Bexhill News, May 2025, Issue 35

MAY 2025 | ISSUE 35

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

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

12,000 COPIES PRINTED EVERY MONTH

LOCAL, FRIENDLY, RELIABLE

A259 SAFETY MEETING — P2

POST OFFICE TO CLOSE — P5

SEAFRONT SHELTER OPENS — P8

DRONE FLIES WITHIN

20 METRES OF AIRLINER

OVER BEXHILL

INSURED BACKED GUARANTEE

New Roofs l Flat Roofs l Leadwork

Chimneys l Ridge Tiles & Gable Ends

UPVC Facias, Soffits & Guttering

Int/Ext Painting l Roof Coating

Moss Removal l Roofing Repairs

Building Repairs l Driveways & Patios,

Landscaping l Fencing l Drainage

01424 799645

100 Menzies Road, St. Leonards, TN38 9BB

www.hydroguardroofing.co.uk

SIVYERS AUCTIONS

FRIDAY 6th JUNE 2025

Auction starts at 11.00am. viewing in person

Wednesday and Thursday prior to auction

COMMISSION 20% 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...

ITEMS

SOLD AT

A RECENT

AUCTION

REPORT IS RELEASED AFTER A BOEING 737 COMES

WITHIN METRES OF AN UNMANNED DRONE AS IT

PASSES OVER TOWN — SEE PAGE 4

YOUR LOCAL AUCTION at the

Old West Station, Terminus Road,

Bexhill -on-Sea

Tel: 01424 217640

Email: info@sivyers.com

A BEXHILL LANDMARK SINCE 1902

2 NEWS

MAY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

WELCOME

There’s nothing quite like this time

of year when the sun is out (most of

the time), and we can start to enjoy

walks and cycling once again and

look forward to an array of events

over the coming months.

Sometimes, it is hard to find some

light at the end of the tunnel when all

we hear about is closures across the

town, and this month is no different,

I’m afraid, with the announcement of

the Post Office closure.

This is very sad news for the town

and a kick in the teeth to 4,000

residents who signed the petition

to save it — but in this case, people

power didn’t work and an alternative

needs to be found to restore services.

In Hailsham, a new ‘Banking Hub’

has been successfully running, and

there is some good news in that

Bexhill is also on the list to get one!

It is basically one location that

offers customers the services they

would expect from their high street

bank branch on a particular day of

the week. Although customers can

use ‘normal’ banking services on all

days of the week, if they want to

speak to someone about a specific

issue with their bank, then each

bank will have a dedicated day when

customers can visit to talk.

Although its early days in Hailsham,

it has certainly set a precedent and so

far has proved very popular amongst

residents. Let’s hope this initiative

proceeds rapidly for Bexhill.

As usual, keep your letters coming

to me. We have some excellent views

and opinions again in our letters

on Page 11. Just email your letter to

letters@bexhill.news.

Paul Gibson

Group Editor

THE TEAM

PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR

paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS

viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER

sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION

dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

CONTACT

ADVERTISING SALES — 01424 762128

sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

Bexhill News is a publication by Regional Media

Group Ltd, a company registered in England

and Wales number: 13746177. We have taken

care to ensure that the information in this

newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher,

nor contributors can take responsibility for loss

or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

Bexhill News does not endorse the accuracy

of the advertisements or the quality of the

products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and

community organisations are provided directly

by their own representatives; please direct any

queries or comments regarding content directly

to the organisation. Any opinion or views

expressed within this publication are solely

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

newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole

without express permission of the editor.

A259 Barnhorn Road

Discussions held over

A259 safety concerns

BEXHILL and Battle MP, Kieran

Mullan, held a meeting with

National Highways, East Sussex

County Council, Sussex Police,

local councillors and Hooe

community representatives

recently to discuss concerns about

road safety on the A259.

The meeting was called following

a spate of serious accidents on

the A259, at the end of last year,

including a fatality.

The MP wanted to establish the

cause of the accidents and discuss

whether more could be done to

improve road safety along the route.

As well as the tragic consequences

for those involved in the accidents,

an emergency road closure of the

A259 results in hours of gridlock on

adjacent local roads including Sluice

Lane and lanes in Hooe village.

Sussex Police and National

Highways (who manage the A259)

explained that following the

fatality near the Custom Café, they

carried out analysis of recent crash

data to establish whether road

layout, speeding or other factors

relating to the road played a part in

the accidents.

Police only have access to crash data

relating to fatal or injurious accidents,

data on other incidents, which the

emergency services don’t attend, are

dealt with by insurance companies

and is not available to them.

A vehicle speed analysis concluded

that speeding was not an issue at this

section of road as average speeds

were 46mph and the highest 15% of

speeds were 53mph.

Sussex Police and National

Highways explained that twenty

thousand vehicles use the road each

day and, over the last 10 years, there

have been 29 collisions on the stretch

of the A259 between Little Common

and Pevensey roundabout which

resulted in serious injury or death.

Peter Doodes, Cllr Ian Hollidge, Pam Doodes from ESCC, MP Kieran Mullan, Cllr Nuala Geary and Cllr Connor Winter

Speeding was identified as the cause

of one of those accidents. Other

causes were medical incidents,

drink/drug driving and driver error.

Therefore, from a policing point of

view, road safety on the A259 is not

considered a major concern.

Four of the recent accidents

happened at the junctions to Hooe

village which is used as an alternative

route to Battle. East Sussex County

Council who maintain the adjacent

roads also carried out analysis of

the cause of those accidents in

conjunction with National Highways

and the police. This concluded

that driver error was the cause of

those accidents.

Councillors and community

representatives from Hooe village,

shared the lived experience of local

residents who continually raise their

concerns to them about the safety

of the A259. They also discussed the

challenges on the remaining road

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor, visit:

www.eastsussex.news/letters

network when the A259 is closed.

The villagers in Hooe often find

themselves trapped in as does the

community at Normans Bay and

Cooden when their roads are used

as unofficial diversion routes.

HGVs diverting along these villages

routes cause extensive damage

to local roads.

Given community concerns and the

increasing volume of traffic using the

A259 through Little Common, Kieran

asked National Highways and East

Sussex County Council to consider

whether junction improvements or

engineering solutions could help the

driver experience and improve road

safety. National Highways confirmed

that they are about to commence a

whole route study of the A259 and A27

in East Sussex to obtain more data on

road safety and driver behaviour.

A similar study had been carried out

on the A21 between Lamberhurst and

Hastings and has resulted in speed

limit changes, road engineering

improvements and other measures

which are already showing

improvements in road safety.

Depending on the results from the

A259 study, funding for road safety

improvements would be sought from

the Department of Transport.

Kieran asked that he and councillors

are kept informed of the progress of

this study and confirmed he would

be supportive of any funding bids to

improve road safety.

Following the meeting Kieran said:

“It was very helpful to talk to Sussex

Police, National Highways and East

Sussex County Council about the

growing local concerns for safety

on the A259. I am encouraged that

a whole route study of the A259 and

A27 is being carried out this financial

year. This is a key transport route for

the constituency and is vital to the

local economy. With more expected

housing growth, I am concerned

about its resilience and safety. East

Sussex is poorly served by decent

transport infrastructure. Ultimately,

if this area is expected to take more

housing, we must also have a stronger

and safer transport infrastructure

to support it.”

4 NEWS

MAY 2025


Airliner was at ‘high’

risk of colliding with

drone over Bexhill

A REPORT has concluded that

a passenger jet was moments

from colliding with a drone as it

flew over Bexhill.

he Boeing 737 pilot reported seeing

a ‘black object’, believed to be a drone,

in front of the aircraft as it passed over

the south coast.

The incident, which happened in

January, was recently investigated

by the UK Airprox Board (UKAB)

and concluded there was a ‘high’ risk

of collision as the drone passed just

metres from the airliner.

The incident was given an A rating,

the most serious risk level.

The Pilot submitted an ‘Airprox’

report after sighting the drone at

13,000 feet over the Bexhill coastline.

An Airprox, short for aircraft

proximity, is an incident where, in

the opinion of a pilot or air traffic

controller, the distance between

aircraft was such that the safety

of the aircraft was or may have

been compromised.

The report said: “There was no time

to take avoiding action and the object

passed 10-20m on the right-hand side

of the aircraft, approximately 10ft

above. The object was reported to

ATC and details passed.”

Safety Investigations reviewed

the radar at the time the pilot

DE La Warr Pavilion and Rother

District Council has revealed

a masterplan to conserve and

enhance the building over

the next decade.

Based on twenty years of

operations in its current model, and

ninety years since opening in 1935,

the emerging plans address pressing

conservation and refurbishment

issues, widen engagement

across the town and streamline

operations to increase viability and

economic impact.

Drones and other airborne objects pose a serious risk to aircraft

reported the sighting; however, no

radar contacts associated with the

drone were visible.

The Board considered that

‘providence’ had played a major

part in the incident and a definite

risk of collision had existed

during the incident.

In the UK, drones are regulated by

the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

under the UK Drone and Model

Aircraft Code. Anyone flying a drone

must operate safely and responsibly,

respecting other people’s privacy and

adhering to airspace rules.

Drones weighing more than 250g

must be registered, and the operator

De La Warr reveals

10-year masterplan

The ambitious masterplan scheme,

developed by a design team led by

architects Haworth Tompkins, gives a

roadmap to complete works through

the site which include increasing

access for artists and visitors, urgent

works to the auditorium, refurbished

gallery spaces and moves to make the

building net zero.

The Levelling Up governmentfunded

project will be delivered

through a series of phased works,

starting with the auditorium and

foyers with further phases delivered

must obtain a Flyer ID (by passing an

online test) and an Operator ID (for

the person responsible for the drone).

In September 2024, the UKAB

reported 18 incidents involving

drones, balloons, models or

unknown objects. These incidents

were assessed for risk, with

classifications ranging from Risk A

(serious) to Risk E (no risk).

However, the accuracy of drone

sighting reports has been questioned.

An analysis by Airprox Reality Check

suggests that over 80% of reports

classified as drone-related may

have been misidentified, potentially

involving other objects.

in line with fundraising activity.

Also supported by a Heritage

Fund development grant, the

project is hoping to create an

increased impact on the community,

bringing international artists and

performers to the region.

It also looking to co-develop

creative and skills programmes

such as Coastal Catalyst, Talent

Accelerator and Creative Sidley.

The project also works closely with

Heart of Sidley to support their

new Community Hub.

Enterprising

future revealed

for troubled

Castle estate

The Castle’s beauty currently hidden due to the works

BY PAUL GIBSON

BOSSES at Queen’s University

and Bader College, the owners

of Herstmonceux Castle, have

shown plans to make the historic

building and gardens a key visitor

attraction for Sussex.

At an exclusive VIP event recently,

ambitious plans were presented

after the castle was forced to close

in 2023, due to safety concerns, after

structural issues were found. More

than £3m is currently being spent on

major renovations to the front (south)

of the building.

The castle was built in 1441 and

was renovated in the 1920s, and it’s

those renovations that have caused

many of the problems, according to

structural engineers who presented

an update at the event.

Contractors have used state-ofthe-art

3D modelling to identify

what repairs are needed whilst

strict archaeological recordings

took place during the works. Special

conditions had to be created to

allow workers to use ‘lime water

mortar’, which will only set in

certain temperatures. This gave

the team many challenges whilst

the renovations took place over the

winter months.

Engineers tackled structural

concerns with the gatehouse and

parapets, cracking to the towers,

decay of stone and brickwork,

damp and defective windows and

roofs. It is hoped the repairs will be

completed in October.

The information event saw

presentations from castle staff and

contractors who will head up the

plans, which include a new farm

shop, accommodation, cafe, retreats,

new membership options, longer

opening and land renovation.

There were encouraging signs over

the future of the Observatory Science

Centre, which was told last year its

lease would not be extended past

2026. Thousands of residents have

appealed to the owners to keep the

The VIP event which took place on 25 April

attraction open.

After the event, bosses exclusively

told Bexhill News: “We are in

advanced discussions on an extension

to the lease of the Observatory

Science Centre.”

The University, which runs Bader

College, made the urgent decision to

return its students to Ontario, after

parts of the building were found

to be unsafe. There are now plans

to welcome students back from

not only Canada, but also other

parts of the world.

Community volunteering will

also be a big part of the future of the

estate, according to Dean Pascall,

the director of the estate. With plans

to return much of the surrounding

land to its former glory, Dean

says getting the local community

involved and allowing volunteers

to develop their skills would be a

positive move forward.

MP for Bexhill and Battle,

Kieran Mullan, who attended the

event, told Bexhill News: “Queen’s

University has got such an important

local asset for the community, and

they’ve got really exciting plans.

I think local people will be really

pleased with what they are getting

involved with.

“It is obviously a huge investment

for the castle, and that’s unusual

nowadays. I think it really

demonstrates the commitment

that the university has to the castle,

because these things are not cheap.”

Concluding the event, Mr Pascoe

told visitors: “Whether you’re a local

leader, businessperson, donor or

neighbour, we invite you to join us on

this journey from today.”

Drs. Alfred and Isabel Bader

purchased the castle and donated it to

Queen’s University 1993.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MAY 2025 NEWS 5

Campaigners

lose fight to save

Bexhill Post Office

OFFICIALS have announced

the Bexhill Post Office will close

despite a 4,000-strong petition

opposing the plans.

Subject to Government funding, the

last 108 Directly Managed Branches

which are operated by the Post Office

will be franchised by the autumn.

This means that communities

that currently have a Directly

Managed Branch in their area will

continue to be able to access Post

Office services either at, or near to,

the same location.

Nigel Railton, Post Office Chair, said:

“Moving to a fully franchised network

is one part of enabling the Post

Office to deliver a ‘New Deal for

Postmasters’, helping to create a longterm,

sustainable future for the Post

Office. By franchising these

branches, we are protecting access

to our services for communities

right across the UK and realising

£40 million worth of savings that

will enable us to uplift postmasters’

remuneration by up to 10%.

“Over the coming months, we will

continue to work with our unions to

ensure that we treat our staff working

in these 108 branches with care

and respect through this transition,

consulting with them on proposed

changes. The 108 Post Offices will

either stay in the same location where

possible or be located close to the

existing location, meaning customers

will continue to have access to a full

suite of products and services.”

Dr Kieran Mullan MP has expressed

his strong opposition to the closure

of the Devonshire Square Post Office

Directly Managed Branch (DMB),

following the recent announcement.

He said: “It is deeply disappointing

to hear that Post Office has decided

to close the Devonshire Square DMB

despite the clear opposition from

the local community, shown by

4,190 signatures on the ‘Save Bexhill

Post Office’ petition. This decision

disregards the needs and concerns of

Bexhill residents and has been badly

handled by the Post Office as we aren’t

clear about what comes next.”

“The Post Office have pledged to

Bexhill Post Office Photo credit: Andrew Crotty

setup a franchise branch instead – but

at this stage we don’t know when this

will happen, where it will be and what

services it will provide.”

“The closure of the Devonshire

Square branch, and the proposed

transition to a franchisee, leaves

many questions unanswered. It is

vital that Post Office Ltd provides

clear, formal guarantees on location,

services, and operational continuity

before the branch is shut down.”

“It seemed to me that this decision

was a foregone conclusion, so I have

been trying to get guarantees out

of the Post Office on ensuring any

branch is in the heart of Bexhill and

provides the same services we get

now. We have made some progress,

but we aren’t where we need to be.”

“I will carry on pushing the Post

Office to try and get the best out of this

WHAT DO YOU THINK?



situation and thank everyone again

for their support for the campaign.”

“We at least have the positive

news about the plans for a banking

hub in Bexhill which will provide

reassurance to people that at

least vital banking services will be

maintained in the heart of the town. I

met with the team delivering the hub

just today to start discussions about

what we need in Bexhill.”

YOUR DESTINATION FOR QUALITY

MOTs & MORE

Great town centre location

MoT’s, Servicing, Aircon & Repairs

‘Trust My Garage’ trading standards member

Friendly family owned company with easy online booking

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

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

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

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

Call: 01424 218080

Middlesex Road, Bexhill, TN40 1LX

Find us on Facebook

@ MOTESTBEXHILL

6 NEWS

MAY 2025


Residents save cash

thanks to solar project

Richard and Churchill from Energise Sussex with Joan and Len from The Belmont

RESIDENTS of The Belmont,

a block of 36 retirement flats

in Bexhill are benefiting from

significantly reduced energy costs

and warmer homes, following

a major solar and insulation

retrofit project.

The initiative, a collaboration

between community energy cooperative

Energise Sussex Coast

(ESC), E.ON, and The Belmont’s

management, has seen residents

save up to 50% on their electricity and

service charge bills.

Joan Wilson, 83, who has lived at

The Belmont for almost five years,

said: “When I found out we were

going to have solar I was absolutely

delighted. It does make a lot of

difference, it’s brought the price down

— when we’ve got the sun shining, we

get money back.

“A few people here were quite

nervous about it, they did not

understand, but when they did, they

can see how it can help.”

Len Dyer, The Belmont’s building

manager, has been the driving

force behind the project. He

was concerned that many of the

residents, predominantly retired,

faced an ongoing struggle with

high energy bills.

He said: “Year on year the costs were

climbing. I knew these people were

struggling. Solar, for me, was the

answer. Being on the south coast we

have more sunny days than most. We

have 75 metres of roof — we have the

perfect site for it.”

After two years of research, Len

was told to contact Richard Watson

at Energise Sussex Coast, and it

was there that the partnership with

E.ON began. The group explored

the option of ECO4 funding — a

government initiative to support

energy improvements for low-income

households living in homes with poor

energy ratings.

Initial assessments said the building

did not qualify — but a survey of the

Solar panels on The Belmont’s roof

1980s building found a complete

absence of cavity wall insulation,

leading to rapid heat loss and

excessive energy consumption.

This discovery proved crucial in

securing 100% ECO4 funding, which

paid for new insulation, plus the

installation of a 50kW solar system on

the roof with battery storage.

Len explained the initial motivation:

“It was two years of research. In the

beginning all we were looking at was

the communal building electricity

and reducing the management costs

for the residents.

“But it soon became clear that the

funding would allow the residents to

benefit in their own flats too — and

the building was the first in the UK to

utilise new SolShare Technology to

distribute the generated electricity

equally among the 28 participating

flats. This means each household gets

an equal share of the solar — and any

credit from exported energy.

So as well as reduced energy and

management costs, residents get a

pay-out at the end of the year too on

what they’ve exported back to the

grid — with some receiving more

than £200 back.

Richard Watson of Energise Sussex

Coast said: “The Belmont is a prime

example of empowering communities

through sustainable energy solutions.

They actively collaborated in

identifying inefficiencies, securing

funding, and deploying innovative

technology to enhance residents’

lives and set a new standard for social

housing energy transformations.”

Len added: “I would love more

people to benefit. If you took all the

seafront blocks of flats on the south

coast there is lots of opportunity

to have solar.”

Waste site booking

system agreed

despite residents’

opposition

RESIDENTS wanting to use the

Hastings Household Waste

and Recycling site will have to

book a slot to visit, the county

council has agreed.

Cllr Claire Dowling, the council’s

Lead Member for Transport and

Environment made the decision at a

meeting recently – despite thousands

of people opposing the plans.

The council says the new booking

system for all of the county’s waste

sites will improve queues, deter

business and trade waste which

should not be disposed at the

taxpayer’s expense, and ensure only

East Sussex residents get to use the

facilities without charge. No date

has been fixed yet for the scheme to

be implemented.

The decision came despite a big

public response to the council’s

consultation. Of the more than 5,000

who replied, 91 per cent responded

negatively. Officers admitted that

72 percent, or 4,352, responded

“extremely negatively”.

But in recommending Cllr Dowling

should agree to the new scheme,

officers said that in other areas of the

country where people had opposed

to booking systems, they had soon

become accustomed to it. More than

50 per cent of councils now operate

some kind of booking system for their

sites, they added.

Officers also insisted that a

Government report in 2023 showed

there was no evidence of a rise in

fly-tipping linked to the introduction

of booking systems. Neither Kent nor

West Sussex had seen an increase in

fly tipping when they introduced their

booking systems, they added.

Popular horse and dog show

returns to Polegrove

FOLLOWING record visitors last

year, the Bexhill Horse Show is set

to welcome back entrants from

across the UK later this month.

The event has been revived with the

guidance of Chairman Andy Lawes,

Emily Lawes (Vice Chair), alongside

a small committee. Its return to the

Polegrove last year saw more than

4,500 visitors and boasts to be the

only ‘Town Horse Show’ in the UK,

according to the organisers.

The show, was born in Bexhill in

1903, hosts attractions such as show

jumping, showing, carriage driving,

jousting, equine falconry, classic cars,

dog show, childrens entertainers,

coakham blood hounds, heavy

horse display, crafts, stalls, food

stalls and lots more.

This year, reality star Kristina

Goodsell, who appeared on TVs

Married at First Sight, will be

opening the show. Christina is

a keen equestrian and will be

officially opening the event on

Monday 26th May.

One of the most popular events last

year was the up-and-coming trend of

hobby horse riding. This is open to

everyone, young and old, you don’t

even have to own your own hobby

horse! The Men’s shed has them

for sale or to hire, but entrants are

welcome to bring their own.

Another popular event at the show

is the Bexhill Lions Dog Show, which

was judged by Dancing on Ice Star,

and Olympic Champion, Jayne Torvil.

All profits go to Kent and Sussex Air

Ambulance and five local charities.

Last year, the Bexhill Horse Show

raised over £11,000 which was

donated to three local charities.

Photo credit: LRG Photography

Andy Lawes said: “A big thank you

goes to our main sponsors Abbott &

Abbott, McDonalds & Cliffe Vets and

to all the small traders that support

this iconic and historic show and have

brought it back to life!”

Entry is £5 for adults, under 16s are

free. Visit bexhillhorseshow.com for

more information.

CASH OR AUCTION

in Association with Eastbourne Auctions Your Local Saleroom with the International Reputation

Bring items along for a FREE Friendly Advice

CASH OFFER or entry into our forthcoming Auction

For appointments visit Eastbourne Auctions website

or call Glen, Saleroom Manager on 01323 431444 option 2-1-1

Sold for

£700

Sold for

£1,500

Sold for

£600

Sold for

£1,900

Sold for

£950

Sold for

£1,000

Sold for

£500

Valuations are

FREE in 2025

Items Wanted

Sold for

£2,000

Sold for

£1,300

Gold and Silver Jewellery in any condition

Costume Jewellery • Watches working or not

Coins, Medals and Militaria • Wines & Spirits

Oriental items – even when chipped or damaged

Antiques & Collectables • Records • Vintage Hi-Fi

Stamps • Music related or sporting items

Any quirky items or unique items we can write about and promote on TV

Sold for

£700

Sponsoring

the weather

Eastbourne Auctions

www.eastbourneauction.com

Auction House, Finmere Road, Eastbourne BN22 8QL

FULL Probate and House Clearance Service in Operation

8 NEWS

MAY 2025


Original Shelter condition

Chair of Rother District

Council, Richard Thomas

Bexhill Mayor Paul Wilson

Bexhill shelter

opening celebrates

3,000 hours of

volunteer work

RESIDENTS and volunteers

gathered on Bexhill seafront

in April to celebrate the

official opening of a newly

renovated shelter.

Known as Shelter 4, it was built in

1921 by Frederick William Parker,

a prominent local undertaker who

also built Shelter 3, further west

down the promenade.

The team from Bexhill Heritage

have dedicated 3,000 hours to the

renovation of the shelter which was

opened by Chair of Rother District

Council Richard Thomas and Bexhill

Mayor, Paul Wilson.

It became dilapidated in the

later part of the 20th century, but

its seasoned wood and careful

construction enabled it to survive

until it was listed by Heritage

England in 2013.

Rother District Council erected

scaffolding and carried out structural

repairs starting in 2019. Bexhill

Heritage was then invited to support

the restoration and began work in

winter 2023, after completing the

Bandstand restoration and Shelter 3’s

three-yearly re-paint.

The prefabricated Georgian-style

lattice window panels of the shelter

would have been built in Parker’s

workshop, probably with the help of

his apprentices, and transported to

the site for assembly.

It’s thought that Parker wished to

‘show off’ his firm’s woodworking

skills to potential customers due to

the high quality of the construction,

according to volunteers from Bexhill

Heritage which has organised and

rebuilt the shelter.

The Sheter is home to the ‘Heritage

Gallery’, showing how Bexhill has

changed over the years.

Before and after photographs

show some of the buildings lost to

the town through demolition and

what has replaced them. The gallery

underlines the need to identify,

protect and cherish the remaining

heritage buildings.

More than 300 windows have been

glazed, which required 1440 hand-cut

pieces of beading and almost 5000

brass tacks and preparing the damp

and damaged woodwork for painting.

Five coats of traditional paint have

been applied to every surface, and

the team have dismantled, restored

and reassembled the shelter’s six

original benches. The shelter remains

over 75% original.

Steve Johnson, who heads up Bexhill

Heritage, said: “It’s been a great team

effort -the neighbours have been

interested and been really helpful. I’m

very humbled with the huge amount

of support we’ve received.

“It’s a really good partnership

between our charity, Rother District

Council and Bexhill Town Council.

It’s been a tough 3,000 hours,

particularly in Winter, when it’s

raining and very cold. But, we’re been

pleased to get to this point and I’m

really grateful to the people who’ve

come along today.

The group is now focused on its

next projects, which include two bus

shelters and the memorial shelter

on De La Warr Road, opposite

the Sackville.

More than £160,000 is required for

the renovation due to repairs to iron

works — Steve is hoping to gather

more support from local businesses

and organisations to move the

project forward.

Bexhill Heritage volunteers carry out the renovation

At Collington Park Lodge

we don’t believe in add-ons or extras.

We believe in doing things properly –

and being upfront about it.

£1500

a week

That’s why we’re transparent with

our fees and proud to offer an allinclusive

approach that covers not

just exceptional care, but everything

that makes a house feel like a home:

• Home-cooked meals

• Engaging activities

• Trips out

That’s why we’re transparent with our fees and proud to offer an all-inclusive approach that

• Personal grooming

covers not just exceptional care, but everything that makes a house feel like a home:

• Even newspapers and snacks

Home-cooked meals, engaging activities, trips out, personal grooming,

even newspapers and snacks.

Because we know that life’s little

luxuries matter – and no one should

have to ask for them.

Visit us

to see the

difference

Collington Park Lodge

Collington Lane East

Bexhill TN39 3RJ

T: 01424 533445

E: collingtonpark@oystercarehomes.co.uk

W: OysterCareHomes.co.uk

Scan here to

find out more

and to register

your interest

10 EVENTS

MAY 2025


COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

BEXHILL

CANCER CONVERSATIONS WITH NADINE SEARLE

The Community Room at Asda, Battle Road, St

Leonards, TN37 7AA. Every 3rd Thursday of the

month, 10:30-12:30: 15 May, 19 June, 17 July.

Have you been diagnosed with cancer? Are you

filled with panic and fear? Has someone you love

and care for got cancer? Join me for a cuppa and

relax. I will provide a safe space for you to ask

questions, discuss feelings and raise concerns.

You will be heard, understood and offered

compassion and resources to help you. FREE TO

ATTEND. For more info: 07856 169186 or email

nadine@calmerself.co.uk

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

Christchurch Methodist Church, Springfield Road,

Bexhill (100 yards from Bexhill Hospital). Sat 24

& Mon 26 May, 10:00am — 4:00pm and Sunday

25 May 2:00 — 4:00. Celebrate the 35th year of

the Festival of Flowers over the Bank Holiday

weekend! Enjoy stunning floral displays, music, light

refreshments, stalls, and competitions. For more

information: www.christchurchmethodist.org

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION (BEXHILL &

HASTINGS) — PUBLIC SEMINAR

St. Peter’s Community Centre, Church Street, Bexhill,

TN40 2HE. Saturday 26 April, 1:45pm — 4:30pm.

Join us for a thought-provoking seminar on ‘The

Environment, Capitalism, Peace, and Justice’.

Local UNA Chair Sheila Kesby states, “In order to

secure sustainable solutions to all global problems,

including climate change, we have to halt all kinds

of warfare.” For more information, contact Sheila

Kesby: 07765 915173 / s.kesby339@btinternet.com

BEXHILL GARDENING CLUB SPRING FAIR

St. Martha’s Church Hall, Cooden Sea Road, TN39

4SL. Saturday 10th May, 9:00am — 12 noon. Free

entry — all welcome! Enjoy a lovely morning with

plants for sale, crafts from local artists, bric-a-brac,

homemade cakes, tombola, and refreshments.

1

32

For more information: www.lchs.co.uk. Contact:

yvonnestradwick@hotmail.co.uk / 07866 238466

LITTLE COMMON COMMUNITY

CENTRE PLANT SALE

Little Common Community Centre, Shepherds

Close, TN39 4SQ (next to the primary school).Friday

16 May, 8:30am — 11:00am. Browse a beautiful

selection of locally grown plants, all nurtured by

dedicated volunteers. For more details, call the

Centre on 01424 842371

BEXHILL STAMP & POSTCARD CLUB

St Augustine’s Church Hall, Cooden Drive, Bexhill,

TN39 3AZ. Wednesday 28 May, 7.30pm. Join us

for an engaging evening featuring displays and

talks from visiting members of the Eastbourne

Club. Enjoy refreshments and “the raffle” during our

halfway break.

EASTBOURNE

EASTBOURNE BOROUGH MARKET

Terminus Road, Eastbourne, from Trinity Trees to

Marks & Spencer’s. Every Wednesday and Sunday,

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

stalls offering fresh produce, baked goods, crafts,

and more.

MEN’S WALK AND TALK

Every Thursday, 7pm, Meet at Eastbourne Pier.

Open for anyone who wants to get a little more

active or let off some steam. You’re more than

welcome down any Thursday night for the walk

from the Pier to the Harbour, and return to the pier.

Just turn up, or look up ‘The Proper Blokes Club’ on

Facebook for more information.

VE DAY 80 COMMEMORATIONS

Eastbourne Bandstand & Bonfire Beach. Thursday 8

May, 8:45pm — 9:45pm. Join us as we commemorate

the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with

a special evening of music and ceremony. The event

features a performance by the Eastbourne Silver

Band, followed by a torchlit procession led by Stix

Drummers from the bandstand to Bonfire Beach,

where a beacon will be lit to the sound of traditional

Scottish pipes. This simultaneous beacon-lighting

across the country will mark this historic occasion.

A collection will be held on the night, with funds

raised going to the Royal British Legion.

CHILDREN WITH CANCER FUND: RUN TO RUN —

FUN RUN FOR A GREAT CAUSE

Cuckoo Trail, School Lane entrance, Polegate

Saturday 31st May: Mini Mile: 10:30am; 10k:

11:00am; 5k: 11:15am. Join us for a fun run along the

Cuckoo Trail and support families facing childhood

cancer! Whether you’re a keen runner, walker, or

just up for a stroll, we’d LOVE for you to be part of

this event. With various distances to choose from,

including a mini mile for families, 5k, and 10k, there’s

something for everyone — and tickets start from

just £5! Medals for all finishers. All funds raised will

support over 140 families affected by childhood

cancer across East Sussex, Brighton, and Hove..

BOOK NOW: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/children-withcancer-fund-run-to-run-tickets-1041885647017

SATURDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Mortain Place Care Home, 93 Pevensey Bay Road,

Eastbourne, BN23 6JF. Saturday 7 June, from

1:30pm. Enjoy an afternoon of fantastic live music

from talented local performers at our community

music festival, proudly sponsored by PJ Skips.

Everyone welcome — come and soak up the sounds!

To find out more, call our friendly team: 01323

465150

EASTBOURNE CARNIVAL MARKET

Terminus Road, Eastbourne Town Centre. Saturday

24 May 2025, 10:00am — 7:00pm. Come and

experience a taste of the world at the Eastbourne

Carnival Market! Fantastic street food and drink

stalls, plus a host of unique gifts from around the

world! If you would like to be a Carnival Market

Trader, please visit: www.eastbournecarnival.com/

VE DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Mortain Place Care Home, 93 Pevensey Bay Road,

Eastbourne, BN23 6JF. Thu 8 May, from 11:00am.

Join us for a nostalgic street party with delicious

cream tea, picnic treats and local live entertainment.

1940s fancy dress is encouraged — with a prize for

the best dressed! Bring family and friends for a truly

lovely day. To find out more, call our friendly team:

01323 465150

PEVENSEY BAY CRAFT MARKET

St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, Eastbourne Road, Pevensey

Bay. Second Saturday of the month, 10am-12.30pm.

A monthly craft market — Everyone welcome. FREE

entry. Refreshments available.

HAILSHAM

NETWORKING BRUNCH FOR PROFESSIONALS

Abbots Wood Manor, 116 London Road, BN27 3AL.

First Friday of the Month, 10:00am — 11:30am,

2 May & 6 June. Join us for a delicious brunch

and the opportunity to connect with other local

professionals in a welcoming and relaxed setting —

all welcome! For more info: 01323 576100 | Richard.

hollands@hamberleycarehomes.co.uk

VE DAY CELEBRATION PARTY

Bowes House Care Home, 25 Battle Road, Hailsham.

Wednesday 7 May, 11:00am — 1:00pm Join us for a

fabulous VE Day celebration as we mark 80 years of

Victory in Europe! Enjoy the amazing D Day Dollies

Singers, light refreshments, and military jeeps

to set the scene. This event is open to the whole

community, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

To submit your listing for publication

on this page, visit: www.eastsussex.

news/community-noticeboard or

scan this QR Code.

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

offer extended until 31 December 2025

s a v e

single fares

for just

£1, £2 £3 or

find out more:

on buses

in East Sussex

eastsussex.gov.uk

/bus-fares


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

CLOSURE OF THE

COLONNADE SHOPS

DEAR EDITOR, I think it is disgraceful

the way Rother Council treats business

owners, and local residents.

You may recall that a few years ago

a similar thing occurred, when the

very successful and popular Cafe On

The Beach, which provided music on a

Sunday afternoon in the summer months

and other shops were all given notice

for ‘essential maintenance work’ to

be carried out.

They were never given the choice to

reopen again they had to reapply, but

were unsuccessful.

I just stopped going down to the beach.

June Harland

‘CHANGE YOUR DECISION’

DEAR EDITOR, Yet again, Rother

Council have shown lack of respect /

loyalty to any tenants running small

businesses in Bexhill.

Who of the council put forward

not to renew the leases of the small

businesses in the colonnade after

the repairs etc are completed during

the winter of 25/26 should be

ashamed of themselves.

Surely, morally, the existing tenants

should be given first opportunity to

renew their leases after the difficult

times during the past 3/4years for small

businesses have had to face.

Heaven forbid if anyone suggests

something doesn’t seem right

with this decision.

Come on Rother councillors, do the

decent thing, put these small businesses

first and change your decision.

Steve Horsey

RAILSIDE RUBBISH

DEAR EDITOR, In your April edition,

a letter from Kathryn Cole mentioned

the state of the Railway embankments

at Terminus Road.

I reported the overgrown vegetation

and the fly-tipping/rubbish on the 22nd

August 2024 and received a reply with a

number ending 000323.

The vegetation was cleared back

from the fence line, but not the

rubbish/ fly tipping.

I re-reported this 11 January 2025 and

received a response to say all the rubbish

had been removed and this had been

confirmed in writing by the contractor.

I stated that I walk past the site

everyday and this is not the case.

Network Rail promised to send

some to site in the next three weeks

to double check.

Almost three months later, the rubbish

is still there and I have heard no more.

Network Rail claims to take community

relations very seriously, the state

of the lineside around Bexhill would

suggest otherwise.

David Arnold

BEXHILL NEEDS THE FLIX

DEAR EDITOR, A suggestion from a

resident of Bexhill. The De La Warr

theatre has the space, the seating and

the time to have an occasional cinema.

Many residents of Bexhill do not relish

the journey to Hastings, Hailsham or

Eastbourne to see a current film.

Did you know there used to be five

cinemas in the town? I realise that

times have changed, but the occasional

showing (at a reasonable price) of a

film on an evening when otherwise the

building stands empty would be an

asset to the town.

Carole B.

PARKING DISPUTES

DEAR EDITOR, I spend most of my day

in my van delivering goods to shops

around Bexhill and surrounding towns

in East Sussex.

Out of all of the towns I deliver to,

Bexhill is the worst for parking issues, and

I almost dread delivering to the town.

The issue we have is that blue badge

holders park in the loading bays and on

double yellow lines, whilst if I have to park

in a disabled bay, because the loading

bays are full of blue badge holders, I get

abuse shouted at me.

It’s the same if I have to park on double

yellows to make my deliveries to nearby

shops, people take photos with their

phones and shout things. So, where are

the boundaries?

Whilst the Iceland delivery truck is

allowed to stop on the zigzags on the

crossing in Devonshire Road (which is an

instant 3 points and £100 fine for you and

I), a blind eye is turned for these drivers,

WHAT DO YOU THINK?



whilst I spend all my day ducking and

diving from the parking enforcement

officers, and phone weilding vigilantes.

I totally understand blue badge holders

need to have separate parking, of course

I do, but they must also understand that

the loading bays are designed for those

who need to deliver supplies to the local

shops, in which they are shopping in!

There are plenty of disabled bays

available throughout the town centre,

(which can be full of non-blue badge

holders), so how do we resolve this?

A new loading bay was recently made

in Devonshire Road, but guess what, I

can’t normally park there either because

of its misuse.

I don’t know the answer, but hopefully

our friendly parking warden will see this

and understand that a van with its hazard

lights on, which might not be parked where

it should be, is making essential deliveries

and a bit of discretion can be made.

Iain Rogers

RIVER WINDOWS WHERE QUALITY AND SERVICE COMES FIRST

PVC

FABRICATION

MANAGER

WANTED

SUMMERHOUSES

AMAZING RIVER WINDOW DISCOUNTS

FREE ESTIMATES DISABLED & SENIOR CITIZENS DISCOUNTS EST. 35 YEARS

Visit our website at www.riverwindows.co.uk

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

01424 22 22 77

FRONT DOORS BI-FOLD DOORS CONSERVATORIES

CONSERVATORY, SUMMERHOUSES,

ORANGERY & GRP FLAT ROOF

SPECIALISTS

ALL SUPPORT BUILDING WORKS, PATIOS,

PATHS, GROUND WORKS UNDERTAKEN

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

WINDOWS: Vertical Sliders & casements,

Fascia, Soffit & Guttering + Glass, Handles

& Hinge Replacements

NEW

UNBEATABLE

TRADE PRICES

JUST VISIT

RIVERWINDOWS.CO.UK

VERTICAL SLIDERS

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

12 TRAVEL

MAY 2025


Normandy’s D-Day Beaches

visited on poignant anniversary

BY DAVID POWELL

ON June 6th, 1944, the largest

amphibious invasion in history

changed the course of World

War II. Codenamed Operation

Overlord, the D-Day landings saw

more than 156,000 Allied troops

storm the beaches of Normandy

to liberate Western Europe from

Nazi occupation. Visiting the D-Day

landing sites in Normandy had

been on my list of places to visit for

some time. From the windswept

beaches to the meticulous

museums and memorials, every

corner of Normandy tells a story.

My journey began at Sword

Beach, where British troops came

ashore at dawn. Despite facing

stubborn resistance, they pushed

forward, linking up with Free French

commandos and paratroopers from

the 6th Airborne Division. As I’m

standing on the beach it’s hard to

picture the chaos of that morning.

The first Allied action of D-Day

happened just after midnight,

when glider troops landed near

Pegasus Bridge in a bold, silent raid.

Capturing the bridge intact was vital

to prevent German reinforcements

from reaching the beaches. The

Pegasus Memorial is one of the most

moving and memorable sites I visited.

The original bridge stands preserved

beside the museum, along with a fullsized

Horsa glider that you can climb

up into, and personal accounts from

the men who landed there.

A little further along the coast

is Gold Beach, where British

forces landed to secure the vital

port town of Bayeux. The nearby

village of Arromanches-les-Bains

became the site of one of the war’s

greatest engineering feats, the

Mulberry Harbour, an artificial

port constructed in record time

to supply Allied troops. Parts of

it still rests in the surf. The D-Day

Museum and the Arromanches

360 Circular Cinema brought the

ingenuity of the operation to life, with

panoramic footage and first-hand

testimony to honour the heroism of

the Allied troops.

Canadian forces came ashore at

Juno Beach, and despite facing some

of the most intense resistance they

secured key positions advancing

further inland than any other D-Day

Omaha Beach memorial

unit by nightfall. The Juno Beach

Centre is beautifully presented and

the museum sits right on the beach,

where young Canadian soldiers

landed under heavy fire.

Omaha Beach, assigned to

American forces, stretches for six

miles and was fiercely defended

by German troops. As waves of

American soldiers landed under

relentless fire, casualties mounted

earning Omaha its grim nickname

of ‘Bloody Omaha’. Today the site is

marked by the Normandy American

Cemetery and Memorial where 9,387

white crosses and Stars of David

overlook the sea. The Cemetery is

breath taking in its scale and emotion,

and its rows of white crosses a stark

reminder of the cost of freedom.

Sainte-Mère-Église church with a snagged

paratrooper on the chruch steeple

To the west of Omaha lies

Utah Beach also assigned to

the Americans. Despite strong

currents that pushed the landing

crafts off course the assault here

was relatively successful. The

Utah Landing Museum is built on

the sand dunes and houses rare

artifacts and a restored B-26 Bomber.

Nearby is the famous village of

Sainte-Mère-Église …

A visit to Sainte-Mère-Église,

one of the first towns liberated on

D-Day, is highly recommended. The

story of John Steele, the American

paratrooper who dangled from the

church steeple after his parachute

snagged, is legendary. The Airborne

Museum nearby is first class,

especially for understanding the

airborne landings that began the

invasion. It’s immersive, emotive,

and packed with authentic artifacts.

Travelling with Leger Holidays:

Expert Insight and Comfort — To

experience all of the D-Day landing

sites without the hassle of navigating

narrow country roads, I joined

the D-Day Landings in Normandy

coach tour with Leger Holidays.

Travelling by luxury coach, with

two professional drivers, Tim

and Caroline, allowed me to relax

and absorb each location without

worrying about logistics. I was

also able to book the front seats of

the coach (at an extra charge) for

myself and my two companions,

my daughter Claire and grandson

Dylan aged 12. Our battlefield

guide, Ben, was not only incredibly

knowledgeable but passionate,

weaving personal stories into the

broader history in a way that brought

everything to life.

We stayed at the Carline Hotel in

Caen, a central and very comfortable

base for our daily excursions. It had

a friendly atmosphere and after a

long day of site visits it was a welcome

place to rest and chat with fellow

travellers. The hotel restaurant was

available for breakfast and dinner.

There was also a diner next door and

a MacDonalds a few blocks away.

To conclude, as I walked along the

beaches, through cemeteries, and

across fields still marked by bunkers

and craters, the scale of the operation

and the courage of those involved

became clear. It wasn’t just a history

lesson, I found myself imagining

the young soldiers landing on these

shores, uncertain of what the next

hours would bring.

enjoy

Come and

a break

with us

Laughter, joy, and companionship – Enjoy a spring retreat this

season with Aria Care. Whether you’re looking for care for yourself

or a loved one, our respite stays are here to lend a helping hand.

With 24-hour care and support, indulgent homemade meals, fun activities,

and the opportunity to form new friendships, our welcoming communities are

the perfect way to relax and recharge. Giving you a well-deserved break and

peace of mind, discover your home-away-from-home with us this season.

We look forward to welcoming

you to our community, get in touch

today. Scan here to find out more.

0808 281 5107 | ariacare.co.uk

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


Lonely Fox Cub

seeks comfort

in teddy

THIS little traumatised fox cub was taken to East

Sussex Wildlife Rescue (WRAS) recently after being

rescued alongside a sibling.

Both cubs were in poor health, with one suffering

from chest wounds and trauma; both were believed

to be orphaned.

Sadly, the sibling did not survive, leaving this

little boy alone.

Unfortunately, WRAS did not have any other cubs of

a suitable size to pair him with, so he was placed in an

incubator to cozy up with a teddy bear.

Trevor Weeks from WRAS commented: “When

caring for cubs, it is crucial to keep them with others

to prevent domestication, as well as to ensure they are

matched with cubs of similar size to avoid bullying, which

is common in nature where the weakest or smallest often

do not survive.

“Each year, WRAS receives fox cubs that are sick,

injured, or orphaned, often due to mothers being hit

by vehicles, attacks from dogs and cats as cubs begin to

emerge from dens, or even persecution at times.”

According to the Fox Project, the most recent scientific

research shows that the fox population has declined by

41% since 1995.

This fox cub won’t be alone for long, as WRAS

collaborates closely with other rescues throughout the

Southeast to help ensure that cubs find suitable groups

when they are on their own.

LOOKING FOR STYLISH & AFFORDABLE FASHION?

WARDS GROUP IS AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS OFFERING DISTINCTIVE FASHION

FOR MEN AND WOMEN, COMBINED WITH PERSONAL SERVICE.

COTTON AND LINEN SUMMER CLOTHES FOR MEN

Wards Group Limited, 36 Devonshire Road,

Bexhill-on-Sea, BN40 1BA

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

14 NEWS

MAY 2025


Bexhill 100 gears up

for 20th anniversary

celebrations

AN array of stunning vehicles marked the start of the

year’s displays by Bexhill 100 recently.

The club is aiming for bigger and better things this year

to continue to raise cash for local charities ahead of its

Polegrove show later in the year.

2025 will be the 20th anniversary of the Bexhill 100

Classic and Custom Car Show, which has a goal of raising

£200,000 which has always been collected and given to

charity since its inception.

Chris Speck, Chairperson of Bexhill 100 said: “Our Easter

Bonnet display marked the start of our seafront displays

throughout the summer season. Although a bit Chilly, we

had a good turnout of cars on display and many bonnets

decorated in an Easter theme.

“One of our youngest members, Ruby Hollebon,

organised an Easter egg hunt and handed out quiz

sheets to all the children - when they returned them they

received a prize.”

The club has displays on the last Sunday of the month

until September.

More details can be found on the club’s website

www.bexhill100mc.co.uk.


16 ADVERTORIAL

MAY 2025


BEXHILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM UPDATE

CHAMBER ECHOES

Can we love the De La Warr Marmite?

IF any building can be described as

Marmite it must surely be the De La

Warr Pavilion (DLWP).

Like the salty yeast extract, the

Pavilion is one of those things people

either love or hate. Whether it is

the art deco architecture, gigs in

the auditorium or the (sometimes)

incomprehensible art exhibitions, few

people are without an opinion about

our so-called “People’s Palace”.

But the DLWP isn’t just one of the

most iconic buildings in the UK, it is

also vital to our hospitality businesses

with hundreds of thousands of

visitors a year feeding into Bexhill’s

restaurant, accommodation and

pub/bar sector.

For many years, the De La Warr

has been in long-term architectural

decline. Its steel and concrete

structure has been battered by nearly

a hundred years of the extremes of

coastal weather. The auditorium

is uncomfortable for audiences

and a nightmare for backstage

crews and artists having to cope

with dilapidated and dysfunctional

amenities and access.

Visitors are not well served by the

hospitality facilities with no fullservice

kitchen for the restaurant

and the building seemingly closed

more often than open. The staff

office spaces are also not fit for

purpose and the toilet facilities are

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

often overwhelmed.

That is why we are thankful that

the De La Warr has been awarded

nearly £30m in “Levelling Up”

funding and other grants to start to

address the decay.

If this Government money had not

been provided we believe that within

a decade the building would have

been abandoned to become a derelict

eyesore like so many other coastal

May and June. Soft syllables, gentle names for the two best months in the garden year — Peter Loewer

pavilions around the country.

There is a legitimate discussion

to be had about whether the DLWP

offers value for money considering

its reliance on council taxpayers and

Government grant funding for its

survival, but debates about niche art

exhibitions and community access

should be put to one side while we

work together to ensure its survival as

a world-class architectural gem.

That is why Bexhill Chamber has put

forward proposals that will ensure

local businesses get a share of the

multimillion-pound refurbishment

spend and be engaged in the process

of redevelopment.

We have proposed that there should

be an open and transparent tendering

process for the work and that at least

25% of contractors engaged on the

refurb should be local.

Local trades and labourers should

be employed to alleviate the need for

bringing workers in from outside.

There should be properly recognised

local training programs and local

stakeholders should be liaised with

and have an overview of the work

delivery processes.

It is also essential that the DLWP take

over one of the empty properties in

town to use as an information hub so

that everyone knows what’s going on.

It is now time for the DLWP to come

across the road and into the heart

of Bexhill. The De La Warr may be

Marmite but there are many people

in Bexhill who love yeast extract and

want to spread the goodness around.

OPEN EVERY WED & SAT UNTIL 22 OCT

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

and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

As a long-time member of the Hardy

Plant Society, I participated in a garden

plant survey last year. The results have

just been published, and I found them

so fascinating that I thought I would

share them with you.

We were asked to name our Desert

Island plants, garden nemeses, and

planting regrets. The HPS has over

6,000 members ranging from just

interested to professional gardeners, so

one would imagine that a good range of

people took part.

Firstly, let us go to our Desert Island.

These are the plants that we absolutely

could not live without in our gardens.

1 —Hardy geraniums came up at the

top of the list. No surprises here; these

are tough, adaptable, easy to grow, and

come in a range of beautiful colours.

Among those who recommended

specific cultivars, the most popular

choices were Geranium ‘Rozanne’

(violet blue) and Geranium phaeum

‘Wendy’s Blush’, with near-white flowers

with purple veins.

2 — Roses were next. We do not

grow many roses here at Bates Green

Garden, tending to stick to the relatively

pest-free species. The survey most

frequently mentioned was Rosa x

odorata ‘Mutabilis’, a repeat-flowering

shrub with nearly thornless stems. It

flowers from early summer to autumn,

opening buff-yellow before ageing to

pink and eventually crimson. I approve

of that one immensely, but would like

to add the superb R. ‘Bengal Crimson’ to

my desert island. This rose is literally

smothered with single, crimson flowers

from May onwards, sometimes all year

round in sheltered conditions

3 — Here come the salvias. Not

surprisingly, in my opinion, the most

popular in the survey was S. ‘Amistad’

with its unusually large, deep purple

flowers so attractive to bees. S.

‘Caradonna’ was also mentioned a great

deal, this one is lovely and chunky and

really drought tolerant.

Let’s get to the Nemesis-the plants we

all try to grow, but often they fail. The

three that appeared more than any other

were Echinacea, Meconopsis and Salvia.

Echinacea — Nearly a quarter of

Hardy Planters listed echinacea as their

gardening nemesis, citing Echinacea

purpurea ‘Magnus’ and ‘White Swan’ as

the most problematic varieties to keep

alive. Many gardeners find echinacea to

be, at best, a short-lived plant. It could

be that the British wet climate and the

Acanthus mollis

richer soils we build up in our gardens

are not the ideal conditions for them.

We tend to use them as bedding at

Bates Green Garden; they don’t like to

sit in the clay over winter here.

Meconopsis — This tantalising blue

Himalayan Poppy is so elusive in the

south of Britain, I see it regularly in

Scotland, where it romps away. No

down here sadly.

Salvia — Interestingly, salvias

appear on both the ‘desert island

plant’ list — and on the list of garden

nemeses. This may be because a lot

of salvias, including the popular and

aforementioned ‘Amistad’ are only

borderline hardy (many should be

considered tender) and many don’t like

the excessively wet conditions a lot of

British gardeners have faced recently.

MOST REGRETTED PLANT

We all plant things in their gardens that

we later regret – that pretty ground

cover that romps through a border

or a herbaceous perennial that looks

lovely on the label but in actual fact is a

thug that will outcompete pretty much

anything and prove to be practically

impossible to get rid of.

Acanthus — Both Acanthus mollis

and Acanthus spinosus were cited as

problem plants. While some found

acanthus a statuesque plant, many

described it as ‘invasive’ or even ‘a

triffid’, saying once established it was

incredibly difficult to remove. One

member described acanthus as ‘worse

than bindweed or ground elder’. Now

that alone is one reason not to plant this

one. They are so statuesque; one can see

the attraction.

Lysimachia — The large Lysimachia

plant genus does, of course, include

yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata)

and creeping Jenny (Lysimachia

nummularia), and members said it was

a problem on pretty much any type of

soil. The purple-leaved Lysimachia ciliata

‘Firecracker’ was named several times.

One member said it was ‘so invasive, it

doesn’t know when to stop’ and others

described it as ‘impossible to eradicate’.

Japanese Anemone — Members

described Japanese anemones as ‘totally

invasive’ and ‘a thug on good loam’, with

another member saying, ‘it spreads too

fast and is very difficult to dig out — it

swamps other border plants.

www.hardy-plant.org.uk.

Enjoy your gardens in May.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MAY 2025 REGULARS 17

BEXHILL MUSEUM with Gordon Smith

HOW BEXHILL CELEBRATED VE DAY

Bexhill will be marking the 80th

anniversary of VE Day this month. There

will be events on 8 May and a street

party on Sunday, 11 May.

The picture here is one of Laurie

Dray’s photographs of the Victory

March Past outside the Town Hall on

the afternoon of Sunday, 13 May, 1945.

The news of the cessation of hostilities

in Europe came through during the

evening of 7 May and spontaneously,

Bexhill was festooned with flags of all

the Allied nations without any lead from

the civil authorities.

The next two days were a holiday

with shops, Post Offices and schools

closed. VE Day celebrations started

with a peal of bells from St Peter’s

Church at 6:30am, which continued

for an hour. This was repeated at noon

and at 6pm. A flight of aeroplanes flew

low over the town.

The day itself was muted with folk

enjoying the warm sunny weather.

Things livened up during the evening

with dances at the De La Warr Pavilion,

the Drill Hall, Little Common Legion

Hall and the Sidley Institute. The

Mayor and Mayoress visited them all.

Local magistrates granted pub licence

extensions until midnight.

As was the case at the end of the First

World War, a thanksgiving service

was held on the main lawn of Egerton

Park on the Sunday.

Museum District Curator Julian

Porter said: “VE Day itself had been

on Tuesday, 8 May. This and the 9th

had been holidays, the Thanksgiving

on the 13th being the closest Sunday,

and there had been more street parties

over this weekend.”

As well as the parties, there were

games, races, Punch and Judy shows

and bonfires where Hitler was

burnt in effigy.

“Festivities continued throughout

May, and the street lighting was turned

back on in June. Things were beginning

to return to normal after six years of

war,” said Julian.

While the threat to Bexhill was

over, the war was not yet finished.

That came with Japan’s surrender on

15 August 1945. Street parties were

again organised for Victory Over Japan

Day, or VJ Day.

As with VE Day, the celebrations were

not all on one day but were spread

out over the following weeks. Victory

Parties continued into October.

The museum will have a stall at

the anniversary street party in

Western Road, Bexhill, on Sunday,

11 May, from noon to 3pm. Come

and say hello, see some wartime

objects and photographs, and learn

about the displays in the museum’s

World War 2 Gallery.

STEPPING OUT TO SIDLEY

The first of the museum’s Spring

and Summer Walks takes place

on Sunday, 4 May.

This is your chance to learn about

Sidley’s history on a guided walk with

museum volunteer Peggy Goodberry.

Places have to be pre-booked either

by calling the museum, phoning

01424 222058 or emailing info@

bexhillmuseum.org.uk

Payment is made at the start of the

walk. The cost is £5 for adults and £2

for accompanied children. No dogs

are allowed. Meet at Sidley car park

for a 2pm start.

The duration is two-and-a-half hours,

and the distance is about two miles.

TAI CHI IN THE PARK

How about a gentle bit of exercise in the

sunshine (we hope)?

We’ll be out in the museum’s “back

garden” for a short tai chi session in

Egerton Park on Saturday 17 May.

Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise

known to help with balance, agility

and flexibility.

The leader will be Sally Hemmings,

who teaches a style designed especially

to help people with arthritis.

Previous experience is not necessary,

but please wear flat shoes and

comfortable clothing.

No booking is required. Just meet on

the lawn behind the museum at 11am.

The session is free but donations to the

museum will be appreciated.

www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk

THE STORY OF POMPEII

Pompeii was a thriving town in 79AD

but when Vesuvius erupted the whole

area was buried under ash and pumice.

Ken Brooks will give an illustrated talk

on the disaster on Saturday, 3 May at the

museum. Spaces are limited to maintain

the informal atmosphere. The event starts

at 1:30pm and will finish by 3pm. Tickets

must be pre-booked and are available

from the museum, priced at £10 for nonmembers

or £8 for members. They can

be reserved by calling 01424 222058.

The price includes tea or coffee and

admission to the museum either before or

after the talk.

AUTHORS’ BOOK SIGNING

The museum hosted a book signing

session to mark the publication of

Bexhill-on-Sea in 50 Buildings. It is a

different way of looking at the town’s

history by focusing on the great and

not-so-great buildings of the town

The two authors, David Hatherell and

Alan Starr, are pictured at the session.

Signed copies are on sale in the museum

shop at £15.99.

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

Saturday May 31st - Closed from 6pm for a private party

Sunday Folk Session - 4th May & 1st June from 5:30pm

Sunday Rock ‘n Roll Bingo - 11th May from 6:00pm

Monday Charity Quiz - 12th & 26th from 8:00pm

Sunday Karaoke - 18th from 5:30pm

VE DAY CELEBRATIONS

We are starting the week of celebrations off with a Bank Holiday

Party, in our fabulous garden (inside if wet). Monday 5th May from

3:00pm. Music provided by “The Vintage Music Machine”.

BBQ if weather permits. FREE ENTRY. EVERYONE WELCOME!

Traditional freshly cooked ‘Pub Grub’ with many classic favourites,

HOMEMADE PIES are our speciality! We also serve Goddard’s traditional Pie, Mash

and Liquor. In addition, our traditional Sunday Roast is served every week. Enjoy

our secluded beer garden, we have a large car park at the rear and

we’re dog friendly too!

THE

CARPET SHOP

FRIENDLY, AFFORDABLE

& PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

LONG ESTABLISHED COMPANY

PROFESSIONAL FITTING

FRIENDLY SERVICE

VINYLS, LAMINATES, RUGS

& LVT FLOORING

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

SATURDAY 9AM-MIDDAY

CALL 01424 218337

41 NINFIELD RD, SIDLEY,

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TN39 5AE

18 YOUR MP

MAY 2025


NEWS FROM YOUR CONSERVATIVE MP

DR KIERAN MULLAN

Campaign for Bexhill Post Office

continues as Banking Hub is welcomed

AS many readers of Bexhill News

will know, the Post Office has

recently announced that it will

close all of its directly-managed

Post Offices, and this includes

the well-loved and much-used

Post Office at Devonshire

Square in Bexhill.

This is deeply disappointing news

for Post Office customers and, I’m

sure, for the staff who have worked at

the branch for so many years.

It comes in the face of fierce

opposition from the local community

— over 4,190 residents signed my

petition to ‘Save Bexhill Post Office’.

Whilst the Post Office has pledged

to set up a franchise branch, we

Kieran meets with senior exectives

of the Post Office in Westminster

have absolutely no news on when

this will happen, where it will be

and what services it will provide. I

have told them, and the Government

Minister, that it is vital that we have

clear, formal guarantees on location,

services, and operational continuity

before the branch is shut down.

Other recent disappointing news

for the town came from Santander

Bank, which announced it would

be closing its branch on Devonshire

Road in Bexhill. This is the last of

the major high street banks in the

town, and will therefore be a major

blow to customers. However, more

positive news quickly followed

the announcement of Santander’s

closure — I was advised that the

cashpoint provider, LINK, assessed

Bexhill community’s cash access

needs and has recommended a

Banking Hub for the town. This will

be provided by Cash Access UK which

is a not-for-profit company owned

by the biggest high street banking

providers in the UK.

I recently held a meeting with

the Area Manager for Cash Access

UK about locating a Banking Hub

in the town. The Hub will provide

a counter service for everyday

cash transactions, together with a

community banker service where

customers will be able to speak

face-to-face with their own bank

or building society about more

complicated banking matters.

Cash Access UK will be looking

at suitable properties on the high

streets of central Bexhill to locate

the banking hub and talking to local

groups and organisations as part of

the process. I am looking forward to

working with the Banking Hub team

to help deliver the hub for the town.

In other news, the Bexhill Town

Board, has recently been re-named

the ‘Bexhill Neighbourhood

Board’. This follows new guidance

and rebranding by the Labour

government of the former Longer-

Term Plan for Towns, under which

the Bexhill Town Board was set up.

It has been tasked to deliver a

Regeneration Plan for the town,

including a 10-year vision and 4-year

investment plan to improve the

physical and social infrastructure of

the community. This initiative comes

with £20m of capital and revenue

investment over those 10 years. The

Bexhill Neighbourhood Board, which

I am a member of, is now working on

its vision for the town.

Many residents will be familiar

with road safety matters relating to

the A259 between Little Common

and Bexhill. I regularly receive

correspondence from residents who

are concerned by the increasing

congestion on the road.

Last year, there were a spate of

serious accidents, including a tragic

fatality, which resulted in the road

being closed on many occasions. I

asked National Highways, East

Sussex County Council and Sussex

Police to join the meeting with local

councillors to establish if more

could be done to improve the safety

record of the road.

I was pleased to learn that National

Highways are due to begin a whole

route study of the A259 in East Sussex

(including parts of the A27) to look

at what causes accidents and near

misses by studying driver behaviour.

Rather than only looking at data from

serious injury or fatal accidents,

the study watches actual driver

behaviour and analyses causes of

near misses alongside more serious

incidents to get a fuller picture of road

safety issues.

Depending on the outcome

of this study, a bid will be put to

government for road safety funding

and improvements which I will fully

support. It was sadly ironic that the

day after our meeting, the A259 was

closed once again due to an accident.

Given the pressure from

government on local authorities to

deliver more housing, it is inevitable

that towns like Bexhill will continue

to expand and grow. It’s therefore

so important that I, as local MP,

alongside your local councillors

put pressure on the government

to ensure that housing growth

also delivers the infrastructure

to support it.

This infrastructure includes

efficient, resilient and safer roads,

reliable public transport services as

well as increasing the capacity of local

NHS services and schools.

ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

BY DOUG OLIVER, COUNCILLOR AND COUNCIL LEADER

Oak tree commemorates

council’s 50th anniversary

LOCAL government as we know it

is about to go through significant

change, so I was delighted to

be able to help to ensure the

health of an English Oak Tree

planted to commemorate the

50th anniversary of Rother

District Council.

When it came into being in April

1974 as a result of a reorganisation

of local government, the council’s

offices were based in Battle close to the

Watch Oak, an ancient oak tree near

the High Street. This led to the oak

tree becoming the emblem of Rother

District Council and why an oak tree

was chosen to commemorate 50 years.

The tree has been planted on Bexhill

Down to mark the hard work and

dedication of all those who served on

the council over the years. Whatever

the result of this latest reorganisation,

the oak tree will stand for generations

to come as a lasting reminder of

Rother District Council.

Over the past month we, and

other councils across East Sussex,

have been discussing an interim

plan for the reorganisation of local

government in our county.

Along with our colleagues at

Wealden, Lewes, Eastbourne and

Hastings and East Sussex County

Council, whilst we are open to

other options, we have agreed that

we will collectively work towards

proposals for a single local authority

in East Sussex.

We submitted an interim plan to

the Government on March 21, but

this is not the end of the process and

by no means a final decision on how

local government will be set up in the

future but gives central Government

an idea of how we think it could

work. We will continue to work with

our local authority colleagues to

make sure we do what is right for the

district and get the best deal possible

for our residents and businesses

— which will remain our priority

throughout the process.

Progress on devolution and local

government reorganisation has

been fast, but it is important that we

are part of the discussions and in a

position to shape change, rather have

something imposed on us which does

not fully benefit the district. There

will be further engagement with

residents, businesses and partners

over the coming months.

Our district is full of fascinating

history and historic and

iconic buildings.

One such building in the De La Warr

Pavilion, a Grade 1 listed building that

stands proudly on Bexhill’s seafront.

This week the De La Warr and Rother

District Council unveiled their

masterplan to conserve and enhance

the building over the next ten years.

The ambitious project, funded

through the Government’s Levelling

Up fund and supporting by a Heritage

Fund development grant, will not

only safeguard the building for future

generations but harness the potential

of the venue, creating new jobs and

opportunities for learning and skills.

I look forward to seeing the plans

come into fruition.

A stone’s throw from the iconic

De La Warr Pavilion is the historic

Colonnade, which is in urgent

need of significant refurbishment

and structural repairs to

safeguard its future.

We are in the difficult position of

having to end the existing leases for

the businesses that operate from these

buildings to enable us to carry out the

essential work.

We know that this affects people’s

livelihoods, but these repairs have to

be carried out to ensure the historic

structure has a future. We are working

with the current tenants to approach

local commercial agents and find

suitable premises for them.

We will continue to work with our

tenant over the coming months to

ensure that they can continue to trade

in the town and are able to secure

their own future.

We’ve been spoilt with some warm

and sunny days in recent weeks,

a sure sign that summer is on its

way and with it a welcome surge in

tourism, particularly to our beaches.

RNLI lifeguards have already

returned to Camber Sands at

weekends and bank holidays to keep

those visiting the beach safe. The

lifeguards will be back at Bexhill from

July 19 in time for the school holidays.

It’s important that, even when

the lifeguards are working, anyone

visiting the beach keeps themselves as

safe as possible when in and around

the water. Enjoy our beautiful beaches

but do so safely.

VISIT ELITEMEDICAL.UK FOR SAME DAY PHONE, HOME,

FACE-TO-FACE AND VIDEO APPOINTMENTS

CALL 0300 304 6260 TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

HOME VISITS & URGENT CARE SERVICE

Elite Health and Urgent Care Clinic is dedicated

to delivering affordable, premium

Advanced bookings or urgent

private healthcare.

on the day. Simply visit

elitemedical.uk or call

0300 304 6260

for more details.

We bring healthcare to your doorstep with

our home visit service, offering medical care

and assessments in the comfort of your own

home.

TELEPHONE OR VIDEO

CONSULTATIONS

For those who prefer remote

consultations, we provide both

telephone and video options,

ensuring you receive the medical

advice and support you need from

anywhere.

FACE-TO-FACE

ASSESSMENTS

Visit our clinic in Hailsham for

in-person consultations and

assessments by our experienced

medical professionals.

HOME VISIT SERVICE

We bring healthcare to your doorstep

with our home visit service, offering

medical care and assessments in the

comfort of your own home.

FALLS SERVICE

We provide specialised support for

patients who have experienced a fall,

ensuring rapid response and

appropriate care.

CONTACT US AND BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

BOOK ONLINE

ON YOUR COMPUTER

OR MOBILE DEVICE

JUST VISIT

ELITEMEDICAL.UK

ELITEMEDICAL.UK

CALL US

TO DISCUSS YOUR

PERSONAL REQUIRE-

MENTS, CALL US ON

0300 304 6260

ADDRESS

2 North Street,

Hailsham,

East Sussex

BN27 1DQ

ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST

20 REGULARS

MAY 2025


ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

TO TRAVEL, IS TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL!

Easter’s over, and now’s the time to

think about your Summer Holidays.

Where could your journey take you?

A new adventure to tick off the list

could be John O’Goats to Land’s end,

maybe? London to Paris via the Avenue

Verte or part of that route is ideal for us

who live in Sussex.

Along the journey, you may need to

consider using some form of transport

other than your bicycle. Do you use

your car? Try a bus, train, boat or

plane? If you are going across to France,

you will need something which floats

and the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry is

good at taking bicycles, as are our UK

rail networks.

Rail and Sail, then cycle anywhere

on arrival, are wonderful options to

embrace sustainable transport. Over

50% of petrol costs are taxes; hence,

travelling by bicycle is the best way to

keep more of your money for food at the

end of a cycle trip. Probably why you

see so many happy cyclists.

The easiest way to carry a bike is one

which folds. In East Sussex, we have

many excellent shops providing a choice

of machines with one near our Cuckoo

Trail in Heathfield, Cycle Revival. They

have been trading for over 40 years

locally, being a Brompton dealer as well,

of course, other makes are available.

Let’s face it, when you want to go

away seeking different food, culture,

experiences meeting interesting new

people, should you leave your trusted

bike behind or take it with you, just in

case? If you want to take your bicycle,

which is your best transport option?

Most cyclists own a motor vehicle,

and car racks for bicycles can be bought

very reasonably from local suppliers

and fit easily.

Travelling with your trusted bicycle,

helping to make short local journeys

cheaper and easier, is one way to

enjoy your break.

Railways are fast, cheap, and often

reach places difficult to get to by car

or even worse, no place to park once

arrived. Even then, providing and

managing parking spaces is expensive.

This makes our railway network the

best choice for a longer journey with

your bike and no worry on arrival as to

how to travel that last mile.

To escape from or arrive into Sussex

we are lucky to have Newhaven as our

port with easy access to Dieppe and

wider Europe. The ideal loop would be

Newhaven — Dieppe — Calais – Dover,

travelling through Kent, France and

Sussex, what a tour that would be.

Train, Bus, Boat or Plane, car or

motorhome, taking what you want

should be easy. Personal experience

of using our train network has been

positive, with staff welcoming travellers

and their trusty two-wheeled machines.

Using our public bus network is not

so easy, as space is limited and seats

are not so adaptable with many stops.

However, small group transport with

a mini-bus and roof rack for bicycles is

perfect when exploring remote areas.

Usually, there is no charge for taking a

conventional bicycle on a train if there is

space. A folding bike is by far the best,

as operators accept it as basic luggage

no fee. If you go by Eurostar with a nonfolding

bike, there is a fee which gets

higher nearer departure time, return fees

can be up to £120.

If you travel by ferry across the

water rather than train in tunnel, as a

passenger normally bikes can be free

or a small charge, which to me seems

the best option.

Next Month will include details about

Cycling UK’s Bike Week events during

9th to 15th June.

Happy Wheeling. Ian Hollidge &

Bexhill Wheelers.

Making a

difference

every day

LOCAL MP DR KIERAN MULLAN

Listening, caring and delivering

for the residents of the Bexhill and

Battle constituency.

Regular surgeries held in person or virtually.

If you require my assistance, please get in touch by

emailing kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk

or telephone the constituency office

on 01424 736861

Further information on my website:

drkieranmullan.org.uk

Nusrat Ghani

Covering Bexhill and Eastbourne

l Companionship l Personal Care Assistance

l Medication Support l Hospital to Home

l Specialist Dementia Care

l Outings and Appointments

Telephone: 01323 414 658

rightathome.co.uk/eastbourne-and-bexhill

The Crafty Collective’s Craft and Produce Fairs

Handmade and Local

SATURDAY 2PM - 5PM

l 3rd May l 7th June

l 5th July l 6th September

l 4th October (Big Mental Health Fundraiser)

l 1st November l 6th December

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

Bexhill, TN39 5BX

Free parking, free entry, refreshments and snacks

thecraftycollective3@yahoo.com

3 8 1 4 6 5 7 2 9

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MAY 2025 PUZZLES 21

YOUR BRAND HERE

THOUSANDS OF READERS SPEND AN AVERAGE OF 25 MINUTES ON THIS PAGE,

SO WHY NOT LET THEM KNOW ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AT THE SAME TIME?

FROM ONLY £50pm

CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY ON

EMAIL: SALES@REGIONALMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK OR CALL: 01323 33 70 70

PUZZLES

WORDSEARCH

Things That Go Round

Can you find all the listed words hidden in the grid below?

They may run either forwards or backwards, horizontally,

vertically or diagonally, but always in a straight line.

ARMATURE

CAROUSEL

CLOCK HANDS

COMET

FAN BELT

MILLSTONE

MOON

PLANET

RECORD

ROLLER

ROTOR

SPACE STATION

TORNADO

TURNTABLE

WHEEL

WHIRLPOOL

WHISK

YO-YO

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

G T L E B N A F U L D W T

E R A E C O M E T R L R O

O Y O Y S O Y R O L L E R

L N B T K M T C A C L N N

M E H A S U E J A B Y O A

P I I U I R D R A W A I D

X H L H H R O T O R B T O

S W X L W U N R M X E A T

E X A N S R T A Y T N T H

N M W E U T T E A V F S L

T N L T W U O P N X B E E

I G N E R K A N R A S C E

N A S E S E Y D E Y L A H

L S D N A H K C O L C P W

H X W H I R L P O O L S J

CODEWORD

Each letter of the alphabet has a different number. Substitute numbers

for letters to make words that will complete the puzzle. The letters at

the side and the check-box below the grid may help you keep track.

20 18 6 3 2 23 11 6 11 7 2 19

25 23 16 7 11 15 16 7 18 11

17 7 15 5 2 25 23 16 2 18 13 23

13 4 11 14 23 16 8

19 6 7 2 10 23 16 13 8 7 1 13 19 13

26 19 9 22 10 19

11 10 15 7 25 20 25 10 2 13 10 19 11 19

M A N

12 23 6 23 11

15 25 6 26 7 20 13 15 13 16 25 18 13 22

26 9 8 25 11 15

12 8 25 19 26 19 21 10 25 9 7 9 2 13

7 9 7 13 16 20 13

16 13 16 7 2 15 11 10 9 13 13 10

2 11 19 24 18 13 25 10 2 15

20 11 10 6 13 20 13 25 15 23 15 26

Check-box

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

M

N

A

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Across

1 Idly play a guitar (5)

5 Endorse (4)

7 Dissimilar (6)

8 Applauds (5)

9 Bruise (9)

10 Shortened forename of

US president Lincoln (3)

11 Extended by pulling

and stretching (9)

15 Cause extensive

destruction or

ruin utterly (9)

19 Occupied a chair (3)

20 Walkways (9)

21 Bring together (5)

22 Quality of being

extremely careful

and thorough (6)

23 Walking-stick (4)

24 Level betting (5)

Down

1 Marked by friendly

companionship

with others (6)

2 Peruser of text (6)

3 Brawny tissue (6)

4 Recognisable (8)

CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6

8

10

13 14

7

9

11 12

15 16 17 18

20

22

23 24

5 Animal product used as

a furniture polish (7)

6 Irregular in shape

or outline (7)

12 Lassitude (8)

13 Plant with waxy, brightly

coloured flowers (7)

14 Grazing land (7)

16 Guarantee (6)

17 Have a lofty goal (6)

18 Determines the direction

of travel (6)

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Place a number (from 1 to 9 inclusive) into each square in

such a way that every digit appears once in each horizontal

row, each vertical column and each box of nine squares.

1 7

6 8 9 5

9 3 7 4

9 5 8 6 3

4 2

3 9 4 2 6

3 2 8 7

1 6 4 8

8 5

21

SOLUTIONS

19

2 4 8 7 9 1 5 6 3

1 5 7 6 3 4 2 9 8

9 3 6 2 5 8 4 7 1

8 1 3 9 4 2 6 5 7

4 6 5 1 7 3 9 8 2

7 2 9 5 8 6 3 1 4

5 9 2 3 1 7 8 4 6

6 7 4 8 2 9 1 3 5

3 8 1 4 6 5 7 2 9

8 5

SUDOKU

M P C J U D I C I O U S

A D R O I T R O P I

K O T Q U A D R U P E D

E V I W D R L

S C O U N D R E L O B E S E

H S 1 G X 7 N S

I N T O A M A N U E N S I S

6 8 9 5

F D C D I

T A9C H O3 M E7T E R4

A P E X

H 9 G5 8 6L 3 A I T

F

4

L A S H S Y N A G

2

O G U E

O G O E R M E

3 9 4 2 6

R E R O U T I N G E E N

U 3 I S2 Z8 P7

E A N U T

M1 I N C E6 M E4A T D8

T H

© Puzzle Press Ltd (www.puzzlepress.co.uk)

CODEWORD

S T R U M D B A C K

O E U N L I K E R

C L A P S S E O

I D C O N T U S I O N

A B E L I W K

L R E L O N G A T E D

B P E C X D

D E V A S T A T E A S

G S H N S A T

F O O T P A T H S P E

N U R U N I T E

I R I G O U R R R

C A N E Y E V E N S

CROSSWORD

G T L E B N A F U L D W T

E R A E C O M E T R L R O

O Y O Y S O Y R O L L E R

L N B T K M T C A C L N N

M E H A S U E J A B Y O A

P I I U I R D R A W A I D

X H L H H R O T O R B T O

S W X L W U N R M X E A T

E X A N S R T A Y T N T H

N M W E U T T E A V F S L

T N L T W U O P N X B E E

I G N E R K A N R A S C E

N A S E S E Y D E Y L A H

L S D N A H K C O L C P W

H X W H I R L P O O L S J

WORDSEARCH

22 ADVERTORIAL

MAY 2025


BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN

COUNCIL UPDATE

Bexhill gears up for

VE Day 80th Anniversary

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council

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

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

Contact: town.clerk@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

www.bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk

ON Saturday, March 16th, Bexhillon-Sea

Town Council held its

Annual Town Meeting.

VE Day is fast approaching, and

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council has a

full program of events planned to

mark the 80th anniversary of the

Allies’ victory in Europe. Joining with

the Royal British Legion, Royal Air

Forces Association, Bexhill Museum

and other local organisations, we

hope as many of you as possible

will be able to join in this period

of commemoration, reflection

and celebration.

On VE Day itself, Thursday the 8th

of May 2025, our Town Crier will

commence proceedings with an

official proclamation and raising of

the VE Day flag at the Colonnade,

before a two-minute silence is held at

the Central War memorial and Little

Common War Memorial. At midday,

the Colonnade is once again the stage

for a bagpipe rendition, calling to

mind the classic military sounds of

past and present. And between 2pm

and 3pm The Battle Ukulele Band will

perform a selection of songs at the

Coronation Bandstand.

In the evening, hear the sound

of church bells across the town, as

four churches join in celebration

at 6:30pm: All Saints, Sidley; St

Barnabas Church; St John’s Centre;

and St Peter’s Church. The day’s

festivities conclude with a lighting of

the Trafalgar Beacon on Galley Hill,

where all are invited to gather and

sing, along with the rest of the nation.

On Saturday the 10th of May,

Bexhill Heritage hosts the VE Day

80th Anniversary Concert featuring

The Royal British Legion Band at

the Coronation Bandstand on the

seafront. Taking place between

12:45pm and 4:15pm, this will be an

unmissable afternoon of nostalgic

and traditional music.

The focus then turns to Western

Road on Sunday the 11th of May,

where the street will be decked out in

patriotic bunting and flags, and all are

encouraged to bring their favourite

food and drink to our 1940s-inspired

Tea Party. Dress in your finest vintage

attire and join the fun!

Taking place between 12pm

and 3pm, there will be musical

performances throughout the

afternoon from The Royal British

Legion Band, The Albatross Ukulele

Band and The Vintage Rose. Bexhill

Museum will provide a fascinating

display of wartime objects from the

local area — a perfect chance to find

out more about life on the Home

Front. And there will be a selection of

1940s props for you to snap a nostalgic

selfie! Also making an appearance

will be the adorable Rosie the Little

Grey Pony, who will be decked out in

her VE Day finest.

If you’re a dab hand with a whisk

and piping bag, why not enter our

cake decoration competition? Bake

and decorate a cake in VE Day style,

bring it along to the Tea Party, and

you could be in with a chance of

winning a special prize! You could use

patriotic colours, iconic images from

the time, or even 1940s fashion as

an inspiration…

We hope that this comprehensive

range of events will provide everyone

with an opportunity to mark VE

Day in their own way, whether

through quiet contemplation, joyful

celebration or even recreating

the style of the time. And as the

nation comes together on this

joyful occasion, we also pay tribute

to those whose sacrifice will

never be forgotten.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

REORGANISATION UPDATE

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council is

proactively engaging with the Sussex

Fastrack devolution initiative, aiming

to assume control over certain

discretionary services and assets

currently managed by East Sussex

County Council (ESCC) and Rother

District Council (RDC). This move

aligns with broader governmental

efforts to streamline local governance

by consolidating smaller councils into

larger unitary authorities, enhancing

efficiency and local decision-making .

As part of this initiative, Bexhill-on-

Sea Town Council has undertaken

a comprehensive mapping of

discretionary services and assets

within its jurisdiction. The council is

evaluating which services to retain

under its management to ensure

their continuity and responsiveness

to local needs. This includes public

conveniences, which have been a

focal point of discussions between

RDC and the Town Council. RDC has

been in talks with Bexhill-on-Sea

Town Council about devolving the

running of public toilets to protect

them from possible closure .

The Town Council’s approach

reflects a commitment to preserving

essential services amidst the evolving

landscape of local governance. By

assuming responsibility for selected

discretionary services, Bexhill-on-

Sea Town Council aims to maintain

service quality and ensure that local

priorities are effectively addressed.

This strategy is particularly pertinent

as the region prepares for potential

structural changes under the Sussex

devolution plan, which envisions

the creation of a mayoral combined

authority to oversee strategic issues

such as transport, housing, and

economic development .

Through these efforts, Bexhillon-Sea

Town Council is positioning

itself to play a more significant role

in local service delivery, ensuring

that community needs remain at

the forefront during this period of

administrative transition.

FUTURE MEETING DATES

Amenities Committee 7th May 2025

Finance and Audit

Committee 14th May 2025

Full Council 21st May 2025 (The

Council will elect a Mayor for 2025-

26 at this meeting)

You can watch our committee

meetings on YouTube.

We are currently holding our

council meetings at the Bexhill Senior

Citizens Club on Eversley Road.

Meetings are subject to change,

so please check our website for

more information.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MAY 2025 MOTORING 23

From Sussex to

Birmingham and back

on one charge (almost)

Audi’s transition to electric power continues with the launch of the stunning new A6 e-tron Avant.

Editor Paul Gibson decided to take the motorway mile-eater from home in Sussex to the land of

Cadbury’s chocolate — Birmingham. He writes…

RANGE anxiety is a huge thing

— it’s always the first question

anyone asks when you spark

up a conversation about

electric vehicles. The lack of a

decent charging infrastructure

across the UK and concerns

over their charging speeds are

always a concern.

That’s something Audi is trying to

eliminate with the launch of the allnew

A6 E-Tron Avant — with claims of

a range of just under 400 miles, there

was only one thing to do during my

test drive and put that fact to the test.

I picked up the A6 from Caffyns

Audi in Eastbourne with a full

charge of course and was introduced

to the mind-boggling amount of

technology behind the wheels which

was overpowering at first, but the

longer you spent in the car, you

quickly begin to learn what does

what, and it becomes an incredibly

intuitive experience.

The A6 Avant has been the go-to for

premium estate buyers who need

space, sophistication and subtlety

— and now, in full electric guise, it

promises all that and more, with a

cutting-edge drivetrain, generous

equipment and up to 270kW of power.

Visually, the A6 e-tron Avant makes

a strong statement and not just for

an estate car. While many EVs lean

into futuristic curves and chunky

silhouettes, the A6 e-tron Avant

keeps things sleek, elegant and

distinctly Audi.

Audi’s new Premium Platform

Electric (PPE), shared with Porsche,

allows for a long wheelbase and

short overhangs, contributing to a

planted, modern look.

It’s a design that merges familiarity

with progressiveness, which is

exactly what long-time Audi buyers

will appreciate.

The 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit

remains a highlight, especially when

combined with the augmented reality

head-up display, which overlays

navigation prompts directly onto your

line of sight. Everything is crisp, quick

to respond and logically laid out.

More importantly for estate buyers,

there’s ample space. Rear legroom is

generous thanks to the flat floor and

stretched wheelbase, and the boot

offers 545 litres with the seats up, 60

shy of the combustion A6 Avant. Fold

the seats down and that figure climbs

to 1,680 litres. There’s also a small

‘frunk’ under the bonnet for charging

cables and other bits and bobs.

Under the skin, the A6 e-tron Avant

Launch Edition Performance delivers

a healthy 270kW (362bhp) from its

dual-motor setup, with 0-62mph in

just under 5.5 seconds.

Quattro all-wheel drive is standard,

naturally, and gives the A6 e-tron a

sense of composure on wet or uneven

roads. Air suspension (also standard

on the Launch Edition) adds a layer

of magic-carpet comfort, soaking up

bumps without becoming wallowy.

It’s not a B-road bruiser in the mould

of the RS6, but it can certainly

hustle when needed and does so

with eerie silence.

Regenerative braking is adjustable

via steering wheel paddles, allowing

for one-pedal driving in traffic. It’s

smoothly calibrated and doesn’t

feel grabby, which is a common

complaint in some rival systems.

So, I can feel you’re eager to know

how my 340-mile trip panned

out! Well, I wasn’t going to be

irresponsible enough to see how far

I could drain the battery on the A6,

especially as most of the journey is

motorway — the last thing I wanted

was to be sitting waiting for recovery

to get me home.

I arrived at my overnight stop

in south Birmingham with 40%

remaining battery, so I knew I’d

certainly need a top-up on the return

journey, but there was something

going through my mind that I could

actually complete the journey on

a single charge.

It’s the motorway speeds that kill the

range. All the time you’re happy to sit

behind an HGV, or National Express

Coach on the inside lane, taking

advantage of clean air, the range

almost increases, as this is ultimately

the most economical speed to drive

at — for any car.

As soon as you get the right foot

down a bit and progress your

journey, this is when you start seeing

the numbers disappear on the

dashboard, so unless I wanted it to

take almost a full day to get home, a

recharge was certainly needed.

This is certainly not a criticism of

the A6 — this is true of any car, EV

or any combustion engine. But, I

do think I could have gotten back to

the M25 circular without another

charge for sure.

Being the responsible driver I am,

I found Morrisons in Birmingham

which offered a 50kw charger, so

around 45 minutes topped the battery

up to 80% at a cost of just over £30.

Crucially, the A6 e-tron supports

ultra-fast 270kW DC charging,

meaning a 10-80% top-up can take

just 25 minutes when plugged into a

sufficiently powerful charger. On a

standard 11kW home wallbox, a full

charge takes around ten hours.

I finished the trip with 30%

remaining charge, which means the

whole journey used a whole charge

plus 10% for a 340-mile journey,

which I think is pretty incredible. A

much better experience than some

of my other EV long journeys I’ve

done in the past.

Being a Launch Edition, this A6

e-tron Avant is loaded. Standard kit

includes adaptive cruise with lane

guidance, 360-degree cameras,

a Bang & Olufsen sound system,

four-zone climate control and heated

everything. The only real extras

are aesthetic or niche convenience

features — most buyers won’t feel the

need to tick many boxes.

The Launch Edition starts from

just over £77,000, which puts it

in competition with the BMW i5

Touring and the Mercedes EQE

Estate. But, given the performance,

tech, and premium feel on offer,

it feels like a fair deal, especially

if you’re moving from an existing

high-spec A6 Avant.

The Audi A6 e-tron Avant Launch

Edition is a significant moment for

the electric car market, and for Audi.

It’s proof that EVs don’t need to be

SUVs or futuristic bubbles. They can

be practical, understated, stylish and

genuinely desirable estate cars.

www.caffyns.co.uk/audi/

24 MOTORING

MAY 2025


Sussex roads announced as

electric vehicle-friendly

THE South Downs ‘road trip’ has

been crowned the best in the UK

for electric vehicle (EV) drivers,

according to a new study.

The route, which starts in

Eastbourne, travels through Lewes,

Brighton, Arundel and Petworth,

before finishing in Chichester, is at

the top of the list when it comes the

best drives of EV owners.

With road trips remaining a popular

travel choice for UK drivers, Evans

Halshaw has conducted a new study

that looks at the best road trips across

the UK based on a number of metrics.

These include the number of EV

charging locations nearby, charging

density (charging points per km), the

number of full charges required to

complete the route, accommodation

options with parking and nearby

attractions along the journey.

The South Downs route stands out

for having the highest number of EV

charging locations, with 250 spots

located within two miles of the route -

more than any of the other road trips

analysed. Whether starting, stopping

or simply taking in the views, drivers

have easy access to charge points

throughout the trip.

When looking at charging points

per kilometre, the South Downs again

leads the way, with an impressive 1.39

charging stations per km, ensuring

that drivers never have to go far for a

top-up. This means EV drivers rarely

need to detour or wait to plug in,

making it one of the smoothest routes

to navigate behind the wheel of an

electric vehicle.

At 112 miles, this road trip is among

the most manageable in terms of

distance, requiring just 0.36 full

charges to complete. Combined with

its exceptional charging availability,

South Downs is an ideal low-stress

option for EV drivers planning a

seamless day or weekend journey.

A successful road trip isn’t just

about the drive, but also about

where you stay along the way. With

211 nearby places offering parking,

the third highest of all routes

featured, accommodation is also

easy to come by.

Brighton and Hove alone accounts

for more than 100 of these options,

making it ideal for an overnight stop.

South Downs offers plenty to see

along the way, ranking second overall

for nearby attractions with 1,155

points of interest. The route starts

in sunny Eastbourne and winds

through the cultural hub of Brighton

and Hove, which is home to 668

attractions alone. You’ll then end at

the tranquil Chichester Harbour, a

haven for wildlife and sailing.

Rob Miller, Group Vice President at

Evans Halshaw, said: “Evans Halshaw

has completed this study and found

these great routes for EV owners

to enjoy across the UK, which have

stunning sights to see, places to stay

and attractions to visit.

“There are plenty of EV charging

locations available throughout

these road trips too, so you’ll only

need a tiny bit of route planning,

when driving along any of these

spectacular routes.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE - LICENSING ACT 2003

We, Polegrove Bowls Club , do hereby give notice that we have applied to the Licensing Authority at

Rother District Council for the grant of a club premises certificate at:

Polegrove Bowls Club, Richmond Road, Bexhill On Sea, East Sussex. TN39 3DN and known as

POLEGROVE BOWLS CLUB PAVILION

The application is to:- Allow the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the Pavilion premises

to members and guests

Times: Monday to Saturday 12pm to 10pm, Sunday 12pm to 8pm

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

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

not later than 23rd May 2025 Representations received after this date cannot be considered.

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

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

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

the maximum fine on summary conviction being unlimited.

PUBLISHED ON 1 MAY 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

MT Drains Limited

Of

45 Turkey Road, Bexhill On Sea, East Sussex, TN39 5HB

is applying for a licence to use 45 Turkey Road, Bexhill On Sea, East Sussex, TN39 5HB as an

operating centre for 5 goods vehicles and 0 trailers and to use 5 as an operating centre for 5

goods vehicles and 0 trailers.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centres who believe

that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations

to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE stating their

reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of

their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to

Making Representations is available at:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints-goods-vehicle-operator-licensing


PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE - LICENSING ACT 2003

We, Pebsham Community Centre, do hereby give notice that we have applied to the

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

70 Seabourne Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, TN40 2SW

and known as Pebsham Community Hub

The application is to:-

Change hours of licensable activities, hours and building layout.

Proposed hours are:- Standard opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 08:00-00:30am, Sunday: 09:00-

23:00.

Sale of alcohol: Monday to Saturday: 12:00-23:00, Sunday: 12:00-22:30

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

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

not later than 22nd May 2025. Representations received after this date cannot be considered.

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

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

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

the maximum fine on summary conviction being unlimited.


Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill MAY 2025 SPORT 25

Six of the best for

East Sussex Over-60s

BY ANDY WILLIAMS

EAST Sussex Over-60s were simply

magnificent as they thumped

reigning national champions

Oxfordshire 6-1 in their National

FA Cup Group C game.

In what was considered their

biggest challenge of the year, East

Sussex romped to victory with goals

from Colin Riggs (two), Alan Osman

(two), Kevin Clee and Dave Bridges at

Bexhill College.

Riggs started the rout with a six-yard

header from Bridges’ corner before

Clee opened his account for the

campaign with a calm finish.

Riggs and Osman each finished

neatly, as the passing and movement

of the men in orange cut through

their opponents’ backline like a knife

through butter, time and again to

make it 4-0 at half-time.

Oxfordshire replied after the

break but there was no comeback

as Bridges and Osman scored, both

via deflections, midway through

the second half.

Robbie Allen, Bob Smith, David

Brooks and Steve Turner were

ably marshalled by keeper Koosha

East Sussex Over-60s

Movavagh and protected by the

powerful deep lying midfielders

Andy Williams and Paul Elphick in

the first half.

Clee, Osman, Bridges and

Riggs formed an awesome

foursome in attack.

Nigel Carter and Garry Cooper

both came on in the second

half in midfield, while Johnny

Harris and Dave Tasker were

introduced at the back.

Ersin Ramiz was unfortunate to

come off due to a hamstring injury

shortly after replacing Osman.

East Sussex were worthy winners

and top the group after the

first three games.

They still have to play South West

London and Maccabi, as well as

the return fixture against their now

wounded rivals Oxfordshire.

Meanwhile, two Old Bexhillians

Walking Football teams faced off in a

decisive match that could determine

the East Sussex League title.

Anticipation had built ahead of

the encounter between the Old

LC Wonderers

Old Bexhillians

Bexhillians, poised to claim the title

for a third time, and a Little Common

Wonderers side playing arguably

their best football yet.

Both squads were well aware of

each other’s strengths, and while the

result may have seemed predictable,

as Jimmy Greaves famously said,

“Football is a funny old game”— so

anything was possible.

In the end, the OBs secured a 2-0

victory at Bexhill College, leaving

them just one point away from

reclaiming the title.

Despite the defeat, the

Wonderers have much to take

away from the season. Martin

‘Trigger’ Brown has netted an

impressive 21 goals so far, and

with new players joining the

squad, next season could see them

making the running.

For those interested in joining

OBWFC, the club welcomes players

from the age of 50 for men and 40 for

women. For full details, contact club

chair Mick Davies at 07961 008743 or

mickdavies48@gmail.com.

PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS

TO 86,000 READERS

IS EASY AND COST-EFFECTIVE

Our three Hyperlocal Newspaper

titles are seen by an average

2.2 readers per copy

Business advert spots

available from only £75 +vat

12,000 copies distributed in Bexhill each

month in all local major supermarkets

Free design service available

on all ad sizes

Discounts available for cross-edition

advertising in Hailsham and Eastbourne

Book now by calling 01424 762128

or email sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

HYPERLOCAL NEWSPAPERS ARE

TRUSTED, COMMUNITY-DRIVEN AND

CLOSER TO HOME THAN EVER.

LOCAL NEWS IS MAKING HEADLINES

AGAIN!

FALCONRY

PHOTOGRAPHY

WORKSHOPS

IN THE HEART OF EAST SUSSEX

Budding or experienced photographers

are being offered the opportunity to

take part in a new series of workshops

designed to develop skills and spend time

with some stunning birds of prey.

Set within the stunning grounds of

Herstmonceux Castle and Gardens, the

workshops, in association with East

Sussex Falconry, allows photographers to

learn, or practice their skills through a

series of exercises to secure some

breathtaking photographs with our

experienced Photographer and Falconer.

For only £135 per photographer, the

full-day experience will take place on

Monday, 21st July, with a maximum

group size of ten people.

For more information, please call

07970 245934 or scan the QR code.

IDEAL

GIFT

VOUCHER

26 SPORT

MAY 2025


Rowers take on Beach

Sprint challenge

BY VINNY HOURIHANE

BEXHILL Rowing Club members

embraced the challenge of tough

conditions at the South East’s first

Beach Sprint event.

Beach Sprint Rowing is set to make

its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los

Angeles Games, and Bexhill athletes

competed in both the Junior U-18 and

Open events, although the doubles

races had to be cancelled.

The format involves a sprint down

the beach to the boat, a row around

buoys followed by a 180-degree turn,

and a final race back before rowers

leap ashore and sprint to their flag.

Strong winds and tidal conditions

posed difficulties, but Herbie

Molton secured sixth place with

a time of 2:50.19, while Sebastian

Ward finished tenth in 2:59.79 in the

Under-18 category.

In the Open category, Byron Cramp

narrowly missed the turn, incurring

BY RACHEL WYNN

BEXHILL Sailing Club hosted

a highly successful Open Day

on Easter Monday.

Potential new members were

encouraged to explore the clubhouse,

enjoy a discounted ‘club price’

drink from the bar, and watch the

afternoon race—which turned out to

be quite dramatic! Many thanks to all

who promoted and participated.

April saw the conclusion of the

Spring Series, followed by the Easter

Egg Series of races. There were some

exciting moments, including when

Colin Coard and Richard Eagleton

both capsized their boats in a similar

spot near the beach but swiftly

recovered and continued the race in

the Spring Series.

Then, during the final Easter Egg

race on Open Day, Bob Palmer

capsized his Laser dinghy in tough

conditions. The entire clubhouse was

on its feet, watching as he righted,

flipped, and then righted the boat

again. Meanwhile, at the other end

of the course, the clew strap—which

secures the sail to the boom—broke

on a Topaz dinghy sailed by the

Todds, forcing them to be towed

back to shore. The safety boats were

certainly put to good use that day.

The winners of the Spring Series

were: Slow fleet — Richard Eagleton;

Fast fleet— Colin Coard; Novice

Photo: KLF Insite

a 60-second penalty, and finished

12th in 3:58.00. Despite this setback,

his final time was still faster than half

the competitors in his category—an

impressive performance.

An emergency meeting prior to Chris

Botha’s race resulted in organisers

warning that further capsizes

could lead to the Folkestone event’s

cancellation. Despite the added

pressure, Botha had a strong race,

finishing seventh in 2:59.84.

Former Bexhillian Ebony

Hutton-Mitchel, competing for

Thrills and spills at

BSC’s Open Day

fleet — James Todd and Frazer Todd;

Catamaran fleet — Dave Baldwin

and Wendy Watkins.

The winners of the Easter Egg Series

were: Slow fleet — Miles Coote and

Stephen Roberts; Fast fleet — Colin

Coard; Novice fleet — Frazer Todd

and Robert Todd; Catamaran fleet —

Ben Watts and Lisa Weller.

In April, we raised a glass and

said farewell to longstanding

club member Stella Viner, who

sadly passed away. Stella joined

the club in the mid-1950s as a

Cadet. A talented landscape

watercolourist, she designed

Christmas cards for St Michael’s

Hospice, and readers may recognize

her beautiful work. It was an honour

to know you, Stella.

Nottinghamshire County Rowing

Association, secured third place in the

women’s race with a time of 2:57.99.

Bexhill also cheered loudly for

Gabrielle Ward (University of Kent),

who has been championing coastal

rowing at her university as senior

captain. As part of the university

team’s preparations, Ward organised a

training session at her old club to help

rowers accustomed to calmer river

conditions adapt to coastal rowing.

Looking ahead, Bexhill will host its

home regatta on Sunday, June 15. The

club will also compete at Hastings

(Saturday, June 14) and Eastbourne

(May 10), conditions permitting.

Bexhill Rowing Club is currently

exploring the possibility of opening

sessions for new members this

Spring/Summer season, whether

for recreational or competitive

rowing. If you’re interested in joining,

contact bexhillrowingclub@gmail.

com to discuss.

The club hosted Get Back into

Sailing training—a refresher for last

year’s Novices and those looking

to brush up on their skills. Later

in the year, powerboat training

opportunities will be available; for

details, contact the club.

The month wrapped up with a

social board games evening on

the last Friday.

The Saturday Series and Sunday

Series of races continue through

May. We will welcome our Learn

to Sail students at an Induction Day

on May 24, with the course running

every Saturday through June and July.

Spaces are now very limited—please

contact the training team if you are

interested, visit:

www.bexhillsailing.club/training/

Easter extravaganza

as BRT take on

50 Challenge

Geoff Tondeur, Amanda Tondeur, Paula Chase and Jason Rickward

BY JACKIE KNIGHT

BRT ultra-runners delivered

outstanding performances

at the Centurion South

Downs Way 50 race.

It was a special event for Amanda

and Geoff Tondeur, who finished in

12:15:27 and 12:15:31 respectively,

as they conquered their first 50-mile

challenge—starting in Worthing and

traversing the breathtaking South

Downs National Park—pushing

through to an exhilarating ultradistance

finale.

Jason Rickward (09:45:54) and Paula

Chase (10:50:46) also completed the

race. Congratulations to everyone on

a remarkable achievement!

This year marked the 15th edition

of the Brighton Marathon, which

has seen more than 130,000 finishers

since its inception in 2010. Despite

strong headwinds on the way out

and baking temperatures on the

return, some cracking times were

achieved. Jack Matthews set a

fantastic marathon PB of 03:35:43,

Martyn Angus

Barry Ingram

RUGBY ROUND-UP

while Martyn Angus clocked a

superb 05:36:01.

The Seaford Martello Half

Marathon—a scenic yet challenging

event—combines the stunning

seafront with the beautiful South

Downs. It certainly delivered for

Barry Ingram, who was thrilled to

finish in an impressive 02:16:10,

despite battling high winds and tough

terrain. A strong finish!

Jamie Tiltman took on the April

Monsal Trail Half Marathon in

Bakewell, Derbyshire. Set against

picturesque countryside, this half

marathon is ideal for spring training.

Applying a solid pacing strategy,

Jamie ran through four tunnels

and across the Monsal Viaduct,

securing a brilliant PB of 01:42:28. An

outstanding performance!

If you’ve ever considered running

with a friendly group of like-minded

people, visit the Bexhill Runners

and Triathletes’ webpage for

more information on both adult

and junior membership: www.

bexhillrunnerstriathletes.co.uk.

Jamie Tillman

HASTINGS and Bexhill RFC triumphed 25-19 in a very tough

game against leading Kent club Beckenham in their final

league match (Apr 5).

H&B welcomed back Joe Stinson after a three-month lay-off due to a

hamstring injury. The match was an end-to-end game filled with big tackles

and hard-fought scrums. Tries were scored by Joe Whitehill James and Harry

Walker, who impressively crossed twice. Sam Surridge contributed with two

conversions and two penalties.

Harry Walker, Frazer McManus, Joe Field, Calvin Crosby Clark and Sam

Surridge were outstanding.

Join us for

our next

event

Bowes House care home,

Hailsham

Dementia

networking lunch

Monday 19th May 2025

12 noon - 1.30pm

Join us for the chance to meet a range of

service providers supporting those living in the

community with dementia, and their families.

Enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch and the

opportunity to meet our friendly team.

Trusted to care.

To book please call

01323 315957 or email

lisa.phillips@careuk.com

28 SPORT

MAY 2025


Sport

Proud Common

clinch survival

Little Common celebrate staying up with fans

BY MIKE LEGG

LITTLE COMMON celebrated

securing SCFL premier division

survival on the final day — and

player-boss Russell Eldridge

believes this season’s struggles will

prove invaluable for the future.

Eldridge, his squad and supporters

toasted the Great Escape at the

clubhouse last Saturday night

(April 26) after returning with a 1-1

draw from Pagham.

At Christmas, Common looked

doomed, sitting rock-bottom on just

five points — nine adrift from safety.

But a remarkable run saw them

average over a point per game,

eventually finishing two places clear of

the drop zone, with Loxwood joining

Saltdean in relegation to division one.

A crucial 1-0 Easter Monday win over

Bexhill United, courtesy of Kieran

Ludlow’s winner, ensured Common

controlled their own fate heading

into the final day. With Loxwood and

Shoreham both suffering defeats,

survival was confirmed.

Eldridge told the Bexhill News: “It

was a real good achievement to stay

up from where we were. Prior to the

Boxing Day win over Bexhill, I don’t

think anyone gave us a chance.

“But I had belief in the group, and

credit to every single one of them for

the way they turned it round and got

the results to stay in the league.

“There were some dark days, tough

games and difficult moments, but

giving up was never in my mentality. I

was always of a belief we would get out

of it somehow and, although the table

doesn’t really reflect this, we were

OK in the end.”

Although the Easter derby win over

Bexhill, which completed a league

double, was vital, Eldridge points to a

March comeback as a turning point.

He said: “One of the other pivotal

moments was the Varndeanians

game when we were 2-0 down. To

come back and win that 3-2 got us out

Bexhill United begin manager

hunt after Light’s exit

BEXHILL United are once again

searching for a new manager after

Ryan Light stepped down at the

end of the campaign.

United finished tenth in the SCFL

premier, closing with a 3-1 win at Wick

courtesy of goals from Evan Archibald

(two) and Jack Shonk.

Light returned this season for a

second spell and steadied the Pirates’

ship after last year’s flirtation with

relegation. However, he has ambitions

of managing higher up the pyramid.

Light said: “I’ve made so many

great connections and friendships

over the years at Bexhill United and

I’ll be forever proud of what we’ve

achieved together. I’ve enjoyed

working with the current squad

this season but with Graham Cox

stepping down as Chairman, now

feels like the right time to pursue a

new challenge. I wish everyone at the

club well for the future and thank you

all for your support during my time at

the Polegrove.”

of the relegation zone and we kicked

on from there.”

Eldridge believes the early-season

struggles laid the foundations for a

battling second half.

He added: “It was frustrating as

there were lots of matches early in the

season where we were in them but lost

in the final minutes. The difference

in the second half was that we turned

those into draws or even wins.

“At Christmas, we went a bit more

direct, but also the experience we

gained in the first half of the season,

we used in the second half. We learned

from our mistakes.

“There were probably seven or eight

boys in their first season of senior

football, and it took time for them to

acclimatise. But once they did, and we

got that second win, we kicked on.

“I don’t want to be in this position

again next season, and we’ll do

everything to avoid it. But this

experience will serve the players well

— they know what it takes now.”

Common celebrate against Bexhill

Picture by Jon Smalldon

Izzy’s best of

British training

BY MIKE LEGG

BEXHILL Amateur Boxing Club’s

hot prospect Izzy Mitchell had

her first elite training session at

the English Institute of Sport in

Sheffield during April, working

with England and Great Britain

coaches all day.

Coach Terry Freeman said: “The

session was packed with solid

sparring drills and bag work, as well

as track runs. She learned loads and

has a lot to take back to the gym and

work on. It was a great experience

for her and our club, and she still

has three more days booked in over

the next three months.”

Callum Aling suffered a 3-2 split

decision loss to Sam Maxfield on

Canterbury’s show.

It was a perfect match-up on

paper, with both boxers having

their third bouts and boasting

one win apiece.

Freeman felt youth prospect

Aling, 17, looked the slightly

better boxer but Maxfield the

stronger of the two.

Freeman said: “From ringside, we

felt Callum won the first round with

good in-and-out boxing, catching

Maxfield with nice clean shots.

“Maxfield came back strong

to take the second, leaving it all

hanging on the third round. Both

gave a really good account of

themselves, and we genuinely

didn’t know which way it had gone.

Maxfield came up trumps with

a 3-2 split decision in his favour.

There were no complaints from

us — Callum boxed really well and

impressed with his style, but it just

wasn’t our day.”

The club has received positive

feedback in its bid to buy a

minibus, with kind donations

made through its Facebook page

link to its GoFundMe account. A

member of the public, Danny Gee,

has also donated a framed, signed

Joe Calzaghe picture for auction.

Anyone wishing to support the club

can contact Terry on 07840 914432.

Bexhill plot promotion

challenge as Sussex Cricket

League season begins

BEXHILL are preparing for a

promotion challenge as the

Sussex Cricket League season gets

underway this month.

The club’s 2nd XI kicks off their

campaign at the Polegrove on

Saturday, May 3, against Newhaven,

with the first team playing there

the following week against East

Dean & Friston on May 10. Junior

sessions have also started on

Sunday mornings.

Club chairman Hamish Russell

told Bexhill News: “The club is

hopeful for a strong season despite

losing some key players in the offseason,

including last year’s captain

Shawn Johnson, who has moved to

Hastings Priory.

“Danul Dassanayake, from Sydney,

replaces the hugely popular Bailey

Sewell as the club’s Aussie import.

He is no stranger to Bexhill, having

played in 2018. Neil Priddy has joined

Izzy at Sheffield

from Sidley, and we have been

fortunate to pick up Mithun Kamara

as an opening bowler.

“With former players Byron Smith

and Cameron Burgon returning to

the team to complement the likes of

Luke Youngs, Ali Kent and Kieran

Malone, the club expects to be in

contention for promotion places in

our 150th season.”

The club’s junior section continues

to run weekly sessions for boys

and girls aged 5 and up. There is

something for everyone, including

girls-only sessions led by female

coaches to ensure no barriers to

participation. Anyone interested

in joining the junior section should

email juniors.bexhillcc@gmail.com

for more information.

Bexhill is also hugely grateful

to the Sportsman pub for

becoming the club’s main sponsor

in its 150th year.

Bexhill News, May 2025, Issue 35

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?