Bexhill News, September 2025, Issue 39

SEPTEMBER 2025 | ISSUE 39

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

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

12,000 COPIES PRINTED EVERY MONTH

SHOPLIFTING CRACKDOWN — P4

LITTLE COMMON — P8

FIREFIGHTERS CHALLENGE — P11

NEW DEFIBRILLATOR — P12

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SEPTEMBER 2025 | ISSUE 39

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

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

12,000 COPIES PRINTED EVERY MONTH

M A Y B U G S

DEVONSHIRE ROAD - BEXHILL ON SEA

SHOPLIFTING CRACKDOWN — P4

LITTLE COMMON — P8

FIREFIGHTERS CHALLENGE — P11

BEXHILL 100

CELEBRATES £200K

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THE CHARITY’S CHRIS SPECK

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SEE PAGES 8, 14-15

TRANSCRIPTOR

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A BEXHILL LANDMARK SINCE 1902

4 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news

WELCOME

AS OUR front page suggests, we

celebrate the work of Chris Speck

from Bexhill 100, who, along with his

incredible team of volunteers, put

on yet another excellent show at the

Polegrove on Bank Holiday Monday.

For me, one day is simply not enough

to enjoy the stunning cars on show,

most of which I want to take home, and

speak to their owners and the readers I

meet there each year.

It’s the 50s/60s American cars

that stand out to me as stars of the

show — they’re such beautiful things

to look at and I can always imagine

myself cruising around in one of those

stunning V8s — so if any of the owners

are reading this — you know how to

find me if you need a wingman!!

Chris steps down this year as

Chairman, so we took some time to

speak to him about his two decades of

organising the show and raising huge

amounts for charity each year. You can

read the interview on page 8.

Also in this edition, we look at

what’s happening locally to protect

shopowners against shoplifters. This

is a disgusting crime, and some of our

shops are afraid of opening their doors

because of these criminals who think

they’re entitled to take money from the

business owners’ pockets. It’s good to

see our MP on the case, which I hope

will result in some action.

Finally, see our letters to the editor

on page 9 — full of topics from local

people, so always send in your replies

and letters for future editions to

letters@bexhill.news.

Paul Gibson

Group Editor

THE TEAM

PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR

paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS

viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER

sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION

dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

CONTACT

ADVERTISING SALES — 01424 762128

sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

Bexhill News is a publication by Regional Media

Group Ltd, a company registered in England

and Wales number: 13746177. We have taken

care to ensure that the information in this

newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher,

nor contributors can take responsibility for loss

or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

Bexhill News does not endorse the accuracy

of the advertisements or the quality of the

products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and

community organisations are provided directly

by their own representatives; please direct any

queries or comments regarding content directly

to the organisation. Any opinion or views

expressed within this publication are solely

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

newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole

without express permission of the editor.

Police promise extra resources

to tackle shoplifting

BEXHILL MP Kieran Mullan has

met with the Hastings and Rother

District Commander, Chief

Inspector Simon Yates, to discuss

growing concerns about shoplifting

in the town centre.

Shop crime has been on the increase

in recent months, prompting

discussions between Sussex Police,

Rother District Council and the local

business community on how to better

tackle the problem.

Dr Mullan, who previously served

for several years as a volunteer police

officer, said he wants to ensure

an effective strategy is in place to

support retailers and give residents

confidence that offences are being

taken seriously.

He said that while there had

been some recent successes in

apprehending offenders, shoplifting

continues to cause difficulties for

local businesses and affects the wider

community’s sense of safety.

Chief Inspector Yates confirmed

that two new police constables and

a Police Community Support Officer

(PCSO) have now been assigned

specifically to Bexhill. They will

be working closely with traders to

reduce shoplifting and respond

quickly to incidents.

A new reporting tool for shoplifting

called DISC was launched in

Bexhill last November.

This allows shopkeepers to report

incidents and upload images which

the police can then investigate.

Following the meeting, Kieran

joined CI Yates and PCSO Potter

on a walkabout in Bexhill

town centre including visiting

a shop which had recently

experienced shoplifting.

Kieran said: “It was good to meet

CI Yates to discuss shoplifting and

anti-social behaviour in Bexhill and to

hear of his commitment to cracking

First East Sussex Philippine

Festival hailed a success

BEXHILL hosted the first East

Sussex Philippine Festival,

attracting 700–800 visitors for a day

of music, dance, food and cultural

pride in August.

It featured performances,

traditional games, competitions and

free services such as legal advice,

financial guidance, recruitment

and health support. It was

organised by Rosijane Palmer of

PARCS Events UK Ltd.

Keynote speaker Dennis Singson

addressed representation and the

challenges faced by Filipino workers

MP Kieran Mullan walkabout with officers

in the UK, inspiring healthcare

and nursing communities. Civic

leaders, including Cllr Abul Azad,

Bexhill Mayor Cllr Paul Wilson

and Mr Ronald Dalida, along with

Sussex Freemasonry members, were

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor, email:

letters@bexhill.news

down on these criminals who

steal with impunity.

“Our local businesses work hard to

keep the Bexhill high streets thriving.

They are mostly independent traders

who have invested a lot of time and

money into their businesses. They

need to know that those involved in

shoplifting and antisocial behaviour

will be prosecuted.

“I would urge local businesses

to sign up to the DISC system and

ensure that they report every

shoplifting. I know some people

have felt like there is little point in

reporting, but this helps me press

for action and more resources and

is the only way we will ever tackle

this. I will also continue to oppose

Labours plans to let prolific offenders

like shoplifters avoid prison.

“It’s vital that we work as a

community to send out a strong

message to criminals that shoplifting

and anti-social behaviour will not be

tolerated in Bexhill.”

welcomed for their support.

Organisers announced that

next year’s festival will move

to Eastbourne, adding a Sports

Fest (Larong-Pinoy) to the

cultural celebrations.

Vice Chairman of East Sussex

County Council, Councillor Abul

Azad said: “The festival was a vibrant

tapestry of culture, community, and

connection. I want to extend my

heartfelt thanks to the incredible

organisers whose tireless efforts

ensured every detail was perfect, to

the volunteers whose enthusiasm

and hard work created a warm,

welcoming atmosphere, to the

dedicated traders who brought

an array of traditional Filipino

products and cuisine, and to the

talented performers who dazzled

us with authentic music, dance,

and storytelling. But most of all, I

want to thank every member of the

community who came out to join

us — your presence is what made this

event truly special.

It was a great privilege to officially

open this inaugural East Sussex

Philippine Festival — to cut the ribbon

and watch the festivities begin,

knowing that this marks the start of

something wonderful for years to

come. I look forward to seeing this

event grow and flourish, and to even

stronger bonds forming between our

diverse communities in the future.”

6 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Rare flowering cactus amazes

residents on Cooden Drive

RESIDENTS of Cooden Drive have

been treated to a spectacular

natural display this summer as a

giant cactus has burst into bloom

— an event that happens only once

in its lifetime.

The plant, an Agave Americana,

is often known as the century

plant because of its reputation for

flowering only once in a hundred

years. In reality, it usually produces

its flowers after 30 to 40 years

before dying, leaving behind shoots

at its base which may survive to

continue the cycle.

Local resident Jack Doherty

returned home from a fortnight’s

holiday to find the striking cactus in

his neighbour’s front garden had sent

up an enormous central stalk, now

reaching around 20 feet tall. From

this stalk, dozens of side branches

have unfolded, each tipped with

clusters of yellow flowers.

Jack said: “It’s a wonderful sight.

About 30 flowers have bloomed

in sequence from the bottom

upwards, each attracting hundreds

of honeybees. The lower ones are

already turning into seed pods while

the higher ones are still opening. It’s

nature’s economy at its best.”

The Agave, a member of the

Asparagaceae family, is no ordinary

garden feature. Its fleshy, spiked

leaves can grow up to ten feet across

and carry sharp terminal points that

can pierce skin and cause painful

irritation. While not toxic to people or

pets, the plant’s spines mean it is best

admired from a safe distance.

Historically, the Aztecs used the

sap of the Agave to make pulque,

a fermented drink considered a

forerunner of tequila. Today, the

plant remains most famous for its

dramatic and final flowering display.

Once its tall stalk has completed

flowering and the seeds begin to

scatter, the Agave will gradually

collapse and die — a unique ending to

decades of growth.

Jack, who has followed the plant’s

progress closely, believes it offers

more than just a botanical curiosity.

He suggests that anyone stopping to

admire the cactus might also consider

making a donation to a Parkinson’s

disease charity, in memory of his late

neighbour who nurtured the garden

where the plant thrives.

For now, the rare sight continues

to draw attention in what Jack calls

“lovely Blooming Bexhill,” but like all

such spectacles, it will be fleeting.

Record-Breaking

GCSE Results

for Academy

BEXHILL Academy has

celebrated the best GCSE results

in its history, marking a new high

point in the school’s journey of

improvement and success.

Results show significant increases

across multiple subjects, with overall

attainment rising year on year

since 2022. This consistent upward

trend has now reached a record

high, with more students than ever

before achieving passes in both

English and Maths.

Among the many success

stories this year are:

• Harrison S, who achieved an

incredible seven grade 9s and

three grade 8s.

• Tracy C, who secured six grade 9s,

three grade 8s and two grade 7s.

• Malaika M, with four grade 9s, six

grade 8s and one grade 7.

• Alfred W, who earned five grade 9s,

four grade 8s and two grade 7s.

• Martha W, who celebrated two

grade 9s and eight grade 8s.

Headteacher Dr Craig Neal said:

“These results represent the very best

in Bexhill Academy’s history, and I

could not be prouder of our students

and staff. Following our recent

Ofsted inspection, which judged us

to be ‘Good’ in every category, these

results prove once again that Bexhill

Academy is on the road to becoming

truly outstanding.”

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8 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Two Decades driving charity

success with Bexhill 100

BY PAUL GIBSON

FOR two decades, Chris Speck has

been at the heart of one of Bexhill’s

most popular and successful

community events.

As Chairman of the Bexhill 100

Motoring Club for the past eight

years and an active member since

its formation, he has helped raise

more than £200,000 for local charities

through the club’s annual classic

and custom car shows and other

motoring events.

This summer’s Bexhill 100 Classic

and Custom Car Show at the

Polegrove marked both the 20th

anniversary of the event and Chris’s

final year in the driving seat as

chairman. But while he is stepping

aside to allow new leadership to take

the show forward, he certainly won’t

be taking a back seat.

Chris told Bexhill News: “It’s

been absolutely fantastic doing it.

And this year, we pulled out all the

stops to put on an incredible 20th

anniversary show.”

From Festival of Speed to Bexhill 100

The story of the club began after the

Chris Speck gets thanked by supporters during the recent event for this work

curtain came down on the old Bexhill

Festival of Speed, which ended in

2002. Determined to keep motoring

events alive in the town, a group of

marshals came together to form a

new club. By 2005, after discussions

with the council, they launched the

very first Bexhill 100 Classic and

Custom Car Show at the Polegrove,

with the agreement that all proceeds

would go to local charities.

That first show raised around £3,000,

a figure that has grown year on year.

This year’s event raised an

astonishing £22,000, bringing the

grand total raised since 2005 to

more than £200,000.

This summer’s milestone show was

one of the biggest yet, featuring more

than 530 vehicles, 67 trade stands, and

even a roaring dragster that wowed

crowds with its thunderous engine.

For Chris, it was the perfect way to

bow out as chairman.

Chris added: “There’s been a huge

buzz online after this year’s event. All

the aches and pains are worth it when

we hand over those huge cheques for

huge amounts of money. It’s amazing

to see the response and it makes it

all worthwhile.”

At the end of September, Chris

and the club will host their annual

awards ceremony, where this year’s

£22,000 will be distributed among

five carefully selected local charities.

Each year, members nominate

causes close to their hearts, before

voting at the AGM to decide which

ones will benefit.

“It’s incredible how the amounts

raised just keep going up every year.

We’re giving huge amounts to charities

which can mean a lot and can secure

their futures. That’s something I’m

really proud of”, he added.

Although stepping down as

chairman, Chris has no plans to walk

away from the club. He intends to

stay involved with its various events

throughout the year, though he

admits he is looking forward to a

slightly lighter workload.

“I’ll still be helping out with

other events, but after eight years

as chairman, it’s time for a bit

of a breather,”

He is confident that the annual

Polegrove show will continue to

thrive under new leadership. “We

have to keep it a little bit different

each year. A few years back, we did

a ‘60s special, which was fantastic.

There are all sorts of things we can do

to keep people coming back.”

Chris is quick to point out that the

success of the Bexhill 100 is not down

to him alone. He is keen to praise the

commitment of the club’s members,

volunteers, and, of course, the classic

car owners themselves.

He concluded: “The incredible

owners of the classic cars are also

to thank. Their hard work and

dedication to their vehicles really

stands out at the shows. We have a

fantastic team here, but we’re not

getting any younger. We need new

blood to come into the club to keep

events like this going.

“A huge thanks to the car owners,

the general public and absolutely

everyone who helps out with the

show, it simply couldn’t happen

without you all.”

As Chris hands over the reins, his

legacy is already clear. From that first

£3,000 in 2005 to this year’s recordbreaking

£22,000, he has been central

to the club’s remarkable growth

and success. More importantly,

the £200,000 raised has made a real

difference to countless local charities

and community groups.

Crowds enjoy ‘the best’ Little

Common Summer Fete yet

and have a fantastic day out. Thank

you to our amazing volunteers,

stallholders, entertainers and

sponsors — without them, this event

wouldn’t be possible.”

Special thanks were given

to Cheryl and the team at The

Wheatsheaf for providing the

venue, Jeff Penfold for capturing

the day in photographs, and Pop

Party Balloons for their striking

entrance display.

PHOTOS: JTP53 PHOTOGRAPHY

THE Little Common Summer

Fete returned to The Wheatsheaf

recently, and organisers are

celebrating what they describe as

their ‘best event yet’.

Hundreds of visitors turned out to

enjoy a sunny afternoon of family

fun, live music, stalls, children’s

games, a packed tombola and

delicious food from local favourites

Truly Scrumptious and Alfie’s

Awesome Ice Cream.

The fete was organised by

community group The Little

Commoners, supported by

headline sponsors JFS Properties,

Premium Projects and Churchill

Living, and drew support from

dozens of local businesses

and volunteers.

Chairman Connor Winter said:

“We were absolutely thrilled

with the turnout this year — the

weather was perfect and the

atmosphere was incredible. It’s

always a pleasure to see the whole

community coming together to

celebrate, support local groups

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news SEPTEMBER 2025 NEWS 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Image: theclimatecoalition.org

CLIMATE CHANGE

CONCERNS

DEAR EDITOR, In July, a group of us

went up to Parliament as part of a 5,000

strong Lobby with the Climate Coalition

to meet and speak with our MPs on the

current Climate Crisis.

Dr Kieran Mullan had agreed to meet

us for 45 minutes, but was able to

give us only 15 minutes on the day.

However, we thank him for meeting us,

brief as it was.

We brought to his attention the

massive destruction of floods and

droughts, fires and storms here and

across the world, which cannot be denied

and of which he must already be aware.

Temperatures are rising rapidly and we,

as humans, are not doing anywhere near

enough to slow it down.

We need to invest in Green Energy

urgently! This would provide jobs in a

cleaner environment and prevent more

carbon entering the atmosphere.

Sadly, our MP does not agree and

insists we need to keep using Fossil

Fuels to provide enough energy for our

country, even though these same fossil

fuels are pushing more and more carbon

into the atmosphere and increasing the

temperatures and worsening the effects

on our planet!

Investing in Green Energy, alongside

gradually decreasing the reliance on

fossil fuels, has to be implemented

urgently, if we are ever to have any

hope of success.

Our MP claims this is not worth it

until we have all countries working the

same way, but that will be too late! His

parting words were that we could lobby

as much as we liked, but he would not

change his mind!

Nature has the capacity to restore

itself if given the chance, but at the

moment we are on a collision course

to destruction and I fear for our

future generations.

Wendy Gubby.

PENNY LANE BUSHES

NEEDS URGENT ACTION

DEAR EDITOR, I have lived on the

corner of Penny Lane for over 14

years and watched with horror how

pedestrians have battled their way

along the only footpath on this busy

section of road.

Each year, I cross the road with shears

and a garden bin to cut back branches,

brambles and nettles as well as clear

the debris between Wentworth Close

and Penny Lane.

I also write to the Highways

Department with photographic evidence

of the problem. In the meantime,

pedestrians, parents with pushchairs and

toddlers, mobility scooters are all doing

their best to navigate this very narrow

walking area as well as doing battle

with the numerous cyclists who now

consider the pavement a cycle path (is

this not illegal?).

East Sussex Highways may well

state ‘not to undertake unauthorised

work, which could be unsafe’, but

unfortunately, the pavement is unsafe

in its present state and with the current

highways maintenance programme. This

is the community just trying to support

the community and keep everyone safe.

Sue Tyson

CUTBACKS HELP,

BUT DANGER REMAINS

DEAR EDITOR, I’m very grateful to the

people who have done some work to

cut back some of the overgrowth and

branches on Hastings Road.

I have to use a motability scooter, and

in July on the way down to the shops, I

hit a large stone, which made my scooter

suddenly swerve, and the back of the

scooter was hanging off the pavement.

I sent in a complaint to the highways

department and received an email

back to say they know about it, and it

would be sorted in 28 days, that was

on the 18th July.

What the locals have done is good,

but it still needs a lot of work to clear

the area properly.

I live in Camber Close, I would also like

to get the overgrown shrubs and trees

at our junction clear and cut back, as it

makes looking down the road difficult to

see cars coming up the road, and I have

to go slightly into the road while on my

scooter to see if anything is coming.

David Jarvis

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor,

email: letters@bexhill.news

PROTECT OUR

PARK WILDLIFE

DEAR EDITOR, We are heartbroken

and deeply concerned about what

is happening in Egerton Park. Every

day, groups of teenagers are brutally

attacking the park’s wildlife — swans,

ducks, pigeons, and other birds. These

defenceless animals are being hit with

rocks, kicked, and beaten. Dead and

injured birds are being found regularly.

This is not just cruelty — it’s a serious

crime. But it is also something that we, as

a community, can help stop.

We are asking all local residents to

be vigilant when visiting the park. If

you witness any animal being harmed,

please call the police immediately and,

if safe, record details such as video

evidence, descriptions, locations, and

times. Your information could help

prevent further suffering and bring those

responsible to justice.

Egerton Park is meant to be a place of

peace, nature, and joy for everyone —

including the wildlife that calls it home.

Let’s stand together to protect it.

Thank you for caring for our

community and its creatures.

Molly Lane

Have you something to say?

Send your letters to the editor by

emailing: letters@bexhill.news

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10 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


New Art Weekender to

celebrate creativity and

culture launched

Summer 2025 Exhibition Opening at De La Warr Pavilion. Top two photos by Phoebe Wingrove

Esther Fox, RePublic. Image: RePublic

BEXHILL is set to take centre stage

in September as the town welcomes

the very first Bexhill Art Weekender

2025, a two-day festival that promises

to transform the seafront and

streets into a hub of creativity and

cultural exchange.

Running from Saturday 13 to

Sunday 14 September, the festival

is being delivered by Flatland

Projects in partnership with the De

La Warr Pavilion and the Bexhill

Cultural Network. It will showcase an

ambitious programme of exhibitions,

performances, open studios and

public events, all designed to spotlight

the role of artists in shaping the

identity and future of coastal towns.

Organisers say the festival is rooted

in a bold idea: to present world-class

contemporary art in the heart of

Bexhill, a town often defined by

economic challenges but equally

recognised for its rich cultural heritage

and strong civic pride.

A central theme explored throughout

the programme will be ‘what is

a monument, and how does the

monumental sit within our lives?’

— encouraging audiences to think

beyond statues and structures towards

dynamic, site-responsive art that

imagines better futures.

The De La Warr Pavilion, one of the

UK’s most iconic modernist buildings,

will host major new presentations

from artists including Allan Weber,

Claudia Alarcón & Silät, and

Tschabalala Self.

At Flatland Projects, audiences will

experience a new solo exhibition by

Motunrayo Akinola, while a special

live beachside performance by

Miroslava Večerová will take place on

Sunday 14 September.

Other highlights include:

• A new radio commission

by Rachel Irons

• A sound-based work by Amble

Skuse, presented by RePublic, in

response to Akinola’s exhibition

• Town-wide open studios,

workshops, talks, banner

commissions and

publishing launches

The festival’s curatorial strand has

been shaped with inclusion in mind,

thanks in part to Esther Fox, Director

of the national Curating for Change

programme and Founder of RePublic,

a new Bexhill-based organisation

championing the work of disabled

artists. Fox has curated the Skuse

commission, emphasising how

access and representation should be

built into artistic practice rather than

added afterwards.

The Weekender will see multiple

venues and community spaces

throw open their doors, including

Bexhill Museum, Common Clay, Do

Your Ideas CIC, iBex Studios, The

Old Ambulance Station, Three Legs

Brewery, Talent Accelerator, and

Love Art By Sea. The aim is to make

the festival a genuinely town-wide

celebration that engages both local

residents and visitors.

For Ben Urban, Founder and

Director of Flatland Projects,

the festival is more than just

an arts showcase.

“The Bexhill Art Weekender 2025

marks a significant milestone not

just for Flatland Projects, but for

the town of Bexhill as a whole,”

he said. “It brings together a rich

network of artists, organisations

and communities across the town

in a way that hasn’t been seen

before. For Bexhill and other coastal

communities, this festival is a

declaration of what culture can mean

outside the city, and an invitation to

imagine futures shaped by creativity,

care and connection.”

Organisers hope the festival will

become an annual fixture, establishing

Bexhill as a leading artist-focused

community in the South East and

building on its reputation as a place

where culture and creativity thrive.

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Care worker jailed

after steeling

residents jewellery

A CARE home worker who stole

sentimental jewellery from an

elderly resident has been jailed.

Police were called after staff at

Bethune Court in Boscobel Road,

Hastings, reported the theft on

21 March, 2024.

The victim — an 82-year-old woman

— discovered jewellery, including her

late husband’s gold wedding ring had

been taken from the bedside table in

her private room.

As enquiries were ongoing, the

victim’s family posted an appeal for

information on social media. This

was seen by a local pawnbroker,

who believed they had recently

accepted the same ring from a

regular customer.

She was identified as Rita Cooney,

who worked as a housekeeper

at the care home.

The 58-year-old, of Hillcrest

Avenue, Bexhill, was arrested

and charged with theft, which she

was convicted of.

At Lewes Crown Court on 14

August, she was sentenced to 15

Rita Cooney

months’ imprisonment.

She was also charged with fraud,

and that offence will lie on file.

Investigating officer, PC Wesley

Brickstock, of the Hastings

Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“This was a despicable act committed

by a woman who exploited the

vulnerability of an elderly resident

in a place where she should be

able to feel safe.

“I’d like to thank the victim and

her family for their support in

our investigation, and the local

pawnbroker who diligently notified

police, ensuring we could bring

Cooney to justice.”

Firefighters complete

gruelling 4x4x48 Challenge

A team of six Bexhill firefighters

has successfully completed the

gruelling 4x4x48 challenge,

raising more than four and a half

thousand pounds for The Fire

Fighters Charity.

The team, consisting of Daryl

Streeter, Toby Fry, Alex Thompson,

Kevin Smith, Stuart Lawson and

Tristan Fawkes carried out the

endurance event, which took place

from Tuesday, 26th August to

Thursday, 28th August, requiring

each participant to run four miles

every four hours for a full 48 hours.

Despite fatigue and tough

conditions, the team pushed through

to the finish line with the support of

the local community behind them.

Organised entirely by the crew

themselves, the challenge drew

enthusiastic encouragement from

residents. Supporters joined the

firefighters on several of the runs,

while others turned out to clap,

cheer and sound car horns in a

show of solidarity.

The event was organised in memory

of two Firefighters who lost their

lives in the Bicester fire in May 2025 -

Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler.

“The firefighters were blown away

by the generosity and encouragement

shown throughout the weekend,”

said Firefighter Toby Fry.

“Every donation, every cheer,

and every person who came out

to run alongside them made a

huge difference. A special thanks

also to our support crew who

made the difficult challenge that

little bit easier”.

The total raised currently stands

at £4,587, with donations still

open to help the team reach their

fundraising target. All proceeds will

go to The Fire Fighters Charity, which

provides vital support services for

current and former firefighters and

their families.

Community members wishing to

contribute can still donate online at

www.justgiving.com/page/Bexhill-

Firefighters-4x4x48 — ensuring that

the hard-fought miles run by the

Bexhill crew will continue to make a

lasting impact.

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12 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Library welcomes a

bright new chapter

LITTLE Common Library is turning

the page to an exciting new era!

At the library’s AGM recently, a

fresh committee was formed, and

has announced Connor Winter as our

newly elected Chairman.

Connor said: “The library is

such a special place — a hub for

readers, puzzle lovers, and friendly

conversation. I’m thrilled to help it

grow and welcome even more of the

community through our doors.”

The library offers so much more

than books. Visitors can enjoy a wide

range of reading material, swap

jigsaws, and drop in for a chat in a

warm, welcoming space.

It’s run entirely by volunteers, and

is looking for more book lovers,

puzzle enthusiasts, and friendly

faces to join the team and keep the

community gem thriving.

The library can be found at the

Little Common Community Centre in

Shepherds Close, Bexhill, and is open

on Tuesday, 9:30am — 3:30pm and

Friday, 9:30am — 12:30pm.

Care Home residents share

‘Back to School’ memories

Ninfield Post Office

re-opens after 10-

week refurbishment

NINFIELD Post Office has re-opened

after a major refurbishment

of the premises.

The branch, on Lower Street, was

temporarily closed for 10 weeks

to allow the big refurbishment by

postmaster Mr Bimal Mondal.

It has been transformed inside

and out. It is now a One Stop

franchise store.

Noah Rai, Post Office Partner

Account Manager, said: “We are

delighted that Ninfield Post Office

is open again after the major

improvements to the store.”

New defibrillator

installed thanks to

local generosity

Dennis Brewster

AS children across the UK return to

school after the summer holidays,

residents at Collington Lodge

care home in Bexhill have been

reminiscing about their own school

days — sharing fond memories,

lessons learned and words of advice

for today’s younger generation.

Dennis Brewster (93) grew up in

Bexleyheath and attended both the

local primary and secondary schools.

He describes himself as a “strong

all-rounder” with no particular

best subject, but remembers

being especially inspired by his

headmaster, Mr Prescott. Dennis

said: “He meant a lot to me and

shaped how I thought, and because

of him I ended up working for

British Telecoms.”

Like many of his generation,

wartime anxieties over bombings

were part of daily life for Dennis,

but he recalls the pride of wearing

the school blazer and grey trousers,

which made everyone feel ‘part of

Pamela Green

something and united’. His advice

for young people today is: “Learn as

much as you can and always show

respect — you never know who you’ll

need to show respect to later in life.”

Pamela Green (97) grew up in

Slough and remembers being a

bright student with a particular

talent for science, especially physics

and chemistry. Pamela said: “I was

very good at science. I liked using

the Bunsen burner and my teachers

made science fun and interesting. ,I

fondly recall teacher, Ms Heap”.

Pamela cycled to school each day,

sometimes with a packed lunch,

and remembers her smart uniform,

adding: “I loved my uniform, we wore

a dress shirt, tie and blazer and a

Panama hat.” Her advice to children

today is to listen to what they’re

being taught and behave. Education

is the most expensive thing you

can miss out on.”

Dorothy Larkin (97) went to

Streatham St Mary’s, where she

Dorothy Larkin

excelled in arithmetic and enjoyed

needlework, skills she still uses to this

day when sewing.

Dorothy recalled: “Our uniform

was very pretty — we had a blazer, a

Panama hat and a mauve tie. We felt

very posh. I had a satchel and one

book, which we did all our work in. I

didn’t know what I wanted to be when

I grew up, but I’ve used a lot of the skills

I learnt in school throughout my life.”

Dorothy’s advice for today’s

pupils is simple: “Listen and

learn — be respectful of your

teachers and yourself.”

After hearing the residents’ fond

memories from their time in school,

Bianca Wilson, the General Manager

at Collington Park Lodge, said:

“Our residents have such rich life

experiences, and it’s wonderful to

hear their stories as children prepare

to return to school. Their reflections

show just how important education

has always been, and how much

wisdom they have to offer.”

BEXHILL has received an important

boost to its emergency resources

with the installation of a new

defibrillator outside Bentley’s

Steakhouse in Western Road.

The life-saving equipment has been

donated by local resident Maureen

Lopez, in loving memory of her late

husband, Eugenio Lopez, a muchloved

family man and respected

Bexhill businessman.

For more than 25 years, Eugenio

was a familiar face in the town, with

many residents remembering the

couple from their time running the

popular Farmhouse Kitchen Bakery

on Western Road.

The new defibrillator, which

also houses a vital bleed control

kit, was made possible through

the kind cooperation of Bentleys’

owner, Memish Hussain, who

supported the installation outside

his restaurant.

Bexhill Lions have now taken on

guardianship of the unit, ensuring

it will be regularly checked,

maintained, and always ready should

an emergency arise.

Residents are encouraged to

familiarise themselves with the

location of the new unit on Western

Road. In an emergency, anyone can

access it by following the instructions

on the cabinet and guidance from the

emergency services operator.

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14 NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2025


Thousands flock

to Bexhill’s classic

car Spectacle

PHOTOS: PAUL GIBSON

PETROLHEADS from Bexhill and

beyond flocked to the Polegrove

on Bank Holiday Monday to enjoy

the annual Bexhill 100 Classic and

Custom show with a vast array of

vehicles of all shapes and sizes on

display at the Polegrove.

Thousands visited the show to

gaze in wonder at some of the most

cherished vehicles in the country.

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.

This year’s show featured a

special display of Elva cars,

celebrating the 70th anniversary

of the legendary racing marque

which was founded in Bexhill

in 1955. As a nod to the town’s

racing past, a Dragster that last

wowed the Bexhill crowds back

in 1992 also made a return to

the showground.

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 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.

It was announced that Chairman,

Chris Speck will not be at the helm for

future events as he steps down from

the role. Chris has been a key part in

the organisation of the event for the

past 20 years. See a full interview with

Chris on Page 8.


From Escorts to Aston Martins — The Bexhill 100 winners

Winner of Best Custom Car, 1976 Ford

23 T Bucket Hot Rod owned by Andy

Hogg. He was presented the trophy by

Chris Speck from Bexhill 100

Councillor Abul Azad presents Andy Green with a trophy

after winning the Best Bexhill 100 Car. The winning

vehicle is this cherished 1968 Triumph Vitesse

Terry Springett won Best Motorbike or Scooter with

his NC24 Honda Rothmans 400R import from Japan

The Best American Car Category was won by Dennis Simpson, from Brighton, in his 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

This immaculate 1965 Aston Martin DB5 owned by Mark Osborn

from Eastbourne, winner of the Best Classic Car category

The Best Presented Engine Bay was clinched by Pat Miles from South Croydon, with his 1940 Ford Pickup

Winner of Best Commercial Vehicle, James Matthews from Eastbourne with his 1955 Austin A30 Van

Best Modified Car of the show was clinched by Lee Webber in his 1976

Ford Escort, trophy presented by Ryan Hollebon from Bexhill 100

16 REGULARS

SEPTEMBER 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

“Fair orchard trees wave their fruit-laden arms, And nature smiles in her Autumnal charms.” — John Askham

Greetings everyone, I do hope that the

summer has been good to you all.

I was fortunate to take a trip to the

West Country recently and thought I

would share my thoughts about the two

fantastic gardens I visited.

The Garden House, situated just

outside Yelverton near the edges

of Dartmoor, and Wildside Gardens,

only a short drive away in Buckland

Monachorum, represent two very

different horticultural philosophies and

visitor experiences. Yet, both share a

passion for plants and a commitment

to beauty that makes them stand out

among the region’s many green spaces.

The Garden House, with its roots

stretching back to the 1940s, is famed

for its serene atmosphere and classical

English garden design. Established on

the site of a former medieval vicarage,

its gardens have evolved under various

head gardeners, each adding their own

stamp while respecting traditional forms.

The site covers over ten acres and is a

tapestry of garden rooms, terraces, and

meandering paths.

Visitors are greeted by formal borders,

perfectly clipped yews, and vistas that

frame Dartmoor’s rugged beauty. A

highlight is the Walled Garden, brimming

with a riot of colour from perennials,

roses, and flowering shrubs. The Jubilee

Arboretum features rare trees and

provides year-round interest, while the

Summer Garden dazzles with its vibrant

palette. For many, the magic lies in the

subtle transitions between cultivated

beds and the wilder edges, reflecting the

garden’s long history and the influence of

British gardening traditions.

The Garden House is also home to a

very well-stocked used bookshop, which

I enjoyed perusing to no end.

Wildside Gardens is the living canvas

of Keith Wiley, a plantsman and designer

renowned for his rule-breaking approach

to gardening. Wiley was the Head

Gardener at the Garden House for 25

years before he left in 2003. Founded

on farmland, Wildside is a testament

to what imagination and hard work

can achieve. Wiley’s ethos celebrates

the unpredictable beauty of natural

landscapes, with planting schemes

that evoke wildflower meadows and

mountain streams.

Wildside’s design encourages visitors

to wander and discover, with sinuous

gravel paths winding through dramatic

drifts of perennials and grasses. Here, the

planting is exuberant and experimental

— spires of Eremurus burst from the

earth in summer, while swathes of

Sanguisorba and Persicaria intermingle

among grasses and shrubs. The garden’s

topography has been sculpted to create

valleys, banks, and ponds, all providing

microhabitats for an astonishing

array of wildlife.

Unlike the formal rooms of The Garden

House, Wildside is all movement and

surprise. Wiley deliberately eschews

rigid structure, instead allowing plants

to self-seed and evolve. The effect is

immersive, with visitors often feeling as

though they’ve stumbled into nature’s

own handiwork. Wildside is, in essence,

a celebration of diversity and change,

shaped by the seasons but never

quite predictable.

While both gardens are united by

a love of plants and a devotion to

beauty, they offer distinctly different

atmospheres and experiences for visitors.

The Garden House is a place of peace and

order, ideal for those who appreciate the

artistry of traditional English gardening.

Its structure and thoughtful transitions

invite contemplation and reward

repeated visits with subtle shifts in

colour and form.

Wildside, on the other hand, is

dynamic and unconventional. It is

both garden and wilderness, inviting

exploration and surprise at every turn.

The planting is more experimental,

reflecting Keith Wiley’s desire to push

boundaries and mimic the randomness

found in nature.

Both gardens have responded to

environmental concerns: Wildside’s

naturalistic approach fosters

biodiversity, whilst The Garden House

showcases sustainable gardening

practices and careful stewardship of

historic landscapes.

Whether you seek the quiet elegance

of The Garden House or the wild

exuberance of Wildside, both offer

unique journeys into the art and heart of

gardening. For visitors and locals alike,

exploring both is not just a pleasure

but an invitation to appreciate the

diversity and creativity thriving in the

Devon countryside. Plenty of pubs

nearby for lunch…..

Enjoy the bounty of your

gardens in September.

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18 REGULARS

SEPTEMBER 2025


BEXHILL MUSEUM with Gordon Smith

THE SCHOOLROOM OF THE SOUTH

BEXHILL WAS once known as the

Schoolroom of the South, and we tend

to forget how important schools once

were to the town’s economy.

Museum District Curator Julian

Porter says: “At their peak they were at

least as important, and probably more

so, to the wealth of Bexhill as were

hotels and the whole tourist economy.

Unlike the holiday season they kept

going all year and were not reliant

on the weather.”

These were private boarding schools

and most of the students were not local

- there was an international aspect to

them as well. Like any other town there

were also church and state schools for

the local children.

“There have been about 200 schools

in Bexhill over the years and by the

start of the Second World War

there were still 46 private schools

here. Many did return after the

war but the decline had started.

The end of the British Empire was

also a factor as there were many

overseas students.”

Bexhill’s first recorded school

was started by Thomas Pye, who

was rector of St Peter’s Church

from 1589 to 1609, using the

disused chantry chapel.

During our brief phase as a

garrison town, when the Hanoverian

King’s German Legion were stationed

here, there was a school in the

barracks, but the lessons would have

been in German.

“Why there were once so many

schools in Bexhill is hard to

explain,” said Julian.

“In part it must have been due to our

resort’s reputations as a fashionable,

safe and healthy place, suitable for

family holidays.

“As a very late Victorian development

there was still lots of land suitable to

build new schools, although most of the

schools began in large houses and only

built their larger sites once they were

well established. Perhaps once a critical

mass of schools had been achieved

more schools just followed.”

HEAD FOR THE TREES

The final walk of the museum’s season

takes place on Sunday 14 September.

It will tell the story of the trees around

Bexhill Old Town.

The area around what is now the Old

Town was once a forest. It became

an enclosed hunting park and was

gradually reduced for farming. From the

19th Century it was cleared for housing.

The remaining trees can help to

understand these changes.

There is a smaller limit of just 20

people for this walk. Places must be

pre-booked by either phoning or calling

into the museum (01424 222058). The

cost is £5 per person, payable to the

leaders at the start of the walk. Meet

at 2pm in the Manor Gardens car park.

Dogs are not allowed.

TALKS PROGRAMME

LAUNCHED

As autumn approaches the museum’s

spring and summer walks programme

gives way to a series of lectures.

The programme is now available to

pick up from the museum.

The first talk takes place on

Wednesday 1 October. It will be

about the history of Sidley and will

be presented by museum volunteer

David Hatherell.

All talks take place on selected

Wednesday afternoons at St

Augustine’s Church Hall in St

Augustine’s Close, Bexhill and

start at 2.30pm.

Admission is £5 with museum

members paying £4. No booking

required - just turn up and

pay on the door

THE AMERICA GROUND

Also coming to an end is the

series of Saturday afternoon

talks by Ken Brooks.

The final one for this year is about

The America Gound, a piece of land

in Hastings which was considered

outside the town boundary. It was

regarded as a “no-man’s land” and the

residents considered it independent of

any law and order.

The talk is on Saturday 6 September

in the Education Room at 1.30pm. Prebooking

is required by either phoning or

calling into the museum. The cost is £8

for members and £10 for non-members.

CHARLIE GETS A

SECOND RUN

Another Charlie Chaplin film will be the

latest showing at Bexhill Film Club.

This time it’s The Gold Rush, made in 1925.

Mike Hatchard will provide live

www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk

piano accompaniment.

The showing is at the museum on

Wednesday 3 September at 7pm.

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.

WINCHELSEA DESTROYED

The newly formed Bexhill History

Club goes into its second month with

two more talks.

On Thursday 4 September it’s the

Birth, Life and Destruction of Old

Winchelsea. On Thursday 18 September

it’s Smugglers in Bexhill and the Battle

of Sidley Green.

Both talks start at 2pm and last one

hour. Tickets, priced at £6, can be

pre-booked on the museum webpage or

by phoning or calling into the museum

(01424 222058).

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.

ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

WHY BRIGHTON IS BUZZING, BETTER THAN EVER

Famous for the Lanes around North, Ship and

Prince Albert Streets started in the 16th Century.

Over the next 300 years they developed to look

similar to how they are now. People like shopping

and enjoy travelling to attractive places.

During this time, Brighton was promoted as a

health resort, similar to much of our Sussex coast as

a place to obtain the benefits of sea water bathing.

They were right then as they are now. People love

the sea with its calming refreshing effect and travel

miles to visit our Sussex.

We are all attracted to different and varied

activities, we are not all made the same. When

cycling first gathered momentum during the 19th

Century, about the same time as the steam train,

it was seen as just an improvement to walking

or horse riding.

The health and economic benefits of cycling came

much later. During the 20th Century with the

increase of the motor car as a means of personal

transport they were almost forgotten.

Change was needed and Cycling England was

created in 2005 with funding from the Department

for Transport and helped establish a number

of Cycling Demonstration Towns. One of which

was nearby Brighton in Sussex that then had a

population of 243,000.

It was a behaviour change programme as

road grid lock was starting to happen with too

many vehicles being used for short journeys

when Walking, Wheeling or Cycling could do

the job faster, cheaper and help improve the

nation’s health.

Some measures were cycle training, travel

planning for largest employers, cycle theft

reduction and cycle parking provision. The main

ones however were how they adapted the road

layouts in some areas, this meant where cars

previously dominated and pushed out pedestrians

and cyclists, they now can safely use the highway

increasing people flow. The results are more of a

café street culture where shops thrive through

increased footfall.

Today it’s even more famous for the fabulous

many Cycle Lanes along the seafront. Both on road

and promenade it has helped with opening up cafes,

pubs, restaurants, sports facilities and the world’s

first electric railway built in 1883.

It’s just such an enjoyable environment without

the pollution, now a prosperous attractive and

active place. Yes, more Lanes this time in the openair

sea swimming pool with a clear screen for wind

protection. Swimming and Cycling are two of the

most practical physical activities you can do as they

are exercise while supporting your weight.

Those brave decisions have changed Brighton for

the better and as seen in the image Madeira Drive

which could or should be renamed Madeira Cycle.

The Government’s new 10 year Fit for the Future

health plan is about focusing on prevention before

sickness. Although we are all living longer many are

not living longer in good health.

Keeping fit will mean you are healthy, maybe not

rugby or football fit but enough to enjoy the games.

There is a Beryl Bike hire scheme which costs very

little and easy to use as seen in image. If you want

to see how cycling can improve a Town’s economy

you would do well to visit Brighton, with or without

a bike and enjoy the Lanes.

Happy Wheeling. Ian Hollidge & Bexhill Wheelers.

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

ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

BY DOUG OLIVER, COUNCILLOR AND COUNCIL LEADER

Construction work on Sidley Hub commences

I AM delighted to be able to report

that work on the development

of the new sports pavilion in

Sidley Recreation Ground

has commenced.

The old toilet block and changing

rooms have been demolished

and people may have noticed

increased activity at the site as the

contractor, BMR Construction,

begins preparations for the start of

the building work.

The new fully accessible Sidley Hub

will provide first-class sports changing

facilities for the area, as well as a café,

accessible toilets, off-street parking

and spaces for hire by local groups for

sport play and informal recreational

use. It is hoped the new hub will be

completed by next summer.

This exciting project, led by the Heart

of Sidley partnership, is a massive

boost for the local Bexhill community.

It is part of the £19.3 million Levelling

Up Fund project that will deliver

cultural-led regeneration and help

improve much-needed community

facilities in Sidley.

In more good news, the district

council has received additional

government funding for the

Household Support Fund from East

Sussex County Council. The funding

will help local households most in

need with essential costs including

food, energy, and water bills.

The scheme is now open for

applications. It will close at the end

of March 2026 or earlier if the funds

are fully allocated so please don’t

delay in applying.

Information on who is eligible

and how to apply is available on the

council’s website

I am extremely pleased with the

positive decision by the Post Office to

keep the Bexhill branch open as an

independent franchise.

The Post Office is currently running a

consultation exercise on the branch’s

opening hours. The consultation

proposes an extra half hour of

service on a Tuesday morning which

I am sure will be very welcome by

Bexhill residents.

The consultation closes on 30

September, so if you want to have

your say on the proposals you only

have a few weeks remaining to do so.

Visit www.postofficeviews.co.uk/

consultation_finder and search for

Bexhill on Sea to find the consultation.

The annual canvass is also underway

so to keep an eye out for your letter

to make sure your electoral register

details are correct.

The annual canvass is our way of

making sure the information on the

electoral register for every address is

accurate and up to date.

To make sure you don’t lose your say

at upcoming elections, simply follow

the instructions sent to you.

For more information visit www.

rother.gov.uk/news/electoralregistration-check-your-details.

Over recent months, we have been

made aware of an increase in the

number of motorists receiving text

messages claiming to be related to an

outstanding Penalty Charge Notice

(PCN), often with pressures to make

a payment or supply personal details

in a short time period to avoid further

repercussions.

I would like to remind residents

that we do not issue Penalty Charge

Notices or payment reminders

via text messages.

If you are issued a Standard Charge

Notice to Pay (NTP) by the district

council, a ticket will be placed

on your vehicle by a uniformed

Enforcement Officer.

Information on how to pay an NTP

can be found on the parking charge

notice or you can visit the Car Parks

page on the council’s website.

It has been fabulous to see so many

visitors enjoying everything our

district has to offer this summer,

from beautiful beaches and visitor

attractions to independent shops and

community events.

We have experienced some extreme

hot weather over the last few months,

with four summer heatwaves at the

time of writing. Please do check on

vulnerable family and neighbours if

we do have more hot weather before

we head into the autumn, as they may

find it harder to manage in the heat.

If the warmer temperatures are

tempting you to visit one our local

beaches, including the award-winning

Bexhill beach, before the end of the

summer, please remember the RNLI’s

beach safety advice: swim between

the flags, never use inflatables in

strong winds or rough seas, and check

the tide times.

NEWS FROM YOUR CONSERVATIVE MP

DR KIERAN MULLAN

We need stronger solutions to tackle illegal

immigration and small boat arrivals

OVER the summer, many residents

across Bexhill and Battle have

shared serious concerns with me

about the small boats crisis, the

rising use of asylum hotels, and

rumours that empty buildings

in our constituency could be

considered for future use. I want to

thank everyone who has written,

spoken to me in person, or raised

the issue at a surgery. Your views

matter, and they shape the case I

make in Parliament on your behalf.

The first thing I can say is that

neither Rother Council or the Home

Office are aware of any active plans

for asylum accommodation in

Bexhill. I will continue to oppose

any attempt to impose asylum

accommodation on our community,

especially without proper

consultation or local consent. But

the honest truth is, there could be an

attempt made because the Labour

Government has broken its pledge

to reduce the use of hotels to house

asylum seekers and demand for

accommodation is rising.

The use of asylum hotels had

been falling, from around 400 in

September 2023 to just over 200

by June 2024. If that trend had

continued, the backlog would now

be easing. Instead, the latest figures

show more than 32,000 asylum

seekers were living in hotels at

the end of June, an increase of 8%

compared with the year before. Small

boat arrivals have risen sharply, with

49,000 people arriving in the year

to June 2025. Asylum claims have

reached 111,000 in the past year—

higher than the previous record in

2002 and almost double the figure

from four years ago.

This issue matters for communities

like ours. If accommodation were

to be insisted upon locally, every

additional hotel or HMO used for

asylum seekers is one fewer home

available for local families. It means

more pressure on GP surgeries,

schools, and public services.

People in Bexhill and Battle are

compassionate and fair-minded,

but they also want a system that is

properly managed and sustainable. I

don’t think it is fair to ask the British

people to support a system that is not

fair to people in need, provides profits

to criminal gangs and over which

we have no control. People who are

passionate about the UK helping

refugees must surely see now that

what is happening now is destroying

all the good will of the British public

to provide any help at all.

That is why a balanced approach

is so important. It must combine

compassion for those genuinely

in need with firm action against

those who enter illegally or

exploit the system.

I know many people will rightly

ask — why didn’t the Conservatives

fix this problem when you were

in Government? It is a great regret

of mine that we didn’t take the

necessary action sooner to tackle this

problem. But by the end of our time

in Government we had put together

the only solution as far as I can see.

The Rwanda Plan would have seen

people entering illegally not allowed

to stay here but instead being swiftly

relocated to Rwanda.

This approach drew on

international experience of what

worked. Australia had a similar

problem to us of people using boats

to cross and then make asylum

claims upon arrival. Australia then

implemented a programme of

relocating migrants crossing illegally

to the island of Nauru. This effectively

broke the business model of criminal

gangs exploiting vulnerable people

and they saw crossings drop by more

than 90%. Other European countries

are now actively exploring similar

approaches, recognising that strong

deterrence is the only sustainable way

to end these perilous journeys.

Contrary to what Labour said at the

time, the idea was not that we would

be sending 40,000 migrants a year

to Rwanda forever more. Of course

that isn’t feasible. Instead, I believe

it would have the same effect here

as it did in Australia — destroying

the business model of the people

smuggling gangs when people saw

that all their money would earn them

was a one-way ticket to Rwanda.

I sincerely hoped Labour would

at least try this approach, but they

cancelled it before it started. They

should reinstate it and allow it to be

properly tested.

Until then, my commitment is

simple. I will continue to stand up for

Bexhill and Battle and do my best to

ensure that if any attempt is made to

open asylum accommodation here

that residents’ voices are heard, our

public services are protected, and

our community is not left to shoulder

the consequences of poor national

decisions. And I will continue to press

the Government to deliver on their

election promises to tackle this issue.

6 7 3 5 1 9 4 8 2

20 PUZZLES

SEPTEMBER 2025


PUZZLES

WORDSEARCH

Rocks and Minerals

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.

AGATE

ARKOSE

BASALT

CHALCEDONY

CHERT

COAL

EMERY

JET

ONYX

PLUMBAGO

RUTILE

SANIDINE

SCHIST

SOAPSTONE

TUFF

URALITE

VESUVIANITE

ZINC

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

ROOF

CODEWORD

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

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

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

23 7 5 1 3 3 1 11 4 6 14 6 23 1

3 3 1 7 4 26 24

7 11 4 6 9 1 12 6 7 1 24 14 4 1

24 24 6 14 3 8 21 21

14 15 1 20 1 3 23 7 16 17 24 17 21 2

6 19 26 24 16 15

1 1 3 6 1 4 24 23 17 19 6 1 20

24 17 22 3 6 7 24 6

23 4 14 15 8 3 7 24 9 6 12 25 23

1 8 1 1 23 25

10 4 8 6 9 7 24 23 26 25 6 21 1 14

A N T

4 4 17 26 7 17 7 23

9 7 22 1 24 6 24 18 9 4 1 24 13 7

1 22 1 7 12 6 24

5 3 17 18 1 14 14 17 3 25 17 7 3 22

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

Panels Frame/Panels Conversions Replacements Cork Spray

Z E R U C D E E M F C O A

M P F B A S G A T I F F G

U A W N O E L L P A Q O U

E D X K O W A D Q Z G R R

T R R T F S O A D A S A A

I A R Z A C C A B I J Y L

N Z R B O H P M F Z X F I

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A

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N

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Across

1 Former name of Ho

Chi Minh City (6)

7 ABC (8)

8 At the summit of (4)

10 Song or hymn of

mourning (6)

11 Savoury taste

experience (4)

12 List of contents

of a book (5)

13 Deal with in a

routine way (7)

17 Receptacle used

by smokers (7)

19 Strong, lightweight

wood (5)

21 Establishments where

alcoholic drinks

are served (4)

23 Distributor of

playing cards (6)

25 State parliament

of Russia (4)

26 Animal or plant that

lives in or on a host (8)

27 Remained (6)

Down

1 Nazi emblem (8)

2 Material effigy

worshipped as a god (4)

3 Devoid of clothing (5)

4 Arrogant or

presumptuous person (7)

CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6

8 9

7

10 11

12 13 14 15

17 18 19

16

21 22 23 24

26

5 Extremely quick (4)

6 Game associated with

Wimbledon (6)

9 Father or mother (6)

14 Maddened (6)

15 Sheath for a sword,

dagger or bayonet (8)

16 Box in the garden in

which children play (7)

18 Sailor (6)

20 Projecting edge

of a roof (5)

22 Chair (4)

24 Deep red gemstone (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 4 2

9 7

8 6

7 8 9

2 8 4 3 1

5 3 2

5 3

4 1

7 6 2

Conservatory

Roof Solutions

www.roofx.uk

0800 00 33 55

20

27

SOLUTIONS

25

7 9 6 3 2 1 8 4 5

4 3 5 7 8 6 1 2 9

8 2 1 4 9 5 7 3 6

9 5 4 1 6 3 2 7 8

2 6 8 9 4 7 3 5 1

3 1 7 8 5 2 6 9 4

5 8 2 6 7 4 9 1 3

1 4 9 2 3 8 5 6 7

6 7 3 5 1 9 4 8 2

7 6 2

SUDOKU

T A P E R R E Q U T E

A Q U E G E N S U E

K E W T X N M Y

E E R U N T O E W

T S K B R A N G H T

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P4 1R © Puzzle Press Ltd (www.puzzlepress.co.uk)

CODEWORD

S A I G O N U F T

W D A L P H A B E T

A T O P K S S N

S L A M E N T T A N G

T R D A I

I N D E X P R O C E S S

K N S T R C

A S H T R A Y B A L S A

E N E Z B

B A R S D E A L E R B

M E P V D U M A

P A R A S I T E B R

N T T S T A Y E D

CROSSWORD

Z E R U C D E E M F C O A

M P F B A S G A T I F F G

U A W N O E L L P A Q O U

E D X K O W A D Q Z G R R

T R R T F S O A D A S A A

I A R Z A C C A B I J Y L

N Z R B O H P M F Z X F I

A V M N E A U J F F K X T

I Q Y R Y L S T X J U Y E

V X T R P C P O S Q Y T K

U J E T C E R U T I L E E

S M E N I D I N A S H B B

E R I F B O D A P Y Z C S

V Z K T E N O T S P A O S

Z Q V S A Y H V Q V V L I

WORDSEARCH

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news SEPTEMBER 2025 REGULARS 21

A MATTER OF TASTE

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

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

YOKU SUSHI BRINGS AUTHENTIC JAPANESE

DINING TO THE HEART OF EASTBOURNE

By GARY VAN DEN BUSSCHE

IN my early teens, I lived in London’s

West End when one of the first

Japanese restaurants opened, my

mother, who was always a fan of

anything new, treated me to dinner to

celebrate the occasion.

Japanese food at that time was a

more traditionally Japanese experience.

After that, we regularly ate Japanese

food and my children, from very young,

have always enjoyed visiting the many

Japanese restaurants, which can now be

found across the UK.

The food in the 1980s was served

by staff wearing traditional clothing

(kimino), as was quite an experience

which, I feel has become much more

westernised as time has passed.

However, I since those early days,

I have always had a soft spot for

Japanese cuisine and so last Sunday,

with a friend, I headed over to Yoku

Sushi, which is located on Seaside

in Eastbourne.

Lunchtimes (Thursday-Monday 12pm-

3pm), you can order a Bento box for as

little as £13 with many choices of filling,

including Sushi, Katsu curry chicken,

vegetarian options, Teriyaki Beef,

Chicken or Salmon. They come with

salad, pickles, sticky rice, miso soup and

chicken gyoza.

My friend & I both went for a Bento

box for Sunday lunch which we both

enjoyed, we also ordered soft shell crab

tempura (£12.80) which came with a

light soy dip and Uramaki, a type of

inside-out sushi, outside layer of rice

with seaweed inside along with our

choice of salmon and avocado (8 pieces

£10.40). We probably did not need these

extra dishes, but they were tasty and we

were feeling very greedy.

Yoku Sushi also has a nice À la carte

selection, Beef Donburi is a delicious

dish of sticky rice, onions, beef in

sukiyaki sauce (saki, mirin, ginger, soya

sauce, palm sugar) with a poached egg

(£12.50). They also do a chicken or eel

choice, warning it’s very filling.

There is also a choice of tempura

including prawn, and vegetable

(aubergine, peppers, sweet potatoes),

Spicy Korean food, Japanese currys,

noodle soups and naturally a wide choice

of various types of Sushi and Sashimi

slices of raw fish, no rice.

Whenever I mention Japanese food

to my friends, normally the first

thing they say is Sushi, yes! But so

much more, it’s tasty clean food that

once you try it, you’ll want to go back

for more. The word Sushi actually

means sour rice, which is prepared

with rice vinegar, salt and palm

sugar, then you have the choice of

accompaniments.

The restaurant is closed Tuesday

& Wednesday lunch and booking is

recommended as they do get very busy,

it’s a double-fronted shop situated at

42/44 Seaside Road, Eastbourne.

Service was friendly, fast and efficient.

Our bill came to £54 which included

£5.20 glass of red wine.

42-44 Seaside Road, Eastbourne,

East Sussex, BN21 3PB

Tel: 01323 638088

www.yokusushi.co.uk

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 - 7th Sept & 5th Oct from 5:30pm

Monday Charity Quiz - 8th & 29th from 8:00pm

Sunday Rock ‘n Roll Bingo - 14th from 6:00pm

Sunday Karaoke Session - 21st from 5:30pm

OTHER EVENTS

* End of Summer “Vintage Disco” - Saturday 6th from 3:30 pm

* Kitten Kaboodle - Friday 12th from 3:00 pm

Ritchie Lee’s Party Night - Friday 19th from 8:00 pm

Ritchie Campbell’s UB40 tribute - Friday 26th from 8:30 pm

(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

CARPET SHOP

FRIENDLY, AFFORDABLE

& PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

LONG ESTABLISHED COMPANY

PROFESSIONAL FITTING

FRIENDLY SERVICE

VINYLS, LAMINATES, RUGS

& LVT FLOORING

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

SATURDAY 9AM-MIDDAY

CALL 01424 218337

41 NINFIELD RD, SIDLEY,

BEXHILL-ON-SEA TN39 5AE

22 ADVERTORIAL

SEPTEMBER 2025


BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN

COUNCIL UPDATE

Bexhill Day Defies the

Clouds to Bring Sunshine

BEXHILL Day was first celebrated

in the town in 1917 before being

reintroduced by the newly formed

Town Council in 2021.

The festivities have traditionally

taken place on or around the 20th

of August. This year’s health and

wellbeing market as part of Bexhill

Day, which took place on Saturday,

August 16th, was our biggest ever,

with an unprecedented level of

response from over thirty local

groups, charities and organisations.

Filling two of the large lawns on

East Parade, an eclectic selection of

stalls brought interest, engagement

and fun to every demographic

in our community.

After an opening address from

Mayor Paul Wilson, the day

proceeded with outdoor games,

giveaways, and plenty of information

and interaction from the various

organisations present. A brightly

coloured flashmob from Groove

Bexhill UK was a particular highlight,

as was the ever-charming Rosie the

Little Grey Pony promenading up and

down the Parade dressed in Bexhill

Town Flag colours.

Among the many local groups

present were East Sussex Fire

and Rescue with their fire engine,

Sussex Police with one of their

vans, and various representatives

from the Armed Forces and their

associated charities.

There were interactive

demonstrations from tennis and

bowls clubs, and we were even

briefly visited by a wolf! The day was

crowned by a magnificent flypast

from a Lancaster Bomber which

was witnessed by several World War

Two veterans, including a former

Bomber engineer.

We were delighted to see so

many residents in attendance and

especially pleased to see so many

conversing and sharing ideas with

The Mayor and our Councillors at the

Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council stand.

With parallel events happening at

the Coronation Bandstand and the

Old Bathing Station, the feeling of

community spirit was irresistible: a

day which brought out the very best

of Bexhill-on-Sea!

Chelsea Pensioners Entertain

at The Albatross Club

ON Thursday, July 25th a delegation

of Pensioners from the Royal

Hospital Chelsea visited Bexhill to

delight a gathering at the Albatross

Club. The Town Crier announced

the group’s arrival from the top

of the steps outside before Mayor

Paul Wilson greeted the assembled

crowd. Once inside the Albatross,

a musical group of Pensioners

serenaded the audience with a

selection of traditional classics,

accompanied by acoustic guitar

(and occasional kazoo!)

Lunch followed the concert, and

The Mayor was pleased to draw the

first ticket in the raffle competition,

during which lots of Royal Hospital

Chelsea goodies were awarded. More

music then followed in what was a

brilliant day of camaraderie, with

friendships made and relationships

cemented — another great display of

Bexhill’s ongoing commitment to its

current and former members of the

Armed Forces.

NOTABLE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday, September 14th — Battle of Britain Memorial

Sunday, September 21st — RAFA Wings Walk

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

Sunday November 9th — Remembrance Sunday

Saturday, November 29th — Christmas Light Switch-On

Bexhill RAFA ‘Wings Walk’

Lands This September

BEXHILL-ON-SEA Town Council

is 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 Bexhillon-Sea

seafront. Beginning at 12 noon

and ending at 3pm, a flat, even threemile

route will be marked out between

the Angling Club and the Beach

Garden. Participants can traverse the

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

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. Notice of Public Meeting:

‘Devolution: What’s It All About?’

On Saturday, September 27th, we

will be hosting a public meeting

to discuss Devolution and Local

Government Reorganisation: what

it means for Bexhill-on-Sea as a

town, for the local governing bodies,

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

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

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.

and for East Sussex as a whole. In

attendance will be representatives

from Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council,

East Sussex County Council,

Rother District Council and the

Neighbourhood Board.

The meeting will aim to answer the

following questions:

• When will Local Government

Reorganisation take place, and

how will this affect businesses and

organisations in Bexhill-on-Sea?

• How will different authorities work

together to make this transition as

smooth as possible?

This is a chance for the Town

Council to provide crucial updates

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.

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news SEPTEMBER 2025 23

FALCONRY

PHOTOGRAPHY

WORKSHOPS

IN THE HEART OF EAST SUSSEX

Budding or experienced photographers

are being offered the opportunity to

take part in a new series of workshops

designed to develop skills and spend time

with some stunning birds of prey.

Set within the stunning grounds of

Herstmonceux Castle and Gardens, the

workshops, in association with East

Sussex Falconry, allows photographers to

learn, or practice their skills through a

series of exercises with our experienced

Photographer and Falconer.

For only £100 per photographer,

the half-day experience will take

place on Tuesday, 7th October.

For more information, call

07970 245934, scan the QR code or

visit sussexairimaging.co.uk

IDEAL

GIFT

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Wedding Car for Hire

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

Capturing the magic of birds of

prey — Next falconry photography

workshop announced

FOLLOWING two hugely

successful Falconry

Photography Workshops at

Herstmonceux Castle, saw

almost 20 photographers go

home with a set of stunning

images and new skills.

Our photography workshop

combines the ancient art

of falconry with hands-on

photography tuition, giving

participants the chance to

photograph hawks, owls and

other magnificent birds of

prey up close, in conjunction

with East Sussex Falconry.

It’s a rare opportunity not just

to witness these incredible

informal to ensure every

participant gets personal

guidance. This means places

are limited and are expected

to fill quickly.

Whether you’re looking

to sharpen your wildlife

photography skills, build a

unique portfolio, or simply

enjoy an unforgettable

experience with some of

nature’s most majestic

birds, this workshop is

not to be missed.

How about treating a

loved one, who’s a keen

photographer to a place for our

2026 dates? We can provide

you with a gift certificate

on booking for your to

present as a gift.

The next half-day workshop

will be on Tuesday, 7th

October, and is priced at £100

per person. Each attendee

is welcome to bring a

spectator/guest for £50.

For more information and

to book your place, visit

sussexairimaging.co.uk, scan

the QR code in the advert, or

call 07970 245934.

creatures in flight, but to learn

how to capture them at their

very best through the lens.

The first two workshops

in August drew rave

reviews from attendees of

all levels — from complete

beginners to experienced

photographers.

Many newcomers, who

had previously relied on

automatic camera settings,

left with the confidence to

use manual mode and a new

understanding of composition,

focus and timing.

Each workshop is kept

deliberately small and

VHS TAPE

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LOCAL MP DR KIERAN MULLAN

Listening, caring and delivering

for the residents of the Bexhill and

Battle constituency.

Regular surgeries held in person or virtually.

If you require my assistance, please get in touch by

emailing kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk

or telephone the constituency office

on 01424 736861

Further information on my website:

drkieranmullan.org.uk

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24 SPORT

SEPTEMBER 2025


Bexhill rowers bring title home in style

BY ANDREW BICKERS

BEXHILL Rowing Club enjoyed a

successful couple of days at their

rearranged home regatta and along

the coast at Eastbourne.

The Men’s Junior Senior fours

claimed the championship crown

with victory at Eastbourne’s Regatta at

the start of a busy weekend.

Sea conditions were rough, with

20mph gusts of wind, but Phil

McCorry, Herbie Molton, Clive

Bingham, Byron Cramp and cox

Taya Hutton-Mitchell pulled clear

of the field before half way to the

turning buoys.

They extended their lead on the

return, surfing the big waves to win

by eight boat lengths. They were also

fifth in the Men’s Senior fours.

At Bexhill the following day,

conditions were flat and sunny with

many spectators. The hosts had two

wins, two seconds, five third places

and a haul of points from all crews.

Bexhill also won the Novice

aggregate cup for most points scored

in all category races. Bexhill were

also without their lightest boat due to

damage at a previous regatta and, as it

turned out, lost another boat.

The Junior Senior Four

championship crew of Bingham,

Herbie Molton, Botha, Cramp and

cox Hutton-Mitchell stormed off the

start to lead.

But drama unfolded at the turn

when Herne Bay collided with

Bexhill, leaving the crew trailing in

second. Undeterred, they delivered a

heroic comeback, powering through

to reclaim the lead and cross the line

three boat lengths clear - preserving

their unbeaten record in association

regattas. It was a miracle they got

back as the whole bow of the boat

was split open and taking on water.

The boat is now unusable and

will be repaired.

Bexhill’s second crew came an

amazing third. Phil McCorry, Chris

Doswell, Rowan Heynes and Warren

Harvey kept pace with the leading

crews, and this result was all the

better considering both Doswell and

Harvey have not raced for Bexhill

for a few years.

Bexhill’s Novice Ladies Four

produced the second win. The

category has been highly competitive

all season, so expectations were kept

in check, but Lizzie Pannell, Emillia

Goldsmith, Eve Thomas, Amberley

Conner and cox Taya Hutton-Mitchell

passed the leaders on the return leg to

win by half a boat length.

It was another fabulous result

considering Eve is new to sea rowing

Junior Senior winners

by their broken boat

and had not raced with the girls. A

second crew of Catherine Richard,

Alex Dickson, Ceri Wilkinson,

Sarah Reader and cox Darren

Mitchell were eighth.

In the Junior Ladies Four, a newly

formed crew of Steph Toogood, Taya

Hutton-Mitchell, Eve Thomas, Ebony

Hutton-Mitchell and cox Darren

Mitchell claimed an impressive

second behind champions Shoreham

by half a boat length. Not having the

club’s lightest boat probably cost

them at the finish.

The second crew of Catherine

Richard, Emillia Goldsmith,

Lizzie Pannell and Amberley

Conner were tenth.

Digby Cramp, in his first ever

single sculls race, came a superb

second to boost his confidence. In the

Novice category, he led many more

Cramp starred in the Novice sculls

experienced scullers.

Next were a flurry of third places

to add to the one in Junior Seniors.

First up in the Men’s Masters 40s of

Phil McCorry, Chris Doswell, Clive

Bingham, Jon Molton and cox Taya

Hutton-Mitchell. There was also

a pair of third places in the Ladies

Junior and Novice sculls from

Ebony Hutton-Mitchell and Abi

Little respectively.

The Men’s Novice four narrowly

missed out on second place by

a quarter of a boat length. The

young crew of Noah Lanau, Tom

Woodbridge, Digby Cramp and

Freddie Woodbridge had their best

result together.

In the Masters 50s Four, Steph

Toogood, Mark Cowling, Clive

Bingham, Warren Harvey and coxed

by Darren Mitchell finished fourth.

A pair of fifth places came courtesy

of Phil McCorry in the Men’s

Senior sculls and Abi Little rowing

with Taya Hutton-Mitchell in the

Ladies double sculls.

Some more points scoring sixth

places came in the Women’s Masters

40s, Men’s Senior fours and Men’s

Double sculls. The ladies’ crew of

Catherine Richard, Alex Dickson, Ceri

Wilkinson and Sarah Reader rowed

well against much more experienced

crews. In the Men’s Senior race Noah

Landau, a novice rower, jumped in

at the last minute to row with the

Juniors senior champions Herbie

Molton, Chris Botha and Byron

Cramp to grab the last points scoring

place. The final sixth came courtesy

of Herbie Molton and Byron Cramp in

the double sculls.

Other results were a seventh and

11th in the Open Junior fours. Jon

Molton, Freddie Woodbridge,

Rowan Heynes and Digby Cramp just

missed out on the last point and the

second boat of Noah Landau, Tom

Woodbridge, Lizzie Pannell and Alex

Toogood, who was rowing in his first

race, completed Bexhill’s results.

Sponsors Lee Midgley, Graham

Dawes, Hastings Direct, iBuild

(Sussex) Ltd, The Fire Shop, Parker

Building Supplies, New Foundations

and Colours Timber Supplies made

the Regatta possible, as well the

parent helpers.

At Eastbourne the previous day,

in the Junior Senior race, Bexhill’s

other crew of Jon Molton, Digby

Cramp, Rowan Heynes, Freddie

Woodbridge with cox Darren Mitchell

finished fourth.

After winning in Junior Seniors, Phil

McCorry also had a fourth place in the

Men’s Senior sculls race.

In the Men’s Junior Fours, Noah

Landau, Digby Cramp, Rowan

Heynes and Freddie Woodbridge

were sixth in the final for the last

available league points. But in

the Novice Four race, with Tom

Woodbridge replacing Rowan, they

had terrible luck with a foot plate

breaking at the start.

The Ladies Novice Four heat saw

Ceri Wilkinson, Alex Dickson, Lizzie

Pannell and Sarah Reader almost

sink as they just missed out by one

spot to qualify for the final. The final

three races were cancelled due to the

deteriorating conditions.

Series decided as sailors make most of weather

BY RACHEL WYNN

TROPHIES were decided as Bexhill

Sailing Club made the most of

August’s beautiful weather.

The Saturday Evening Series came

down to the final two races. Flo

Wright with crew Abi Wright (and

assisted by Tony Lane) won both

races and the Series (Catamaran

fleet). Bob Palmer won both races and

the Series for the Fast fleet. Neil Smith

won both races for Slow fleet but the

Series win went to Rachel Wynn.

Novice trophy went to James Tod.

In the Early Worm Series (Aug 3)

no other races had been sailed, so it

was a winner-takes-all showdown.

Seven sailors set their alarms for

the crack of dawn, and thanks to the

four kind early risers who manned

the race duties, the race went ahead,

starting at 7.30am!

Fi Brown won Slow fleet, seven

seconds ahead of Rachel Wynn,

both in Comet Xtras. Rebecca Cook,

visiting for the summer holidays, won

Fast fleet and Paul Libreri second.

Regatta race by Cristina Terrazas

They both sailed Laser Radials. Amy

Hinz won Novice uncontested in

her Laser Radial.

Bexhill Sailing Club’s annual Regatta

was held on August 9-10 and two races

each day saw a total of 37 boats enter

the competition. Races started and

finished with traditional cannon-fire.

Saturday morning was a force

four wind, resulting in many

capsizes and a lot of safety boat

intervention. Saturday afternoon

brought even stronger force five-tosix

winds with seven brave helms

launching but only two finished the

shortened race!

Sunday morning brought much

lighter three-to-four winds from the

south east, which saw the competitors

out in large numbers with a much less

testy race before lunch.

The course was made much larger

after lunch and significantly further

out to sea to avoid the Rowing Club

regatta boats - it was HUGE! Sailors

just about got around it twice in an

hour, the wind dropping towards the

end prompting the Race Officer to

finish the race.

Delightful sailing boat shaped

trophies were handed out to the

winners. Slow fleet: Neil Smith

(Comet Extra). Fast fleet: Tony

Witham (Supernova). Catamaran

fleet: Flo Wright/Abi Wright.

Asymmetric fleet: Joshua Cook/

Logan Adams (RS200). Laser fleet:

Rebecca Cook (Radial). Novice: Amy

Hinz (Laser Radial).

The popular five-day Sea Week

followed with two races each day,

lunch and social events every evening

including a quiz night, treasure hunt,

beach games and a Sussex favourite…

stoolball. Members were also treated

to a windsurfing lesson.

This month features the Autumn

Series, Class Cup and the start

of the final Series of the year,

the Brass Monkey. Information:

bexhillsailing.club

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news SEPTEMBER 2025 SPORT 25

Bowling Stone rolls

on at Bexhill Open

BY NINA ALLBUT

MANY Hours of preparation and

organisation went into staging

this year’s 86th Bexhill Open

Bowls Tournament.

Spectators witnessed fierce battles

throughout the week as the sun shone

on the neat but tricky Polegrove

greens. They also enjoyed cold drinks

and a bite to eat in and around the

newly refurbished clubhouses.

Defending Men’s Singles champion

Michael Stone met Steve Jeapes in a

fabulous semi-final, which could not

have been closer — tied at 20-20 on

the penultimate end. Stone pulled an

amazing shot out of the bag to secure

the win and progress once more to

the final, where he would face the

tournament character that is Richard

“Cush” Cushen.

The final was less closely

contested, with Stone showing why

he has won the title several times,

beating Cush 21-10.

In the Ladies’ Singles

Championship, Rachel Mackriell,

also a multiple winner of the title,

won comfortably over Alison Watt

21-14. Mackriell got into an early

lead, but Alison showed grit and

determination to fight back, though

she could not turn it around.

Other results Men’s Pairs: V Minter

& A Fairhall beat H Cushen & T Rolfe

21-20. Ladies Pairs: R Mackriell & N

Allbut beat L Hilton & Sue Hennock

21-18. Open Triples: Tommy Walker’s

Team beat Vinnie Minters Team 16-3.

Two Wood Singles: S Knight beat R

Midwinter 16-10.

Mackriell collects her trophy

A club spokesperson said: “The

committee would like to thank all

of the sponsors, particularly main

sponsor Birchwood, for once again

enabling the tournament to go ahead.

And also, the army of volunteers

that keep everything working

throughout the week. Thanks to

everyone who attended.”

Birchwood’s Ryan Boorman

presented the trophies.

Four-midable

Polegrove are top

of the pile again

POLEGROVE Ladies kept their

Sussex County Top Club title after a

3-1 victory over Burgess Hill.

An emphatic win in the singles

from Rachel Mackriell set the

team on its way.

Jo Watt and Denise Hodd followed

up with a big win in the Pairs,

and although the Triples of Alice

Phillimore, Margaret Adcock and

Nina Allbut narrowly lost, the County

champions’ Fours team of Rosamund

Wood, Alison Watt, Jo Hearsum and

Sue Cooper won to secure the crown

for the fourth year running.

Mackriell had a fantastic run at the

National finals in the Two Woods

competition, only losing in the semifinal

to the eventual winner.

Unfortunately, along with Lesley

Beale, Marie Gibbons and Nina

Allbut, she lost in the Senior Fours

first round and it was the same

fate for the Fours of Rosamund,

Alison, Jo and Sue.

The Triples team of Alice

Phillimore, Jo Watt and Lyndsey

Jamison got through one round,

beating Bedfordshire, but fell to

Cumbria in the second round.

OBWFC Seniors get kitted out

The squad in their new kit

BY ROB CAREY

BEXHILL Seniors unveiled their first-ever kit

sponsor in a goalless friendly against their

Uckfield counterparts.

The UK’s leading ovarian cancer research —

Ovarian Cancer Action — is the benefactor for

the Over-68s and 70s teams of Old Bexhillians

Walking Football Club. OBWFC member

Jesse Birdsall’s wife, Gwyneth, is the Patron

of the charity.

A club statement said: “We wish to express

our thanks to him and his wife for this

sponsorship. As the OBWFC have been

involved in charity and local communities

since its conception, with the initial assistance

of Age UK South-East, the team will raise

awareness of this research in every way

possible in the future.”

Full details about OBWFC — open 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

26 SPORT

SEPTEMBER 2025


Sport

Boss Jay loving life as United

get off to flying start

BY MIKE LEGG

BOSS Jay Skinner-Swain is not

shocked by Bexhill United’s

storming start to the league season.

The swashbuckling Pirates finished

August unbeaten in SCFL premier

following three wins and a draw.

The closed out the month with a

3-1 Bank Holiday ‘home’ win over

Seaford at Eastbourne Town’s

Saffrons with goals from skipper

Richie Welch, Jaan Stanley and

sub Will Saunders. There were also

wins at Peacehaven (2-1) and AFC

Varndeanians (3-2) while they drew

0-0 with Midhurst and Easebourne.

Skinner-Swain is in his first season

of senior management having

stepped up to the top job after being

first-team head coach last season.

Asked if the flying start was

unexpected, he told Bexhill News:

“It’s not a bad start. If you’d offered

it to me at the start of the season, I

would have taken it.

“But a surprise? It’s not a surprise

because in pre-season we knew

how good a squad we were putting

together. We have a game-plan we

believe in as a management team and

the squad are buying into it.

“I was quite confident, and although

I never would have said we would

be unbeaten after four league

games, I also didn’t feel we would

be up against it.

“I am really enjoying it. It’s been

good to build a team my way. I live

and die by my own sword.”

The club return to their home

ground at The Polegrove this month

once the cricket season closes.

United also chalked up an historic

FA Cup win over Sheerwater in which

16-year-old Theo Combs became

the club’s youngest scorer in the

competition. A 3-0 loss followed

against Raynes Park Vale in the

next round while Guernsey ended

Bexhill’s interest in the FA Vase at

the first hurdle.

Despite his age, Combs, who

plays central midfield at youth

school level, has cemented his

spot in the side as a winger after an

impressive pre-season.

Boss Skinner-Swain explained: “I

coached Theo at Claremont School,

where I work in the academy, and

he came to me asking for first-team

football having already represented

England Schoolboys at under-15 level.

“He’s a very good player and

during pre-season he had seven goal

contributions. He is playing like

a seasoned pro.

“We feel we’ve got the right mix.

We wanted youth with experience

because, if you have too much

experience then keeping the squad

harmony happy is a struggle but then,

with too many youngsters, you’ll have

mistakes on a regular basis. It’s a fine

balancing act that we’ve got right

at the moment.”

Little Common got up and running

as a 1-0 win at Eastbourne United on

Bank Holiday Monday ended their

losing start to the league campaign. It

Bexhill can clinch promotion from

Sussex Cricket League Division Four East

AN eight-wicket thumping of

Hastings & St Leonards II last

Saturday (Aug 30), means they are in

pole position for at least the second

automatic spot when they host East

Grinstead II in their final game (Sept

6). A minimum of three points will

ensure promotion.

Captain Ben Phillimore is

taking nothing for granted but

said: “To achieve promotion

this season would be above and

beyond our wildest dreams. Vicecaptain

Scott and I are immensely

proud of the lads for sticking

together and playing some terrific

cricket this season.

“It has been hard work, but I would

Bexhill Cricket Week was a huge success

be really honoured if we achieve this

in our 150th anniversary year. I would

like to make a special mention to

Hamish Russell, our chairman, and

all our committee members who have

Teenager Theo Coombs Picture Bexhill United

been integral in driving our success.”

Victories over Chiddingly and

Ditchling have kept momentum

high, with Australian import

Danul Dassanayake making a

superb 128-run knock in the latter

win. Key contributions have also

come from Taylor Wickenden, Paul

Crittenden, Kieran Malone and

Scott Woodroffe.

took 14 games last season to register a

first win but Paul Feakins’ goal sealed

three points in their fourth match.

That was swiftly followed by an

impressive 4-2 victory over previously

unbeaten Guernsey with Russell

Eldridge, Ruben Martin, Liam Ward

and Sam Ellis all on target.

Common also held Southall to

a goalless draw in the FA Cup to

kick off their campaign before

bowing out 3-0 in the replay. League

defeats followed to Pagham (3-1

away), Shoreham (2-0 home) and

Newhaven (3-1 home).

The back-to-back wins will have

lifted player-boss Eldridge’s mood,

who posted on X after the United

win: “It’s been a far from ideal start

to the season after a positive home

performance in the FA Cup against

Southall. It was great to get three

points on the board today (Aug 25).

There’s more work to do but the

group is together and will continue to

work hard to get points.

“I’m not one to make excuses

and we haven’t been good

enough at times but I have every

confidence in the group.”

Common’s tasty Sussex Senior

Cup derby with Bexhill has been

confirmed for Tuesday, September 9.

Bexhill Sept fixtures: Eastbourne

Utd (away, Sept 3, PB Cup); Crawley

Down (away, Sept 6); Little Common

(away, Sept 9, Sx Snr Cup); Roffey

(away, Sept 13); Forest Row (away,

Sept 20); Eastbourne Utd (home, Sept

24); Lancing (away, Sept 27).

Little Common Sept fixtures: AFC

Uckfield Town (home, Sept 2, PB

Cup); Lingfield (home, Sept 5); Bexhill

(home, Sept 9, Sx Snr Cup), Horsham

YMCA (away, Sept 13); Seaford

(home, Sept 23); Wick (away, Sept 27).

The club’s is celebrating 150 years

this season. Cricket Week was a huge

success as Marylebone Cricket Club

visited for a prestigious friendly.

Chairman Hamish Russell said:

“Our MCC game, and the whole day,

was incredible. In fact, apart from the

weather on the Monday afternoon,

the week really could not have

gone any better.

“Over 200 people attended the MCC

game with some travelling from

overseas to be there and players from

winning league teams in the 1970s,

80s and 9’s all getting together again.

The MCC won the actual game but the

result was inconsequential.

“The highlights included the

ceremonial opening of the game

by the Bexhill Town Crier, the gettogether

of old players from our 1977

East Sussex League winning team

and the 1997 Sussex League winning

team and the club photo taken during

the tea break.”

Award

winning care

homes

We’re proud to be recognised for

our excellence in care, winning

more awards than any other

provider in the last three years.

If you’re considering a care home,

call 01323 917394 or visit

careuk.com/bowes-house

Trusted to care

Bowes House care home

Hailsham

Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you to come

in and see the college surroundings and facilities, meet our

dedicated course tutors and find out about our courses.

Don’t

miss out!

LEWES

Tuesday 14th October

Thursday 20th November

EASTBOURNE

Wednesday 15th October


HASTINGS

Thursday 16th October


Additional dates in

March 2026 available.

Scan to

reserve

your spot!

Your FUTURE STARTS HERE!

Whether you are looking for a fresh start, to

develop a skill, upgrade your career or meet some

new friends, there’s something for everyone!

Pick up a course guide at any one of our

campuses or view online at adult.escg.ac.uk

OUT NOW!

www.escg.ac.uk

Bexhill News, September 2025, Issue 39

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