Bexhill News, March 2025, Issue 33

MARCH 2025 | ISSUE 33

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT

LOCAL, FRIENDLY, RELIABLE

TOWN CENTRE BOOST — P6

VIGIL FOR UKRAINE — P8

WRAS’ 40TH ANNIVERSARY — P14

VOLUNTEERS

BREATHE NEW LIFE

INTO AGEING SHELTER

INSURED BACKED GUARANTEE

New Roofs l Flat Roofs l Leadwork

Chimneys l Ridge Tiles & Gable Ends

UPVC Facias, Soffits & Guttering

Int/Ext Painting l Roof Coating

Moss Removal l Roofing Repairs

Building Repairs l Driveways & Patios,

Landscaping l Fencing l Drainage

01424 799645

100 Menzies Road, St. Leonards, TN38 9BB

www.hydroguardroofing.co.uk

SIVYERS AUCTIONS

FRIDAY 4th APRIL 2025

Auction starts at 11.00am. viewing in person.

Wednesday and Thursday prior to auction

COMMISSION 18% INCLUSIVE

Online catelogue viewable from Sunday

prior to auction at www.sivyers.com

FREE VALUATIONS

Gold and silver, stamps, toys, collectables,

furniture, paintings, ceramics and rugs etc...

BEXHILL HERITAGE VOLUNTEERS RENOVATE A

SEAFRONT SHELTER AHEAD OF ITS REOPENING

NEXT MONTH — FULL STORY ON PAGE 6

FOLLOW US ON

INSTAGRAM

18 CARAT GOLD

OMEGA SOLD

FOR £2,200 AT A

RECENT SALE

YOUR LOCAL AUCTION at the

Old West Station, Terminus Road,

Bexhill -on-Sea

Tel: 01424 217640

Email: info@sivyers.com

A BEXHILL LANDMARK SINCE 1902

2 NEWS

MARCH 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

WELCOME

ANOTHER bumper issue is coming

your way this month as we’ve

crammed in as much local news and

information as possible.

I recently met the team from Bexhill

Heritage (front cover) and witnessed

the amazing work they are currently

doing to restore a 100-year-old

shelter on the seafront. Much like the

bandstand the group completed a few

years ago, this will be a great asset to

the town when the result is unveiled

next month. Hats off to all of them.

Congratulations are in order this

month as East Sussex Wildlife Rescue

Ambulance Service (WRAS) celebrates

a landmark anniversary. I’ve seen firsthand

the work the organisation does

throughout East Sussex and seen the

owner, Trevor, grow the charity from

strength to strength.

You can read about the 40-year

history of WRAS on pages 14 and 15.

In this edition, we received a huge

amount of letters regarding the

increased parking charges due to start

next month. We know all the area’s

councillors read this newspaper, so

it’s always important you let us know

your thoughts on the town’s issues by

emailing letters@bexhill.news.

I attended the recent Ukraine vigil

which took place at the memorial

to mark three years since Russia’s

invasion. Although we all wish these

vigils didn’t need to happen, it was

great to see the large Ukrainian

community we have in the area come

together. I met some lovely people who

bring together the communities across

East Sussex to support them in all kinds

of ways. Their dedication is admirable.

Paul Gibson

Group Editor

THE TEAM

PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR

paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS

viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER

sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION

dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

CONTACT

ADVERTISING SALES — 01323 33 70 70

sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

Bexhill News is a publication by Regional Media

Group Ltd, a company registered in England

and Wales number: 13746177. We have taken

care to ensure that the information in this

newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher,

nor contributors can take responsibility for loss

or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

Bexhill News does not endorse the accuracy

of the advertisements or the quality of the

products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and

community organisations are provided directly

by their own representatives; please direct any

queries or comments regarding content directly

to the organisation. Any opinion or views

expressed within this publication are solely

those of the author. © 2025: No part of this

newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole

without express permission of the editor.

Tributes made to Bexhill woman as

local man is charged with her murder

THE family of a 58-year-old woman

from Bexhill has released a tribute

describing her as a ‘much-loved

member of the community’.

Rita Lambourne died following an

incident at her home in Bayencourt

South in the town around 10pm

on 12 February.

Donald Excell, 48, of Seabourne

Road, Bexhill, was arrested in

connection with the incident and has

since been charged with her murder

and remains in custody.

A 39-year-old woman from Bexhill

who was arrested on suspicion of

murder, and a 32-year-old man from

Bexhill, who was arrested on suspicion

of assisting an offender, have been

released with no further action.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex

Campbell, Senior Investigating

Officer, said: “This has been a hugely

distressing incident, not least for the

family and friends of Rita, but also the

wider community.

“I’d like to thank the public for their

A MICRO WOOD has been

planted to commemorate the

King’s Coronation.

Rother District Council organised the

planting thanks to grant funding from

DEFRA’s Coronation Living Heritage

Fund which was established to mark

the Coronation of King Charles III.

The council was awarded £27,149

from the fund to plant microwoods in

Battle and Rye.

Planting for the first microwood

took place at Coronation Gardens in

Battle recently.

A total of 11 volunteers from Wild

About Battle, Battle Area Green

Drinks, environmental consultants

Temple Group, and Battle Town

Council joined two district council

officers and two staff from Idverde, the

council’s grounds contractors, to plant

the 1,000 trees.

A micro wood, also called a Miyawaki

Forest, involves densely planting

a variety of native tree and shrub

saplings on an area around the size of a

tennis court, in a process pioneered by

Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki.

This replicates the natural

process of forest regeneration,

promotes fast growth, increases

resilience and reduces the need for

ongoing maintenance.

Cllr Kathryn Field, the council’s

portfolio holder for environmental

and climate strategy, said: “We were

delighted to be awarded a grant from

the Coronation Living Heritage Fund

patience and understanding while our

officers have conducted enquiries in

the local area.

“Our officers will remain on patrol

for reassurance, and in the meantime,

I would still urge anyone who can

assist us in our investigation to please

come forward and contact us.

“We are specifically asking the public

for their help in locating two items

1,000 trees planted for

King’s Coronation

to fund micro woods in Rother.

“I would like to thank the 11 volunteers and the council

staff who worked so hard to plant 1,000 trees in record time

to establish the Battle microwood.

“This microwood will not only help to tackle climate

change in our district but will also provide more habitats

for our local pollinator species and other wildlife. I look

forward to seeing it flourish and grow.”

The Coronation Living Heritage Fund was established so

more trees could be planted in non-woodland locations and

close to where people lived, providing a visible and lasting

tribute to the King’s Coronation within local communities.

Signage will be erected near the newly planted trees in due

course to explain the micro wood concept and to dedicate

the site to the Coronation of King Charles III.

The second microwood is due to be planted on Mason’s

Field in Rye in the coming weeks.

which we believe are connected to the

offence and are currently outstanding.

“One is a navy blue The North Face

bag (pictured) and the second is an

axe we believe was used in the attack.

We are asking all residents in Bexhill

to please check your bins, gardens,

and other outside spaces where these

items may have been hidden. If you

see anything suspicious, please get in

touch – any information, no matter

how small, could be crucial.

Rita’s family issued the following

tribute: “Rita was a much loved

member of the community and was

adored by her family and friends.

Rita’s family would be extremely

grateful for any information that can

be offered, and would like to request

privacy at this difficult time.”

Teenagers robbed in

town centre attack

POLICE are appealing for witnesses and

information after a robbery in Bexhill town centre.

The victims, a teenage boy and girl, were walking in

Endwell Road when they were approached by a group of

other young people at about 8.25pm on February 24.

They were threatened, and items including a Canada

Goose coat and a Nike rucksack were taken.

The victims had walked across the railway bridge

and later went towards a nearby shop where

police were called.

They were left shaken by the incident but have received

support from officers.

Officers attended the area and a 21-year-old man was

arrested on suspicion of robbery. He has been bailed

with strict conditions.

It is believed others from the group had approached the

victims from the Devonshire Square area.

Patrols have been stepped up in the area to provide an

extra level of visible reassurance.

Witnesses or anyone with relevant information such as

mobile phone, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage in the

area at the time is asked to come forward.

In particular, if anyone saw a group of young people

acting suspiciously in the area at the time, they are asked

to come forward.

Information can be reported to Sussex Police online or

on 101, quoting serial 1242 of 24/02.

Alternatively, contact CrimeStoppers anonymously

on 0800 555 111.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MARCH 2025 NEWS 3

What Devolution means for Sussex councils

IN a significant move towards

local empowerment, the UK

Government has initiated a public

consultation on a proposal to

establish a Mayoral Combined

County Authority (MCCA) for

East Sussex, West Sussex, and

Brighton & Hove.

This initiative aims to devolve

powers from Westminster to local

leadership, granting the region

greater autonomy over critical

areas such as transport, public

safety, health, environment,

housing, economic growth, skills,

and job creation.

The government’s English Devolution

White Paper, published in December

2024, outlines a comprehensive plan

to decentralise authority, ensuring

that every part of England benefits

from devolution. In response,

the leaders of East Sussex County

Council, West Sussex County Council,

and Brighton & Hove City Council

have collaboratively expressed

interest in forming an MCCA.

This proposed authority would

consist of an elected mayor and two

representatives from each constituent

council, collectively overseeing

strategic functions across the region.

The inaugural mayoral election is

slated for May 2026.

A pivotal aspect of the devolution

agenda is the reorganisation of

local government structures. The

current two-tier system of county

and district councils is set to be

replaced by unitary authorities,

each serving populations of at least

500,000. This restructuring aims to

streamline decision-making, reduce

administrative redundancies, and

enhance service delivery. In East

Sussex, discussions are underway to

determine the optimal configuration

for these new unitary councils, with

proposals expected to be submitted to

the government by September 2025.

The public consultation, launched

on 17 February 2025, invites residents,

businesses, and stakeholders to

provide feedback on the devolution

proposal. The consultation period

will remain open until 13 April 2025,

after which the government will

assess the responses to inform its

decision on establishing the MCCA.

This participatory approach ensures

that the voices of the 1.7 million

people residing in Sussex are heard

and considered in the decisionmaking

process.

Local leaders have expressed

a range of views regarding the

devolution plans. While some

councillors are optimistic about

the potential for increased local

control and improved public

services, others have raised concerns

about the pace of the proposed

changes and the potential for voter

confusion due to the restructuring

process. Critics argue that the

rapid implementation could lead

to administrative challenges and

question whether the new structures

will effectively address local needs.

These diverse perspectives highlight

the importance of the ongoing public

consultation in shaping the future

governance of the region.

IMPLICATIONS FOR

LOCAL ELECTIONS

As part of the transition to the new

governance structure, local elections

scheduled for May 2025 in East

Sussex have been postponed.

This postponement is intended to

facilitate the reorganisation process

and align electoral cycles with the

establishment of the new unitary

authorities and the election of the

Sussex mayor in May 2026.

While this move aims to ensure

a smooth transition, it has faced

criticism from various political figures

and parties who view it as potentially

undemocratic and disruptive to local

political engagement.

The Sussex devolution initiative is

part of a broader national effort to

reshape local governance in England.

The English Devolution Bill seeks to

grant more powers to local leaders,

streamline administrative structures,

and enhance the efficiency of

public services. Proponents argue

that such reforms will lead to

significant cost savings and more

responsive governance.

However, detractors caution that

the rapid pace of change could

undermine local democratic

accountability and lead to confusion

among residents.

As the consultation progresses, the

feedback gathered will be crucial

in determining the final structure

and powers of the proposed MCCA,

ensuring that the reforms align with

the needs and aspirations of the

Sussex community.

In conclusion, the proposed

devolution and reorganisation

of councils in Sussex represent

a transformative shift towards

localised governance. The success

of this initiative will largely depend

on active public participation

in the consultation process and

careful consideration of the diverse

perspectives presented by local

leaders and residents.

YOUR DESTINATION FOR QUALITY

MOTs & MORE

Great town centre location

MoT’s, Servicing, Aircon & Repairs

‘Trust My Garage’ trading standards member

Friendly family owned company with easy online booking

Essential Service £210 or £240 with MOT * (*up to 5 litres of oil)

Full Service £300 or £325 with MoT (*Up to 5 litres of oil)

Major Service £350 or £375 with MoT (*Up to 5 litres of oil)

Simply book your MoT or service online at: www.motest.co.uk

Call: 01424 218080

Middlesex Road, Bexhill, TN40 1LX

Find us on Facebook

@ MOTESTBEXHILL

4 NEWS

MARCH 2025


Hospice funding crisis

forces caregivers to rely

on legacy donations

EVERY year, hospices care for

300,000 people and support

60,000 family members, carers

and friends, free of charge

across the country.

A campaign has highlighted the

difficulties faced by six hospices

across Sussex as they find it

increasingly difficult to fund care, as

government support only goes a third

of the way to ensuring patients get the

help they deserve.

A TV campaign recently aired

and featured stories from hospices

and highlighted the breadth of care

and how the sector supports both

the patient and their loved ones, in

hospices and in the community.

143 hospices across England,

Wales and Scotland have signed

up to the campaign and it has been

implemented by Hospice UK.

Six Sussex-based hospices, St

Catherine’s Hospice, St Wilfrid’s

Hospice, St Barnabas House,

children’s hospice Chestnut Tree

House, Martlets and St Michael’s

Hospice joined together for the

“This is Hospice Care” national

collaboration between 143 hospices

across England, Scotland and Wales,

brought together by Hospice UK.

They all claim they are facing

‘unprecedented financial challenges’.

The campaign aimed to raise

awareness of hospice services,

shift public perceptions of hospice

care and educate people about

the importance of gifts in Wills in

providing sustainable income for

hospice charities.

Karen Clarke, CEO of St Michael’s

Hospice said, “We were thrilled to be

part of this important campaign that

highlights the critical work hospices

do and the lasting impact that gifts in

Wills can have.”

Jo Brand, who’s brother was

supported by the Hospice said; “My

lovely brother Bill died at St Michael’s

Hospice in 2021, and it proved to be a

welcome sanctuary for us as a family

at the end of his life.

“I’m so grateful for the kindness

and care shown to us by the hospice

staff and that’s why I’m delighted to

be supporting such an important

cause. Legacy gifts, no matter how

small, make a huge difference – so

I’d encourage you all to consider

supporting your local hospice.”

For St Wilfrid’s Hospice in

Eastbourne, gifts in wills pay for the

care of one in three patients.

CEO Colin Twomey said: “Gifts in

wills are crucial to our survival and

growth. Our care is free at the point

of use. But, while we receive some

government funding, more than

70% of the money we need to provide

this vital care each year comes from

generous donors.

“Hospice care is everything

you’d expect, and everything you

wouldn’t. At St Wilfrid’s we enable

people across Eastbourne, Seaford,

Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield (and

all points between) to live well at

the end of life.

“This might mean offering expert

medical and nursing care to ease

a person’s pain and symptoms at

home, in local care homes, or at

the hospice. It might also mean

supporting their spiritual needs,

providing them with the tools they

need to stay mobile, or helping them

with the practicalities of living with

an illness. And it means looking after

their families and carers, before and

after someone dies.

“All of these services are vital, and

it would be devastating to have to

reduce our care to patients. Which

is why we hope local people will be

inspired by the campaign to leave a

gift in their will to their local hospice

and make sure we can be here for

many years to come.”

Wheels in motion for petition

to enforce weight restrictions

Photo credit: JTP53 Photography

Renovated Peace Pole

unveiled on Galley Hill

A GATHERING has taken place

recently to celebrate the unveiling

of a new Peace Poll, which aims

to encourage the community to

‘set aside our differences and

come together’.

It is one of 200,000 Peace Polls

across 180 different countries and

has been completely renovated and

relaunched at its home at Galley Hill.

The Peace Pole Project Network

is a global movement dedicated

to spreading messages of

peace through the installation

of Peace Poles.

The monumental poles are

inscribed with the phrase ‘May

Peace Prevail on Earth’ in multiple

languages. Numerous Peace

Poles have been erected across

Britain in cities, schools, and

places of worship.

On September 21, 2014, on United

Nations Peace Day, the local United

Nations Association supported a

Peace Gathering on Bexhill Seafront

by the Clocktower. Several groups

participated to remember those

who had died in the First World

War and all those who had died in

places of conflict.

After three years of annual

gatherings, it was agreed to

erect a Peace Pole on Galley

Hill. Seven years of bad weather

had taken its toll and the Peace

Pole deteriorated.

A dedicated group, with the support

of Abul Azad, the Vice Chair of East

Sussex County Council, a new pole

has just been erected for residents to

visit at the hilltop location.

A PETITION has been handed in

to East Sussex County Council

in an attempt to protect historic

buildings in Bexhill Old Town.

As reported in the November

edition of Bexhill News, residents

are calling for measures to stop

heavy vehicles from breaking the

weight restrictions, which they say is

damaging the area.

The petition, which was started

by Old Town resident Sandra

Bandirali, has received more than

400 signatories from local concerned

residents and supporters of the cause.

Sandra started the campaign

online to encourage the authorities

to enforce the weight restrictions

and stop heavy HGVs using the area.

There is currently a 7.5-tonne weight

limit in Old Town, but there’s an

exemption for vehicles delivering as

well as buses.

Councillor Ian Hollidge

(Conservative), Member for Bexhill

South, and Councillor Charles Clark

(Independent), Member for Bexhill

East, have handed the petition to East

Sussex County Council’s Chairman,

Councillor Roy Galley, (pictured

above) which calls for changes to be

made to the road layout to prevent

vehicles over a certain width from

using the road.

A report is now expected to be

compiled by East Sussex County

Council ahead of a Lead Member

for Transport meeting towards the

middle of the year.

Sandra told Bexhill News: “I very

much hope the petition causes ESCC

to take action. I would like to see a

more immediate response by ESCC

rather than waiting until May or June

for their report.”

Bexhill Heritage, a local charity, is

also concerned about heavy vehicles

damaging nearby buildings.

Steve Johnson from the group told

Bexhill News: “Too many drivers are

ignoring weight restrictions and their

shortcut is at the expense of residents’

well-being and peace of mind.

“We have suggested tighter

enforcement and a traffic survey

on the Sea Road/Buckhurst Road

junction to find out more about the

routes heavy vehicles are taking and

find a solution.”

At Oyster Care Homes,

we understand that choosing the

right care home is a big decision.

Are you thinking about care for yourself or a loved one?

Book a tour of Collington Park Lodge and come

and discuss your needs.

Open

March 2025!

Residential Care Respite Care Dementia Care 24-hr care Inclusive fee

Collington Park Lodge

Collington Lane East

Bexhill

TN39 3RJ

Scan here to find out more

and to register your interest

01424 533445 OysterCareHomes.co.uk

6 NEWS

MARCH 2025


Town Centre Boost with

new Hub Initiative

AN empty shop in Bexhill is to

become the home for a community

hub, thanks to levelling up money.

The former Edinburgh Woollen

Mill shop on Devonshire Road

is to be transformed into a ‘hub’

where residents can access

services and support.

Rother District Council has

purchased the shop using money

awarded by the then Department

of Levelling Up, Housing and

Communities. The council is now

working with Rother Voluntary

Action (RVA) to turn the idea into a

reality, through this Levelling Up

grant, to renovate the building for the

benefit of voluntary, community and

social enterprise organisations.

Cllr Christine Bayliss, Rother

District Council’s portfolio holder

for regeneration and economic

development, who has driven the

project said: “I am so excited to see

the plans for the Bexhill community

hub moving forward. This is a real

win-win for the town, helping our

residents to access key services in a

central place and contributing to the

regeneration of Devonshire Road.

“We are looking forward to working

in partnership with RVA on this

and all its other work to support our

voluntary, community groups and

social enterprises in Rother and the

fantastic work they do.”

The new hub will make access to

essential services and support much

more accessible for all the residents

of Bexhill and wider Rother. It will

also be used as a co-working space

with the voluntary and community

partners such as Citizens Advice 1066.

Kim Richards, RVA Chief Executive

said: “We are thrilled to receive this

funding to help support the groups

we work with. We are really looking

forward to working with the hub

partners to develop a valuable and

useful new resource for Rother

voluntary sector. This is great news

for everyone in Rother and the

wider community.”

Residents and community groups

will have opportunities to engage

with RVA to help shape what they

want to see in the hub, through

workshops and events to be held

later this year. Details for these will

be shared on RVA’s social media and

www.rva.uk.com.

The creation of the hub has been a

partnership between RDC and RVA

with other partners and came out of

the Anti-Poverty Strategy. There is

a lot of work still to do, but over the

next year, residents and visitors to the

town will be able to see its progress.

Shelter renovation set

to be unveiled at event

Original Shelter condition

A TEAM of volunteers have been

working hard to renovate one

of the iconic shelters on Bexhill

seafront ready for a grand

opening next month.

Known as Shelter 4, it was built in

1921 by Frederick William Parker,

a prominent local undertaker who

also built Shelter 3, further west

down the promenade.

The prefabricated Georgian-style

lattice window panels would have

been built in Parker’s workshop,

probably with the help of his

apprentices, and transported to the

site for assembly.

It’s thought that Parker wished to

‘show off’ his firm’s woodworking

skills to potential customers due to

the high quality of the construction,

according to volunteers from Bexhill

Heritage which has organised and

rebuilt the shelter.

It became dilapidated in the

later part of the 20th century, but

its seasoned wood and careful

construction enabled it to survive

until it was listed by Heritage

England in 2013.

Rother District Council erected

scaffolding and carried out structural

repairs starting in 2019. Bexhill

Heritage was then invited to support

the restoration and began work in

winter 2023, after completing the

Bandstand restoration and Shelter 3’s

three-yearly re-paint.

When it opens on 19th April

at 10am, Shelter 4 will include a

‘Heritage Gallery’ to show how Bexhill

has changed over the years.

Before and after photographs will

show some of the buildings lost to

the town through demolition and

what has replaced them. The gallery

underlines the need to identify,

protect and cherish the remaining

heritage buildings.

Bexhill Heritage’s main

challenges have been carrying

out a paint analysis to confirm

that the shelters’ original colours,

which were the Bexhill flag colours

of Victorian white, signal red

and stately green.

Also, over 300 windows have been

glazed, which required 1440 hand-cut

pieces of beading and almost 5000

brass tacks and preparing the damp

and damaged woodwork for painting.

Five coats of traditional paint have

been applied to every surface, and

the team have dismantled, restored

and re-assembled the shelter’s six

original benches. The shelter remains

over 75% original.

Steve Johnson, who heads up

Bexhill Heritage said: “While the

designs for shelters 3 and 4 have

much in common, this shelter has

Georgian-style lattice windows, while

Shelter 3 uses an art deco window

design and would have been much

easier to construct.

“Across both shelters, Parker’s

apprentices would have developed a

huge range of practical woodworking

skills. But we think they might have

been careless as they installed one of

the six compartment panels back to

front! This will give visitors something

to look out for when they visit in April

— just for fun!

Correcting warped teak benches was a challenge for the team

“We’ve had a huge amount of

support from residents, especially

those who live nearby who are

delighted to see the shelter to have

a new lease of life. Their continued

support and endless supply of tea and

biscuits has been greatly appreciated.”

Bexhill Heritage volunteers carry out the renovation

ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE

WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST

HOME VISITS & URGENT CARE SERVICE

Elite Health and Urgent Care Clinic is dedicated

to delivering affordable, premium

Advanced bookings or urgent

private healthcare.

on the day. Simply visit

elitemedical.uk or call

0300 304 6260

for more details.

We bring healthcare to your doorstep with

our home visit service, offering medical care

and assessments in the comfort of your own

home.

TELEPHONE OR VIDEO

CONSULTATIONS

For those who prefer remote

consultations, we provide both

telephone and video options,

ensuring you receive the medical

advice and support you need from

anywhere.

FACE-TO-FACE

ASSESSMENTS

Visit our clinic in Hailsham for

in-person consultations and

assessments by our experienced

medical professionals.

HOME VISIT SERVICE

We bring healthcare to your doorstep

with our home visit service, offering

medical care and assessments in the

comfort of your own home.

FALLS SERVICE

We provide specialised support for

patients who have experienced a fall,

ensuring rapid response and

appropriate care.

CONTACT US AND BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

BOOK ONLINE

ON YOUR COMPUTER

OR MOBILE DEVICE

JUST VISIT

ELITEMEDICAL.UK

ELITEMEDICAL.UK

CALL US

TO DISCUSS YOUR PERSONAL

REQUIREMENTS,

CALL US ON

0300 304 6260

ADDRESS

2 North Street,

Hailsham,

East Sussex.

BN27 1DQ

VISIT ELITEMEDICAL.UK FOR SAME DAY PHONE, HOME, FACE-TO-FACE AND VIDEO APPOINTMENTS

8 NEWS

MARCH 2025


Moving vigil held

to mark three

years since Russia

invaded Ukraine

PHOTOS: JTP53 PHOTOGRAPHY

MEMBERS of the Ukrainian

community and supporters

gathered in Bexhill recently to

mark three years since the start of

the war in their country.

The event was held at the town’s

war memorial where members of the

Ukrainian and British communities

gathered in solemn remembrance.

Flowers were laid as a tribute to those

who have sacrificed their lives for

freedom, and a moment of silence

allowed for reflection on the ongoing

suffering and resilience of the

Ukrainian people.

It was organised by the Culbaba

Theatre, in collaboration with

the Bexhill and District Veterans

Association and with the support of

The Good Story Initiative and Bexhillon-Sea

Town Council.

Following the ceremony, attendees

were invited to St John’s Centre for a

quiet tea gathering, where the Culbaba

Theatre performed a selection of

historical Ukrainian songs, each

carrying the weight of their history,

grief and unbreakable hope.

Olena Zdielnikova from the

Culbaba Theatre said: “We took this

opportunity to express our deepest

gratitude to the people of Bexhill and

the wider British community for their

unwavering support. Your kindness

and solidarity mean more than

words can express.

“Seeing the British community

stand alongside us in this moment

of sorrow and solidarity was

profoundly moving.

“For Ukrainians far from home, this

vigil was not just an event—it was a

reminder that we are not alone, that

our voices are heard, and that even in

the darkest times, there is light in the

friendships we have found here.”

10 NOTICEBOARD

MARCH 2025


COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

BUSINESS LOCAL NETWORK

FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Hailsham, Eastbourne & Uckfield – all 10-12pm,

£10 per person. Come and enjoy our relaxed and

natural atmosphere. At BLN, we pride ourselves

on providing a warm and relaxed vibe with no

awkward elevator pitches. Conversations flow

naturally, allowing business owners to speak

freely and engage in meaningful dialogue,

brainstorm and problem-solve.

Uckfield: The Pamper Lounge, TN22 5AE,

Wednesdays: 12 Mar & 9 Apr. £10 —

TO BOOK: www.bit.ly/BLN-Uckfield

Hailsham: Abbots Wood Manor, BN27 3AL,

Tuesdays: 18 Mar & 15 Apr. £10 —

TO BOOK: www.bit.ly/BLN_Hailsham

Eastbourne: ortain Place, BN22 0AB,

Wednesdays: 26 Mar & 23 Apr. £10 —

TO BOOK: www.bit.ly/BLN-Eastbourne

BEXHILL

BEXHILL REMEMBERS 5 YEARS ON FROM

THE COVID PANDEMIC The Tree of Hope

(next to Bexhill War Memorial). 2pm, Sunday

9th March 2025. We are marking the Day of

Reflection with music, poems and speakers. All

Welcome. Organised by Lynn & Jim Langlands,

Brian Drayson and Kimmy Stanger. For info

jstanger2012@gmail.com

BEXHILL JUMBLE SALE. St. Michael’s Church Hall,

Glassenbury Drive Bexhill. Saturday 15 March,

10am-12 noon. Many bargains. Entrance 50p.

Contact (01424) 848603

1

32

BEXHILL STAMP & POSTCARD CLUB. St

Augustine’s Church Hall, Cooden Drive, Bexhill,

TN39 3AZ. Wednesday 26 March, 7.30pm. You

are invited to our next meeting. A fascinating talk

on stamp rarities held by the British Library. Have

a great social evening crowned by the sensational

‘sardine’ raffle. Contact (01424) 846177

CRAFT FAIR. St Barnabas Church, Sea Road,

Bexhill. TN40 1JG. Saturday 8 March, 10am to

2.30pm. Over 20+ local crafters selling beautiful

handmade items. FREE ENTRY. Contact: 07846

132261 or email: craftfairsaturday@gmail.com

BEXHILL FARMERS’ MARKET. Devonshire

Square, Bexhill-on-Sea. Every Friday, 9am-1pm.

The market offers a variety of local produce,

including handmade pies, fresh bread, meats,

game, smoked products, cheeses, fish, fruits,

vegetables, jams, chutneys, cinnamon buns,

brownies, plants, and flowers. On the second

Friday of each month, The French Delicatessen

provides a selection of cheeses.

EASTBOURNE

THE BEATLES AND SWINGING 60S NIGHT.

Eastbourne Borough Football Club, Priory Lane,

BN23 7QH. Friday 14 March, 7pm. Harmonize

Productions present a musical masterpiece.

Double charity fundraiser, benefitting Missing

Persons UK and Andy’s Man Club. The Beatles

and Swinging 60s Night will delight you with

high class nostalgia. Doors 6pm, starts at 7pm. £8

standard issue, £7 seniors/students/Veterans

EASTBOURNE WALKING NETBALL. Eastbourne

Sports Park, Cross Levels Way. Monday mornings

10am-11am. All ages welcome to join us. Walking

netball is great for low-impact fitness, fun and

mixing with like-minded friendly people. See our

Facebook page for more info or call Anne-Marie

07702 317728. £4.55 per session.

EASTBOURNE BOROUGH MARKET. Terminus

Road, Eastbourne, from Trinity Trees to Marks

& Spencer’s. Every Wednesday and Sunday,

9.30am-4.30pm. The market features a variety of

stalls offering fresh produce, baked goods, crafts,

and more.

PEVENSEY BAY CRAFT MARKET. St Wilfrid’s

Church Hall, Eastbourne Road, Pevensey Bay

Second Saturday of the month, 10am-12.30pm

A monthly craft market – Everyone welcome.

FREE entry. Refreshments available.

UPCOMING HAF EVENTS

Free Holiday Activities & Meals for Local

Children – HAF Programme. Did you know that

children eligible for free school meals can access

free activities and nutritious meals during school

holidays? Thanks to the Holiday Activities and

Food (HAF) Programme, families in your area can

enjoy a fantastic range of sessions, from sports and

creative workshops to outdoor adventures and fun

learning experiences. Local providers are offering

free spaces for eligible children this holiday break,

ensuring they stay active, engaged, and well-fed

while school is out.

Jungle Adventure Art & Yoga Camp, Eastbourne

(ages 5-11). West Rise School, Chaffinch Road,

Eastbourne, BN23 7SL. Over the course of six funfilled

days, children will embark on creative and

adventurous expeditions, exploring the wonders

of the jungle through engaging art projects and

relaxing yoga sessions. Register your interest:

https://bit.ly/EEQU-Jungle

Rascals Holiday Playscheme, Eastbourne (ages

8-12). Brodrick Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex,

BN22 9RQ. Exciting holiday fun for 8–12-yearolds,

featuring child-led activities such as

organised games, sports, creative play, arts and

crafts, free play, a bouncy castle, and more.

Register your interest: https://bit.ly/EEQU-Rascals

Free Fitness Class for Refugees (Ages 18+). St

Augustine’s Hall, Christ Church with St Philip,

Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN. Join us for this

Fitness session to learn some new exercises and

connect with like-minded people in the area,

all while improving your English. Register your

interest: https://bit.ly/EEQU-English

Wheelchair Tennis Session (all ages). 131

Fishermen’s Green Tennis Courts, Royal Parade,

Eastbourne, BN22 7LH. Weekly wheelchair

tennis session for all. Looking to cover the

basics and help people gain confidence/improve

their skill on the court! Register your interest:

https://bit.ly/EEQU-Tennis

Please note: Some of these events are Register

Your Interest sessions, meaning dates will only

be set if enough people sign up. For events with

confirmed dates, spaces are limited, so be sure to

book early! Let’s make this school holiday a time

to learn, play, and thrive!

To submit your listing for publication

on this page, visit: www.eastsussex.

news/community-noticeboard or

scan this QR Code.

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

s a v e

single fares

for just

£1, £2 £3 or

find out more:

on buses

in East Sussex

eastsussex.gov.uk

/bus-fares

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MARCH 2025 11

WHY WAIT?

Live safe and well in a unique studio, 1-bed or 2-bed apartment

or bungalow at the Hawthorns, a warm and friendly all-inclusive

rental retirement community for the over 70s.

“Since moving here, I have made new friends and found a new

and very rewarding life. The older you get, the harder everything

becomes - especially if you have no close family to hand. I am

so pleased that I made the move to the Hawthorns when I did.”

- the Hawthorns resident

01323 342552 | hawthornsretirement.co.uk

Call today to find out about our 28-day trial stay

4 Carew Road | Eastbourne | East Sussex | BN21 2BF

RIVER WINDOWS WHERE QUALITY AND SERVICE COMES FIRST

PVC

FABRICATION

MANAGER

WANTED

SUMMERHOUSES

AMAZING RIVER WINDOW DISCOUNTS

FREE ESTIMATES DISABLED & SENIOR CITIZENS DISCOUNTS EST. 35 YEARS

Visit our website at www.riverwindows.co.uk

or visit our factory at 8 Brett Drive, (by Ravenside), Bexhill, East Sussex, TN40 2JP

01424 22 22 77

FRONT DOORS BI-FOLD DOORS CONSERVATORIES

CONSERVATORY, SUMMERHOUSES,

ORANGERY & GRP FLAT ROOF

SPECIALISTS

ALL SUPPORT BUILDING WORKS, PATIOS,

PATHS, GROUND WORKS UNDERTAKEN

DOORS: Bi-folds, Patios, French & Stable Doors.

WINDOWS: Vertical Sliders & casements,

Fascia, Soffit & Guttering + Glass, Handles

& Hinge Replacements

NEW

UNBEATABLE

TRADE PRICES

JUST VISIT

RIVERWINDOWS.CO.UK

VERTICAL SLIDERS

DISABLED & SENIOR CITIZENS DISCOUNTS ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO VAT. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

12 NEWS

MARCH 2025


Job fair brings employers

and job seekers together

BEXHILL Jobs & Apprenticeships

Fair, the annual free jobs and skills

event for the whole community,

will be back at the iconic De La

Warr Pavilion later this month.

The fair, in association with Bexhill

College, is an opportunity to explore

full-time, part-time and seasonal job

vacancies, apprenticeships, skills

development opportunities, back to

work support, training and courses.

Last year’s fair welcomed a record

700 visitors with a wide range of ages

and experiences, ranging from the

unemployed and college leavers to

people considering returning to work

and the retired. Visitor feedback

included ‘Lots of new contact points

for potential employment’, ‘What a

wonderful and well organised event

and very inclusive’, and ‘Thank you

for having me — and I didn’t feel

too old, phew!’

Over 50 businesses and

organisations from across the

region will be at this year’s event

on 21 March. There will be free

workshops including confidence

boosting sessions for job-seekers,

advice for young people interested in

a freelance creative career, and, for

employers, a session on alternative

apprenticeships. The Creative

Industries Zone will be offering

entry level opportunities to help

young people get into the industry

and Bexhill Chamber of Commerce,

which celebrates its centenary year,

will be back at the fair running their

popular CV reviews. The fair will

once again be operating a Quiet Time

between 2pm and 3.30pm for visitors

with access requirements or who

would feel more comfortable in a

quieter environment.

Kieran Mullan MP said: ‘I would

urge anyone looking for a job or

thinking about returning to work

to visit the fair on 21 March. It’s

a fantastic opportunity to talk

directly to employers across

the region in sectors including

Transport, Construction, Financial

Services, Digital, Health & Social

Care, Education, Manufacturing,

Engineering, Technology, Tourism,

Hospitality, the Creative Industries

and many more.’

Stewart Drew, Director & CEO,

De La Warr Pavilion, said: ‘We’re

really looking forward to welcoming

everyone to this year’s fair. It’s an

amazing community event that offers

something for everyone. Whether

you’re looking for a new job or career

or are interested in volunteering

or learning something new, come

along to the Pavilion and explore the

hundreds of opportunities on offer.’

A not-for-profit communityled

initiative, Bexhill Jobs &

Apprenticeships Fair is organised

by the De La Warr Pavilion,

Kieran Mullan MP, Bexhill College

and Rother District Council

with the support of Bexhill

Chamber of Commerce.

Bexhill Jobs & Apprenticeships

Fair is 10.30am-3.30pm on Friday 21

March at the De La Warr Pavilion.

Visitors are welcome to come along

on the day but are encouraged to

register in advance to smooth their

entry to the event.

Find out more and register at

www.dlwp.com/jobsfair

LOOKING FOR STYLISH & AFFORDABLE FASHION?

WARDS CLOTHING COMPANY IS AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS OFFERING DISTINCTIVE

FASHION FOR MEN AND WOMEN, COMBINED WITH PERSONAL SERVICE.

£250

£115

£40

£235

£40

£39

FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING

NEW AT WARDS,

FROM JOE BROWNS & VILAGALLO

Wards Group Limited, 36 Devonshire Road,

Bexhill-on-Sea, BN40 1BA

(01424) 210 548 www.wardsgroup.co.uk

KICK

START

YOUR

CAREER

WITH AN APPRENTICESHIP

AT EAST SUSSEX COLLEGE!

Looking to earn while you learn? At East Sussex College, we offer a wide range

of apprenticeship programmes designed to help you gain real-world experience,

industry-recognised qualifications, and valuable skills for your future.

• Sectors include: Engineering, Business, Construction, Health & Social Care,

Creative & Digital, Hospitality, and more!

• Learn on the job while studying with expert tutors.

• Gain qualifications that employers value.

• No tuition fees – get paid while you train!

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upskill, our apprenticeships

can help you take the next step in your career.

Find out more about our apprenticeships by scanning the QR code

or contact us on 030 300 39777 or at apprenticeships@escg.ac.uk.

14 NEWS

MARCH 2025


Trevor Weeks MBE with stepmother, Wendy and father, John at Buckingham Palace

Trevor examines a swan thought to have been shot from Eastbourne

Trevor co-ordinating the rescue of Swans at Hove Lagoon in 2005

Celebrating 40 Years of Wildlife

Rescue: The Journey of Trevor

Weeks MBE, and WRAS

THIS year, East Sussex Wildlife

Rescue & Ambulance Service

(WRAS) celebrates two

extraordinary milestones: 40 years

of founder Trevor Weeks’ tireless

dedication to wildlife conservation

and the 30th anniversary

of WRAS itself.

From its humble beginnings as

a volunteer effort to becoming an

award-winning charity, WRAS now

plays a vital role in supporting both

wildlife and the community.

FROM TEENAGE VOLUNTEER

TO WILDLIFE PIONEER

Trevor’s journey began at just 13

years old when he joined Eastbourne

Conservation Volunteers. His first

rescue mission, retrieving two oilcovered

guillemots from the beach at

Cow Gap, ignited a passion that would

shape his life.

Over the next decade, Trevor

honed his skills, learning from

established groups and individuals

while balancing his career as a

computer programmer.

In 1996, Trevor formalised his

efforts by founding WRAS after

being challenged by a local vet,

Robin Hooper, to address mounting

veterinary bills. A public meeting

in Hailsham led to the creation of a

voluntary group with a clear mission:

provide professional, ethical care for

injured wildlife.

DECADES OF GROWTH

AND IMPACT

Over the past 30 years, WRAS has

evolved significantly. Originally a

small operation run from homes and

gardens, the organisation faced the

challenge of inadequate facilities to

meet growing demand. In response,

WRAS opened its first independent

casualty centre in 2006, moving to a

Trevor with the Wartling Pink Swan

larger site in Whitesmith in 2008.

Today, the centre is equipped to

handle up to 450 animals at a time and

manages over 6,500 cases annually.

WRAS receives over 30,000 calls each

Trevor with Tom Heap from Animal 247 in 2008

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MARCH 2025 NEWS 15

Trevor rescuing newts on a

development site in Hailsham, 1991

Trevor Weeks assisting Gary Tredwell to treat

oiled birds at Sea Empress oil spill in 1996

Trevor with a Hedgehog at WRAS’s Casualty Centre

Oiled Guillemot in Eastbourne, February 2005

Hedgehog rescue in Alfriston, June 2012

Trevor and Tony rescuing an entangled albino stag near Mayfield

WRAS Trevor rescuing a Stag

year, many concerning sick, injured,

trapped, or orphaned wildlife that

require the expertise of WRAS’s

specialised team for safe rescue,

as improper handling can lead to

serious injury.

WRAS’s success is rooted in its

team of nine full-time staff and over

200 volunteers. These dedicated

individuals provide a wide range of

services, from feeding and cleaning

casualties to conducting complex

rescue operations. Despite this, the

charity’s resources are stretched thin,

with facilities often at capacity during

peak seasons. WRAS’s current centre

becomes full every summer and is

outdated, according to the charity.

It desperately needs to expand

and update its hospital facilities

to become more efficient and

cost-effective. Without raising

significantly more funds, WRAS is

struggling to secure its future and has

launched an Anniversary Appeal to

fund a modernised wildlife hospital

and rescue charity for the area.

Trevor’s unwavering commitment

has not been without personal

sacrifice. Over the years, he has faced

physical and emotional challenges,

including burnout and a diagnosis

of complex PTSD. Nevertheless,

Trevor has persevered, driven by his

mission to prevent suffering for both

wildlife and people.

Trevor said: “More individuals are

finding sick, injured, orphaned, and

dying wildlife due to the increasing

pressures of urban development

and habitat loss. At WRAS, we

work tirelessly to restore balance -

helping wildlife adapt and recover

while supporting people who

experience the emotional toll of

these encounters.

“By aiding injured animals,

addressing human-wildlife

challenges, and promoting local

biodiversity, we play a vital role in

sustaining both our community and

natural heritage. However, we cannot

do it without the support of the public

and local businesses. We are a vital

community service,”

To commemorate its 30th

anniversary, WRAS is calling on the

community to support its mission by

donating to its Anniversary Appeal.

Trevor will undertake an 80-mile

fundraising trek across East Sussex

in March over 11 days, starting from

Bewl Water on the Kent border and

travelling across East Sussex. The

trek will finish on Friday 28th March

on Eastbourne Seafront, where a

celebration event is being held at the

Cumberland Hotel.

The funds raised will go towards

building a state-of-the-art wildlife

hospital, ensuring WRAS can

continue its vital work for decades to

come. Other events in the pipeline

include a Founders Raffle and an

Unusual Quiz Night.

For more information or to

donate, scan the QR

code or visit: https://

wildlifeambulance.org/

anniversary-appeal-2025/

Cleaning out Hailsham

Common Pond late 1980s

Wartling Swan release in January 2015

Trevor searching for oiled seabirds

16 REGULARS

MARCH 2025


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

INSANE PARKING

MEASURES

DEAR EDITOR, The comments made

by ESCC in the article are idiotic. There

isn’t any congestion in Bexhill except

congestion as a direct result of the

endless ‘traffic control’ measures due to

the continuous road works carried out

for fibre optic cables, gas, water etc.

It is illogical and disingenuous to

charge parking fees for higher emitting

The site of Barnhorn Green NHS development, off Brooklands Road

vehicles if and when they are stationary.

The road fund licence makes that

distinction already, and it isn’t the role of

local ‘suits’ to further penalise owners.

Increasing parking charges decreases

footfall and ensures vehicles search for

free parking in residential areas, thus

giving cause to further extend paying

residents parking areas, thus increasing

guaranteed income stream in the future.

I have lived in Bexhill for a decade

MEDICAL CENTRE DELIGHT

DEAR EDITOR, I see that the green light has been given to build the new medical

centre in the Rosewood Park Estate, which makes sense as the one in Cooden

Sea Road has outgrown its building and the parking is a nightmare for patients.

The talks have been going on for six years, so how about some action to get it

built, as it could be 12 years before any new hospitals are in operation.

Why cannot the Northeye site be sold to developers, as we need more houses

there instead of a rotting prison building, and the money spent on building the

new medical centre — it would be a win, win, win situation.

By the time the medical centre is built, most of the patients could have moved to

a more heavenly place.

S. Cole

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor, visit:

www.eastsussex.news/letters

and have not experienced anything but

significant downgrading of the town

centre with significant retail closures.

This seeking to increase charges will

when added to the increase in business

rates, just make the town centre a

business desert!

J Roberts

INDEPENDENT SHOPS

NEED SUPPORT

DEAR EDITOR, At a time when

businesses in Bexhill are struggling

with the myriad of economic pressures,

it surely behoves the Council to help

them rather than hammer more nails

in their coffins.

It beggars belief that anyone can think

that increasing parking charges will have

a ‘positive impact on the local economy’.

With an increasing number of shop

premises standing empty, not to

mention bank closures and the general

unkemptness of the town centre, what

is there to recommend it to visitors?

Especially with the proposed increases

in parking charges. It will surely drive

people away, causing a self-perpetuating

downward spiral of closures.

We do still have some wonderful

independent shops in Bexhill, but

to ensure they are able to remain

in business, surely there should be

increased incentives to visit the town

as opposed to the negative impact of

parking charges, increasing totally out

of line with inflation and at a time when

family’s budgets are sorely stretched.

J. Bull

FREE PARKING RULES!

DEAR EDITOR, Here we go again —

let’s all do our shopping at Tesco or

Sainsbury’s, where there’s free parking.

Don’t this half-brained council realise

they are forcing people to abandon

the town? Parking machines removed

because nobody is using them as

a business charging for parking

is not working.

Therefore, like any business, if it

is not producing, it needs to close

or go bankrupt.

Barry Willmott

ANSWERS PLEASE!

DEAR EDITOR, The increase in parking

fees is one matter. However, I still can’t

obtain a sensible response from the

district or county council about the

pointless four-hour parking limits and

very limited all-day parking, which

discourage visitors to Bexhill on Sea.

Also, the discriminatory method

of parking payment to exclusively

smartphone users, who are prepared to

pay the RingGo supplement. Perhaps

someone responsible would like to

respond through Bexhill News.

Steve Hall

BRING ON DEVOLUTION

DEAR EDITOR, Councillor Claire

Dowling represents Buxted, therefore,

she has no interest in Bexhill.

More shops might go out of business,

but that is not her problem. East Sussex

Council is a mess, Rother Councillors

have no idea, so the sooner these are

replaced by a new authority, the better.

Secondly, I think it would be better if

Councillors were elected to a position

on the authority so we get competent

people with necessary qualifications.

Russell Dufton

REDUCED TOWN

CENTRE VISITS

DEAR EDITOR, Increasing the charges

will do nothing for the town. Paying by

phone is also a bar to many wanting to

park, as many do not have a suitable

phone or the will to pay the extra cost

for that method.

I no longer use the town centre shops

as a result and parking fees prevent my

visiting restaurants and takeaways in

town as I used to do.

The council has effectively driven our

custom out of town, and their policies

continue to penalise those who live

here and deny us the opportunity to

enjoy our town.

Barry Clark

FOLLOW THE LEAD

OF OTHER AREAS

DEAR EDITOR, The increase in parking

charges will put a final nail in the coffin

for the shops and businesses in Bexhill.

Many of us have cut down our visits to

the town and now will cease altogether.

Hailsham has free parking; Little

Common is cheaper and thriving, so I

mostly shop there anyway. It will also

increase the number of people using a

delivery service.

It is sad to see our town lose the little

individual shops that gave a reason for

people to move here.

Well done, ESCC and Rother, for

going along with it.

My late husband Stuart Earl would

have been horrified — he loved this, his

hometown, and he had been the owner

of Earl’s bakery for many years.

Deirdre Earl

AFTER 30 YEARS —

WE’RE DONE!

DEAR EDITOR, We have been seafront

residents for 30 years in Bexhill. We

have never seen the town and seafront

in such a poor state.

It is run down with numerous empty

retail units, bank buildings, etc. No one

parks on the seafront now; it is quite

desolate. Our rates are about to double

as second homeowners; we do not cost

the council anything in terms of services

and spend money in the local economy.

Sadly, we will be selling up.

E Sewell

LAYBY CONFUSION

DEAR EDITOR,There used to be a

lay-by near the top entrance to Bexhill

cemetery, but the local authorities have

so much money, they decided to waste

a load on painting stripes on the road

surface and putting up bollards, so that

people can no longer park there.

This is where a council won’t spend

money keeping public toilets open, in

a town where being incontinent is a

prerequisite to residency.

P Goodwin

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

It’s so very sad to read all the letters

we’ve received from readers on the

increased parking charges in Bexhill

starting next month.

No one likes a hike in any costs, but

I do feel very sad for the shops and

businesses, like all of us, are just trying

to make a living in the town.

To a certain extent, I can understand

what the councils are doing. They need

to encourage public transport and

almost force people to leave the car

at home. But, that just doesn’t simply

work in a town like ours. In London, yes!

But, in Bexhill, many people need their

cars and they actually love the range of

independent shops we have in town.

These are really, really tricky times

for everyone, but we really need to try

to support those shops in town who

always need us to visit them. Let’s not

just sit back and turn our backs on

the town centre.

If you’re able, consider parking further

out of town and walking/cycling or

learning about the buses that may come

right past your house. It is very easy for

us just to rely on the car as a matter of

cause, and I’m just as guilty.

I travel to Brighton socially but just

won’t take the car anymore. It was way

too expensive to park, and last time, I

got a ticket for using a bus lane! For £3

each way on the bus, it’s a no-brainer!

I just feel that sometimes, it’s worth us

taking a little bit of time to think about

our habits and if they can be changed,

and still continue to support these small

local businesses that need us as much

as we need them!

Please keep your letters

coming. Paul Gibson

IN ASSOCIATION WITH BEXHILL COLLEGE

BEXHILL JOBS AND

APPRENTICESHIPS FAIR

FRIDAY 21 MARCH 2025

10.30AM–3.30PM

AT THE DE LA WARR PAVILION

QUIET TIME

2–3.30PM

for d/Deaf,

disabled and

neurodiverse

visitors

LIVE JOBS

APPRENTICESHIPS

TRAINING

PLACEMENTS

COURSES

WORKSHOPS

CREATIVE

INDUSTRIES

ZONE

Over 50 exhibitors

with opportunities in:

Hospitality

Transport

Construction

Health & Social Care

Creative Industries

Education

Financial Services

Tourism

Manufacturing

Engineering

and more...

Find out more and register at

DLWP.COM/JOBSFAIR

#BEXHILLREADY

2396.1 DLWP Jobs Fair 2025 Bexhill news ad 266x336 CMYK.indd 1 26/02/2025 14:00

18 YOUR MP

MARCH 2025


NEWS FROM YOUR CONSERVATIVE MP

DR KIERAN MULLAN

ALONGSIDE being your MP in

Bexhill and Battle, I am also the

Conservative Shadow Justice

Minister. One of the reasons I

made the decision to enter politics

was because of my deeply held

conviction that victims of crime

deserve better out of our justice

system. The week I write this has

been a busy one in that role as a

call I made to review sentencing

guidelines hit national headlines!

I grew up hearing stories from my

Dad about his work as a policeman —

he served for 30 years. It inspired me

to want to do more to fight crime and

tackle the criminals responsible and

so I served for four years as volunteer

policeman myself.

In that role, I learnt two things —

that it is a small number of people

responsible for the vast majority of

crime and that, however difficult

people’s circumstance, the vast

majority of people try their best to

lead decent law-abiding lives. We

must never forget that and whose side

we should be on.

Therefore, I was appalled last

week to read about a case reported

in the media of a couple convicted

of dealing Class A drugs, including

ecstasy, ketamine and cocaine,

as well as possessing an offensive

weapon. Under sentencing

guidelines, the starting point for their

crimes would be a custodial sentence

of five to seven years.

Yet, despite this, the pair were

spared jail, receiving only a

suspended two-year sentence. Their

defence? They were on low wages

and unemployed and had young

children. This follows changes by the

Sentencing Council, to introduce a

list of mitigating factors which should

mean criminals get a softer sentence

including poverty or an adverse

experience of authority - allowing

criminals to avoid the punishment

their offences deserve.

This sets a dangerous precedent.

Drug dealing ruins lives, fuels

violence, and harms communities.

Yet offenders can avoid prison simply

because of their financial situation.

This is not justice. It suggests

that hardship can excuse serious

crime, undermining public trust in

our legal system.

Millions of hardworking people

across the country are facing

financially challenging times, yet

the vast majority do not turn to

serious criminality. Sentencing

guidelines should not foster the

perception that poverty excuses or

mitigates serious crime.

Criminals must face real

consequences for their actions. I

have referred their sentences for

review by the Attorney General

under the Unduly Lenient Sentence

scheme and asked the Sentencing

Council to review these guidelines.

I was not surprised when the

national media reported widely

on this, as they understand how

angry these sorts of things make

people. I recently appeared on GB

News & Good Morning Britain to

debate the issue and received lots of

messages of support.

There are those on the left who

continue to preach rehabilitation as

the solution to all crime, but this must

not come at the expense of justice for

victims. Especially when the evidence

that we can successfully rehabilitate

serial offenders is very weak.

This is why I have consistently

campaigned for tougher sentencing

for serious offenders and to ensure

that serious offenders spend

more time behind bars and the

most dangerous offenders are

never allowed to roam freely in

society again.

We also need to improve public

understanding around sentencing.

Too often, terms like ‘life sentences’

for murderers create the illusion

of tough justice. These cases are

frequently reported as “jailed for

life” when it is almost never that. It is

their victim’s families who serve the

true life sentence.

Justice should be swift, firm, and

transparent. If we want the public to

have confidence in our legal system,

we must ensure that serious criminals

face proper punishment, sentencing

is clear and consistent and victims

are truly put first. I will continue to

fight for tougher sentences, greater

transparency, and a justice system

that does what it is meant to — protect

the public and deliver real justice.

ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

BY DOUG OLIVER, COUNCILLOR AND COUNCIL LEADER

THERE are some significant

developments currently taking

place around Bexhill which

will improve the lives of our

residents, and it’s great to see

them taking shape.

I recently had the pleasure of taking

a tour around the site for a new 54-bed

hospital for adults and older people

with mental health conditions in

Mount View Street, Bexhill.

Combe Valley Hospital is an

amazing development which

is going to make a significant

difference to people in the district in

need of support.

There is still a way to go before

NHS Sussex Partnership’s expected

completion date of January 2026,

but the progress is impressive,

and I can’t wait to see the finished

hospital in operation.

Another important and exciting

development for the town is plans

to create of a community hub in the

centre of Bexhill.

In 2024, the district council used

funding awarded by the then

Department of Levelling Up,

Housing and Communities to buy

the old Edinburgh Woollen Mill on

Devonshire Road and will make a

series of grants to Rother Voluntary

Action (RVA) to renovate the

building. The project was driven

by Cllr Christine Bayliss Cabinet

Lead for Regeneration and the

LUP Partnership in securing the

premises working with RVA Officers

identifying collaborative working for

superb outcome.

There is a lot of work to do but once

complete, the new hub will make it

even easier for residents to access

essential services and will provide a

space for partners including Citizens

Advice 1066 and RVA.

As well as providing an

excellent opportunity to create

a central space for support, the

hub will play a vital role in the

regeneration of Devonshire Road

and I look forward to seeing the

community hub develop.

Over the past few years, a great deal

of effort has gone into our ambitious

goal of becoming a net zero district

by 2030. It’s no mean feat, but I have

been delighted by the way residents,

businesses, groups and organisations

have got behind us.

As part of those efforts, it’s great to

see our Village Halls Energy Project

nearing completion with Bexhill

Youth and Community Centre,

Pebsham Community Centre and

the Pelham Community Hub in

Bexhill benefitting from energy

efficiency improvements.

We launched the project back

in 2023 to identify village and

community halls where carbon

emissions were high and there was

energy inefficiency.

As a result, 39 halls have shared

£500,000 of council funding which

has paid for energy assessments,

energy efficiency improvements and

decarbonisation projects.

I’m extremely grateful to those

involved in community and village

halls across Rother for their

enthusiasm for the Village Halls

Energy Project and for their time and

effort in submitting bids.

Full Council will meet next week

to set the 2025/26 budget and, with

others having already agreed their

share of Council Tax, we will soon

be issuing thousands of bills to

households across Rother.

There is a huge cost associated with

printing and mailing out Council Tax

bills and I would encourage residents

to sign up for an online account

and go paperless.

As well as finding it easier to view

council tax payments along with

other important information, by

opting to go paperless residents

can help the environment, help us

reduce our carbon footprint and save

the council money.

It’s quick and easy to sign up — you

just need to sign up to a My Rother

digital account via https://my.rother.

gov.uk/, which enables you to access

a range of services and report issues

and request an online account.

Sign up soon to get this year’s

Council Tax bill online.

You’ll no doubt have seen the

news that Sussex has been accepted

onto the Government’s priority

programme for devolution with

agreement that there should be a

mayoral strategic authority with

an elected mayor for East Sussex,

Brighton & Hove and West Sussex.

Local Government reorganisation

will follow in which unitary

authorities will be established for

the three areas to replace county

and district and borough councils

— a model already exists elsewhere

in the country.

Devolution could unlock new

powers and investment for the

region, give the people of Sussex

a stronger voice in how national

decisions affect them and enable

more decisions to be taken locally.

As I have said previously, our focus

will always be on what is best for the

district and its residents. We will

make sure we are at the forefront

of discussions.

A public consultation has now been

launched by central Government and

can be found at Sussex and Brighton

devolution consultation — GOV.UK.

I would encourage residents to take

part in that consultation to ensure

that the views of Rother residents are

fully considered.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MARCH 2025 ADVERTORIAL 19

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN

COUNCIL UPDATE

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council

approves Town Ranger Scheme

to enhance local services

BEXHILL-ON-SEA Town Council

has agreed to the employment

of Town Rangers to enhance

local maintenance services and

improve the town’s cleanliness

and presentation. A recent council

report highlighted the potential

benefits, cost implications,

and alternative options for

implementing the scheme,

which could significantly impact

the town’s environment and

community engagement.

THE ROLE OF TOWN RANGERS

Town Rangers would be responsible

for a wide range of maintenance,

cleaning, and improvement

tasks, including:

• CLEANING: Bus shelters, public

walkways, town benches,

and noticeboards.

• CLEARING: Graffiti, flytipping,

hazardous objects, and

general debris.

• MAINTENANCE: Public

seating, bus shelters, potholes,

and noticeboards.

• PRESENTATION: Planting

projects, hedge trimming, and

general beautification.

Equipped with specialist tools and

vehicles, the Rangers will tackle

ongoing issues that have long been

neglected due to budgetary constraints

at higher levels of government.

BEXHIILL-ON-SEA Town Council

is considering a significant change

to its approach to reviewing

planning applications by replacing

the Planning and Development

Committee with a “call-in” process.

Currently, the Town Council acts

as a statutory consultee, with 21

days to submit responses to Rother

District Council, the local Planning

Authority, under the Town and

Country Planning (Development

Management Procedure) (England)

Order 2015. However, recent issues

with the Planning and Development

Committee’s inability to meet

due to low attendance have led to

EMPLOYMENT VS. CONTRACTING

The report considered three

main approaches:

1. Employing a small team (one or

two full-time Rangers) — A costeffective

but limited approach with

risks related to lone working.

2. Employing a larger team (up

to twelve Rangers) — A more

comprehensive approach but with

increased management costs and

taxpayer burden.

3. Contracting services to a thirdparty

supplier — A partnership

with a local charity that provides

employment opportunities

for young people.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Whilst the Town Council has set aside

funds for future projects such as these,

funding could be sourced through:

• The devolvement of Special

inefficiencies and unnecessary costs.

At a Full Council meeting in

December 2024, councillors passed

a motion requesting the Town Clerk

to explore alternative methods for

handling planning applications.

The proposed “call-in” process

would enable ward councillors to

take responsibility for applications

within their wards and escalate

relevant cases to the Full Council

for discussion.

Under this system, all councillors

would receive a weekly planning

application list. Those wishing to

discuss an application would notify

the Town Clerk within five days,

Expenses from Rother District

Council (raising around £600,000).

• Capital grants from the Town Board.

While the financial investment is

substantial, the long-term benefits—

including improved public spaces and

stronger community engagement—

could outweigh the costs.

BENEFITS BEYOND MAINTENANCE

The introduction of Town

Rangers would not only enhance

Bexhill-on-Sea’s cleanliness and

infrastructure but also:

• Improve the council’s public

image by demonstrating action on

community concerns.

• Engage younger residents by

providing local job opportunities.

• Strengthen relationships

with community groups

through collaborative projects

like litter picks.

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council explores

new approach to Planning Applications

allowing sufficient time for inclusion

in the Full Council agenda. If the

deadline falls outside the usual

Full Council meeting schedule, an

extension would be requested; if

denied, an extraordinary meeting

could be arranged.

This change has dissolved the

Planning and Development

Committee, with planning

consultations and the Neighbourhood

Plan Steering Committee reporting

directly to Full Council. The aim is

to streamline the process, reduce

administrative burdens, and

improve efficiency in responding to

planning applications.


invites residents to meeting

THE Bexhillon-Sea

Town

Council is

pleased to

announce its

Annual Town

Meeting, scheduled for Saturday,

29th March 2025, at St Peter Parish

Community Centre. Residents are

invited to arrive from 5:00 PM for a

prompt start at 5:30 PM.

AGENDA

• 5:30 PM – Opening music

performance by the Royal British

Legion Concert Band.

• 5:45 PM – Annual Mayoral Speech,

followed by the presentation

of Civic Awards to outstanding

individuals, the Mullins Cup

for group achievement, and

the prestigious Freedom of


acknowledges the recent proposal

by East and West Sussex County

Councils, along with Brighton and

Hove City Council, to form a single

Sussex-wide authority, with Mayoral

elections scheduled for May 2026.

Under this proposed structure,

District and Borough Councils would

be merged into the new authority,

while Town and Parish Councils

would remain in place.

As these changes develop, Bexhillon-Sea

Town Council is committed

to ensuring that the interests of

residents remain a priority. If the

transition is confirmed, the Town

Council will establish an effective


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

Open: Monday-Friday, 10am-2:30pm

Contact: town.clerk@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

www.bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

the Town Award.

• 6:15 PM – Interval featuring a

special performance hosted by

Culbaba Theatre.

• 6:30 PM – Elector Questions &

Answers session.

This is a valuable opportunity for

residents to ask the Council about

all matters related to Bexhill-on-Sea.

While we may not be able to answer

every question during the meeting,

we will compile all queries and

provide a comprehensive response

document afterwards.

This meeting is a chance for the

community to come together,

celebrate local achievements,

and engage in meaningful

discussions about the town’s

future. We encourage all residents

to attend and take part in this

important annual event.

Local government

reorganisation update

process to manage the change

and protect the community’s

best interests.

Additionally, the Town Council

have begun discussions with Rother

District Council and East Sussex

County Council. These discussions

will focus on securing value for

money for residents, ensuring that

Bexhill continues to develop and

improve, and safeguarding essential

local services.

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council will

keep the community informed and

involved throughout this process,

ensuring transparency and a strong

voice for local people in shaping the

town’s future.

FUTURE MEETING DATES

Amenities Committee 5th March 2025

Finance and Audit Committee 12th March 2025

Full Council 26th March 2025

We are currently holding our council meetings at the Bexhill Senior Citizens

Club on Eversley Road. Meetings are subject to change, so please check our

website for more information.

20 ADVERTORIAL

MARCH 2025


BEXHILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM UPDATE

CHAMBER ECHOES

Let’s have a Parity

Party for Bexhill

NOW that East Sussex County

Council (ESCC) and Rother District

Council (RDC) are officially

being buried in the tomb of

long-forgotten local Government

authorities alongside Bexhill

Borough Council (1875–1973) and

the Medieval Sussex Rapes (circa

12th century), maybe Bexhill

businesses can look forwards to

a level of council policy parity

across the region that encourages

investment in Bexhill?

Over the next couple of years, ESCC,

RDC, Eastbourne, Hastings, Wealden

and Lewes councils will be abolished

and merged into what is called a

unitary authority for East Sussex.

We hope that this substantial

change will also bring new

opportunities to level the playing

field with other towns in the area

when it comes to supporting business

investment. One council for the

whole county hopefully means

one strategy to support business

and encourage expansion and

growth while ending the current

detrimental disparities.

While allocating Bexhill ‘levelling

up’ funding, the Government defined

us as being ‘left behind’. Many

businesses, while trying to invest

millions into our economy, feel like

we are left behind by political design

rather than accident, especially

when compared to our neighbours;

Eastbourne, Hastings and Lewes.

Hotels are a glaring example of

policy disparity across the region.

For over 25 years, Bexhill’s local

authorities have failed to deliver an

anchor hotel development for the

town, despite many approaches from

viable investors.

Meanwhile, new high value chain

hotels have sprung up in Hastings,

Eastbourne and Lewes, right in their

town centres, proactively boosting

their visitor economies.

Car parking is

another area of

blatant council

disparity where

Bexhill loses out

compared to

our neighbours.

ESCC, which

is responsible

for on-street

parking across

the county,

has made

on-street parking in Eastbourne

town centre free on Sundays, Lewes

has made all their council car parks

also free on Sundays and the boost

this brings to businesses in both

towns is self-evident in their high

weekend footfalls.

Meanwhile, Bexhill parking charges

have been ramped up across the

board to levels unsustainable by our

local economy, as a consequence, our

town centre feels like a ghost town.

This raises questions about why ESCC

actively support Eastbourne but not

Bexhill and why RDC can’t follow the

lead of Lewes and make the De La

Warr car park free on Sundays.

There are also disparities at a

strategic level. While our district

council were spending hundreds of

thousands of pounds to try to block

26 new light commercial units being

built on the Link Road that would

create hundreds of jobs, Eastbourne

was unveiling the £40m development

of the new Beacon shopping centre

and ESCC were making sweeping

changes to Eastbourne and Lewes

town centres’ public realms to

motivate business investment with

more accessible and visitor friendly

town centres.

All businesses hope that this

nonsense of disparity across the

region will come to an end with

our new unitary authority and

that in Bexhill we will be hosting a

parity party as millions of pounds

of investment pours in as a unitary

authority dividend.

ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

WHICH DIRECTION TO AVOID

POTHOLES AND PUNCTURES?

Ian Hollidge warns of potholes

Most of us want a simply easy life,

for cyclists that isn’t always a choice

however, we still jump on our bikes.

The pathway in reducing inflation to a

2% target maybe a bit financially bumpy,

is just another challenge for everyone,

but cyclists can cope as we do each time

we go for a ride.

Cyclists don’t think about stagflation

but the possible deflation of our robust

tyres and constantly concerned if we

have the right inflation.

As any girl guide or boy scout knows,

you have to be prepared to face life’s

difficulties and dangers, knowing

what to do and how to do it. Always

be prepared with a rubber patch. It

is certainly easier to repair a bicycle

puncture than one on a car, which often

requires an expensive call-out and/

or costly workshop charge. Bicycle

maintenance is a simple skill any

child can learn.

Avoiding all the highway defects

is something riders are used to each

time we take to two wheels as the

consequences can be dire.

Your average potholes are easy

to see and avoid, however, cracks,

bumps, ruts, crevices, loose material,

protruding or missing iron works are not

so easy posing a constant risk for those

on two wheels.

Remember to wear good cycling

glasses, shades in summer and clear

in winter. All this is great business

for wheel and tyre repair companies

as well as our local cycle shops. Most

cycle groups when we see a fellow

cyclist stop, we help with any repair by

the roadside, something often lost when

driving behind a windscreen, mostly

because of the difficulty in safely

stopping, drivers are human too.

The friendly wave as you cycle

past each other shows respect and

acknowledgement that you would help

a friend in need. I expect the same to

be true of motorcyclists, maybe it’s a

two-wheeled thing.

We know Romans built brilliant

roads to invade our lands and for

that we are grateful. What they and

generations of engineers did afterwards

on our local roads was not adequate

for the larger, heavier and increasing

volumes we now have.

Many are poorly designed, using

inadequate materials, weak supervision

to fit a budget available at that moment

in time. Maintenance afterwards is

something of a not on my desk problem

where somebody in the future needs

pick up the tab, usually needed for

something more important. I’d argue

there is nothing more important than

safe and smooth surfaces for us to all

to travel along.

Cyclists are part of the solution by

taking up less space, being lighter and

often using their bicycle as part of a

longer journey by public transport.

Motor only ways have been a success

in movement of people, goods and

services however each mile costs

£30 million on the flat and £300

million elevated.

A traffic-free new cycle route costs

only about £1million, the Bulverhythe

Link between Hastings and Bexhill was

considerably less. It’s not a question of

which is more important as obviously,

both are needed, it’s about fairness and

balance. If more journeys could be made

easier and safer by cycling locally it may

save traffic creating more potholes.

Recently Active Travel England

allocated £1.4 million to East Sussex

County Council. With 2000 miles of

roads, similar for public rights of way

with pavements, foot and cycle ways

taking up another approx 1500 miles -

that money will not go far.

Each year there is a shortfall in funding

which adds to an ever-growing backlog

of repairs and a continuous decline of

our highways, however we travel.

The only way to change this downward

direction of movement is each year

investing more to improve our highways

thus over time eliminating our backlog in

defects needing repairs.

Does anyone have any answers as to

how we do that?

Ian Hollidge & Bexhill Wheelers.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MARCH 2025 REGULARS 21

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

OPEN EVERY WED & SAT IN MARCH

For details, please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk

and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

“March brings breezes loud and shrill, stirs the dancing daffodil.” ― Sara Coleridge

Welcome to this month of March,

which represents the transition period

between winter and spring. We can

expect both cold and warm periods

this month and we will joyfully notice

the reawakening of nature and the

blossoming of flowers and new life

bringing with them hope and the

prospect of fresh starts.

I always vow to plant more bulbs

and corms in March as they provide

reliable colour and will return year on

year-unless the squirrels find them that

is! So let us have a look at the different

species for planting right now.

Cyclamen corms should have been

planted in the autumn but, fear not,

there are all manner of tempting

pre-planted pots of cyclamen flowers

to be found in your local nursery right

now. Do check that these are the hardy

species before popping them into your

beds and border though, the larger

flowered types are generally tender.

You want Cyclamen coum, sometimes

referred to as the eastern cyclamen,

with its shades of pink white and lilac.

Hardy cyclamen are among the

longest-lived of garden plants. A

cyclamen corm will keep itself going for

more years than its owner is likely to

Cyclamen coum in the front

garden. Photo: John Glover

live. They will grow under trees-even

conifers, and they seed themselves

around so charmingly. This they do via

an unusual method involving twiddling a

kind of corkscrew or coil to project their

seeds from its capsule when ripe.

The seeds, however, are not flung far

and wide as you would imagine, but they

gently drop right onto the parent corm

which appears odd until one realises

that there are always ants, waiting in

the wings, ready to hurry off with the

seeds until not one is left.

Martagon lilies are excellent subjects

for naturalising and we have them

growing here in the Woodland Garden.

The bulbs can be planted either in the

autumn or the spring, but in our heavy

clay they do better in a spring planting.

They like to be grown in full sun and

a sunny woodland glade is perfect. The

Lilium martagon

true species grows from Europe to

Mongolia, but breeders now offer a

variety of different colours in addition

to the mauve, pink and purple species

Lilium martagon or its pure white form.

Personally, I really like the cultivar

‘Arabian Night’ which bears a mass

of bright orange flowers all mottled

and speckled with a deep mahogany,

I also love the deep crimson that is

‘Claude Shride’

These lilies are totally hardy and need

to be planted 50-20cms deep in groups

for best effect. The leaves are long, lance

shaped and hairy on their undersides. In

early summer the flowering spikes grow

to 1.5m or, when established, perhaps

a little more. The flowers can number

as many as 50 from a single bulb. They

are nodding or, as their common name

suggests ‘Turks Cap’.

Who likes Gladioli? These are divisive

plants; they go in and out of fashion

but I’m predicting that they are coming

back in for 2025. You heard it here first.

These plants definitely have the Wow

Factor, they are majestic both in the

garden and in a vase. There are so many

to choose from, here are a couple;

Gladiolus ‘Velvet Eyes’ is a sumptuous,

rich purple red overlaid with crimson

in the three central petals. Gorgeous

and adds a sense of luxury to your

colour palette.

Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus

works well as a more low key affair,

growing to 90cm with fine swordshaped

leaves and deep magenta,

funnel shaped flowers from late spring

to early summer.

We enjoy welcoming our visitors

to the Garden by creating cut flower

displays using home grown material.

Ranunculus are grown more and more

now for this very reason and now is the

time to get them in the ground.

Ranunculus range from hardy, low

growing perennials, useful in borders

or meadows, to buttercups that thrive

on the edge of ponds and streams. The

satin-like petals of the luxurious Persian

buttercups are ideal in containers, they

will do well in damp soil that gets the

sun for the majority of the day.

Ranunculus have in the past, been

difficult to grow organically as the old

cultivars suffer from mildew early in

the season. However, the breeders have

been busy, and I love the new series

called ‘Butterfly’. These look rather like

miniature magnolia flowers, each stem

bears around 12 flowers and they last

for ages in water. My favourites are

‘Theseus’, a peachy pink single variety,

and ‘Lycia’ which has an ethereal

quality to it. Find a sheltered spot

for them so that you can enjoy them

all summer long.

While we are on the subject, I

recommend finding a sheltered spot for

yourself as well. March winds blow!

There will be an extra opportunity

for you to come along for a visit to

Bates Green Garden in March. As well

as our usual Wednesday and Saturday

openings, we will be open on Sunday,

March 9th in aid of the fantastic

National Gardens Scheme. Please come

and support this worthwhile charity, we

will have Cancer Research UK providing

their usual high-quality refreshments in

the Barn too. I’ll see you there!

Enjoy your early spring gardens.

Slimming World

Mondays

3.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm

St. Augustines Church hall

St Augustines Close

Cooden Drive

TN39 3AZ

real food, real support, real results

Tuesdays

7.30am, 9am & 10.30am

St Michaels Church Hall

20 Glassenbury Drive

(Opposite Revenside)

TN40 2NY

To get started, please come along or for more info get in touch

with Susie on 07710 212 133.

Book early

for

Mother’s Day

(30th March)

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 Session - 2nd March & 6th April from 5:30 pm

Monday Charity Quiz - 3rd, 17th & 31st from 8:00 pm

Sunday Rock ‘n Roll Bingo - 9th & 23rd from 6:00 pm

Sunday Karaoke - 16th from 5:30 pm

Other Event

Our first Rock ‘n Roll bingo session this month (9th March) is a

fundraising event in aid of “The Association of Carers”.

Join us for an exciting evening, with a chance to win

CASH PRIZES and help to raise money for a wonderful cause.

6:00 pm start. EVERYONE WELCOME!!

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!

22 SHOPPING

MARCH 2025


Cruising The River Severn

on Edward Elgar

BY DAVID POWELL

BOARDING the charming Edward

Elgar, all vintage cream with

maroon trim, feels like walking

into an Agatha Christie novel.

There are no Art Deco interiors

or chandeliers, but it has a quirky

English atmosphere and its multitalented

crew of five couldn’t

be more friendly.

At just 88ft, with only 11 double

cabins, the 3-deck Edward Elgar was

purpose-built for English Holiday

Cruises to sail the River Severn and

Gloucester Sharpness Canal and has

been certified a four-star hotel boat

by Visit England.

There’s the cosy bar, a lounge that

doubles as a dining room and an

open deck for taking in the views as

you glide serenely through green

and pleasant Gloucestershire and

Worcestershire, and it’s a lovely place

to call home for a few days. Comfort

is a priority on board with quality

seating, mattresses and furnishings.

Tea and coffee is always available

and there’s homemade cake each

afternoon as well as unlimited house

wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks.

Every day, there’s a free excursion,

and at night, the crew will entertain

you with quizzes and singalongs —

and there’s also free wifi. An advanced

battery system means there is no

need to run generators at night,

ensuring the boat is perfectly quiet

at her mooring.

The cabins have twin beds and

en-suite shower rooms, with reduced

rates for single occupancy on every

cruise, and although they’re small

they’re beautifully kitted out.

We joined at The Boathouse, the

company’s canal-side HQ, near

Gloucester’s superbly restored

historic docks, where the Georgian

warehouses are now home to bars

and restaurants, with museums and

cathedral a short walk away. English

Holiday Cruises offer a secure parking

facility at the boathouse and after a

welcome lunch and drinks, we were

off on our adventures, sailing to

Frampton on Severn for a guided tour

of Berkeley Castle in the Cotswolds,

a 12th-century Norman keep with

a fabulous medieval kitchen and

glorious gardens.

Back on the boat, we enjoyed a

delicious home-cooked dinner on

the way to Purton along the world’s

first shipping canal, mooring for

the night within sight of the River

Severn, where it widens before

flowing into the sea.

Up bright and early I took a prebreakfast

walk to see Purton Hulks

Barge Graveyard on the river — a

surreal collection of old boats and

barges deliberately sunk to prevent

the river’s banks breaking. It was

fascinating to see how nature has

colonised these old wooden and even

concrete vessels.

I was definitely ready for breakfast

after my walk and tucked into a

full English, although there were

lighter offerings such as French

toast with cinnamon.

The dining room has picture

windows so we could watch the world

go by even when eating and during

breakfast, we sailed the canal towards

Slimbridge Wetland Centre for an

included tour to see the hundreds of

swans, ducks, geese –even flamingos.

There were taxis on hand to take us

to and from the centre, although

it was an easy walk from the boat,

and as well as wildfowl, there was

Scott House Museum, where World

Wildlife Fund founder Sir Peter Scott

lived when he set up the Wildfowl and

Wetlands Trust.

Back onboard we sailed for historic

Gloucester Docks and a visit that

most guests were eagerly looking

forward to — the late afternoon

Gloucester Brewery tour with gin

tasting included!

Next day we sailed along the

river to Upton-upon-Severn in

Worcestershire, arriving after lunch

to be taken by coach to Croome Court.

Now looked after by the National

Trust, the estate has a fascinating

history. The parkland was Lancelot

‘Capability’ Brown’s first major

landscape gardening project and

made his name. Started in 1750

it includes a lake with a Chinese

bridge and a grotto once lined with

semi-precious stones. Part of the

18th-century neo-Palladian house,

also designed by Brown with superb

interiors by architect Robert Adam,

is now open after restoration, but

our favourite part was the RAF

Defford museum.

The quirky displays in old RAF

buildings reveal how the place

was used for radar testing during

the Second World War and Cold

War operations.

That night we were moored in

Upton, so we had the chance to

explore the town’s pretty streets

of half-timbered and Georgian

buildings. Most famous is the Pepper

Pot — the remains of a church tower

— which is central to several music

festivals each year. After dinner we

enjoyed sloping off to Ye Olde Anchor

Inn, a ‘black and white’ half-timbered

pub with leaded windows, low

ceilings and beams.

Worcester the next day was a

revelation. The cathedral is one

of the finest in the country and

once so important that Richard the

Lionheart’s brother King John is

buried here. My cruise was over far

too soon and as I reflected on the

friendly atmosphere, new friends

made and the excellent food and

service I thought maybe next time the

full 6-night cruise!

English Holiday Cruises runs two,

three, five and six-night trips in

the Severn Vale.

All are round-trips from Gloucester

with the longer itineraries a mix of

stops along the River Severn and

Gloucester Sharpness Canal. And for

those who want to extend their stay in

this gorgeous region there are hotel

packages available.

For more information, visit:

www.englishholidaycruises.co.uk

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MARCH 2025 REGULARS 23

BEXHILL MUSEUM with Gordon Smith

TV CATCHES UP WITH CAMP’S HIDDEN HISTORY

The archaeological excavations at the

former Cooden Camp have featured

on Meridian TV.

Dave Hatherell, the museum’s

expert on the two World Wars, was

interviewed for the ten-minute film

which is now available on itv X, the

catch-up platform (see link below).

The excavations were featured in last

month’s Bexhill News.

Dave says the origin of Cooden

Camp lies in the establishment in

September 1914 of a base for the

Southdown Battalions of the Royal

Sussex Regiment.

These battalions were the creation

of Claude Lowther MP who sought to

create units of Sussex men. He was

very successful in recruiting and about

100 tents and three marquees were

erected in short order.

The Bexhill Observer of 19 September

1914 states; “…the camp, which is

situated in a large field immediately

adjoining, and south of, the Harriers’

kennels…on the gently rising slope

towards the road that leads from

Cooden to Little Common. It is a short

distance from the road from which it

cannot be seen”.

At the end of October four large huts

were erected to Lowther’s design —

rather than being standard War Office

issue. Their site is not known.

During the summer of 1915 the

Southdown Battalions had moved

on and the camp was occupied by a

succession of various regiments. In

September 1,000 men were noted

as being there.

The camp then transitioned to be

an artillery depot used by the South

African Heavy Artillery and later the

Royal Garrison Artillery, the depot

being a training and transit facility.

The Royal Garrison Artillery left

in January 1918 and within weeks

Canadian engineers arrived and

reconfigured the camp as the Princess

Patricia’s Canadian Red Cross Hospital.

With a capacity of 2,500, the hospital

had treated 20,000 men by the time it

closed in the spring of 1919.

Photos show the main gate possibly

being at the present-day junction of

Cooden Sea Road and Maple Avenue.

In June and July 1920, the camp was

being broken down and auctions of

material and equipment were taking

place. During the 1920s and 1930s the

area was built up with Maple Avenue,

Maple Close and Maple Walk paying

homage to the Canadians.

You can watch

the Meridian film by

scanning the QR code.

WHO NEEDS A PAVILION?

Bexhill’s first fire engine — the newly

restored 1895 Merryweather — went on

display at the museum in the autumn.

Our District Curator, Julian Porter,

was reminded of this satirical cartoon

from 1912. While we are very proud

of our steamer it did not get a

reaction like this.

Something Like An Attraction by

G. Alan Hill Reid. The caption reads

“When the “Observer” advocated a

Winter Garden, a correspondent wrote

suggesting that a Motor Fire Engine

would be a far greater attraction to

visitors. Our artist has endeavoured to

depict its possibilities.”

The billboards in the cartoon read:

“More Entertainments! Come And See

The New Motor Fire Engine. Greatest

Attraction On The South Coast. “Bexhill

Must Be First.””

“Spend The Winter At Bexhill-On-Sea.”

“No More Dull Winters.” “Progress.”

“Colonnade For Sale Cheap. Make

Excellent Swimming Bath.”

“Winter Garden (Now Closed). Shortly

To Be Opened As Museum.”

Julian says: “The context to this is that

the Colonnade had opened in 1911 and

there was an almost immediate appeal

for an enclosed, all-weather pavilion

to go with it.

“This eventually developed into the

De La Warr Pavilion in 1935. Here we

see the imagined but never built Winter

Garden almost immediately closed,

unable to compete with the charms of

the new Motor Fire Engine.

“This cartoon neatly sums up Bexhill’s

big projects of the early 20th century

(the museum included) but also reminds

us of the good old days of journalism

when a letter to the local newspaper

could result in a cartoon pointing

out your folly!”

CHANGING THE SUBJECT

The subject of the next museum lecture

has had to be changed. Instead of the

planned talk on Pevensey and the Mint

House, Harriet Tate will tell the story of

Michelham Priory.

The Prior, the Prince and the

Peasants: Michelham Priory’s Place in

Medieval Sussex will be presented on

Wednesday 5 March.

Then on Wednesday 19 March

Ian Everest will speak on the

Women’s Land Army.

Ian’s mother was one of the 80,000

Land Girls during the Second World War.

His talk includes some of her personal

memories and a potted history of the

role of women during two world wars.

Both talks are at St Augustine’s Church

Hall in St Augustine’s Close, Bexhill, and

start at 2.30pm.

Admission is £5 with museum

members paying £4. No booking

required — just turn up and

pay on the door.

ALL ABOUT US

Bexhill Museum, in Egerton Road, is run

almost entirely by volunteers.

Opening hours are Tuesdays to

Sundays, 11am to 4pm. It is closed on

Mondays except for Bank Holidays.

Admission prices are: adults £4,

over 60s £3, children aged 5-16 £2,

under-fives are free.

www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk

THE

CARPET SHOP

FRIENDLY, AFFORDABLE

& PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

LONG ESTABLISHED COMPANY

PROFESSIONAL FITTING

FRIENDLY SERVICE

VINYLS, LAMINATES, RUGS

& LVT FLOORING

OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-5PM (CLOSED WEDNESDAYS)

SATURDAY 9AM-MIDDAY

CALL 01424 218337

41 NINFIELD RD, SIDLEY,

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TN39 5AE

24 REGULARS

MARCH 2025


PUZZLES

SPONSORED BY

WORDSEARCH – COLOURS

CROSSWORD

l Companionship l Personal Care Assistance

l Medication Support l Hospital to Home

l Specialist Dementia Care l Outings

and Appointments

SUDOKU

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue

Indigo

Violet

Black

White

Magenta

ANSWERS

ACROSS

1 Temper respect for Court staff (7)

5 Scandinavian vegetable? (5)

9 Install machinery (8)

10 Otherwise (4)

11 On the level (4)

12 Main highway (6)

13 Tailed orbiter (5)

15 Floor covering (3)

16 Short Christian patriarch? (3)

17 Grecian architectural style (5)

18 Book most users read as a last resort (6)

20 Cat’s scratcher (4)

23 Type of accountant? (4)

24 Taskmaster (8)

25 Nuisances (5)

26 Somerset cheese (7)

DOWN

2 Company of singers (5)

3 Shield (7)

4 It can stop play (4)

6 Pasta base (5)

7 Merit (7)

8 Defective magneto is a huge burden (7)

14 Receptacle for letters (7)

15 Ascertain dimensions (7)

16 Charged (7)

19 Not suitable (5)

21 Sports complex (5)

22 Net (4)

The Crafty Collective’s Craft and Produce Fairs

Handmade and Local

SATURDAY 2PM - 5PM

1st March l 5th April l 3rd May l 7th June

l 5th July l 6th September

l 4th October (Big Mental Health Fundraiser)

l 1st November l 6th December

Freedom Church (Hadden Hall), Claremont Road, Sidley,

Bexhill, TN39 5BX

Free parking, free entry, refreshments and snacks

thecraftycollective3@yahoo.com

LOCAL MP DR KIERAN MULLAN

Listening, caring and delivering

for the residents of the Bexhill and

Battle constituency.

Regular surgeries held in person or virtually.

If you require my assistance, please get in touch by

emailing kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk

or telephone the constituency office

on 01424 736861

Further information on my website:

drkieranmullan.org.uk

Nusrat Ghani

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE - LICENSING ACT 2003

We, Sidley Cricket Club, Do hereby give notice that we have applied to the Licensing

Authority at Rother District Council for the grant of a premises licence at:

St. Mary’s Recreation Ground, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN39 3JX

and known as Sidley Cricket Club, St. Mary’s Recreation Ground and Pavilion

The application is to provide:

Sale of Alcohol by Retail (on the premises) 12:00 to 22:00 Monday to Sunday

Any person wishing to make representations to this application may do so by writing to

Licensing Officer, Rother DC, Town Hall, Bexhill On Sea, East Sussex, TN39 3JX or email licensing@rother.gov.uk

not later than 26th March 2025. Representations received after this date

cannot be considered.

A copy of the application can be viewed at Rother DC, Town Hall, Town Hall Square, Bexhill

On Sea, East Sussex, TN39 3JX, during normal office hours or www.rother.gov.uk.

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with this

application, the maximum fine on summary conviction being unlimited.

PUBLISHED ON 28 FEBRUARY 2025

WIN WIN WIN

A FAMILY VIP WEEKEND PASS AND SEE TOP LIVE ACTS IN BRIGHTON

PRIZE WORTH

£360

THE WANTED 2.0

PIXIE LOTT

SCOUTING FOR GIRLS

FOODIES FESTIVAL will visit Preston Park, Brighton, from

3rd – 5th May across the Bank Holiday Weekend, serving up

a star-studded line-up of TV, celebrity and award-winning

chefs, and chart-topping music stars, including Pixie Lott,

Scouting For Girls and The Wanted 2.0 with Max George and

Siva Kaneswaren.

This VIP Weekend Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children),

worth £360, will get you fast-track entry, private bar with

waiter service, a glass of fizz, priority tickets to theatre

tickets, private toilets, refreshments and you’ll get to

see Pixie Lott perform some of her popular hit songs. See

how to enter the raffle at the bottom of this page.

Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the three-day event at Preston

Park in Brighton on 3rd, 4th and 5th May, will feature

live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs

drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake

Off and Great British Menu, plus many of the region’s most

highly acclaimed Michelin and award-winning chefs.

Early star announcements in the live theatres include: Great

British Bake Off winner, Matty Edgell, MasterChef champions,

Chariya Khattiyot, Tom Rhodes and Dhruv Baker,

MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Steven Edwards and

2024 finalist, Ritchie Stainsby, television personality and

Michelin starred chef, Atul Kochhar, and Channel 4 bread

expert, Jack Sturgess.

Highly acclaimed award-winning regional chefs, include:

Will Dennard and Jack Southern from Med, named Best

Local Restaurant in the South East, Head Chef, Peter

Dantanus, from Burnt Orange Restaurant, Head Chef Mark

Charker, from The Jolly Tanners, Chef-Patron Johnny Stanford,

from Tern in Worthing, Head Chef, Oscar Kirkpatrick,

from Riddle and Finns and Chef-Patron, Lee Parsons, from

The Parsons Table, Arundel.

SPECIAL OFFER:

BUY FIVE TICKETS

AND GET FIVE

ABSOLUTELY

FREE

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO ENTER

JUST £1 PER TICKET

Or, visit this URL to enter online:

https://raffall.com/regionalmediagroup

FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE SEE THE ABOVE URL.

CLOSING DATE 15TH APRIL AT MIDNIGHT. OVER 18S ONLY.

Headlining the music stage: Multi-platinum selling festival

favourites, Scouting For Girls, performing a set full of their

many top 40 hits. The Wanted 2.0 with Max George and Siva

Kaneswaren present the next chapter in the history of The

Wanted, one of Britain’s biggest-ever pop bands, achieving

over 20 million record sales worldwide and topping the

charts multiple times. And, Pixie Lott, who’s notched up 3

number 1 hits, secured four Brit nominations and won two

MTV EMA awards. Pixie has also judged The Voice Kids and

appeared as a guest judge on The X Factor.

Visitors will enjoy a jam-packed schedule in the interactive

live theatres. In the Chef’s Theatre, celebrities will create their

signature dishes and share new tips and tricks, whilst in the

Cake & Desserts Theatre, patisserie chefs and star bakers

whip up showstoppers and offer tempting sweet treats. In

the Kids Cookery School, Foodies SuperChefs make cooking

fun, helping younger guests to prepare delicious food which

they can take away and enjoy.

Masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre include tutored Champagne,

Beer, Cider, Cocktail and Wine-tasting with experts

including BBC and ITV presenters, Tom Surgey and Joe

Wadsack

Browse the latest food trends in the Shopping Village, meet

local producers in the Artisan Market and taste exotic and

unusual new dishes in the Feasting Tent – which features a

mouth-watering range of street food and delicacies from all

four corners of the globe.

See how to enter the raffle at the bottom of this page.

Preston Park, Brighton, 3rd, 4th, 5th May 2025.

Earlybird tickets from £6 (child) and £21 (adult).

Under 6 go free . foodiesfestival.com

26 SPORT

MARCH 2025


Old Bexhillians going

strong on all fronts

Happy trails for

BRT’s Docksey duo

The Old Bexhillians

BY ROB CAREY

THE Old Bexhillians Walking

Football Club are chasing success

on all fronts after a confident start

to their decennial year.

Optimism and playing numbers are

high within all four of the club’s teams

— Old Bexhillians, Little Common

Wonderers, The Atha Strollers

(Over 60s) and the Bexhill Seniors

(Over 68s/ 70s).

The Old Bexhillians, under the

dual management of Brian Cook

and Howard Whitelaw, are second

in the SCFL East Sussex Division,

just one point behind Eastbourne.

They also progressed through to the

next round of the SCFL Cup with a

3-0 win over Battle Knights at Bexhill

College. A strong squad has been

strengthened by Darren Cray from

Eastbourne WFC. The team will play

again AT Worthing Over 50s’ WF

event this month — a tournament that

they won last year.

Meanwhile, the Wonderers, in the

same league as Old Bexhillians, are

currently third but there are plenty

of games left to play. The triumvirate

of Roger Kidney, Hassan Hassan and

Mike Southon guide the team.

BEXHILL Cricket Club’s first team

won their indoor league title.

They lost just one match in nine

as they strode to the East Area SCF

Division 2 crown.

The whole squad played their part,

with some special performances

across the winter with Harry Strugnell

leading the way with the bat and Matt

Roberts impressing with the ball.

The winning squad was Felix

Holland, Harry Strugnell, Matt

Roberts, Dom Carey, Andrew Jay,

Gary Wicks and Paul Crittenden.

Bexhill’s second team made

their indoor debuts also. This was

ATHA Strollers (Over 60s), under the

same management as Wonderers,

recorded a 2-0 win over league leaders

Burwash on February 15 and moved

top of their league. With games to play

and so many players on top form, the

team are bonding well at the right time

and inspire each other.

Bexhill seniors do not play in a league

but play friendly and club events. Last

month they were scheduled to partake

in an Over 70s event at Worthing

featuring the hosts and teams from

Portsmouth and Brighton.

The team took part in the annual

three-game event against local

institution the Wednesday Walkers

for the prestigious Dave Willis Trophy

and despite losing out again on the

trophy the squad is strong and healthy.

Dave Willis was a founder member

and former player with Wimbledon

AFC back in their amateur playing

ATHA Strollers

Indoor glory for Bexhill cricketers

Bexhill CC winners

a development team captained

by Adam Smith, who starred with

the bat and was well assisted by

George Leaney. The whole team

bowled really well with excellent

days. He figured in the Amateur Cup

Final of 1963 at Wembley versus

Sutton and was the OBs’ first club

captain. Rob Say and Andrew Burton

are joint managers.

Mention must be made of Martin

‘Trigger’ Brown who in mid-February

notched up his 18th goal of the

season and is well in line for the

Golden Boot Trophy for the past

year. Trigger plays for the Atha and

Little Common teams.

The national cups will also be

staged soon when the club can enter

squads in various age groups —

Over 50s, 65s and Seniors Over 70s

depending on the number of entrants.

Anybody interested in joining the

club - Over 40 years old for women

and Over 50 years old for men —

please contact club chairman Mike

Davies on 07961 998743 or email:

mickdavies48@gmail.com

Bexhill CC Development squad

performances from Kamran Amadzai

and the development of Fabian

Gilchrist being standouts. Apart from

Smith, the entire development squad

was aged under 18.

Grant and Ellie Docksey,

South Downs 15-miler

BY JACKIE KNIGHT

FATHER and daughter Grant

and Eleanor Docksey produced

a memorable snapshot for the

family album by completing

the South Downs and Arundel

Winter Trails event.

The Docksey duo shared a golden

trail running experience navigating

the South Downs Way along the

River Arun and finishing under

the spectacular shadow of the

historic Arundel Castle. Both of the

Bexhill Runners and Triathletes

members took on the muddy and

extremely hilly 15-mile challenge.

Despite the freezing temperatures

and strict cut off times, Grant

completed in 3:29:48 with Eleanor

close behind on 3:29:51.

Whizzing around Headcorn in Kent,

the scenic half marathon offered the

next challenge for our BRT couple

Amanda Tondeur, who recorded a

time of 02:10:46, and Geoff Tondeur,

who set a new half marathon PB on

01:47:19. The Sussex Downs Trail was

another exciting 13.1 mile race in

the South Downs National Park from

Plumpton racecourse for Catherine

Crombie. She finished on 02:17:00,

while Andrea Harwood posted a

superb time of 01:50:00.

BRT Seniors and Juniors at ESSCCL, Whitbread Hollow, 2025

Amanda and Geoff Tondeur at Headcorn

The second to last race in the

Sunday Cross Country League

was held at Whitbread Hollows in

Eastbourne. Huge thanks go to our

neighbouring club Run Wednesday,

who met all athletes with warm

cheers, outstanding marshalling, and

huge support to keep the running

spirits raised.

Thirteen BRT seniors braved

the cold wind with determined

performances across the undulating

8km course. The team included Nigel

Jewell (0:32:33), Dan Marshman

(0:36:58), Neil Smith (0:39:22), Grant

Docksey (0:39:27), Carole Crathern

(0:40:15), Lucy Walter (0:44:43),

Andrea Harwood (0:40:51), Paul

Zipperlen (0:45:45), James Graham

(0:54:59), Anne Batchelor (1:04:31),

Christine Sage (1:06:51), Dave Oxbrow

(1:06:53) and Michael Kirby (1:14:16).

BRT juniors also smashed out

superb times over shorter distances

including Ksenia McCrae (0:08:39),

Alex Smith (0:09:03), Eva Harwood

(0:09:04), Ellie Newstead (0:09:55) and

Rafael Serrano (0:14:56).

If you have ever thought about

running with a friendly group of likeminded

people, please go to the BRT

webpage for more information for

both adult and junior membership.

www.bexhillrunnerstriathletes.co.uk

Expert

nursing

care

Our fully qualified nursing teams

care for a wide range of complex

conditions, providing your loved

ones with a home for life.

If you’re considering a care home,

call 01323 917394 or visit

careuk.com/bowes-house

Trusted to care

Bowes House care home

Hailsham

28 SPORT

MARCH 2025


Sport

Mighty Mitchell

gets England call

Play-offs a step too

far for Pirates

BY MIKE LEGG

RYAN LIGHT believes the play-offs

may be out of reach for Bexhill

United this season in the SCFL

premier division.

Despite just one defeat in the last

six games, the Pirates are 12 points

off the top four going into March and

manager Light fears that may be too

much ground to make up.

Light told the Bexhill News: “We have

nine games to go and we’re four places

off the play-off places now and I think

that’s a little bit beyond us points

wise. We shall now look to finish as

high as we can.

“After last season, it was a case of

getting a bit of respect back and being

competitive. With the squad we have

got I feel we’re a top-five side, so that

means we shall fall a little bit shorter

than I think we should be but, overall,

it’s been a good season.”

Teenage keeper Alex Hobden made

his 50th appearance in United’s 0-0

draw with Roffey during February

and Light believes he has the

potential to go higher.

Light said: “He was signed by John

Wright when he was only 16 last year

and he hasn’t been 17 for long. It’s an

incredible achievement for someone

to get to 50 games so soon.

“He didn’t start the season that great

and against his wishes we pulled him

out for a little bit but since he’s come

back in, he has just got better and

better. He’s been incredible in recent

weeks and at just 17 I think he has a big

future in front of him. I hope bigger

clubs are looking at him as he has

huge potential.”

There were wins over Shoreham and

Pagham during last month, as well

as draws with Crowborough, Roffey

and Crawley Down.

Bexhill March Fixtures: AFC

Varndeanians (home, Mar 1);

Horsham YMCA (away, Mar 8);

Midhurst & Ease (home, Mar 15);

Petersfield (home, Mar 22).

Little Common are not giving up in

their fight for survival.

Archie Warrington’s 90th-minute

volley secured victory over Wick (Feb

8) after keeper Tommy Sceal was sent

off and player-boss Russell Eldridge

took the gloves for the ten men.

That sort of spirit has shone through

in narrow defeats to Peacehaven (1-0)

and Haywards Heath (2-0) since.

Common March fixs: Shoreham

Alex Hobden. Photo by Amy Marshall Creative

(away, Mar 1); Loxwood (home,

Mar 8); Petersfield (away, Mar 15);

Midhurst & Ease (away, Mar 22)

Meanwhile, Hooe FC will fold at the

end of the current season.

The club’s senior side competes

in the East Sussex League

second division while it also has

a thriving youth section in the

Rother Youth League.

A club statement said the decision

by the committee had been made with

a “heavy heart”.

It went on to explain: “After careful

consideration by the club committee,

it has become clear that, despite our

best efforts, we are unable to continue

due to several challenges, most

notably the loss of our home pitch and

the inability to secure a new chairman

to lead the club forward.

“Our chairman, Jay Skinner-Swain,

who has been dedicated to the club

for 10 years, will be stepping down

at the end of the current season to

focus on personal commitments.

Over the past few months, we have

been actively searching for a suitable

replacement to take on this important

role, but we have been unable to

identify a candidate capable of leading

the club forward.”

The club intends to complete

the campaign and also work with

other clubs for players to continue

playing elsewhere.

Mitchell has hand raised in semi-final

BY MIKE LEGG

IZZY MITCHELL claimed

silver at the National Youth

Championships – and a

slot on the England Boxing

Development Squad.

The national selection was a

massive consolation and reward for

the Bexhill Boxing Club prospect’s

hard work and dedication after

she was beaten in the final of the

prestigious amateur competition.

Pocket rocket Mitchell got a bye

straight through to the semi-finals

of the competition as there were

no Southern Counties opponents

of her age and weight in the

50-52kg category.

Boxing at the Magna Science and

Adventure Centre, in Rotherham,

and despite being the smaller in

height and weight, Mitchell beat the

very good and more experienced

boxer Faye McCormick in her semi.

McCormick boxes out of the Magic

Hatton Gym in Stockport that is run

by British former world champion

Ricky Hatton’s brother Matthew.

Bexhill coach Terry Freeman told

the Bexhill News: “It was a really

good, hard-fought bout over three

three-minute rounds, which was the

first time for Izzy.

“McCormick tried to keep it busy

with straight shots at long range,

but Izzy’s come forward style made

it difficult for Faye to keep up the

high work rate at long range. It was

a well-matched, high-paced bout

but Izzy’s good head movement,

coupled with cutting the ring down,

earned her a fair 3/2 split decision

win to guarantee silver and a place in

the final the next day.”

Redcar ABC’s Jasmina Lujkai

awaited in the final and she weighed

in at 52kg — almost two kilos heavier

than Mitchell. The Tyne and Wear

champion was the standout boxer

in the draw having had just one

defeat in 17, which came early in

her career, and had already won the

most recent Junior Nationals.

Lujkai beat Hollie Haskins

(Broadplains ABC) in her semifinal,

who boasted a record of 20

wins in 30 bouts, so Mitchell knew

she had a tough task on her hands.

And so it proved, as Mitchell lost by

unanimous decision.

Freeman said: “The final was a

good, solid bout. Izzy took the early

lead, winning the first round, but

Jasmina adjusted to Izzy’s forward

pressure using good backfoot

footwork and counter punching to

take the second.

“Izzy tired in the third round and

although she gave it her best shot,

unfortunately it just was not enough

and Jasmina took the bout on a

unanimous decision. We had no

complaints we just lost to the better

girl on the day and took away some

good things to work on in the gym.

“The overall winner of each

category automatically gets a

selection place with England Boxing,

but with Izzy’s good account of

herself and still only under 20 bouts

herself, they have offered her a slot

on the England Development Squad.

“It’s a great opportunity that

Izzy and the team have worked

hard for, making all our sacrifices

worthwhile as unpaid volunteer

coaches. We do what we do not for

money but to give back and help our

young community by giving them

opportunities they may not have

otherwise been given. The club is

a registered charity and are always

looking for any help in donations or

sponsorship opportunities to help

keep us alive.”

Bexhill News, March 2025, Issue 33

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?