZINE Bexhill Events Proms Season Which dress? Hair and beauty...

The Bexhill 100... Remember?

Police Teams in Bexhill Blogging Tips

JUNE 2013

LOOK

what’s inside this month

<••••••••••••••••••••

Marketing in business

DELIVERED TO 6000 HOMES MONTHLY ALSO AVAILABLE TO VIEW ONLINE Follow us on Twitter: @bexhillianmag or tag: #BexhillianMag

Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/ groups/BexhillianMag

enTer

our monthly competition...

CongraTUlaTions!

Kate Hawkings, this month’s winner of our ‘Bexhillian Magazine Cover Competition’, whereby our readers, happy snappers and professionals alike can send us their photos and we will pick one at random to be printed on the front cover of our next issue. 6000 Readers will see your photo, so what are you waiting for?

Please ensure that you own the photo that you send. The closing date is 26th June 2013. We will give you a credit inside, as we have for this month’s winner. Email your photos: bexhillianmag@btinternet.com

welcome back

june must mean sunshine, right?

Packed again with lots of information, we’ve also listened to your comments and made some improvements already. Our author’s from last month were happy to write their follow-up editorials, sharing gardening tips, fashion news including Prom which is fast approaching, hair and beauty, business tips, events for music, shows and charities plus more interesting stories about our seaside town of Bexhill that you might not know.

As Bexhill is 20,000+ homes, even though this magazine is delivered to 6000 homes, it does mean that some areas will receive it bi-monthly. But don’t worry we have pick up points (see last text page) or you’re welcome to phone or email your address and we’ll deliver a copy to you.

We are here to help businesses promote, also to serve the local Bexhill community by helping to raise awareness of local charities and events going on in the area. If you think we might be able to help you then please get in touch. We’ll be online soon too! www.bexhillianmag.co.uk Until next month, enjoy the sun!

(Shh! You’ll make it rain!)

Scott and Samantha.

Front cover winning photo taken by: kate hawkings, Bexhill photographer www.katehawkingsphotography.com Published by: Director: Scott Hemsley Editor: Samantha Hallam Design: MediaBeetlesUK Print: DT Print Deals Distribution: MADistribution Ad sales: bexhillianmag@btinternet.com Artwork: bexhillianartwork@mediabeetlesuk.com Twitter: @bexhillianmag or tag #bexhillianmag Facebook: groups/BexhillianMag

scott hemsley Director @bexhillianmag

samantha hallam Editor @SamanthaLuigie

CHARITY NEWS

#bexhillianmag

Be the Belle of the Prom

FASHION

When I was at school, we didn’t have a prom so I especially love this time of year, it is a fantastic way to finish your compulsory education, with a huge party, getting dressed up to the nines and celebrating with all your classmates. Over the years I have had the pleasure of sharing this special occasion with many girls, helping them to choose the latest hairstyle to match their dress.

Here are my top tips for prom style...

The Dress I believe the dress should come first. When buying your dress, leave yourself plenty of time, in case you need alterations. Your dress doesn’t have to be expensive but think about getting a style that suits you. You don’t have to have a floor length number if you wouldn’t feel comfortable.

Photographer: Damni Lee Hair: Emma Hellier Make up: Laura Naish

The Hairstyle Grab magazines or use Pinterest to search out all the looks you like. Then it is time to get a professional opinion. Be prepared to be flexible as the style you love may not be exactly possible for your hair length/type/condition. Your hairstylist should give you a complimentary appointment to discuss ideas. In the run up, make sure you are deep conditioning your hair at least once a week to give it as much shine on the day. On the day of the prom, your stylist might prefer you not to wash your hair as there is such thing as it being too clean.

The Make Up It is very important that your feel comfortable in your make up. If you don’t wear much normally, then do not pile it on, on prom day. Fresh girly looks always compliment pretty dresses. Gold, browns and greys are good all round bases but avoid trying to match your eyeshadow to your dress as it can look very tacky! If in doubt, book a professional even if it is just for some advice beforehand. Like your hair- treat your skin in the run up to the prom, drink plenty of water and get a good daily routine. Always remove your make up every night- yes even after the prom!

If you would like any more advice, feel free to pop into speak to one of my team, but most of all, whatever your hair and beauty style- enjoy every minute of your big night!

Emma Hellier.

Emma Hellier Hair and Body Retreat www.emmahellier.com and follow on Twitter @EHSalon

#bexhillianmag

Things just arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the same It may be just me looking back on my child hood with nostalgia wishing I was back there with no bills to pay and no car to pay for, but things just do not seem as good as they once were. Many events that brought this town together in unison are just things of the past, and I think we are suffering because of it.

YOUR STORIES

The

Bexhill 100 was the crown in the Bexhill event calendar

The Bexhill 100 was the crown in the Bexhill event calendar hosted by the historic motoring club along the strip of seafront where the Earl of De la Warr used to race his own cars. Over the bank holiday weekend spectators were treated to drag racers, Formula 1 cars and stunts driving from professional Russ Swift. This teamed with vintage vehicles lining the promenade meant there was truly something for everyone. It was great for the town too as spectators and enthusiasts came from far and wide, staying the night in hotels and bed and breakfasts to catch a glimpse of these pieces of history.

However about 7 years ago it was decided that the Bexhill 100 in this format was no more and instead the bank holiday focus switched to events such as fashion shows and other events in the De La Warr. In recent years the event has begun to make a comeback with a classic car display on the Polgrove field. But other than beautiful classic cars there is still nothing that makes 10 year olds (like I was) stood there in awe at the roar of drag cars coming down Galley Hill.

The Carnival brought the town together. One day a year the streets would be shut and lined with people to enjoy the colourful and imaginative floats from all walks of life from pubs to scouts to schools. All ages would dress up and dance through the streets making their way to the Polgrove where the party continued and their floats were judged and given prizes. But in recent years the number of spectators and float has decreased rapidly.

This year I came back from University for Christmas and was in town on the night the Christmas lights were getting switched on. Rewind ten years or so and it would have been impossible to miss as the whole town joined together to illuminate the streets with lights designed by the children of Bexhill. Heart FM (formerly Southern FM) provided entertainment for the evening setting up a stage in Devonshire Road with special guest, games and the all-important light switch on. This was also a fantastic night for Bexhill businesses as the surrounding shops suddenly had a bombardment of customers all walking past and gazing into their store.

These events were huge to me and would do anything to see them back to former glory, but I do understand the way the world is now with finances tight and councils trimming back. But still it is a shame.

Rhys Bennett.

www.viewfromapeeper.wordpress.com and follow on Twitter @Rhysbennett

#bexhillianmag

BEXHILL POLICE UK

G N I C N E F F 10% OF 2013 - 30th June e n Ju st 1 m DVERT booked fro t WITH THIS A n ALL Fencing u o c is d % 10 will receive

Regular Maintenance Hedge Cutting Grass Cutting & Turfing Patio & Decking Fencing & Repairs Pressure Cleaning Design & Garden Landscaping

lio

e

lin r on

u

o See

.uk

.co s n e

ard

dg war

w.j

ww

tfo r o p

GARDENING ADVICE FOR JUNE

GARDENING

Welcome once again to our monthly gardening column where we will try to keep you up to date with all the important jobs to keep your garden looking great all year. Well what a month May was for weather, beautiful sunny days, more rain and some quite cold and very windy ones chucked in too. However this hasn’t stopped one of the best late Spring early Summer displays I have seen for many years with tulips, flowering shrubs and now the fruit trees all looking majestic. Something also growing well through May I am sure you have all noticed is the grass and weeds!

Mower, hoe and hedge trimmer in hand here are some top jobs to keep your garden tidy through June: The Lawn Mow!! Mow regularly, weekly if you can. Leave it to get too long and it will become a real chore. Use a high nitrogen fertiliser for a green lush lawn but please follow the instructions to avoid burning the grass.

Trees and shrubs After flowering, shape and trim shrubs as desired.A good time to bring any back under control with a hard cut if necessary. Prune Privet and box.

Vegetable garden Produce should be arriving into the kitchen now, lettuce, radish and early potatoes. If not there is still time to sow from seed for a Summer crop – brilliant fun for kids to get involved in too.

Plant your beans – French and runners now – beware slugs and snails though, a distressed customer phoned this week after planting out over 30 young plants only to find them all but stripped the following morning.

Bedding and flowers Get planting – This is an ideal time to give your garden a real injection of colour if it has been lacking so far. Plant up tubs and baskets. June is usually one of the driest months of the year and watering will be crucial. Give priority to tubs and hanging baskets plus anything that is newly planted. It’s best to water in the early morning or evening making sure you direct the water to the compost or soil rather than onto the plant leaves.

Weeds and borders Hoe your borders regularly to keep the weeds down. If you do use a systemic weed killer follow the instructions and remember it will kill everything it touches. Do not use on a very windy day as the weed killer can easily drift onto precious plants and grass.

Date for your diary See beautiful local gardens for ideas or a nice visit, the National Gardens scheme 16th June, 9 Bexhill gardens open see www.ngs.org.uk for further details.

Long summer days and warm light evenings make June the month when even the most reluctant gardener will enjoy spending time outside. So remember after all your had work to enjoy your garden, however large or small, if you need a hand www.jwardgardens.co.uk Happy gardening!

Ian. www.jwardgardens.co.uk

#bexhillianmag

ENTERTAINMENT

WEST END MUSIC at the pavilion West End Music and World Class Opera

Lorraine Bowen, who loves Bexhill so much that she wrote a song about it, is holding a day’s workshop inviting you to sing with her the songs from Bernstein’s West Side Story . Working with Lorraine is always fun, with top tips to guide you through getting the most from your voice, expanding your range, working in a choir, using dynamics and diction techniques.

You don’t have to read music – just be familiar with the melodies and lyrics and be prepared to sing the hits to Lorraine’s backing arrangements of the musical. The workshop will appeal to both experienced singers and novices – fans of the musical who fancy letting go of the hairbrush to get a taster of singing with others!

Altogether now……… Na na na na na AmericAH! The workshop is all day on Saturday 6 July with a scratch performance on the bandstand at 4pm-5pm. Tickets are £15 and must be booked in advance.

If you prefer to kick back and let the professionals take over, we will be showing three operas from The Glyndebourne Festival live on the big screen in the auditorium. Why pay Glyndebourne prices when you can pay £12 for a ticket at the Pavilion and have the same (well, almost) experience. The first in the series is Richard Strauss’s light-hearted comedy Ariadne and Naxos which we are showing on 4 June.

And talking of live experiences, put a note in your diary to see Helen Mirren as Her Majesty The Queen perform live in The Audience. This is part of National Theatre Live, broadcast in real time from the West End theatre, directly to the Pavilion. The play imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Queen and her Prime Ministers. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister has used these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional – sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive. These private audiences chart the arc of the second Elizabethan Age and, whilst politicians come and go through the revolving door of electoral politics, she remains constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister.

Tickets are only £12.

And finally, the ultimate West End experience – Les Miserables. This global phenomenon has become even bigger by its hugely successful transition to an Oscar winning film, which we are showing as the finale of Cinema Nights on 15 June.

Sally Ann Lycett.

Director of External Relations Don’t forget to look on our website www.dlwp.com for details and ticket bookings, follow us on Twitter @dlwp or join us on Facebook.

#bexhillianmag

#bexhillianmag

Shopping for the Perfect Prom

FASHION

At this time of year one of the main topics of conversation amongst Year 11 and Year 13 students is the School Prom.

In the UK the High School Prom was only introduced in the 2000’s but it has become a huge phenomenon. It is estimated that 85% of schools hold proms and, according to a 2011 survey carried out by the Holiday Inn, the average spend per teenager is £244, with one in ten spending over £500. For the girls, the most important aspect is the dress. Months are spent searching for ‘the one’ and one of the biggest fears is turning up in the same dress at the same prom! One student even set up a Facebook page and requested all those attending to post pictures of their dresses prior to the event to ensure no-one would arrive in the same outfit!

“But going to prom doesn’t have to involve huge expense. Here at the Bexhillian we decided to do some research...”

For those who require a traditional prom dress the first port of call is likely to be Heavenly Bridal Boutique on Sea Road. This is a one stop shop for prom, with dresses, shoes, evening bags, jewellery and tiaras all available. Unfortunately the shop was closed on the weekend I tried to visit, but a full-length teal gown displayed in the window was priced at £195. If you would prefer a less traditional look, try Inner Angels. This gorgeous shop has a good range of short evening dresses, very reasonably priced at around £40.00. For excellent choice I would advise visiting Bexhill’s two vintage stores, Nostalgic Vintage and Maud’s Emporium.

Both feature prom dresses from the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1980’s, with prices ranging from £25.00 up to £120.00. Finally, Bexhill’s wide array of charity shops are also worth a browse. The Mind Shop had a gorgeous ‘Coast’ dress for £10.00, the British Heart Foundation had a lovely pale blue full length prom dress for just £20.00, Age UK had an ‘Accessorize’ evening bag for just £4.95 – truly Prom on a budget!

Donna Gilbert. om out fr Stand owd!9 r the c Benjamin Brown Vintage dresses are designed and crafted exclusively in the UK. Each are handmade 1950’s style prom dresses, intermingled with a stunning selection of hand picked, original vintage gems to delight the eye.

Relax and delve into our vintage wardrobe: www.benjaminbrownvintage.com Facebook: BenjaminBrownVintage | Twitter: @BenBrownVintage Tel: Donna Gilbert on 01424 812185 | Email: donna@benjaminbrownvintage.com

The

Your FREE local magazine!

FULL PAGE

HALF PAGE (VERTICAL)

Type area: 138.5mm width 200mm height

Type area: 64mm width 200mm height

Crop area: 148.5mm width 210mm height

Crop area: 74mm width 210mm height

Bleed area: (3mm bleed edge) £110.00

Bleed area: (3mm bleed edge) £60.00

QUARTER PAGE (HORIZONTAL) Type area: 138.5mm width 44mm height

Crop area: 148.5mm width 52.5mm height

Bleed area: (3mm bleed edge) £35.00

ADVERT AND ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS If supplying artwork, please refer to our centre pages for the full specifications of sizes and prices for space. Artwork needs to be supplied as high resolution (300 dpi), CMYK, pdf, tif or eps format. If you are having difficulty Samantha will help convert files from RGB to CMYK for print; they must be high resolution for sharpness of quality.

If you submit photos you must be the owner of those photos or have express permission to use them in your advert or editorial, due to copyright law we cannot be held responsible for any photos that are submitted under false pretenses. If you need an advert created we can also design it for you with your supplied text and branding, (advert design and artwork is chargeable, pdf proofs of created ads are emailed for approval). Monthly deadline for all advert and editorial submissions is 26th.

All payments must be made prior to the deadline date, 26th of each month.

HALF PAGE (HORIZONTAL) Type area: 138mm width 95mm height

Crop area: 148.5mm width 105mm height

Bleed area: (3mm bleed edge) £60.00

INSIDE FRONT COVER £160.00 QUARTER PAGE (VERTICAL) Type area: 65mm width 95mm height Crop area: 74mm width 105mm height Bleed area: (3mm bleed edge) £35.00

INSIDE BACK COVER £160.00 BACK COVER £220.00 CENTRE PAGES £250.00 1/8th PAGE Type area: 64mm width 46mm height

Crop area: 74mm width 52mm height

Bleed area: (3mm bleed edge) £20.00

I want to get 100 people to run the Hastings Half Marathon for Demelza!

Most people who have run the Hastings Half for us have raised an average of about £200 …imagine if 100 people did that?

Please contact Julie Brett on: Tel: 01323 446460 Mobile: 07917 603075 Email: julie.brett@demelza.org.uk www.demelza.org.uk

TALBOT ASSOCIATES EST. 1984 | CHIROTEC | THE FOOT CLINIC | BEXHILL-ON-SEA

All Aspects of Professional Foot Health Care Senior Citizens Nail Cutting at Reduced Rates Surgery/Home Visiting Fully Qualified & Insured Sea Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 1ED

Tel: 01424 216488

www.bexhill-footcare.co.uk

FREE D E L I V E RY WITH THIS O

5,000 A5, 170GSM, 4 COLOUR, DOUBLE SIDED ONLY £89.00 5,000 A6, 250GSM, 4 COLOUR, DOUBLE SIDED ONLY £82.00 Email: dtprintdeals1@btinternet.com

FFER

SPECIAL OFFERS THIS MONTH

Twitter: @dtprintdeals

(T&C’s apply. Payment must be paid prior to print and also from approved artwork supplied.)

YOUR STORIES

BEXHILL, A HIDDEN GEM BY THE SEA

After moving to Sussex from London 6 years ago I have seen so much beauty and historical places of interest, that I am amazed by the hidden gems, by this I mean the smaller towns that don’t get enough publicity. I am talking about Bexhill, I did not visit this town until two years ago, in fact I had not even heard of it.

Until one day I heard Eddie Izzard of who I am a great fan of on tv talking about Bexhill, my partner and I decided to take a trip there and see the place for ourselves. We decided to take the bus there from Eastbourne so we could see the areas surrounding like Pevensey Bay which has beautiful green land and of course the famous castle.

Once we got to Bexhill we were so happy with what we found, a small town bustling with many people doing their shopping, people just meeting for a coffee. Very clean streets and nice shops. We found some beautiful clothes boutiques, many charity shop and were very happy to see one supporting Alzheimer’s a small shop run by a lady called Shirley, she has been such a great support. Full of information helping us to come to terms with a family member who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s it’s nice to know that there is a shop raising money for this cruel illness.

We now visit Bexhill regularly, the De La Warr Pavilion is another favourite of mine, if you’re interested in art and exhibitions of all things then this is the place for you. There are also some very nice coffee shops and restaurants in Bexhill too. Most serve fresh local food and are very reasonably priced.

The other main attraction is the beach which is named NEW WAVE, it has some really classy architecture. On a sunny day if you sit on the balcony of the De La Warr Pavilion restaurant which overlooks the beach you could mistake it for LA. It has very clean seating areas, some ice cream places and beautiful blue sea with a stone beach. Beautiful white architecture one has a heart shape, it is a great place to get away from all the stresses and strains of everyday life and switch off from it all.

One day I will never forget was the Olympic Torch, we went to Bexhill in the morning, we sat on the beach and spoke to many friendly people who were all in good spirits. Some had travelled from faraway places to catch a glimpse of Eddie Izzard running with the torch in the afternoon. What a great build up, we stood outside the De La Warr Pavilion for a few hours, after a long wait Eddie Izzard ran past with the torch. It brought tears to my eyes I felt so proud to be part of this great moment in history, the London Olympics, a historical event that brought the whole country together as one.

Once it was all over we made our way to the roof of the Pavilion to meet Eddie and speak to him, I managed to get his autograph and hold the torch.

We met so many people and exchanged contact details, it is a day I will never forget. One thing guaranteed for sure if you want a nice day out and to visit a beautiful place in the UK, Bexhill is definitely the place to come.

Whatever your age I’m sure you will find it an interesting place, also full of nice friendly happy people. Bexhill is my favourite part of Sussex it is a real hidden gem and it does not get enough publicity so pay it a visit and you wont be disappointed.

Nicola James. Follow on Twitter @vintageblueyes

#bexhillianmag

PAMELA DAVEY Chiropodist/Podiatrist MSSCh DipPodMed MBCha HPC registered

EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT Surgery and Home appointments available Tel: 01424 844820 Mobile: 07733 178244

Town Taxis

Friendly reliable service, Lady drivers on request Saloon, Estates, 8 seaters Wheelcair accessible vehicles

Call:- 01424 733733 for all your travel needs

Malt

Decorations

Painting Decorating Interiors Exteriors Trading Standards Approved and Fully Insured Call today for a free quotation (Bexhill) 01424 251214 â&#x20AC;˘ 07795 083839

www.maltdecorations.com

IF YOU HATE IT – CHANGE IT

HEALTH & FITNESS

TV programmes in abundance have demonstrated recently that many of us who are overweight or obese, don’t understand WHY. Of course there are some scientific reasons why we’re overweight, coupled with nature ensuring we store energy effectively in case there is a famine, and we’ll need that extra source of fuel.

But no matter if your reason for weight gain is multi faceted such as genetic, medication, or giving up smoking or an illness for instance, generally speaking such reasons would only equate to about a weight gain of 10lbs, and doesn’t account for the obesity epidemic at large, or your extreme weight gain on a personal level.

On top of those reasons, many people just don’t understand why they’ve gained weight, or lost it but can’t keep it off, or simply cannot lose it.

A very good place to start to help understand, in order to make changes, is to complete a food diary. If you’d like a copy, I can supply you one free of charge. A food diary including all that you consume on a daily basis will be converted into an analysis of nutrients, that will help us see what nutrients your calories are coming from. With this information on board, it’s quite easy to make simple changes that starts your journey of easy weight loss, small tweaks is often all that is needed. And not necessarily a diet or exercise programme.

At The Beach Pad, we’ll look at WHY you are overweight, and then personalise a programme just for you. But whether you pay us a visit or not, why not a keep a food diary next week? Simply write down the time you ate or drank, and alongside it what you ate or drank. It’s a start in helping you understand what you are consuming that might be contributing to your weight gain. If you’d like some support or advice, we’re here to help. Because if you don’t know were it is going wrong – how can you change it?

Debi Arnold specialises in obesity and weight management, behaviour change and exercise instruction at The Beach Pad. www.thebeachpad.com and you are invited to contact Debi for any help or advice you might need for fat loss or exercise.

Debi Arnold.

ITEC Anatomy and Physiology | HND Weight Management Visit www.thebeachpad.com and follow on Twitter @DebiDaisyArnold

#bexhillianmag

Design, Supply & Installations throughout East Sussex NEW Showroom | FREE Estimates

OPENING HOURS:

KITCHENS | BEDROOMS | BATHROOMS

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 10am-1pm

3 Cowdray Park Road, Bexhill, East Sussex TN39 4ND Tel: 01424 552907 Mob: 07971 688475 Email: sales@oakleyinteriors.com www.oakleyinteriors.com

CHARITY NEWS

#bexhillianmag

HAIR & MAKE UP

Look and feel good Here at Hair Pro UK we pride ourselves in giving you the best in hairdressing. Our friendly team of fully qualified stylists are experts in cutting and colouring and constantly keep up with latest trends and techniques.

Now with the opening of The Beauty Rooms at Hair Pro UK we can offer you all hair and beauty treatments to make you look and feel good. Our therapists have trained with the famous Gianlucca Oddi Italian make up artist and our stylists with Matrix, training with artists such as Jamie Stevens, the X-Factor hairdresser .

We offer a wide range of services and treatments including Wedding/ Occasional hair and make up, hair extensions, creative colour, Vita Liberata spray tanning, nails, facial and body treatments and our consultations are completely free! Using and recommending a full range of professional products, with 10% off our ‘Star hair product of the week’ its easy to maintain your look at home. Our aim is for you to leave the hair and beauty salon with exceptional results.

The salon is open Tuesday and Wednesday 9am -5.30pm, Thursdays 9am-8.00pm, Friday 9am-6.30 pm and Saturdays 9am-4.30pm. Call us on 01424 219136 for appointment availability. A skin test will be required at least 48hrs prior to any colour service. Other offers available in salon, please ask for details, offers not to be in conjunction with with other offers, terms and conditions apply.

DO YOU BLOG FOR BUSINESS?

BUSINESS TIPS

This month we head into the subject of blogging for business, and we shall try to keep it very simple. Blog comes from the original term Web Log where programmers used to hold data and information online in this form. There are a few types of blogging, and your interest will focus clearly on either one, but probably not both. First a blog with affiliate links which allow you to make money on related products when people click through from your blog assigning you a small percentage of sale. To be useful you would need to be looking at a reasonably high trafficked blog and most definitely an established blog time wise. For these reasons we shall look at the second type which is blogging about your business. Don’t panic this is not something to worry over. Basic points to remember are: • Have your own blog on your domain (not controlled by someone else) • Pick a keyword or key phrase for each blog that you intend to write • Make the blog title consistent with the keywords and as short as possible (don’t use unnecessary words).

• Use proper title tags for headings (H1 tags, your blogging software should make this easy).

• Focus on key points by bulletising and emboldening keywords and phrases • Do not over stuff your keywords or phrases into the copy, try to keep it conversational • Keep it to 300 words minimum and highly targeted content • Remember you are writing for your audience not yourself, make technical terms more customer based • Use pictures with correct alt tags • Link out to relevant articles within your own blog and most definitely to external sites • Socially share your article and encourage feedback and questions • Make sure to end your blog with a strong call to action and try asking a question.

By doing these things you can eventually build up credibility with Google by keeping consistent to your overall subject matter. Along with having fresh content, encourages Google to keep checking on your site. Keep your blogs on a regular timescale at least once a week if you intend to make a success, two or three is better. If your customers regularly ask the same question this could form the basis for a blog, or if you email someone with an answer over three paragraphs that would make a great blog. Ask your sales team to offer ideas for things their customers need. Keep notes of ideas you may have, perhaps try to tie in current events with your subject matter (be cautious about sensitive subjects, people have epically failed by jumping on the coat tails of an emotive subject.

When you send out an email about a subject you have a blog on, do not be afraid to link your blog in the content, this establishes your knowledge and helpfulness. Never try to sell in your blogs, they are there for the customers to learn information they need or want, and to generate an audience for you. They do not want to hear your sales message.

Try asking customers what they wish to know, provide FAQS or knowledge bases.

Next month we will talk about Facebook and business. The Bexhillian have a new Facebook group to join, facebook.com/groups/BexhillianMag

Paul Ricketts.

Visit www.mediabeetlesuk.com and follow on Twitter @Mediabeetles

#bexhillianmag

Reader’s Comments

Send your comments and suggestions to bexhillianmag@btinternet.com From: a Bexhill resident Hello, Well, congratulations on the initiative to create a new local magazine. As relative newcomers to the town (Cooden), my wife and I have been here less than two years, and we see clearly that there is a real need, and we wish you every success in your proposed monthly venture.

Local events to be better supported need regular publicity and as newcomers we see this as a very important element of the magazine, as well as the advertising which is not only your revenue source, but also for us all to know and see what trades/facilities are available in our immediate area.

These elements should and will, in my opinion, make the magazine everyone’s monthly bible. (As to carrying it around in my hand bag may not appeal to all).

A space for letters/readers comments could be quite useful and a trial could be tested.

A few suggestions (not criticisms):1.

2.

3.

Some of the print is a little on the small side and obscured by background colours.

The overall format, A5, is a little small and restricts articles and content as well as the impact of advertisements.

Appoint various collection/distribution points as well as home delivery e.g. Railway Stations (things get well read on the train)

BEST OF LUCK AND EVERY SUCCESS. Our reply: Thank you for your positive feedback and constructive advice. I agree with you on point 1, in fact Scott and I both thought that after we had seen the layout in print, I thought the editorial copy was too light on the top of the tinted background. For the June issue I will be using a ‘book’ face for better legibility. The ‘Readers Letters’ is a great idea and I’ve seen other magazines do this too. Scott suggested to me to add ‘Pickup Points’ in general places so that people can pick up a copy of their Bexhillian, only yesterday, so we are both busy making notes all the time to improve our magazine for our readers, advertisers, authors alike. Also it is A5 at the moment, but who knows we may expand to A4 later on.

On behalf of Scott Hemsley and myself, Samantha Hallam, we both thank you very much for your constructive feedback and taking the time to get in touch with us with your ideas to improve and we do hope to make it a ‘monthly bible’ for the people of Bexhill.

We hope to hear from you again and hope you continue to enjoy your Bexhillian.

Our ‘Bit of Fun’ Page

Enjoy our various puzzles, every month will be different ACROSS 4 You have claims on what is pretty to the ear (7) 8 I leave a New Zealander and follow a spicy smell (5) 9 Ted turns green at seeing tea used as a cleanser (9) 10 A big bird returned by a soldier in favour of a dog (5) 11 In the end, offers are made to such wrongdoers (9) 13 Composed by Ted at sea (6) 15 Chalky’s friends have less to thank us for (6) 19 Not hard to put the finger on for an easy loan? (4,5) 21 That’s nothing! I have to carry some grapes and look sheepish (5) 22 It’s in the paper! Rita lied about nothing! (9) 23 How mad! Her Majesty had a vision (5) 24 For example, there are lists of those skilled in the law (7) DOWN 1 Packages being delivered to the right places (7)

2 Put away by her dad for naught! (7) 3 Toss out radiation problems and let them entertain us (5,8) 4 See if most themes are acceptable here (6) 5 That’s right! Holds tangles together so that they’re hard to get out of (13) 6 What a creep! Took my pancake! (5) 7 Those louts have pulled out the water-lily! (5) 12 Or return at this point with some eggs (3) 14 The goal is to seek one’s self (3) 16 It’s her five that prospers (7) 17 They run from their masters (7) 18 Has a Saudi to tea and the checks the books for me (6) 19 HEX! (5) 20 The Irish dance and throw things! (5)

What’s happening in Bexhill?

Check out the variety of entertainment going on in your area in June No.48 Entertainment, 48 Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1AX MON 10TH Open Mic Night – 7pm Entry is FREE. Food and drink served as usual.

Sun 14TH Tom Fitzpatrick Crooner evening – 7pm £20 including 3 course meal.

FRI 21ST A little bit of Country – A little bit of Rock with Blue Bayou.

Bexhill Bangers and chips £6.50 SAT 22ND The Goo Goos – An evening of Melodic Rock if you like the Stones and U2 you’ll love these. Lasagne.

MON 24TH Beatles Tribute Night 7pm – Starlets Abbie Jones, Ben Ridgley & Mollie Tucker are performing their personal tributes to the Fab Four.

Bexhill Bangers and mash.

The De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DP TUES 11TH Summer Sing Rehearsals – From 4-9pm. Check the festival website, www.bexhillfestivalofmusic.co.uk for details of how to take part, call Katy de Braux on 01424 730722 or email katy.debraux@bexhillhigh.org SUN 16TH Exiles on the Terrace – From 2pm-5pm. Entry is FREE. Part of SUSSEX DAY celebrations, the Exiles folk & blues band will perform outdoors on the De La Warr Pavilion Terrace (or in the foyer if bad weather).

TUES 18TH Summer Sing Concert – 7pm Join hundreds of singers in a festival of song that’s full of energy and fun. Local primary, secondary and youth choirs sing together and join community choirs for the finale. Tickets £4 (£3 conc.) Box Office: 01424 229111 Book online: www.dlwp.com FRI 21ST In Unison – 11am & 2.15pm Tickets £2.50 for each concert. 2 Concerts showcasing the work of Whole Class music tuition in Bexhill primary schools. Box Office: 01424 229111 Book online: www.dlwp.com THUR 27TH, FRI Bexhill Light Operatic & Dramatic Society present – Broadway musical 28TH & SAT 29TH ‘Annie’ starting at 7pm on all three showings, matinee performance on 29th at 2.30pm. Tickets £15

Box Office: 01424 229111 Book online: www.dlwp.com

The New Inn, 2 Ninfield Road, Sidley, Bexhill-on-Sea TN39 5AE WED 12TH Folk Music Evening with The Spinning Jenny Band – 8pm Entry is FREE. Although mainly a folk session, all musicians and folk singers welcome!

St. Martha’s Church Hall, Cooden Sea Road/Birkdale Little Common TN39 4SL FRI 14TH Ragtime, “Jelly-Roll” & All That Jazz – 7.30pm Tickets £9 from choir members, Second Spin in Sackville Road or on the door. Call 01424 213352.

What’s happening in Bexhill?

Check out the variety of entertainment going on in your area in June Egerton Park, Bexhill-on-Sea SUN 16TH Sussex Day ‘Party in the Park’ – From 12 noon-3pm Entry is FREE. The Venue (formerly Bexhill High School Theatre), Bexhill High, Gunters Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea THUR 20TH Ian Barnett’s Big Acoustic Night III – 7.30pm It’s back! Friends and pupils from Ian Barnett’s guitar school will be performing in this light hearted celebration. Music from Bexhill High, Frewen College, as well as special guests. If you have a guitar, banjo, mandolin or ukulele and would like to take part please email barneyofbexhill@gmail.com Tickets: £6 adults (£3 conc.) instrumentalists £3 for adults, available on the door or from Bexhill High 01424 730722.

SUN 23RD Adam Hepkin in association with Bexhill high presents The Magic of Musicals – 7.30pm £10 adults (£5 conc. children, students and OAPs) various stars from stage and TV will be joining over 100 students from schools and colleges across East Sussex, Rother Community choir and a nine-piece professional band. Box Office: 01424 735475.

Parkhurst Hall, Parkhurst road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1DE THUR 20TH Bexhill Harmony – 7.30pm Entry is FREE & Refreshments. Ladies acappella choir who will be hosting the evening and singing under the direction of Liz Mason. They’ll be joined by other singers and musicians including young Archie Norris, 14, who writes and performs his own songs, “Sounds Good” and “Wacky Band”.

St Barnabas Church, Sea Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JG FRI 21ST Hastings and Rother Music Centre Musicians Concert – 7.30pm Tickets £5 (£3 conc.) Entry by programme on the door. Orchestral concert.

SAT 15TH Waits and Measures – 7.30pm Entry is FREE. Group of 15 singers directed by Robert Aldwinckle. The programme includes early madrigals, folk ballads and anthems.

St John’s Church, London Road, Bexhill-on-Sea SAT 22ND Righteous songs of love, hope and glory – 7pm Music includes old time soul, gospel and blues. Ian Barnett and Josh Bishop; both fine and well known local guitarists will be performing famous songs. Tickets £5 from Music’s Not Dead, 71 Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1BD.

What’s happening in Bexhill?

Check out the variety of entertainment going on in your area in June St Mark’s Church Hall, Green Lane, Little Common Road TN39 4BZ SAT 22ND Barn Dance hosted by Spinning Jenny Band – 7.30-10.30pm Tickets £6 adults £4 children. Bring your own food and drink. Phone Colin on 01424 215258 or Ken on 01424 843486.

Christchurch Methodist Church, Springfield Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2BX SAT 22ND Music for a Summer’s Evening – 7pm Entry is FREE. With guest composer/pianist Don Barker.

Sackville Coast Bar and Grill SUN 23RD Gift Fair Bexhill Senior Citizens Club, 45 Eversley Road, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1HA TUES 25TH The Eversley Road Singers – 2.30pm Tickets £1.50 A selection of THUR 27TH popular music.

Albatross Club, RAF Assoc., 15 Marina Arcade, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1JS SUN 25TH Live Swing Music – 8pm Entry is FREE. All welcome! Just bring along a good raffle prize, eg bottle, etc.

St Peter’s Church, Church Street, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2HE SAT 29TH St Peter’s Church Choir – 7pm Tickets £7 adults (£4 children under 16) Tickets available on the door or in advance at St Peter’s Community Centre.

Bexhill Museum Events (Pickup Point) Thursday 6th June at 10am

Monthly Coffee Morning – Parkhurst Hall, Parkhurst Road, Bexhill. Everyone is welcome. £1.00 for a cuppa and biscuits. There are also books, bric-a-brac tables and a raffle.

Monday 24th June at 6.30pm

Stepping Out to the ‘Amsterdam’ – Join us for a stroll at low tide to visit the wreck site of the East Indiaman the ‘Amsterdam’, which ran aground in 1749 between Bexhill and Hastings. Hear the story as we cross the cliffs before descending to the beach. Be prepared for shingle and wet sand.

We will also look at why the shore has been made part of the new Coombe Valley countryside Park Project. The walk, led by Heather Morrey, is 3 miles long. Meet ay Galley Hill Coastguard Station.

There is a charge of £3 for adults and £1.50 for accompanied children. Sorry but all walks are unsuitable for dogs.

Sunday 30th June at 11am-4pm

Bexhill Artists Workspace will be holding an exhibition in the education room of Bexhill Museum.

There is free admission to the exhibition. All are welcome to come along and view the artwork.

The Bexhillian important information for your business, event, charity and community information Don’t want to miss out on any regular editorials? Email us with your address and we’ll deliver back issues to your door: bexhillianmag@btinternet.com Useful Pickup Points: De La Warr Pavilion Bexhill Museum Hair Pro UK 10 Sea Rd The Barber Shop 56 Western Rd No.48 Café, Devonshire Rd

when ConTaCTing any of The BUsinesses aDverTiseD, Don’T forgeT To MenTion The Bexhillian please, soMe have voUChers!

To book advertising space please email: bexhillianmag@btinternet.com Send your approved advert artwork* and editorials to: bexhillianartwork@ mediabeetlesuk.com Follow us on Twitter: @bexhillianmag Join our Facebook group and post comments, photos and suggestions. facebook.com/groups/ BexhillianMag Also our website is coming soon! www.bexhillianmag.co.uk

DisClaiMer: We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, however we cannot accept any responsibility for any subsequent alterations or for any error, omission or mis-statement in any material published herein. The views expressed by individuals in any letter or editorial within the magazine are not necessarily those of the editors, and while we’re at it; the inclusion of the advertisers does not mean that we recommend them, we certainly hope they give good service and we would like to hear from you if they don’t. Please respect the advertisers and contributors rights, please assume that all content herein is protected under copyright law, if you want to reproduce anything please contact the respective parties or us, editorials are the views of their respective authors, we’re sure they are very nice and to our knowledge they don’t bite.

Now tuck this into your bag until you’re ready to sit and enjoy it during a quiet break.

*If supplying artwork, please refer to the specification pages for the full details of sizes and prices for space. Artwork needs to be supplied as high resolution (300 dpi), CMYK, pdf, tif or eps format. If you have difficulty Samantha will help convert files from RGB to CMYK for print, artwork must be high resolution for visual quality. If you need an advert created we can also design it for you with your supplied text and branding, (advert design and artwork is chargeable, pdf proofs of created ads are emailed for approval).

Our monthly deadline for adverts and editorial submission is 26th. Payments must be made prior to deadline.

Really Useful Telephone Numbers Bexhillian Magazine | Tel: 07850 969050 | @bexhillianmag | bexhillianmag@btinternet.com

EMERGENCY NUMBERS .........................................

Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coastguard 999 Bexhill-on-Sea Police Station Terminus Road 101 - non emergency calls Freephone Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Conquest Hospital: A&E Dept.

01424 758106 Eastbourne District General Hospital 01323 411188 National Gas Emergency Service 0800 111 999 Southern Water Emergency Service 0845 278 0845 Garage Door Emergency Repair 07730 5570119

HELPLINES .........................................

Age UK 01424 426162 Bexhill Information Centre 01424 773721 Citizens Advice Bureau 01424 721420/0844 499 1192 Childline 0800 1111 Cruse Bereavement Care 01424 732093 Direct Debt Line 0800 587 0875 Domestic Abuse Project 01424 716629 Hastings and Rother Mediation Service 01424 446808 Home Call - Bexhill and surrounding area 01424 214458 Home-Start 01424 443636 Kidscape 08451 205204

Multiple Sclerosis Society 0808 800 8000 NSPCC 0800 800 5000 (24 hour) ParentLine Plus 0808 800 2222 Red Cross Medical Loan 01424 213583 Samaritans 01424 436666 08457 909090 (24 hour) Women’s Refuge 0808 2000 247 Women’s Royal Voluntary Service WRVS 01424 426090

CHEMISTS .........................................

BOOTS UK Ravenside Retail Park 01424 819338 Little Common Pharmacy 01424 843575 Lloyds Pharmacy 01424 220424 Marsh Pharmacy 01424 219516 Trackside Pharmacy 01424 212555

CHIROPODISTS .........................................

Pamela Davey 01424 844820 Talbot Associates 01424 216488

CHURCHES .........................................

All Saint’s Church (Anglican) 01424 221071 Beulah Baptist Church 01424 730001 Christchurch Methodist Church 01424 733137

St Augustine’s Church 01424 210785 St Peter’s Church 01424 211115

DENTISTS .........................................

Eversley Road Dental Practice 01424 210610 Little Common Dental Practice 01424 845530 Precision Oral Design Ltd 01424 223293 Sussex Dental Design 01424 210777

DOCTORS .........................................

Collington Surgery 01424 217465 Little Common Surgery 0844 4778629 Old Town Surgery 0844 4778629 Sidley Surgery 0844 4778577 The Surgery 0844 4778690

OPTICIANS .........................................

Green & Elliott 01424 212544 The Spectacle Hut 01424 213326

VETS .........................................

Chase Veterinary Centre 01424 224818 Claremont Veterinary Group 01424 222835 Greenleaves Veterinary Centre 01424 212225