Bexhill News June 2024 Issue 24

JUNE 2024 | ISSUE 24

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

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

Conservative

MP Huw Merriman

to stand down before

General Election

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2 NEWS

JUNE 2024

Latest local news, visit: Bexhill.News

WELCOME

THE formation of Bexhill’s new Town

Board is an initiative to be cautiously

welcomed, but let us be in no doubt that

there is plenty of work to be done.

With finances considerably bolstered

by the Government’s Levelling

Up Fund, there is now a wealth of

opportunities to considerably enhance

Bexhill and not before time too.

If you take a walk into town from the

railway station, as I did recently, you

are presented with several unedifying

sights.

For starters, the road infrastructure

is an absolute disgrace with potholes

multiplying at a quite alarming rate.

The lack of parking for visitors is

another significant issue which simply

has to be addressed.

Bear in mind also that three of

the town’s key retail areas; namely

Devonshire Road, Western Road and

Sackville Road, are hardly inviting with

far too many retail outlets closed and

in a considerable state of disrepair.

New business has to be attracted to

the town in order for it to thrive. That

has to be one of the major objectives

for the Town Board.

With both Eastbourne and Brighton

proving to be major draws for visitors

to the South Coast it is absolutely

crucial that Bexhill moves with the

times and ensures it can also become a

destination of choice.

Another key component in its

potential resurgence has to be the

establishment of more hotels to cater

for visitors. This has long been mooted

but now needs to come to fruition as

an urgent priority.

The phrase “actions speak louder

than words” has never seemed more

apposite when discussing the future

of Bexhill.

Kim Mayo, editor

Touching tributes paid to

Royal British Legion stalwart

as plaque is unveiled

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

TOUCHING tributes have been

paid to a stalwart of the Bexhill

branch of the Royal British Legion

after his death at the age of 92.

Ernest J Randall served the Bexhill

branch of the Royal British Legion

for more than 30 years and was a

much-loved member of the Bexhill

community.

Members of the Legion were

saddened to learn of his death and

subsequently decided a permanent

plaque would be the perfect tribute to

his life and achievements.

As a result, on Saturday May 4,

local residents of Sutton Place and

members of the Bexhill Branch of

the Royal British Legion attended

an unveiling of a memorial plaque

for the lifelong member of the Royal

British Legion.

Ernest, known affectionately as

Ernie, was born on May 4, 1931 and

retired to Bexhill. He lived for more

than 30 years at Sutton Place.

He was a member of the Royal

British Legion for more than 60 years,

culminating in the Bexhill branch

Presidency

in 2016, a

position he

held until his

retirement

through poor

health.

The plaque has

now been unveiled,

called “Ernie’s Stop”, where he used

to wait for the local community bus.

Local residents and fellow travellers

on the community bus were

determined to commemorate Ernie’s

commitment to

Bexhill.

Designed to

include the yellow

bus colour and

identifying his loyal

service to the British

Legion, the plaque was

unveiled by the current Bexhill

Branch President, Lt Colonel Peter

Swanson MBE, and was well attended.

A QR code is included on the plaque

so people can read more about

Ernest’s life.

THE TEAM

PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR

paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

KIM MAYO – REGIONAL EDITOR

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DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION

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Steve Hall is a local cartoonist drawing inspiration from Bexhill and the sea. His cards, books and other items can be found in local independents and the Bexhill museum shop. He can be contacted at steve54.hall@gmail.com.

Latest local news, visit: Bexhill.News JUNE 2024 NEWS 3

Vital roadworks brought to a juddering

halt as four-legged invaders move in

East Sussex County Councillor Ian Hollidge, who

represents Bexhill South, in Bolebrooke Road

A NEW group of residents have

moved into Bexhill and they have

no need to worry about the cost-ofliving

crisis or having to wonder

how they can afford the weekly

shop.

Far from it, in fact, as they have

been hard at work creating their own

subterranean wonderland, but their

peace and quiet will soon be severely

disrupted.

Having done the hard work by

digging an underground nirvana in

Bolebrooke Road, the message is now

clear and simple. They are certainly

not welcome.

After delayed work finally

commenced to repair significant

potholes in the residential road all

seemed to be going tickety boo until

a group of badgers moved in and set

about creating a series of tunnels in the

clay beneath the tarmac.

Their work ethic proved to be

remarkable as they brought their

human counterparts’ efforts to a

juddering halt.

Amid much head scratching, a plan

has now been hatched to remove

the badgers to a far more suitable

safe haven which is vital as they are a

protected species and must be treated

as such. In effect they have to be

treated with kids’ gloves.

Wildlife experts have been deployed

to come up with a solution but, in a

nutshell, moving the pesky critters

on to pastures new is not going to be a

simple task.

Badger holes in Bolebrooke Road, Bexhill

Badgers are by nature nocturnal and

by day they like nothing more than a

lengthy kip and you disturb them at

your peril.

Waking a badger from a peaceful

and satisfying slumber has only one

outcome and that is a very angry

badger.

East Sussex County Councillor Ian

Hollidge, who represents Bexhill

South, had dealt with a myriad of issues

during his lengthy political career but

he admitted that an invasion of badgers

is a first.

After inspecting the damage caused

by the unexpected invasion, he said:

“While the public are rightly badgering

us to fix the roads, we were in the

process of rectifying the issue.

“Then just as we started to fill in the

large sink hole in Bolebrooke Road

badgers have taken advantage of our

exposed clay foundation to set up

home under the road.

“Of course, it is very frustrating to say

the least but at present investigations

are ongoing as to how best to resolve

the issue.”

An East Sussex Highways spokesman

said: “We are working with Natural

England to confirm that badgers are

living in the area.

“Badgers and their setts are protected

under the Protection of Badgers Act

1992 so we need to be very careful

about any action we take.

“We apologise for the delay to the

sinkhole repairs while these necessary

investigations are carried out.”

At the time of writing, it appears the

badgers are still in chill out mode as

investigations continue.

Work on repairing the sink holes has,

for now, grounded to a halt with no

date yet announced for the resumption

of the vital repairs.

How far the badgers have burrowed

beneath the road surface is anyone’s

guess. Has Mr badger found love

beneath Bolebrooke Road? Is Mrs

badger pregnant and ready to unleash

a new brood?

Is Bexhill about to be taken over by

badgers? They are here for sure but for

how much longer remains to be seen.

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4 NEWS

JUNE 2024


Prolific shoplifter jailed

after targeting several

Bexhill businesses

A PROLIFIC shoplifter has been

jailed just days after he was

arrested for multiple offences in

Bexhill.

Chris Ball was taken into custody

on April 29 having been identified in

connection with a string of offences at

stores in the town.

He brazenly walked into premises

with his hood up and took items

including wine, meat, chocolate,

washing detergent, dishwasher

tablets, cheese, candles and cakes.

He filled up his own bags and even

shopping baskets with goods, before

making off without any attempt to pay

for the items, which totalled hundreds

of pounds.

Ball targeted the following stores

between March 14 and April 28:

• McColl’s in Ninfield Road, Bexhill

• Lidl in Ninfield Road, Bexhill

• Sainsbury’s in Buckhurst Place,

Bexhill

Chris Ball

• One Stop in Sea Road, Bexhill

• Co-Op in Seabourne Road, Bexhill

• One Stop in Turkey Road, Bexhill

• Tesco Express in Collington

Avenue, Bexhill

The stores reported the incidents

which enabled officers to identify and

arrest Ball.

The 28-year-old, of Beauport

One Stop in Sea Road, just one retailer targeted by Chris Ball. Image: GoogleEarth

Caravan Park in The Ridge West, St

Leonards, was subsequently charged

with 20 counts of theft from a shop.

He was remanded in custody to

appear before Hastings Magistrates’

Court on Wednesday May 1, where he

pleaded guilty to all offences.

He was sentenced to a total of 14

weeks’ imprisonment and given a twoyear

Criminal Behaviour Order, which

prohibits him from the following:

• Entering any retail stores in

Western Road, Devonshire Road,

Sea Road, Seabourne Road, Ninfield

Road, Turkey Road and St Leonards

Road in Bexhill.

• Entering Tesco Express in

Collington Avenue, Bexhill.

• Entering any premises that he has

been informed he is banned from

entering with a written notice. A

copy of each notice is to be recorded

with the police.

• Concealing any item prior to

payment at any retail premises.

• Remaining in any shop or

commercial premises when asked

to leave by a member of staff or

security.

• Acting in an antisocial manner,

that is to say a manner that causes

or is likely to cause nuisance,

annoyance, harassment, alarm or

distress to any person including the

use of foul, offensive, abusive or

threatening language or behaviours

against anyone anywhere in a

public place within East Sussex.

Chris Neilson, the force lead for

business crime, said: “Sussex Police

will pursue those repeat offenders

targeting our local shops and

businesses.

“The conviction of Chris Ball is an

example of the numerous arrests,

charges and convictions against

prolific shoplifters achieved already

this year, due to the work of our

officers working closely with our

partners and businesses.”

PC Dan Turk, of the Rother

Neighbourhood Policing Team,

added: “This case shows the ability

of Neighbourhood Policing Teams to

efficiently and effectively respond to

persistent offenders who cause harm

to our communities.”

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New Town Board

seeking Bexhill

community’s

thoughts on £20

million grant

A new regeneration programme

for Bexhill was kick-started with

the official launch of a board that

will decide how £20 million will be

invested.

Bexhill is one of 75 towns to

benefit from the Government’s

Long-Term Plan for Towns grant

funding, designed to boost economic

growth, improve infrastructure,

enhance social wellbeing and reduce

inequalities over the next decade.

The Bexhill Town Board, made up of

representatives from businesses and

community groups, the Local MP

and Police and Crime Commissioner,

and county, district and town

councillors, held its first meeting on

Friday, May 10.

The Board will work with the local

community to put together a vision

statement and investment plan,

carefully developed to maximise

investment and benefit Bexhill for

generations to come.

The Town Board is chaired by Mrs

Abi Newbury FCA, Managing Director

of Honey Barrett, a Bexhill-based

Chartered Accountants.

The other members of the newlyselected

board are Dr Binodh

Chathanath of Little Common Surgery,

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy

Bourne, Dr Mandy Curtis of One Eight

Hours Limited, Eleanore Gordon

of Bexhill Academy, Councillor Ian

Hollidge the council member for

Bexhill South, Ollie Jeffs the chief

executive of the Pelham, Bexhill

Chamber of Commerce President

Howard Martin, Bexhill and Battle

Conservative MP Huw Merriman,

The Bexhill Town Board

Leader of Rother District Council

Doug Oliver, Kim Richards of Rother

Voluntary Action and Councillor Paul

Wilson, chairman of Bexhill Town

Council and Mayor of the town.

Mrs Newbury said: “This is a fantastic

opportunity to improve the prosperity

of our town and empower the

community to share ownership and

take pride in Bexhill.

“With investment taking place over

the next 10 years, people may not see

visible changes straight away, but we

will be working with residents and

business every step of the way to make

sure this funding benefits as many

people as possible.”

The Board is keen to hear from the

public who may have information

about issues faced in Bexhill or ideas

for improvements. Any information

or ideas can be sent by email to

bexhilltownboard@rother.gov.uk

Information about the Town Board,

the funding and Board members can

be found at www.bexhilltownboard.

co.uk, where decisions made by the

Board will be posted.

The Long-Term Plan for Towns is

just one benefit of the Government’s

Levelling Up programme.

Rother is also benefitting from the

Levelling Up Fund, which supports

cultural regeneration and the

Levelling Up Partnership, which has

resulted in £20 million for projects

across the district.

More information on how Rother

is benefitting from the Levelling

Up Programme is available at

www.rother.gov.uk/regeneration/

levelling-up-fund/

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6 NEWS

JUNE 2024


Little Gate Farm

Claire and Evie

Fantastic educational

programme for youngsters

with autism and learning

disabilities launched

LITTLE Gate College, an

extension of Little Gate Supported

Employment, has celebrated the

launch of its unique educational

programmes designed for young

people aged 16-24 living with

autism, learning disabilities, or

both.

The launch event was attended by

various stakeholders eager to explore

the college’s distinctive approach

to providing inclusive employment

opportunities balanced with

education.

Little Gate Supported Employment

is a registered charity which was

founded by Claire and David Cordell

in 2013.

As parents of a young woman with a

learning disability, they became very

aware of the limited options available

to their daughter Evie as she grew into

adulthood.

This was in stark contrast to the

opportunities available to her twin

brother.

They decided to use the family

farm to create a new opportunity to

enrich the lives of people with autism,

learning disabilities, or both.

Little Gate Farm consists of 46 acres

of pasture and ancient woodland in

the High Weald Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty and is home to the

Little Gate Work Training Centre.

It is there that individuals gain real

employment skills in various areas

including catering, horticulture,

woodland skills, and land

management.

These transferrable skills are all

incredibly beneficial, and the aim is

that they will assist in the individual’s

journey into paid work through

supported employment.

In the last decade, Little Gate has

steadily grown, and the organisation

now also provides Supported Work

Training, Supported Apprenticeships

and Supported Employment

opportunities for adults...intending to

help them find paid employment and

a brighter future.

In addition, Little Gate supports the

parents of their trainees through a

Parent Forum and runs a fun-filled

Little Gate Rangers youth scheme

for those aged eight and upwards.

They meet at weekends and in school

holidays throughout the year.

They spend their days enjoying arts

and crafts, animals, treasure hunts,

building dens and simply playing in

the great outdoors.

Claire and David’s daughter Evie

attended the Young Rangers scheme

herself for many years and absolutely

thrived there.

Like so many parents of children

with autism, learning disabilities or

both, Little Gate Founders Claire and

David became increasingly aware

of the “cliff edge” they were facing,

caused by the lack of aspirational

provision after the age of 19.

Identifying a gap in available

services for individuals like Evie,

Little Gate has collaborated with the

local authority to establish a new and

innovative educational institution;

Little Gate College.

Catering for young people aged 16-

24 with an Education Health and Care

Plan (EHCP) who aspire to secure

Miffy is one of the students

at Little Gate College

paid employment, Little Gate College,

based at The Pelham in Bexhill,

introduces two specialised study

programmes known as Future Ready

and Supported Internships.

Future Ready: Learning for Life and

Employment is an immersive fourday

per week curriculum designed

for individuals who wish to explore

the world of paid employment but

might lack relevant work experience.

Aiming to equip students with

essential skills for success in the

workforce, this programme focuses

on comprehensive personal and

professional growth.

For students who have acquired

a taste of the professional world

through prior work experience

or voluntary work, the Supported

Internships programme is an ideal

four-day per-week option.

This programme assists participants

Little Gate College

trains young people

living with autism,

disability, or both,

gain employment skills

in honing their abilities, gaining

practical experience, and confidently

transitioning into paid employment.

Evie herself is enrolled in the Future

Ready course at Little Gate College

which promises to open a wealth of

opportunities for her and countless

others, opportunities that would have

remained out of reach without Little

Gate’s remarkable efforts to establish

an inclusive environment.

As Little Gate College opens its doors

this September, the organisation

demonstrates unwavering dedication

to providing inclusive, high-quality

education ensuring that individuals

like Evie can aspire to and unlock

their fullest potential and achieve

their career aspirations.

With the promise of brighter futures

on the horizon, the launch of Little

Gate College sets a new standard in

education, bridging the gap between

Litle Gate College supports apprenticeships

Apprentices learn to do arts

and crafts at workshops

special needs and meaningful

employment opportunities.

Pili Portelli, community

development manager at the Pelham,

said: “We at The Pelham are delighted

to be hosting Little Gate College,

further developing our partnership

over the years since both charities

formed.

“Together we have supported lots

of work trainees and interns and are

so excited to be a part of this new

venture”.

If you are an employer who may be

interested in partnering with Little

Gate by offering a work experience

placement or hosting an intern you

can contact the college. There is

more information on their website

by searching Little Gate College

or Future Ready & Supported

Internships. Alternatively email:

tracey-annecook@littlegate.org.uk


Bexhill’s Tory MP Huw

Merriman will stand down

at next General Election

IN a bombshell announcement

Conservative MP for Bexhill

and Battle Huw Merriman has

confirmed he will not be standing

at the forthcoming General

Election.

On a day of high drama, Bexhill’s

Rother District Councillor Christine

Bayliss was confirmed as the

Labour candidate to contest the

constituency and it was expected that

Mr Merriman, who held a healthy

majority in recent elections, would be

her main opponent.

But in a stunning development on

Thursday (May 23), Mr Merriman

dramatically confirmed that he would

be stepping down as an MP, leaving

the race to succeed him wide open.

Mr Merriman, who won

handsomely in the 2017 and 2019

General Elections, was expected to

stand once again.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

confirmed on May 22 shortly after

5pm that the election would take

place on July 4, but several MPs on

both sides of the House have already

confirmed they will stand down come

polling day, and now that includes Mr

Merriman.

A replacement candidate has yet

to be confirmed to represent the

Conservatives.

Mr Merriman’s announcement,

therefore, has come completely out

of the blue and the Tories are now

in a race against time to select an

alternative candidate.

Mr Merriman issued a statement

following his shock announcement.

He said: “After nine years as the

Member of Parliament for Bexhill

and Battle, I have made the decision

not to stand as a candidate at the next

election.

“This means I will also leave my job

as Rail Minister on July 4. I have loved

being an MP and I leave with a heavy

heart. The constituency is a beautiful

place, with wonderful people in every

town and village.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work

across the community, and political

divide, with some fantastic people.

“I’ve also been fortunate to have

had the best constituency staff, and

Association, an MP could ask for.

“Transport has been my passion

throughout my time in Parliament.

I am grateful to have served for

seven years on the Transport Select

Committee, with almost three as

Chairman.

Mr Merriman, a trained lawyer by

trade, added: “I’ve loved my time

as Rail Minister and am grateful to

the Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)

for trusting me with this important

portfolio. He will always have my full

support.

“In each of these roles, I’ve seen

the best of our amazing transport

industry and community; from

private and public sector, Ministerial

colleagues, and the civil service.

“I wish my successor well in their

role as Member of Parliament. To

both the next MP for Bexhill and

Battle and to a future Rail Minister:

if these roles bring even half the

amount of happiness as they have

brought me, then it will make you

very proud.

“Thank you to all of the amazing

people I have met on my journey.

I will miss everything but, as I sit in

the political departure lounge, I am

looking forward to a new journey

(whatever that might be).”

Meanwhile, Christine Bayliss will

be hoping it is third time lucky after

being confirmed as the Labour

candidate for the Bexhill and Battle

constituency.

Ms Bayliss said she is “absolutely

delighted” to have been selected.

She is well known across the

constituency and prides herself on

getting things done for the benefit of

the community.

Having stood in the General

Elections of 2017 and 2019, she is

fervently hoping that this will prove

to be third time lucky by becoming

Bexhill and Battle’s first-ever woman

MP.

She says she has three main priorities

for Bexhill and Battle which are better

public services, cleaner, cheaper

energy and more local better paid jobs.

The Liberal-Democrat Prospective

Parliamentary candidate is Becky

Jones, Jeremy Eldridge will stand for

Reform, Jonathan Kent is representing

the Green Party while independent

candidate Nigel Jacklin will also

be on the ballot paper along with

another independent candidate, Jeff

Newnham.

8 NEWS

JUNE 2024


Youth charity workshop

at risk after shocking

ram raid on premises

THIEVES smashed into a youth

charity workshop in Bexhill and

stole a large amount of equipment

and tools.

It is believed the culprits used a

stolen vehicle to ram raid into Pit-Stop

Youth Trust’s premises in Beeching

Close at about 1am on May 11.

The organisation supports young

people in and around Bexhill from

different backgrounds. They provide

services to transform the lives of

young people, particularly those

living with a disability and people

who are educationally disadvantaged.

The charity spoke of its anguish

and heart-break about the incident,

saying the loss has placed its

services in jeopardy as the cost of the

damages, repairs and stolen items is

estimated at more than £17,000.

The next day after the ram raid,

a member of public provided

information which led to Sussex

Police recovering one of the stolen

bikes.

Lee Dunn, team leader and trustee

of Pit-Stop Youth Trust, said: “Our

youth charity has been running for

the past 14 years and offers various

youth groups, respite facilities and a

youth workshop/garage.

“Importantly to us, is that all our

services are free to use. This means

everyone from any background can

take part and enjoy our youth charity

activities.

“This awful and distressing attack

on our charity’s youth workshop in

Bexhill has really hit us hard.

“Almost all our tools and equipment

have been stolen, along with nearly

all our activities equipment.

“A lot of our young members, some

as young as 13 years old, have been

very worried in case we might not be

able to run our popular workshop

garage again and have been coming

along to help us clear up the huge

mess.

“We have informed them that

we will not be beaten and we will

Pit-Stop Youth Trust supports many young people in Bexhill

continue with all our services, no

matter how much effort and energy

it takes.

“The huge amount of damage and

equipment stolen, along with repairs

is coming in at more than £17,000

pounds, of which our charity will

have a shortfall of nearly £8,000.

“We are a small yet very effective

charity and our sole aim is to help

and support young people and their

families.

“All our volunteers and staff are

unpaid and the charity pays no

salaries, so all funds given to us

are used directly towards the work

and care we provide within our

community.

“If anyone has any information that

might help this investigation, please

contact Rother Police, or email our

charity directly pitstoptrust@gmail.

com.

“If anyone can help support us with

a donation at this very difficult time,

then please get in touch with us.

Thank you.”

HOW TO SUPPORT PIT-

STOP YOUTH TRUST

To support Pit-Stop Youth Trust,

email: pitstoptrust@gmail.com

Post: Pit-Stop Youth Trust Church

Street Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 2HE.

Donations can also be made directly

to our charity bank account:

HSBC Hastings Branch. Account No:

12382342 Sort Code: 40-23-18

MOMEN TS

THAT M AT TER

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Bexhill Rotary Club

donates vital funds

to support KSS

Air Ambulance

BEXHILL Rotarians unanimously

agreed at a special meeting to

support Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS)

Air Ambulance’s campaign to

purchase its own helicopter.

The Rotary Club donated £1,000

towards the air ambulance’s goal of

raising £1 million.

The major campaign was launched

in April this year and because of

generous support from donors like

the Rotary Club, the Air Ambulance

has now reached its target.

Having full ownership of the

helicopter will also mean the charity

can proceed with plans to fly for six

more hours every day so they can

help more patients and save more

lives.

The air ambulance said purchasing

the helicopter will give them greater

security and help them save almost

half a million pounds a year.

Bexhill Rotary’s President James

Slinn, said: “The purchase of the

President of Bexhill

Rotary Club, James Slinn

helicopter is the first priority and I am

really pleased that Bexhill Rotarians

have agreed this donation of £1,000

towards our Rotary District’s fund.

“As the Air Ambulance covers our

Rotary District in Sussex and Kent, the

Rotary Clubs in the area are looking

to raise a substantial sum towards

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

reaching this target.”

The air ambulance responds to

more than 3,000 incidents across the

three counties every year, and it costs

£18.8 million a year to operate.

The Rotary Club is also supporting

the purchase of a rapid response

vehicle costing £62,000, which is used

when helicopters cannot fly.

David Welch, the chief executive of

KSS, said: “This amazing achievement

has only been made possible by

the extraordinary kindness of

individuals, businesses, trusts and

foundations, schools and community

groups, who have so quickly and

generously responded to our urgent

appeal.

“We’ve been completely

overwhelmed by the remarkable

response so far and would like to

thank everyone for their incredible

generosity and inspiring messages of

support.

“Every single penny and every

single second counts when lives are

on the line, so we’re now encouraging

our communities to go even further

above and beyond our £1 million goal

in the final few weeks of our appeal.

“Every extra penny raised will be

spent on our lifesaving helicopters

which will enable us to reach more

patients and save even more lives,

keeping more families together.”

The air ambulance is still offering

the unique opportunity for

individuals, businesses, schools and

community groups, to donate £100 or

more to have their name, or the name

of a loved one in their memory, on its

air ambulance helicopter.

This opportunity is available until

Friday, June 28 with all funds raised

also being spent on its lifesaving

helicopters.

To support the air ambulance visit:

www.aakss.org.uk

MOVIES, SHOWS AND FUN FOR

THE WHOLE FAMILY

AT THE HAILSHAM PAVILION

CHALLENGERS

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

A former tennis prodigy turned

coach and a force of nature

who makes no apologies for

her game on and off the court.

Married to a champion on a

losing streak (Mike Faist – West

Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for

her husband’s redemption takes

a surprising turn.

SOMETIMES I THINK

ABOUT DYING

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

Fran finds solace in her cubicle,

listening to the constant hum of

officemates and occasionally daydreaming.

She is ghosting through

life, unable to pop her bubble of

isolation, when a friendly new

coworker tries to connect with her.

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET

OF THE APES

14-17JUNE - 19:30

Director Wes Ball breathes new life

into the global, epic franchise set

several generations in the future

following Caesar’s reign, in which

apes are the dominant species

living harmoniously and humans

have been reduced to living in the

shadows.

BACK TO BLACK

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

The story of Amy Winehouse’s

rise to fame and the making of

her album, Back to Black. The film

follows the remarkable woman

behind the phenomenon and the

tumultuous relationship at the

centre of one of the most

legendary albums of all time.

GOLDEN OLDIES -

MY FAIR LADY

21 JUNE - 14:30

Pompous phonetics professor

Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) is so

sure of his abilities that he takes

it upon himself to transform a

Cockney working-class girl into

someone who can pass for a

cultured member of high society.

IF

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

From writer and director John

Krasinski, IF is about a girl who

discovers that she can see

everyone’s imaginary friends

— and what she does with that

superpower — as she embarks on

a magical adventure to reconnect

forgotten IFs with their kids.

MADE IN ENGLAND:

THE FILMS OF POWELL

AND PRESSBURGER

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

Martin Scorsese presents this very

personal and insightful new feature-length

documentary about

British filmmakers Michael Powell

and Emeric Pressburger.

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX

SAGA

28-30 JUNE - 19:30

Young Furiosa falls into the hands

of a great biker horde led by the

warlord Dementus. Sweeping

through the Wasteland, they come

across the Citadel, presided over

by the Immortan Joe.

FREUD’S LAST

SESSION

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

Two of the greatest minds on the

twentieth century, C.S. LEWIS and

SIGMUND FREUD converge for

their own personal battle over the

existence of God. It interweaves

the lives of Freud and Lewis, past

and present.

TO BOOK TICKETS CALL THE

BOX OFFICE ON 01323 841414

E: info@hailshampavilion.co.uk W: hailshampavilion.co.uk

FILM CLUB

THE LONGEST DAY

4 JUNE - 19:30

Hailsham Pavilion Film Club Presents....

The Longest Day...

In 1944, the U.S. Army and Allied

forces plan a huge invasion

landing in Normandy, France.

Despite bad weather, General

Eisenhower gives the okay and

the Allies land at Normandy.

General Norma Cota (Robert

Mitchum) travels with his men

onto Omaha Beach. With much

effort, and lost life, they get off

the beach, traveling deep into

French territory. The German

military, due to arrogance,

ignorance and a sleeping Adolf Hitler, delay their

response to the Allied landing, with crippling results.

Film Club screenings may start with a 20 minute introduction

to the Film please arrive early to avoid any

interruption to the speaker, Many Thanks.

All Film Club Members get a discount on their ticket

prices, £5 for Members and £8 for Non-Members.

To obtain your Special Film Club ticket price of £5

Please see your membership card for the ‘Coupon

Code’ when you book.

BOOK TICKETS VIA OUR WEBSITE OR

CALL THE BOX OFFICE.

ALL MATINEES SCREENINGS AND ALL DAY SUNDAY SCREENINGS - £6.50 / EVENING SCREENINGS - ADULTS - £9 CONCESSIONS - £7

10 REGULARS

JUNE 2024


COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

BEXHILL

BEXHILL ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP TALK. Beulah

Hall, Clifford Road, Bexhill, TN40 1QA. Wednesday

26 June, 7pm. “Sussex Greenways — Safer Routes

for all” by Nick Hanna and Cllr Ian Hollidge. A

talk about creating a non-motorised network

linking traffic-free Greenways with Quiet Lanes to

promote active travel and low-carbon transport.

Everyone welcome, entry £2 for non-BEG

members. bexhilleg@yahoo.co.uk

CRAFT Fair. St. Barnabas Church, Sea Road,

Bexhill, TN40 1JG. Saturday 8 June, 10am-

2.30pm. FREE entry. Please do come along to

our local craft fair at St. Barnabas Church Bexhill

on Saturday 8th June. We have over 30+ local

crafters selling their beautiful handmade items

including: Knitting, Crochet, Decoupage, Jewellery,

Glass, Pottery, Resin, Fabric, Sewing, Wood,

Soaps, Cards, Stained Glass, Paper craft and much

more. We also have a pop-up cafe with delicious

homemade cakes, sandwiches and soup. Tea &

coffee available with a seating area, so you can

relax and enjoy your coffee & cake. We would love

to see you there!

LOCAL Craft Fair. St. Stephens Church Hall. Down

Road. Bexhill TN39 4HD. Saturday 1st June from

10am — 2pm. Pop along to our craft fair at St.

Stephens Church Hall Bexhill on Saturday 1st June.

We have a lovely selection of Local makers selling

their handmade items. Homemade cakes available,

Tea, coffee and hot snacks also available. Free

parking and free entry. Opens 10am to 2pm. Please

do come along and support local.

BEXHILL Model Railway Club. St Richard’s

Catholic College, Ashdown Road, TN40 1SE.

Saturday 10 August, 10am-5pm. Annual Model

Railway Exhibition Layouts, Sales Stands,

Refreshments. Free parking on site. Adults £6;

Children £2; Family £14. www.bexhillmrc.co.uk

FLOWER FESTIVAL, JUBILATE. Friday 28th

June and Saturday 29th June 10.00 am – 4.00pm.

Sunday 30th June 12.00 pm-5.00 pm.. St Peter’s

Church Church Street Old Town Bexhill TN40 2HE.

Flower displays representing well-known hymns,

concerts, refreshments, stalls, tombola and more. All

welcome. Admission £3. Pay and display parking in

Manor Gardens car park in De La Warr Road.

HAILSHAM

HAILSHAM & DISTRICT TWINNING

ASSOCIATION. Hailsham has been twinned with

Gournay en Bray in Northern France (1hr from

Dieppe) for nearly 25 years. We currently have

approximately 60 members — some of whom

have visited Gournay, some who have not but

enjoy the social side of our Association. A number

of members host our French friends when they

visit but others do not wish to host. We usually

stay with host families when we visit France

but members can also choose to stay in a hotel.

We visit twice a year and join in with various

celebrations and learn more about their culture

and their way of life. Many friendships have been

made. We often lend craft items for Gournay’s

exhibitions, have linked the cinemas, choirs ad

a local tractor association. We are self-funding

and raise money by holding many social events —

cream teas, quizzes, treasure hunts, soirees etc.

Contact Secretary — Pauline — 07415328282 or

paulinetownsend@rocketmail.com

BUSINESS LOCAL NETWORK. Abbots Wood

Manor, London Road. Tuesday 18 June, 10am.

Come and enjoy our relaxed and natural

atmosphere. At BLN, we cultivate a relaxed vibe

with no awkward elevator pitches. Conversations

flow naturally, allowing business owners to

speak freely and engage in meaningful dialogue,

brainstorm, and problem-solve allowing you to

get to know the person behind the business. This

encourages more organic referrals and builds on

genuine relationships, which leads to stronger,

more supportive business connections. Because

networking shouldn’t stop when the networking

stops. To Book: bit.ly/BLN_Hailsham. Members: £5;

Non-Members: £10

ANGEL Connection & Reiki Healing. The Sussex

Shala, Warren Farm, Thornwell Road, Wilmington,

Polegate, BN26 6RL. Sunday 9 June, 10am-4pm.

Join us for a beautiful day retreat at the Sussex

Shala Yurt. Explore the Angelic realm, meditate,

share spiritual experiences, and connect with your

Guardian Angel using oracle cards. Enjoy one-onone

reiki healing with Kerry. Leave feeling uplifted

and energised. Please bring your own lunch and

refreshments. 6 hours — £85. To book: https://bit.

ly/sussex-shala

ACRES delivers adult courses in local

communities in Hailsham and across East Sussex.

FREE 4 week “Brush Up” courses start in June

2024! These include English for Functional Skills

(Hailsham), English for GCSE (online) and Maths

for GCSE (online). To enrol please phone 01825

761820 or visit acreslearning.org.uk. T&Cs apply.

HAILSHAM Friends for people on their own. We

meet on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month

— ‘The Crown’ back room, 19 High St., Hailsham

at 10.30am. Drop in for a cup of coffee and chat

to find out what we do. Website: www.hailshamfriends.club

Email: ken@hailsham-friends.club

Tel: 01323 893340

SWOOVE with Cat — sing, whoop, move and

swoop fitness coming to Hailsham on 16 August.

Come along and give it a go in the Diplocks Hall

BN27 3JY. Every Wednesday morning 9.30am-

10.30am & Friday evening 7.30pm-8.30pm. Swoop

consists of easy to follow moves and it really

doesn’t matter if you go wrong, just keep singing

whooping and moving and you’ll be burning off

those calories. £7pp but you get your first two

classes at half price. Need or want to bring your

children? They can sit at the side for free or £1

each for them during the holidays if they join in.

Tel: 07843 947383 cgb2903@hotmail.co.uk.

SOUND Works Free Music Workshops for

Children & Young People with SEND. Junior group

age 5-11, Senior group age 11-19. Wednesdays

3.30pm-5pm. Hailsham Family hub Hailsham East

Community Centre, Vega Close, BN27 2JZ. Limited

spaces, to sign up, Email: sam@lifesize.org.uk.

The publishers cannot be responsible for any errors

or omissions in this noticeboard.

To submit your listing for

publication on this page,

visit: www.hailsham.news/

community-noticeboard or scan

this QR Code.

CHARITY

GARDEN

PARTY

FRI 21ST

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 June & 7th July from 5:30pm

Monday Charity Quiz - 10th & 24th from 8:00pm

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

Sunday Karaoke - Please contact us for details of this event

Live Music

Friday 21st from 3:00 pm

Fundraising Garden Party in aid of the Macmillan Nurses

Saturday 22nd from 8:00 pm

Andy Burton & Ritchie Lee’s tribute to “THE BLUES BROTHERS”

Sunday 30th from 5:00 pm

UB40 tribute with Ritchie Campbell (+ BBQ)

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!


Family’s tribute to Bexhill

man following outcome of

murder trial in Portugal

A DEVASTATED family has issued

a touching tribute to their “loving,

kind, funny and protective son and

brother” following the outcome of

a murder trial in Portugal.

Joel Alexander Eldridge from Bexhill

went to Portugal for work in January

2018 and was in regular contact with

his family.

But he was reported missing in July

2018 after his family lost contact with

the 29-year-old.

Sussex Police supported the

Portuguese Judicial Police’s

investigation into his disappearance

and, in partnership with the Foreign,

Commonwealth and Development

Office, Victim Support National

Homicide Service, and the Portuguese

Association for Victim Support, also

provided support to his family.

Joel’s body was later found in August

2019.

Now, following the conclusion of

a trial in Portugal, his family have

issued a statement about the impact of

the case.

In their statement, they said: “Joel

Joel Eldridge was from Bexhill

Alexander Eldridge was 29 years old

when he was brutally killed in 2018.

“The impact on our family has been

devastating. We have lost a loving,

kind, funny and protective son, and

brother.

“Always smiling, Joel was a constant

presence at home, helping with any

jobs that needed doing.

“As a child, Joel was mischievous

and cheeky. He loved his Lego and

computer games. As he got older,

he took up guitar and became very

proficient. He trained as a security

guard. Working a variety of jobs, he

was a reliable, hard worker.

“He was a loyal friend to many;

always willing to stand up for his

mates.

“Joel just went to work in Portugal

for a couple of months. He kept in

touch with us regularly, as he always

did.

“In July 2018 contact stopped. We

never heard from him again. In

August 2019, Joel’s body was found in

Portugal.

“Joel was popular locally, with a

huge circle of friends. His loss has left

a hole in the hearts of all who knew

him that will never be filled.

“Joel will never get to enjoy settling

down, becoming a dad himself,

or sharing in happy future family

occasions.

“He is loved and missed so much by

our family and all who knew him.”

In February 2024, two defendants

who stood trial accused of the murder

of Joel were acquitted after court

hearings held in Portugal.

Hospital receives

major boost due

to donations

AN East Sussex NHS Trust has

received a major boost after three

new Transnasal Endoscopes

were donated to the Endoscopy

department at Conquest Hospital

to help reduce waiting times.

Transnasal endoscopes are

inserted via the nose to avoid the

gag reflex with which many patients

struggle.

The Friends of Conquest Hospital

and The League of Friends of Bexhill

Hospital donated £55,424.88 for

the purchase of state-of-the-art

endoscopes which boast 50 per cent

narrower tubes than a traditional

endoscope.

Prior to the arrival of the new

equipment, if a patient was unable to

tolerate a traditional endoscopy, they

would go on a waiting list to have

the procedure carried out under

anaesthetic in theatre.

With these new endoscopes,

patients can now be switched onto

a list for the transnasal procedure,

either at the point of the original

clinician’s request, at pre-assessment

or even on the day of the procedure.

With the additional three the

Friends have purchased, they can

now see ten to 12 TNE patients in a

clinic.

Consultant Dr Fong said: “We are

so pleased with this new equipment

and thankful to the Friends for their

generous donation.

Endoscopy Unit Matron, Myra

Mendoza, said: “The equipment is

‘game-changing’ for the hospital.”

She also spoke about a recent

patient, who was happy to share her

experience.

Myra added: “The patient has a

particularly strong gag reflex, and

on previous occasions has had to

undergo endoscopic procedures

under anaesthetic in theatres.

“On this occasion, she was

encouraged to instead have the

Transnasal Endoscopy. While

nervous, she agreed, and was

delighted that she was not only able

to tolerate the procedure, but she

avoided sedation altogether, with

just a local anaesthetic throat spray to

ease her discomfort.

The Friends said: “We were

delighted to be able to jointly fund

this vital equipment.”

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Where is the Funding from and what is it for?

As part of the Government strategy called The Long Term Plan for Towns, the Department for

Levelling Up CommuniJes and Housing (DLUCH) have awarded Bexhill £20m of Government

funding to be spent over the next 10 years on an endowment basis of £2m per year.

DLUCH have specified that the funding will be administered by a Town Board made up of four

statutory bodies: The MPs office, Rother District Council (RDC), East Sussex County Council (ESCC),

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) alongside other representaJves of the business sector and

wider community. Bexhill Chamber of Commerce have a seat on the board represenJng our

members and the wider business community of Bexhill.

Howard Martin,

President of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce

in association with

BEXHILL TOWN BOARD

BEXHILL

BUSINESS

CONSULTATION

BUSINESSES - Have your say on spending

£20m of Government funding for Bexhill

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

FOR BUSINESSES

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce have launched one of the biggest

consultations in their history to give as many businesses as possible

the opportunity to have their say on how £20m of Government

funding could be spent in Bexhill over the next ten years.

If you own, operate or have executive power in a business, charity or

social enterprise that operates or significantly trades in Bexhill we

want to hear from you! Whether you are a single person business

operating from home, a multinational technology company, small

retailer, restaurant, professional services business, self-employed

trades person or charity shop all your views are important to us from

all sectors of business.

WHERE IS THE FUNDING FROM

AND WHAT IS IT FOR?

HAVE YOUR SAY NOW!

REGISTER FOR A FOCUS GROUP

ON JUNE 6TH

TAKE PART IN OUR ONLINE SURVEY

CLOSES 5PM JUNE 10TH

ONLINE SURVEY

As part of the Government strategy called The Long Term Plan for

Towns, the Department for Levelling Up Communities and Housing

(DLUCH) have awarded Bexhill £20m of Government funding to be

spent over the next 10 years on an endowment basis of £2m per year.

DLUCH have specified that the funding will be administered by a

Town Board made up of four statutory bodies: The MPs office, Rother

District Council (RDC), East Sussex County Council (ESCC), Police

and Crime Commissioner (PCC) alongside other representatives

of the business sector and wider community. Bexhill Chamber of

Commerce have a seat on the board representing our members and

the wider business community of Bexhill.

SCAN THE QR CODE

or visit:

www.bexhillchamber.org

REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR

FUN EASYGOING FOCUS GROUPS

June 6th

The De La Warr Pavilion Studio

Choice of two Groups both carrying out the same research:

1400 - 1530 or 1700 - 1830

Book here:

www.bexhillchamber.org/events

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE SURE YOUR VOICES ARE HEARD

For more information email: consultation@bexhillchamber.org

www.bexhillchamber.org


Major housing

project in heart

of Battle gets

the go-ahead

A HOUSING development in the

heart of Battle has been given

the green light by Rother District

Council’s planning committee,

paving the way for Rother DC

Housing Company (RDCHC)

to deliver its first major housebuilding

project at the town’s

Blackfriars site.

The project marks a major leap

forward for RDCHC, a company

established by Rother District Council

in 2020 to accelerate the delivery of

energy-efficient housing throughout

the district.

Following public consultation, on

February 15, 2024, RDCHC received

unanimous approval for a Section

73 amendment to previous planning

consent for the construction of 200

highly sustainable, low-carbon homes

within the 16-hectare site.

The revised scheme incorporates a

greater mix of two, three and fourbedroom

houses and reduces the

number of apartments.

However, faced with a challenging

financial backdrop of high inflation

and increased project costs, and the

necessity to avoid financial risk/loss,

RDCHC is no longer required to deliver

a proportion of affordable housing

under Section 106.

Despite this, RCDHC said it remains

committed to bringing affordable

housing to the scheme further down

the line where scheme finances

allow. Conversations with a preferred

registered provider will continue on

this basis.

Richard Thomas, chairman of the

Board, Rother DC Housing Company

said: “This welcome decision marks a

major milestone for RCDHC that will

unlock 200 much-needed, high-quality

new homes in the district.

“It recognises the project’s absolute

focus on quality and cost efficiency

Preparatory works at Rother DC Housing Company’s Blackfriars development are well underway

and, although we are saddened by the

immediate loss of affordable housing,

the company favours a scheme that

includes considerable affordable

housing, both rented and shared

ownership, for local people.

“However, this solely depends on the

financial performance of the scheme

once the retender is completed.

“For now, we look forward to

appointing a building contractor and

getting spades in the ground on site

later this year.”

The Blackfriars development aims to

contribute towards creating a carbon

zero district.

All 200 properties will feature air

source heat pumps and will meet or

potentially exceed new Part L Building

Regulations to ensure householders

benefit from energy efficient homes

which are cheaper to run.

Electric vehicle charging points

within the site will support the

transition away from diesel and petrol

vehicles.

In addition, general enhancements

to the scheme’s layout seek to improve

the community ‘feel’ of the project

and embrace public open spaces and

greenery.

Divided into three zones, the

development draws inspiration

from the ‘High Weald Design Guide’1

through the use of architectural

features, local building materials

such as slate, red brick and clay tiles,

and landscaping with hedgerows and

cottage-style borders.

RDCHC has invited local contractors

to tender for delivery of the revised

scheme to commence work on site

later this year.

This follows a mutual and amicable

decision, to part ways with the

previous housing contractor, Wates.

Meanwhile, Breheny is progressing

the council’s major infrastructure

project onsite, which includes the

construction of a new spine road

funded by Homes England.

Completion of the first homes is

scheduled for mid-2026 with the final

homes completing during 2027.

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CALL 01424 218337

41 NINFIELD RD, SIDLEY,

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TN39 5AE

14 NEWS

JUNE 2024


Young BMX rider is making

a real impression as she

jumps to it in style

Amber says BMX is a really great sport

A YOUNG BMX rider is proving

that age is no barrier to success as

she continues to make a name for

herself in the sport.

Amber Tucker only started racing

in February 2023 after watching her

cousins competing at their local club

in Devon.

As a result, she decided to follow in

their footsteps, and started racing at a

local club, Bexhill JumpClub in Sidley.

Her journey began at Battle pump

track to learn the basics of the popular

sport and she has progressed rapidly

since taking up the sport.

Amber has dedicated herself to

improving her skills and practises

regularly in order to move through the

ranks.

Amber has been racing in regional

competitions, representing the south.

She is currently ranked 26 nationally

for her age group.

Aged ten, she is already racing

nationally and competed in

tournaments such as the South West

BMX Regional Series Round 5 in

Bideford, Devon, and finished 5th.

Last November, Amber took part in

Racing Under the Roof in Manchester

and she finished 8th.

She also competed in Cyclopark in

Kent finishing 12th on both days and is

due to race in Scotland.

Talking about JumpClub, Amber

said: “It’s a great local club who helps

with tips and the riders help me loads

to get we’re I want to be. It’s a great

sport that keeps me busy and active.

“I really enjoy myself and have made

loads of different friends all different

ages, I feel like I am part of a bike

family.”

Keith Duly, JumpClub founder and

head coach, added: “Amber is part of

JumpClub, a national BMX race team

based at Bexhill

“We’re excited to have Amber riding

with us. BMX is a fantastic sport for

young riders.

“It’s a tough sport and Amber

and her team-mates ride hard and

compete

at a high level, but more importantly

at this young age there’s also a

real team spirit, fun and a sense of

community and adventure.

“Amber’s progression on her bike

has been amazing and she’s having

fun doing it.

“We don’t get fixated on results when

they’re young, we’re more interested

in developing skill and enjoying the

moment, but it’s impressive that

Amber has crept up to 11th in the

National rankings in her first season.”

For more information on the

JumpClub team and training venue

visit www.jumpclub.uk

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

SIDLEY WORKING MENS CLUB

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

& FUNCTION ROOM BOOKINGS

Open seven days a week @ 11am

Fully stocked bar, coffee, tea,

sandwiches, toasties

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

at all times

Members prices - Pints from £3.70 a pint,

Double Spirits from £3.50, Large Wine Glass

From £3.80 & Bottle From £14.00

Pool, darts, boxing machine, large beer garden,

large function room available for hire day &

night (with screen for presentations) £25 for

members & £50 for non-members

Karaoke, Bingo & Quiz Nights Weekly/Monthly

Darts Competition every last Saturday of the

month from 12pm

Sky Sports on Five Screens

Male and female membership available,

Only £15 per year & £20 for joint membership

(New members pay extra £5 for card initially)

Regular members event days, club-owned

bouncy castle, BBQ

Days out & trips for members - Goodwood

Racecourse, Ascot Racecourse, Hove

Greyhound racing and lots more every year

Every Sunday - meat raffle, chase the ace

game, football & tote draw

Free WIFI & Air Conditioning Throughout the

whole club.

34a HOLLIERS HILL, BEXHILL, TN40 2DD

sidleyworkingmensclub.co.uk

01424 300441

Email: bookings@sidleyworkingmensclub.co.uk


Battle business celebrates

being named as the best Sussex

wine and beer specialist

AN independent shop in Battle

has been named the best wine and

beer specialist business in the

prestigious Muddy Awards 2024.

The awards are run by Muddy

Stilettos, which is an urban guide to

the countryside with regular reviews

on the best restaurants, walks,

boutiques, hotels, day trips and

events across the UK.

Sarah’s Cellar in Tills Courtyard,

19 High Street, was voted as the best

wine and beer specialist in Sussex.

The awards support independent

and small, lifestyle businesses in the

UK, and they is in their 11th year.

There were 515,000 votes cast across

the country.

The owner of the business, Sarah

Truman, was inspired to open her

own shop when she went on a wine

tour across France, Austria, Hungary,

Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany

and Belgium in 2012.

The epic journey opened up a whole

new world to her as Sarah undertook

her meticulous research of the

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

industry in Michelin star restaurants,

wine producers, vineyards and

cellars.

She wrote on her website: “I love

wine. I am fascinated by the story of

each wine.

“How the same grape variety grown

in a slightly different soil can result

in such a different taste experience is

pure wizardry.

“So you think you know Chardonnay

and then you try a Chardonnay from

somewhere new.

“Suddenly you have a new

perspective. Every bottle you open

should excite and delight.

“Wine should never be average. We

want to make sure that every cork

you pop, every glass you pour has you

delighted.

“The glass of red with pizza on

Tuesday should be delightful,

regardless of your budget.

Photo credit: Darren Buss

“There is no reason to compromise.

If you would like a wine for a special

occasion then you want to have

confidence that you are buying a good

quality wine, which will match the

food and suit your taste.

“Sarah’s Cellar is here so that you

can discover your new favourites.

“Enjoy every sip and have

confidence that you will love your

wine.”

Sarah left her teaching job in 2019

and in 2020, she and her husband

Paul opened Sarah’s Cellar.

All regional winners of the

Muddy Awards from each category

automatically qualify for the National

Finals, which takes place from July 3

to July 11.

Muddy Stilettos editors will judge

and select the overall winners for

each category, and results will be

announced on July 11.

Care from

the heart

AT SOUTHLANDS PLACE

Imagine a place where you can be as independent as you choose,

where everything is designed with your enjoyment, health and

wellbeing in mind. Our commitment is to provide personalised

care and support as we put you at the heart of everything we do.

0808 223 5401 | ariacare.co.uk

Hastings Road , Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 2HJ

ACH775

16 REGULARS

JUNE 2024


KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

BATES Green Garden, an RHS Partner Garden, is open every

Wednesday between the end of February and late October.

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

and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

It was June, and the world smelled of roses — Maud Hart Lovelace

JUNE is the month containing the

longest day of the year, the Summer

Solstice, when many plants respond by

increasing photosynthesis and putting

on huge growth during the long hours

of daylight.

The summer solstice occurs at the

moment the earth’s tilt towards the sun

is at its maximum. On this day, the sun

appears at its highest in the sky which

is important for crops especially those

under glass. This year, the solstice will

occur on Thursday 20th June when we

will hope to receive 15 hours of sunlight.

This is a time of fertility, abundance,

and growth, and certain plants are

representative of this time of year.

Sunflowers are traditional symbols of

the summer solstice. When the flowers

are young, they appear to track the sun

as it moves across the sky and so this

is to be taken into consideration when

deciding where to plant them. You

want to see their happy smiling faces

rather than have them peeking over

your neighbour’s fence! It’s not too late

to sow some, once they germinate, they

will grow like the clappers!

In pagan celebrations, healing herbs

were believed to be at their most

powerful, and potent when harvested

Photo: Patrick Campbell

on the summer solstice. It was thought

that this time was when evil spirits

would appear, and people would wear

protective garlands of herbs and flowers

to ward them off. One of the most

powerful was ‘chase devil’ known to

us now as ‘St John’s Wort’ (Hypericum

perforatum), a magical plant believed to

bring prosperity, protection and peace.

Gathering this native perennial was

thought to harness the energy of the

sun at its highest.

Lavender is another plant which was

believed to heal and give protection in

ancient times. On the summer solstice,

people would mix lavender with

mugwort (Artemesia), chamomile and

rose to attract elves and fairies. These

plants would be harvested on the day

of the summer solstice as a way of

honouring midsummer. The longest

stems were used to form lavender

wands and the remainder would be

dried in bundles and hung to dry.

Lavender, a Mediterranean plant is used

today to flavour food and drinks and

the dried flowers are often made into

lavender bags.

Other summer plants harvested at

the time of the summer solstice when

they were believed to have attained the

peak of their medicinal value include

chamomile, calendula (marigold), fennel,

hemp, rosemary, thyme, verbena, sage

Wildflower Meadow

at Bates Green Garden

Photo: John Glover

and roses. They would be dried to be

available for use in oils, food, tinctures

and teas all year round.

It is safe to start getting your halfhardy

and tender plants used to the

Great Outdoors now. Do this by placing

them somewhere sheltered, ideally

some sort of cold frame contraption,

and then either covering them with

frames or fleece or bringing them in for

the night, just for a few days. You can

then put them in their final positions,

sit back and enjoy them. That is the

idea anyway, in reality, there are far

too many weeds AKA wildflowers to be

dealt with and watering requirements

that must be urgently attended to thus

preventing too much lounging around

for gardeners.

Now that the Arlington Bluebell Walk

has closed for 2024, we will be back to

our regular Wednesday opening times

of 10am-4pm when the Café will also

be open. This year, we have developed

our Thursday morning Bates Green

Garden Workshops to include not only

horticultural skills but also a wealth of

subjects as diverse as singing, sound

baths, sketch-booking and yoga to name

but a few. Why not treat yourself to a

mini-retreat day here? They will take

place on Thursdays until the end of

October.

Bring a packed lunch to enjoy on the

Terrace with the Gardens Team and

then enjoy having the ancient Wood,

Wildflower Meadow or Bates Green

Garden to yourselves for the afternoon.

You can find the details by going onto

our website www.batesgreengarden.

co.uk and looking for the workshops

under the Visiting menu.

We are really

excited about this

new venture and I

very much hope to

meet some of my

readers there too!

A D V E R T I S E R P R O M O T I O N

NO FUSS RUBBISH

CLEARANCE

PJ has been providing skips to residents and businesses

across East Sussex since the early 1980s. With 13 skip trucks

on the road and over a thousand skips on sites across the

South East, PJ is now one of the area’s most well-established

skip hire operators.

In recent years, the business has widened the range of waste

management services, providing more than skips. A fleet of

32T tippers, road sweepers and roll on roll off are kept busy on

commercial projects. The recycling centre in Polegate is open

for trade waste tipping and free hardcore disposal.

Operations Director, Joel Westguard, spoke to us about PJ

Pick Up, a new ‘Man and Van’ rubbish clearance service for

collection of single items and bulky waste.

“At PJ we pride ourselves on delivering a fast, reliable and

friendly waste disposal service for thousands of customers

across East Sussex. But we understand

that skip hire isn’t right for everyone.

Sometimes people don’t have room for

a skip. Or the time to wait for a permit

for a skip to go on the road. Other

customers simply don’t have enough

rubbish to fill a skip. And it can be hassle

taking items to the tip or waiting for a

council collection. So we set up PJ Pick

Up to offer a super-fast way to get rid of

bulky waste like fridges, sofas, TVs and

beds.”

PJ Pick Up offers same day collection

— often within an hour or two.

Alternatively, customers can pre-book

a collection slot so there’s no hanging

around.

Joel added “We do the hard work

for you. Our two-man crew will do the

heavy lifting and will even dismantle

your bulky furniture if needed. The team

are DBS checked and fully trained so

you know you’re in safe hands.

We want to make recycling easy

for everyone. Our customers can

rest assured that their waste is being

disposed of legally and responsibly. All

rubbish comes into our fully-licensed

recycling centre, where we sort the

waste so that as much as possible is

diverted from landfill.”

Call us on 01323 48 88 88 or visit

www.pj-waste.co.uk

SKIP HIRE

MADE EASY

Skips of all sizes from

2 yard mini skips to 40

yard ro-ros

MORE

THAN SKIPS

Road sweepers,

tippers and concrete

crusher for hire

PJ PICK UP

SERVICE

Introducing our new

same-day Man & Van

waste collection service

A LOAD OFF

YOUR MIND

01323 48 88 88

PJ-WASTE.CO.UK

Latest local news, visit: Bexhill.News JUNE 2024 REGULARS 17

A MATTER OF TASTE

BULL’S HEAD: REBORN

& SERVING UP DELIGHT

I CAN’T help but wonder how many

times I’ve driven past the Bull’s Head

in the eight years I’ve called Hailsham

home, shuttling back and forth to

Bexhill. Twice daily, five days a week—

it’s a considerable number!

Having been a previous guest at the

pub near Herstmonceux, we invited

some first-time friends to join us — they

always remarked on the welcoming

sign that read “Come Into Our Friendly

Pub.” So they decided to check it out for

themselves.

From the roadside, it’s evident that

the pub boasts a generous car park.

However, a small driveway reveals an

additional parking area and vast land

beyond the hedge line, immersing you in

the breathtaking East Sussex scenery.

On this particular evening with the sun

slowly fading on the horizon, (I love this

time of day), it just makes everything

look so magical, with that mesmerising

‘golden hour’, capturing the essence of

the serene countryside.

Looking around outside at the ample

seating, including some sheltered areas,

along with an outdoor bar, it’s evident

this establishment caters to barbecues,

events, and festivals — such a welcoming

environment — the kind of place I feel

right at home in!

Inside, we were welcomed by a

beautifully inviting atmosphere. The

warm reception from both the staff and

the locals at the bar immediately made

us feel at ease. Among the diners, a mix

of first-timers and regulars, you could

just tell that everyone was well looked

after, further enhancing the sense of

community.

The menu was a real treat, offering

a wide range of delicious options that

left us spoiled for choice. We spent

quite some time studying it, getting

more and more excited with each

dish we considered. Eventually, we

settled on the Harvey’s Beer Battered

Chicken Goujons with Sweet Chilli Dip

for £7.75, the Chicken Wings from the

Specials Board, and the Beer Battered

Haggis Balls served with Salad and a

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

These visits are not pre-arranged, and the venues do not know they are reviewing the food and drink!

Chicken Goujons and Wings as a starter

Childs Burger and Chips

Peppercorn Sauce for £7.50.

When it came to selecting our main

courses, we were faced with some tough

decisions. The Seafood Platter caught

our eye, priced at £16.95, promising

a delightful array of oceanic delights.

We then selected The Bull’s Head Pie, a

hearty option at £14.95, which seemed

like the epitome of comfort food. From

the Children’s Menu, we ordered a

Child’s Burger.

From classic favourites to more

adventurous choices, there was

Haggis Balls to start

Seafood platter makes a hearty main

The Bull Inn Steak Pie

something to cater to every young

palate. The thoughtful selection not only

ensured their satisfaction but also added

to the overall enjoyment of our dining

experience.

Sharing the starters allowed us

to spread the love and indulge in a

variety of flavours, which is always a

winning strategy. I particularly enjoyed

the Haggis Balls — usually, I reserve

my haggis fix for January, but the

temptation of deep-fried haggis was

irresistible. Let me tell you, it did not

disappoint! The haggis was beautifully

seasoned, with a beautifully creamy

texture that was incredibly satisfying

and oh-so-filling!

The Seafood Platter was incredible.

I don’t eat much seafood, not out of

choice, but more due to its increasing

price point. However, this platter was

simply too tempting to resist, and I

found the value for money to be great

considering the quality and variety of

seafood served.

I was so happy to see that they had a

great selection of dishes for kids on the

menu. It’s reassuring when a restaurant

takes the little ones into consideration

and offers them tasty choices too.

It was just over thirteen years ago,

almost to the day, The Bull’s Head was

on the verge of closure, and was in the

throes of development for residential

use? It’s shocking to think that we could

have lost such a gem in this local village.

However, fast forward to today, and

the transformation is nothing short of

remarkable. The pub has undergone a

remarkable transformation, becoming

the vibrant heart of the community.

It offers not just fabulous food but

also features an incredible terrazzo.

What really excites me is the addition of

gardens and a beautiful campsite.

Their efforts have rightfully earned

them various awards. If they’ve

accomplished all this in the first thirteen

years, I eagerly anticipate the next

thirteen with bated breath!

Tel: 01323 831981

www.bullsheadborehamstreet.com

The Strait, Boreham Street,

near Herstmonceux, BN27 4SG

ESTABLISHED NEW FAMILY OWNERS

Exciting variety of all pet food and dog natural treats

Lots of new ranges of cat litter, toys and foods

Wild and domestic bird specialists

Fish Food for pond goldfish/

Koi or aquariums

See our fabulous new, Garden

and Plant Centre with Seeds,

Garden Tools, Plants and

Compost

All can be delivered FREE by

your local friendly driver or

pop into your new Warburtons

store in Bexhill.

Call: 01424 211560

39 Station Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1RG

email: warburtonspetcentre@gmail.com

www.maidstoneaquatics.co.uk

18 REGULARS

JUNE 2024


ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

DUST THE COBWEBS

OFF YOUR BIKE AND GET

PEDALLING DURING THE

SUMMER MONTHS

JUNE is when we celebrate our longest Last year, Sussex Blazing Saddles

days with UK Bike Week and UN World came to Newhaven and Bexhill and are

Bicycle Day. Both push the bicycle as an at Bexhill Museum from June 1 to 16 with

instrument of sustainable transportation. bike checks, exhibitions and a heritage

Events, activities, festivals, tours, charity ride.

rides and although they take place Bicycles often rest during winter and

throughout the year energy accelerates June gives us the chance to check their

during summer.

operation and see if we can remember

With 16 daylight hours on the longest how to balance. These events help

day and 208 hours during the month it’s novices to gain confidence and others

the best time to dust off that bike hiding develop to a different level.

away in the shed.

June is always the annual British Heart

The UN wisely choose June 3 in the Foundation 54-mile London to Brighton

Northern hemisphere for their World ride attracting 14,000 riders all for a

bicycle celebration as 90 per cent of the great cause.

planet’s roughly eight billion population This is just one of many similar charity

live here.

rides available, giving people a reason

Bexhill, Hastings and Eastbourne have to cycle with support from like-minded

hosted cycle festivals and BMX events people.

in the past and although Covid stalled Also, Davina’s Big Sussex Bike Ride

matters, Big Bike Revival started up by starting and finishing in Uckfield, riding

Cycling UK continues.

through the South Downs is another

East Sussex successfully hosted the favourite.

2014 Tour of Britain with the route Memories and a sense of achievement

travelling very fast through our towns are the riders’ reward along with

and villages.

knowing you are raising money for

CALLING ALL

FRUSTRATED DOG OWNERS

ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH TO WALK YOUR PUPPY?

HAS YOUR CUTE BUNDLE OF FLUFF TURNED INTO A

TEENAGE TROUBLEMAKER WHO IGNORES AND

EMBARRASSES YOU?

ARE YOU CONFUSED, LACKING

CONFIDENCE AND RUNNING OUT OF

TIME TO FIX YOUR DELINQUENT PUP?

THEN SIGN UP NOW FOR MY ‘TAME

YOUR TEENAGE TROUBLEMAKER’

TRAINING FOUR WEEK CLASSES.

Mondays at 7:30pm (evening class). Held at Pebsham Community

Hub, or Friday’s held at St Stephen’s church 1pm (daytime class).

“I found Harriet very approachable, and she explained things clearly,

I feel more confident and in control. The training answered all my

concerns. Thank you for providing a fun filled 4 weeks of knowledge and

reassurance.” Lisa and River

There’s only 4 spaces in every class, so every owner gets the personalised

help they need. My classes are very popular, so you need to apply for a

space visit: pawtasticgundogadventures.co.uk/teen-classes/

or scan the QR Code below.

charity.

Some individuals challenge themselves

and cycle between two distinct

destinations using the long daytime

hours to cover extra distances.

A favourite trip is the 874-mile Land’s

End to John O’ Groats trip taking ten to

14 days.

Summer has long fun stay outdoor

evenings and developing that confidence

to cycle is one of the best ways to enjoy

our coast and countryside. Find out who

your local cycle group is or where events

are in order to get involved.

The BMX jump image is about aiming

high but remaining grounded. Try and

find one of the many varied cycling

activities near to where you are to enjoy

the best month for cycling to start out.

Some may find an E-Bike the best first

step and next month will be about pedal

assistance and cycling law.

Happy cycling and make sure you get

out there and make the most of it rather

than kicking back and becoming a couch

potato.

BRING YOUR MEMORIES

BACK TO LIFE

Have you got hundreds of old family photo

35mm slides being left to rot in a box?

Don’t let the memories fade and relive the

photographs you’ve forgotten about and enjoy them

once again in digital format on your TV or computer

We can digitise your colour or black and white slides,

or negatives and convert them to high resolution

JPEGS for you to view and share with family

members

Collection and delivery service available.

Prices from only 45p per slide

depending on quantity. Minimum

charge £45.00. Collection and

Delivery service available.

Call 07970 245934

Photo credit: Margaret Hayles


Make time to visit Battle, a town

with so many hidden delights

ANYONE who has visited Battle, the

picturesque town in East Sussex,

will know it offers a cornucopia

of delights which are well worth

visiting.

Although much of the town is caught

in a bit of a time warp given its long

and illustrious history it has also

moved with the times to make a visit

extremely rewarding.

Take, for instance, Battle Abbey,

bang in the middle of town, which

remains a popular tourist attraction. It

may be Battle’s jewel in the crown but

there is a plethora of other delights to

appeal to visitors.

Chief among its appeal is the vast

array of independent shops selling an

array of different items both current

and antique, plus everything in

between. There are bargains galore to

be had.

But back in the day, the town had

a very different story to tell. Prior to

Revive & Rejuvenate

DISCOVER AESTHETIC BEAUTY AT

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aesthetics & trained in first response emergency care.

Our clinic is located in the High Street with plenty of

parking nearby as well as being near a train station &

bus services.

We offer many bespoke treatments from

antiwrinkle, eyebrow treatments, wellbeing,

beauty & Training.

Call us on 07515 459949

35 High Street, Battle, TN33 0EA

email: treatments@aestheticsthepinkroom.co.uk

1066, the area had been relatively

empty and unpopulated.

The town developed around its

abbey, which provided trade to

survive in an otherwise improbable

location for a new town.

Battle still retains some fine

examples of Medieval domestic

architecture, including the Wealdenstyle

hall-houses in Upper Lake,

Pilgrim’s Rest and others in the High

Street.

Battle also had reputation for the

developing quality gunpowder.

The first recorded gunpowder mill

in the town was constructed in 1676

when John Hammond was granted

permission to build a mill on land

owned by the abbey.

A gunpowder works was located in

Powdermill Lane, the remains were

eventually turned into a hotel.

In 1722, Daniel Defoe, whose wellknown

books include Moll Flanders

and Robinson Crusoe, described the

town as being “remarkable for little,

but renowned for making the finest

gun-powder, and the best perhaps in

Europe”.

The Duke of Cleveland declined

renewing the licence in 1874 after

many mishaps and accidents,

including one occasion in 1798 when

more than 15 tons of gunpowder

were left in the oven for too long and

exploded.

Battle Bonfire Boyes is said to be the

oldest of the Sussex Bonfire Societies

and also to have the oldest effigy of

Guy Fawkes, which is now in Battle

Museum.

Fortunately, Battle mostly escaped

the conflict during the Second World

War, although some bombs and

incendiary devices did fall in the area,

most notably on February 2 1943

when three bombs were dropped on

the town.

Two failed to explode, but one did

detonate, destroying two shops and

killing two residents.

Fast forward to current times,

however, and Battle is thriving once

more and bearing in mind its easy

access via either road or rail, it really is

worth taking a trip to enjoy its hidden

delights and fascinating history.

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20 ADVERTORIAL

JUNE 2024


BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN

COUNCIL UPDATE

Councillors from both Rother and

Wealden.

The first engagement for Cllr Wilson

was to the Bexhill Choral societies

Vivaldi - Gloria event on Saturday 18th

May at St Peters Church in Bexhill

There were 2 soloists, Caroline

Charnick and Rebecca Hughes

who were excellently supported by

the Sussex Concert Orchestra. All

were very well led by the conductor

Kenneth Roberts

Cllr Wilson said, “This being my first

engagement as The Mayor of Bexhill

On Sea I was thoroughly entrained as

was the packed church audience.”

Bexhill Choral society have other

events during the year and I would

recommend joining them. www.

bexhillchoral.org.uk

Cllr Andrew Crotty reports that he

has been contacted by residents in

Western Road, who are complaining

about the 4.40am deliveries in a

residential area. Also, he is sorry to

see that Clinton Cards is shutting in

August.

Paul Wilson and Memish Huseyin

NEW MAYOR AND

DEPUTY FOR 2024-25

PAUL Wilson, councillor for

Collington Ward, has been

appointed as this years’ Mayor and

Cllr Memish Huseyin, councillor

for Old Town Ward, has been

appointed as Deputy Mayor. If you

wish to book the Mayor or Deputy

to attend one of your community

events, please see our website for

more information.

Cllr Nigel Jacklin attended a meeting

at Great Dixter of Parish and Town

Councillors convened by MP Huw

Merriman. Dixter CEO and head

gardener Fergus Garrett gave a talk

on biodiversity and showed how

gardens can support an immense

range of insects. He also spoke about

municipal gardening identifying

different types of locations using

the Bexhill Wild Domesday Project

supported by the Town Council and

a ‘mosaic’ approach to fostering

biodiversity through provision of

a range of habitats. The talk was

well attended and appreciated by

BEXHILL WILD DOMESDAY

PROJECT – GALLEY

HILL UPDATE

THE town council has written to

Central Government requesting the

extension of the SSSI from Combe

Valley to cover Galley Hill in line

with government guidance.

SSSI stands for Site of Special

Scientific Interest. These are

protected areas in the United

Kingdom designated for conservation

due to their unique or significant

natural features.

The primary goal of SSSIs is to

safeguard and manage the best

examples of the country’s flora, fauna,

geological or physiographical features.

The designation helps ensure the

long-term preservation of these sites

by controlling activities that might

damage or degrade their special

qualities.

SSSIs are essential for maintaining

biodiversity and supporting scientific

research and education.

Known Rare Bees mining at Galley

Hill requiring urgent conservation

status: Early Colletes (Colletes

cunicularius) Grey-backed Mining Bee

(Andrena vaga). This was previously

thought to be extinct in Britain.

Other bees mining the cliffs:

Gwynne’s Mining Bee (Andrena

bicolor). Yellow-legged Mining Bee

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

(Andrena flavipes). Cliff Mining Bee

(Andrena thoracica) (local cliffs are

only last refuge of this bee in Sussex).

Hairy-footed Flower Bee (Anthophora

plumipes). Silvery Leafcutter Bee

(Megachile leachella). The Mourning

Cleptoparasitic bee (Melecta albifrons).

Spined Mason Bee (Osmia spinulosa).

Buffish Mining Bee (Andrena

nigroaenea). Trimmer’s Mining Bee

(Andrena trimmerana). Hairy Yellowface

Bee (Hylaeus hyalinatus).

The secret of Galley Hill is that

although its cliffs are generally barren

in their upper and mid-sections

apart from the foreign incursive but

usefully rock-binding Hottentot Fig

(Carboprotus edulis), the lower levels

contain many plants sought out by

bees and the whole of the top of Galley

Hill is a clover-rich lawn of good moist

grass for many months with many

flowers.

PUBLIC CONVENIENCE

UPDATES

The council continues to demand the

freehold of the public toilet facilities

in Bexhill and Rother District Council

continue to deny this due to their

policy on the subject therefore most

of the sites remain closed. Devonshire

Square toilet facilities are owned by

Network Rail and the town council

is in the process of negotiating a

10-year lease for the cleaning and

maintenance of this site. Over the

bank holiday week, we experienced

severe vandalism which led to the

toilets being closed in the square. The

current cleaning contractor refused

to deal with the level of abuse of

these facilities had suffered which

has led to the return of the cleaning

and maintenance to Rother District

Council, paid for by the town council,

until further decisions are made. The

town council is hugely disappointed

that individuals consistently damage

our local toilet facilities and appeal to

anyone that witnesses this behaviour

to report to the police immediately.

FUTURE MEETING DATES

Amenities Committee: 5th June.

Planning and Development

Committee: 12th and 26th June.

Finance and Audit Committee:

12th June.

Full Council: 26th June.

We are currently holding our council

meetings at the Bexhill Senior

Citizens Club on Eversley Road.

Meetings are subject to change, so

please check our website for more

information.

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

BEXHILL-ON-SEA Town COUNCIL

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

OPEN: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am-12pm, and 12:30pm-2:30pm

CONTACT: town.clerk@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk • www.bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk


FIVE MINUTES WITH…

JACQUELINE

FARRINGTON OF

VINTAGE AT 25

With the reinvention of the vinyl

record, we speak to Jacqueline

Farrington from Vintage at 25 to

find out what this new era means for

her business…

How long have you lived in the area?

I moved to Bexhill in August 1987, on that day

the Red Arrows did a flypast and I thought to

myself what a wonderful welcome. The town

was quaint with an old-fashioned politeness

to it (everyone saying “Good Morning”). It has

changed but I still love living here.

What is it you love about Bexhill?

It is a small town with its own unique character.

We have very few multi-national companies but

a multitude of independent small businesses

with their own identities. We have a fantastic

promenade with plenty of seating for people

to sit and enjoy the fresh sea air, plus the

restoration by Bexhill Heritage of the shelters

are a particular favourite of mine. I am fortunate

to have a sea view from my home and could not

imagine moving away.

What do you think needs Improving in Bexhill?

We need more promotion of the town, people

nationally and internationally need to know

about its unique qualities. We have the fantastic

De La Warr Pavilion with a wide variety of

international artists, but the town needs more.

Events such as the car show at the Polegrove

draw a multitude of visitors into the town, so

increase the number of attractions and the more

people will visit. We also need to promote more

than just the main street in Bexhill, many of the

small businesses, particularly on the outskirts, of

town are struggling with the lack of footfall

.

How do you visualise Bexhill in ten years’ time?

I hope it is a cosmopolitan, vibrant and

happy place to live with no potholes and flat

pavements.

Tell us about your business

Vintage at 25 is a vintage shop in Sea Road. The

Jacqueline Farrington

shop has been trading for approximately five

years and sells all manner of goods, the more

unusual the better. Everything we retail has

been loved before. If you are looking for lighting,

ceramics, tools, ephemera, toys and jewellery

then we are the shop for you. Pop in and

uncover the unique item you require for your

home or as a gift for a friend or relative.

Vintage at 25, 25 Sea Rd, Bexhill-on-Sea TN40 1EE

Telephone: 07977 754371

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22 REGULARS

JUNE 2024


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LIFETIME MORTGAGES IN

THE CURRENT MARKET

LOCAL advisor Tracy Ellis-Fuller advises people who are

retired, approaching retirement or over 55 and who need to

raise finance for a number of reasons. A Lifetime Mortgage can

provide a safe and welcome solution.

WHY MIGHT I CONSIDER A

LIFETIME MORTGAGE?

A Lifetime mortgage may be a suitable option to repay a

mortgage, fund home improvements, gift to family or to

supplement income. The current cost of living is a concern for

many and utilising one’s property to release funds is an option

particularly for people on fixed incomes.

BACK TO BASICS

With some plans no interest is paid and the interest “rolls up”

over the lifetime of the plan. Many plans allow interest to be

paid on a regular or ad hoc basis which enables clients to raise

the capital they need without the longer-term costs they have

potentially been worried about. It is usual for a plan to be

repaid from the sale proceeds of the property When the (last)

client dies or goes into long-term care.

DO CURRENT INTEREST RATES MAKE

LIFETIME MORTGAGES LESS ATTRACTIVE?

Regardless of the economy people may have a need for finance.

Many Schemes allow for an initial advance (typically from

£10,000) plus a reserve Facility that can be drawn on as and

when needed. The advantage of this type of scheme is that

interest is charged at the prevailing rate when the funds are

drawn. Depending on the reason and the urgency for the funds

it is therefore possible to monitor interest rates and opt to draw

down funds when rates are at a level you feel comfortable with.

Tracy Ellis-Fuller

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO

PEOPLE CONSIDERING A

LIFETIME MORTGAGE?

I feel it is important to think carefully

about why you are looking at later Life

lending and about the amount of money

needed. I am a great advocate of later

life lending and lifetime mortgages, as

I have seen people’s lives change when

financial pressures are relieved, however

as it is a transaction that may last a

lifetime careful consideration and good

advice from a specialist is needed before

embarking on an application.

Call me on 07710 494423 or visit

www.tracyellisfuller.co.uk

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24 NEWS

JUNE 2024



SUPPORTING FAMILIES

LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

MINDFUL Oak Sussex is a newly formed CIC (Community

Interest Company) supporting families in East Sussex living

with Dementia.

Along with professionally trained staff and a team of

enthusiastic volunteers; founder, Samantha Keylock, is

delighted to offer three groups for people with memory

problems, to attend together with a family member or care

partner, to enable them to create some precious moments

together.

The Memory Moments Cafés in Horam (Mondays 2.30pm-

4.30pm) and Bexhill (Thursdays 9.30am-12.30pm) bring local

people together to create a network of support, to help one

another navigate the challenges of living with Dementia.

Sam explains: “We provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive

environment where new friendships are made, while we share

meaningful moments and enjoy music, song, games, creative

activities, a little laughter and of course tasty refreshments

and cake.”

BexhillClassifieds

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TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN

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SERVICES

The Woodland Moments group in

Hailsham (Mondays 10.00am-12.30pm)

is a very unique offering. Beside a

beautiful, tranquil glade at the heart of

Bushy Wood Activity Centre you will find

a covered area where the Woodlands

group members meet to start their week

in the best way possible — connecting

with nature, enjoying the visiting wildlife,

listening to birdsong, all while engaging in

woodcrafts and seasonal activities.

Passionate about supporting families to

live life to the full, Sam shares that “The

group enjoys being creative. We always

offer a variety of activities for people to

participate in to promote independence

and choice.

Activities have recently included making

Roman baskets, bird tables, fruit chutneys

and a willow dome. We also arrange visits

from local musicians and craftsmen &

women, to share their talents. The site

is accessible, even for those with some

mobility issues. There’s onsite parking and

toilet facilities. We also have access to a

lodge on standby, so we’re prepared for

the unpredictable British weather. It really

is a wonderful way to start a new week

and we’d love to welcome new members

to the group to enjoy the benefits and

share our special place.”

Email: mindfuloaksussex@outlook.com

or call 07453 917399.

BOOK YOUR LISTING


WANTED

1 OR 2 BED

APARTMENT OR HOUSE

WANTED FOR RENT

FOR MATURE SINGLE

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QUIET OR RURAL AREA.

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Tel: 07902 543073

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Call 07780 929684

Weekly Community Groups for

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BEXHILL HAILSHAM HORAM

Memory Moments

Café - BEXHILL

Every Thursday

9.30am - 12.30pm

St. Michael’s Church Hall,

Bexhill. TN40 2NY

A weekly café with tasty refreshments and a warm

welcome, offering a varied programme of activities, music,

games and entertainment. Supporting people with

dementia and their care partners

Contact us for details or just come along and join the fun.

£3

per person

07453 917399

mindfuloaksussex@outlook.com

Registered CIC no. 15600332

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

BJS DISTRIBUTION STORAGE AND COURIERS LTD

of

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is applying for a licence to use

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as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle and 1 trailers.

Owners or occupiers of land (including Buildings) near the

operating centre(s), who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be

affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest

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Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant

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from the Traffic Commissioners office.


OPINION with Kim Mayo

BURPS AND SLURPS EPITOMISE GHASTLY TV…

BUT THERE IS AN UNLIKELY SAVIOUR

THE latest series of hit television show

Britain’s Got Talent managed to plunge

new depths when a woman burped her

accompaniment to a backing track and

was unbelievably voted through to the

next round of the competition.

During a commercial break, viewers

were then “treated” to an advert for a

certain instant noodle product where the

protagonist loudly slurped the featured

product with considerable relish, thus

ensuring that the Mayo household would

never again buy it during the weekly shop.

Clearly those responsible have seen the

error of their ways because the slurping

has now been replaced by a weird

concoction of sounds and thank God for

that.

Terrestrial television has now sunk

to such a low ebb that it is virtually

impossible to find anything decent to

watch on any given evening. Crass TV

rules the roost with the likes of Simon

Cowell and his crew of fellow judges who

are seen as modern-day deities.

Well, count me out when it comes to

most reality programmes but there is light

at the end of an extremely dark tunnel

and it comes in the unlikely form of the

utterly delightful Amazon Prime series

Clarkson’s Farm.

Jeremy Clarkson is a man reborn after

the unedifying end of his tenure as the

leader of the pack in the BBC’s Top Gear.

Since his departure along with co-hosts

James May and Richard Hammond after

a rose wine fuelled Clarkson whacked a

member of the production team in a row

over a lack of suitable food after a long

day’s filming, the programme went into

startling decline before one of its new

presenters, Andrew Flintoff, suffered

terrible facial injuries in a high-speed

crash.

But even before that it was on its last

legs as firstly Chris Evans and then Paddy

McGuiness made a right pig’s ear of it. Top

Gear is now on hiatus, hopefully never to

return.

Talking of pigs, they feature prominently

in the third series of Clarkson’s

Farm which proved to be even more

entertaining than the first two, which is

quite some achievement.

The usual cast of disparate characters

are still firmly in place with newlyappointed

farm manager Kaleb Cooper,

land agent “Cheerful” Charlie Ireland,

“head of security” Gerald, and Clarkson’s

partner Lisa, who clearly has the patience

of a saint.

It is the perfect mix of pathos and

humour, the former when several of

the newly-born piglets die and Gerald is

diagnosed with cancer. Viewers were also

horrified when it appeared, in a sleight

of hand, that the farm’s beloved yet

seemingly infertile pet cow Pepper had

been dispatched to the slaughterhouse.

Then, in a fantastic interlude Kaleb

and Charlie were sent to Downing Street

to attend a farmers’ convention hosted

by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Kaleb

immediately blotted his copybook by

hammering on the door of Number Ten

only to be berated by a flunkey and told

in no uncertain terms that he would be

evicted from the hallowed premises if he

ever had the temerity to do so again.

He was eventually escorted to meet

Mr Sunak whom he referred to as Ricky

before telling the startled PM that he had

“beautiful hair”. Pure comedy gold.

But it is the farm, Diddly Squat, which

remains the epicentre of the action. Amid

the chaos and financial woes, it is all

held together by the enduring spirit and

hard work of all those involved, including

Clarkson himself.

He gamely carried on despite being

headbutted in an extremely sensitive area

by one of his newly-acquired goats and

then came up with a hare-brained scheme

to harvest blackberries using a Hoover.

Harvest acquired he proceeded to make

jam only to be told by Charlie that he

couldn’t sell it in the farm shop because

it hadn’t been subjected to the necessary

health and safety checks.

With the crops failing to live up to

expectations due to adverse weather

conditions, matters were looking bleak

but once again the team rallied against

the odds and you found yourself rooting

for them to succeed. They did in a manner

of sorts.

As they looked for alternative means of

income, different crops were planted and

Clarkson also opted to bring previously

unused woodland into use, with his young

group of porkers given free rein to enjoy

themselves while also helping to clear

some of the overgrown areas of the farm.

With the diminished crops harvested,

Clarkson opted to make his own mustard

to add to his revenue stream. Much

huffing and puffing ensued in the kitchen

with the man himself resplendent in a

blue hair net but, predictably, it all went

a bit wrong.

In typically schoolboy fashion it was

christened Jeremy’s Hot Seed and by all

accounts tasted divine but the quantity

produced was miniscule, even more so

when he forgot to open the lid of the

pepper cracker and most of the harvested

crop ended up on the floor.

But that is the beauty of the

programme… it shows farming warts

and all from trials and tribulations to the

triumphs, even though they may be few

and far between.

In a final albeit somewhat predictable

twist we then discovered that the

adorable Pepper was not in cow

heaven but still very much with us with

alternative accommodation. Not only that

but she had also given birth to a calf.

That is the appeal of television

series such as this. They really can be

informative, sad, touching and funny.

Most TV executives and programmers

are totally devoid of ideas, seemingly

ignoring the fact that good quality

entertainment is the name of the game.

In contrast, Jeremy Clarkson is a

television natural, whatever you may

think of him as an individual. How the

BBC must regret their parting of the

ways.

01424 442277

info@tivoliautoservices.co.uk

tivoliautoservices.co.uk

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26 SPORT

JUNE 2024


Wedding bells toll for BRT Club

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

BY JACKIE KNIGHT

BRT runners joined runaway

bride Charlotte Elliott and dashing

groom William Carey for a prewedding

Parkrun at Bedgebury.

The Bexhill Runners and Triathletes

Club wished the couple a “happy

marriage” in a union of two excellent

runners.

Barry Ingram, Mental Health

Awareness at Hastings Half Marathon

May was Mental Health Awareness

month — and everyone’s mental

health is just as important as their

physical health. Barry Ingram raised

awareness and also over £400 for the

Mind charity with a magnificent time

of 2:15:36 in the Hastings Marathon.

Jason Earle-Henson enjoyed an

incredible experience at the Burghley

House Sprint Triathlon as he recorded

an overall gun time of 01:27:06. This

event offered a scenic and challenging

swim in Burghley’s Great Lake and

a closed road bike course. Earle-

Henson’s impressive split results gave

him exceptional personal bests as he

raced round in 10min.58sec for the

swim (750m), 44:17 on the bike (20km)

and then 26:52 for the run (5km).

Jason Earle-Henson at

Burghley House Tri-athlon

Ellie Docksey completed her first

Try-a-Tri at East Grinstead Triathlon

under challenging racing conditions

in the scorching heat with her sister

Molly Docksey. Highly impressive

times were achieved by Ellie — swim

05:50, bike 39:22 and run 16:17. Molly

recorded swim 05:57, bike 39:23 and

run 16:17. Huge congratulations go to

both on their first Tri.

Ellie Docksey and Mollie Docksey

at East Grinstead Tri-athlon

BRT ultra-runner Sharon Dickson

was a force to reckon with when

competing in the SILVA Lakes

Traverse – an 100km ultra race that

follows Wainwright’s coast to coast

route. This event was made even

more memorable as she battled Storm

Kathleen whilst crossing the Lake

District fells in a time of 20hr 45min

30sec.

Andrea Harwood, Centurion

North Downs Way 50

There was another incredible show

of determination and strength by

Andrea Harwood in the Centurion

Ultra North Downs Way 50. She

finished sixth woman in a stunning

time of 08:54:15 after her 50-mile run

along the North Downs Way National

Trail from Farnham in Surrey to

Knockholt Pound on the outskirts of

London.

Mike Pain embraced the aweinspiring

coastal Seaford 10k as he

ran amidst the beauty of the South

Downs to finish with a fabulous PB of

41:31:00. Dagmara Ginter entered a

unique event on the beaches of Thanet

in Kent. There was no stopping her

as she raced the 10 bays around the

coast to beat the tide. Running on the

sand, across rocks, in and out of the

bays, she finally ending her 15 miles

in a fabulous PB of 02:56:17. This was

then followed by the Big Way Round,

successfully smashing 19 miles in a

fantastic time of 3:53:01.

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

Sailors beat

the weather to

decide series

BEXHILL Sailing Club members will

not let frustrating weekend weather

get them down — hence they were

able to finish the Saturday Series

and start the Early May Short Series

with respectable fleets.

Firstly, the Saturday series saw the

Cats out with Tony Lane and Eitain

leading in Davao Baldwin and Wendy

Watkins (both Dart 16As).

It was former commodores Michael

Copeman and Nikki Palmer (RS400),

who led Tony Witham (Supernova)

and Richard Eagleton, unusually

sailing an Aero, in the Fast Fleet.

The Slow Fleet again saw a Europe

win, helmed by Richard Bratton,

from Malcolm Brookes (Comet) and

Neil Smith (Byte). Matt Jones took the

novice honours.

Two races took place in the May

Short Series, and with conditions

changing most of the fleet hotly

contested the first, less so the second.

Rs400s contested the Asymmetric

race, allowing them to fly their

spinnakers effectively, and again

it was the former commodores of

Copeman and Palmer winning ahead

of Dusty Miller and Andy Bullen.

Laser Radials were out in force in the

Fast Fleet, Bob Palmer took first from

former cadet Logan Adams, Hanna

Bolton, and Chris Burchell. Impressive

finishes for the younger sailors.

In the Slow Fleet, a variety of

dinghies challenged but it was the

Comet of Steve Boniface on his first

time out this season who won. He was

followed by Neil Smith’s Byte, Miles

Coote and Steve Roberts’ Miracle and

Dave Kerr’s Lightning. Again, Jones

represented the Novices.

In race two, it was Dusty’s RS400

which mastered the course, Bob

Palmer in a Laser Radial taking the

Fast Fleet lead, and Neil Smith’s Aero

the Slow Fleet.

The Easter Egg series final results

are out, and Flo and Abigail were first

ahead of Ken Edwards and crew in the

Cats.

Logan Adams, maintaining family

tradition, was first in the Fast Fleet,

ahead of Rick Parker and Bob Palmer

(all Lasers). The novice win went to

Matt Jones. Slow Fleet had Richard

Eagleton (Europe) first followed by

Hanna Bolton (Laser 4.7) then Richard

Bratton (Europe).

The Early May Short series results

had Asymmetric Dusty Miller and

Andy Bullen (RS400) ahead of Nikki

Palmer and Mike Copeman in a

similar craft, whilst Bob Palmer led the

Fast Fleet ahead of Logan Adams and

Hanna Bolton (Lasers).

The Slow Fleet was won by Neil

Smith, having moved on from a

Europe to his Byte dinghy, ahead of

Steve Boniface’s Comet and a Miracle

of Miles Coote and Steve Evans.

The club had an interesting fleet of

RS400s on May 12, with Bob Palmer

helming his daughter’s boat with Mike

Copeman, for the win ahead of Miller

and Bullen, followed by Darren Good,

Rear Commodore, and Logan Adams

in third.

The late May half-term had cadets

at sailing camp. Our trainee sailors

will be tuning up to start the weekend

course on June 8. There may be

still some space on the course so, if

interested, contact the club asap. The

club will host the Federation Cup on

July 7 against five invited South Coast

clubs.

Title glory for Little Common youngsters

LITTLE Common Under-18s

celebrated claiming the Southern

Combination League East Division

title following a goalless draw at

home to closest rivals Peacehaven.

But their Champions of Champions

play-off with Worthing United was

postponed and is now unlikely to be

played after an appeal in the North

division which could affect who

claims the title.

The Linda Freeman memorial

match featuring past and present

Common players raised £1,410 for St

Michael’s Hospice, Crohn’s Disease

and Colitis UK.

Common held their end of

season presentation evening with

Josh Turner taking the Players’

Player award and Adam Smith the

Manager’s Player trophy.

Goal of the Season: Sam Ellis.

Sponsor’s Man of the Match Award:

Paul Feakins. U23 Players’ Player:

Under-18 East Division winners

Archie Warmington. U23 Manager’s

Player: Jacob McArthur. Goal of

the Season: Frankie Manning.

Under 18 Players’ Player: Kieran

Ludlow. Under 18 Manager’s Player:

Jack Thoms. Parents’ Player: Ford

Robertshaw. Ken & Margaret Cherry

Memorial Award: Lewis Hole.

Presentations were also made to

Lewis Parsons to mark his retirement

along with various volunteers to

thank them for their support during

the season.

Bexhill United’s Joe Skinner picked

up a hat-trick of awards at their end

Little Common award winners

of season bash.

Skinner was voted Supporters’

Player, Players’ Player and also

Manager’s Player of the Season.

Teenage goalkeeper Alex Hobden

was chosen as the Committee’s

Player of the Season and also picked

up the Young Player trophy.

Expert

dementia

care

Guided by the latest academic

evidence, our dementia specialists

support each resident to live every

day to the full.

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

JUNE 2024


Sport

Close calls at

Bexhill boxing show

Bexhill United

in hunt for

new manager

Hard hitting action from the Bexhill ABC show

MIKE LEGG

PHOTOS: ADAM HATCHER/

INSTAGRAM: ADZ83

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

MIKE LEGG

PHOTOS: JOE KNIGHT

BEXHILL United have begun the

search for a new manager after the

shock resignation of John Wright.

Wright, and first team coach Shane

Lovell, quit the Pirates last Thursday

(May 23) after one season in charge of

the Southern Combination Football

League premier division club.

The Polegrove club announced the

news in a short statement on X.

The statement read: “It is with

sadness Bexhill United Football

Club have accepted the resignation

of Manager John Wright and Coach

Shane Lovell with immediate effect.

“The club would like to thank John

and Shane for their efforts during the

past year and wish them both well for

the future.”

Wright and Lovell took over the

helm last August after Ryan Light

stepped down at the end of the season.

Chairman Graham Cox showed

faith in the partnership after they had

proven their credentials by enjoying

great success with the club’s under-

18s and under-23 sides.

Despite it being their first job in

senior management, Wright bullishly

set his sights on a title challenge, but

the Pirates ultimately had a season

fighting at the other end of the table,

finishing two places above the one

relegation spot.

Injuries and unavailability, as well

as the loss of experienced key players

including skipper Tom Vickers,

hampered Wright’s ability to field

anywhere near his strongest side.

Although no reason has been given

for their decision to step away, Lovell

posted a thank you message to the

club on X hinting that the pair had left

as they would not been able build the

squad they wanted this season.

He wrote: “Sadly and reluctantly

after four years my time at Bexhill

has come to an end. From the U18s,

23s, and first team level, it’s been a

ride with the highs of winning the

U18 league title whilst unbeaten and

then being crowned champions of

champions, to winning an FA Cup

game for the first time in the club’s

history last season.

“Last season was incredibly difficult

with an incredible amount of injuries

and unavailability but really looked

forward to the push this season

with the squad we were looking to

build to challenge at the other end of

the league. But that’s life and that’s

certainly football.”

Lovell also thanked the players,

former boss Light for giving him his

chance, the fans and his “partner in

crime and sidekick” Wright before

signing off by saying: “Gutted it’s had

to end but I look forward to the next

chapter.”

United are inviting applications

for the roles by June 1 to

management@bexhillunited.com

THERE were some cracking bouts

and close decisions as Bexhill

Amateur Boxing Club hosted their

annual show.

Twelve club boxers were matched

at Pebsham Community Hub on

a packed 15-bout card — and the

home boxers and their hard-working

volunteer coaches served up a treat

for family and friends in the crowd.

Will Driver performed excellently

in his first skills belt, utilising his

jab and footwork well to control

opponent Oliver Hatchard

(Brentwood) as the mandatory draw

was recorded.

Junior Seb Mitchell (51kg) was

up next, he had a close bout with

Lenny Neaster from Brentwood and

suffered a narrow split-decision loss.

Junior Fraser Stephenson (66kg)

got Bexhill off to winning ways,

boxing out of his skin and stopping

Charlie Dunford (Lord Mountbatten)

in the third round with some great

backhands.

Youth Max Spillane (58kg) won by

decision, outboxing his opponent

Ollie Leeds (Brighton) in the first

round and nearly stopping him.

Leeds came back strongly in the next

two rounds - but Spillane was the

clear victor at the final bell.

Sonny Studley (65kg) had a cracking

fight with Frank Bebb (Punchout

Boxing Academy). The crowd really

got excited for this one as they both

left it all in the ring, but it was Bebb

who had his arm raised for victory.

In other youth clashes, home

fighter Callum Herod (66kg) boxed

superbly to win every round and

Bexhill ABC boxers and coaches

take the decision over Ben Clements

(White Cliffs).

And Callum Aling (68kg) boxed

superbly in his first round and clearly

won it, but opponent Celestino

Precilla (Don Davis Boxing Academy)

was strong and recovered to take the

decision.

In the senior action, there is scope

for a trilogy after Adam Excell (64kg)

lost a decision in his rematch with

Brighton’s George Brown. Excell had

previously beaten Brown, who was

desperate for revenge and working

extremely hard in the second and

third rounds to edge out the home

favourite.

Terry Davies (58kg) had an

excellent bout in which he really

showcased his skill and ability

against Matthew Moore (Don Davis

BA).

He slipped and rolled his

opponent’s shots then unleashed

when he had his opponent in prime

position. His second round was one

of the best Pebsham Hall has seen.

His opponent came back strong

in the third round and although it

seemed like Davies had done enough

at the end of the bout having picked

up rounds one and two, it was

Moore’s hand that was raised on a

split decision.

Archie Newington (75kg) was really

unlucky to not claim the win in his

first ever bout. It seemed to everyone

in the crowd that he had done the

better work in rounds one and three

against Kokhulan Ramanathen

(Surbiton), but it was his opponent

that took the split decision.

Louis Crouch (72kg) also enjoyed

a great bout with Surbiton’s Remi

Owen. After a remarkably close

opening round, Crouch really

showed his skill in the second

as he used his jab and one-two

combinations to clearly take it. His

opponent, knowing it was all on the

line going into the final round, came

out strong and was the busier fighter

as he sneaked a narrow decision.

Alfie James (80kg) was unlucky

to not take the decision in the

penultimate bout of the night after a

war with the tall rangy Crawley boxer

Michael Georgiev.

Aaron Davies (69kg) won a split

decision in the final bout of the

night, edging out the very skillful

Brighton boxer Roland Johan.

Aaron clearly won round one, his

opponent adapted well but it was the

home favourite’s boxing that shone

through at the end to win the bout.

Bexhill News June 2024 Issue 24

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