Bexhill News March 2024 Issue 21

MARCH 2024 | ISSUE 21

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT

INJURED CAT PLEA PAGE 3 MEN’S SHED NEEDS NEW HOME PAGE 7

BANDS RELEASE ALBUMS PAGE 10

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14 Wainwright Close,

Saint Leonards-on-Sea, TN38 9PP

FORMER SECOND WORLD WAR RAF PILOT

CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY — SEE PAGE 14

2 NEWS

MARCH 2024

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News

EDITOR’S

WELCOME

SOMETIMES in life you meet

quite incredible people and that

certainly applies to Roy Oldcorn, a

former RAF flight sergeant.

Roy, who lives in Bexhill, celebrated

his 100th birthday on February 22 at the Albatross

Club in the town.

During the winter of 1944/45 Roy, then aged

just 20, was the pilot of a Lancaster Bomber and

involved in “Operation Manna”.

Operation Manna was initiated to fly tonnes of

food in heavy bombers and drop it to the starving

Dutch in the occupied areas.

Roy flew several sorties to the area of Rotterdam

where he had to pilot his Lancaster at 300 feet and

as slowly as possible by lowering the undercarriage

and flaps to be able to drop the food to the people

below.

In recognition of his involvement in these

operations, the Dutch Military Attaché, Captain

Gerrit Nijenhuis from the Netherlands embassy in

London attended the party to present Roy with a

“Thank You Liberator” medal on behalf of the Dutch

nation.

It was touching to see so many people gathered to

celebrate a brave and remarkable man. Roy, we all

salute you.

This month, Bexhill News has also focused on two

bands with strong connections to the town, with

both having released new albums in recent weeks.

Oliver Cherer and Del Querns are the co-owners

of the Music’s Not Dead record shop in the foyer of

the De La Warr Pavilion, but are also key members

of local bands Aircooled and the Office For Personal

Development (OPD) respectively.

Bexhill’s music scene continues to flourish and

having listened to both albums on repeat, we can

confirm that both are excellent and deserve the

success that will undoubtedly come their way.

The Aircooled album, entitled Eat the Gold, and

the Office For Personal Development’s debut, Doing.

Is.Thinking are out now. Check them out.

Kim Mayo, Editor

AMNESTY TO HELP

RECOVER MISSING

LIBRARY BOOKS

EACH year thousands of library books are

not returned and as a result an amnesty

has been launched to reclaim them.

Libraries remain a valuable resource for users

but missing books for whatever reason have

a hugely negative impact, as books which are

unaccounted for or have to be replaced at some

point.

Therefore, residents are being urged to check

their homes for overdue books as the East Sussex

Library Service launches its annual amnesty.

The libraries’ popularity is underlined by the

fact that more than one million books were taken

out on loan last year but unfortunately a large

number have not been returned.

However, in a bid to recover the missing books,

East Sussex Library Service is waiving fines until

the end of March.

Classic novels by the likes of Virginia Woolf and

Oscar Wilde, as well as non-fiction books by Mary

Berry and Professor Brian Cox, are among the

missing titles.

There are also a surfeit of children’s books

missing, including by popular authors such as

David Walliams and Jacqueline Wilson.

East Sussex County Councillor Claire Dowling,

responsible for libraries, is hoping the amnesty

will lead to the missing or unaccountable books

being returned so that others can benefit from

them being back on the shelves where they

belong.

She said: “Our previous amnesty led to the

return of hundreds of books, including one due

back in 1975!

“We fervently hope that we will enjoy a similar

level of success this year when it comes to

returning books which have been unaccounted for.

“Every year thousands of books fail to make

it back to us, meaning others miss out on the

chance to borrow the missing books.

“We would be grateful if people could take

this opportunity to check their book shelves and

bedside tables and return any library books they

find without receiving a fine.”

Books can be returned to any East Sussex

library during opening hours. Alternatively,

most libraries have drop boxes for out-of-hours

returns.

Details of East Sussex libraries, information

about renewing library books and access

to online library services can be found at

www.eastsussex.gove.uk/libraries

THE TEAM

PAUL GIBSON – GROUP EDITOR

paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

KIM MAYO – REGIONAL EDITOR

kim@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

HSIN-YI LO – REGIONAL EDITOR

hsinyilo@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

LYLE ACOTT – ADVERTISING SALES

sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS

viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER

sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

DEAN COOK – DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

READ ME, SHARE ME,

THEN RECYCLE ME!

Bexhill News is a publication by Regional Media Group

Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales number:

13746177. We have taken care to ensure that the information

in this newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher, nor

contributors can take responsibility for loss or damage

resulting from errors or omissions. Bexhill News does not

endorse the accuracy of the advertisements or the quality of

the products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and community

organisations are provided directly by their own

representatives; please direct any queries or comments

regarding content directly to the organisation. Any opinion

or views expressed within this publication are solely those

of the author. © 2024: No part of this newspaper may be

reproduced in part or whole without express permission of

the editor.

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.

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For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News MARCH 2024 NEWS 3

BADLY INJURED CAT MAKING STEADY

RECOVERY THANKS TO KIND DONATIONS

NovaaStorm’s post-operation rest

A

CROWD-FUNDING page has been set up

to raise funds for vet bills after a beloved

cat was severely injured after being hit

by a car.

Bexhill resident Josh Atkinson is the owner

of cute moggy NovaaStorm, who sadly had to

have one of his legs amputated as a result of the

accident.

Josh said: “I’m the owner of NovaaStorm and

my young man was clipped by a speeding car. He

managed to make his way home where we found

him soaked in blood.

“He was whisked up to the emergency vets

where it was confirmed he would need specialist

treatment and that he would need to have one of

his legs amputated.”

On February 20 Josh provided an update

which stated: “He suffered large bruising and

multiple fractures to his tibia. But

there was also an open wound

fracture which sadly requires

amputation.

However, a day later

NovaaStorm was able to

return home with Josh

adding: “NovaaStorm

is now back home! His

appetite is lacking but

the amputation has

been successful. We

are now in the healing

process.

“The total cost thus far

currently stands at £3,500

for the emergency vets and the

amputation. I want to thank every

single one of you who have donated.”

Josh added that his beloved moggy is

“progressing slowly” after his terrifying ordeal

and the pain he has had to endure.

He said: “At times he can be a bit of a nuisance

because he is refusing to eat unless he is hand

fed. Giving him medicine is still ongoing which is

causing a lot of drowsiness and plenty of sleeping.

“There are several more visits to the vets ahead

to check on his progress but fortunately he is

getting there slowly. However, it is clear that the

road to recovery looks like being a long one.”

As it stands NovaaStorm needs to be

administered painkillers three times a day as well

as antibiotics twice a day.

He is also being treated with

antibiotics to combat any

potential additional infection

and anti-inflammatory

medication.

While in recovery

NovaaStorm is also

having to wear a

surgical cone and

there is plenty of work

to be done to help

him relearn how to

walk and get back into

a normal routine like the

one he enjoyed prior to the

accident.

Josh is providing regular updates

on his GoFundMe page to keep those

who have donated briefed on his progress.

However, the injuries sustained by NovaaStorm

underline the need for motorists to take far more

care in urban environments where so many have

pet cats.

There has been a spate of cats being injured by

speeding motorists in Bexhill and other towns in

East Sussex. Therefore, the message is clear —

please slow down!

To contribute to the crowd funding page and

help with NovaaStorm’s ongoing vet bills, visit:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/novaastormsvet-treatment-hit-by-car

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MARCH 2024


Western Road, Bexhill

Howard Martin and Adam Hawksbee

Devonshire Road, Bexhill

INVESTMENT WILL HELP TO PUT

BEXHILL FIRMLY ON THE MAP

BY EDITOR KIM MAYO

A

KEY meeting was held at the De La Warr

Pavilion in February to discuss how £20

million of government investment can be

used to benefit the town.

Adam Hawksbee, the interim chairman of

the Government’s Department of Levelling Up

Housing and Communities Towns Unit made a

whirlwind visit to the town to discuss plans with

various interested parties.

Among those present at the meeting were Bexhill

and Battle Conservative MP Huw Merriman,

members of Rother District Council and a group

of influential local businesses and community

stakeholders.

Mr Hawksbee is visiting all of the 55 towns that

will share in the £1.1 billion of government funding

which is being distributed as part of the Long Term

Plan for Towns.

Bexhill is due to receive £20 million of that

funding over the course of the next decade to help

kick-start regeneration initiatives encompassing

heritage and the town centre, safety and security

and transport inter-connectivity.

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and about a

dozen assorted stakeholders were invited to meet

with Mr Hawksbee and his team at the De La Warr.

At the meeting attendees were briefed on the

exact nature of the funding and to discuss Bexhill’s

needs and aspirations for regeneration.

Among those at the meeting were representatives

from the De La Warr, Bexhill Chamber of

Commerce, the Pelham, Heart of Sidley, Men’s

Shed, Bexhill Maritime, Bexhill Museum, Living

Communities, and East and West Sussex.

Derek Merkl of Men’s Shed emphasised the

difficulties faced by social enterprises to find

cost effective premises while Ollie Jeffs of the

Pelham stressed he is keen to support youth-based

initiatives in the town.

Bexhill Maritime also underlined how important

it is to have high-profile landmark investment

in such initiatives like the proposed Maritime

Heritage Centre.

Tracey Love, Vice-President of Bexhill Chamber

of Commerce, highlighted the difficulties the town

is having to attract new businesses due to the poor

quality of building stock and lack of incentives to

invest in Bexhill.

Both Mr Martin and Stewart Drew, Chief

Executive of the De La Warr, were keen to address

some of the technicalities regarding the funding

delivery.

However, both were reassured by Mr Hawksbee

that it would be targeted at frontline requirements

rather than being swallowed up by administration

costs.

Mr Martin said he was encouraged by what

had been addressed at the meeting and sees the

funding as being of huge benefit to Bexhill.

He added: “It proved to be a great meeting and

it was important for all interested parties to be

involved in the discussions.

“It is what the town really needed to get a grip on

this game-changing investment and when used

wisely, it will prove to be of huge benefit.

“We all want to pass on our thanks to Adam and

his team for coming down and taking the time to

meet up.

“It was extremely encouraging to hear that

the Town Board will be fully supported and be

community and business led.

“It (the meeting) clearly supported the notion that

the Government is serious about these funds being

spent and allocated from the bottom up rather

than the top down.”

What is patently clear, though, is that moving

forward the Town Board needs to adopt a clearthinking

strategy to ensure the investment is wisely

spent.

Bexhill still suffers in the shadow of neighbouring

towns such as Eastbourne and Hastings which

have benefited from significant investment in

recent years.

Bexhill town centre still looks shabby in

comparison, especially streets such as Devonshire

Road and Western Road with far too many

commercial properties remaining empty, such as

the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill premises.

But the impending arrival of Peacocks is certainly

a step in the right direction and hopefully other

businesses will follow suit.

Nevertheless, there is still plenty of work to be

done and that work needs to start sooner rather

than later.

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MARCH 2024


VULNERABLE

PENSIONER, 82,

TRAUMATISED BY

CIGARETTE FINE

A

VULNERABLE

and frail 82-year-old

pensioner says he is traumatised after

being hit with a £150 fine for dropping a

cigarette butt in Devonshire Road, Bexhill.

Brian Appleton enjoys sitting on a daily basis

on a bench outside of Lloyds Bank watching the

world go by and engaging in conversation with

friends.

But, his enjoyable daily routine was rudely

interrupted when he was accosted by one of

the agents working on behalf of Rother District

Council to combat littering in the town.

Mr Appleton, who lives in Bexhill, said: “I had

just dispensed with the cigarette butt when he

arrived on the scene and told me in no uncertain

terms that I would receive a fine of £150 which

left me in complete shock. The experience left

me feeling bullied and threatened.

“I wasn’t given the opportunity to pick it up

and put it in a bin, but instead was given no

opportunity to explain that I would have done so

had I been asked.

“I believe they target smokers because they are

easy pickings.

“It is not easy for someone like me at my age

to just jump up and pick up a cigarette butt,

especially when you are given no chance to do so

when the fine was issued.

“As a pensioner £150 is a lot of money and I

cannot afford to pay that. I was left in total shock

especially as I wasn’t given the opportunity to

explain my circumstances.

“For me, smoking is one of life’s simple

pleasures, but clearly even that is being taken

away from us these days.”

Bexhill News has been contacted on several

occasions recently about smokers being

deliberately targeted in the town centre without

being given the opportunity to pick up a

discarded cigarette butt before being issued with

a fine.

Several have said it has little to do with littering

and is rather an easy opportunity to raise

additional revenue for the council.

However, in response a spokeswoman for

Rother District Council, said: “Our enforcement

Brian Appleton, 82, regularly sits on the bench

outside Lloyds Bank in Devonshire Road.

officers can only deal with the situations they

come across, but we appreciate they can

sometimes be circumstances that they are

unaware of and we will look into this incident.

“The introduction of enforcement in Rother

follows the growing issue of littering, fly-tipping,

and dog-fouling which costs our taxpayers more

than £70,000 a year to clean up.

“Dropping a cigarette butt on the floor is an

offence, and NES staff can issue a fixed penalty

notice of £150, reduced to £100 if paid within 10

days.

“Anyone who receives a Fixed Penalty Notice

can make a representation, asking for it to be

cancelled.

“We would urge people to ensure they

are disposing of their waste properly and

responsibly. Doing this will help them avoid any

potential fines and help us in our fight to keep

our district clean and tidy.”

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HUGELY-POPULAR MEN’S SHED

CHARITY NEEDS A NEW HOME

BEXHILL’S Men’s Shed continues to

go from strength to strength and has

received both support and praise from

Bexhill and Battle Conservative MP Huw

Merriman.

Mr Merriman visited the Men’s Shed to hear

about the charity and show support for their vital

community work.

Men’s Shed is a grassroots organisation

dedicated to providing a friendly and welcoming

space for men to socialise and work on

community projects.

As a result, the charity helps to combat

loneliness and isolation. However, the current

location of the Bexhill branch is on the HFS site in

London Road which is now up for sale, meaning

the charity will have to find a new home.

During the visit, Mr Merriman met Derek

Merkl, chairman of Bexhill Men’s Shed, and its

members to hear first-hand the positive impact

the charity has on the community.

He recognised the importance of organisations

like Men’s Shed in promoting mental health and

wellbeing, particularly in the aftermath of the

pandemic.

Bexhill Men’s Shed has been so successful that

it gained 70 members in its first year.

Due to overwhelming demand, it now

welcomes women on a dedicated Ladies’ Day

and they also run a mixed-sex day.

Huw Merriman (left) visiting Bexhill’s Men’s Shed

The Shed’s members told the MP that they

were keen to learn and develop practical skills

such as DIY, carpentry, and engineering. The

members added they really enjoy being part of

such a friendly and supportive group.

Mr Merriman said: “I thoroughly enjoyed

meeting the members of Bexhill Men’s Shed.

“Derek Merkl and his team have created a

fantastic project in the heart of Bexhill which

provides a safe and welcoming place for people

to share their interests and skills as well as

providing friendship, support and certainly a lot

of laughter whilst I was there. I saw first-hand

some of the wonderful projects they have been

working on.

“The Men’s Shed needs to find a new home

in Bexhill and are also looking to start satellite

projects in other parts of Bexhill to meet

demand.

“I would like to be able to help them with

their relocation and expansion plans so I would

love to hear from anyone who may have some

suitable land or space for this outstanding

project.”

Mr Merkl added: “It was a great pleasure to

meet Huw Merriman at our workshop. I am

grateful for his support and the undoubted

influence he will bring to our search for a new

home.

“Bexhill Men’s Shed, which helps so many

members and allows us to work with other

charities and social projects in the town, is very

appreciative of Huw’s support.”

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MARCH 2024


COMMUNITY CENTRE OPEN

TO BUILD BRIGHTER FUTURE

The Pelham Centre’s basement official opening

The Pelham Centre

A

COMMUNITY centre is now open to

help young people in Sidley and Bexhill

tackle isolation and to provide them

with training and educational opportunities.

The Pelham Basement, in Holliers Hill, was

previously a hotel dating back to 1900. It has

now become a charity centre that helps enrich

people’s lives as a community hub and coffee

lounge.

The charity also helps young people build

connections and opportunities through

engagement activities and projects, counselling,

and creating a space for young people to talk

about issues they are concerned about in a nonjudgmental

environment.

The Pelham was purchased by Sidley Baptist

Church to transform the space into a community

hub.

The church raised more than £400,000 in

donations and purchased the freehold of the

building for 250,000 in 2012.

In 2014, The Pelham charity was launched, and

in 2015, it became the community hub and coffee

lounge.

In the last five years, the charity underwent

three phases of refurbishment and development.

The Pelham chief executive, Ollie Jeffs, said:

“The renovation of the basement into a usable

and desirable space for local young people has

been by far our most ambitious capital project

yet.

“It has been a genuine community effort, from

our generous funders and supporters to the

dedication and skill of our contractors.

“We believe this space will bring great hope,

community and opportunities to children

and young people in our town for many

generations to come”.

The basement was officially opened on

September 18 last year in a ceremony attended

by Bob Harper, chairman of Trustees, Ollie Jeffs

and Dave Mills (Youth Worker), who shared their

vision for this new space and fervently hope

that it will positively impact many young lives in

Sidley and Bexhill.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by

the Town Mayor, Councillor Lynn Brailsford, and

Logan Pitcher, who is one of the young people

who has been a part of the youth group for five

years.

The opening event was sponsored by Gary

Tidman at Only Lifts, who have installed both lifts

at The Pelham.

The Pelham is extremely grateful for significant

capital grants for the extensive works from Rother

District Council Community Grants Scheme, Biffa

Award, Benefact Trust, LOCASE, Bernard Sunley

Foundation, Sussex Community Foundation and

Sussex Police.

The Pelham was then further benefited by

grants and donations from local organisations

and companies for the resourcing and equipping

of the space.

The Pelham extends its thanks to the Bexhill

Lions, Rotary Club of Senlac, Heart of Sidley, De

La Warr Pavilion, Southover Manor Trust, Box

Broadband, Howdens and Wickes.

The Pelham’s Tuesday after-school youth

group have been enjoying the space, as well as

The Pelham Counselling Service expanding its

provision for young people in the basement.

The 1st Sidley Scout group are now regular users

and other projects to date have included music

workshops, holiday clubs, pastoral care support

and a filmography project.

The space is available to hire seven days a week,

from 9am to 9pm for children and youth-focused

organisations and partnership opportunities.

For enquiries, email bookings@thepelham.

co.uk or call 01424 576304. Alternatively,

email: office@thepelham.co.uk.

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NEW MENTAL HEALTH

HOSPITAL OFFICIALLY NAMED

A

GROUND-BREAKING ceremony has taken place as

the name of Bexhill’s new mental health hospital is

announced. The event took place on Tuesday, January

30, where the 54-bed hospital in Mount View Street, Bexhill,

was officially named Combe Valley, a name chosen by staff and

service users.

Opening its doors in 2025, the new hospital will provide modern,

high-quality care for people who may be experiencing serious

mental health problems, emotional crisis, or severe distress which

cannot be treated in the community.

The facilities will replace outdated dormitory accommodation

at the Department of Psychiatry, currently based at Eastbourne

District General Hospital, with a modern and improved therapeutic

environment, including individual bedrooms with ensuite

bathrooms, for patients across Sussex.

Combe Valley Hospital is developed by Sussex Partnership NHS

Foundation Trust (SPFT) alongside NHS Sussex, the Integrated Care

Board for the county, supported by significant input from local

service users and staff.

Kier was chosen as construction partner, and its workers have

been on-site in Mount View Street since last year.

They have been undertaking ground works and other activities to

make the site ready for full construction.

Those who attended the ceremony included service users and

staff, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) Chief

Executive Jane Padmore, NHS Sussex chairman Stephen Lightfoot,

as well as senior representatives from Kier, Rother District Council,

and Bexhill Town Council.

Dr Padmore, who is a registered mental health nurse and has

worked in mental health and learning disability services since

1990, said: “This is the largest development that we, as a trust, have

undertaken for many years.

“Not only will Combe Valley provide a safe, therapeutic

environment for the patients coming through our doors, but also

give our staff a fantastic place to work.

“Thanks to our close work with service users and staff, we are

confident that by next year, we will have modern, high-quality

facilities which will serve the people of East Sussex and beyond for

a long time to come.

Mr Lightfoot added: “This is an exciting day for all partners in the

Sussex health and care system, and especially for those who work

so hard in our mental health services.

“This new hospital is a key part of the mental health

improvements health and care services are making in Sussex, as

part of our integrated care strategy, Improving Lives Together,

which was launched in January 2023 and sets out our ambition for

health and care across Sussex over the next five years.

“Supporting people when they need mental health support and care

is one of our key priorities, and it is clear that Combe Valley Hospital

will play a huge role in helping us achieve our ambitions, delivering

better services and support to the people that need it most.”

Ms Parsons, regional director for Kier, said: “We are proud to

mark the start of works on site here at Combe Valley Hospital and

look forward to working in partnership with Sussex Partnership

NHS Foundation Trust and key stakeholders to provide improved

and modernised services to the East Sussex region.

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10 NEWS

MARCH 2024


BANDS ON A

MISSION TO MAKE

GREAT ALBUMS

REVIEW BY KIM MAYO

FRIENDS who share a passion for music

normally end up in the same band, but that

has not proved to be the case with business

partners Del Querns and Oliver Cherer.

Both are well known in Bexhill as joint

proprietors of the town’s leading independent

record store, Music’s Not Dead, based in the De

La Warr Pavilion foyer, but they have embarked

on entirely different paths in terms of recording

music and releasing records.

Del is the keyboard player of the intriguingly

named Office for Personal Development (OPD),

while Ollie is the lead guitarist and joint vocalist

of Aircooled. Both bands already have a dedicated

fan base and have recently released new records,

both of which are available to buy from Music’s

Not Dead and elsewhere.

First up, Aircooled, whose second album, Eat

the Gold, follows hot on the heels of their debut, St

Leopards. The band, comprising Oliver on guitar,

keys and vocals, Riz Maslen on flute and vocals,

Katharine Wallinger on bass and Justin Welch on

drums, have certainly come up with another belter.

The influences are clear to see, yet at the same

time, they are new, adventurous and vibrant, with

the chugging rhythms bringing to mind Fela Kuti

and the Afrika 70 in their pomp.

There are also echoes of Pink Floyd’s David

Gilmour on Wish You Were Here, but Krautrock,

most notably Kraftwerk, Can, and Neu, are clearly

influences, and that is no bad thing, quite the

opposite, in fact.

Often delving into the past to create something

entirely new is the best way forward and that

is certainly the case with Aircooled. It is worth

attending one of their gigs to witness at firsthand

what all the fuss is about.

Opener Airports sets the tone, but the album is

epic in scope, with Oliver and Riz sharing vocal

duties to winning effect.

The album does not have a duff track on it with

No Reason to Lie utterly magnificent and Japanese

Brute equally excellent.

The pace continues impressively on side two of

the vinyl release with Star Rider and Transmission,

Transmission the standouts. In short Eat the Gold,

with its brightly coloured album cover featuring a

resplendent budgie, is a triumph.

And so, to The Office for Personal Development

and their debut album entitled Doing. Is. Thinking.

— no, my keyboard hasn’t suffered a glitch; the

full-stops are deliberate and make a powerful

statement of intent to better yourself as a human

being, whether it be domestically or in the

workplace.

Oliver Cherer with a

copy of Aircooled’s new

album Eat The Gold

To a large degree, it is a concept album but

certainly not in the style of bands such as

Emerson, Lake and Palmer, so beloved by progrock

fans in the Seventies.

OPD’s members have clearly listened a lot to

the likes of Human League, Heaven 17, Soft Cell,

Japan and so forth but have also forged their own

path, much to their credit.

The band comprises Trevor Deeble (vocals

and guitar), Jenna Love (vocals) and Del Querns

(keyboards).

See them live, and Trevor is a flamboyant

Office for Personal Development band members.

From left: Del Querns, Trevor Deeble and Jenna Love

frontman, hurling himself around the stage like

David Byrne of Talking Heads on steroids, with

the band providing excellent backup.

Jenna’s vocals meld perfectly into a heady mix of

sound, particularly evident on tracks such as Take

Me Back, Best Days of Our Lives, Do It All Over Again

and closer Invisible To Me.

Great stuff in short, and as an added bonus, the

OPD album comes pressed on green vinyl and

Aircooled on blue.

Both are worthy of inclusion in any music lover’s

collection, so get out and check them both out.

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OVER-THE-LIMIT BEXHILL PENSIONER

DRANK SPIRITS IN LAYBY

A

BEXHILL pensioner was caught drinking times over the alcohol limit, a driver who was told the police he had consumed alcohol the night admitted driving over the legal alcohol limit and

spirits in a layby as part of Sussex Police’s seen pulling into a layby to have a drink on his before.

was disqualified for one year, with a £415 fine, £85

major campaign to tackle drink and drug way back from a supermarket, and the civil

In custody he tested positive for 49ug of alcohol costs and a £166 surcharge.

driving.

Phillip Jenkins, 76, retired of Ellerslie Lane,

Bexhill, was stopped in Turkey Road on 5

December.

A member of the public had seen him stop

in a layby, where he took out a bottle of spirits

believed to be either rum or whisky from the boot

of his car.

He was on his way home from the supermarket

and stopped to drink alcohol. He tested positive for

44ug of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

At Hastings Magistrates’ Court on January 9, he

admitted driving over the alcohol limit and was

disqualified for one year. He was fined £692, with

£85 costs and a £277 surcharge.

Officers carried out increased patrols through

December last year as part of Operation Limit, a

national campaign to crackdown on intoxicated

drivers over the festive period.

In keeping with previous campaigns, some of

those convicted of drink and drug driving are being

named to raise awareness of the campaign and

to highlight the examples as a deterrent to others

who commit or think about committing similar

offences.

• Among those who were recently convicted

were a speeding motorcyclist who admitted

drinking alcohol the night before, a man who

crashed into a traffic light while nearly three

engineer who was stopped with hazard lights on

at a roundabout.

Benjamin Davies, 34, a civil engineer of Station

Road, Hailsham, was found slumped across the

front seat of a van at the Rodmill roundabout in

Eastbourne.

Following a report by the public, he was roused

by an officer and was found to be over the alcohol

limit on December 2.

At Hastings Magistrates’ Court on January 9 it was

revealed he tested positive for 105 microgrammes

(ug) of alcohol per 100 millilitres (ml) of breath.

The legal limit is 35ug of alcohol per 100ml of

breath.

Davies admitted being in charge of a motor

vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit. He was

disqualified for six months and was fined £461,

with £85 costs and a £184 surcharge.

• Adrian Karas, 39, formerly a chef of Hill Brow,

Hove, was stopped on December 9 in Lancing. He

had been seen riding a motorcycle at 46mph in a

30mph zone.

Officers found he did not have a valid licence,

with his paperwork showing an expired licence in

2019.

He told officers he had been “too busy” to renew

the licence and said “I already know how to drive”.

He admitted having a whisky and cola drink

before leaving work the night before, and had

per 100ml of breath. At Worthing Magistrates’

Court on January 9 he admitted driving over the

legal alcohol limit.

He was disqualified for 14 months, fined £507,

with £85 costs and a £338 surcharge.

• Benedict Glassock, 49, unemployed of Salisbury

Road, Worthing, was involved in a road traffic

collision in the town on the A259 at 1.40am on

December 5.

When officers arrested him they noticed he

had glazed eyes and a smell of alcohol. He tested

positive for 102ug of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

At Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 9

he admitted driving over the legal alcohol limit

and was disqualified for two years. Glassock was

ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, with

£85 costs and a £114 surcharge.

• Ryan Mann, 27, a construction worker of

Beauchamp Road, St Leonards, was arrested at

a stop check site on the A259 London Road in

Hastings on December 2.

Officers could smell alcohol, and he tested

positive for 64ug of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

• Finally, Xhoana Lama, 31, an art and fashion

designer of Croydon Road, Caterham, was stopped

in Crawley for anti-social driving and was involved

in a minor collision. She tested positive for 40ug of

alcohol per 100ml of breath.

At Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 11 she

Superintendent Rachel Glenton

said: “Those who commit these offences risk

punishments which include being disqualified

from driving, heavy fines, and even the risk of

going to prison.

“These are nothing compared to the risk they

pose of causing serious harm or even the death of

themselves or other road users.

“Drink or drug driving is one of the main causes

of people being killed or seriously injured on our

roads.

“That is why we continue to urge people to take

steps to prevent drink and drug-driving, such as

persuading loved ones not to drive, and taking

sensible steps such as pre-booking taxis or walking

home.

“Our officers are determined to catch offenders

to help keep our roads safe.”

The consequences of drink or drug-driving could

include the following:

• A minimum 12-month ban;

• An unlimited fine;

• A possible prison sentence;

• A criminal record, which could affect your

current and future employment;

• An increase in your car insurance;

• Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA;

• You could also kill or seriously injure yourself

or someone else

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12 NEWS

ROTARY CLUB LENDS A

HAND BY PROVIDING IPADS

FOR STROKE VICTIMS

THE Stroke Association can now provide

more online assistance to patients and

families thanks to the generous support

of Bexhill Rotary Club.

When the local Bexhill Stroke Association

contacted Rotarian Harold Lawrence for help

to find more iPads/tablets, he immediately

contacted his Rotary colleague Anthony Thomas,

who as part of the club’s Community Service

Committee, knew he would be the person to

answer their call for help.

The local Stroke Association told Harold, who

himself has suffered a stroke, that they were

looking to provide more support online, but not

all of their patients are tech-savvy.

The Association said they urgently needed

iPads/tablets and were happy to accept either new

or used/redundant ones.

Mr Thomas immediately sprang into action and

put out a request for iPads/tablets.

Having gathered a supply of both used and

brand-new ones, Bexhill Rotary Club has been

able to give the valuable help that the local Stroke

Association so desperately needs.

Mr Lawrence said: “When I had my stroke in

2017, I was fortunate to have superb support

from the NHS Community Team for nearly three

months.

“Their professionalism and care have enabled

me to enjoy another six years of active life, and I

will always be grateful to them.”

Mr Thomas said: “Harold has expressed thanks

Bexhill Rotarian Anthony Thomas

for the effort and for the result, and explained

how they helped stroke victims, but that recovery

varies from person to person.

“However, for people with hand problems,

who have difficulties with coordination, iPads are

easier to use.”

The Bexhill Support Group of the Stroke

Association, which is located in The Pelham in

Holliers Hill, supports stroke survivors, families

and carers.

To find out more about this group and the

valuable work they do in the community, either

contact Gillian Attewell on 07748 851430 or

go their website: https://www.stroke.org.uk/

finding-support/clubs-and-groups/bexhillstroke-support-group-you

or you can email

them on helpline@stroke.org.uk.

MARCH 2024

COLLEGE LAUNCHES

SOPHIE’S POSTCARD TO

SUPPORT CANCER CHARITY

ST RICHARD’S College has commenced its

#sophiespostcard fundraiser in an effort to raise

funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

This fundraising event, which is in its fourth year,

is due to commence this summer.

#sophiespostcard is held in

memory of the college’s former pupil,

Sophie Marie Taylor, who was cared

for by The Royal Marsden NHS

Foundation Trust.

Sophie passed away from cancer

on April 5, 2017.

The fundraiser is run by volunteers, who

are staff and friends of St Richard’s College.

#sophiespostcard is a secret auction consisting

of original postcard-sized artworks, made and

donated by professional artists, designers and

illustrators, and up-and-coming artists from the

school and the general public.

More than 3,000 original postcard-sized artworks

have been created and auctioned on eBay for the

event since its first auction in 2018.

Vicky Johnson, Associate Director of Public

Fundraising and Engagement at The Royal

Marsden Cancer Charity, said: “We are incredibly

grateful to St Richard’s College for their continued

support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, in

memory of Sophie.

“The money raised through Sophie’s Postcard

funds groundbreaking research at The Royal

Marsden, helping to develop life-saving treatments

for young cancer patients across the UK and


around the world.

“Thank you to all those who have supported this

project and helped make it such a success.”

During the auction the postcards have a starting

bid of just £1 and are auctioned on eBay,

making it accessible to buyers around the

globe.

Sophie’s secret postcard

auction is organised by art teacher

Miranda Pennington, who said:

“We are so thankful to all the artists

and supporters of Sophie’s Secret

Postcard Auction.

“The first Sophie’s Postcard was intended to be

a one-off secret postcard auction, but it was so

successful that it will run for the fourth time next

summer.

“It is inspirational to see Sophie remembered in

this way, as she loved art. I am so proud to be part

of this event which has helped make a difference to

children like Sophie being treated for cancer at The

Royal Marsden.”

St Richard’s College expressed their thanks from

the support of hundreds of artists, printmakers

and designers including Sir Quetin Blake, Gilbert

and George, Axel Scheffler, Lorraine Kelly, Harry

Hill, Victoria Coren Mitchell, Dame Jacqueline

Wilson, Fearne Cotton and many others.

The final days of the auction will be held on June

29 and 30, 2024. To keep up-to-date with their

future fundraising plans, please visit

www.sophiespostcard.com.

FOLLOW US ON

INSTAGRAM

SIVYERS AUCTIONS

FRIDAY 8th MARCH 2024

ITEMS IN OUR NEXT AUCTION

Auction starts at 11.00am viewing in person.

Wednesday and Thursday prior to auction

COMMISSION 18% INCLUSIVE

Online catelogue viewable from Sunday prior

to auction at www.sivyers.com

FREE VALUATIONS

Gold and silver, stamps, toys, collectables,

furniture, paintings, ceramics and rugs etc...

YOUR LOCAL AUCTION at the Old West Station, Terminus Road, Bexhill

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A BEXHILL LANDMARK SINCE 1902

MOTHER’S

DAY

MENU

NOW

AVAILABLE

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 - 3rd March & 7th April from 5:30 pm

Monday Charity Quiz - 4th & 18th from 8:00 pm

Rock ‘n Roll Bingo - Sunday 10th from 6:00 pm

Sunday Karaoke - Please contact us for details of this event

ALSO LIVE MUSIC!

Ritchie Campbell’s tribute to UB40 & other Reggae Artists.

One not to be missed! Saturday 16th March from 8:00pm

Treat mum this Mother’s Day (Sunday 10th March). Our

Mothering Sunday menu (served between 11:30 am and 4:00

pm) is now available. Book early to avoid disappointment!

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!

For the latest local news, visit: www.Bexhill.News MARCH 2024 13

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14 NEWS

MARCH 2024


Flight Sergeant Roy Oldcorn received birthday card from King Charles

Flight Sergeant Roy Oldcorn in his RAF uniform

FORMER WW2 PILOT CELEBRATES

HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY IN STYLE

IT is often said that real heroes tend to be

humble and that is certainly the case when

it comes to former Royal Air Force pilot Roy

Oldcorn.

A special 100th birthday celebration was held

for Roy, who lives in Bexhill, at the Albatross

Club in Channel View West on Thursday,

February 22 with family, friends and dignitaries

in attendance,

During the winter of 1944/45, Roy then aged

just 20, was the pilot of a Lancaster Bomber and

involved in “Operation Manna”.

By this time during the Second World War,

most of Holland (what is now known as the

Netherlands) was in Allied hands. However,

Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and other

cities, were still occupied by the Germans.

They were starving the Dutch people to death

in reprisal for the assistance they had given to

the Allies following Operation Market Garden

(the parachute and glider borne landings near

Eindhoven. Nijmegen and Arnhem in September

1944).

Operation Manna was therefore initiated to fly

tonnes of food in heavy bombers and drop it to

the starving Dutch in the occupied areas.

Roy flew several sorties to the area of

Rotterdam where he had to pilot his Lancaster at

300 feet, and as slowly as possible, by lowering

the undercarriage and flaps to be able to drop the

food to the people below.

In recognition of his involvement in these

operations, the Dutch Military Attaché, Captain

Gerrit Nijenhuis from the Netherlands embassy

in London, attended the party to present Roy

with a “Thank You Liberator” medal on behalf of

the Dutch nation.

Captain Nijenhuis said that Roy, along with

other Allied pilots, not only saved the people of

Netherlands from starvation but they gave them

hope for the future.

He added: “On behalf of the Dutch people I

want to pay tribute and say thank you for what

you did. and we will be eternally grateful.

“I am honoured to be here today. To fly a

Lancaster bomber at such low altitudes and at

such a young age was remarkable and we salute

you.”

Also present at the birthday celebrations was

the Lord Lieutenant for East Sussex, Andrew

Blackman, who presented Roy with his birthday

card from King Charles.

Attendants at Flight Sergeant Roy Oldcorn’s birthday party

Dutch Military Attaché, Captain Gerrit Nijenhuis presenting

the Thank You Liberator medal on behalf of the Netherlands


Birthday cake for Flight Sergeant Roy Oldcorn

Flight Sergeant Roy Oldcorn going through his pilot log book

Councillor Lynn Brailsford, mayor of Bexhill

town, was also be present and said: “Roy is a

remarkable man and showed incredible bravery

when flying those missions.

“Like everyone gathered here it is an incredible

honour to meet and pay tribute to a real hero as

he celebrates his 100th birthday.”

Ten members of Roy’s family were also present

to mark the special occasion, including his wife

Sue and daughter Karen.

“It was all such a long time ago,” Roy said as

he proudly showed off his flight logbook, his

birthday card from King Charles and the special

commemorative medal which had been pinned

to the lapel of his jacket by Captain Nijenhuis on

behalf of the Dutch people.

Daughter Karen added: “It should be

remembered that my dad was only 20 at the

time and it must have been absolutely terrifying,

especially flying at such low altitudes.

“But he has always been upbeat and full of

optimism and enjoyed so many varied interests.

He is a truly remarkable man.

“In fact, he was still swimming well into his 80s

and actually flew a plane again when he was 86.

But that just sums him up.

“He is an amazing man. Despite all his

adventures he has never broken a bone in his

body and isn’t on any medication.

“Even after he left the RAF, he continued to

pursue many other interests. He particularly

loved driving… and driving fast. In fact, he was

nicknamed Fangio after the famous racing

driver.

“It is an honour and a privilege to be here with

my Dad and it is wonderful to see so many people

gathered here to honour him.”

Roy was in the RAF from the age of 19 until he

was 23, having trained to fly Lancaster bombers

in Canada. As Roy excelled in mathematics,

this gave him an advantage and he was quickly

selected to be a pilot.

His wife Sue said: “We are all so very proud of

him. He was so young at the time of the missions

he flew but was absolutely committed to serving

his country.

“If it hadn’t been for Roy and so many of

his equally brave colleagues in 153 Squadron,

thousands of Dutch people would have

undoubtedly starved to death.

“At that time more than three million Dutch

people were still under the control of the

Germans and the dropping of essential supplies

was desperately needed.”

With serving Air Force Officers from RAF

Odiham, together with some RAF Air Cadets

from 2262 (Bexhill-on-Sea) Squadron, members

of the Royal Air Forces Association, the day

ended with a rousing round of applause to

honour a quite remarkable man.

As the manager of the Albatross said: “Even the

contractors and others working outside of the

venue made sure their vehicles were temporarily

moved to ensure there was adequate parking and

access for those attending. We were very grateful

for their cooperation.”

But the final words must go to Roy himself. He

said: “We did what we needed to do. It was as

simple as that.”

Bexhill Town Council Mayor Lynn Brailsford with Flight Sergeant Roy Oldcorn

Karen Oldcorn and Paul Miles from Royal Air Force Cadets

Dutch Military Attaché, Captain Gerrit Nijenhuis

from the Netherlands embassy in London

16 NEWS

MARCH 2024


A MATTER OF TASTE

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!

RUSTIC TEX-MEX SURPRISE:

BUFFALO BILLS DELIVERS

HAVING passed Buffalo Bills in Halland

countless times, always promising we’d

call in, the opportunity never arose, or

we decided not to go out that far. However,

as it was a special occasion (my birthday), we

decided we’d make a special visit.

One thing that never really registered when

passing by was that it was also a hotel. Very similar

to an American-style motel where all the rooms

are in one long block attached to the main hotel,

we felt that we’d landed right there in Texas!

With ample off-road parking, the place was

eerily quiet for a Friday night. But being early

January, it’s not always surprising as people are

still licking their wounds following Christmas.

Buffalo Bills is a Tex-Mex restaurant with a

delicious blend of traditional Texas and Mexican

cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

The menu boasts mouth-watering dishes like

sizzling fajitas, crispy tacos, hearty burritos,

and cheesy nachos, all made with the freshest

ingredients and authentic spices. They pride

themselves on providing excellent service and

creating a memorable dining experience for their

customers. Whether you’re in the mood for a

quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, the restaurant is

the perfect destination for Tex-Mex lovers.

One thing that caught my eye on entering was

the decor. I love rustic themes and originality

and this place has it in abundance. There were

standing tables made from beer kegs and the

entire place kitted out in wooden slats, the

ceiling adorned beams and some real original art

sculptures in the corners.

We started with Buffalo Bill’s Famous Buffalo

Wings at £7.95 — Succulent Chicken Wings served

with blue cheese dip. We opted for the Bourbon

& Southern Comfort flavour, which was very

nice indeed. I prefer these without the dips as I

like to taste the chicken, but the dip comes in a

little dip bowl, so you can decide to dip or not dip,

depending on your preference.

The problem with the menu was that there were

too many things I wanted to try. Would we go

for a sharing platter or a steak? Then there’s the

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innovation within the organisation.

Regular networking also enables us to enhance

our brand visibility, strengthen customer

relationships, and gain a competitive edge in

the market. By actively engaging with industry

peers, stakeholders, and thought leaders, we can

position ourselves as industry leaders and stay

ahead of the curve.

BLN recognises the transformative power of

Chicken Wings

Nachos

Burrito-Taco-Fajita-Quesadilla-dilemma! Good to

see there’s plenty on the menu to cater for veggies

and vegans.

As it was my birthday, and I wasn’t paying, we

decided to play it safe and opted for the Buffalo

Bill’s Famous Nacho Platter to share at £14.95.

Fried corn chips smothered in melted cheese,

served with salsa, sour cream, guacamole,

jalapenos and olives. We opted for the House

Chilli topping.

The wings were awesome! Really tasty and

succulent — just as promised. I really couldn’t

fault them. We have a ‘Chicken Wing Tuesday’ as

a staple in our household and it was seriously as

good as they can be.

The Nachos? Unfortunately, while tasty, fell

short of expectations due to their unconventional

construction. Not that the component parts were

bad — it wasn’t that at all. Typically, the layering

of nachos and chilli with accompanying sauces

allows for a dynamic flavour experience with

each bite — a concept that, unfortunately, wasn’t

executed here. Our nachos were on the bottom,

the Chilli was to one side, and the sauces were

simply dumped on the top. This required us to

eat the sauces first so we could get to the nachos,

and the spoonful of Chilli was used up really

quickly, so all we had left was dry nachos. And it

was only whilst writing this review that I realised

that there were no jalapenos and olives. But as

I hadn’t realised it, suggest they’re probably not

networking and strives to provide a platform

where businesses of all sizes can thrive. Through

its diverse events, workshops, and initiatives,

BLN aims to facilitate meaningful connections,

promote collaboration, and drive collective

success within the business community.

It’s not just a means to an end — it’s a

fundamental aspect of building and sustaining

a successful business. Whether you’re a sole

trader, self-employed individual, or part of a

larger corporation, investing in networking can

yield invaluable returns, both personally and

professionally.

With networking meetings in carefully selected

locations in Eastbourne, Hailsham, Bexhill &

Crowborough where noise and disturbance are

kept to a minimum with convenient parking.

Unlike traditional elevator pitches, BLN’s

networking concentrates on building meaningful

connections among business professionals, letting

people speak freely and not being confined to 60

seconds.

BLN also has values and a passion for growth.

While there’s a fee for networking meetings,

members enjoy ongoing event discounts. Plus,

bringing a first-time guest earns discounts on

future meetings for all attendees. Members who

refer a business that joins also receive discounts

on next year’s membership.

Meet some more of our Founding Members,

each contributing to the Business Local Network

success story:

Kirstie Groves, Trauma-Informed

Transformation Coach, guides individuals towards

recovery from narcissistic abuse and trauma,

focusing on peace and healing. With expertise as

a narcissistic trauma-informed coach, somatic

trauma-informed coach, and narcissistic abuse

Children’s Hot Dog

needed. Despite this setback, the dish still offered

a delicious medley of flavours after overcoming

these logistical challenges.

It was good to see a good kiddies’ menu, and they

cater well for children’s parties.

A highlight of our experience was the

exceptional service provided by a cheerful young

lad, whose enthusiasm and helpfulness added to

the overall enjoyment of our meal.

We will visit again as the overall experience was

really rather good; however, I’d like to try some

other items on the menu, and I have my eye on

some of the fish dishes!

Buffalo Bills truly surprised us with its cosy

ambience and tasty offerings, marking a

memorable birthday celebration. From its rustic

decor to the extensive Tex-Mex menu, there’s

something to please every palate.

While the nachos fell short in presentation, the

wings soared high in flavour, leaving us eager to

explore more. With attentive staff and a welcoming

atmosphere, Buffalo Bills promises an enjoyable

dining experience for all. We look forward to

returning to indulge in more culinary delights and

explore further gems on their menu, including the

tempting fish dishes that caught our eye.

The total bill for three people with one round of

drinks totalled £65.

Tel: 01825 840456

www.buffalobills-halland.co.uk

Eastbourne Road, Halland, BN6 6PW

specialist, Kirstie offers personalised assistance,

drawing from her own lived experience. Tailored

to address the diverse impacts of narcissistic

abuse, her approach encompasses mental,

emotional, and physical well-being. With years of

expertise, Kirstie brings a deep understanding of

narcissism and trauma, empowering individuals

on their journey to healing and empowerment.

Donna Lane, Colour & Style Analyst at House

of Colour, specialises in helping individuals feel

confident and look great through personalised

colour and style consultations. With a studio in

Hailsham, Donna serves Eastbourne and Seaford,

offering transformative sessions to discover the

perfect colour palette, create versatile wardrobes,

and understand personal style preferences.

Whether for professional advancement or

personal confidence, Donna’s expertise ensures

maximum positive impact in any situation.

Contact Donna for a tailored consultation.

Mahesha Rice, Holistic Therapist, specialises

in Reiki, EFT Tapping, and NLP, guiding clients

to overcome stress, depression, and anxiety

for lasting peace. With a focus on personal

growth, Mahesha offers tailored support for life

challenges, aiding in healing toxic emotions and

fostering inner peace. Whether facing anxiety,

perfectionism, or loss of purpose, Mahesha

provides compassionate guidance to empower

individuals on their journey to emotional wellbeing.

Find out more about Founding Member

benefits and upcoming meetings at

businesslocalnetwork.co.uk.

Facebook: BusinessLocalNetwork

LinkedIn: businesslocalnetwork

Instagram: businesslocalnetwork2016

Twitter: BLN2016


FREE FISH AND CHIP SUPPER

FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL

THE Little Commoners group has

organised a special Veterans Dinner to

commemorate the forthcoming 80th

anniversary of D-Day.

The celebration, in the form of a fish and chips

supper, will be free for all former and current

serving members of the Armed Forces.

The Little Commoners will be working in

tandem with the Wheatsheaf Inn which will

be providing the supper and period time

entertainment.

Councillor Winter, the chairman of the Little

Commoners, said: “I am so proud to be part of

this amazing team.

“We are all delighted to be providing this

wonderful event for all of those who fought and

fight for our country.

“We are pleased to be working alongside the

Wheatsheaf and the Little Commoners will be

subsidising the meals so they are free to all who

attend.”

It will be taking place on June 6 and will run

from 6pm until 10pm. All of those interested in

attending should email thelittlecommoners@

gmail.com early to reserve their booking.

Councillor Winter became one of the youngest

councillors in England back in 2021 when he was

elected to Bexhill Town Council at the age of 18

back in 2021.

At the time he was the second youngest

councillor in the country and the youngest to be

elected in the South East of England.

He was elected as an independent local

councillor for the St Marks Ward, covering Little

Common, Cooden and

Norman’s Bay.

Having been elected

for the first time,

Councillor Winter said:

“I was born and bred in

Bexhill and I love the

town.

“I have been keen

to represent my local

community for a long Councillor Connor Winter

time and was inspired to stand for election and

serve by a friend and much-respected former

councillor who sadly passed away a few years ago.

“I want to get things done for the residents of

St Marks and for Bexhill more widely. I want

to encourage businesses back to the area and

rejuvenate the local environment.

“I enjoy working with a variety of local people

and listening to and helping residents with any

concerns they may have.

“Young people are under-represented in local

democracy and it can be hard being a young

person in politics.

“Older people may think they know better than

you and assume you have not had enough life

experience to do the job. But I aim to bring a fresh

and important perspective to the role.

“The best councils are those which are truly

representative of their local communities.

I encourage young people to stand up and

be counted and have their say on how their

communities are managed. We have a lot of ideas

and energy to bring to the table.”

NEWSPAPER READER

SURVEY LAUNCHED

IT’S your time to give us your opinions on the

town’s dedicated FREE newspaper.

Bexhill News is dedicated to reporting on all the

local news as we approach almost two years old.

We want to know what you think of this monthly

publication so we can find out how to improve it

and continue to offer you an incredible publication.

We’ve launched a reader survey which should

take no more than a few minutes to complete and

simply asks what you enjoy in the newspaper and

what you’d like to see in any future editions.

Group Editor Paul Gibson said: “We launched

Bexhill News to fill the gap to improve local news

coverage and we have been overwhelmed by how

the newspaper has been received locally. Almost

all 12,000 copies are now picked up within ten days,

which is incredible.”

He added: “The survey is a really important

exercise for us and allows us to find out what

our valued readers enjoy and collate ideas and

suggestions to help us develop. At the end of

the day, it is a ‘community newspaper’; we feel

it belongs to the town, so it’s only right we ask

readers for some constructive feedback.”

To complete the survey, which only comprises of

eight questions, simply either scan the QR Code

here or visit https://bit.ly/BN-Survey-Feb24

MOVIES, SHOWS AND FUN FOR

THE WHOLE FAMILY

AT THE HAILSHAM PAVILION

SOUL

23-24 MARCH -14:15

Joe is a middle-school band

teacher whose life hasn’t quite

gone the way he expected. His

true passion is jazz — and he’s

good. But when he travels to

another realm to help someone

find their passion, he soon

discovers what it means to have

soul.

FERRARI

18 -21 MARCH - 14:15 & 19:30

Behind the spectacle and danger

of 1950’s Formula 1, ex-racer, Enzo

Ferrari, is in crisis. Bankruptcy

stalks the company he and his

wife, Laura, built from nothing

ten years earlier. Their tempestuous

marriage struggles with the

mourning for their one son.

KES

18 MARCH - 14:30

Ken Loach’s acclaimed British

drama focuses on Billy Casper, a

tormented boy who is subjected to

abuse both at school and at home.

Billy’s existence is mostly bleak

until he takes up an interest in falconry

and begins training a kestrel

that he finds on a nearby farm.

BOB MARLEY - ONE LOVE

15-17 MARCH - 19:30

One Love celebrates the life and

music of an icon who inspired

generations through his message

of love and unity. On the big

screen for the first time, discover

Bob’s powerful story of overcoming

adversity and the journey

behind his revolutionary music.

SECRETS & LIES

11 MARCH - 14:30

After her adoptive mother dies,

Hortense (Marianne

Jean-Baptiste), a successful black

eye doctor, seeks out her birth

mother. She’s shocked when her

research leads her to a lower-class

white woman, Cynthia (Brenda

Blethyn).

PEPPA’S CINEMA PARTY

9-22 FEBRUARY - 14:15 & 19:30

Peppa’s back on the big screen,

she is having the biggest party

ever and you are invited. Come

and celebrate 20 years of Peppa

Pig with an all-new Cinema

experience, exclusive episodes

with new characters, everyone

will be up dancing in the aisles.

WINTER

WARMER

TICKETS

ONLY £3

LOOK FOR LOGO

WICKED LITTLE LETTERS

8-27 MARCH - 14:15 & 19:30

Fiery Rose Gooding has little in

common with the pious Edith

Swan aside from them being

neighbors in the seaside town of

Littlehampton in the 1920’s. Edith

starts receiving scandalous letters

written with foul language as

eccentric as it is obscene.

BELFAST

4 MARCH - 14:15

Written and directed by Academy

Award® nominee Kenneth

Branagh, BELFAST is a poignant

story of love, laughter and loss

in one boy’s childhood, amid the

music and social tumult of the

late 1960s.

MIGRATION

29 MARCH - 4 APR - 10:30 & 14:15

From the creators of Minions,

Despicable Me, Sing and The

Secret Life of Pets comedies,

invites you to take flight into the

thrill of the unknown with a funny,

feathered family vacation like no

other in the action-packed new

original comedy, Migration.

TO BOOK TICKETS CALL THE

BOX OFFICE ON 01323 841414

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

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

POST OFFICE SCANDAL - THE

INSIDE STORY

4 MAY - 19:30

A live theatre experience from the upcoming

ITV drama and bestselling book.

Currently being adapted into a primetime

ITV drama starring Toby Jones – and

ongoing headline news, we are delighted

to offer you a true, jaw-dropping and

gripping account, that really has

captured the attention of the generpublic

– and is now the subject of this, an equally compelling

stage show.

Journalist/broadcaster Nick Wallis (BBC1’s ‘The One Show’,

Channel 5’s ‘Criminals Caught on Camera’ and regular news

reader/reporter for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5)

recently released a best-selling book that became serialised

both by BBC Radio 4, The Sunday Times and The Daily Mail.

Nick’s story definitively chronicles a scandal that has been

described as one of the most widespread and significant

miscarriages of justice in UK legal history – ‘The Great Post

Office Scandal’. His expertise and knowledge on this subject is

second to none. He brought three Panorama specials to

the fore and also is the fundamental advisor on the

upcoming television series.

Nick will be lending his natural flair to host the whole

intriguing affair. He will also be reading from his book

followed by a Q&A section with the audience after.

There will also be a special guest or two present from the

scandal itself to provide some extremely emotional and

unforgettable first hand expositions.

Show approx. 2hrs with an interval.

TICKETS: £15.00

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

al

18 ADVERTORIAL

MARCH 2024


BEXHILL-ON-SEA

TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE

voice is a powerful tool that the town council believes will compel

Southern Water to prioritise necessary upgrades and maintenance

to the sewage infrastructure in Pebsham.

The public meeting is also an opportunity for Southern Water to

outline its plans for addressing the issues raised by the community.

It is a chance for them to demonstrate their commitment to

environmental responsibility and community well-being. By

engaging in this dialogue, the town council aims to hold Southern

Water accountable for its actions and ensure that the necessary

steps are taken to rectify the sewage discharge problems.

The Town Council to sponsor Bexhill Carnival for the next three years

GOOD NEWS FOR CARNIVAL

The Town Council made the decision to sponsor the Bexhill

Carnival for the next three years. The decision was taken after the

Carnival committee reported that their main sponsor had pulled

out. The Council understands the value of the Carnival to the

community and agreed to fund the event to the tune of £5000 for

the next three years in hopes that it grows and develops into an

exciting occasion for the whole town to experience.

ANNUAL BEXHILL AWARDS

The upcoming Civic Awards (to take place on Saturday 16th March

2024) is a day to celebrate the residents of Bexhill who go above

and beyond in their efforts to improve the town. As well as the

Civic Awards, the Annual Town Meeting will be held on the same

date. All are welcome to take part. We will be starting at 4.30pm

at St Peter’s Community Centre, Church Street and entertainment

will be provided by the Royal British Legion Band,

ACCESSIBLE PLAY PARK FOR PEBSHAM

The plans to put in an accessible play park in Pebsham are

progressing well. Cllr Huseyin El has been leading the project

which includes installing a host of play equipment.

The accessible play park will be equipped with a variety of

inclusive features, ensuring that children with diverse physical

abilities can fully engage in recreational activities. From

wheelchair-friendly ramps to sensory play areas, every detail

has been carefully considered to accommodate the needs of all

children. The swings are designed to accommodate different

mobility aids, and soft surfaces ensure a safe and comfortable play

space.

This project reflects the town council’s commitment to creating

an inclusive community where every child, regardless of their

physical abilities, can experience the joy of play. By providing a

space that encourages interaction and shared experiences, the

accessible play park not only benefits children but also promotes

understanding and acceptance among the community members.

ADDRESSING THE ONGOING SEWAGE

PROBLEMS

Saturday 23RD March 2024 10.30am St John’s Baptist Church

Victoria Hall, Victoria Hall Road

In a proactive move to address long-standing sewage discharge

concerns, the Town Council has taken a significant step by

organising a public meeting with Southern Water. The meeting,

scheduled for next month, aims to provide a platform for

residents to voice their concerns and challenge the persistent

sewage discharge issues affecting the community.

For too long, Bexhill residents have faced disruptions and health

concerns due to sewage discharge problems. The public meeting

is a crucial opportunity for the community to directly engage with

Southern Water representatives, demanding accountability and

swift resolution to the ongoing issues.

The town council recognises the urgency of this matter and

believes that a collective effort is essential to bring about positive

change. By organising the meeting, they hope to create an open

dialogue between Southern Water and the community, fostering a

transparent and collaborative approach to finding solutions.

Residents are encouraged to attend and share their personal

experiences, allowing Southern Water to gain firsthand insight

into the impact of sewage discharge on daily life. This collective

KEANE

The Town Council is aiming to bring musical magic to the

community by organising a benefit concert featuring the

renowned band Keane. Known for their captivating melodies and

poignant lyrics, Keane has left an indelible mark on the music

scene, making them an ideal choice to grace the Bexhill stage.

The benefit concert is not just about delivering a memorable

musical experience; it holds a deeper purpose. The town council

envisions using the event to raise funds for local initiatives,

charities, or community projects. Keane’s participation adds an

extra layer of appeal, drawing in fans and residents alike for an

evening of exceptional entertainment with a philanthropic twist.

Keane, hailing from nearby Battle, has a special connection

to the region, making their involvement in the benefit concert

particularly meaningful. Their melodic anthems and emotive

performances are sure to resonate with the local audience,

creating a unique atmosphere of unity and support.

By organising this benefit concert, the Town Council not only

celebrates the town’s musical roots but also demonstrates a

commitment to community welfare. It showcases the power of

music to bring people together for a shared cause, aligning artistry

with altruism in a harmonious blend that promises to make the

event a resounding success.

POP UP CRAZY GOLF THIS SUMMER

The Town Council is hoping to inject a dose of fun into the

community by orchestrating a whimsical addition to the

picturesque Metropole lawns—the introduction of a pop-up

crazy golf course at the iconic De La Warr Pavilion. This

innovative endeavour brought about by Cllr Memish Huseyin

is set to transform the historic grounds into a vibrant recreational

space, bringing laughter and entertainment to residents and

visitors alike.

The choice of the De La Warr Pavilion as the venue for the popup

crazy golf course adds an artistic and cultural dimension to the

recreational initiative. Against the backdrop of this architectural

gem, participants can engage in a light-hearted game of crazy golf

while enjoying panoramic views of the sea.

The pop-up course is designed to cater to all age groups,

fostering a sense of community engagement and family-friendly

entertainment.

This initiative not only enhances the town’s leisure offerings but

also showcases the council’s commitment to creating dynamic

and inclusive spaces for its residents. The De La Warr Pavilion,

with its rich cultural heritage, becomes not only a site for art

and contemplation but also a vibrant space for play and social

interaction. The council is negotiating with Rother District Council

to hire the space this summer to draw attention to local landmarks

and boost tourism. It adds a contemporary twist to Bexhill’s

identity, portraying the town as a place where history and modern

recreation seamlessly coexist.

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


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

DON’T BE LEFT IN THE

WEEDS: PREPARE YOUR

GARDEN FOR SPRING!

AS the days lengthen and the sun warms the earth,

thoughts turn to the vibrant promise of spring. For

garden enthusiasts, that means dusting off the tools

and getting ready to tackle the season’s tasks. But before you

dive headfirst into planting, mowing and strimming, consider

this: is your trusty garden equipment up to the challenge?

THE ADVANTAGES OF SERVICING YOUR

GARDEN EQUIPMENT

Preventative maintenance saves money — Skipping regular

servicing might seem like a cost-cutter, but it can lead to

expensive breakdowns down the line. Think of it like car

maintenance — a timely oil change is much cheaper than a new

engine! At Sussex Mowers, our expert technicians can identify

and address minor issues before they become major problems,

saving you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Peak performance, maximised efficiency: Well-maintained

equipment works better, saving you time and effort. A serviced

lawnmower cuts more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption

and producing fewer harmful emissions. Similarly, a properly

tuned strimmer or chainsaw delivers optimal power and

precision, making even tough jobs easier.

Extended lifespan: Regular servicing isn’t just about fixing

problems; it’s about preventing them. By keeping your

OPINION

equipment clean, lubricated, and adjusted, you’re maximising

its lifespan and getting the most out of your investment. At

Sussex Mowers, we use high-quality parts and lubricants to

ensure your equipment runs smoothly for years to come.

Safety first: Faulty equipment poses a serious safety risk. Our

comprehensive servicing includes safety checks, ensuring your

equipment operates safely and reliably, so you can focus on

enjoying your garden, not worrying about potential hazards.

UPGRADING YOUR EQUIPMENT

Sometimes, even the most diligent service can’t keep pace with

advancements in technology. If your equipment is getting old or

inefficient, consider the benefits of upgrading:

Cutting-edge technology: New models often boast innovative

features that make gardening easier and more enjoyable.

From self-propelled mowers that reduce strain to strimmers

with an auto-load feature for the strimmer line, advancements

can truly transform your experience. Or for the ultimate

high-tech solution, why not treat yourself to a robotic mower

this year — have an immaculate lawn every day of the season

without spending hours every week doing battle with the evergrowing

grass!

Environmental benefits: Modern equipment is designed with

eco-friendliness in mind. Electric or battery-powered options

reduce noise pollution and emissions; if you prefer a petrol

machine, our Aspen alkylate fuel is a much cleaner solution

than forecourt E5/E10 petrol (and much kinder on your engine).

At Sussex Mowers, we can help you choose equipment that

aligns with your environmental values.

Enhanced safety features: Newer models often come

equipped with advanced safety features, offering peace of mind

and added protection while you work.

SUSSEX MOWERS: YOUR ONE-STOP

GARDEN EQUIPMENT SHOP

Whether you choose to service your existing equipment or

explore exciting upgrade options, Sussex Mowers is your

trusted partner in all things garden equipment. We offer a

wide range of top-quality new equipment from leading brands,

ensuring you find the perfect solution for your needs and

budget. We can also collect and deliver your equipment!

Call us on 01424 426 126 or visit us today: Our showroom

in Saint Leonards (near Tesco) is open Monday to

Friday 8:30am to 4.30pm and Saturdays 9:00am to 1.00pm.

Our friendly staff are happy to answer your questions,

offer personalised recommendations, and help you make

informed decisions. Together, let’s make your garden

flourish this season!

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN SAINT LEONARDS • BUY LOCAL!

WHY I DON’T LISTEN TO

RADIO GA GA ANYMORE

BY KIM MAYO

THE untimely death of revered disc jockey Steve Wright in

February was yet another major blow in the continuing demise in

the popularity of BBC Radio 2, once essential listening to those of

a certain age, including me.

I still recall with fondness the dulcet tones of Terry Wogan when I

elected to switch from Radio 1 to Radio 2 upon reaching the milestone

of 30 back in the day when listening to the genial Irishman was akin to

wrapping yourself in a comfort blanket.

He was, quite literally, music to my ears, with his witty banter an

additional bonus. When he stepped aside from The Breakfast Show, the

BBC threw a curve ball by appointing Chris Evans as his replacement,

and it paid handsome dividends as listening figures remained buoyant

throughout his tenure.

Evans may have been a Marmite character, loved or loathed in equal

measure by many, but he certainly knew how to entertain those who

tuned in — and they did in their millions.

Evans eventually quit to join Virgin Radio, taking thousands of his loyal

listeners with him in the process.

In recent years, the likes of Graham Norton and Paul O’Grady were

added to the roster, and once again, both made enjoyable listening

companions, although sadly, the latter passed away, having been

largely marginalised in the schedules while Norton elected to pursue his

many other interests.

However, it was the departure of mid-morning host Ken Bruce, which,

for me, proved to be the corporation’s biggest error of judgment.

Back in the day, when having the radio burbling away in the

background at work was deemed acceptable, we all ensured we tuned

in to Ken’s mid-morning show for one significant reason, and that was

Pop Master.

Invented by Ken, the concept was simple. It was a music quiz, and

we all like to think we are experts in the field despite not being brave

enough to want to appear on the show itself.

Some described him as being a pale imitation of Wogan, which was

grossly unfair. When it became apparent that Radio 2 was planning a

shake-up, Ken Bruce did the right thing and quit for pastures new, again

taking thousands of loyal listeners with him.

He had also been astute enough to own the rights to Pop Master, too,

so he took that with him upon his exit from the BBC. What a loss that is

proving to be.

Then Steve Wright in the Afternoon Show was another staple of the

Radio 2 schedules, and his popularity remained undimmed, but this

seemingly was not enough for the good old Beeb.

Steve was what you would deem an “old school DJ”, but he knew

what his listeners wanted and delivered, day in, day out. But it seems

these days that popularity is no longer the key buzzword. Instead, it is

all about moving with the times — it can be beneficial, but sometimes it

can have the reverse effect.

For many years, Radio 2 got it right. From the halcyon days of Terry

Wogan and his loyal band of listeners, he dubbed TOGS (Terry’s Old

Gits) through to the adventurous appointment of Evans. But no more.

Ken Bruce and Steve Wright were the jewels in a glittering crown,

but that crown has become increasingly tarnished as more and more

listeners opt for digital stations who are more than happy to employ

former BBC DJs. Their gain is the Beeb’s considerable loss.

To swipe the title of one of Queen’s biggest hits, the station has

become Radio Ga Ga, both bland and uninspiring.

Hence, this is the reason why, after more than three decades of

happy listening, I no longer listen to Radio 2. Clearly, many others have

followed suit by opting for alternative stations.

That in itself is a crying shame because Radio 2 should be the go-to

station for those of us who love music and witty banter.

Sadly, that is no longer the case, and I am by no means the only one

who feels that way. I will miss Steve Wright as much as I miss Wogan,

but at least there is still the opportunity to listen to Ken Bruce and Chris

Evans elsewhere just by turning the dial on your radio.

Radio 2 and I have undergone a less-than-amicable divorce, and there

is no way I will be returning. Our lengthy union is well and truly over.

So, rest in peace, Steve; millions of your listeners will sadly miss you.

In many ways, your passing marks the end of what was a glorious era.

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emailing: sales@bexhill.news

WANTED

Coins and Coin collections

Gold

WANTED

and Silver Coins

Coins and Coin collections

Gold

Stamp

and

and

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Stamp

Coins

Stamp Collections and Stamp

Old Collections

Paper items

Call Old 07780 Paper 929684 items

Email: Call niksar602001@yahoo.co.uk

07780 929684

01580 200400

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1868 RECORDS WANTED

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Email: niksar602001@yahoo.co.uk

0777335 1868 RECORDS WANTED

from the 1950’s to the

from present the 1950’s dayto the

Tel: present 01424 734217 day

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36268

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email duanehobden936@hotmail.com

email duanehobden936@hotmail.com

MARCH 2024

BEXHILL Motoring Centre, a locally

owned dealership, has been serving

the community for over 25 years with

unwavering dedication and continuity in

ownership.

Central to the company’s prosperity is its

commitment to transparency, epitomised by an

exceptional offering such as a 24-month parts and

labour warranty on vehicles priced above £3,000.

Every vehicle in the inventory, spanning both

Bexhill and Hailsham branches, boasts only

one or two previous owners, accompanied by

meticulous service records. Furthermore, each

car undergoes a thorough hygienic valet and

shampoo upon purchase.

Ensuring peace of mind for customers, all

vehicles undergo rigorous HPI checks, have

their finances cleared and are eligible for

comprehensive financing options at the Bexhill


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

PEACE OF MIND ASSURED WHEN

BUYING A QUALITY USED CAR

Motoring Centre.

Moreover, each car receives a pre-delivery

inspection (PDI) and a fresh MoT, with detailed

representations available on the company’s

website through over 20 photos and a video

showcase.

A representative from the company said: “We

understand the apprehensions surrounding

the origins of used vehicles. Rest assured, we

exclusively source our cars from reputable

channels such as main agents, finance

companies, fleet and leasing outlets. Our

commitment lies in offering discerning customers

top-tier, pre-owned vehicles.”

You can visit the dealership on Acorn House,

3-17 Terminus Rd, Bexhill, TN39 3LR.

You can also view the full stock at

bexhillmotoringcentre.com or call 01424

733777 to find your next quality used car or van.

HIGH AND LOW

GUTTER HIGH CLEANING AND LOW SERVICES

GUTTER CLEANING SERVICES

l ALL GUTTERS CLEANED

l ALL UNBLOCKED, GUTTERS REPLACED

CLEANED

& REPAIRED

l UNBLOCKED, REPLACED

l & SAME REPAIRED DAY SERVICE

l SAME TRADITIONAL DAY SERVICE MANUAL

CLEANING

l TRADITIONAL EXTERIOR CLEANING

MANUAL

CLEANING

l EXTERIOR CLEANING

CALL US TODAY

01424 852525

CALL 07714 US 702897

TODAY

01424 852525

07714 702897

ARE YOU ORGANISING

A CHARITY OR

NON-PROFIT EVENT?

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COVERAGE FOR YOUR

EVENT, BEXHILL NEWS

CAN INCLUDE IT

WITHIN ITS POPULAR

GUIDE...

This newspaper reaches more than 20,000 readers every month, and

we want to support the many events which are organised by local

groups and charities.

Therefore, we are inviting submissions to our events guide which will

appear in this newspaper and on our busy website.

All you need to do is email us with the event title, description, location,

cost of entry, times and contact information. The listing should not

total more than 75 words.

Simply email this information to events@bexhill.news.

BEXHILL NEWS REMAINS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ENTRIES. WE WILL NOT PRINT ANY

COMMERCIAL EVENTS FREE-OF-CHARGE. ALL ENTRIES TO THE GUIDE MUST BE RECEIVED BY

20TH OF ANY MONTH TO ENSURE INCLUSION.

BEXHILL MOTORING CENTRE

CALL: 01424 224242

bexhillmotoringcentre.com

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22 ADVERTORIAL

MARCH 2024


BEXHILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM UPDATE

CHAMBER ECHOES

ASK NOT WHAT BEXHILL

CAN DO FOR YOU

IN January 1961, in his inaugural speech,

President John F Kennedy posed a question

for the American people; “Ask not what your

country can do for you; ask what you can do for

your country.”

Well, it seems that nearly 65 years later, many

Bexhill Chamber members have taken that to

heart and are paraphrasing JFK with an ethos of;

“Ask not what Bexhill can do for you, ask what

you can do for Bexhill”!

So many of our members are making very

real commitments to make a difference in our

communities. Of course, every one of our nearly

130 business, charity and social enterprise

members make a difference with their millions

of pounds worth of investment in jobs, social

wellbeing and economic activity, but there are

also many who go above and beyond that to

deliver so much more for so many.

We were recently incredibly privileged to be

invited to attend our member’s Warming Up

The Homeless (WUTH) Inclusive Volunteer

Programme awards at Manor Barn. Warming

Up The Homeless is far more than just a charity

that helps those who sleep rough, they are a

business-like operation that has built an entire

infrastructure to support the disadvantaged with a

Howard Martin with Mayor Cllr Lynn Brailsford and Tracey Love, Vice President of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce

wide spectrum of needs.

Their WUTH headquarters on Wickham Avenue

in Bexhill is actually one of the largest employers

of both volunteer and paid staff in our town

centre. At the awards, we met some of the most

wonderful, hard-working and dedicated people

you could hope to meet. WUTH take people with

particular life challenges like neurological issues,

educational undervaluation, addiction difficulties

etc and absorbs them into their volunteering

initiative to start them on the pathway to turning

their lives around through paid employment and

life security like affordable accommodation.

Through the hard work and commitment

of the volunteers and their support workers,

disadvantaged people can become highly valued

members of our community. We are pleased

to say that we and our members support this

great work through these awards. When you join

Bexhill Chamber, you are joining so much more

than a networking association, you are joining

a group of like-minded people who share your

aspirations, hopes and challenges.

However, it isn’t all about charity fundraising,

though our Chamber and members raise tens of

thousands of pounds a year for our local charity

partners like WUTH, Bexhill Lions, Charity For

Kids and Little Gate Farm, we also work hard to

support businesses with financial and legal help

as well as planning and licensing application

support, we work hard with our partners to

attract investment to the area and develop new

business initiatives.

Our Chamber is a network of volunteers who

meet up regularly at our business breakfasts to

build business and social engagement connections

while also being dedicated to improving the social

well-being of our entire community. If you are

interested in joining our Chamber, please do not

hesitate to get in touch, and remember, ask not

what Bexhill can do for you.

FIVE MINUTES WITH…

KEN BARRY OF

RECORDS AND RETRO

With the reinvention of the vinyl

record, we speak to Ken Barry

from Records and Retro to find

out what this new era means for

his business…

How long have you lived in the area?

I moved to Bexhill with my family in 2008 from

Henley on Thames. I opened The Record Shop in

Little Common after having a successful record shop

in Henley and then moved the business to the centre

of Bexhill. Fortunately, that tied in with the vinyl

revival as people of all ages either rediscovered their

love of records or else discovered the benefits of the

format for the first time.

It has been great to see customers of all ages

visiting the shop and buying second-hand vinyl. Its

appeal is timeless, and let’s face it, nothing beats

the sound of a vinyl record.

Many teenagers and those in their early twenties

have discovered the likes of classic bands such as

The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks and Fleetwood

Mac via their parents’ collections and then go

out looking for vintage copies of albums such as

Revolver and so forth.

But we are not just a one-stop shop for secondhand

vinyl. Far from it, in fact. We do a great trade as

well on vintage turntables, amplifiers and speakers

because they are in such demand.

In addition, anyone who thinks there is no demand

for CDs is absolutely wrong. We still sell a huge

number of them across all genres, from classical to

rock and more modern artists, which is great.

I love my job for the most important reason of all,

and that is the music itself. You should never lose

sight of that fact. I get the regulars and new faces all

the time, and they make it all worthwhile.

What is it you love about Bexhill?

I love being by the sea and being near such a

fantastic live music venue like the De La Warr. It’s

great that the town has so many independent

shops, particularly in Sackville Road, where my

shop is located.

The more independent shops that thrive in Bexhill,

the better because it makes us stand out from the

crowd and, as a result, will draw in more visitors.

The potential is there clearly, but we need to build

on that and ensure we all publicise what the town

has to offer to residents and visitors.

What do you think needs improving in Bexhill?

We need better transport links, and the new

parking scheme is discouraging people from

visiting the town. In addition, it will become

increasingly important for a series of budget hotels

to be introduced to the town because, at present,

those who want to go to a gig at the De La Warr,

for instance, and enjoy a few drinks or a meal have

little option other than to return home afterwards.

We need to make Bexhill a destination of choice

so it can compete on an equal footing to the likes

of Eastbourne and Hastings. That would be a major

step forward.

How do you visualise Bexhill in ten years’ time?

It would be great to keep Bexhill on the map as a

staycation town. We need to keep promoting its

unique vibe and get rid of the God’s Waiting Room

reputation.

Bexhill is not boring. It is vibrant and has plenty

to offer to people of all ages and who have varied

interests. I am a great believer in independent

shops. They are what makes towns like ours tick,

and they need to be supported in order to thrive.

Tell us about your business.

At Records and Retro, we buy, sell and trade CDs,

vinyl records and Hi-Fi equipment. I have great

customers who make the shop feel like it is a real

part of the community.

If you love music, then please pop in and have a

chat. All of us enjoy discussing the merits of music

and which artists are good, bad or indifferent. We

are all music fans, after all.

Records and Retro is situated at 5 Sackville Road,

Bexhill. It opens from 10am Tuesdays to Saturdays.

You can contact Ken on 01424 222011.

www.recordsandretro.co.uk

NEVER MISS A

COPY OF YOUR

TRULY LOCAL

NEWSPAPER

WE WILL DELIVER WITHIN 3.5 MILES OF BEXHILL TRAIN STATION

We understand not everyone can visit their local

supermarket or town centre to pick up a copy of

Bexhill News for themselves. So, we’ve launched

a brand new subscription service so you can

guarantee your copy directly to your door every

single month.

If you live within 3.5 miles of Bexhill Train

Station, you are eligible for delivery of each

newspaper for just £1.85 per month (£22.20 per

year). We will then hand deliver your copy within

the first few days of every month, ensuring you

have the very latest news as soon as the paper is

published.

Unfortunately, due to the high cost and

unreliability of the postal system, we are

NOT ABLE to offer a postal option for addresses

outside of the 3.5m radius.

DELIVERED

DIRECT TO YOUR

DOOR FOR £1.85

PER MONTH

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

• SCAN THIS QR CODE: It will

take you directly to our

webpage, where you can

subscribe and pay.

• OR, VISIT WWW.BEXHILL.NEWS: Click on

SUBSCRIBE in the main menu.

• OR, COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW. Please

include a cheque for £22.20 made payable to

‘Regional Media Group Ltd’ (please – do not send

cash), and drop it into your local Maybugs store,

42 Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1AX

Full Name:

Telephone Number:

Email address:

Month start date:

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With this form please include a cheque for £22.20 made payable to ‘Regional Media Group Ltd’ then drop it into your local Maybugs store, 42 Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1AX

House Subscription Full Page Ad 1223.indd 2 28/11/2023 17:05

24 SPORT

MARCH 2024


BY MIKE LEGG

TEENAGER Davie Duval is taking

inspiration from Rob Cross and Luke

Littler as he sets his sights on playing topflight

darts.

Interest in the sport is at an all-time high

after debutant Littler stormed to the World

Championships final at just 16 years old this

year. But Duval, also 16, was already a fan of the

sport after first picking up a set of arrows during

lockdown.

And after meeting former world champion

Cross at Sidley Working Men’s Club on his first

venture away from the board at home, he is now

hoping some advice from the Premier League

Darts star will help him reach his goals.

Duval said: “Rob is very supportive. He said:

‘You have the goal that you want to get to, so just

keep that determination and keeping grinding to

where you want to get to.’ He told me not to give

up and just keep going.

Davie Duval and former world champion Rob Cross

DUVAL ARROWING IN

ON DARTS’ BIG STAGE

“But the first thing he said was: ‘You have to

learn how to lose.’ It was because I had lost and

I had taken it really badly. I thought back then

when I’d lose it was the end of playing darts

forever but now I just take it on the chin and move

on because it makes you want to win more when

you lose.”

Duval is putting that advice to good use on

the Junior Darts Corporation Foundation Tour,

a circuit designed as a pathway to the full

Professional Darts Corporation tour.

He came 26th out of 164 players at Coventry

at his debut event in February and will travel to

Scotland for the next events this month. He also

won the South East & London Under 65 Average

Finals at Aylesbury in January on the Amateur

Darts Circuit.

Duval is being mentored by former PDC pro Lee

Bryant, while Bexhill businessman James Cox is

helping guide his career, too.

Although it is early days, Duval, whose walk-on

song is Danger Zone, is aiming for the top.

BY JACKIE KNIGHT

He said: “In the JDC, I want to win an event

because that would be a start. Once I have won an

event, I want to kick on and try to win more and

see where I go from there. But my aim would be to

be in the PDC before I am 20 years old. That would

be the dream.

“I used to play football but I gave it up to follow

this dream with darts. That’s how much I want it.”

Like Cross did before he hit the big time, Duval

plays his darts in Sidley. He is part of the Sidley

BB Guns pub team and plays in regular midweek

ADC Vault competitions as well as for the Sussex

Under-18s and 21s.

He only started playing competitively last year

after honing his skills at home in Ninfield.

Duval said: “I was always saying to my mum that

I wanted to play darts outside, not just at home

and we were looking for places to play and we

went to Sidley WMC one day.

“That was the first time I ever played darts in that

environment — and that was the first time I met

Rob Cross there! I spoke to him a bit, but I was too

shy to speak to him much at that point.”

Duval, who is sponsored by among others

Property Café, Findley’s and the Cox Group, hopes

his game will continue to improve now he has had

a first taste of the JDC circuit.

He added: “In the first one I was a bit nervous

BRT ENJOY NEW LEASH OF LIFE

WITH THEIR CANINE FRIENDS

Andrea Harwood, Dave Palmer and Neil

Smith at Bedgebury Canicross event

BEXHILL Runners and Triathletes took a “Paws” from running

solo for some healthy activity with their canine companions.

Special celebrations at the Bedgebury Canicross event were enjoyed

with outstandng 10K results for Andrea Harwood and her pooch, Ted,

who finished in 45mins 24secs and for third in the women’s event.

Dave Palmer was close behind with his

hound finishing on 46:31.

Wagging tails of joy followed for Helen

Goddard, who entered the 5K race and

smashed it in 26:26, and Neil Smith, who

clocked 27:47 with his one and only

dalmatian.

BRT junior runners were back in action

in the Sussex Cross Country League with

Eva Harwood finishing in a brilliant time of

12:24:00 at Glyndebourne in the under-11

race (2km). This was soon followed by the

Eva Harwood

East Sussex Sunday Cross Country event

Rob Cross in action. Photo credit: Taylor Lanning PDC

but by the third and fourth event I had settled

down and started to play my game. I didn’t get to

my A-game at all but I know I can do it now as I

won’t have those nerves next time.

“Darts is hard because if you’re having a bad

match, unlike football where you have your teammates

to pick you up and help you, you only have

your own mental strength to find that. I am quite

good at being able to do that.”

As for Littler’s rise, Duval is as stunned as the

rest of the nation.

He said: “It’s incredible really. I knew the quality

he had but I never thought he almost would win

the World Championship at his first attempt.”

Bryant says darts is tougher now than ever

before — with Littler’s stellar rise attracting even

more youngsters.

But Bryant said: “We decided to sponsor Davie

four or five months before the Littler effect took

hold. Between us both, we’re going to try to get

him to go far because we think he can.

“He’s got a natural ability. He has been practising

against myself and Adrian Gray, who has played

Rob Cross a few times, so he has already played

against some of the people that have been in the

top 100 in the world and holds his own.

“So, he has a long way to go but this is the right

time for Davie to make the journey.”

BRT Seniors and Juniors ESSCC event February, 2024

where both senior and junior runners ran a challenging muddy fivemile

route at Blackcap in Lewes, hosted by Lewes AC.

Congratulations to Dagmar Ginter who had an amazing time running

at the Chidham Trail Half Marathon. She clocked an excellent time

of 2:24:48 on the off-road route which takes runners around the

perimeter of the Chidham Peninsula and an additional loop at the top

of the harbour.

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

HONDA HR-V

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Customer Deposit

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APR Representative

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Excess Mileage Charge

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CONTACT YEOMANS HONDA TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR

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Terms and Conditions: New retail HR-V Hybrid ordered with Honda and finance approved by Honda Finance Europe from 01 July 2023 to 30 September 2023 and registered by 30 September 2023. Subject to model and colour availability. Offers applicable at participating dealers

(excluding Channel Islands) and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Not to be used along with any other offers currently available. * OTR may be subject to change due to actual or unexpected changes in tariffs, duties taxes or other costs which may affect importation or other

costs of supply. ** Honda deposit contribution: £2,000 Honda deposit contribution on all new retail HR-V Hybrid models purchased through Honda Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Honda Hire Purchase (HP). 6.9% APR representative Honda Personal Contract Purchase (PCP):

Maximum customer deposit 30%. At the end of the agreement, there are three options: i) Retain: Pay the optional final payment to own the vehicle, ii) Return: Return the vehicle, or iii) Renew: Part exchange your Honda for a new one. You do not have to pay the Final Payment if you

return the car at the end of the agreement and you have paid all other amounts due, the vehicle is in good condition and has been serviced in accordance with the Honda service book and the maximum annual mileage has not been exceeded. Excess mileage charge includes VAT at

current rate. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Honda Franchise Dealers are credit brokers, not lenders.

As the dealer offers products from a limited number of carefully selected finance providers, they are not independent financial advisors. We may or may not make a payment and / or reward to the dealer if you enter into an agreement with us. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe

Plc. Honda Financial Services is a trading name of Honda Finance Europe Plc. Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL a company registered at Companies House No 03289418. Honda Finance Europe plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial

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payment we receive may vary between finance providers and product types. The payment received does not impact the finance rate offered. 43923

26 SPORT

MARCH 2024


Bexhill celebrate scoring against Loxwood

WRIGHT CONFIDENT

BEXHILL WILL STAY UP

BY MIKE LEGG

PICTURES: JOE KNIGHT/SEASIDE PHOTOGRAPHY

JOHN WRIGHT does not believe Bexhill United are in a

relegation battle as they embark on a pivotal home run.

Despite a team of volunteers working all morning on the

Polegrove pitch, the Pirates’ clash with in-form Eastbourne Town

was postponed an hour before kick-off last Saturday (Feb 24).

But the games are coming thick and fast and bottom side AFC

Uckfield visit next in what boss Wright believes could be a crucial

game in their fight for SCFL premier survival (March 2).

United sat fourth from bottom on 18 points after the final

Saturday of the month and only one team will be relegated this

season.

Asked if he believes United are in a relegation scrap, Wright

said: “Personally, no. If we beat Uckfield then that would put us

11 points clear of them, while we have a superior goal difference

which is worth another point.

“Also, only one side goes down and Uckfield having not won in

about 30 games, so for them to go and win four out of their last nine,

with all the top five to come I believe, is asking a lot. Of course, if

they come and beat us then it could be squeaky-bum time.

“But we are playing really well while all the teams around us like

Varndeanians, Uckfield and Saltdean are losing by four or five

goals each week.

“We should have won at Crowborough a couple of weeks ago

and we have drawn six of our last nine, so we are competing with

everyone in every game and we’re really, really positive so the

relegation word hasn’t even come into the conversation.

“I like to be a positive manager and with Shoreham and Saltdean

also to come, if we win all those three, then we are in mid-table just

behind Little Common.”

Wright was poised to make a “massive” signing for the run-in

although Ollie Hull has been poached by Eastbourne United with

Wright admitting he was not willing to match the money being

offered.

United began February with a narrow 1-0 loss at Crowborough

(Feb 3) before a 1-1 draw against Loxwood in which Charlie Curran

netted (Feb 10).

A 2-2 draw at Pagham followed in tough conditions as Jack

Shonk, with a penalty, and Joe Summerbell scored (Feb 17).

United’s home game against Saltdean on March 23 is also

Non-League Day. It coincides with the international break and

encourages football supporters to get to a local game. And it will

be Pirate Day at the Polegrove with anyone turning up in full pirate

get-up getting in free. There will be reduced entry with £4 adults

and £2 concessions.

Bexhill crowd out a Loxwood player

BEXHILL UNITED – March fixtures (subject to change): AFC

Uckfield (home, Mar 2); Shoreham (home, Mar 9); Eastbourne Town

(home, Mar 13); Saltdean (home, Mar 23); Newhaven (away, Mar 30).

Little Common also fell victim to the weather at a saturated Rec

on the final Saturday against Eastbourne United.

That meant they ended up winning two and losing two in the

league during the month.

Sam Cruttwell, Jack Mclean and Cameron Thompson scored as

basement side AFC Uckfield were beaten 3-1 (Feb 3) but a 2-1 loss

to high-flying Hassocks at the Beacon followed despite Cruttwell

again notching with a free-kick (Feb 6).

That proved to be Cruttwell’s last game for Common as he has

now re-signed for former club Hastings United, although he

remains dual registered.

Player-boss boss Russell Eldridge was left frustrated by the

2-1 home loss to Midhurst and Easebourne after taking the lead

through a Jamie Bunn penalty (Feb 17).

But there was plenty for him to be pleased about as an excellent

performance at Middle Road saw Common defeat Shoreham 4-2 in

the next game.

Adam Smith pounced on a keeper’s fumble for the opener before

Alfie Lambden rifled home the second from a Jack Mclean cutback.

The Mussels replied before the break but two goals inside ten

minutes after the break saw Common restore a two-goal cushion.

Lambden fired home after an Eldridge free-kick hit the wall

before Paul Feakins added a rare goal (Feb 20). The hosts struck a

consolation from the spot while Bunn had a penalty saved.

LITTLE COMMON — March fixtures (subject to change):

Crowborough (away, Mar 2); Crawley Down (home, Mar 5);

Steyning Town (home, Mar 9); Eastbourne United (home, Mar 12);

Horsham YMCA (away, Mar 16); AFC Varndeanians (away, Mar

23); Peacehaven (home, Mar 30).

LIFE AT THE TOP

AND CHARITY

BEGINS AT HOME

BY ROB CAREY

THE Old Bexhillians Walking Football Club sit proudly at the top

of the Over 50s East Division with 16 points after the 4-1 defeat of

Hastings United on their home turf at Bexhill College.

The other club team, Little

Common Wonderers, are in

second place on 13 points

with Eastbourne Boro WFC

positioned menacingly in third

place. The OBs also have a

game in hand and the season is

building up to a thrilling climax

if these three keep the pressure

on each other as the eventual

top two qualify for the play-offs

against West Sussex opposition.

The club’s Over 60s side —

The Atha Strollers — resume

Little Common Wonderers’

Captain Wes Mendy

games this month against local

opposition while the Bexhill

Old Bexhillians, who won 4-1 against Hastings

Seniors (Over 68s and Over 70s) will play friendlies.

There are also Walking Football Associations (WFA) National Cup

games on the agenda when all ages within the club (50 to 80) will have

the opportunity to put their name down for a game. This could involve

travel within the South East with the finals being contested in the

Nottingham area.

The club are also proud and privileged to involve local charities and

individuals in their fund-raising activities. To date, some £800 has been

donated to the Turkish Earthquake appeal following that disastrous

event last year for equipment and travel needs.

Local groups to benefit have been the Bexhill Foodbank to the tune

of £500 and £2,000 to Warming up the Homeless, plus the donation

of a substantial haul of Easter Eggs organised by committee member

Howard Whitelaw. All of this money and treats have come from the

club funds through quizzes and collections and the WF club members

have all donated to these causes.

For further details on joining the club please contact chairman

Mike Davies on 07961 998743 or email mickdavies48@gmail.com.

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OPEN EVENTS!

Join us

HASTINGS

(Station Plaza, Ore Valley &

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Thursday 7th March

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Thursday 14th March

LEWES

Thursday 21st March

NEWHAVEN

Tuesday 26th March

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Last admission 6:30PM

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Bexhill News March 2024 Issue 21

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