Bexhill News, August 2025, Issue 38

AUGUST 2025 | ISSUE 38

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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COLONNADE CONFUSIONS — P2

CARNIVAL SUCCESS — P8

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2 NEWS

AUGUST 2025

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news

WELCOME

IT’S been another packed month

of events in Bexhill, and that isn’t

coming to an end anytime soon.

It’s always great to witness the

annual Bexhill Carnival as the streets

come alive — it takes so much work

behind the scenes to make these types

of events happen, so well done to

everyone involved and to those who

took part in the celebrations in July.

On page 12 you can see some of

the amazing floats and people who

took part in the event as well as find

out who clinched the top prizes at

the event. Also, we have more than a

hundred photos online that you can

view and download, so check it out,

you might be a part of it.

It’s been a frustrating time in

Bexhill in regards to the future of the

traders at the Colonnade. We have a

full report to the right, following the

Council meeting to discuss the petition

to call for the traders to be given

first refusal to come back after the

renovations are complete.

This is your newspaper — we call it a

community newspaper because it’s all

about you and we want to publish the

news and information which matters

to our readers. We’ve increased our

circulation again this month to ensure

as many copies are always available at

our outlets across the town.

I always welcome your news and

feedback, so always get in touch if

you want to appear in a future edition

of Bexhill News.

Paul Gibson

Group Editor

THE TEAM

PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR

paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS

viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER

sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION

dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

CONTACT

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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.

Councillors unite to

trigger formal challenge to

controversial Colonnade vote

A POWERFUL cross-party coalition

of councillors has launched a formal

challenge to the controversial

motion passed at Rother District

Council’s Full Council meeting

on Monday 14th July, which they

say fails to reflect the debate or

the agreement reached in the

chamber that evening.

In a joint move between the

Conservative Group and Independent

Cllr Connor Winter, a total of

12 Rother District Councillors,

representing more than one-third of

the Council, have invoked Council

Procedure Rule 16.1 to begin the

official process of rescinding the

motion relating to the future of the

iconic Bexhill Colonnade.

At the centre of the dispute is

the motion passed at the Full

Council meeting, which followed

a 4,500-strong petition, calling for

the right of seafront traders at the

Colonnade to get ‘first refusal’ to

return to their units after essential

renovation work has completed.

The petition and campaign was

led by Colonnade business owner

Charlotte Arundell, which asked the

council to grant a guarantee of return

after the refurbishment.

Colonnade shopkeepers at meeting

The public in attendance at the

filmed meeting, which is available on

the Rother website, say they believe

the motion to give traders ‘first refusal’

was passed. However, after the

meeting, a statement was released

by Rother which says the council

could not legally grant that assurance,

and the approved motion states that

traders will be treated favourably

should they reapply for their units.

Councillor Connor Winter said: “The

public were led to believe one thing.

What was recorded and published

tells a very different story.

“We are acting in defence of honesty,

transparency, and democratic

integrity, not party politics.”

Councillors say the wording of

the final motion published by the

Council does not reflect what was

debated, understood, and in good faith

believed to have been agreed on the

night, a move that has sparked public

confusion, anger among local traders

and mounting calls for accountability.

Mr Winter added: “While Labour

councillors and allies have resorted to

political attacks and misdirection, this

cross-party group is instead putting

facts, fairness and public trust first.”

The group confirmed that the

rescindment process, permitted

under the Council’s own constitution,

will now allow for the Colonnade

motion to return to Full Council where

it can be properly debated, amended

if necessary, and voted on clearly

and transparently.

A joint statement said: “This is

cross-party work in the public interest.

The outcome must reflect what was

genuinely agreed, not what was

written after the fact.”

The action is supported by the

Proposer of the motion, Cllr Carl

Maynard (Conservative) and seconder

Cllr Connor Winter (Independent).

Cllr John Barnes MBE, Cllr Mary

Barnes, Cllr Tony Biggs, Cllr Lizzie

Hacking, Cllr Paul Osborne, Cllr

Tony Ganly, Cllr Tim Grohne, Cllr

Eleanor Kirby-Green, Cllr Neil Gordon

with an additional Rother District

Councillor, have all added their names

to the challenge.

Council Leader Cllr Doug Oliver

defended the administration’s

actions and expressed concern over

the impact of Cllr Winter’s remarks.

Cllr Oliver said: “Comments made

by Councillor Winter have caused

unnecessary confusion, hurt and

offence amongst residents and

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor, email:

letters@bexhill.news

business owners.

“He has accused the Council

of procedural impropriety, and

although attempts have been made

to clarify matters with him, he is

continuing to make extremely serious

accusations. I have therefore asked

the monitoring officer to investigate

and take whatever action is deemed

appropriate in accordance with the

Council’s constitution.”

A spokesperson from Rother

District Council said: “Following

an amendment proposal during

the debate, councillors agreed to

remove from the motion the line

that the authority would be “unable

to guarantee the right of return

to the building once work has

been completed”.

“It was not proposed to include the

option of giving the existing traders

first refusal on the new leases in the

motion, although this was discussed

during the debate.

“The amended motion, which was

passed unanimously, guarantees

that the council will take into

account the good relationships and

excellent track record of the existing

tenants when new lease applications

for the refurbished Colonnade

units are assessed.”

The traders have continued

to get support from the town’s

Chamber of Commerce.

President Howard Martin told Bexhill

News: “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.

“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.”

The issue is expected to be discussed

at the next Rother District Council Full

Council meeting in September.

What do you think? Email the

editor: letters@bexhill.news

4 NEWS

AUGUST 2025


Pedestrians walking in

road captured by Brian

Fed-up locals trim

hedges to protect

pedestrians on

busy main road

BY PAUL GIBSON

A 90-YEAR-OLD Bexhill war

veteran has taken matters

into his own hands after being

forced to trim back dangerously

overgrown hedges himself, just

so he and others can use the

pavement safely along one of the

town’s busiest roads.

Brian Giles, a long-standing resident

and former serviceman, relies on his

mobility scooter to get around, visit

shops and continue his busy lifestyle

at local groups and organisations.

However, over the past several

years, he says the footpath alongside

Hastings Road has become

increasingly impassable due to

unchecked tree and shrub growth,

posing a serious safety hazard not just

to him, but to other pedestrians and

local schoolchildren.

Speaking to Bexhill News, Mr Giles

said: “Because of the overgrown trees

and bushes covering most of the

pavement, I cannot get my scooter

along it and there’s not a path on the

other side of the road.”

“The situation is so severe that

it’s impossible for two people

to pass safely, forcing others,

including young children and

parents with pushchairs, to step out

into the busy road.

“I often meet a lady coming the

other way with a pushchair and a

child, and they have to use the road to

pass as I can’t get my disability scooter

off the pavement to move for them.

“They have their back to the traffic,

and it’s so dangerous. This is a

very busy road with buses, lorries

and dustcarts using it all the time

— it’s only a matter of time until

someone is killed.”

The stretch of pathway, which runs

near the entrance to the Pebsham

estate, is widely used by elderly

residents, schoolchildren and

shoppers. But according to Mr Giles,

complaints to East Sussex Highways

have gone unanswered for years.

“I’ve emailed East Sussex Highways

so many times and simply nothing

has been done. I think it’s been at

least six years since anything was

done here, which is terrible as

it’s used by so many people, even

schoolchildren who are forced to use

the road, it’s terrible.”

With no sign of action from the

county authority responsible for

maintaining the roadside verge, Mr

Giles decided to act himself, along

with a group of local residents,

arming himself with garden tools and

trimming the encroaching hedges

just to make the path usable.

He added: “A lot of people,

especially the elderly people who

live near me on the Pebsham estate,

use this path to go shopping, and it’s

getting more and more difficult every

day. To top it off, the signs warning

drivers of the nearby school have

covered in weeds and bushes.”

Local councillor Gareth Delaney,

who represents the Pebsham

and St Michael’s ward on Rother

District Council, echoed Mr Giles’

concerns and admitted his own

frustration at the lack of progress. He

organised a community effort to help

clear the pathway.

“There’s no doubt that people

come to me regularly about these

issues, and although it’s not a Rother

District Council issue, something

has to be done.

“To be fair, this is one of the

most dangerous issues that I

have in the ward, so I’ve tried as

it has been regularly raised. But

we’ve got nowhere.”

Councillor Gareth Delaney

Highlighting the scale of the

problem, Cllr Delaney revealed

that he, too, has taken matters

into his own hands.

“I couldn’t say to Brian that we

would get this done, so there was

only one option — and that was to

do it ourselves.”

He added that even while standing

near the site, he witnessed multiple

pedestrians stepping into the road to

avoid the overgrowth.

“People are stepping into the road,

and I have a responsibility, a duty

of care to my residents. I feel some

sense of responsibility for this. Even

when we’ve been sitting here waiting

for people to arrive, pedestrians were

walking into the road around the

bushes - it is genuinely dangerous.”

“I’ve raised it and raised it, but

nothing has happened. So, we’re

doing it ourselves!”

He concluded: “I’d like to thanks

Paul Henry Wilson who turned

up with his petrol hedgecutter. He

worked on revealing the school

warning sign, which needed doing.

Memish, who organised for the

cuttings to be taken away, which

was really helpful. It still needs more

work by Highways to make it legally

compliant, it’s still narrow in a couple

of places. But, at least there is a

single person width now, even in the

narrowest sections. So pedestrians

don’t have to go onto the road.”

Under current arrangements, East

Sussex County Council is responsible

for maintaining highways and

associated pavements, including the

management of roadside vegetation.

But residents say the system is failing

them, especially vulnerable people

like Mr Giles and young families

who feel abandoned despite years of

raising complaints.

As for Mr Giles, he says he will

continue to do what he can, hedge

trimmers in hand, because he simply

has no other choice.

He concluded: “I don’t want to be

doing this at 90 years old. But I don’t

want someone to be killed because no

one’s listening either.”

An East Sussex Highways

spokesperson said: “We were aware

of overgrown vegetation in this

location and work to cut back the

overhanging branches and clear the

path was scheduled for next month.

“Since May 2023, we have carried

out work to clear vegetation in that

location five times.

“We would ask people to report

any issues directly to us and not

undertake unauthorised work

themselves, which could be unsafe.”

What do you think? Are overgrown

paths or pavements causing a

problem in your neighbourhood?

Email letters@bexhill.news

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6 NEWS

AUGUST 2025


Egerton Park visitors

benefit from new

toilet facilities

FOUR new public toilets have been

installed at Egerton Park by Rother

District Council.

The facilities are now available for

use by park visitors and replace the

previous toilets located inside Bexhill

Museum. The installation allows

the museum to convert the former

toilet area into additional storage

and study space.

The project is part of wider

improvements to local infrastructure

and public amenities managed

by the council.

Cllr Hazel Timpe, portfolio holder

for neighbourhood services, said:

“I am delighted we have provided

these new facilities — it is a real winwin

for the town.

“There are three new unisex toilets

— two with baby change — and a

fourth accessible toilet that also has

baby changing facilities, available for

local people and visitors.

“But the new facilities also open the

door for Bexhill Museum to carry out

work to the old toilets and change

them to increase storage and study

space at the museum.”

Bexhill Museum wants to use the

new space for storage, study, and

further investigation of archaeological

finds from the Bexhill area.

The aim is that young people,

post-graduate students and earlycareer

archaeologists and curators

will also use the space to work with

original material.

The new facilities were warmly

welcomed by staff, councillors and

volunteers, including portfolio holder

for Neighbourhood Services, Cllr

Hazel Timpe; museum curator, Julian

Porter; museum volunteer, Dave

Hatherell; chairperson of the Bexhill

Museum Trust, Sally Hemmings; and

Egerton Park tennis coach, Adam

Field, all pictured.

Volunteers

honoured at supper

celebrating Beach

Garden success

FOLLOWING the official opening of

the Bexhill Beach Garden recently,

volunteers who helped bring

the project to life were treated

to a special evening of thanks

and celebration.

The ‘Thank You Supper’ was hosted

at the Manor Barn by Christine

Madeley, a trustee of Community

Supporters, to recognise the

dedication and hard work of those

who gave their time to the seafront

transformation.

Christine said she wanted to show

her appreciation to the many people

who helped turn the vision of an

accessible, inclusive community

space into a reality

She said: “It was my way of saying

thank you for creating such a special

community space in Bexhill that is

accessible for all.”

Guests enjoyed a delicious homecooked

supper and had the chance

to meet and mingle with fellow

volunteers, many of whom were

meeting each other for the first time.

The evening was described as

a heartwarming reminder of the

community spirit that underpinned

the Beach Garden’s creation.

Lynn Langlands, the former Bexhill

mayor who first proposed the project

in 2020, addressed the gathering and

paid tribute to the volunteers.

Lynn said: “A community is only

as strong as the people in it — people

who want to make a difference to the

quality of life for others. This evening,

we’ve seen just how many individuals

have freely given their time, energy

and belief to help create this special

space on the Bexhill seafront.”

The Bexhill Beach Garden has

been widely praised for its inclusive

design and focus on biodiversity,

and it continues to draw visitors of

all ages and abilities. Organisers

say the project would not have been

possible without the goodwill and

commitment of its many supporters.

Rotary Golf Day raises

£3,700 for local charities

FOURTEEN teams from local

businesses gathered at Cooden

Beach Golf Club recently to take

part in an annual charity golf day.

Many of the teams return year after

year to support our event to take

part in Bexhill Rotary’s friendly golf

challenge, and enjoy an evening of

good food and good humour.

Compere Adger Brown led the fundraising

games of Heads or Tails, Irish

Bingo and drew the winning ticket

for the Star Prize Raffle — the prize

being a £200 voucher to spend at the

Rathfinny Estate near Alfriston.

Winners of the golf competition, for

the second year in succession, were

the team from Earlsfield Court with

an outstanding score of 108 points.

Individual players from various

teams also picked up prizes offered

on each of the 18 holes for being

Go Country Crazy with a

Wild Day of Western Fun

BEXHILL is set to saddle up for a

rootin’-tootin’ day of family fun as

the town transforms into the Wild

West next month.

The Spirit of the Wild West, taking

place on on Saturday, 6 September,

promises a jam-packed day of

live entertainment, toe-tapping

country music, and cowboy-themed

action for all ages.

Highlights include performances

from Country Chix, Country Cool,

and a tribute to the queen of country

herself in The Dolly Parton Story.

longest drive and nearest the pin.

All the awards were funded by

commercial sponsorship from

local businesses.

The whole event raised a total

of £3,700 for the Trust Fund and

organiser James Slinn thanked all the

sponsors and the teams taking part

Local stars from Hastings Stage Studio

and Bexhill Musical Theatre Group

will also take to the stage, adding

hometown flair to the festivities.

There will be line dance tuition

and a mass participation dance — no

experience needed, Classic American

cars will be on display.

Visitors can step back in time,

with the legendary DeLorean time

machine, celebrating the 40th

anniversary of the Back to the

Future trilogy, with gadgets, lights,

music and the dashboard set 06

for contributing so generously.

The Rotary Club of Bexhill

undertakes numerous charity and

fun social events during the year

and is always keen to have new

members to join.

To join, visit bexhill.rotaryweb.org,

or call 01424 732100.

September 1885.

Adding to the atmosphere, a

Mexican Marahachi band will

bring the sounds of a border town

and strolling cowboy musicians

will mingle with the crowds.

There’ll also be gun spinning

skills, whip cracking and lassoo

demonstrations just part of the Wild

West Danger Show.

For more information, visit

‘Bexhill’s Spirit of the Wild

West’ on Facebook or see the

advert on page 25.

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8 NEWS

AUGUST 2025


Bexhill Carnival

returns for a week

of celebration

BEXHILL Carnival made a lively

return in July, delivering a full

week of events celebrating

family fun, community spirit and

local fundraising.

Festivities began on Saturday

19th July with a popular boot

sale at The Polegrove, followed

by a dog show and a quiz night at

Christchurch Methodist Church.

Canine enthusiasts gathered from

early morning, while quiz teams

tested their knowledge over supper

in the evening.

Monday saw another quiz night

hosted at Wetherspoons’ Picture

Play House, offering a more relaxed

atmosphere for trivia fans.

Midweek action came in the form

of the Youth Football Tournament,

held over Wednesday and Thursday

at The Polegrove and hosted by

Bexhill United FC.

One of the week’s highlights was

the Party in the Park on Friday 25th

July – an evening of live music and

entertainment that drew crowds

to The Polegrove.

Carnival Day itself took place on

Saturday 26th July, with a colourful

procession along with an afternoon

of entertainment and activities

at The Polegrove.

The judges decided the Carnival

winners were: Best in Show —

Charters Ancaster nursery and

forest school, Best motorised —

Bexhill Community Bus, Motorised

highly commended — Rookhurst

Lodge, Best walkers — Diana

Freedman Dance Academy and

Walkers highly commended — 3rd

Bexhill Scouts.

Organisers thanked key sponsors

including Hastings Direct, Bexhill

Town Council, Abbott & Abbott, and

Bentleys Steakhouse.

They also called for more volunteers

to join the organising committee

to help ensure the carnival’s

continued success.

Committee member Paul Plim said:

“It takes a lot of hard work to make

sure the Carnival is bigger and better

each year. We’re always looking for

people with ideas, energy or skills

who can help us keep this tradition

going for future generations.”

SEE MORE PHOTOS: There are

more than a hundred

photos to view online

and download by

scanning the QR

code or visiting:

https://bit.ly/bexhillcarnival2025

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10 NEWS

AUGUST 2025


Bexhill 100 Car Show

gears up for 20th

Anniversary celebration

BEXHILL is set to roar into life this

August Bank Holiday as the muchloved

Bexhill 100 Classic & Custom

Car Show returns to The Polegrove

with this year marking a very

special milestone.

Now in its 20th year, the annual

celebration of all things classic,

custom and chrome has grown

into one of the biggest events in the

local calendar, drawing thousands

of visitors and showcasing the

town’s deep-rooted ties with British

motoring heritage.

Taking place on Monday 25 August,

the show promises an unforgettable

day out for the whole family, with

over 500 stunning vehicles on display,

from pristine vintage saloons and

muscle cars to jaw-dropping custom

builds and rare automotive gems.

This year’s show also features

a special display of Elva cars,

celebrating the 70th anniversary

of the legendary racing marque

which was founded right here in

Bexhill in 1955. As a nod to the town’s

racing past, a Dragster that last

wowed the Bexhill crowds back in

1992 will also be making a return to

the showground.

With over 60 trade and food stalls,

live music and a packed programme

of entertainment, there’ll be plenty to

enjoy beyond the cars themselves.

Visitors can tuck into everything

from street food favourites to cream

teas courtesy of the Bexhill Lions, or

simply relax and soak up the sounds

of The Other Band, performing live

throughout the day.

New for 2025 is a range of children’s

competitions and entertainment,

helping to ensure the event remains

a fun and family-friendly affair.

The popular dog show will also

be taking place, where your fourlegged

friend could walk away with a

rosette of their own!

The Bexhill 100 Motoring Club,

which organises the event each year,

is run entirely by local volunteers

who are passionate about keeping

the town’s historic motoring spirit

alive. Bexhill, after all, is proudly

known as the birthplace of British

motor racing, with the very first

recorded race taking place along the

seafront in 1902.

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

to share the 2025 show’s proceeds

equally among four local charities:

Association of Carers, Bexhill Beach

Garden, Bexhill Heritage, and

Hastings RNLI.

Entry is £5 per adult, with under 16s

going free, and gates open at 10am

sharp. Early arrival is recommended,

as the event is always a popular draw.

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manage life admin with

free use of our computers.

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01424 462280

12 NEWS

AUGUST 2025


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor,

email: letters@bexhill.news

LOCAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

DEAR EDITOR, It is rather disingenuous

that this council, like a multitude of

councils, rubber stamps continuous

housing developments to the detriment

of existing residents who derive diddly

squat from this housing expansion.

We get worse infrastructure, a worse

environment, worse services, especially

educational and medical, whilst the

developers and the council bank greater

COLD CALLING PROBLEMS

DEAR EDITOR, I am extremely annoyed

and frustrated by the continuing

scourge of doorstep cold callers. I

am nearly 79, have lived in Sidley

for ten years, and far from going

away, the problem has got infinitely

worse over time.

The No Cold Calling sticker on my front

door does not appear to deter these

pests. Older people, in particular, can be

vulnerable to scams and high pressure

tactics used by some of these individuals.

I have noticed a slightly more sinister

turn of events lately, when complete

strangers stop me in the street and

pretend they know me (which of course

they don’t). They then try to persuade

me to have work done to my house

or garden. And they are often quite

persistent and, to someone vulnerable,

funds none of which enhance our lives.

I lived in Wandsworth for 40 years,

and our council taxes were consistently

the lowest in the country, as the

council derived serious funds from

the developments and a wider council

tax-paying public.

None of the wealth creation alleged

by our local officials actually filters

down to the existing residents. Life gets

could be persuasive.

I wonder how many of your 26,000-

plus readers have similar experiences

and share my concerns about these

unsolicited traders. No Cold Calling

Zones simply do not appear to have the

desired effect.

Ivor Jones

BEACH SIGNS

DEAR EDITOR, I quite agree with Steven

Hall regarding the missing/hidden signs

on the children’s promenade play areas

regarding No Dogs (letter in Bexhill

News, July 2025).

I have been ignored and sworn at when

pointing out to people that children

play in this area on the games provided

and it has come to the point where I am

hesitant to let our grandchildren play

in these areas.

I would also like to ask the council

(again) to erect some sort of picket fence

on the roadside to prevent children

running out onto a busy road, perhaps

not the best place to put a children’s play

area in the first place.

Sandra Nagre

more expensive, more problematic and

less enjoyable.

We are denied a democratic vote so

that the local councils can amalgamate,

however there will be absolutely no

cost savings and our council tax will

inevitably rise to cover the even greater

salaries for this larger, probably even less

responsive, unitary authority.

James Robert-Poulain

WATER QUALITY CONCERNS

DEAR EDITOR, As summer arrives in

spits and spurts, let’s change the water

quality at the local beaches!

Let’s release some raw sewage locally

so that the wildlife can feed off it and the

locals can all flock down to the beaches,

lay on the stones on the beach where

the sewage has washed up, blankets

out, costumes on, and watch the

sewage float by.

I’d like to know who presses that

button, pulls that lever, turns that wheel,

allowing all that stuff to surge into our

local coastline.

And, while we are all contributing to

keeping our beaches clean, let’s stop

dogs from using the beaches in the

summer, just in case they foul it up!

I’m not a dog lover, but what’s the

point of that if tonnes of sewage can be

released at will?

If some clever clogs comes out with

‘it’s automated’, please ask him/her

who sets the level at which point it

conveniently wooshes our way!

JD

WHERE’S ALL THE WATER?

DEAR EDITOR, So, we are on a hosepipe

ban once again. Is it not possible to build

underground reservoirs, catchment

tanks, storm water tunnels in needed

areas so as to minimise evaporation,

before it’s too late?

Perhaps it would be an idea to stop

house development until this water

shortage is sorted out once and for all,

after all, what’s the point of building new

ENTITLED DRIVERS DESPITE CARNIVAL CLOSURES

DEAR EDITOR, During the Carnival

weekend, I got my timings wrong, so I

found myself with an hour to kill whilst

I waited for the procession to start

from the Polegrove.

So, I just made myself comfortable

next to the road closure and

enjoyed the sunshine.

What I was to witness over the next

hour was unbelievable. Why do drivers

in Bexhill believe that road closures do

not apply to them?

I counted six vehicles driving around

the road closed signs, on the pavement,

to then park in the road that was closed

to traffic, presumably for safety reasons.

Whilst the two men ‘manning’ the road

closure sat in their cars scrolling through

social media, cars simply drove around

the signs, and pedestrians had to wait

and move aside for them.

What I found quite amusing was when

one of the traffic management cars did

the same and drove on the pavement

developments if there’s no water for

people to survive on?

Developers and shareholders can

wait, green fields are being destroyed

everywhere you look. Wake up

England, and you don’t have to be an

expert to know that.

Bob Higgins

TOO LATE FOR GP

SURGERIES

DEAR EDITOR, In reply to Dr Kieran

Mullen’s news regarding action needed

for GP surgeries reaching breaking

point, I need to point out that he is the

MP who has caused this problem.

Plans were put forward for the new

surgery to be sited at the entrance to

Rosewood Park, Little Common, in 2014

when the Earlsfield Park Care Home was

constructed, and it was not actioned.

past the signs and his colleague joked

with him that ‘that was against the law’.

They laughed, shook hands and scrolled

social media together.

Even the 4x4 carnival lead car drove

down the pavements past the signs as

the officials were too busy to move them

aside, it seemed.

The only vehicle that actually stopped

at the closure to get to the other side

was the Town Bus, which was fully

decorated, ready for the carnival. The

official on the closure then asked them

‘are you with the carnival?

However, this chaos was soon over

as the fantastic parade came past

which seemed to be much bigger and

better than before.

I must take my hat off to the

organisers who must put in a ton of

hard work and effort to make this

happen, as well as the long list of

events throughout the week prior to

the carnival day.

The plan was finally given the

go-ahead earlier this year, but now

it is too expensive to build it and not

one brick has been laid. If this was

given the go-ahead 11 years ago,

the costs would have been minimal

compared to now.

As Dr Mullen knows, everything

takes too long to decide and eventually

then action it too late, the boat people

are a prime example. It is not just one

Government at blame, it is the system

generally, the public say that something

must be done to get this country back on

its feet, but nothing is ever done.

Wake up Politicians, before we are all

speaking Russian.

Spencer F. Cole

Have you something to say? Send

your letters to the editor by emailing:

letters@bexhill.news

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news AUGUST 2025 13

THE ROTHER FORUM

Independent bi-monthly meetings for residents

COME AND HAVE YOUR SAY!

SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2025

Colonnade Tenants feel betrayed by

RDC Councillors

Speaker:

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Also...

Urgent Action Needed!

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Doors open 11:20am, meeting starts 11:45am

Town Square Social Club, 4-6 London Road,

Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 3JU.

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14 NEWS

AUGUST 2025


Joy Parks with her MG at the recent 999 Show

How Sussex put the first

women on the front line

of roads Policing

IN a landmark moment for British

policing, two Sussex policewomen

made history by becoming the first

female officers in the country to

qualify as Class 1 drivers on the

elite Traffic Division.

At a time when women in uniform

were still a novelty, they smashed

through gender barriers on the roads,

in the courts and behind the wheels of

powerful patrol cars.

It all began in 1966, when Chief

Constable Sir George Terry of East

Sussex Constabulary made a decision

that would shape the future of women

in frontline policing.

Renowned for his progressive

outlook and personal connection

with officers, famously remembering

everyone by name, Sir George had a

particular passion for roads policing

and the work of his female staff. His

vision led to the purchase of MG BGT

sports cars for traffic patrols and a

groundbreaking idea of assigning a

female crew to one of them.

The move was designed to make a

statement. Not only did it promote

modern policing, but it also placed

women visibly at the forefront of

operations. The two women selected

were Hazel Lane (née Waters)

and her colleague, Joy Parks (née

Christian), who was thrilled at the

opportunity at the end of her twoyear

probation.

But before their boots hit the pedal,

they were required to undergo a

driving assessment with a senior

traffic sergeant to prove they could

handle the high-performance MGs.

Once approved, the pair became an

instant talking point, not just within

the force, but in the national press.

Initially deployed across the county to

promote East Sussex Constabulary’s

new initiative, the women became

minor celebrities, photographed and

interviewed as the first female traffic

crew in the country.

While the internal response was

largely supportive, some press

coverage was less progressive,

branding them ‘Traffic Dollies’ and

the ‘100mph Petticoat Patrol’.

Still, the public image of

policewomen was evolving, and

the two officers stood at the centre

of it. Their unique role required

additional preparation.

Before taking on full duties, they

were mentored by a male officer at

the T6 traffic base in Lewes and then

sent to the Kent Police Driving School

in Maidstone. There, they trained

in powerful Jaguars, Humbers

and Wolseleys — larger and more

demanding than the MG BGT

awaiting them back home.

The course included high-speed

driving, vehicle handling and

continuous running commentary, a

technique still used today in advanced

driving. Both officers passed with

flying colours, achieving the coveted

Class 3 standard, the highest level

awarded at the time.

Back at Lewes, the pair were

welcomed by male colleagues and

fully integrated into the team. Their

duties were no different from any

other officer on the Traffic Division.

They were first on scene at crashes,

expected to deliver emergency first

aid and were frequently called upon

to assist in serious incidents.

By 1967, East Sussex Constabulary

had become East Sussex Police,

and a year later, all county forces

were merged into what became

Hazel Lane and Joy Parks the ‘Traffic Dollies’ making history with Sussex Police in 1966

Joy in the driving seat with Hazel on the in-car radio

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news AUGUST 2025 NEWS 15

Sussex Constabulary.

Amidst this backdrop of change,

the two trailblazing women returned

to Maidstone in 1969 to train for the

prestigious Class 1 Police Driving

Certificate, an even more advanced

qualification involving theory, highspeed

manoeuvres on skid pans and

real-world hazard awareness.

Both passed again with top marks,

making history as the first women in

Britain to earn this elite certification.

Yet despite their equal workload

and high-level achievements, they

were not paid the same as their

male counterparts, a situation that

persisted until the Equal Pay Act came

into force in 1975.

Their training extended beyond

driving. They also completed the

Traffic Patrol course, which covered

vehicle mechanics, a skill that

often came in handy when helping

stranded motorists and traffic

law. The Course included a visit

to Maidstone Bus garage to learn

the intricacies of diesel engines. a

skill that often came in handy when

helping stranded motorists.

The pair became qualified vehicle

examiners, regularly giving expert

evidence in court. Their technical

know-how was matched by their field

experience, which went far beyond

ticketing speeding drivers.

On patrol, they were often first

responders to emergencies ranging

from burglaries and domestic

disputes to suicides and knife threats.

One memorable incident involved

escorting an ambulance through

traffic to rush a critically ill child to

Brighton Children’s Hospital.

There were challenges, of course.

Equipment and backup were limited.

There was no real-time system

to check if a vehicle was taxed,

insured or stolen.

Instead, officers had to issue HORT1

forms requiring the motorist to

produce documents at a police station

of their choice. Vehicle and suspect

checks had to go through the SUSCRO

card index system based at Brighton,

relayed via police radio.

Speed enforcement involved setting

up speed traps using the PETA meter,

a portable roadside device, and two

radios. One officer would monitor

and record a vehicle’s speed, then

radio ahead to the second officer to

flag down the driver.

Although the MG BGT was the most

iconic of their vehicles, it wasn’t

always the most practical. With the

added weight of the police equipment

and the size and shape of the roof box,

manufactured in Lewes, it lost some

of its speed, but our training always

encouraged them to ‘make progress’.

The pair also patrolled in Lotus

Cortinas, both marked and unmarked

as well as the hefty Ford Zephyr.

Inside the cars was a full kit of

essential equipment: Bardic lamps,

first aid kits, fire extinguishers,

accident cones, roadside warning

signs, a breathalyser, camera, tape

measure, broom, chalk, handcuffs

and blankets, often used in both

emergencies and accidents.

Speed trap set up in Mayfield

Old and new. A recent photoshoot at Sussex Police HQ

MG undergoing maintenance

Photographs taken at crash

scenes were developed at police

headquarters and included in formal

reports. Monthly maintenance was

required, and officers were expected

to wash the cars, check tyres, and

top up fluids themselves, sometimes

even degreasing the engine

bays with Gunk.

Uniforms, on the other hand, were

a constant source of frustration. The

skirts and summer dresses female

officers were issued with were

entirely impractical. White buttons

on sleeves for their tunics were the

only high-visibility items worn by all

traffic officers.

Joy recalls one incident involving

her climbing into a ditch to assist an

injured motorcyclist, which proved

to be an awkward and undignified

manoeuvre in a skirt. On another

occasion, a suspect fled through

dense woodland after abandoning a

stolen vehicle, but she couldn’t follow

over the fence due to her uniform.

Fortunately, a dog handler arrived to

continue the chase.

Still, they enjoyed certain privileges

that made them the envy of other

female officers: smart calf-length

leather boots and three-quarterlength

driving jackets, a distinctive

part of their Traffic Division identity.

Another aspect of their role was

escorting abnormal loads, heavy

haulage vehicles with wide or long

loads. Unlike today, they were

typically escorted from the front.

Haulage companies sometimes

phoned in special requests: “Can

Joy and Hazel ready for another shift on the road

we have the girls?”, a novelty at the

time that added a touch of charm

to the operation.

Not all reactions were positive, of

course. Public perception of women

in high-visibility police roles was still

evolving. One memorable moment

came when arriving solo at the scene

of a serious accident near Lewes.

A bystander’s reaction summed up

the prevailing attitudes, when they

stated: ‘Blimey, it’s a woman!’

But, over time, their competence

won respect. Whether it was

stopping lorries, handling dangerous

situations, or managing serious road

traffic incidents, these officers proved

time and again that they were more

than up to the job.

Looking back, the two pioneering

women didn’t realise they were

making history at the time. They

simply got on with the job of driving,

patrolling, responding, investigating,

with professionalism and pride. But

their legacy is still felt today.

Their trailblazing efforts helped

open doors for generations of female

officers across the country. They

didn’t just rewrite the rulebook; they

proved that women belonged on the

frontlines of policing, behind the

wheel of the fastest cars, responding

to the most urgent calls.

Today, one of those iconic MG

BGT patrol cars is preserved and

proudly displayed by John Parks,

Joy’s husband. It’s taken to car

and emergency services shows

around the area, and it never fails to

attract interest.

16 REGULARS

AUGUST 2025


BEXHILL MUSEUM with Gordon Smith

LOOK UP FOR A TOUCH OF GRACE

BEXHILL BOASTS two bursts of

engineering daring a generation apart.

The first sits in Egerton Park: the

1902 Shelter Hall, now Bexhill Museum,

says Rohan Jayasekera, the museum’s

Business Development Officer.

Its story resurfaced this month as

contractors retiled the roof, part of a

£500,000 refit, and reminding us how

innovative its design was for its time.

“Step into the museum’s Sargent

Gallery and you’ll see skinny

mildsteel arches, rolled to perfect

curves while most local builders still

bolted straight girders. In 1902 the

ribs arrived by rail in two halves; crews

heated rivets redhot, hammered them

home, and let them shrink tight —

Victorian superglue.

“A neat steel pintle at the ridge acts

as a hinge, letting each arch flex so the

original glazed roof wouldn’t crack. The

skylight was tiled over after WWII,

yet prefabrication, thermal joints and

lightweight spans were startlingly

modern for their day.”

Fastforward to 1935 and the

seafront’s De La Warr Pavilion.

Designed by émigrés

Erich Mendelsohn, Serge Chermayeff

and Felix Samuely, its welded frame

— Britain’s first in a public building—

scrapped thousands of rivets for

electric fusions, conjuring those floating

balconies and ribbon windows.

“The Pavilion trumpeted socialist

modernity; the Shelter Hall

whispered lateVictorian progress.

Strip off the style, though, and both

pursued the same dream: maximum

light, minimal structure, rapid build.

Postwar tiling robbed the museum of

daylight — sunlight harms collections —

but the graceful arches still soar.

“Strolling from the stylish arches of

our main gallery to the gleaming glass

of the Pavilion, you walk a 30year

timeline of engineering bravado — all

within half a mile.”

HUNT THE DINOSAUR NEST

The dinosaur trail is now running

for the summer.

Children go in search of a dinosaur

nest containing a giant egg, answering

questions along the way.

They can then make up a name for

the dinosaur guarding the nest and

be in with a chance of winning it. It’s

tame — and cuddly.

The trail is included in the normal

cost of admission. It runs until

the end of August.

FREE EXTRAVAGANZA

Items from the museum’s costume

collection which have never been on

display before will see the light of

day this month.

The Costume and Crafts Extravaganza

takes place during normal opening

hours on Saturday 2nd and Sunday

3rd August. As well as the items

from the stores there will be live

demonstrations of lacemaking.

Admission to the exhibition is free but

normal admission charges apply to the

museum galleries.

WALK TO A SHIPWRECK

The annual re-telling of the sinking

of a Dutch ship happens again on

Saturday 23 August.

In January 1749 the Amsterdam was

wrecked at Bulverhythe. You can hear

the story unfold as the guides take

you on a walk from Galley Hill to the

wreck site. You then get the chance

to walk out to inspect what remains

above the surface.

There is no need to book. Just turn

up at Galley Hill Coastguard Station at

5.30pm. You pay on the day (£5 each).

The walk ends at Bulverhythe.

Wear sensible footwear as there will

be sand and mud.

There is a second walk this month. On

Sunday 10 August you can stroll around

Reginald and Windsor Roads and hear

how the area developed.

Places on this walk must be prebooked

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.

Meet at 2pm in Town Hall Square.

Dogs are not allowed on either

of these walks.

NEW CLUB

A new venture is being launched at the

museum in August.

Bexhill History Club will feature two

talks a month on a variety of topics.

The organiser and speaker will be

David EP Dennis, who is an Associate

Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

All talks will be held on Thursday

afternoons from 2-3pm.

The first is on 7 August on the topic

www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk

Northeye — Ancient Lost Village and

Modern Political Fiasco.

The second will be on 21 August

and is on The Origin of Bexhill and the

Rule of King Offa.

Tickets, priced at £6, can be prebooked

on the museum webpage or

by phoning or calling into the museum

(01424 222058).

Chaplin with music

Charlie Chaplin’s film The Kid is the

latest showing by Bexhill Film Club.

It will have live piano accompaniment

by Mike Hatchard, who

organises the club.

The showing is at the museum on

Wednesday 6 August from 7-8pm.

Tickets are £8. Go to the museum

website for the link to the film club page

for online booking or you can reserve

tickets from the museum.

ALL ABOUT 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.

There are four galleries covering

natural history, dinosaur fossils

and footprints, costumes from the

last 300 years, social history, Bexhill’s

motoring heritage and the town

in World War 2.

WHERE

WILL

Get there with

Flexibus!

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transport for the price of

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TAKE

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Book your ride now:

01273

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Powered by

eastsussex.gov.uk/flexibus

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news AUGUST 2025 NEWS 17

Firefighters tackle gruelling

challenge in memory

of fallen colleagues

SIX Bexhill firefighters are

preparing to take on one of the

most physically and mentally

demanding endurance tests

imaginable in a heartfelt tribute

to two fallen colleagues and raise

money for the Firefighters Charity.

The team will take part in the

4x4x48 Challenge and will run four

miles every four hours for 48 hours,

beginning at 8pm, on Monday, 26th

August and finishing with their final

run at 4pm on Wednesday, 28th

August. The test of resilience will see

them run nearly two full marathons

in just two days, and they’re inviting

the public to join them on any

of the 12 runs.

The challenge is being undertaken

in memory of Firefighters Jennie

Logan and Martyn Sadler, who

tragically lost their lives in the

Bicester fire in May this year. Their

service, bravery and dedication have

left a deep impact on the fire service

community across the UK.

A spokesperson for the team said:

“This is our way of honouring Jennie

and Martyn. Their courage and

sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We also want to raise awareness

of the Firefighters Charity, which

does incredible work supporting

serving and retired firefighters and

their families.”

The charity provides vital services

including physical rehabilitation,

mental health support and

wellbeing programmes and relies

almost entirely on fundraising

efforts like this one.

Taking part in the challenge are

Alex Thompson, Toby Fry, Daryl

Streeter, Stuart Lawson, Tristan

Fawkes and Kevin Smith. Between

them, they will alternate between two

scenic but demanding 4-mile routes

around Bexhill, starting and finishing

each stint at Bexhill Fire Station.

JOIN THE RUNS

Members of the public are welcomed

to join any leg of the challenge.

Runs will take place at the following

times: Monday 26th August —

8:00pm; Tuesday 27th August —

Midnight, 4:00am, 8:00am, 12:00pm,

4:00pm, 8:00pm; and Wednesday 28th

August — Midnight, 4:00am, 8:00am,

12:00pm, 4:00pm.

Each run starts from Bexhill Fire

Station, with routes including local

landmarks such as the Old Town,

Galley Hill, Ravenside Retail Park,

and the Bexhill seafront.

To sponsor the

Bexhill crew

and support

the Firefighters

Charity, visit their

official fundraising

page at: www.justgiving.com/page/

bexhill-firefighters-4x4x48, or

scan the QR code.

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18 REGULARS

AUGUST 2025


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

‘Summer has set in with its usual severity’ — Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 1826

Hurrah! 50mm of rain has fallen on Bates

Green Garden in the last three days;

that’s almost two inches for those of you

who prefer old money. What a relief.

In these changing times, our British

climate has become noticeably more

unpredictable, marked by scorching, arid

summers followed by winters that are

not only milder than memory recalls,

but also far wetter. Such shifts present

us gardeners with both challenges and

opportunities. Adapting our planting

strategies is not just wise, it is essential

for the resilience and continued

beauty of creative green spaces like

Bates Green Garden.

First, it is crucial to observe and

understand the patterns that have

emerged. The traditional image of gentle

summer rain and crisp, frosty winters is

fading. Instead, extended dry spells bake

our clay soil here in July and August, only

to be followed by months of persistent

rain, punctuated by the odd balmy

December day. Plants that once thrived

under the old regime may now languish,

while others, once considered marginal or

exotic, may find their moment to flourish.

Adapting to these new rhythms always

begins with the soil. Summer droughts

can cause the ground to become hard

Corn Marigold and Knapweed.

Photo John Glover

and cracked, inhibiting root growth and

water absorption. In contrast, winters

bring waterlogging and the risk of root

rot. Improving soil structure is therefore

a top priority.

Regular applications of organic

matter—such as well-rotted compost

or leaf mould—will increase the soil’s

water-holding capacity, while also

improving drainage. Mulching after rain

with a generous layer of organic material

helps preserve moisture during hot

weather and keeps roots insulated from

the extremes of both heat and winter

wet. Our compost heap here truly is the

heart of the Garden.

Choosing the right plants is the heart of

the matter. Some Mediterranean species,

long admired as novelties in British

gardens, now offer inspiration—and

practical solutions. Lavender, rosemary,

Hollyhocks. Photo John Glover

and cistus (rockrose) thrive in poor, freedraining

soils and can endure protracted

spells of drought. Their scented foliage

and vibrant blooms provide texture and

colour through the hottest months, and

their tough constitutions laugh in the

face of summer adversity.

Yet, the British Isles are not Tuscany,

and our winters remain wet even as

they grow warmer. This means selecting

drought-tolerant plants that also

withstand heavy, persistent rain. Many

Mediterranean natives prefer to keep

their roots dry in winter, so elevate

planting beds or create gravel gardens

to improve drainage further. Incorporate

plants like Perovskia (Russian sage),

Eryngium (sea holly), and Agapanthus, all

of which can handle dryness and shrug

off winter’s soggy embrace. Ornamental

grasses, such as Stipa tenuissima

Artichoke Thistle. Photo John Glover

and Pennisetum alopecuroides, bring

delicate movement and resilience; their

seed heads catch the light on sultry

afternoons, their roots untroubled by the

changeable seasons.

Native British species still have a place

in this new order—if chosen carefully.

Plants with deep taproots or waxy

leaves, such as foxglove, teasel, and

achillea, are surprisingly drought-resilient

and provide nectar for pollinators long

into the year.

As the climate changes, so too must

our mindset. Garden design should

be fluid and adaptive, allowing for

experimentation and learning. Keep

careful records of what flourishes and

what fails; seasons will never be identical,

but patterns emerge over time.

Finally, the aesthetic of the garden

itself may shift. Lawns, traditionally

the thirsty centrepiece of British

gardens, must make way for gravel

gardens, wildflower meadows, or

tapestry planting—mixtures of lowgrowing,

drought-resistant perennials

and ground covers that delight the eye

while demanding little in return. Shade,

once a refuge from the rare heatwave,

becomes an asset; consider planting

small trees or erecting pergolas to

clothe in climbers to provide shelter

for both plants and people during

the hottest days.

Through all these changes, one

constant endures: the quiet joy of

gardening, the satisfaction of nurturing

life in these turbulent times. By adapting

our planting to the heat and the rain,

we ensure that tranquil spaces like

Bates Green Garden will continue to

offer beauty, solace, and inspiration to

humans and wildlife—no matter what

the weather may bring.

I would like to finish by thanking the

very nice and encouraging woman

who came up to me after my talk at the

Charleston Garden Festival to kindly

say how much she enjoyed reading my

monthly articles. I so appreciated that;

it made my day.

Enjoy your gardens in August.

Manze’s Pie,

Mash

& Liquor

available here

The Bull Inn

To call, or reserve a table: 01424 424984

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

www.bullstleonards.co.uk

Facebook: @bullinnstleonards

Sunday Folk Session - 3rd August & 7th Sept from 5:30pm

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

Monday Charity Quiz - 11th & 25th from 8:00pm

Sunday Karaoke Session - 17th from 5:30pm

OTHER EVENTS

* The Willis Duo (Gina Cassisa) - Friday 22nd from 3:00pm

* Ghostriders - Sunday 24th from 4:00pm

Ritchie Lee’s “Party night” - Friday 29th from 8:00pm

(events marked * are scheduled for the beer garden, weather permitting)

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

HOMEMADE PIES are our speciality! We also serve Manze’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

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SATURDAY 9AM-MIDDAY

CALL 01424 218337

41 NINFIELD RD, SIDLEY,

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TN39 5AE

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news AUGUST 2025 ADVERTORIAL 19

BEXHILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM UPDATE

CHAMBER ECHOES

Personal message from Howard

Martin, outgoing President of

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce

BEXHILL Chamber

of Commerce is a

hundred years old, and

I am incredibly proud

to have been not only

our longest-serving

President but also the

one who was elected to

lead us into our second

century of serving

our community.

As I step down from the

presidency and reflect on having

been a volunteer with the Bexhill

Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

for over a decade, I can honestly say

that they have been the best and most

rewarding years of my life.

The friends I have made,

the colleagues I have met,

the charities we have

supported, the business

battles we have fought

and the good we have

brought to our community

are far more rewarding

to me personally than

any invoice I have ever

submitted in business.

After 35 years in the

darkened rooms of the television

industry, I was fortunate enough to

be able to retire to the coast, pull the

knives of younger upstarts out of

my back and bask in the glow of that

elusive thing called a quality of life.

Bexhill welcomed me with its

motorcycle stunt shows and music

festivals, and in the Bexhill Chamber

of Commerce, I found a home

among like-minded kindred spirits.

It was an honour to be elected as

vice president and then in 2019 as

President, a few months before the

tragedy of Covid hit.

During the Covid pandemic, I had

a privileged view of what a fantastic

community we have in Bexhill.

People were under tremendous

pressure, businesses and lives were

literally collapsing around us. Yet,

through the power of Zoom, we

were able to come together to push

our town forward, in the hope of not

only surviving but thriving when we

got through it.

I was impressed and humbled

by the hard work and tenacity of

Chamber members as we tried

to comprehend and deliver the

myriad government schemes,

furloughs, grants, eat-outs, loans, and

lockdowns. We knew businesses had

to survive or our town would die.

It was essential to keep the millions

of pounds worth of investment

from Chamber members flowing

into Bexhill. We scraped through

it with our Chamber bigger and

more significant than ever. But our

thoughts are also with those who

didn’t make it.

Over the years, I have been inspired

by many people who, without

fanfare, make a real commitment

to our town through their business

endeavours, charitable works

and public service. Still, as I move

on to new challenges, it would

be remiss of me not to thank

three people who have inspired,

motivated, and supported me over

the past decade. Without you, we

couldn’t have done it.

Claire Davis (nee Cox) for her life

support and being a true rock for the

Chamber. Abi Newbury, accountant

and now chair of the Town Board,

whose sharpened heel hit my

posterior to push me forwards to lead

the Chamber in 2019. And, of course,

the legendary Cllr Ian Hollidge for

his friendship and wise words in all

matters, politics and council-related.

The Chamber will move forward

into the next century under new

leadership to face whatever

challenges come to Bexhill, and I

wish them the best of luck and the

warmest wishes of our community.

ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

BY DOUG OLIVER, COUNCILLOR AND COUNCIL LEADER

Good news keeps coming

with award for Bexhill park

IN last month’s column, I was

celebrating Bexhill beach being

named one of the best in the

country after being presented with

the Seaside Award, and the good

news just keeps coming.

For an incredible 13th year in a

row, Egerton Park has retained its

Green Flag status — a Keep Britain

Tidy award given to green spaces

that boast the highest possible

environmental standards, are

beautifully maintained and offer lots

for visitors to enjoy.

Feedback from the judges said

Egerton Park was a vital green

space for communities in Rother

to enjoy nature, a space that is free

and safe for families to socialise.

They also recognised the important

opportunities for local people and

visitors to “reap the physical and

mental health benefits”.

We are well aware of how lucky we

are in Bexhill to be surrounded by

some amazing spaces and it’s great

to get national recognition for the

town and district.

As with our beaches, we have an

amazing team of council officers,

contractors and volunteers who

do a fantastic job to keep our parks

and beaches in top shape, and I am

extremely grateful to their efforts.

Like the Seaside Award, the Green

Flag status is testament to the hard

work and dedication of those people.

POST OFFICE, ORCHARDS,

AND SUSSEX MAYOR

Last month I welcomed the news

that Bexhill’s under-threat Post Office

was to remain open after it was

announced in November last year

that the branch in Devonshire Road

was being considered as part of a

nationwide closure programme.

The branch is to be operated as

an independent franchise and the

Post Office are currently running a

consultation exercise on its opening

hours. Although, the new opening

hours gives residents an extra half

hour of service.

If you want to have a look at the new

opening hours and make a comment

to the Post Office you can do so by

visiting postofficeviews.co.uk.

Rother District Council’s

second round of funding for the

planting of community orchards

has just launched.

The money is to be used to establish

urban micro woods and community

orchards, that will have a positive

effect on the local environment and

the health and wellbeing of residents.

The first round of funding in 2024/25

led to 10 community orchards and

micro woods being planted across

the district incorporating 131 new

fruit and nut trees.

The funding Coronation

Community Orchard Grant Scheme

is being funded from DEFRA’s

Coronation Living Heritage Fund,

from which Rother was awarded

nearly £50,000.

Non-profit organisations can apply

for grants of £500 to £5,000 towards

the costs of planting at least 5 fruit

or nut trees in a new or existing

community orchard.

As well as helping to tackle climate

change in our district, planting

community orchards and micro

woods also provide more habitats

for pollinator species and other

wildlife which gives a real boost to the

biodiversity of an area.

I would encourage local groups and

organisations to see how they can

get involved and if they are eligible

for funding but visiting Coronation

Community Orchard Grants Scheme

— Rother District Council

The Government has now agreed

to move forward with a Mayoral

Combined County Authority

(MCCA) for Sussex and confirmed

the first mayoral election will take

place in May 2026.

Whilst this is separate from the

Local Government Reorganisation

that will see a new single authority

replacing district, borough and

county councils, it is an important

change that will affect the

lives of residents.

The mayor, elected by all Sussex

residents, will be given powers

and funding to deal with issues

and exploit opportunities in areas

including transport, housing, jobs,

economic growth and public safety

including the police.

There is still a way to go and still

discussion to be had about how the

MCCA will work, but the Government

announcement is a big step forward.

Work continues on final

proposals for Local Government

Reorganisation, which have to

be submitted to Government

in September, and I will update

residents when we have

more information.

6 1 5 8 2 7 9 4 3

20 PUZZLES

PUZZLES

WORDSEARCH

Containers

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.

BASIN

BATH

CHURN

DISH

ENVELOPE

GLASS

IN-TRAY

JUG

KEG

KETTLE

PIGGY BANK

POCKET

PURSE

STEIN

STRONGBOX

TEA CHEST

TEAPOT

WASTEBASKET

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

AUGUST 2025

Across

1 Noise (5)

4 Unaccompanied

musician (7)

8 Notice of intent to

pay (inits) (3)

9 False name (5)

10 Acts out without

words (5)

11 Large panel showing

the results of a

contest (10)

13 Tenant (6)

15 Disease of the skin (6)

18 Profession of reporting

news stories (10)

22 Get the better of (5)

23 Bring out an official

document (5)

24 Small hotel (3)

25 Outer covering (7)

26 Before due time (5)

Down

1 Hardly at all (8)

2 Divisions of

quantity (5)

3 Undress (7)

4 Light evening meal (6)

CROSSWORD


Make your business the answer everyone’s looking for!

Our puzzles page is where readers pause, ponder, and play and is the perfect place to plant your brand. With high

dwell time and guaranteed eyeballs, it’s a smart move for any local business. Call 01424 762 128 for details.

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.

Check-box

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

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

I

E S C E R W T A R E I S S

W W T E A C H E S T S S C

A N E E L E D A K F E A E

S N A S I T M E W C F L P

T T G E K N T S E T O G O

E Z R T E B E E R B Z P L

B A A O U Y S L K J N I E

A L I P N Z Q N L R F G V

S B G A K G I J U G F G N

K S A E M S B H H Z V Y E

E B H T A W C O C D Y B A

T S C B H A W V X H D A S

B I R L Y A R T N I F N E

R E K U N A A D S G R K R

S A U N P X M H P T E A A

CODEWORD

14 15 7 25 14 15 7 17 2 17 7 6 16 10

21 19 8 1 16 1 7

6 16 22 21 17 24 2 1 3 10 19 16 7 3

6 16 17 2 12 24 11

4 2 17 16 21 18 6 12 19 7 4 1 12

1 7 3 12 26 12 17 1 10

16 3 13 17 21 19 12 16 16 24 16 7 19

10 6 14 19 16 10 18 3 1

T I C

20 17 21 16 19 15 19 5 12 12 19 12 17

25 9 6 21 16 17 21 12 12

16 9 14 6 8 10 7 12 23 16 25 19 24

6 16 20 24 5 14 10

26 16 7 6 12 3 10 12 16 25 7 18 21 17

12 21 12 3 3 17 19

17 12 25 10 1 12 19 16 13 15 19 12 25 19

T

C

N

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P

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T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9 10

11

13 14 15 16

21

18 19 20

22 23

25 26

5 West Indian dance (5)

6 Soak in a liquid (7)

7 Duty (4)

12 In a brutal way (8)

14 Child’s two-wheeled vehicle

operated by foot (7)

16 Culinary art (7)

17 Long-tailed black and

white crow (6)

19 Dry red Spanish wine (5)

20 Cheapskate (5)

21 Head honcho (4)

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

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

such a way that every digit appears once in each horizontal

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

1 2

2 4 6 1

8 7 4 9

9 7 5 6 4

4 5

7 6 1 3 9

3 4 2 6

2 8 5 1

1 9

17

24

SOLUTIONS

1 9

12

3 7 2 5 1 6 4 9 8

4 6 9 2 7 8 5 3 1

5 8 1 3 9 4 2 7 6

7 5 6 1 4 3 8 2 9

1 4 8 9 6 2 3 5 7

9 2 3 7 8 5 6 1 4

8 3 7 4 5 9 1 6 2

2 9 4 6 3 1 7 8 5

6 1 5 8 2 7 9 4 3

SUDOKU

P H O S P H O R F R O L I C

A T Y U I U O

L I Z A R D F U N C T I O N

L I R F E D J

Q F R I A B L E T O Q U E

U 1O N2

E V E R U C

I N G R A T E I I D I O T

2 4 6 1

C L P T I C B N U

K8 R A 7I 4T H9

T W E E T E R

S9 M 7L A I 5R 6 A 4 E E

I M

4

P L Y C O E X

5

I S T D

L I K D W P C

7 6 1 3 9

V I O L E N C E I S O B A R

E A 3 E 4N 2 N 6 R T

R E S C U2 E 8T 5I G H1

T E S T

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

CODEWORD

S O U N D S O L O I S T

C N I O U I M A

A L I A S P M I M E S

R T R P B E K

C S C O R E B O A R D

E B R S S

L E S S E E E C Z E M A

Y C M U V

J O U R N A L I S M A

B O I G S I G

O U T D O P I S S U E

S E J I N N E L

S U R F A C E E A R L Y

CROSSWORD

E S C E R W T A R E I S S

W W T E A C H E S T S S C

A N E E L E D A K F E A E

S N A S I T M E W C F L P

T T G E K N T S E T O G O

E Z R T E B E E R B Z P L

B A A O U Y S L K J N I E

A L I P N Z Q N L R F G V

S B G A K G I J U G F G N

K S A E M S B H H Z V Y E

E B H T A W C O C D Y B A

T S C B H A W V X H D A S

B I R L Y A R T N I F N E

R E K U N A A D S G R K R

S A U N P X M H P T E A A

WORDSEARCH

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news AUGUST 2025 MOTORING 21

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22 YOUR MP

AUGUST 2025


NEWS FROM YOUR CONSERVATIVE MP

DR KIERAN MULLAN

Celebrating the best of local hospitality this summer

LOCAL hospitality businesses

thrive over the summer months as

more visitors flock to Bexhill and

surrounding areas. Exciting events

and good weather attract residents

and visitors from further afield to

spend time in the town and enjoy all

that it has to offer.

Summer trade is vitally important to

businesses in coastal communities.

As the MP for a coastal community,

it’s important that I understand and

support the local hospitality sector.

The economic value of hospitality in

the Bexhill and Battle constituency

is significant at nearly £91million.

The sector employs 3153 people and

there are 512 establishments across

the constituency which is above

national average.

We’d love people to stay longer

to enjoy all that that Bexhill has to

offer. Sadly, the last large hotel in

Bexhill town centre closed its doors

for the final time in June. Whilst we

have some great bed and breakfast

establishments, they cannot possibly

meet the demand for overnight stays.

Many visitors, whether for leisure or

business, stay outside of the town. This

means that they are not spending time

or money in our local economy. A new

hotel in central Bexhill would provide

employment, support the hospitality

and cultural sector and our high streets.

As a member of Bexhill

Neighbourhood Board, I felt it was

important to explore what it takes to

attract a major hotel chain to invest in

the town. With the Board’s backing, I

have set up a Hotel Task force made up

of representatives from local business,

hospitality and cultural organisations.

We’ve already had several meetings

with large hotel operators, and we are

now assessing what we have learnt

to consider next steps. It’s an exciting

project which I hope may lead to a great

opportunity for the town.

This summer, I’m also going to be

supporting a campaign to champion

our local pubs. Bexhill appears to be

bucking the national trend of pub

closures as more pubs and bars have

opened in the town. The British Beer

and Pub Association reports over 2250

pubs have closed in the last 5 years

nationally with 378 closures expected

in 2025. Pubs play an important role

in our communities. So, this summer,

I’m asking residents to tell me about

their favourite local pub — what makes

it special to you? I want to recognise

the inspiration and dedication which

goes into running a pub and give them

a shout out for all the work they do to

make their business a success with

their local community.

Another important issue this

summer, is the quality of our local

bathing water. One of my top

priorities as MP for Bexhill and Battle

is to do what I can to help tackle the

ongoing issue of water pollution in

our rivers and bathing waters. This

is a matter that many constituents

regularly contact me about. I’ve been

working closely with the Environment

Agency, Southern Water and Rother

District council to understand the

primary causes of pollution affecting

Bexhill’s bathing water and hold those

responsible to account.

I have been closely following the

Independent Commission on the

water sector regulatory system which

published its report in July. The report

made significant recommendations

and, if implemented by this

Government, will mark the largest

reform since 1989 including a single

integrated water regulator in England.

The report also calls for a cross-sector

strategy on water, which would have a

clear set of national priorities covering

the water industry, agriculture,

land-use, energy, transport and

housing development.

Labour has also announced that

they want a 50% reduction in sewage

releases by 2030, but unbelievably,

Labour’s 50% pledge is against 2024

levels. But the previous plan was a

45% cut from 2021 levels - a tougher

reference base.

That means Labour will allow an

increase in sewage spills by 2030-20,000

of them. I don’t remember that being

on any of their election leaflets. Again

and again we see problems Labour

said were easy to fix in opposition been

made worse now they are in power.

For my part, I will continue to work

with local stakeholders to improve

our bathing water and improve the

information on bathing water quality

available to the public. I have requested

reduction targets from Southern Water

for discharges and a list of specific

steps they are going to take to tackle

them by and when. These targets will

allow us to assess the effectiveness of

Southern Water’s system upgrades and

better understand the other factors

contributing to pollution in our sea.

But it is important to keep in mind

that contaminated surface water,

agricultural run off and illegal

connections are important issues to

tackle to improve our bathing waters

in Bexhill. Whilst water companies

contribute to the issues, they aren’t

the main cause for us locally. So, I am

afraid there are no quick fixes but I

am continuing to have a strong focus

on this issue as I know how important

it is to Bexhill.

ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

BEYOND THE HANDLEBARS:

UNITING ALL ROAD USERS

I identify as a cyclist, also a human who

walks, runs, rides a motorbike, drives

various vehicles including vans, buses

& lorries, scoots, a pilot of airplanes and

boats. Never driven a train yet.

However, from personal experience,

the transport I choose and how I look,

often displays a different reaction from

those around me.

Would you recognise the above

cyclists as NHS and specialist care

workers in the image, do you know their

stories or who they are?

Claire and Georgina, like most of us are

special in our own ways who love life

and although cycle when possible, drove

to Switzerland to support the Lionesses

watching the last four England games.

This time they identified as Eastbourne

United Football Club from Sussex. The

key word is ‘United’.

Cyclists look different, we do our own

thing, following our individual path. We

are a minority group; the number of

adults who say they have cycled once a

week in East Sussex has decreased from

9% in 2016 to 6% in 2021.

One has to ask why? Feeling safe,

weather, too difficult, being able to carry

our clutter are some of the reasons

and I’ve sometimes chosen to drive as

cycling is just not feasible.

Each one of us has a view be that over

the handle bars or through a windscreen.

Unless you are very fit, love climbing

hills or have an electric bike reaching

East Sussex’s highest point in

Crowborough at 820m above sea level,

cycling may not be the best way. For

keen cyclists Wealden Wheelers Cycle

Club regularly cycle those peaks already

above everyone else while some are

living the dream on the coastline.

East Sussex Cycling Association are

also for those interested in taking their

cycling interest to the next level.

When I identify as a driver, the

challenge is where to park and then to

walk, identifying as a pedestrian. How

you look and act when travelling will

determine how others react, each has

their own best advice, competencies and

responsibilities.

In January 2022, the Highway Code

brought in the most significant change

to sharing our road space by adding

rules on a hierarchy of users. The aim

is to help everyone understand we all

have a right to use the public highway

whoever we are with a responsibility in

all of us to reduce the danger we pose

to others. The hierarchy places those at

most risk in the event of a collision at

the top. It does not remove the need for

everyone to behave responsibly.

For good reasons cycling on

pavements is banned under rule 64 of

Highway Code, supported by section 72

of 1835 Highway Act which prohibits

riding on pavements.

If cyclists regularly use pavements

we are seen as menace by pedestrians

creating a perceived idea all cyclists

are deliberately trying to annoy or

them cause harm.

Highway Code is clear - only

pedestrians may use the pavement.

A vehicle parked on a pavement is

not a pedestrian. Pedestrians include

wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

The same is often true of cyclist’s

attitude to drivers. Drivers can

unintentionally intimidate cyclists

causing a few choice words when

passing too close.

Cyclists are asked to be careful when

cycling for those walking or wheeling

and for drivers to be considerate

around those cycling, riding be that

motorbike or horse.

Rule H3 for drivers is you should not

cut across cyclists or horse riders going

ahead when you are turning into or out

of a junction, changing direction or lane,

just as you would not turn across the

path of another vehicle.

Once an old lady jokingly said to me, I’d

love to poke my walking stick through

their spokes and see those who cycle

past me fast fall off. I’m hard of hearing,

partially sighted and have mobility

issues and I’m just not as young as them

anymore, but my mischievous spirit is

still the same.

If you are a cyclist, please beware

of those less able crossing the road or

walking sharing space with you and if a

driver please give them room, they could

be a member of your family a friend or

one of England’s future Women winning

football team.

Happy Wheeling. Ian Hollidge &

Bexhill Wheelers.

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news AUGUST 2025 ADVERTORIAL 23

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN

COUNCIL UPDATE

A bumper Bexhill Day ahead

BEXHILL Day is fast approaching,

so mark your calendars for

Saturday, August 16th! We’ve

been inundated with applications

from local organisations, groups

and charities to be a part of this

very special showcase, which

takes place on East Parade

between 10am and 3pm.

Among those exhibiting on the day

will be: The Royal British Legion,

Royal Air Forces Association,

Bexhill Lions Club, Bexhill Police,

Veterans Growth, Bexhill Diabetes

Support Group, Bexhill Primary Care

Network, Community Supporters,

Homecall, the Maitreya Kadampa

Buddhist Centre, The Creation

Station, The League of Friends of

the Bexhill Hospital, and Bexhill

Natural Health.

We’re also proud to be hosting

several emergency services and the

armed forces, who will be providing

information about their services and

activities in the area. And as last year,

we are excited to welcome a flypast

of military aeroplanes – weather

permitting – a moment which will

feel especially poignant over the

VJ Day weekend.

Such a variety of organisations

will bring naturally bring with

them a huge array of activities,

demonstrations and information and

giveaways, along with countless other

diversions, all designed to engage and

involve the public. So why not make a

day of it and bring a picnic…?

If your organisation would like

to get involved, there’s still time:

email info@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.

uk to request an application form.

Bexhill RAFA ‘Wings Walk’

lands this September

BEXHILL-ON-SEA Town Council is

also delighted to be working with

the Royal Air Forces Association

(RAFA), raising funds for their

Wings Appeal, which helps serving

members of the RAF, veterans and

their families to find fulfilment,

dignity and independence.

This September marks the 85th

Anniversary of the Battle of

Britain, a timely reminder of the

commitment and sacrifice made by

those protecting our skies.

The ‘Wings Walk’ is a sponsored

walk (or run!) which will take place

on Sunday, September 21st on

Bexhill-on-Sea seafront. Beginning

at 12 noon and ending at 3pm, a flat,

even three-mile route will be marked

out between the Angling Club and

the Beach Garden. Participants can

traverse the course as many times as

you like, at any pace they choose.

To enter the Wings Walk, you must

pre-register in person. This can be

done at The Albatross Club or at

the Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council

Hub. Entry fee is £5 – upon payment

entrants will receive two posters

and a pack of sponsorship materials

to help them raise money for the

Wings Appeal. A donation point will

also be available on the day of the

event. Participants will also receive

And do join us on the day for what

promises to be a great celebration of

the best of Bexhill-on-Sea. We will

be highlighting some of the brilliant

groups taking part on our social

media in the coming weeks, along

with a poster and leaflet campaign

around the local area. Look out for

a poster near you, and if you’d like

to display one yourself, please do

drop by the Hub.

a wristband as they register on the

day itself, and a certificate and medal

upon completion.

The walk is open to all ages and

abilities – do call into the Albatross

Club or our Hub to find out more

information about this exciting event.

Remembering the

fallen on VJ Day

FRIDAY, August 15th marks

the 80th anniversary of Japan’s

surrender to Allied forces in

August 1945, effectively ending

World War Two. To celebrate the

victory and commemorate those

who made the ultimate sacrifice

during the War in Asia, wreaths

will be laid at the Bexhill Town

War Memorial and Little Common

War Memorial, with a silence

led by the Royal British Legion

and attended by The Mayor and

other dignitaries. A national twominute

is also due to be held at 12

noon that day.

We will be installing a

commemorative and informative

window display at the Western Road

Hub in the week leading up to VJ

Day, joining the town as we again

remember those lives lost in conflict.

A new arrival on Endwell Road

WE were delighted to see the

completion of a new mural on

the bus shelter on Endwell Road,

depicting a steam train pulling

into the station. Produced by

W.Ave Arts Bexhill, the bright

and cheerful artwork is intended

to bring cheer to the immediate

area, enhancing one of Bexhill’s

assets while showing off the

considerable talents of our local

artists. We encourage everyone to

take a look at this very appropriate

addition to the town!

Notice of Public

Meeting: ‘Devolution:

what’s it all about?’

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.

FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday, August 15th – VJ Day

Saturday, August 16th – Bexhill Day

Sunday, September 21st – RAFA Wings Walk

Saturday, September 27th – Public Meeting: ‘Devolution: What’s It All About?’

Sunday November 9th – Remembrance Sunday

24 SPORT

AUGUST 2025


Honours even as East Sussex pass Oxford test

BY ANDY WILLIAMS

EAST Sussex drew 2–2 with

reigning National Over-60s FA Cup

champions Oxfordshire in their

final group game.

The men in orange had already

qualified for the quarter-finals, but a

victory would have sealed a double

over their formidable opponents and

secured top spot in Group C. Group

winners earn home advantage in the

last-eight tie.

Although the match was tough

and uncompromising in sweltering

conditions at Oxford Academy,

there was clear mutual respect

between two of the best over-60s

teams in England.

A slow first half was brought to

life when Colin Riggs forced the

Oxfordshire keeper into a fine save

from his left-footed drive.

The visitors took the lead when Paul

Elphick’s teasing cross led to a mix-up

between the keeper and a defender,

allowing Alan Osman to finish from

inside the six-yard box.

Fun the name of the game for OBs

Chris Osbourne

BY ROB CAREY

OLD Bexhillians Walking

Football Club Over-60s took part

in a Kent tournament where

rivalries were put aside. They

played against teams such as

Gillingham, Minster, Margate,

Maidstone and the host village,

Woodnesborough.

The event was held in a congenial

atmosphere. The OBs drew their

final match, but with the theme

of friendship, football and fun,

the result wasn’t the main focus.

Manager Roger Kidney championed

Alan Osman

Koosha Movafagh

Oxford rallied — hitting the bar

and seeing several shots blocked

or cleared off the line — as they

pumped balls forward.

Eventually, a contentious penalty

was awarded to the hosts for a

handball against Kevin Clee, who

appeared to have been pushed by an

opponent. Oxford equalised with a

well-taken spot-kick, and the teams

went into half-time level.

East Sussex dominated the second

half, with the home keeper making

a dozen saves, three of which were

outstanding efforts to deny Dave

Bridges, Riggs and Clee.

East Sussex edged ahead

courtesy of an own goal, the result

of a botched clearance from an

Oxfordshire defender at an almost

impossible angle.

Last-ditch defending kept East

Sussex from extending their lead

the ethos that summed up the day.

OBs also held an event at their

Bexhill College ground, once again

for the Over-60s. The club formed

three teams — including a mixed

men’s and women’s side — joining

Brighton Dolphins WFC and Uckfield

WFC. The Dolphins claimed victory,

but as with the Kent tournament,

results took a back seat to enjoyment.

These friendly events offer a

refreshing change from the hotly

contested league games the club is

involved in at all levels.

The Over-50s have been

resting following their leaguewinning

exploits.

Meanwhile, the Seniors — Over-

68s and Over-70s — have held

special sessions in preparation for

upcoming fixtures, where their

newly sponsored kit will be unveiled.

The club is

proud to have four

representatives on

the England Walking

Football sides: Nick

Gardiner, Alan Osman,

Chris Osbourne, and Nick Gardner

John McCrae. Several promising

candidates are waiting in the wings,

and all are proud to wear the colours.

On the social front, the club will

host its annual barbecue shortly.

Full details about OBWFC — open

before the hosts equalised against the

run of play with a superb solo goal

from their lone striker.

Keeper Koosha Movafagh later

denied the same striker by diving at

his feet in a one-on-one situation.

East Sussex’s central midfield duo,

Andy Williams and Elphick, were

dominant, while their back four —

marshalled by John O’Meara and Bob

Smith in the centre and flanked by

full-backs John Fraser and Johnny

Harris — provided width in attack and

were largely untroubled.

Substitute Nigel Carter added

attacking threat, and David Brooks

and Steve Turner also came on.

to male players aged 50 and over, and

female players aged 40 and over —

are available from club chair Mick

Davies on 07961 008743 or via email

at mickdavies48@gmail.com.

FALCONRY

PHOTOGRAPHY

WORKSHOPS

IN THE HEART OF EAST SUSSEX

Wedding Car for Hire

1967 Ford Mustang in dark blue

Available for local weddings

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 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, call

07970 245934, scan the QR code or

visit sussexairimaging.co.uk.

IDEAL

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Enquiries: 07464 282 772

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The Crafty Collective’s Social Sundays

SUNDAY 2PM - 4PM

• 24th August l 28th September

l 26th October l 23rd November

l 21st December

FEELING LONELY? Suffering from mental health problems? Love

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

Free parking, free entry, refreshments and snacks

thecraftycollective3@yahoo.com

F REE

TO ATTEND

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Saturday 6 th th Sept. 10am-6pm

COUNTRY MUSIC • LINE DANCING • STUNT COWBOYS

CLASSIC AMERICAN CARS • LIVE MARIACHI BAND.

VINTAGE FAIR • SALOON BAR • MARKET & MUCH MORE

DE LA WARR LAWNS, BEXHILL, TN40 1DP

26 SPORT

AUGUST 2025


Bexhill rowers take the

rough with the smooth

BY ANDREW BICKERS

BEXHILL Rowing Club earned

a win, a third-place finish, and

multiple points-scoring results at

Deal Regatta, marking the halfway

point of the Coastal Rowing

Association season.

With many younger rowers away

for the summer holidays, the club’s

squad was notably lean. Nevertheless,

the Junior/Senior Four of Seb Ward,

Herbie Molton, Clive Bingham,

Byron Cramp and cox Taya Hutton-

Mitchell stormed to victory from

start to finish, winning comfortably

by six boat lengths. The crew

remains unbeaten and sits atop the

championship standings.

Ward followed up with a strong

third-place finish in the Novice Sculls.

In the Men’s Novice Four, the newly

formed crew of Noah Landau, Tom

Woodbridge, Digby Cramp and

Freddy Woodbridge impressed with

a sixth-place, points-earning finish in

just their second race together. Digby

and Freddy later joined John Molton

and Rowan Heynes in the Junior Four,

placing eighth.

Absences among the women

meant a reshuffled Novice Four

crew of Catherine Richard, Alex

Dickson, Amberley Conner and Sarah

Reader competed well in a large

field to claim eighth. They went on

to enter the higher Junior category,

finishing ninth.

In a tightly packed Double

Sculls, Byron Cramp and Herbie

Molton secured seventh despite an

unfavourable lane draw.

Tough conditions plagued the

Worthing Regatta, where only four

races were completed before the

event was abandoned due to a broken

umpire’s boat and worsening seas.

This meant many of Bexhill’s top

crews didn’t get a chance to compete.

However, Phil McCorry shone in the

Senior Sculls, navigating the chop for

a personal-best second place.

The Men’s Novice Four (Noah

Landau, Freddie Woodbridge, John

Molton, Digby Cramp and cox Hutton-

Mitchell) qualified safely through

their heat with a strong row. Their

second race, in the higher Junior

Four category, saw them battle rough

conditions from an outside lane to

finish ninth of 11. In their final outing

— the Novice Four final — they dug

deep to finish fifth, despite their boat

almost sinking.

The following day at Hastings

Regatta, Bexhill bounced back with a

win and several top finishes in sunny

and flat conditions.

Hana Bolton earned her first win

in the J16 Girls Quad Sculls, racing

alongside three Shoreham RC rowers.

The Junior/Senior Men’s Four of

Ward, Herbie Molton, Chris Botha,

Byron Cramp and cox Hutton-

Mitchell cruised to another sixlength

victory — their second of the

season — adding to their June points

haul at Southsea.

A second Junior/Senior Four

of McCorry, Heynes, Bingham,

Digby Cramp and cox Darren

Mitchell finished fifth, collecting

vital league points.

In the Novice Sculls, Ward

finished fourth ahead of Byron

Cramp in seventh.

Bolton, Bea Collins, Lizzie Pannell,

Conner, and cox Hutton-Mitchell

won their Novice Four heat and

then overcame a crash to finish a

remarkable fourth in a damaged

boat. The club’s second women’s

novice crew (Richard, Dickson,

Ceri Wilkinson, Reader) narrowly

missed final qualification, finishing

fifth in their heat. Bexhill posted five

fifth-place finishes.

Facing 20 clubs from Herne Bay to

Poole, Southsea Regatta provided

a stern test with challenging sea

conditions and intense competition.

The Junior/Senior Men’s Four

(Ward, Molton, Botha, Cramp and cox

Hutton-Mitchell) were third across the

line but earned a point for being first

among their association competitors.

Nick McCorry delivered another

third-place in the Junior Sculls, while

brother Phil came fourth in the

senior category.

In the Men’s Double Sculls, Cramp

and Molton held firm at the turn but

veered off course in the waves. They

rallied on the return leg to claw back

five places to finish fifth.

The Ladies’ Novice Four (Macey,

Collins, Bolton, Conner and cox

Hutton-Mitchell) won their heat, but

confusion at the start of the final saw

them miss the gun. Despite a strong

comeback, they finished seventh.

Ward capped the weekend by

qualifying for the Men’s Novice Sculls

final, bravely tackling some of the

roughest waters he’s ever raced in

to finish eighth.

New members welcome — contact

club captain Andy Bickers:

agbickers@hotmail.com

Bexhill sailors sweep

up trophies

Polegrove BC grab

Sussex success

BY RACHEL WYNN

SUMMER sailing goes from

strength to strength at

Bexhill Sailing Club.

The Summer Series 2025 was

completed with Tony Witham

(Fast), Rachel Wynn (Slow), Hugh

Stephenson (Novice), Tony Lane/Lin

Jarvis (Catamaran) and Dusty Miller/

Andy Bullen (Asymmetric) taking the

trophies. Congratulations all! During

one of these races, sailors were

treated to an overhead fly-past by the

Red Arrows - very special!

Bexhill Sailing Club hosted the

annual Sussex Coast Federation

Regatta inter-club sailing competition

on Sunday July 13. The Federation

members are Bexhill, Hastings,

Eastbourne, Newhaven & Seaford

and Rye Sailing Clubs.

The weather was kind, the sun

shone and a light-ish breeze blew.

Hastings members were particularly

keen to come for bacon rolls for

breakfast. Thirty-five boats took to

the water for the first race, 33 for

the second race, and after a short

lunch break, catered by Dini and

Jo Adams, 25 boats re-launched for

the final race.

The Catamaran fleet was won by

Hastings SC (Matt Wiseman/John

Wiseman) while hosts Bexhill swept

up the rest of the trophies! Fast fleet

was won by Richard Eagleton in his

Europe dinghy. Neil Smith (Comet)

picked up the Slow fleet trophy, Eve

Fifield won the Youth fleet (Laser

Radial). Bexhill also won the Youth

and Adult Team trophies.

Many thanks to all the participants,

spectators, organisers and helpers for

making the day so enjoyable.

Our Learn To Sail classes have

finished, congratulations to all our

graduates! Now to get on the water

and practise, practise, practise!

Which there will be plenty of

opportunity to do in our Sea Week

(Aug 11-16). Sea Week is preceded by

the Club Regatta and ends with the

L2S Regatta and a Charity race - nine

consecutive sailing days. Weather

permitting, naturally!

Photo credit: Michelle Smith

The Midweek Evening Series of

races continued (July 18). Slightly

more wind than forecast, but still

very manageable with 15 helms in

all. The winners of this Race 4 were

Neil Smith (Slow fleet), Colin Coard

(Fast fleet) and James Tod (Novice

fleet). Members then sat on the club

balcony until 10pm watching the

amazing lightning show over the sea.

The Saturday Evening Series (race 3)

continued with a much smaller fleet

of five brave helms. Gusty conditions

and a lively sea saw Flo Wright/Tony

Lane win the Catamaran fleet, Bob

Palmer the Slow fleet and Chris Heath

the Fast fleet. This time Colin Coard

won the ‘lost daggerboard’ trophy!

For more information about Bexhill

Sailing Club contact membership@

bexhillsailing.club

Polegrove’s triples winners — youngsters: Alice Phillimore, Jo Watt and Lyndsey Jamison

POLEGROVE bowlers are

enjoying another successful

season and swept up trophies at

the Sussex County Finals.

Rachel Mackriell won the Two

Wood Singles 14-7 and then

teamed up with Rosamund Wood,

Nina Allbut and new bowler

Marie Gibbons to claim the

Senior Fours 21-3.

Alice Phillimore, Jo Watt and

Lyndsey Jamison won the Triples

22-5 and the Fours team of

Rosamund Wood, Alison Watt, Jo

Hearsum and Sue Cooper triumphed

19-16 to complete a clean sweep.

National Finals await for all these

bowlers in Leamington this month.

In the semi-finals, Phillimore, Watt

and Jamison had knocked out fellow

Polegrove threesome Margaret

Adcock, Alison Watt and Sue Cooper

in a close match.

In National competitions, the

Polegrove Over-60 Mixed Fours

are progressing well in the Double

Rink format and have reached the

last 16 in England.

Terry Adams, Chris Hearsum,

Rachel Mackriell and Nina Allbut

in one team — and Rosamund

Wood, Terry Webb, Clive Jeffrey

and Denise Hodd in the other — won

their rinks against Horley (Surrey)

and now face Kent opponents

Ashford. A win takes them to

the last eight and a place at the

National Finals.

Join us for

our next

event

Bowes House care home,

Hailsham

Later life and inheritance

tax planning

Tuesday 9th September 2025, from 2pm

Join us for an informative event in conjunction with

Coop Financial Services. This free event will cover the

present legislation and state funding available, as well

as the potential options for those deemed to be selffunders,

with the opportunity for you to ask questions.

Trusted to care.

To book please call

01323 315957 or email

lisa.phillips@careuk.com

28 SPORT

AUGUST 2025


Sport

Bepari brings back

gold from Bognor

Boss Eldridge fired

up for new season

BY MIKE LEGG

PICTURE BY JON SMALLDON

LITTLE Common player-manager

Russell Eldridge is determined

there will be no repeat of last

season’s struggles when the new

campaign kicks off.

The Commoners only

mathematically ensured SCFL

premier division safety on the final

day of the season after a terrible

start saw them pitched into a

relegation battle.

But rather than put him off as

he approaches his 15th year as

boss, Eldridge is relishing the

fresh challenge.

He told the Bexhill News: “I am still

really enthusiastic and even more

determined after the season we had

last year. I’m excited about what

could be in store this season.

“It’s important to get a better start

as it gives you momentum. It wasn’t

great last year – there were a number

of factors behind that – but I think

we’re in a better place with the group

this year than we were last year.

“We are pretty well set and have

a strong and competitive group,

which is important. If we can get a

positive start we can get momentum

moving forward.

“We kept all of last season’s

squad, which is huge and sets the

foundation, while we’ve added a

couple to the group to add more

competition for places.”

Common began last season a little

undercooked but finished strongly as

a young side learned the hard way.

Eldridge said: “The experience we

had in the first part of last season,

especially the younger players,

helped the second half.

Now they have had a good

whole season, that’s key

for this season and there

are no excuses from our

point of view. Everything

is positive and there

are internal targets we

want to achieve.”

Now 42, Eldridge is

still not ready to consign

himself to a dugout role.

He insisted: “I still have some

life in the legs yet. Everyone I

speak to asks how long I will keep

playing for but I’ve no intention of

hanging them up just yet. I’ll know

when the time is right - and the time

isn’t right just yet.”

Former Hastings United striker

Kenny Pogue is one new addition

while Rory Salter, who has played

for Crowborough and Eastbourne

United, is another.

Common start with a home

game against Southall on Sunday

(Aug 3) in the FA Cup.

Common fixtures: Southall

(home, Aug 3, FA Cup); Pagham

(away, Aug 9); Shoreham (home,

Aug 12); Newhaven (home, Aug

19); Eastbourne Utd (away, Aug 25);

Guernsey (home, Aug 30).

Bexhill United fans will be able

to watch their favourites for the

same price this season after the

club froze matchday admission and

season ticket prices.

The move is a ‘thank you’ to

existing fans and to encourage more

supporters to head down to the

Polegrove this season.

Last season, Bexhill’s home gates

averaged more than 200 for the first

time this century.

A Pirates Committee spokesman

said: “We have thought long and

hard about our admission prices

for this season and although, like all

grassroots football clubs, we face our

own increases in costs we wanted to

send out a massive thank you to our

supporters, old and new.

“As a club we have worked hard to

improve our facilities for supporters

and we have had great feedback,

that is reflected in our increased

attendances at the Polegrove.

“Non-League football is in a good

Bexhill sitting pretty as 150th

Anniversary celebrations loom

With Bexhill now into the second

half of the Sussex Cricket League

season, the club’s first team is well

placed in second spot in Division

Four East.

Led by captain Ben Phillimore,

Bexhill exacted revenge on

Heathfield Park ( July 19) before

securing a maximum-points victory

against Chiddingly (July 26).

Russell Eldridge

On a difficult wicket against

Heathfield, Alastair Kent showed

his class by top scoring while Paul

Crittenden and Louis Haffenden

made useful contributions. Bexhill’s

bowlers immediately put the brakes

on the Heathfield reply with Aussie

Danul Dassanayake taking three

wickets helped by the ever-reliant

Kieran Malone and Byron Smith

BY MIKE LEGG

Samir Bepari claimed Ringside

Box Cup gold with an impressive

triumph.

The Bexhill Amateur Boxing Club

member went straight into the final

against George Lines (Paul Ingles’

Boxing Academy) in Bognor after

two no-shows in his weight.

Lines is this year’s Yorkshire

Youth champion and took silver

in an earlier Box Cup. With double

the ring experience of Bepari,

the Bexhill team knew their lad

was up against it.

Bepari’s confidence was high,

though, as he was on a three-bout

winning streak.

Bexhill coach Ian Fletcher was in

Bepari’s corner, and the advice was

not to rush in against a much taller

boxer, stayed focused and to pick his

moments to apply pressure. Bepari

stuck exactly to the plan.

Bepari won the first by landing

cleaner shots but the second

round was far closer as Lines

put the pressure on. In the third,

Bepari came out strong and

used good head-body work to

clearly win the round and take a

unanimous decision.

Fletcher said: “We as a club are

very proud of him.”

place as more and more lovers of

the game recognise that their local

club offers a great day or evening out

without breaking the bank.”

United admission prices 2025-

26: £7 full, £5 concessions, £1

under-18s, Kids under 12 FREE.

Season Tickets: £85 full, £45

concessions. £14 under 18s

New boss Jay Skinner-Swain

has retained many of last season’s

squad while the likes of Will

Saunders, Charlie Curran, keeper

Stefanos Akras, Ryan Moir and Neil

Munday have come in.

They kick off tomorrow (Aug 2)

against Sheerwater in the FA Cup.

With Bexhill unable to use the

in a 29-run win.

Dassanayake rose to sixth position

on the league’s run-scoring charts

while Smith was in eighth on the

bowling charts after that win.

Captain Ben Phillimore said: “I’m

delighted with where we are in the

table and, with better availability

and some luck, we’d be top. As a

team everyone is chipping in and

performing. We are not reliant on one

or two people, which is all I can ask

for as a captain. Everyone is enjoying

their cricket, which shows in our

league position.”

The 2nd XI continues to improve

and beat Eastbourne in their last

Polegrove until the cricket season

is over, the match will be played at

Eastbourne United’s Oval stadium.

Skinner-Swain said: “It’s fantastic to

get the real business underway with

an FA Cup game. The competition

means so much to clubs at our level.

We can dream of a nice run that will

get a buzz going around the town and

bring in much needed cash as well.”

United August fixtures: Sheerwater

(at The Oval, Aug 2); Midhurst

& Ease (at Saffrons, Aug 9); AFC

Varndeanians (away, Aug 11);

Peacehaven (away, Aug 19), Guernsey

(at Saffrons, Aug 23, FA Vase); Seaford

(check fixtures, Aug 25); Forest Row

(away, Aug 30).

Division Seven East game at the

Saffrons. Callum Phillimore (44)

and Gary Wicks (34) helped Bexhill

post a competitive 200 on a wet

wicket before Adam Smith, Kamran

Ahmadzai and Ikram Ahmadzai

bowled the team to victory in

another thriller.

With momentum building on

the field, the club now turns its

attention to Cricket Week, marking

Bexhill’s 150th anniversary. The

marquee fixture on Friday (August

8), will see the club take on the

prestigious Marylebone Cricket

Club (MCC). The match starts at

11:30am (free entry).

Bexhill News, August 2025, Issue 38

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