Bexhill News, July 2025, Issue 37

JULY 2025 | ISSUE 37

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

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

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HOUSING PLAN FURY — P4

WWII PILOT REMEMBERED — P8

BEACH GARDEN OPENS — P12

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2 NEWS

JULY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill

WELCOME

IT’S hard to ignore the rising sense of

frustration in our town this month,

especially when it’s becoming

increasingly difficult for businesses

in the modern world.

Our front page leads with a

dramatic scene outside the Town

Hall, where local traders have taken

a stand against the council’s handling

of the Colonnade redevelopment.

A petition signed by more than

4,800 people was delivered, yet no

councillors were present to receive it.

Was it a political snub, a scheduling

oversight, or, as the council

maintains, just policy? You can read

the full story to the right and make

up your own mind.

Meanwhile, we pause to reflect

on history on page 8, as the town

remembers a WWII pilot whose

heroism is etched into local memory.

It’s a touching reminder of the

legacy of Royal Air Force pilot, Flight

Sergeant Roy Oldcorn. I had the

pleasure to attend his remembrance

service recently, to honour his

incredible work.

In this month’s exclusive on page

14, we sit down with the Sussex

Police Crime & Commissioner, Katy

Bourne, to ask the tough questions

about how the worrying increase

in knife crime is being tackled

in the county.

Thank you, as always, for picking

up this month’s edition. Whether

you agree with the voices you read

here or not, we’re proud to provide a

platform for them to be heard. If you

have a story, concern or celebration

you’d like us to share next month,

please always get in touch.

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.

Council sticks to policy

as shopkeepers deliver

petition signatures

Supporters outside the Town Hall to hand in the petition

A GROUP of small business owners

say they were left disappointed and

ignored after handing in a petition

with nearly 5,000 signatures to

Rother District Council — only

to find no councillors were

allowed to attend and no staff

came to receive it.

The petition was delivered to the

town hall recently after a campaign

which saw residents and shoppers

from across the area sign it, in

an attempt to allow the shops to

continue trading after essential

maintenance works.

The traders, who run five small

shops on the seafront, say they’ve been

left in limbo after being told they must

vacate the premises by September,

so the council can carry out essential

repairs costing more than £660,000.

While the businesses accept the

need for maintenance, they have

been told they must reapply to return

once the works are complete — a

move they fear could leave them

permanently displaced.

The campaign to save the shops

gained rapid public support, with

more than 1,500 signatures collected

in just two days when it was launched

Fundraising Heroes named

as finalist in BBC Awards

A DEDICATED Bexhill resident

and his therapy dog have been

announced as finalists in the

prestigious BBC Radio Sussex

and BBC Radio Surrey Make a

Difference Awards 2025.

Following a public nomination

process, a panel of community

leaders selected Alan and his dog

Maggi, who also fundraise for Bexhill

100 Club, as finalists from hundreds

of entries across the region.

They have been recognised in the

Animal category for their remarkable

efforts and lasting impact on the

in April. The petition has now

grown to over 4,800 signatures from

shoppers and residents supporting

the businesses.

Supporters gathered outside

the Town Hall as the petition was

handed in, urging the council to offer

the traders a clear path back once

renovations are completed.

Outside the Town Hall, Charlotte

Arundell, who headed up the petition

and runs a business at the Colonnade,

told Bexhill News: “We now hope that

Rother will see some sense and realise

that we actually are important in the

Regeneration of Bexhill.

“When we went inside to hand

it in, no one bothered to come to

accept the petition. The receptionist

was trying to ring through to Lorna

Ford and her Secretary, and nobody

answered. They knew we were

coming and nobody from Rother has

turned up, or even been willing to

come downstairs from the Town Hall

to accept the petition. We were told

by a local councillor that they were

advised not to attend as it’s against the

council’s policy.”

However, a strong group of

supporters did arrive, including the

local community.

Judges praised the nominee’s

tireless dedication to helping others,

noting the positive difference their

work continues to make in the lives of

those around them.

The club itself has also been

shortlisted in the ‘Fundraiser’

category of the awards.

In total, 32 finalists have been

chosen across eight categories, all

of whom will be invited to a special

awards ceremony at Lingfield

Racecourse on 22nd September.

The Bexhill 100 Motoring Club is,

President of Bexhill Chamber of

Commerce, Howard Martin.

He told us: “Bexhill Chamber

of Commerce fully support our

members’ businesses in the

Colonnade. They are exactly the type

of business that should be encouraged

and supported rather than deterred.

They are brilliant craftspeople

working together to create unique

gift collections that bring a real

sense of Covent Garden by the Sea

to our seafront.

“Our Chamber has worked with

them in negotiations with Rother as

the state of disrepair of the Colonnade

premises grew worse post-COVID.

“There are leaks in the roofs and

decorative deterioration that certainly

need fixing, and the refurbishment

is long overdue. We really don’t

understand why RDC will not make a

commitment now to the businesses to

extend their current leases for three

years with a refurbishment break

clause. That would give the businesses

security of tenure and allow them to

plan for their futures.”

East Sussex County Councillor for

Bexhill South, Ian Hollidge, the only

councillor to turn up, signed the

this Summer, celebrating the 20th

anniversary of the Bexhill 100 Classic

& Custom Car Show at the Polegrove

which raises funds for local causes.

In 2024, the club donated a recordbreaking

£24,000 to local causes, its

largest single-year total, bringing the

overall amount raised since the first

show in 2005 to £180,000.

The club has announced an

ambitious target to surpass the

£200,000 fundraising milestone at

this year’s event.

At the club’s Annual General

Meeting in May, members voted

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor, email:

letters@bexhill.news

petition just before it was handed in.

He said: “Businesses are the beating

heart of Bexhill, take that away and

nothing flows. It’s vital we repair our

ageing assets; however, Councils

have a public duty to help small shop

owners grow and bring vitality to our

great seaside Town.

“Connecting the seafront Colonnade

small businesses with the excellent

larger Town Centre shops must be

supported, encouraging a two-way

exchange of people staying and

investing in Bexhill. Security of tenure

is all they are asking.”

Bexhill News asked Rother District

Council why Councillors were advised

to stay away and why a representative

was not able to collect the petition

from the shopkeepers.

A spokesperson told us: “All

petitioners have the option to present

their petition officially at a full council

meeting. Alternatively, a petition can

be delivered to the town hall, where

it will be received by a member of

our reception staff and passed to the

relevant officer.

“It is not the council’s policy to

arrange official handovers of petitions

outside of council meetings, or for

councillors to take part in ‘handover’

photo opportunities, and this policy

was shared with councillors who

sought advice when asked to attend by

the petitioners.

“Petitions that have received more

than 1,500 eligible signatures are

debated at full council, where the

lead petitioner can speak to present

their petition.

“We are currently validating the

signatures on the petition to ensure

they are from individuals who live,

work, or study in Rother. We will be in

contact with the petitioners as soon as

possible to advise if the petition will be

debated and if so, when.”

As Bexhill News went to press, we

were advised the petition will be

heard at the next Full Council meeting

scheduled for 14 July at 18:30.

Maggi

to share the 2025 show’s proceeds

equally among four local charities:

Association of Carers, Bexhill

Beach Garden, Bexhill Heritage,

and Hastings RNLI.

4 NEWS

JULY 2025


Fury as 340-

home expansion

plan approved

TEMPERS flared at Rother District Council’s

Planning Committee recently (26 June),

as plans for a major housing extension at

Rosewood Park were approved despite vocal

opposition from residents and a forceful

speech from the ward councillor.

The committee voted 6-2 in favour (with one

abstention) of granting outline permission

for up to 340 new homes on land at the edge of

the current Rosewood Park development in

Bexhill. The scheme also includes a community

or retail unit, new road access and drainage

infrastructure.

The decision was met with frustration and

disappointment from locals, many of whom

filled the public gallery at the Town Hall in a

show of defiance against what they described as

unchecked overdevelopment.

St Marks Ward Councillor, Connor Winter,

led the charge against the plans, warning that

Bexhill’s infrastructure is already under strain.

He told the planning committee: “This is not

about stopping homes. It is about stopping

a pattern of overdevelopment, underdelivery

and avoidable harm to our town and

its residents.”

Applause erupted from the public gallery as

Cllr Winter called for a shift in priorities, stating

‘Infrastructure first — housing second’.

He said it was unacceptable that the original

Rosewood Park development had still not

delivered its promised school, GP surgery or

local shops and warned that this new expansion

could worsen traffic, reduce green space and

further burden local services.

Connor added: “This proposal effectively takes

the ‘Park’ out of Rosewood Park. It adds insult to

injury by funnelling more cars through Stowe

Drive and Luffield Drive, roads never designed

for this scale of traffic. Bexhill is not for sale!”

While the application was ultimately

approved, a key concession was secured,

requiring all detailed plans, including layout

and landscaping, to return to the committee

for full scrutiny rather than being signed off by

planning officers.

Outside the chamber, Connor concluded:

“I will always fight for St Marks and the

community I was born and raised in. Today’s

decision may not have gone our way but the

people of Bexhill sent a powerful message.”

Detailed plans are expected to be submitted

later this year.

Councillors Green-Light Bexhill

Cycle Route Enhancements

A transformative push to enhance

cycling infrastructure in Bexhill

has moved a step forward, as

East Sussex County Council

councillors approved key Traffic

Regulation Orders (TROs)

designed to support the soon-tobe-constructed

shared pedestrian

and cycle route between

Collington and Bexhill Enterprise

Park (Worsham).

At a Planning Committee session

in June, councillors reviewed and

partly upheld 38 public responses,

including 36 objections and 13

expressions of support arising

from formal consultations held

earlier this year

The approved TROs include:

“No‐waiting at any time” zones

at junctions such as Richmond

Avenue/South Cliff, Terminus

Avenue/Collington Avenue, Holliers

Hill, Arthur Road and near King Offa

Primary Academy. A designated

loading bay for goods vehicles on

Colebrooke Road by Tesco Express,

and the lifting of existing “no

cycling” restrictions along sections

of footpaths on London Road,

Holliers Hill, and Little Common

Road to Arthur Road, preparing

these areas for shared‐use widening.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor, email:


In response to public concerns, councillors approved a

reduction of the proposed “no‐waiting” zone at the Arthur

Road/Piltdown Close/Downlands Avenue junction by

52.2 m, allowing about eight additional parking spaces while

preserving visibility and safety.

Council officials emphasised that although some street

parking will be lost, the scheme strategically limits this to

enhance safety and promote walking and cycling over car

use. The route aligns with the town’s Local Cycling and

Walking Infrastructure Plan and forms part of the wider

Hastings & Bexhill Movement and Access Package—funded

via the South East Local Enterprise Partnership and

Local Growth Fund.

Officers concluded that the route, narrowed from nine to

two options since 2016 feasibility studies, remains the best

long‐term solution for connectivity, safety, and funding

efficiency. Delays caused by further revisions could

jeopardise externally funded timelines.

What do you think? Send your letter to the editor by email:


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6 NEWS

JULY 2025


Community spirit set to shine as

week-long celebration returns

BEXHILL Carnival is back and

this year’s packed programme

promises something for everyone

as the town comes together for a

full week of family fun, fundraising

and community pride.

The festivities kick off on Saturday,

19th July, with the ever-popular

Boot Sale at The Polegrove. Sellers

can set up from 7.30am and buyers

are welcome from 8am. All vehicles

are just £10, with onsite parking

available for £1.

Later that evening, the first of two

Carnival Quizzes gets underway at

Christchurch Methodist Church on

Springfield Road. For just £8.50 per

person, including a tasty ploughman’s

supper, it’s a great chance to test your

knowledge and support the carnival.

Also on Saturday 19th, canine

companions take centre stage at the

Dog Show, also at The Polegrove.

Registration opens at 9am with

classes starting from 11am. Entry is

£3 per category and all breeds and

abilities are welcome.

Midweek sees young sports

stars take to the field with the

Youth Football Tournament

hosted by Bexhill United FC at The

Polegrove on Wednesday 23rd and

Thursday 24th July.

On Monday, 21st July, quiz lovers

can head to Wetherspoons Picture

Play House for a more casual

challenge. Entry is just £2 per person

and the fun starts at 7pm.

As the weekend draws closer, Friday

25th July brings the hotly anticipated

Party in the Park, a lively evening

of music and entertainment under

the summer sky at The Polegrove.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite,

with the option to pay just £2.50 or

claim a free ticket.

Everything builds to the grand finale

on Saturday 26th July – Carnival Day!

The colourful procession begins at

1pm from Brockley Road, winding its

way through town, while stalls and

entertainment begin at 12.30pm.

A spokesperson for the carnival

said: “There is lots to do during

Carnival week and we hope you’ll

join us! Keep an eye out for our full

programme, which will be available

to pick up in town soon. We’re still

looking for procession entries – and

tickets for Party in the Park are on

our Facebook page.

“With thanks to our sponsors:

Hastings Direct, Bexhill Town

Council, Abbott & Abbott, and

Bentleys Steakhouse.”

Local legend

honoured for

dedication to Royal

British Legion

THE Royal British Legion has

presented Lynn Langlands with

a Certificate of Appreciation in

recognition of her outstanding

fundraising efforts for

the Poppy Appeal.

A dedicated public servant, Lynn

has served as a councillor and

Mayor of Bexhill, but her tireless

work for the Poppy Appeal has

truly set her apart.

As the driving force behind the

beloved Poppy Car, Lynn has created

a touching tradition on the Bexhill

seafront. Each year, the vehicle is

adorned with poppies, placed by

generous donors in support of the

RBL. This powerful tribute not only

raises vital funds but also serves as a

poignant symbol of remembrance

and community spirit.

Lynn’s unwavering dedication has

made a real difference, inspiring

countless people to honour and

support veterans. The Certificate

of Appreciation is a well-deserved

recognition of her hard work,

and Bexhill is lucky to have such

a passionate champion for this

important cause.

Lynn said: “It has always been a

pleasure hearing the wonderful

family stories, when I am selling

poppies. It is a constant reminder of

what our soldiers and veterans did

in the 1st/2nd World War, to enable

us to be free.”

Action Fraud urges public

to be on guard against

‘quishing’ scams

A NATIONWIDE warning has

been issued by Action Fraud as

cybercriminals increasingly turn

to a new tactic called ‘quishing’,

a form of phishing that uses

fraudulent QR codes to trick

people into handing over personal

and financial information.

THE alert urges members of the

public to be especially vigilant

when scanning QR codes, which

are now a common feature of

everyday life, from parking

machines and restaurant menus to

emails and online transactions.

Claire Webb, Acting Director of

Action Fraud, said: “QR codes are

becoming increasingly common,

whether it’s scanning one to pay

for parking or to verify an online

account. But cyber criminals are

exploiting this, using rogue QR codes

to steal sensitive information.

We’re urging people to stop and

check before scanning. Look for signs

of tampering, particularly in public

spaces, and be cautious with QR

codes sent via email or text.”

According to Action Fraud, the

most frequent location for quishing

attacks is car parks, where scammers

place fake QR code stickers over

legitimate ones on parking machines.

Other cases have been reported

on online selling platforms, where

sellers receive QR codes under the

guise of account verification or

payment processing.

There have also been phishing

attacks impersonating government

agencies like HMRC, with QR codes

included in scam emails and texts that

redirect users to malicious websites.

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8 NEWS

JULY 2025


Flight Sergeant Roy Oldcorn celebrated his 100th birthday at the Albatross Club

Moving memorial

remembers Bexhill’s

Lancaster hero

A CEREMONY took place in Bexhill

last month to remember the life of

a former World War Two Pilot who

passed away last year.

Royal Air Force pilot, Flight

Sergeant Roy Oldcorn turned

100-years-old in 2024, but died

peacefully in December. However,

many legendary stories about Roy’s

life were brought to the forefront

during a special ceremony which

took place at St. Mark’s Church in

Little Common, and was attended

by a variety of military VIPs

and dignitaries.

Deputy Lieutenant, Rear Admiral

John Kingwell, with Trustee of the

RAF Association Air Commodore

Alan Opie, Wing Commander Guy

Mantoura from the Sussex Wing

RAF Air Cadets, the Mayor of Bexhill

Councillor Paul Wilson, Councillor

Paul Peters, Councillor Paul Plimm

and the Chair of Pevensey Parish

Council, Councillor Peter Lowton

all attended the event to pay their

respects to Roy.

During the Service, a Dutch

Liberation Memorial Pin Brooch

was presented to Roy’s widow, Susan

Oldcorn by the Deputy Lieutenant.

There were seven Standards

on parade including the RAF

Association, Royal British Legion

and a Polish Standard representing

Polish Airmen who fought in the

RAF during WWII.

During the winter of 1944/45, Roy

then aged just 20, was the pilot of a

Lancaster Bomber and involved in

“Operation Manna”.

Roy was just 18 years old when he

joined the Royal Air Force and he was

quickly selected for pilot training.

Following his initial flying training

in Tiger Moths, AVRO Ansons and

the Vickers Wellington, he was

sent to Canada for type conversion

to Heavy Bombers.

In January 1945, Roy returned

to England, promoted to the rank

of Flight Sergeant and posted to

153 Squadron at RAF Scampton in

Lincolnshire as a Pilot, flying the

AVRO Lancaster.

By early 1945, the larger part of The

Netherlands was by then in Allied

hands. However, the situation was

growing desperate for the three

million or more Dutch people still

under German control in the densely

populated Western provinces, north

of the great rivers.

A German blockade had cut off food

and fuel shipments. Some 22,000

Dutch people had died as a result of

starvation or malnutrition. Many had

resorted to eating Tulip Bulbs in an

effort to survive.

The RAF flew around 5,400

Operation Manna sorties to The

Netherlands, Roy and his crew among

them, delivering approximately

7,000 tons of food. Many of the

aircrew made small parachutes

from handkerchiefs to which they

attached to their flying rations to drop

for the children.

These sorties involved remarkable

airmanship on the part of the pilots

and 153 Squadron’s Operations

record Book shows that Roy flew

his Lancaster over Rotterdam at 200

feet, with wheels and flaps down,

bringing the aircraft very close to

stalling speed so that the food bundles

could be dropped to the people,

largely undamaged.

These sorties continued beyond

5th May, the official liberation day of

The Netherlands.

At the cessation of hostilities in May

1945, Roy went on to fly his Lancaster

on several sorties to Italy, repatriating

PoW’s and troops back to RAF

Dunsfold in Surrey.

Later, Roy was selected to be the

personal pilot for General Mark Clark

a US Army, Officer, Commanding

the American zone within allied

occupied Austria.

Roy was finally discharged from

the RAF in 1947, aged just 23. It didn’t

stop him flying. He continued to pilot

light aircraft for pleasure until he

was 86 years old.

55,573 Bomber Command Aircrew

lost their lives during World War

Two. It is believed that Roy was

the penultimate aircrew survivor

of that period.

Squadron Leader Andrew Skinner,

said: “I was lucky enough to have

met Roy who was a very kind and

modest man with a sharp sense

of humour. It was my privilege to

have been at his 100th Birthday

Celebration last year when he was

awarded a medal on behalf of the

Dutch people for his part in the

Liberation of The Netherlands.

Today it has been an honour to be

present at this Memorial Service for

him and to give thanks for his service

to our Country during World War II”.

Dutch Liberation Memorial Pin Brooch

presented to Roy’s widow, Susan Oldcorn

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10 NEWS

JULY 2025


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

TOILET FRUSTRATION

MISSING BEACH SIGNS

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor,

email: letters@bexhill.news

AMAZING HELP

FOLLOWING FALL

1945 VICTORY TEA PHOTO

I have seen this photo several

times before, my Nan and now my

Mum has a copy.

My Mum and two Uncles are

in the picture.

Rita Ward, nee Wilson, and her two

Brothers, Peter and Edward Wilson.

CLOSURE OF NORTHERN HOTEL

For 68 years, the Northern Hotel in Sea Road was

beautiful Edwardian building with period furniture that

served Bexhill well.

Now, the furniture is being sold by auction and new

owners are apparently turning the building into flats.

I hope Bexhill residents will protest against this vandalism.

Ron Sollars

Rita is two years old, in the box, front

row, Peter has the bow and arrow,

and Edward is to the far right as a

child coal miner.

Sadly both my uncles are no longer

with us, Mum is 82 years young.

What a great historic photo.

Tracy Wright (Rita’s daughter)

Dear Editor, Residents would have

welcomed the reopening of several

public toilets around the town,

including those at either end of Bexhill

promenade, after 18 months.

There is, however, a notable exception:

the toilets at Manor Barn remain closed.

This effectively puts the gardens there,

which are a great asset to the town and

its inhabitants, out of bounds to many

Bexhillians and their visitors.

As has been noted in your

publication before, the high proportion

of retired among our population

means by definition that the number

suffering from incontinence issues is

correspondingly high.

Rother Council and Bexhill Town

Council play a game of ping-pong over

where the responsibility lies for these

facilities, the result being inaction. I call

on you to use your voice to put pressure

on the authorities on behalf of us all to

restore an important feature of the town.

I Richards

Dear Editor, I have just noticed that the

‘No Dogs’ signs on the children’s play

areas along the promenade appear to

have been removed.

This is the only part of the seafront

where these restrictions apply and of

course, one area near the Sovereign Light

café was already being used as a toilet.

Toxicarasis is a disease I encountered

some years ago dealing with two

separate cases in children, one blinded,

one brain damaged. This disease is at

its simplest a ringworm present almost

exclusively in dog and cat pet faeces due

to their rich diet.

Young children and toddlers play in

this area — that is its purpose. I hope that

Rother District Council is responsible

enough to replace and hopefully enhance

these signs so that children may safely

play and others may use this rare facility.

Steven Hall

Dear Editor, I would like to thank the

lady who helped me on Sunday, 8th June

at the bus stop in Endwell Road when I

collapsed and lost consciousness.

She assisted my husband in looking

after me until an ambulance came.

Without her, I don’t know how he

would have coped.

The Ambulance men were wonderful

and did tests before they took me to A&E

at the Conquest Hospital. Again, I got the

best attention and more tests.

All the nursing staff and doctors were

wonderful and so kind. My faith in the

NHS has been restored.

With all the bad press the media feeds

us about hospitals in the UK, I can only

say that the Conquest Hastings deserves

full praise due, in my experience.

Muriel Austin

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12 NEWS

JULY 2025


Town celebrates opening

of Bexhill Beach Garden

PHOTOS: JTP53 PHOTOGRAPHY

THE Bexhill Beach Garden, a

pioneering community-led project

that has already transformed

access to the seafront, was

officially opened with a special

celebration attended by residents,

dignitaries and supporters from

across the town.

The launch event took place on

Saturday, June 7th, at the far end

of West Parade.

The formal opening was attended

by the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex,

Mr Andrew Blackman and featured

a performance by the Royal British

Legion Band. The ribbon was cut by

former Team GB member, Adam

Field, who is also a local tennis coach.

Organisers welcomed guests to join

in marking what they described as a

milestone achievement for the town.

The Beach Garden has already

become a symbol of inclusivity

and community spirit. A soft

launch earlier this year marked the

end of Phase 1 and was attended

by volunteers, local dignitaries

and residents — including those

previously unable to access the beach

due to mobility challenges.

Mr Blackman said prior to the

ribbon cutting: “I want to add my

huge thanks to Lynn Langlands

and to community supporters for

driving this project forward. A project

doesn’t happen without a huge

amount of hard work, dedication

and determination, and Lynn has

plenty of that.

The event was also attended by

Councillor Roy Galley, Chairman

of East Sussex County Council,

Councillor Paul Wilson, Mayor of

Bexhill and Councillor Andrew Mier,

Chairman of Rother District Council.

“I wish the garden all the best for

the future, I know it’s already very

well used, and I’m sure as the Garden

develops, and people can come to

learn about it, it will be even more

appreciated. It’s something that

Bexhill can be very proud of.”

Councillor Abul Azad said:

“Special recognition must go to

our fellow Community Supporters

trustees, who have guided this

project from its earliest sketches

to the thriving space we see today.

Their dedication to sustainability,

accessibility, and community

engagement has shaped every

boardwalk plank, every planting

decision, and every welcoming

detail of the garden.

“Above all, today is a tribute to

you—our neighbours, volunteers,

supporters and donors. It was your

tools, your time, your funding

and your belief in the power of

community that made this possible.

From clearing debris to laying

pathways, planting native greenery to

painting signs, every contribution—

big or small—has sown the seeds of

something enduring.”

The project was first envisioned

in 2020 by former Bexhill Mayor

Lynn Langlands, who recognised

the significant obstacles faced by

disabled people trying to reach the

shingle beach. Her vision was to

create a welcoming, accessible space

that also supported biodiversity and

showcased how natural planting

could help stabilise the coastline.

Reflecting on the progress at

the soft launch, Lynn said: “It’s so

moving to see people here who have

mobility issues and who have not

been able to access the beach before.

This space has already brought

people together and given them a

sense of freedom.”

Entirely funded through donations

and grants, the garden has already

become a cherished community

space for both residents and visitors.

YOUR

LIBRARY

No computer? No problem!

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manage life admin with

free use of our computers.

eastsussex.gov.uk/YourLibrary

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill JULY 2025 13

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14 KNIFE CRIME SPECIAL

JULY 2025


KNIFE CRIME SPECIAL

EXCLUSIVE: “Lose the knife,

not a life” Sussex PCC warns

BY PAUL GIBSON

KNIFE crime remains a pressing

concern across the UK, but

in Sussex, Police and Crime

Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne

insists the situation is being

tackled head-on, with the county

still one of the safest places to live.

Speaking exclusively to Bexhill

News, I sat down with Katy at her

office in Lewes to talk about the

current challenges, the steps being

taken to protect young people and

the collaborative work that aims to

reduce harm in Sussex communities.

She emphasised from the outset:

“One weapon on our streets is one

too many. We will always act to keep

Sussex safe and while our knife crime

rate remains well below the national

average, we are not complacent.”

I put to Katy that knife crime is a

growing concern across many parts

of the UK, including Sussex and

wanted to know how Sussex stood up

to other counties.

She told me that in the year ending

December 2024, Sussex recorded

1,113 knife or sharp instrument

offences — an increase of less than

1% compared to the previous year.

Nationally, knife crime rose by

2.2%, putting Sussex well below the

national trend.

Sussex’s knife crime rate now stands

at 64.1 offences per 100,000 people,

which is significantly lower than the

England and Wales average of 89.7.

“Those numbers matter,” said

Katy. But it’s not just about statistics,

it’s about the real lives behind each

one. That’s why we invest in both

enforcement and education.”

On the back of these worrying

figures across the UK, I asked Katy

what actions Sussex Police are

currently taking to tackle knife crime

on the streets.

She replied: “Sussex Police supports

a number of operations designed

to combat knife crime, including

the national Operation Sceptre and

its local counterpart, Operation

Safety. These initiatives involve

proactive patrols, knife sweeps, test

purchasing operations and the use

of amnesty bins.

We work closely with Border Force

to intercept illegal knife imports and

act on that intelligence immediately.

We don’t just remove the knives, we

knock on doors and intervene before

things escalate.”

Twice a year, Knife Crime

Awareness Week sees a surge

in visible activity including

school visits, retailer checks and

increased patrols in public spaces,

according to the PCC.

EDUCATING THE NEXT

GENERATION

One of the key messages from the

Commissioner was the importance of

reaching young people early. Around

31% of knife-related crime in Sussex

in the past year involved a child as a

suspect, offender or victim.

She told me: “We’re dispelling the

myths that carrying a knife keeps you

safe, or that it makes you tougher. It’s

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne

just not true. The risks are huge.

Neighbourhood Youth Officers

work across the county delivering

school assemblies, running

engagement vans and installing knife

arches, all aimed at educating rather

than criminalising.”

She also praised grassroots

initiatives like the Hailsham Boxing

Club, which runs sessions that offer

positive role models and a safe space

for teenagers, and also highlighted

the Charlie’s Promise campaign,

which promotes awareness in schools

following the tragic death of teenager

Charlie Crosser in Horsham in 2023.

BREAKING THE CYCLE

OF REOFFENDING

Almost one in three knife offenders

nationally are repeat carriers, but

in Sussex, the reoffending rate for

weapons possession sits at 24.3%,

below the national average of 27.5%.

Part of this success is down to

innovative support programmes

for families. The PCC’s office has

funded a Non-Violent Resistance

(NVR) course launching this autumn

in Crawley and Worthing. Targeted

at parents of children aged 10–16

who display violent or destructive

behaviour, the course aims to

build more nurturing, structured

home environments.

Commenting on the course, Katy

added: “If we can strengthen families,

we reduce the risk of kids turning to

knives.”, said Katy. “Prevention is

always better than punishment.”

SUPPORTING VICTIMS

AND HOTSPOT POLICING

To further bolster frontline efforts,

Sussex has secured £1.4 million from

the Home Office’s Hotspot Response

Fund for 2025/26. This funding

supports patrols in 18 knife crime

hotspots, night safety marshals,

and targeted work with businesses

and communities.

“It means we can be in the right

place at the right time, deterring

violence and offering visible

reassurance,” Katy added.

From our conversation, it’s clear

there are many projects ongoing

in the hope of cracking down on

the trend. One thing is clear — it’s

all about education, we must

continually tell the next generation

about the facts highlighted in this

article and the risks associated with

carrying a knife.

Asked what she would say directly

to a young person tempted to carry

a knife, her response was clear

and unequivocal: “Lose the knife,

not a life. Carrying a blade doesn’t

protect you — it puts you in far more

danger. If you choose to carry, you’ll

find Sussex Police and our partners

working hard to stop you.”

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill JULY 2025 KNIFE CRIME SPECIAL 15

Charlie’s Promise delivers

powerful message to youngsters

A MAN whose son was tragically

stabbed and killed in an attack

in West Sussex visited the area

recently to give a number of

powerful and emotional talks about

the consequences of the crime.

17-year-old Charlie Cosser, from

Surrey, was stabbed multiple times in

the chest during a party in July 2023,

he died two days later.

Since his death, his Father, Martin,

created Charlie’s Promise and has

been campaigning against knife crime

and talking to young people about

his experience, the consequences

of carrying knives, and the effect it

has on families.

He recently visited a number of

schools, colleges and clubs across

Eastbourne and Hailsham to tell

youngsters first-hand how knife

crime changes lives.

Martin presented at St. Catherine’s

College in Eastbourne, Eastbourne

Air Cadets, back in March, Hailsham

Boxing Club and spent two days at

Hailsham Community College to talk

to all year groups.

Sam Buchanan from Hailsham

Boxing Club said: “Just before we

heard about Martin Crosser, we had

launched a knife crime programme,

so when I first heard his speech,

I really wanted him to invite him

here so he could share his story. To

hear the effects of knife crime from

someone who has been there has a

huge amount of impact and makes it

much more real.”

Martin commented: “I’m confident

these young people now know how to

report a knife carrier anonymously,

understand the immeasurable impact

of knife crime and feel like they really

do know who my little boy was.”

Martin emphasised that anyone

can report someone carrying a

knife completely anonymously

by reporting online at www.

crimestoppers-uk.org/giveinformation/forms/pre-form,

or calling 0800 555 111. He

promised that all reports are dealt

with in confidence.

16 YOUR MP

JULY 2025


NEWS FROM YOUR CONSERVATIVE MP

DR KIERAN MULLAN

Calls for action as GP Surgeries

reach breaking point

GENERAL practice is the front door

of the NHS, yet too many people

are still finding it too difficult to

get through that door. Patients

are frustrated, GPs and their

teams are stretched, and in many

areas including parts of Bexhill

and Battle, existing surgeries are

operating at or beyond capacity.

We don’t need to reinvent the wheel

to make a difference. There are

already a number of proposed new

GP surgeries in our constituency that

are “shovel ready” and just waiting

for the green light. Unlocking those

projects would ease the pressure on

existing services and improve access

for thousands of patients.

Whilst I welcome that we are

receiving a share of the new £102

million GP infrastructure fund that

has been allocated to upgrades at

Sedlescombe and Westfield Surgery,

I’ve been pushing for action on a

Kieran with staff at Martin’s Oak, Oldwood

Surgery and Little Common and Oldtown.

wider, longer-term challenge facing

primary care: the urgent need for

brand new surgery buildings in

areas where existing surgeries have

outgrown their current premises.

Across Bexhill and Battle, several

GP practices are ready and eager

to move forward with plans for

modern, purpose-built facilities.

These projects, such as those

proposed by Martins Oak Surgery

in Battle, Barnhorn Green Medical

Centre which will replace Little

Common and Old Town surgery, and

Robertsbridge Medical Centre, which

will replace Oldwood Surgery, are

well developed, with strong business

cases and clear patient demand. But

many of them are being held back by

a major structural issue in the way the

NHS funds new buildings, specifically

how surgery rents are set.

Currently, the NHS reimburses GP

practices based on rents determined

by the independent Valuation

Office Agency (VOA). The problem

is that these valuations often lag

behind the real cost of building and

maintaining high quality, modern

facilities. As construction costs have

risen, many proposed developments

have become financially unviable,

not because the need isn’t there, but

because the rent on offer from the

NHS falls short of what’s needed to

make these buildings work.

If we’re serious about improving

access to GPs and relieving pressure

on the wider NHS, we must address

this. These aren’t speculative

proposals, they’re shovel ready

developments, some that have

received significant sums of money

from the levelling up fund, that could

make a tangible difference to patient

care in our communities.

That’s why I’ve been raising

this issue in Parliament and

directly with Ministers. We need

a more responsive, realistic

approach to NHS rents.

One that enables, rather than

blocks, investment in better facilities.

Without it, we risk leaving patients

stuck with outdated buildings and

overstretched services, when we

could be delivering the kind of

modern, spacious, and efficient GP

surgeries that the public expects

and deserves. The investment in

Sedlescombe and Westfield is a

welcome step, but we must go further

to unlock the potential of new,

long-term infrastructure across the

whole constituency.

Despite warm words about backing

primary care, the current system

makes it far too difficult to deliver the

facilities we need. The Government

cannot claim to be investing in the

NHS while leaving major barriers like

this unaddressed.

These surgeries are not asking for

handouts, they are asking for fair and

sustainable support to build the kind

of premises patients rightly expect

in the 21st century. If we continue to

undervalue rent reimbursements,

we are effectively blocking progress,

forcing patients and GPs to work in

outdated, inadequate spaces.

This is not just a technical issue

about valuations; it is a question

of political will. Ministers need to

intervene and make sure the system

is flexible and responsive enough

to support new builds where the

evidence is clear.

Communities across Bexhill and

Battle are ready to back this progress.

The surgeries have the plans. The

need is obvious to constituents

across Bexhill and Battle. The only

thing missing is a system that works

with them, not against them. If we

want to fix the front door of the

NHS, we must get serious about

building it properly.”

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

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

“Gold is a luxury. Trees are necessities. Man can live and thrive without gold, but we

cannot survive without trees.” — Paul Bamikole

We find ourselves now in High Summer,

with all the joys and challenges

that face us gardeners in these

challenging times.

At the time of writing this, we are

bracing ourselves for a heatwave, which

is all very well if we are on the beach or

relaxing in a hammock, but rather tricky

when you work outside. Luckily, here at

Bates Green Garden, we have a wealth

of beautiful, mature trees, and so there

is usually somewhere to retreat to after

all the watering has been completed.

The Woodland Garden is one of those

places here. Designed around a majestic

English oak, this area is a haven of

tranquillity, where nature and artistry

converge. Unlike manicured gardens, a

woodland garden offers a landscape

that mimics the rhythm and essence of

the wild, weaving together plants, trees,

textures, and ecosystems to create a

harmonious blend.

If you have a tree-filled area in your

garden, consider creating a woodland

garden or even some woodland borders.

Firstly, observe how the sunlight filters

through the area, identify spots with

dappled shade, and take note of soil

conditions. Woodland gardens thrive

in areas with moisture-retaining soil

and partial shade, but adjustments

can be made depending on your

specific location.

A successful woodland garden

begins with understanding the existing

ecosystem. Are there mature trees

providing a canopy? You don’t need

acres of woodland to create the feel

of a woodland garden. Walk the

space and observe the interplay of

light and shadow.

Woodland gardens thrive on layered

Photo credit: John Glover

planting. The top layer can include

tall trees, such as oaks, hornbeams,

or birches, which will provide a

natural canopy. Beneath this lives the

understory, fill it with smaller trees or

shrubs such as aronia, coppiced hazel

or witch hazel. The ground layer can be

home to shade-loving perennials, ferns,

pulmonaria, primula and comfrey, to

name but a few.

Meandering paths are essential to

the woodland garden experience;

they invite you to explore its depths.

We use chipped bark for woodland

pathways, which blend seamlessly

with the surroundings. Introduce

small clearings or focal points for

seating or contemplation, perhaps

with a wooden bench or a collection of

moss-covered rocks.

Water features, such as small ponds,

streams, or birdbaths, add movement

and sound to any woodland garden. This

element, above all others, will attract

wildlife and create reflective moments

within the garden.

Woodland gardens are as much about

textures as they are about colours.

Bark, leaves, moss, and stone or rock

create a tapestry of sensory experiences.

Additionally, choose plants that offer

seasonal interest—from spring flowers

to autumn foliage and winter berries—to

ensure your garden remains captivating

throughout the year.

The essence of a naturalistic garden

lies in its biodiversity. Your garden

can be a sanctuary for insects, birds,

and small mammals, providing food,

shelter, and a suitable habitat. Include

elements like logs and tree stumps,

leave fallen leaves and pile up rocks or

stones to provide habitats for insects

and small animals. Birdboxes are also

welcome additions.

Woodland gardens benefit from

minimal intervention. Allow desirable

plants, such as the perennial honesty

(Lunaria rediviva), to self-seed and

naturalise over time. However, keep

an eye on unwanted plants and

remove them promptly. Ours include

Allium siculum, cleavers and bryony,

all of which would rampage about

if we let them.

We use homemade organic mulch to

retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Creating a naturalistic woodland

garden is not just about landscaping;

it’s about fostering a connection with

nature. It requires patience, observation,

and a willingness to work in harmony

with the rhythms of the environment.

Whether you’re starting small or

transforming a larger space, the journey

of planting a woodland garden is one

of discovery. Embrace each step, and

you’ll soon have a naturalistic retreat

that blends beauty, biodiversity, and

tranquillity in perfect harmony.

If you need further inspiration, then

come to Bates Green Garden on any

Wednesday or Saturday. Alternatively,

if you’d like to meet me in person, I’ll

be discussing Woodland Gardens at

the Charleston Festival of the Garden

on Friday, 18th July. I would love

to see you there!

Enjoy your garden in July.

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

BEXHILL MUSEUM with Gordon Smith

www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk

INTRODUCING JOYCE,

BEXHILL’S OLDEST RESIDENT

One grew up to 10 metres long and

the other was up to eight metres.

Iguanodon was the second dinosaur

to be given a name. Fossil hunter

Gideon Mantell came up with the name

200 years ago. It means “iguana tooth”

because its teeth look like those from

plant-eating tropical lizards called

iguanas. His wife found the teeth

in East Sussex.

Part of the new dinosaur display

Come and meet Bexhill’s oldest

resident. She’s been around for

133 million years.

The museum is starting its Dinosaur

Summer theme with a new exhibition

featuring the town’s very own dinosaur.

The area is rich in fossils, especially

dinosaur footprints on the beach. A new

set was found last year. Casts of other

footprints are on display.

In 2014 an archaeological dig was

taking place in the quarry in Turkey

Road, Bexhill (now in the grounds of the

Ibstock brickworks).

Joyce Austen found a dinosaur

bone which turned out to be from an

iguanodon. More were found and it

The bones of Bexhill’s dinosaur

is now the most complete skeleton

found in Bexhill. We call it Joyce,

after its finder.

Some of the fossils have been on

display in the Sargent Gallery for a

while but the temporary exhibition area

has now been given over to a display

called Iguanodon — Bexhill’s Dinosaur.

This contains more bones from Joyce

and some from a smaller iguanodon

found in the quarry. There is lots of

information about iguanodons. When

the school holidays start there will be a

dinosaur trail for children.

Iguanodons lived 133 million years

ago. Two species lived in what is now

the Bexhill area.

ON THE TRAIL OF SPIKE

Spike Milligan spent the first three

years of the Second World War as an

artilleryman in Bexhill.

You can follow in his footsteps

in the next walk organised by the

museum called Stepping Out to Spike

Milligan’s Bexhill.

His antics in the town were told in

his book Adolf Hitler — My Part in his

Downfall. Post-war reunions with his

army comrades were held at the De

La Warr Pavilion.

The walk is on Wednesday 9 July at

2pm. It will be led by Julian Porter, the

museum’s curator.

Meet at the Galley Hill Coastguard

Station. Places must be pre-booked

by either phoning or calling into

the museum (01424 222058). The

cost is £5 per person, payable to the

leaders at the start of the walk. Dogs

are not allowed.

SUMMER GARDEN

A garden is being opened to the public

to raise funds for the museum.

It’s at 17 Clavering Walk, Cooden

(TN39 4TW). Entrance will be £5.

There will be light refreshments and

various stalls — books, jewellery,

DVDs, table-top items and accessories.

Not forgetting the raffle. The date is

Saturday 19 July from 2.30 to 4.30 pm.

THE GREAT WAR IN SUSSEX

The First World War in the Bexhill and

Hastings area is the subject of the next

Ken Brooks lecture.

Images will include a German

submarine washed up on Hastings

beach. There will be letters written by

local soldiers describing conditions in

the trenches and two thank-you letters

from the front-line troops to Bexhill

Guides for sending them gifts.

The talk will take place in the museum

Education Room on Saturday 12 July.

Spaces are limited to maintain the

informal atmosphere — the June talk

was sold out. It starts at 1.30pm and

will finish by 3pm.

Tickets must be pre-booked and are

available from the museum, priced

at £10 for non-members 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.

BUSTER’S BACK

The museum is now host to showings

by the newly formed Bexhill Film Club.

Two early silent films have been

shown to enthusiastic audiences. The

next showing is on Wednesday 2 July

at 7pm and it will be another Buster

Keaton film called Steamboat Bill Jr. It

will have live piano accompaniment by

Mike Hatchard, who organises the club.

The film is a comedy, made in 1928. It

features one of Keaton’s most famous

scenes where the side of a house falls

on him. He is unharmed as he was

positioned just under an open window.

Tickets are £8 and must be prebooked.

Go to the museum website

for the link to the film club page for

online booking or you can reserve

tickets from the museum by either

phoning or calling into the museum

(01424 222058).

WHERE TO FIND US

Bexhill Museum, in Egerton Road, is

open Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am to

4pm. It is closed on Mondays except for

Bank Holidays. Admission prices are:

adults £4, over 60s £3, children aged

5-16 £2, under-fives are free.

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

More life than you’d expect

GRABBING a coffee with friends.

Returning home from the In-

Patient Unit. Getting your life

back. Not things you’d expect

from a hospice – but at St

Michael’s Hospice they’re part

of everyday life.

Physiotherapist, Anna, shares

insight into her role supporting

patients both physically

and emotionally.

Tell us about your role at St

Michael’s Hospice.

I’m a physiotherapist here at the

Hospice. We support patients with

breathlessness and fatigue, assessing

and optimising mobility, and pain

management with the support of our

registered nurses and clinical nurse

specialists — ultimately helping them

reach their rehabilitation goals. Goals

vary from something like being able

to stand to cook a meal to being able to

walk along the seafront or to enjoy a

coffee with friends.

Physiotherapy in a hospice is

different to other settings. We have

time to spend with patients so we

get to know what is important to

them, build trust and help them

find strength, whether physical

or emotional. Focusing on daily

routines and maintaining meaningful

activity throughout the day is really

important for a lot of patients. We

support people to exercise safely

to support their mobility goals, we

teach techniques to help manage

breathlessness during day to

day activity — small, achievable

goals in small steps that make a

big difference.

What’s your favourite memory of

working at the Hospice?

We had a patient arrive on the In-

Patient Unit who came in for end

of life care. She engaged really well

with the rehabilitation support and

the Wellbeing Programme and we

saw improvements to some of her

symptoms and she became well

enough to leave the Hospice and

eventually went home.

Working with her over that long

period of time and seeing the benefits

that everything we offer here had on

her physical health and emotional

wellbeing, was really rewarding.

What does it mean to you to support

people where you live?

Community is really important. We

often see how our kind and supportive

community help patients and their

friends and families. It’s really

rewarding to be able to use my skills

to play my part in supporting local

people and give back.

What are you proud to have

enabled for somebody?

There was a patient who came to

Moving Forward group who was very

low in mood. She was fatigued a lot

of the time and her breathlessness

had got worse. She was needing

more oxygen, struggling much more

with everyday activities. She had 12

weeks of group support and in that

time she learnt how to manage her

breathlessness whilst moving. We

focused a lot on pacing her activity and

having regular breaks and this helped

her to greatly increase the distance

that she could walk.

She was even able to go out and

meet a friend for coffee, which

she hadn’t thought she would be

able to do. She said to me, “Coming

to the wellbeing group has given

me my life back”. That made me

feel really proud.

Hospice care isn’t just about the

end of life — it’s about making the

most of every day.

We’re here for you in Bexhill.

Visit www.stmichaelshospice.com/

our-services to find out more about

your local hospice. St Michael’s

Hospice supports the whole of

Hastings and Rother and all services

are free of charge.

18 ADVERTORIAL

JULY 2025


ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

BY DOUG OLIVER, COUNCILLOR AND COUNCIL LEADER

New garden and national

award give Bexhill a boost

WITH temperatures soaring

Bexhill is buzzing with activity, and

visitors are beginning to flock to

the coast to enjoy the sunshine.

As a coastal community the summer

season is incredibly important for the

local economy with many businesses

relying on the boost in trade expected

over the next couple of months.

Whilst we know what a beautiful

place Bexhill is, it was great for the

beach to be recognised as one named

one of the best in the country with a

Keep Britain Tidy Seaside Award.

Camber Sands, Normans Bay and

Winchelsea have also been awarded

the accolade, and I had the pleasure of

joining Cllr Hazel Timpe at Bexhill to

raise the Seaside Flag and celebrate the

district’s achievements.

The award celebrates the quality

and diversity of Rother’s coastline and

recognises safe, attractive and wellmanaged

coastal area. It is testament

to the efforts made by officers,

contractors and volunteers to keep the

coastline looking as good as possible.

We are already very proud of

our open spaces, but this national

recognition tells the rest of the country

that our district has a lot to offer.

Hopefully, it will encourage people to

visit us this summer.

I was delighted to be able to

visit Bexhill beach garden for its

official opening and learn more

about the project.

An idea from former Bexhill mayor

Lynn Langlands, the garden is

designed to improve accessibility to

the beach and increase biodiversity

with beautifully planted areas.

The space is a credit to all those

involved in the project and will

be a source of pride for the town

for years to come.

We’ve had plenty to celebrate in

recent week, including the news that

the under-threat Bexhill Post Office

is to stay open.

It was a shock in November last

year to hear that Post Office Ltd was

considering closure of the branch

in Devonshire Road as part of a

nationwide closure programme.

We were fortunate to have some

very passionate people ready to fight

for the future of the Post Office and I

was delighted to head the decision that

the branch would remain open and

operated as an independent franchise.

Services like the Post Office is vital

for businesses in the town but also

for local people, particularly those

without easy access to the internet.

Plans are being finalised, according

to Post Office Ltd, but they expect

the change – which includes

extended opening, to take place in

September. It’s vital that we continue

to support the Post Office and make

it a viable business, ensuring its

future in the town.

As a district, we rely heavily on

the tourism sector to boost the local

economy and provide employment

opportunities and as a council it is

important that we support this sector

as much as we can.

We are currently seeking the views

of people who own or operate tourist

accommodation in the district to

support our Local Plan. The feedback

will help us identify the need and types

of visitor accommodation in the area.

I would urge anyone who owns or

runs a hotel, guesthouse, Airbnb,

holiday cottage or camping and

caravan site to take part in our

consultation via our website called

‘Tourist Accommodation Operator

Survey’, and help us shape future

planning policy. The consultation

closes on Wednesday, June 25.

The rising costs of household bills

is putting a huge strain on families

across the district and it can be difficult

to see a way forward.

This week we have launched a new

tool to help residents save money

on energy bills and reduce their

carbon footprint.

With support from the Energy

Saving Trust, we have launched

the Homewise tool which will

give residents a personalised plan

including ways to save money

on energy costs and identifying

energy efficiency improvements

for their homes.

Free to use, this could make a real

difference to residents across Rother

and I would encourage people to visit

https://homewise.rother.gov.uk/ and

see what difference it can make.

A MATTER OF TASTE

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

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

EASTBOURNE GEM STILL DISHING OUT

ITALIAN EXCELLENCE AFTER 25 YEARS

Lasagne Al Forno

BY GARY VAN DEN BUSSCHE

Eastbourne is a great place to eat on

a Sunday as there is free parking,

therefore, I decided to invite my son

James along to visit Pomodoro e

Mozzarella, which is now in its 25th

year, on Cornfield Terrace.

Upon entering, we were struck by a

busy buzz of people enjoying themselves

and a delicious smell of fine Italian food.

We both agreed we were lucky that we

had booked a table.

Carlos, who is now the perfect host full

of charm, greeting the customers to their

tables was a chef under the previous

owners. He and his brother Jaime, for the

past year, have owned the restaurant.

Pollo alla Milanese

We looked at the main menu,

there were so many nice things to

choose, such as sardines, mussels,

calamari, baked aubergine, tomato

with mozzarella and they were

just the starters!

A quick glance at the mains and

many of our favourites were there like,

spaghetti with meatballs in a tomato

sauce, pan fried calves liver with butter

and sage, medallions of monk fish

cooked in white wine with cream and

pink peppercorns, pan fried sea bass

fillets with garlic, chilli and ginger just to

name just a few dishes.

They have a lot of delicious food on

their menus not just, pizza & pasta,

Creme Caramel

but a lot more.

At the back of the restaurant, they are

making and baking the pizzas which

have been ordered, in open wood-fired

ovens, so we can all watch the chefs

cook right in front of us. The main

kitchen is behind the scenes.

The starters offered a Prawn Cocktail

set in a cucumber ring (we were thinking

they must use a lot of cucumbers).

Garlic mushrooms, minestrone soup or

bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, buffalo

mozzarella, garlic and basil.

Sounds tempting to have three

courses, but after talking to the table

next door to us, who come every week,

they said the mains are a good size, they

said only have a starter if you are really

hungry! So in the end, after good advice,

we both chose the set menu at £15.95

for two courses (three courses, £18.45).

I chose the Lasagne Al Forno which

came in a piping hot oven-proof dish

with its creamy cheese sauce, with

layers of pasta and a very meaty

Bolognese in the middle, with added

sprinkles of parmesan cheese.

James went for Pollo alla Milanese,

chicken in breadcrumbs, served with

spaghetti and a rich tomato sauce which

he asked for chilli to be added. He really

enjoyed it and reported it was very

delicious and cooked to perfection.

For dessert, I chose Creme Caramel,

which had a lovely caramel sauce, James

chose Mixed Italian Ice cream with

a choice of many flavours including

pistachio, which you don’t often see,

we could have had profiteroles, fruit

salad or tiramisu

The bill came to £36.70, which also

included a bottle of water. Great value

for money with the portion sizes

generous and feeling like we’d had a

fantastic lunch.

The service was very attentive, in

fact they could not do enough for you.

The food came at the correct pace, and

considering how busy they were, that

was amazing in itself.

They also give you linen serviettes

and table cloths, which to me makes

all the difference. I often tuck the

serviette in my shirt like a bib, in case I

spill any sauce on a light colour top. On

our way out, Carlos calls out ‘excuse

me sir, can we have our servette back

please?’. We both laughed, I forgot I was

still wearing it!

They offer a Vegan and a gluten-free

menu, so next time my coeliac grandson

visits, he will be most impressed with

lots of Pizza and pasta dishes and other

choices to choose from.

So, a successful lunch which we both

enjoyed, and intend to revisit.

Pomodoro e Mozzarella

23-24 Cornfield Terrace,

Eastbourne BN21 4NS

Tel: 01323 733800

www.pomodoro-e-mozzarella.com

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill JULY 2025 NEWS 19

Galleon stuns thousands of

visitors during five-day visit

PHOTOS BY PAUL GIBSON

AND DAN JESSUP

A REPLICA of a ship, which was the

first ship to circumnavigate the

globe over 500 years ago, arrived

in Eastbourne recently, and more

than 9,000 visitors, took the time to

discover its history.

The Deputy Mayor of Eastbourne,

Councillor Hugh Parker, along

with the Mayor’s Deputy Consort,

Councillor Teri Sayers-Cooper,

were joined by the crew from the

Eastbourne Lifeboat and were the first

members of the public to visit the ship

when it opened to the public.

It was in town for five days, where

visitors discovered its incredible

history during its stay at the Sovereign

Harbour this week.

The original Nao Victoria

famously completed the first-ever

round-the-world journey in 1522,

under the command of Spanish

explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano.

After three harrowing years at sea,

traversing uncharted oceans and

enduring extreme hardship, just

18 of the original 243-strong crew

returned to Spain, etched forever in

maritime history.

The Nao Victoria was part of the

famed “Spice Army” expedition,

launched from Seville in 1519

under Portuguese captain Ferdinand

Magellan. The five-ship fleet set out

westward in search of a sea route to the

fabled spice islands of Indonesia.

After Magellan’s death in the

Philippines, Elcano assumed

command and led the remaining crew

back to Spain, having achieved the

seemingly impossible — the first full

navigation of the planet.

Today, the replica Nao Victoria

stands as a floating museum,

educational experience and

ambassador of Spanish maritime

history. Built in 1991 in Andalusia

for Seville’s EXPO ’92, the ship was

painstakingly constructed using

traditional shipbuilding techniques.

It later repeated the original voyage

between 2004 and 2006, becoming

the first replica to fully circumnavigate

the globe, visiting 17 countries and

covering nearly 27,000 nautical miles.

Since then, the ship has sailed across

Europe and the Americas, sharing

the incredible story of courage,

exploration and endurance with more

than six million visitors.

With its four decks, traditional

sails, captain’s quarters and historic

living areas, visitors to the ship can

experience what life was like aboard a

16th-century ocean-going vessel.

WHERE

WILL

Get there with

Flexibus!

local, on-demand public

transport for the price of

a standard bus

TAKE

YOU?

Book your ride now:

01273

078203

Powered by

eastsussex.gov.uk/flexibus

20 TRAVEL

JULY 2025


Discovering Costa

Adeje, Tenerife’s

Chic Escape

BY DAVID POWELL

TENERIFE is famed for its dramatic

volcanoes and lively resorts,

but tucked away on the island’s

sun-drenched southwest coast

lies Costa Adeje — here I found

a destination that’s mastered

the balance between indulgent

relaxation and coastal charm.

Glistening Atlantic views meet

stylish promenades, golden beaches

and a dining scene that confidently

rivals mainland Europe. For

British travellers like me in search

of winter warmth or a luxurious

summer break, Costa Adeje offers

an elegant choice

WHERE STYLE MEETS THE SEA

Costa Adeje definitely has an

upmarket feel — clean boulevards

lined with palm trees, designer

boutiques in the sleek Plaza del

Duque shopping centre and refined

restaurants. It’s no accident that

this area attracts both discerning

travellers and sunseekers who want

a little more than all-day fry-ups

and noisy bars.

Playa del Duque is the beach

that most encapsulates this spirit.

With soft golden sand (shipped in,

of course) and a relaxed, almost

exclusive atmosphere, it’s ideal

for leisurely days lounging under

parasols or dipping into the warm,

turquoise waters.

Adventure is never far, either. Whale

watching trips depart daily from

nearby Puerto Colón marina, where

visitors can spot pilot whales and

bottlenose dolphins all year round,

thanks to Tenerife’s rich marine

ecosystem. The island’s star attraction,

Teide National Park, is just over an

hour’s drive away. A cable car whisks

you most of the way up to the top of

Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide,

where stark landscapes and dramatic

views offer a surreal contrast to the

beach scenes below. A great day out.

EAT AND DRINK

Costa Adeje’s food scene is a

particular delight, with everything

from traditional guachinches

(rustic local eateries) to highend

dining with Michelin stars.

British tourists will also appreciate

how welcoming the region is to

families and couples alike. There’s

something incredibly easy about

holidaying in Costa Adeje, the

infrastructure is excellent, English

is widely spoken, and it’s only a fourand-a-half-hour

flight from London.

STAYING AT GF

VICTORIA HOTEL

My chosen hotel was the 5-star GF

Victoria right in the heart of Costa

Adeje. Among the many luxury

hotels in Costa Adeje, GF Victoria

stands out, not only for its modern

architecture and prime location

but also for its commitment to

sustainability. The hotel is a sleek,

glass-fronted oasis, just minutes

from Playa del Duque, designed

with both families and adults-only

travellers in mind. The GF Victoria

hotel in Costa Adeje has three

restaurants. These include Chaboco

(a main restaurant with buffet),

Donaire (a la carte restaurant with

Canarian cuisine), and Amaina (a

varied menu restaurant) situated

adjacent to one of the main pools.

Its split-zoned layout includes

the Zambra Sky Bar and a

stunning adults-only glass pool

that hovers dramatically above

the front of the building, while

family-friendly areas feature a

water park and surf simulator.

The spa, with its Himalayan salt

room and hydrotherapy pools, is a

destination in itself.

BEYOND THE SUNBED

For those who like to venture out,

Costa Adeje’s location is perfect

for exploring Tenerife’s diverse

landscapes. Head north to the

cobbled streets of La Orotava,

where traditional Canarian

balconies drip with flowers, or

to Garachico, a town rebuilt after

a volcanic eruption and now home

to stunning natural rock pools.

Golfers can enjoy lush fairways

with Atlantic backdrops at Golf

Costa Adeje, while hikers can

take to the Barranco del Infierno,

a dramatic ravine with a guided

trail leading to the island’s highest

waterfall. For a cultural twist, the

Casa Fuerte ruins offer a glimpse into

Tenerife’s colonial past.

And then, of course, there are the

sunsets. Nowhere does them quite

like Costa Adeje, especially if you’re

watching from a clifftop bar in La

Caleta, sipping a local wine as the sun

slips into the sea.

CONCLUSION

Costa Adeje is more than just a

sunny getaway, it’s a polished yet

authentic slice of Tenerife that caters

to holidaymakers looking for both

relaxation and refinement. With

its blend of coastal beauty, smart

hotels like GF Victoria, and a dining

scene that keeps getting better, it’s no

wonder many first-time visitors soon

become regulars.

Whether you’re here for the

sun, the sea, or simply a break

from the everyday, Costa Adeje

delivers — with style.

www.webtenerife.co.uk

www.gfvictoria.com

Video review at www.youtube.

com/YourHolidayTV

The Bull Inn

To call, or reserve a table: 01424 424984

530 BEXHILL ROAD, ST LEONARDS ON SEA, TN38 8AY

www.bullstleonards.co.uk

Facebook: @bullinnstleonards

Sunday Folk Session - 6th July & 3rd August from 5:30pm

Sunday Rock ‘n Roll Bingo - 13th from 6:00pm

Sunday Karaoke Session - 20th from 5:30pm

Monday Charity Quiz - 21st from 8:00pm

OTHER EVENTS Events marked

*

scheduled for beer garden, weather permitting

* Gina Cassisa (Cushty/Kitten Kaboodle etc) - Friday 18th from 3:00pm

Ritchie Lee’s “80’s Party Night” - Friday 25th from 8:00pm

* The Other Band - Sunday 27th from 4:00 pm

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

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill JULY 2025 ADVERTORIAL 21

BEXHILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM UPDATE

CHAMBER ECHOES

The right homes, in the right

place for the right people?

THE Government’s target of

building 1.5m homes across

the country in a parliamentary

term means that Rother’s

quota of nearly five thousand

new homes in five years could

be transformational for

Bexhill and completely reinvigorate

the town.

House building is always a divisive

matter. It is an issue that generates

protests whenever a planning

application is submitted to the

local council.

Of course, the most vociferous

protesters are often those who live

quite comfortably with the benefits

of previous mass housebuilding

in the 50s, 60s and 70s, when

vast swathes of local countryside

disappeared under thousands of

new build semis and bungalows

causing the population of Bexhill to

explode from about 22,000 in 1945

to 46,000 today.

The emphasis on Bexhill as a

dormitory retirement town was

marketed to south London middle

managers, and that has led to an

overwhelmingly high proportion of

residents now being over seventy,

which in turn has stifled investment

in new businesses and put a

massive strain on local health and

welfare services.

With Rother being devolved

into a new unitary authority over

the next couple of years, and

the formation of a Sussex wide

mayoral assembly, there is a

fantastic opportunity to work with

housing developers to in effect

reverse socially engineer a longterm

demographic shift in Bexhill

away from the elderly towards a

younger more economically active

population base.

This will not only ease demand on

welfare services but also attract new

high value business investment. In

effect, reversing the trends of the

past 50 years.

With an estimated value to the East

Sussex economy of nearly £1bn,

the construction industry is already

a significant driver of economic

activity across the region, which

represents over 17% of all businesses

in East Sussex.

Over 50% of people in the building

business are self-employed

tradespeople, many of whom will

benefit from the new investment

in housing. Building houses

doesn’t just create homes; it creates

skilled jobs that drive substantial

economic activity.

However, across the country,

there is a skills shortage that must

be filled fast.

The Government estimates the

UK will need 250,000 more skilled

construction workers by 2029 and

has allocated £600m in additional

money for training.

Again, this is something, a

new strategic thinking unitary

authority and Mayor could

address by attracting some of

those skills training to Bexhill to

motivate a younger population to

migrate here for skills and stay to

invest in the town.

While a significant demographic

shift to a younger population may

help ease pressure on health and

welfare services, there would be

increased demand on schools and

leisure facilities that politicians would

have to balance across the whole

of East Sussex.

With a single strategic authority,

that should theoretically be far

easier than trying to work with the

internecine political rivalries of the

current six councils.

There is no doubt from a business

perspective that what Bexhill needs is

the right homes, in the right place for

the right people.

FALCONRY

PHOTOGRAPHY

WORKSHOPS

IN THE HEART OF EAST SUSSEX

NEW HALF DAY WORKSHOP

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 £85 per photographer, the

half-day experience will take place

on Monday, 18th August.

For more information, please call

07970 245934 or scan the QR code.

IDEAL

GIFT

VOUCHER

22 REGULARS

JULY 2025


ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

BEYOND THE BIKE LANE: HOW CONNECTIONS

TRANSFORM YOUR CYCLING JOURNEY

Making the right connections along

your way in life always puts you in

a good position.

Cycling is about making good

connections, being able to go from A

to B without a long or risky diversion.

Making the right connections is vital to

get where you want, building bridges

and not barriers.

A journey around the M25 would not

be possible without a crossing over the

Thames at Dartford. The many other

bridges ensure the 117-mile ring road,

once the largest in Europe doesn’t

sever communities.

Wi-Fi is our new way of transferring

information and communicating,

connecting via social media, email,

websites, internet, etc. Imagine if your

QR code ticket can’t be read all because

the connection has failed. 3,4,5 or even

6G can make a huge difference in how

you connect with others, enabling you to

do things previously unheard of. They all

need junction boxes, copper or fibreoptic

cables, just as transport networks

need our carriageways and roundabouts.

How could we work from home without

good internet and mobile connections?

In East Sussex, we have over 2000

miles of road network which some say

needs improving for better connectivity.

We had a Hastings-Bexhill bypass

cancelled in 2001, and in July 2024, the

A27 Arundel bypass would also not be

taken forward.

The Baldslow Link morphed into

Queensway Gateway which creates an

awkward junction to A21experienced by

drivers daily.

These bypasses could have provided

significant help moving people and

goods over a South orbital long-distance

route, important connections for

those driving.

High Speed Rail is great but difficult to

reach in Sussex, with better connections

we could. Fast to Ashford connecting

to an even faster train to anywhere in

Europe, it’s all possible even taking your

bike along with you. Hailsham did have

a railway in 1849 till 1968, now it has no

railway, just the Cuckoo Trail.

If you live in a rural area the need for

a car is real. In 1964, when Dr Beeching

wrote the Reshaping of British Railway

report, UK population was 54 million,

now it is 68 million with fewer railways

with more and larger personal cars.

A 1964 mini was 4.3 sq m, the 2025

version is 7 sq m. In 1964, there were

8.4 million cars on the road, now there

are over 36 million, requiring more

space. Meanwhile, the size of bicycles

has not changed.

Back to cycling, imagine being a cyclist

and you do not have a designated

traffic-free route or a quite road to enjoy

a gentle pedal. Sometimes to build a

network of cycle routes you just need

simple minor changes in our highway to

make a huge difference for those who

walk, wheel or cycle.

Change takes time and effort to

go through difficult bureaucracy.

Identifying a need, creating a vision,

finding the money, feasibility studies,

consultations, preliminary designs,

costings, value engineering, final design

then traffic regulation orders are just

some of the processes.

To create and provide solutions often

brings forward opposing opinions

or alternative views. This inevitably

involves compromises, trying to cater

for all road users of which cyclists are

a vulnerable minority group. However,

it’s clear there is only so much space

and cycling takes up less than lots

of large vehicles

Rivers, Canals, Railways and Roads

have been our way of transit and all are

still in use. Tow paths and redundant

railways have been turned into cycle

tracks. The movement to change roads

giving bicycles shared, segregated or

separated space has begun.

Over the last 500 years globally, there

has been a shift from rural to urban

shift. In the UK, 1,600 just 10% of our

population, lived in urban areas; today,

about 90% live in urban areas.

This critical mass of population

movement into Towns and Cities

creates significant congestion with what

has become the preferred method of

transport, the motor car.

One way of solving this is by creating

a large network of alternative routes on

existing roads, byways and footpaths,

improving junctions and existing space.

The space taken up by one car is

the same as used by 16 bicycles,

re-allocating space for alternatives to

the car does not mean building new

roads or stopping driving. It’s all about

sharing with care.

Happy Wheeling. Ian Hollidge &

Bexhill Wheelers.

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

The Crafty Collective’s Social Sundays

SUNDAY 2PM - 4PM

27th July l 24th August l 28th September

l 26th October l 23rd November

l 21st December

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Crafting? Want to meet people? The come along to our craft and chat

drop in sessions. Pay what you can scheme from £1.

Wave Arts @ The Compound, 161 Bexhill Road, Hastings, TN38 8BG

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thecraftycollective3@yahoo.com

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/bexhill JULY 2025 ADVERTORIAL 23

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN

COUNCIL UPDATE

Devonshire Square no

longer bogged down

Notice of Public Meeting

— ‘Devolution: what’s

it all about?’

FOLLOWING the handover of

Bexhill’s public toilet facilities

from Rother District Council, the

Town Council have recognised

the urgent need for them to be

open, secure and fit for purpose.

In 2024, a decision was taken by

the Town Council to refurbish the

toilet block in Devonshire Square,

updating its tired and dated

interior, and protecting it from

further misuse and vandalism.

Focus Washrooms was chosen as

the preferred contractor, hired

because of their experience of

working on other projects in

London and other major cities.

The design of the new toilets

incorporates the latest anti-vandal

facilities, along with wall and

ceiling coverings, bringing the

male, female and disabled toilets

up to a pleasant standard for use.

The toilets will also feature baby

changing facilities. As such, the

Devonshire Square block has been

out of service for much of June, with

work beginning on Monday the 2nd.

The protective screening around the

area will be removed on Monday,

June 30th, and the block will then

reopen to the public later that week,

unless works meet with unexpected

problems. We hope to put on an

informal opening ceremony at a time

to be confirmed.

We’re delighted to be able to

provide this essential service for the

Bexhill Day 2025

WE’RE pleased to announce

that we will continue the

tradition of celebrating

Bexhill Day, first introduced

to the town in 1917, before

being reintroduced by the

newly formed Town Council

in 2021. The celebration has

traditionally taken place on

or around the 20th of August;

correspondingly, this year’s

Bexhill Day will be held on

Saturday, August 16th, from

10am until 3pm.

Once again, a section of East Parade will be transformed

into a health and wellbeing market featuring local

organisations, charities and services, all eager to meet and

engage with the public. Stalls, activities and community

spirit will all be on show as we celebrate the best of our

town. Representatives from the emergency services

and the armed forces will be attendance, providing

information about their services and activities in the area.

And as last year, we are excited to present a flypast of

town, keeping the conveniences

convenient for everyone, and in a

crucial location near to many local

shops, restaurants and amenities. We

hope that, once complete, users will

treat the Devonshire Square complex

with respect, and that the dilapidation

and vandalism of the block will be a

thing of the past.

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council is

also responsible for the upkeep of

the following toilets: Little Common

Roundabout; Cooden Sea Road; East

Parade; Sidley; Little Common Rec;

Normans Bay; Channel View East;

and West Parade.

We perform a trip around the toilets

every day, opening each site from

7am and closing from 7pm.

military aeroplanes – weather

permitting – a moment

which will feel especially

poignant and meaningful

as we commemorate VJ

Day that weekend.

This is a perfect opportunity

for you, the public, to meet with

the people behind some of the

community’s best-loved local

institutions – or to discover

something new in Bexhill-on-

Sea. If you’re thinking about

volunteering, taking up a new

hobby, or joining a charitable cause, this is an unmissable

chance. Mark your calendars for what promises to be a

brilliant day!

If you’d like to hear more, or you represent a local

organisation, community cause or charity and would like

to get involved, please contact info@bexhilltowncouncil.

gov.uk for an application form – and do keep an eye on our

social media page for more information as we approach

the day itself.

ON Saturday, September 27th, we

will be hosting a public meeting to

discuss devolution: what it means

for Bexhill-on-Sea as a town, for

the local governing bodies, and

for East Sussex as a whole. In

attendance will be representatives

from Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council.

This is a chance for the Town

Council to provide crucial updates

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

and information as we navigate

this important moment for local

government. There will also be a

roving microphone in the audience,

so you can put your own questions to

the officials present.

Members of the public are strongly

encouraged to attend; please

join us at the De La Warr Pavilion

from 10am to 1pm.

Speed Monitoring Results

— Cooden Sea Road

THANKS to funding from Bexhillon-Sea

Town Council, a new speed

gun has been deployed to support

road safety initiatives across the

town. On 28th May 2025, speed

monitoring took place on Cooden

Sea Road. During just one hour, 54

vehicles were recorded exceeding

the 30mph speed limit. Notably, 5

of these vehicles were travelling

at speeds over 40mph, with the

highest speed recorded at 44mph.

This means that nearly 10% of all

speeding vehicles were significantly

over the limit — a concerning statistic

that underscores the importance

of continued enforcement and

public awareness.

The Council remains committed to

ensuring the safety of our roads for all

residents and visitors.

FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR YOUR DIARY

Wednesday, July 2nd – Amenities Committee

Wednesday, July 9th – Finance & Audit Committee

Wednesday, July 30th – Full Council

Wednesday, September 3rd – Engagement and Communications Committee

5 7 2 3 6 9 1 8 4

24 REGULARS

JULY 2025


PUZZLES

WORDSEARCH

Under the Ground

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.

BOREHOLE

BUNKER

CABLES

CAVE

CELLAR

COAL

CORM

FOSSIL

GEMSTONE

HADES

RABBIT

RIVER

TUBER

TUNNEL

UNDERPASS

WARREN

WELL

WORM

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

WE’VE GOT THE ANSWER ON HOW TO REDUCE

YOUR HOUSEHOLD BILLS! Call 07377 584363

B L M M B A H K B R T B Z

M L B O R E H O L E S K R

R E U Y A C K S B C E K H

O W N L B D B S Z E L B P

C P D I B K Y K V Q B T I

G I E S I K M R O W A U K

D A R S T U B E R S C C N

U W P O P T U F E J E J E

A B A F H M U D F L K R R

R H S R W V A B L L D E F

I D S B R H L A E A K T T

V N V Y X E R N E N O J R

E A C X D T N P U V J C I

R E G A N U B B Y T A D A

T E N O T S M E G T V C H

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.

18 25 24 20 19 1 19 10 13 19 6 23 10 15

26 20 2 22 8 5 18 7

10 25 24 6 1 5 7 7 5 18 25 11 10 19

22 18 16 5 19 19 25 10 20

10 5 7 18 11 19 5 22 15 6 12 7

E A T

19 15 25 10 5 20 3 18

4 19 20 11 4 18 25 4 14 1 20 19 4 10

6 20 11 19 6 14 2

18 11 10 15 18 25 10 17 20 5 14 18 7 1

10 7 21 6 7 13 25 5

12 6 8 1 16 5 15 3 19 15 20 16

20 1 5 22 6 22 18 7 16

4 6 14 11 15 16 18 7 2 26 19 5 9 10

20 10 13 11 14 6 14 19

10 25 16 10 15 2 10 11 15 7 1 14 20 15

Check-box

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

A T E

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

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Across

1 Spherical object (4)

3 Manufactured (8)

9 Marine plant (7)

10 Punctuation mark (5)

11 Having the ability to

work with numbers (12)

14 And not (3)

16 Educate in a skill (5)

17 Calm central region

of a cyclone (3)

18 Stores that sell a large

variety of goods (12)

21 Cocktail fruit (5)

22 Removing the

rind from (7)

23 Estimating (8)

24 Calls for (4)

Down

1 Storey below ground (8)

2 Slightest (5)

4 Crimson (3)

5 Word-and-definition

books (12)

6 Note the similarities

or differences (7)

CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9 10

11 12

14 15 16 17

20

18 19

21 22

23 24

7 Expired (4)

8 All the same (12)

12 Consternation (5)

13 Brief communications (8)

15 Habitual method of

procedure (7)

19 Goes out (5)

20 Of great extent (4)

22 Metal cooking vessel (3)

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.

3 9 1 4

8 5 3 7

4 2

2 6 1 7 5

5 1

6 7 4 8 2

4 3

9 6 5 2

3 5 7 4

SOLUTIONS

13

3 2 5 7 8 4 6 9 1

9 8 6 5 1 2 4 7 3

7 4 1 9 3 6 2 5 8

6 1 7 4 5 8 9 3 2

4 5 9 2 7 3 8 1 6

2 3 8 6 9 1 7 4 5

8 6 3 1 4 7 5 2 9

1 9 4 8 2 5 3 6 7

5 7 2 3 6 9 1 8 4

3 5 7 4

SUDOKU

I N J U R Y R E P R O V E S

C U H B X A I T

E N J O Y A T T A I N D E R

B I M A R R N E U

E A T I D R A B S O F T

R S N3 9E 1 A U4

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G R U D G I N G L Y U R G E

8 5 3 7

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I D E S I4 N E Q U2

A L I T Y

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N A

F O

5

X Y M A S K

1

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6 7 4 8 2

G O L D S M I T H C R A Z E

U 4 E P 3 D L O L R

E9 N M 6E S5 H E2D S T Y L U S

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

CODEWORD

B A L L P R O D U C E D

A E N E I O E

S E A W E E D C O M M A

E S V T P D

M A T H E M A T I C A L

E R L O R M

N O R T R A I N E Y E

T O H R A S

S U P E R M A R K E T S

L T L I X A

O L I V E P E E L I N G

N N S A S T E

G U E S S I N G A S K S

CROSSWORD

B L M M B A H K B R T B Z

M L B O R E H O L E S K R

R E U Y A C K S B C E K H

O W N L B D B S Z E L B P

C P D I B K Y K V Q B T I

G I E S I K M R O W A U K

D A R S T U B E R S C C N

U W P O P T U F E J E J E

A B A F H M U D F L K R R

R H S R W V A B L L D E F

I D S B R H L A E A K T T

V N V Y X E R N E N O J R

E A C X D T N P U V J C I

R E G A N U B B Y T A D A

T E N O T S M E G T V C H

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26 SPORT

JULY 2025


Summer weather welcomed

at Bexhill Sailing Club

BY RACHEL WYNN

SUMMER weather has been

warmly welcomed at Bexhill

Sailing Club. The Summer Series

of races got underway (June 8)

with seven brave helms signed

up for two very windy races. Most

boats capsized, including Richard

Eagleton who competes at National

level, but he recovered to take the

win in Fast Fleet. Bob Palmer was

the only finisher in Slow Fleet,

taking the win, after Rosie Norman

capsized and lost her Topper’s

rudder, and her husband Roger

thought better of continuing.

The Weekday Evening Series of

races got off the mark in style, with

14 boats on the water (June 18). A

gorgeous gentle warm breeze from

the south west, dropping slightly as

the evening progressed. Everyone

completed the race with very little

for the safety boat to get involved

with for a change!

It was a wonderful evening on the

water, capped off with drinks and

fish and chips on the balcony well

past 9pm. Richard Eagleton claimed

victory in the Fast fleet sailing his

Europe, Rachel Wynn took the Slow

fleet in her Comet, and Flo and Abi

Wright sailed to an unchallenged win

Learn to sail course participants

Photo: Geoff Padgham

in the catamaran fleet.

By Saturday evening (June 21),

the wind had shifted east and

strengthened to Force 3 to 4. With

Sunday’s forecast predicting 20mph

gusts — and sailing looking unlikely,

as it turned out — the first Saturday

Evening race of the series saw a

strong turnout. Twenty-two boats

took to the water for a tasty race. Bob

Palmer claimed victory in the Fast

fleet with his Laser Radial, Rachel

Wynn led the Slow fleet in her Comet,

and Flo Wright continued her streak

with another win in the Catamaran

fleet. James Tod won the Novice fleet,

while Fraser Tod took top spot in

the Cadet fleet.

The Learn to Sail course started on

June 7 and runs for eight consecutive

Midweek Evening race winners

Richard Eagleton and Rachel Wynn

Photo: Judith Warren

Saturdays. The first two weeks

were shore-based due to wind and

swell conditions being too strong

for beginners, but week 3 saw the

new trainees on the water learning

to tack and capsize — both part of

the RYA syllabus!

This month brings plenty of series

action and finishes with a race

supporting charity Surfers Against

Sewage. If you would like to join in

the fun, please email membership@

bexhillsailing.club

Polegrove BC on

silverware hunt

POLEGROVE Bowls

Club’s season continued

with success in

both national and

county competitions.

Two teams have

reached the County

Triples semi-finals, with

another in the Fours and

Senior Fours semi-finals.

Rachel Mackriell and Jo

Watt have made it to the

area semi-final in the

County Singles.

Having beaten Sidley

and Felbridge, the ladies

now face Buxted Park in

the area Top Club semifinal.

Meanwhile, Hazel

Cain and John Boon are

making an impressive Sandra Cant, Bjorg Simpson and Trudy Eastwood

debut in the County Mixed Pairs competition, having reached the area semifinal

in their first year of entering.

National competitions are also progressing well. Rachel Mackriell and

Nina Allbut are through to the area Senior Pairs final, and Mackriell has also

reached the same stage in the Champion of Champions. John Boon and

Julian Wood are in the Men’s Foundation Pairs area final.

Sue and Roy Cooper have reached the semi-finals in the Family Pairs, and

Mackriell is also in the Mixed Pairs area semi-final.

Polegrove have also advanced in the Club Two Fours, having defeated

Eastbourne, Sidley A, and White Rock. They now face Sidley B in the

area semi-final.

In the Over-60 Mixed Fours, they beat Eastbourne 42–31 in the area semifinal

to earn a spot in the final against either Seaford or Crouch.

Finally, Sandra Cant, Bjorg Simpson, and Trudy Eastwood triumphed in the

recent Ninfield Ladies Open Triples.

Bexhill CC looking

up the table

Ben Phillimore

BEXHILL CC 1st XI’s form has been

consistently improving with the

team sitting third in Sussex League

Division Four East going into

last weekend’s tough clash with

Hastings Priory II (June 28).

The club has been boosted in

recent weeks by the return on Kieran

Malone and Byron Smith, who

have both shown their worth with

immediate wickets, while Danul

Dassanayake, Paul Crittenden and Ali

Kent have been rattling up the runs.

Captain Ben Phillimore is delighted

with how his team are progressing.

He said: “If we had gotten over the

line against Chiddingly we would be

top of the league but we’ve a long way

to go and availability is improving.”

The 2nd XI remain competitive

and continue to make strides in

Division Seven East, thanks in no

small part to Steve Phillimore,

whose consistent performances

at the top of the order have been

crucial — not only for the team’s

success but also as a valuable

learning experience for the younger

players. Fabian Gilchrist currently

leads the club in wickets, while

George Leaney continues to deliver

impressive contributions.

Sidley’s remarkable winning start

to the season came to a halt — with a

nerve-shredding tie.

The St Mary’s Lane club had won

their first six in Division Ten East

games but Tunbridge Wells IV denied

them a seventh triumph as they

finished on 227-6 in their 40 overs

chasing the hosts’ 227-5.

Johnathan Haffenden hit 106

not out and Chris Hunnisett 51 in

Sidley’s total.

OBs’ awards night will

be hard to Trump

Martin ‘Trigger’ Brown with the Golden Boot Trophy

BY ROB CAREY

WITH it being its decennial

anniversary, the Old Bexhillians

Walking Football Club have a great

deal to celebrate this year.

After ten years the club has grown

into an institution which embraces

four competitive teams with age

groups ranging from 50 to 81.

A mixture of league and friendly

games over the years has helped shape

the club from humble beginnings to its

present state, where social events have

fostered friendships, leading to other

pursuits — the twice-yearly golf day

being one example.

The club had a very good year

overall on the playing side and long

may it continue.

Highwoods Golf Club hosted

the eighth prizegiving and

awards evening.

Old Bexhillians Player of the Year:

Chris Osbourne. Little Common

Wonderers Player of the Year: Tony

Skinner. ATHA Strollers Player of

the Year: Martin “Trigger” Brown.

Senior squad Player of the Year: Dave

Fricker. Golden Boot winner: Martin

“Trigger” Brown. Most Improved

Player: Gabrielle.

The Club Person of the Year was

Sarah Brown while Howard Whitelaw

scooped the prestigious Dave Willis

Trophy for services to the club.

Awards went to Hassan Hassan,

Roger Kidney, Rob Carey and

Caz Cunningham for services to

club activities.

Rob Say was also recognised for

his contributions as manager of the

Bexhill Seniors as he steps down

this month. Thanks went to him

and his assistant, Andrew Burton,

for their dedication in elevating the

profile of the club’s Over-68s and

Over-70s teams.

Mention must be made to Martin

“Trigger” Brown who, at the time

of writing, had bagged 27 goals in

all competitions.

Hastings Walking Football Club’s

Tony Harris was MC in the guise of a

humorous Donald Trump. The OBs’

very own in-house band Coast Road

provided music.

Since Age UK South East’s 2014

initiative with Active Rother to

promote walking football, sponsors

like Yew Tree Stone, The Wheatsheaf

Inn and SBS Consumables have

supported the club.

Full details on the club from chair

Mick Davies on 07961008743 or

mickdavies48@gmail.com.

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28 SPORT

JULY 2025


Sport

Jay to do it his

way at United

BY MIKE LEGG

NEW Bexhill United boss Jay

Skinner-Swain has no plans to

rip it up and start again as he

plots for his first campaign in

senior management.

Skinner-Swain, 30, acted as head

coach under manager Ryan Light last

term as well as running the under-23s

for a second season.

And United, much like they did when

Light first stepped down two seasons

ago and appointed John Wright, have

again promoted from within.

Now, following Light’s departure

again, Skinner-Swain is relishing

applying his professional skills as

a football development coach at

Claremont Football Academy to

helping elevate the club and creating a

supportive but honest environment.

Skinner-Swain told Bexhill News:

“It’s going to be a soft transition. I’m

not looking to rip up everything and

start all over again. We want to retain

the majority of the squad that we

had last season, just because it was

a decent squad.

“In terms of what I can now bring to

the table, I’ll look to add a bit of detail

into what we do. I want to also elevate

the club. I don’t want us to be losing

players to teams in our division. I

want us to be promoting players up

Jay Skinner-Swain with the first team last season. Picture by Amy Marshall Creative

through the divisions.

“By profession, I’m a development

football coach, so can I bring what

I do as a profession into Bexhill? I

want to develop the club, the team

and the individuals. If we all work

together, achieve together, and say that

promotion is possible one day — and

I am not saying this year — then by

elevating each other to that level, we

create benefits for everyone.”

Skinner-Swain, who brought Hooe

FC back from the dead and was

chairman for almost ten years until

the club sadly folded earlier this year,

added: “It’s essentially about the

environment. How can we create

that environment where we’re trying

to elevate each other and be honest

with each other?

“We will cut through the nonsense.

And I think that’s the way you’re going

to grow, not just as a footballer, but as

an individual and as a professional.

You’re going to want people to tell

you the truth, because it’s no good

everyone just telling you you’re

amazing because it creates this

false sense of reality, which doesn’t

benefit anyone.”

As for tactics, despite 15 years

as a coach, he will not be trying to

introduce tiki-taka or Gegenpressing in

the SCFL premier division but he does

Jack Shonk returns for Bexhill. Photo credit: Jon Smalldon

want to put his own stamp on the side.

Skinner-Swain said: “The main thing

that I’m going to be saying to everyone

is be dynamic, be versatile.

“Even if we are a team capable of

playing pretty football, we’re going to

turn up at some pitches in the middle

of December which will be a glorified

cow field, soaking wet and there’s

no way you’re going to play pretty

football on it.

“So, it’s about, can you change up

what you’re doing? We’ll still have our

principles that we will set in-house,

but it’s about how can those principles

relate to what we do week to week.”

Skinner-Swain will always be

grateful to former Pirates boss Wright

for bringing him into the club and

was disappointed his one-season

reign ended in a relegation scrap due

to a number of factors, not least a

crippling injury list.

Now he faces the same task of

replacing Light, who took the club to

tenth last term in his second spell.

And asked what will represent

success when the season kicks off

this month, he replied: “We’ve set a

minimum target, so if we hit our target

for retention from last season’s team

and we add our own bit of golden

dust — for lack of a better expression

— then mid-table and a cup run in the

RUR, or even the FA Vase, would be a

success for us.”

Even if the new man does retain all

those players he wants, he is confident

he can bring in young talent and also

bring it through.

He said: “I like the whole promotion

from within philosophy from John

and now me being manager but also

for the players, who from the under-

14s can visualise a pathway to the first

team. They can say, ‘Right, I’ll get in the

under-16s, 18s, 23s, the first team’. I like

having that pathway.”

Pre-season friendlies — Bexhill:

Mile Oak (Jul 5, away, 3pm);

Staplehurst (Jul 8, away, 7.30pm);

Lydd Town (Jul 12, away, 2.30pm);

Crowhurst (Jul 19, away, 1pm);

Uckfield Town (July 22, away);

Hastings United (Jul 26, Pilot Field,

3pm). Little Common: Loxwood (Jul

10, away); Ringmer (Jul 12, away);

West Wight (Jul 19, away); Staplehurst

Monachs (Jul 23, away); Southwater

(Jul 26, away).

Mighty Mitchell strikes

gold at Haringey Box Cup

BY MIKE LEGG

IZZY Mitchell won gold at the

prestigious Haringey Box Cup in

Alexandra Palace’s Great Hall.

The likes of Anthony Joshua,

Nicola Adams and Katie Taylor

have all triumphed here on their

paths to Olympic gold, so the Bexhill

Amateur Boxing Club hot-prospect is

in fine company.

The 17-year-old stopped German

opponent Nyssa Bonin (PSV Rostock)

in the first round of her Youth Under-

48kg semi-final.

That impressive win set up a

final clash with English national

champion Freya Chamberlain

(Jabxing) - who she defeated by a

resounding 5–0 unanimous decision.

Coach Terry Freeman said:

“Against the German girl, we

were going into the unknown, so

decided to apply pressure straight

away. This paid off well, as Nyssa

couldn’t handle it. With some

beautifully timed body shots, she

was given an eight count before

being stopped in the first round.

“In the final, Izzy knew she was up

against it, with Chamberlain being

the national champion. Again, we

agreed to start strong, fast, and

apply pressure.

“With that exact combination

-alongside good head movement

— she won every round for the

unanimous decision. Izzy trains hard,

is always in the gym, completes all

her scheduled England Boxing

runs and stays on weight. We’re all

extremely proud of her and her welldeserved

achievements.”

Elsewhere, Bexhill’s Sonny Studley,

18, made his senior debut and despite

more than holding his own lost a

close encounter on points to older

opponent Kyle Degen, 22, from

Sobers Gym (Croydon).

Samier Bepari, 17, also had

a close bout with Maidstone’s

Charlie Marsh but this time

came out with a well-deserved

unanimous points win.

Izzy Mitchell

Bexhill News, July 2025, Issue 37

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