Bexhill News, October 2025, Issue 40

OCTOBER 2025 | ISSUE 40
YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR BEXHILL, COODEN, SIDLEY, PEBSHAM AND SURROUNDING AREAS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT
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CHARITY CONTINUES TO THRIVE — P14
NOW £7.69
NOW £8.19
‘HE LIT UP THE ROOM
EVERYWHERE HE WENT’
NOW £5.85
NOW £13.47
NOW £36.85
100'S OF
PRICES
PUSHED
BACK
www.maybugs.co.uk
NOW £18.79
TRIBUTES FOR DEREK MERKL, ONE OF THE
FOUNDERS OF BEXHILL MEN’S SHED — SEE PAGE 8
SIVYERS AUCTIONS
FRIDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2025
Auction starts at 11.00am. viewing in person
Wednesday and Thursday prior to auction
COMMISSION 20% INCLUSIVE
Online catelogue viewable from Sunday prior
to auction at www.sivyers.com
FREE VALUATIONS
Gold and silver, stamps, toys, collectables,
furniture, paintings, ceramics and rugs etc...
A GOLD
CHARM
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WITH
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SOLD FOR
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PRICE
YOUR LOCAL AUCTION at the
Old West Station, Terminus Road,
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Tel: 01424 217640
Email: sivyersauction@gmail.com
A BEXHILL LANDMARK SINCE 1902

2 NEWS
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
WELCOME
THE debate over the future of local
government in Sussex has taken a
dramatic turn recently.
The ambitious One East Sussex plan,
aiming to replace all district, borough
and county councils with a single
authority, has now been submitted to
Ministers, promising millions in savings
and a simpler system for residents.
Yet not every council is convinced.
Wealden’s Cabinet could not agree
on whether to support the proposal,
leaving its position unclear as the
Government begins its review. Whilst
Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Rother
and East Sussex County Council all
saw the benefits and have given the
proposals the thumbs-up.
What happens next is far from
certain. Public consultation will follow,
competing ideas will remain on the
table, and the final decision may not
come until March 2026.
Will Sussex be governed by
one council, several smaller ones,
or stay as it is?
For now, all we can do is watch
this process unfold and ensure that,
whatever the outcome, the voices of
local residents are heard loud and clear.
In other news, I’d like to pay a
personal tribute to Derek from Bexhill’s
Men’s Shed, who you’ll read about
in this edition.
I met him when the Shed was just an
idea, and it was a privilege to cover the
opening for this newspaper a few years
ago. He was a pleasure to know and
did a fantastic job in creating the Men’s
Shed to what it is today — an incredible
place for the community.
He shall be remembered fondly.
Paul Gibson, Group Editor
THE TEAM
PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR
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VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS
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without express permission of the editor.
Rother District Council
backs unitary council
plan for East Sussex
A plan for people in Rother and
the rest of East Sussex to get all
their council services from a single
unitary authority has received the
backing of the district council.
The One East Sussex proposal,
which has now been sent to
government ministers, is for a single
council to provide all the services
currently run by the five borough and
district councils and by the county
council. If government agrees to the
plan, the new authority could start
work in April 2028.
Rother councillors approved
the plans for submission to
central government at their full
council and cabinet meetings held
on 24 September.
Developed by all the councils in
the county over six months, the One
East Sussex plan includes detailed
evidence which shows it would save
£64 million over its first five years
(compared to the current model) and
save £25m each year in future.
The business case also shows that
other options, such as splitting East
Sussex and its services into two
unitary councils, would be hugely
more complicated and expensive.
Setting up two unitary councils
would cost more than £400 million,
in contrast to a saving of £20m that
would come from the move to a
single new council.
Meanwhile, in Wealden, the District
Council’s Cabinet failed to reach an
agreement on whether to support
any of the three current competing
proposals for the county amid
concerns over costs, cultural identity
and local accountability.
The proposals have been given the
thumbs-up by all the other authorities
in the county, except Wealden.
The cabinet declined to endorse
the proposed ‘One East Sussex’
unitary model, leaving the issue
effectively unresolved.
Although a debate of Full Council
took place, councillors were denied
a vote on the proposal, leaving the
district’s position ambiguous at a
critical moment.
A county-wide survey across East
Sussex revealed strong support for
reorganisation within the current
footprint of the five borough and
district councils.
The proposal by Labour-led
Brighton & Hove City Council
to expand into the current East
Sussex territory, almost ninein-ten
respondents (89 per cent)
rejected the idea.
The move to a new single unitary
council follows surveys and
discussions with residents and
partners who gave more than 14,000
views. In a county-wide survey
almost three in four (74 per cent) said
it was the sole proposal that should
go to government.
Councillor Doug Oliver, leader
of Rother District Council, said:
“Following our full council and
cabinet meetings held this week,
we’ve confirmed our support for
Local Government Reorganisation
and the One East Sussex model — a
Care assistant Jason named
as finalist in new awards
A care assistant at a care home in
Bexhill has been named a finalist in
the inaugural Andor Awards.
The awards are a new initiative
created to celebrate the dedication
and impact of people across the
health and social care sector in
support of The Care Workers’ Charity.
After serving 15 years in the British
Army, Jason Field joined Collington
Park Lodge in April 2025.
His journey into care was deeply
personal, inspired by the memory of
his late fiancée.
Jason said: “I started working
in care to honour the memory of
my late fiancée.
“We had looked after her aunt
who lived with dementia, and she
continued to be my aunt after my
fiancée passed away.
“Working in care stopped being a
job when I realised how much I loved
it. It makes me proud to know the
residents trust me and allow me to be
part of their world.
“The bonds you build with the
residents stay with you forever. Being
nominated made me feel very proud
— as proud as when I passed my army
training. I was trained to be a soldier,
but I was born to do care.”
Bianca Wilson, the general manager
at Collington Park Lodge, said: “Jason
brings compassion, energy, and
dedication to everything he does, and
we couldn’t be any prouder to see him
recognised in this way.”
The winners of the Andor
Awards 2025 will be announced
at a ceremony on board The
Dixie Queen Paddle Steamer on
single unitary council covering the
current East Sussex boundaries.
“We believe it is the best proposal
for our residents and businesses
in Rother and meets all the criteria
when it comes to delivering high
quality services and efficiencies.
“East Sussex stands at a pivotal
moment in history. Change of this
scale has not been seen for over 50
years. The One East Sussex plan sets
out our shared vision for achieving
the exemplar unitary council that
will enable us to meet the challenges
of today while unlocking the
opportunities of tomorrow.”
The One East Sussex plan has been
agreed for submission to government
by the cabinets of Rother District
Council, Eastbourne Borough
Council, East Sussex County Council
and Lewes District Council.
The government has begun a public
consultation on the proposal (and
any other valid plans submitted)
in November before a final
decision in March 2026.
October 23 in London.
To find out more, call 01424
533445, email collingtonpark@
oystercarehomes.co.uk or drop into
the home on Collington Lane East,
Bexhill, TN39 3RJ.

4 NEWS
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Dozens of residents come
together in support
of annual Midnight to
Midnight relay event
Hosting the 6am to 8am Loops for Midnight to Midnight Run
DOZENS of residents came
together recently to take part in
an event dedicated to celebrating
life and raising awareness of
suicide prevention.
RunningSpace’s annual Midnight
to Midnight relay saw more than
150 people come together on World
Suicide Prevention Day on September
10 for the 24-hour event.
On World Suicide Prevention
Day, September 10, more than
150 local residents came together
for RunningSpace’s annual
Midnight to Midnight relay,
a 24-hour event.
The initiative, now in its fifth
year, was created in response to the
tragic loss of two local residents to
suicide in 2021.
Beginning at The Pelham in
Sidley, groups gathered on the hour,
every hour, to pray before setting
off on a 3.1 mile / 5km walk or run
around the town.
Support came from across the
community including East Sussex
Fire and Rescue Service joining
them for two laps, while 21 young
people and leaders from Beulah
Baptist Church braved heavy rain
for the 6pm leg.
They were rewarded afterwards
with 18 large pizzas from local
business Pizza Base in Sidley.
The event was further supported
by Little Gate College, Rother
Voluntary Action, Out of the Blue,
Bexhill Foodbank, Bexhill HUG,
Ashburnham Place, as well as
volunteers at The Pelham, alongside
many residents who turned out
to walk and run.
Together, participants remembered
those lost to suicide while running
on behalf of those who struggle with
thoughts of suicide.
Together, participants remembered
those lost to and by the close of the 24
hours, the community had completed
198 laps covering an impressive 614
Jacqueline Youldon, founder of RunningSpace,
cheering on residents as they set off on their 6pm loop.
miles, and joined in prayer 24 times.
One participant described the day:
“If anyone is thinking about doing
it in future, all it costs is a little bit of
time, and you’ll get out way more
than you put in.
“Twenty-four hours later and I’m
still absolutely buzzing. There are
very few things, if any, that have
that effect on me.”
Organisers are already inviting
people to mark their calendars for
next year’s relay on September 10.
Lynda’s stained glass
window design wins
national competition
For more information on the work
of RunningSpace throughout the rest
of the year, see social media or head
to RunningSpace.org.
For more information about
safeTALK suicide prevention
training, please contact
RunningSpace at hello@
runningspace.org.
If you are struggling with life at the
moment, there is help available.
Call The Samaritans on 116123, or
text SHOUT to 85258
Midnight Start
Little Gate College staff and students were
joined by other community members
The 4pm Team
Midnight Finish
Lynda Philips with award-winning stained glass sign
A member of Bexhill Men’s Shed has won a national competition with her
stained glass window design.
Lynda Philips recreated the charity’s logo on stained glass and entered it
into the ShedFest 2025 event which was held at Worcester University.
Each year, the UK Men’s Shed Association (UKMSA) holds its annual
general meeting and exhibition with talks and demonstrations on
all things ‘shed.’
This year, a new category of competition among the more than 1,000
sheds was The Great Shed Sign-Off Competition for the most original and
creative shed sign.
Lynda’s handcrafted sign now takes pride of place in one of the windows of
the Bexhill Men’s Shed premises in Jameson Mews.
If you would like more information or would like to volunteer at
Bexhill Men’s Shed, visit www.bexhillmensshed.org.uk

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6 NEWS
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Service remembers those
who gave their lives during
the Battle of Britain
THE 1066 Branch of the Royal Air
Forces Association commemorated
the 85th anniversary of the
Battle of Britain at the war
memorial in Bexhill.
The branch was joined by the Vice
Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, civic
dignitaries from East Sussex County
Council, Rother District Council and
Bexhill Town Council.
Wreaths were laid, and Father
Robert Coates led a service of
remembrance and thanksgiving.
The vice chairman of East Sussex
County Council, Cllr Abul Azad,
attended the service on September
14 and laid a wreath on behalf of the
council to honour those who fought
Annual golf event tees up
more funds for charity as
grand total passes £100,000
DOZENS of golfers took part
in a popular annual charity
event raising £10,500 to take
the overall total since launch to
more than £100,000.
Smudger’s Charity Golf Day was
held at Highwoods Golf Club in
Ellerslie Lane with a field of 96 players
taking part and fantastic weather.
The money raised on the day took
the total amount of fundraising since
the first charity golf day in 2008 to
more than £100,000.
Smudger’s Legacy was set up in
November 2007 following the death of
Steve ‘Smudger’ Smith in a motorbike
accident. Steve was a local footballer
who was only 37-years-old and left
a young widow and three children.
He played for a few clubs during his
career but primarily for Hastings
United and made his senior debut
aged just 16-years-old.
and sacrificed during one of the most
pivotal moments in British history.
Reflecting on the occasion, Cllr
Azad said: “It was a privilege to attend
the service and to represent East
Sussex County Council in paying
tribute to those who served with such
courage and selflessness. Laying a
wreath on behalf of the council was
an immense honour, and standing
alongside veterans and members
of our community was a deeply
moving experience.”
He added: “The Battle of Britain
remains a defining chapter in our
nation’s history — a time when
extraordinary bravery and resilience
safeguarded our freedom. The legacy
Darren Smith and Dave Grass at Highwoods Golf Club
During the golf day, Ady Wheatcroft
from Ace Golf Challenge entertain
the players on the par three, 10th hole
providing a ‘Beat The Pro Challenge.’
Steve’s brother, Darren Smith,
of those who fought is not only one of
military achievement but also of
duty, unity, and courage in the face
of overwhelming adversity. These
values remain just as important for us
today, inspiring future generations
and reminding us of the price of the
freedoms we enjoy.”
Cllr Azad also emphasised the
council’s ongoing commitment to
veterans and to ensuring that their
stories continue to be remembered:
“As a council and as a community,
we are steadfast in our dedication to
honouring our veterans. It is vital that
we continue to share their stories with
future generations, ensuring that
their sacrifices are never forgotten
said: “We were blessed with fantastic
weather and the day was a great
success with Tony Burt winning the
individual stableford competition
with 42 points.
and that the principles they stood for
— freedom, democracy, and unity —
are preserved and upheld.”
Squadron leader, Andrew Skinner,
RAFVR(T), chairman of 1066
Branch of the Royal Air Forces
Association, said: “Between July
and October 1940, the German
Luftwaffe launched numerous
attacks in the skies over Britain. The
Royal Air Force’s Fighter Command
rose to fight them in the air day
after day, eventually inflicting a
heavy defeat on the enemy and
bringing about a significant turning
point in the war.
“Nearly 3,000 men of the Royal Air
Force and Air Forces throughout the
Commonwealth, Europe, even USA
and Ireland took part in the Battle.
Sadly, 544 of these men were killed
in the air and a further 312 on the
ground. The average age of these
“In the evening, we were treated
to a great show from comedian
Aaron James who was hilarious and
had the lads in stitches throughout
his performance.
“Aaron also auctioned off 10, four
ball vouchers and managed to raise
£3,475 from these alone. The amount
of money raised this year was a
fantastic £10,500 which exceeded
our expectations.
“I would like to thank all the hole
sponsors and golfers for their
generosity and supporting our day.
I would like to thank Paul McMath
from Prosper Home Loans who
sponsored the day and helped cover
the cost of Aaron James and also a
big thank you to Danny Sallows from
GMP Accountants for covering the
cost of the scorecard holders for
the 96 players.”
In March 2008, more than 70 friends
and family took part in the local
Hastings Half Marathon and raised
£17,000. This money was shared
between his young family, Kent
Air Ambulance, and the Conquest
Hospital’s Cancer Unit.
Every year since July 2008, a charity
golf day has been held beginning
at Sedlescombe Golf Club with 112
golfers attending the event.
brave young men was just 20 years
old, and they were training to be
fighter pilots for just two weeks.”
He added: “On parade were 14
standards from The RAF Association,
Royal British Legion, Veterans
Associations, RAF Air Cadets, Sidley
Marine Cadet Corps and a Polish
Standard representing 302 and 303
Polish Fighter Squadrons.
“The event was also very well
attended by Veterans from across the
county, air and marine cadets from
Bexhill, Battle and Hastings.
“Following the service, a reception
lunch was enjoyed at The Albatross
Club in Bexhill.
The parade was an event also
enjoyed by members of our
community who came together to
remember all those who served and
lost their lives during the Battle of
Britain. We will remember them.”
Darren added: “Smudger’s
Charity Golf Day is always so well
supported by local businesses,
family and friends. Since 2016,
when we first held the event at
Highwoods GC in Bexhill, local
comedian Adger Brown has kindly
hosted the evening and this has
included him auctioning many items
over the years.
“The two charities for this year
will be Dragon Flies Children’s
Bereavement Charity who
supported my brother’s three
children when he died. They are a
Hastings-based charity who really
appreciate our support.
“The other charity will be The
Brain Tumour Research Charity —
they looked after one of our former
school mates, Paul Balch, who passed
away three years ago following
a brain tumour.”
Darren added that a third of the
monies raised this year is being
donated to the family of local
footballer Pete Heritage to help with
his ongoing care costs.
Pete started playing football at
Little Common when he was 15. He
went on to play professionally with
Gillingham before moving on to
Doncaster and Hereford.

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8 NEWS
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Derek at the Bexhill Men’s Shed stand at the Bexhill 100 Car Show with Dr Kieran Mullan MP
Derek Merkl
‘He touched the lives
of everyone he met’
ONE of the founders of the Bexhill
Men’s Shed has died at the age of 79.
Derek Merkl, the chairman of the
shed, passed away on September 9.
His wife, Sue, said he “touched
the lives of everyone he met” and
paid him the following tribute:
“Derek loved life. He was interested
in everything from tools used by
craftsmen in a bygone age to making
the best use of Artificial Intelligence.
He was also a big man with a big
personality. He touched the lives of
everyone he met because he was so
enthusiastic about the things that
interested him — and everything
interested him.
You always knew when Derek was
in the vicinity. His voice was loud and
strong, preceding him everywhere.
Always smartly dressed with a natty
colourful cravat, you could not miss
him. He was a true gentleman.
Derek did not do well at school. If
he’d been in education now, he would
have been diagnosed with something
like ADHD. His attention span was
minute but it made him the man he
became — interested in everything.
His schooling had a lasting impact
on him though. He never believed
he was bright and intelligent. A
legendary line from one of Derek’s
Derek Merkl at Bexhill Men’s Shed during a visit by MP Huw Merriman
school reports said, “Derek will go far,
just not at school”.
The advent of the calculator
radically altered Derek’s way of life.
He found he was good with figures.
Coupled with his extraordinary
personality and his wish to give
people what they wanted, he began
a life-long career in selling and
became international sales director
for Dunlop sport shoes and later in
electronic aircraft manufacturers’
publications, then computer software
programmes for the military.
In 2002, following redundancy, he
and wife Sue bought a guest house in
the centre of Bath. It was so successful
that they were able to buy a second
one, Three Abbey Green, which won
many awards over the next 15 years.
It was during this time that Derek
became really interested in rural
crafts and the loss of all the skills
which this country relied on in earlier
times. He became a ‘Bodger’ with a
group near Salisbury and learned
how to make chairs.
Derek could never throw away
anything that was broken. Fixing
things became his passion and out
of this was borne his desire to set
up a group who could mend things
for the community, while finding
companionship by working together.
The advent of Covid put all this on
hold for a while but just confirmed his
Derek’s 70th bithday at the Roman Baths in Bath
understanding that men need groups
too. Finally Derek and two friends
teamed up with Alice Davey and
Rother Voluntary Action to launch
Bexhill Men’s Shed.
It was so successful that a year
later they started looking for new
premises. The shed is now located
in Jameson Mews in Bexhill and still
going from strength to strength.
Derek’s other great passion was
his commitment to Alcoholics
Anonymous. His inability to
concentrate on anything in his early
life often caused him problems
and he realised that alcohol hid
these problems.
By the time he was 30, he found
his way to treatment and never
drank again. He was always really
mindful how easy it was to slip back
into old ways and did everything in
his power to help others struggling
with addiction to alcohol. Nearly 50
years later, Derek was still regularly
attending AA meetings, still trying
to help others.
Essentially though, Derek was a
family man. He loved being with his
family and wanted to be a meaningful
part of their lives.
He did everything he could to help
his children, Richard, Lucie and
Abigail, his step daughters Nici and
Fiona and 10 grandchildren to use
their skills to achieve their dreams,
ambitions and goals. Derek was
one of a kind. His death has left a
large void in the lives of not only his
immediate family but his cousins,
nephews and nieces. Derek was
unique. He will be sorely missed.’’
Rother District Councillor Terry
Byrne, who is a member of the
Bexhill Men’s Shed, said: “I first
met Derek when I heard about the
Men’s Shed. The idea appealed
to me personally as a bit of a DIY
enthusiast and as a councillor I
thought it would be a great thing for
Bexhill in general.
He invited me round for a chat and
I was bowled over by his enthusiasm.
As we chatted I also discovered that
we had both been brought up in the
same area of North West London and
it turned out that I had bought my first
Seventy Eight record from one of his
father’s shops .
Thus began our friendship and our
long chats over take-away curries.
The more I found out about Derek
the more I was in awe of the sheer
amount of things he had managed to
cram into his life but Derek was not
one for looking backward.
His plans for the organisation of the
shed and his ideas for future projects
were all brilliant and under his
guidance the Bexhill Men’s shed went
from strength to strength.
But he was also very conscious of
the social aspects of the shed and
the support it could provide for the
retired community of the town. Derek
was very much a people person.
The shed was lucky to have such an
energetic, imaginative, humorous
and all round good bloke
I’m sure that I can speak for all the
shed members when I say that he will
be greatly missed.’’

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10 NEWS
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Bexhill 100 gives thousands
to local good causes
The team behind Bexhill Heritage
PHOTOS: JTP53 PHOTOGRAPHY
A record-breaking summer for the
Bexhill 100 Classic & Custom Show
has ended on a high note with the
presentation of £24,000 to four
local charities.
Members of the Bexhill 100
Motoring Club gathered for a special
social evening to celebrate the
success of the August Bank Holiday
show and to hand over cheques to this
year’s beneficiaries. Thanks to the
support of visitors, volunteers and
main sponsor Trenchline Utilities,
the club was able to donate £6,000
each to Hastings RNLI, Bexhill
A taste of Tapestry life at
public exhibition showcasing
new homes coming to Battle
LOCAL residents and house
hunters will have the opportunity
to explore the new homes coming
to the ‘Tapestry at Blackfriars’
development in Battle during a
special event taking place at Battle
Memorial Hall on 24 October 2025.
‘Introducing Tapestry at Blackfriars’
is a free, public event organised
by Rother DC Housing Company
(RDCHC) which will showcase the
new 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes
currently under construction at the
Association of Carers collect a cheque from Bexill 100 team
development — its name inspired
by the Bayeaux Tapestry which tells
the story of the Norman Conquest of
1066 which sealed Battle’s place in
British history.
Visitors are invited to drop in
between 4pm and 7pm to view site
plans and computer-generated
images (CGIs) of the properties.
Those interested in buying a new
home can register their interest in the
first properties soon to be released for
market sale and shared ownership.
Hastings RNLI receive the donation
£6000 was given to the Bexhill Beach Garden
Home builders, Greymoor
Construction, will be in attendance
to provide more details about the
building programme, site layout and
build designs.
“We’re looking forward to this
latest opportunity to meet local
residents, update everyone on
our progress, and showcase the
new homes,” said Graham Morris,
Managing Director of Greymoor
Construction. “Building homes
goes hand in hand with building
Heritage, the Association of Carers,
and Bexhill Beach Garden.
A D V E R T I S E R P R O M O T I O N
Tapestry at Battle — birds eye view of RDCHC development
communities, and we’re excited to be
part of Battle’s future. We encourage
everyone to pop in to see what’s on
offer and how the new development
will look once it reaches completion
in Autumn 2027.”
Visitors will also discover how
project partners are working
together with community groups
and local businesses to create
a thriving new community at
Tapestry, through street naming
competitions and community tree
planting projects planned as part of
Battle’s 2027 celebrations to mark
the 1000th anniversary of the birth of
William the Conqueror.
“Everyone is welcome along to
discover more about the wonderful
new homes coming to Battle and
we can’t wait to welcome the first
residents to Tapestry from early
2026,” said Richard Thomas, Chair
of Rother DC Housing Company.
“This public event marks an exciting
milestone for Rother DC Housing
Company. In partnership with
Rother District Council, Places
for People, and with vital funding
from Homes England, we are
successfully delivering our first major
housing project - the largest such
development rural Rother has seen
for over 10 years.”
Leading UK social enterprise,
Places for People (PfP) will also
be in attendance to discuss the
affordable housing options. John
Kerr, Regional Managing Director
Representatives from all four
charities attended the presentation to
receive their cheques and to thank the
club for its fundraising efforts. The
donations will help fund lifesaving
work at sea, preserve Bexhill’s
historic architecture, support unpaid
carers, and maintain the popular
community garden on the seafront.
Club officials hailed the 2025 show
as one of the best yet, with thousands
of visitors flocking to the Polegrove to
admire hundreds of classic, custom
and vintage vehicles.
Now in its 20th year, the event has
raised more than £200,000 for local
causes since its launch in 2005, firmly
establishing itself as one of the town’s
biggest community fundraisers.
Chris Speck from Bexhill 100
Motoring Club said: “We are
incredibly grateful to everyone who
exhibited, attended and volunteered
at this year’s show. Their support
means we can continue to give back
to the community while celebrating
Bexhill’s proud motoring heritage.”
During the evening, an update
was given following the group’s
nomination in the BBC Make a
Difference Awards, where it was
‘Highly Commended’.
Plans are already in motion for the
next Bexhill 100 Classic & Custom
Show, with organisers promising
even more motoring magic when the
event returns to the Polegrove in 2026.
for Places for People Developments,
South East commented: “At PfP,
we create thriving communities
with people at the heart of our
developments. As the sector’s
biggest builder of new family homes
over the past year, we deliver and
partner in locations where we
know we can make a meaningful
difference. We’re proud of the
relationship we’ve established with
Rother DC Housing Company
and excited to deliver all the 130
homes we acquire from RDCHC as
affordable tenures.”
At the event, visitors will have the
opportunity to:
• Meet the Tapestry sales team
• Meet the contractors -
Greymoor Construction
• View a range of 2, 3
and 4-bedroom homes
available to buy
• Register interest in buying a
new home off plan
• Find out about shared
ownership opportunities
• Explore Tapestry’s eco-friendly
and landscaping features
‘Introducing Tapestry at Blackfriars’
takes place on Friday 24 October at
Battle Memorial Hall, 81 High Street,
Battle, TN33 0AQ. All members of
the public are welcome to drop in
between 4pm and 7pm.
Those interested in finding out more
about homes for sale at ‘Tapestry
at Blackfriars’ can register their
interest at: www.tapestrylife.co.uk

CASH OR AUCTION
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Costume Jewellery • Watches working or not
Coins, Medals and Militaria • Wines & Spirits
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FULL Probate and House Clearance Service in Operation

12 NEWS
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
POLITICAL POINT SCORING?
DEAR EDITOR, I note the local MP’s
comment on broken pledges by the
current government.
Perhaps a little reminder that his party
had 14 years to sort the problem out
with many failed pledges and schemes,
including the purchase of the ‘Northeye’
prison site for £15.3 million of our money,
when there was clear evidence that the
site would be unsuitable.
Instead of point scoring, how about
all parties uniting to resolve this
mounting problem.
Paul Goodwin.
LATEST WATER BILL
QUESTIONED
DEAR EDITOR, Readers will have
received their latest September 2025
Water Bill for both clean and dirty
water. They include various bits of
information, which should be challenged
and invite us all to send our views to
them. It’s free, readers!
Here is my contribution sent to the
water authority:
“Having been in communication
with you concerning your actual
Construction Work carried out on site
as opposed to planned for the future
— for some time, I was informed in
writing of your 5-year Management
Plans — including receipt of your 50-year
Management Plan 2025-75! These seem
to conflict with the info sent with your
Sept 2025 bill.
1. Arlington 2 Reservoir — ready for
2035? No! Ready for 2041? No, ‘deferred
until exciting plans for customers
reducing their water consumption and
some of the huge clean water losses
are reduced by actual significant
leakage prevention’.
Your latest bill info sheet states
‘extending the existing Arlington
Reservoir.’ When please? Or are just
going to dig it deeper?
2. Your latest bill info blames Ofwat for
your appalling record of infrastructure
improvement, water storage and huge
daily clean water losses through leaks.
This is palpably untrue. It was and
remains the Company’s decision to
under-invest for decades.
Your reference to Lullington Heath
Nature Reserve as your significant
achievement is an insult to your
customers’ intelligence.
Your reference to SW’s £1.6b spend
since 2021 was raised by the owners,
a Foreign Investment Company has a
growing huge debt, just like Thames
Water, who expect ‘a taxpayers handout’
to rescue them.
Only recently have both the Media
and Governments accepted/understood
your deliberate underfunding of the UK
Water Industry and forced you and the
other Water Companies to actually plan
and fund the obvious increased need
for more water storage and effective
treatment of wastewater. Also, at last,
you are being fined for your non-actions.
You remain unrepentant and
continue to mislead your customers
— shame on you.
A retired Professional Water Engineer.
GREEN CREDENTIALS
DEAR EDITOR, Your correspondent
(September issue) highlights the
urgent need to invest in ‘green energy’.
I thought we were already doing so,
with ‘green’ levies on our gas and
electricity bills, steel imported because
energy prices (qv) make UK production
uneconomic, vast subsidies paid to the
most polluting of power stations which
burn unsustainable timber shipped from
the other side of the world, etc.
‘Green’ solutions all come with their
downsides: pollution and other dangers
due to extraction of rare metals for
battery production; greater fire risk for
electric vehicles thus powered; increased
air pollution due to brake pad and tyre
particulates of these heavier vehicles;
‘green’ products manufactured in
other countries, probably using power
generated by burning coal and (allegedly)
using slave labour.
Thanks to the ‘green lobby’, much
of the fossil fuel we still use comes
from abroad, natural gas shipped from
America and the most polluting and
inferior coal from various sources,
because we are not allowed to mine
good-quality coal in Wales and Cumbria.
The ‘green activists’ are of course
correct in their assertion that we
are harming the planet, but the
fact is that we have been ‘sold a lie’
by the multi-million pound ‘green
propaganda’ machine.
The only way to reverse the damage
would be to revert to a pre-industrial
revolution society with all that entailed,
in addition to becoming vegan, as farm
animals are also great pollutants.
Even if we were to agree to this,
there would be little benefit to the
planet unless we could persuade the
countries responsible for the other
99% of CO2 emissions to follow our
example. No doubt our MP is already
aware of this, and that might be why
he has not acquiesced to the pressure
group’s demands.
Bruce A MacPhee
CYCLES ON PAVEMENTS
DEAR EDITOR, In reply to Sue
Tyson’s question re Cyclists on the
Pavement (September 2025 edition),
yes, it IS illegal. The Highway Code
states very clearly: You must not
ride on the pavement and cites two
laws on the matter.
Roger Siggery
GLOBAL POLLUTION,
LOCAL PAIN
DEAR EDITOR, Ms. W. Gubby wrote last
month, urging the cessation of fossil fuel
use in order ‘to save the planet’. Green
renewable energy is, apparently, the
answer.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
To write to the editor,
email: letters@bexhill.news
The carbon emissions generated by
this country are microscopic compared
to those from China, which is building
coal-fired power stations on a vast scale.
Russia also pours out heroic amounts
of harmful gases. India contributes in
this way, too, as well as contributing
from domestic fires used for cooking
and heating. As the population of India
is about a billion, this is a lot of pollution.
The USA has no interest at all in cutting
carbon emissions and is increasing
drilling for fossil fuels.
If Milliband gets his way and the UK
eliminates all emissions (which isn’t
going to happen), it would have no
effect whatever on global warming.
The cost of green energy, by way of
huge government subsidies (in other
words, taxpayers’ money), would go
some way towards bankrupting the
country. What would happen is that
the impoverished British would be
shivering in the dark while the rest of
the world carried on as usual, laughing
at us the while.
Like it or not, we need to drill in the
North Sea and frack on land, not chop
down mature trees in north America.
D. D. Shadwell, De La Warr Road
Have you something to say?
Send your letters to the editor by
emailing: letters@bexhill.news
SCAN, KNOW & GO!
Every bus stop in East Sussex has a QR
code that can tell you everything you
need to know about your journey.
Simply scan the code with
your smart phone for
departure times and
service updates.

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news OCTOBER 2025 ADVERTORIAL 13
From Biggin Hill to your backyard —
the Spitfires lighting up our skies
If you’ve ever paused in your
garden, looked up and heard
the unmistakable roar of a Rolls-
Royce Merlin engine, you’re not
imagining things.
Those graceful Spitfires that sweep
across our skies several times a day
aren’t ghosts from the past, they’re
very real and closer to home than
you might think.
Operating from historic RAF
Biggin Hill and other UK airfields,
Flyaspitfire.com keeps these icons of
the Battle of Britain alive and flying.
The company maintains and
restores a remarkable fleet of
original Spitfires, several of which
often fly over our towns and over
landmarks such as Beachy Head
and the White Cliffs of Dover, giving
residents unforgettable glimpses of
living history.
Flyaspitfire.com, the World’s
largest Spitfire operator offers
Warbird experience flights across
the UK, at Biggin Hill, Cotswold,
Blackbushe, Blackpool, Norwich and
Swansea Airports.
The company’s Headquarters
is based at Biggin Hill Airport, on
the famous Battle of Britain fighter
station, is an airport which was in the
centre of the Battle of Britain during
the heights of 1940, operating both
Spitfires and Hurricanes.
RAF Biggin Hill is now home to
Flyaspitfire.com operating Spitfire
and Mustang flights, and the Sister
company, The Spitfire Company
(Biggin Hill) Ltd, which restores and
maintains Spitfires and to date has
restored almost twenty Spitfires of
various marks.
Onsite amongst its two hangars,
it houses up to sixteen Spitfires in
various conditions, from airworthy
aircraft, to undergoing projects and
aircraft awaiting restoration.
The company offers weekday
guided tours of its Hangars at Biggin
Hill so you can get the chance, to
view the largest collection of Spitfires
under one roof and see what it takes
to restore and maintain the most
iconic fighter.
The company operates three Two
seat Spitfires; these are original two
seat conversions. Its three two seat
Spitfires were built as single seat
Spitfires during WW2 and were then
sold onto Vickers Armstrong after
the war, Vickers converted them
to two seat configurations, to then
be sold to the Irish Air Corps as a
high-speed trainer.
It is the only operator that flies
three of the original conversions,
including one its two seat Spitfires
Spitfire T9 (MJ627) which shot
down a Messerschmitt me109 over
Arnhem in 1944, piloted by Canadian
pilot Sid Bregman.
Its second two seat Spitfire T9
(TE308), is nicknamed ‘Sharky’, as she
is currently painted in the scheme
of the Grey Nurse Squadron of Royal
Australian Airforce, a genuine
Australian Spitfire scheme with
Sharks teeth from WW2.
She was also a Movie star, (TE308)
was used in the filming of the 1969
Battle of Britain movie, all the cockpit
scenes in the film were shot in the
front cockpit of te308, with the pilot
flying the Spitfire from the rear
seat, so they could capture inside
cockpit views.
The company’s third two-seater,
another unique aircraft, Spitfire
Mk8 (MT818), the only Mk8 two seat
Spitfire in existence, as well as the last
remaining Spitfire prototype.
When Vickers converted the
Spitfires to two seat configuration,
they created a series of prototypes
to test the design, its Mk8 Spitfire
(MT818) was one of them, she is likely
one of the most original Spitfires
flying in the world and now flying
passengers in an American scheme as
Lady Ellen III.
Its three two seaters are painted
in the schemes of Royal Air Force,
USAAF and Australian Air Force, its
way of remembering allies that flew
Spitfires in WW2.
Experiences range from 30 minute
to 75 minute flights, all available on
the Spitfire and Mustang. Two of its
most popular experiences includes
Beachy Head and the famous White
Cliffs of Dover.
For the Beachy experience, you
depart from Biggin Hill, heading
south passing over Sevenoaks,
Tonbridge and Royal Tunbridge
Wells. At a cruise speed of around
200mph, the south downs will come
into view and you will overfly Beachy
Head and the lighthouse and after
the option to do a couple of Victory
rolls you’ll make your way back
to Biggin Hill.
With a full range of packages,
there’s the opportunity to share the
experience with friends and family,
with its Piper Saratoga Chase Plane
which joins alongside your Spitfire
Experience, allowing friends and
family the opportunity to join the
experience and enjoy close up Air to
Air photography and memories that
will last a lifetime.
To book your flight, visit
flybaspitfire.com, email
office@flyaspitfire.com or
call 01959 576 767.
CAA APPROVED TWO SEAT SPITFIRE FLIGHTS FROM £3250
NOW FROM BIGGIN HILL, BLACKBUSHE, SWANSEA, BLACKPOOL, NORWICH AND COTSWOLD AIRPORTS
SPITFIRE FACTORY TOURS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM £49
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WWW.FLYASPITFIRE.COM | 01959 576 767

14 NEWS
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
One of the workshops Volunteer Brian Seares joined in 2023
Bexhill Men’s Shed thriving
after move to new premises
IT is almost a year since Bexhill
Men’s Shed’s new premises was
officially opened after it made the
short move across town.
The Bexhill News recently went
along to take a look around the new
premises and meet some of the
volunteers working there.
Last June, the charity made the
move out of its original site in London
Road to much larger premises at
Jameson Mews, off Jameson Road,
into a 6,000 sq ft building, taking on
a three year lease. It was officially
opened last November.
The transition has allowed it
to provide much more space for
its volunteers and many more
opportunities for it to grow and
develop its work.
Since moving into the building,
more than 40 members have joined
up taking membership to 160 with
about a third being women.
Julian Griffiths, chairman and
trustee, joined just before the
move and helped to coordinate the
transition. He said: “I managed
the move here. We had to clean
everything out of the old place, move
it all here, install it all here.
“We ended up with two furniture
vans going continuously back and
forth for two days with the sheer
amount, even after we cleared out
a load of the stuff, which included
getting rid of quite a lot of old tools
that were surplus, to a charity
called Tools With A Mission who we
still work with.
“This space here is 6,000 square feet
over two floors. We have got three
workshops, five classrooms upstairs
plus parking and we are very close to
the railway station.
“So we got here and sorted ourselves
out a bit, membership just kept
growing and growing, and of course,
more and more ideas came along
about, ‘well we could do this, we could
do that’ – there were just so many
things being floated.
“We had to try and work out what
our priorities were, which we
established, we get the workshops
going and now we are looking at
what’s maybe called phase two,
things like stained glass, upholstery,
IT — all those sort of things have come
on board in the last three or four
months as a mixture of new members
have come in with those skills and
members here want to learn some
of those skills.
“Woodturning being a good
example, where we have two very
good wood turners. And, as we have
three lathes, we now have a Friday
club, an hour a time, three people
at a time being shown how to do
wood turning and that’s growing and
growing all the time.
“Everyone here has different
backgrounds. We tend to
have, I would say, a mixture of
many members who have got
practical skills where they have
been carpenters, electricians
or shop fitters.
“We’re almost there I think
in terms of the extra things we
can offer. And equally, we have
probably had another 40 or 50
members join who’ve got many more
skills, a wide variety of skills from
aeronautical engineers, software
engineers. It just amazes me how
many people you get coming in
and saying ‘I’m interested in either
practical skills or I want to help to try
The building provides 6,000 sq ft of space over two floors
Office space

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news OCTOBER 2025 NEWS 15
A hedgehog box and a cat box made by members
Chairman and Trustee, Julian Griffiths
and organise and run the charity.
“Because I think there is the need
for men to meet other men, to create
friendships, relationships and
get involved.”
The shed is open Monday and
Tuesday only for men and Wednesday
and Thursday for everyone.
“It is very interesting on
Wednesday, Thursday how the
relationships are building in terms
of the practical skills the men have
and are showing the women and
the women, some of the artistic and
creative skills that they have are being
passed to the men. We are evolving in
terms of what we do, what we make
for other charities and to sell. We
recently made a lot of hobby horses
for The Bexhill Horse Show.”
The focus of mental health and
welfare is still at the forefront of what
the charity does.
“I think that is something we
are getting better and better at,”
added Julian. “Myself and others
who have the role of shed leaders,
health and safety and first aiders,
start realising that person has been
quiet for the last couple of days,
or since last time I saw them or
haven’t seen them for a while. So
you get in touch to find out. And you
start learning, and I think it is very
important, the signs of, maybe, early
dementia or they’ve got a long-term
medical condition.
“Some members are quite open.
They join the shed and say ‘I have
early onset dementia so bear with me
while I learn and do things.’ And over
time, it’s probably improved their
mental skills.
“The other thing I think we’ve
realised, is that, not everybody
sees the signs of these diseases
or conditions, so we just told the
members recently we are going to
start a series of ‘shed chats’ during
the autumn. One of them, for
example, will be about prostate and
breast cancer. So we intend getting
external speakers to come in to
speak for 15 minutes or so and then
have questions.”
And summing up the move, Julian
said: “None of this would have
happened in the old premises. It
would’ve been 30 or 40 members in a
small, cramped woodworking shop.
It would not really have grown.
“The fact that we’ve found these
much larger premises and we’re on a
short fixed-term lease at the moment,
has given us the scope to literally
open our doors and take on anything
almost really.”
Volunteer Brian Seares, 66, joined
in February 2023. The semi-retired,
computer aided designer, said:
“Before I moved down to Bexhill,
before lockdown, I managed a team
of 20 people in a buzzing office, so I
was used to interacting with everyone
on a daily basis in the office.
“Suddenly in lockdown, I felt
very isolated working from home.
Shortly after we moved, I was
made redundant. I managed to
find another job which was purely
working from home. Some days, I
had no contact with anyone from
the company, so I wanted to get back
into an environment where I could
interact with others.”
Brian’s wife saw an advert in a local
paper for the Men’s Shed inviting
people to an open day and then he
decided to join.
He added: “It was a very friendly
and knowledgable group of people
with different skills and experiences.
I’ve have done a fair bit of DIY
but I wasn’t really an expert in
woodwork and it was good to see that
there were people willing to share
their expertise.
“The facilities (at London Road)
where we had one room, it was
good that people were working
more closely together, but
having noisy equipment in the
same area, occasionally made
conversation difficult.
“So, the fact that we have a lot more
space now, we have allocated quieter
areas and a machine room for the
noisier equipment. It’s amazing the
facilities we have on offer.”
Visit www.bexhillmensshed.org.uk
Peter Fawcett
Members Keith Youngs and Graham Jenner
BMS members Tony Pilton and Keith Youngs
Dave Harris

16 REGULARS
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
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!
A TURKISH DELIGHT BY THE SEASIDE
BY GARY VAN DEN BUSSCHE
TUCKED just outside the town centre,
near the seafront on the corner of
Pevensey Road in Eastbourne, this
family-run Turkish restaurant has been
a local favourite since it first opened its
doors in 2003.
With space for around 40 diners, it
offers an inviting setting for everything
from birthdays to cosy date nights — and
it never disappoints.
At the heart of the restaurant lies an
open kitchen, where a large charcoal grill
takes centre stage. Guests can watch
as the chef expertly prepares each dish
over glowing coals, filling the air with
mouth-watering aromas. There’s nothing
quite like the flavour of food cooked on a
real fire right before your eyes.
I love the idea of small plates and
sharing food, the term ‘meze’ comes
from the Persian word mazzeh, meaning
‘taste’ or ‘snack’, a name that perfectly
describes the concept of Meze.
The practice of serving small plates of
food dates back to ancient civilisations
in the Mediterranean and Middle East,
where it was common at gatherings,
special occasions and feasts.
During the Ottoman Empire, meze
became a prominent part of both royal
and everyday dining. It was integral to
palace cuisine and was served at a lavish
banquet. As the Ottoman Empire spread,
the tradition of meze evolved and spread
to various regions, with each area adding
its own unique, local ingredients and
flavours to adapt to local tastes.
Many menus feature eight courses
that can include Fish, meats, poultry,
cheese, dips, and fruit. Fast forward
to today and every restaurant’s meze
can be different.
When you arrive, you are brought
a complimentary plate of black and
green olives, herb butter, a delicious
crumbled cheese and an amazing hot,
risen, thin, 10-inch bread that you just
tear apart whilst telling yourself to save
space for starters!
For today’s lunch in Eastbourne, my
friend and I both chose the meze priced
at £47.50, which we shared.
Included in that price is a starter of our
choice, we chose the cold meze starter
of various dips which included, Humus
& Tzatziki (Aubergine, onion, garlic,
tomatoes) and stuffed vine leaves.
When the starters arrived, it was
a beautiful plate of our chosen dips,
which were a perfect marriage
with that delicious bread, just right
for two people.
If you wanted to, you could have
added hot starters, for example, Filo
pastry parcels stuffed with feta and
parsley (£9.80), grilled Halloumi( £9.80),
Shrimps sauteed in chilli butter (£11.90).
If you did this, I’m sure this would
stretch to three people easily.
The main was a charger-sized plate
full of three pieces chicken cubes, three
pieces lamp cubes, a single piece of lamb
cutlet, finely minced spicy single piece
lamb, and two pieces of chicken wings.
Served with bulgur wheat, grilled
tomatoes, and grilled green peppers,
accompanied with a side dish of a
shepherd salad (finely chopped tomato,
cucumber and onions), lemon, pita bread
and sour cream.
What a feast we shared, and we both
left very full with no room for dessert,
with the total cost of £47.50.
There are many other choice on the
menu that you don’t have to share such
as Seabass, Seabream, cooked in a clay
dish with garlic, lemon and onions (£25)
Salmon, Vegetarian Musaka (£22),
Mixed Vegetable kebabs, many lamb
and chicken dishes, Lamb meatballs
with garlic, pepper & onion (£22.60),
lamb shank baked in a clay dish with
tomatoes and garlic.
All these dishes come served with
bulgar wheat or salad, they even do
Turkish pizza at around £16, and yes you
guessed it, some of these pizzas include
their much-loved lamb!
The restaurant is licensed and the
prices are really average and fair, the
atmosphere and decor is wonderful.
We really enjoyed our meal here, as I’m
sure you will also.
Meze is situated at 15 Pevensey Road,
Eastbourne, BN21 3HR and open daily
12pm-11.30pm
Tel: 01323 731893
www.meze-restaurant.co.uk
Reducing Risk, Saving
Lives – Together.
Please take part in our short survey to have
your voice heard on the plans for the future
of East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
Our plan is focused on improving public safety, reducing the number of
incidents, and saving lives, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our
communities.
Please scan the QR code or visit www.esfrs.org/savinglives to have your say

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news OCTOBER 2025 NEWS 17
Pages Lane
Scarecrows raise
£300 for Hospice
RESIDENTS of Pages Lane in Bexhill
turned their street into a festival of
creativity in September for the sixth
annual Scarecrow Event, drawing
neighbours and visitors together in
a celebration of community spirit.
The popular tradition saw
dozens of residents construct
imaginative scarecrows to raise
money for charity, with this year’s
efforts bringing in £300 for St
Michael’s Hospice.
Since the event began six years
ago, the street has supported seven
different charities and raised an
impressive £1,450 in total.
Organiser Val Yates once again led
the preparations, which included a
tombola, children’s games and prizes
for the best scarecrows.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Memish Huseyin
and Former Mayor Lynn Langlands
judged the entries, praising the high
standard and the enthusiasm of
young participants.
Mrs Langlands said: “The standard
of the scarecrows is always really
high, and it was great to see so
many children taking part this
year. These little local events are so
special as they bring enjoyment to
the community and support local
charities that we desperately need.
Well done to everyone.”
Despite a few showers, visitors
enjoyed a lively afternoon, with the
top prizes going to ‘Taylor Swift’,
created by local children, and
‘The Beekeeper’, complete with
a buzzing hive.

18 ADVERTORIAL
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS
BY DOUG OLIVER, COUNCILLOR AND COUNCIL LEADER
No surprise that Bexhill should
be named best seaside town
I often comment on how lucky we
are to live in such a beautiful part of
the country and am thrilled when
people from outside Rother agree.
So, imagine my delight to see
Bexhill-on-Sea top a national
newspaper’s list of the best seaside
towns in England and Wales recently.
It follows a successful summer with
a Seaside Award for Bexhill beach and
a Green Flag for Egerton Park.
It’s no surprise to me that Bexhill
should be named the best seaside
town and it could be great news for
the economy - putting Bexhill and
Rother on the map and encouraging
tourists to pay a visit.
There has been a lot of talk about the
Local Government Reorganisation
which will see unitary authorities
created across Sussex — this is where
one council will take responsibility
for all services from waste collection
and planning to schools and roads.
Local authorities have been asked
to submit proposals to Government
by September 26, and work has
continued over the summer months.
The East Sussex-wide public
consultation launched in May
garnered 14,000 responses which will
help us fine-tune the proposal and I
am extremely grateful for everyone
who took time to share their views.
The proposals will be considered
by Rother District Council’s cabinet
later this month.
More details about the survey
results and the joint business case for
a single unitary council in East Sussex
can be found online at www.rother.
gov.uk/news/more-than-14000-
voices-have-their-say-on-the-futureshape-of-east-sussex/
Since the council declared a climate
emergency in 2019, a great deal
of work has taken place to reduce
the authority’s emissions and help
address climate change.
As we continue to work towards
our ambitious target to be a net zero
district by 2030, I am pleased to say
that we have recently joined the Easit
East Sussex initiative, a green travel
scheme that encourages council
staff to use sustainable transport to
commute to work.
We are keen to support our staff to
reduce their own carbon footprints
and to encourage our employees to
travel to work in more sustainable
and environmentally friendly ways
and set a good example to others
in the district.
In more good news, this summer
has also seen Rother Voluntary
Action (RVA) awarded Reaching
Communities funding from the
National Lottery to expand and
develop their rural work in Rother.
I was pleased to hear RVA had been
successful in their bid for funding,
which will be used to research and
develop how rural hubs can bring
together communities and services,
building confidence and skills, and
helping to tackle poverty and healthbased
inequalities.
RVA supports hundreds of
voluntary groups across Rother. This
funding will enable them to work
with local communities over the
next two years to bring about change
which is great news for our district.
Autumn also seems like a good time
to try a new activity or sport as a way
to keep socialising and active over the
colder months.
If you need inspiration, why not
try one of the events that are taking
place during over the next few
weeks as part of the countywide Full
of Life Festival.
The Full of Life events programme
offers a range free and paid-for
activities for the 50-plus age group,
all celebrating the role older people
play in our communities — with many
of the events taking place in Rother.
There’s pickleball, walking football
and netball, bowls, chair-based
aerobics and over-50s judo. If you
fancy something a little more sedate,
you could join one of the Friends
Altogether in Rother sessions for tea
and cake, or the Bexhill Museum
coffee morning.
There are also events to help people
plan for necessary changes in later
life, and a session offering advice on
how to reduce the risk of falling and
improve strength and balance.
For more information visit
https://www.eastsussex.gov.
uk/community/over-50s/full-oflife-events#Rother

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news OCTOBER 2025 REGULARS 19
VHS TAPE
TO DVD or USB SERVICE
IDEAL
CHRISTMAS
GIFT
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to enjoy all over again. Prices from only £30.
Call: 07464 282 772
Every hour helps.
Every volunteer counts.
Whether you’re into sorting donations,
chatting with customers, or creating
eye-catching displays, we urgently need
your help.
Scan the QR code or visit stmichelshospice.com
for more details.
Registered charity number 288462
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To call, or reserve a table: 01424 424984
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www.bullstleonards.co.uk
Facebook: @bullinnstleonards
Sunday Folk Session - 5th Oct & 2nd Nov from 5:30pm
Sunday Rock ‘n Roll Bingo - 12th & 26th from 6:00pm
Monday Charity Quiz - 13th & 27th from 8:00pm
-Sunday Karaoke Session - 19th from 5:30pm
OTHER EVENTS
Saturday 18th Oct from 7:00pm - Fancy Dress Party to celebrate Pete &
Pauline’s 7th anniversary of running The Bull Inn. Prize for the best costume.
Entertainment provided by The Vintage Music Machine (60’s, 70’s & 80’s disco).
Everyone welcome (fancy dress optional).
Rock ‘n Roll bingo on the 26th is to raise funds for The Association of Carers.
Help us raise much needed funds for a fabulous cause!!
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!

20 YOUR MP
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
NEWS FROM YOUR CONSERVATIVE MP
DR KIERAN MULLAN
Importance of community in Bexhill
LAST month, I met some
remarkable and committed
Bexhill residents who are involved
in supporting others in our
community. In particular, they
work on suicide prevention and
supporting those experiencing
mental health difficulties.
During a recent visit to the
successful Pelham Community
Cafe on Hollier’s Hill, I met Jacky
Youldon who, with the support of
the team at The Pelham, has set
up a running support group called
Running Space. They had recently
taken part in a 24-hour 5km relay
around Bexhill to mark World Suicide
Prevention Week.
Jacky talked openly to me about
being a suicide survivor and how her
experience resulted in her setting
up a community running group
called Running Space a few years
ago and running suicide prevention
courses. Running Space is open to
anyone at any point in their lives
from young families right through to
senior citizens.
There are no criteria needed to
join, you don’t need to have run
before, you just turn up to one of the
weekly sessions which start at various
locations in Bexhill, including The
Pelham, Pebsham Community Hub
and Beulah Baptist Church. Everyone
is welcome and the group runs and
walks together, making sure no one
is left behind. As an experienced
runner, Jacky knows how to coach
people in running. From those first
hesitant steps, she has helped people
learn that running is accessible,
cheap and achievable for everyone.
Each session begins with a warm
welcome, gentle encouragement,
and a prayer. Jacky is clear to point
out that most of their members do
not practice a faith, so joining in with
the prayer is entirely optional. All
the members then walk or run a set
route together and no one ever gets
left behind. At the end of the session,
members usually get together for a
chat over a coffee or a snack.
As Jacky says, running is a simple
and free activity that almost anyone
can do. Research has proven that
any type of physical exercise has a
positive impact on mental health,
as does spending time outside in
the fresh air. But, just as important,
is being amongst other caring
individuals who understand that life
can be challenging. Running Space
has featured on local news reports
and has won the BBC South East
Unsung Hero Awards.
Encouraging people to talk about
their feelings is something that local
personal trainer, Darren Clark, feels
strongly about. He is a former Royal
Marine Commando who has lost
friends and colleagues to suicide. I
met with him last month to hear more
about what motivated him to organise
and take part in a gruelling 24-hour
tractor tyre-flipping challenge
on Bexhill seafront at the end of
September. He had his former Royal
Marine colleague, Danny Foster,
undertook this challenge to raise
awareness of suicide and raise money
for the charity CALM, Campaign
Against Living Miserably (CALM).
Both Darren and Danny want to
help reduce the stigma of suicide,
mental health problems and
encourage people to talk about
their feelings and thoughts. Having
suffered their own mental health
challenges, they know how difficult
it can be for people to admit when
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they feel depressed, sad, confused, or
suicidal, especially men. Three out of
every four suicides are male.
I have great admiration for people
like Jacky and Darren who have not
only had the courage to talk about
their own experiences of mental
health, but they are also committed
to taking positive action to raise
awareness and create supportive
places within our communities
where it’s okay to talk and its okay
to feel unhappy.
Local initiatives like Running Space
as well as other clubs and support
groups play a significant role in
the health and wellbeing of our
community. When it comes to suicide
prevention all of us can play our part.
You don’t have to be a trained expert
to in mental health to help make a
difference to someone’s day. Simple
interactions with others we meet in
our day to day lives such as taking
the time to smile, say hello, asking
how people are and checking in on
neighbours can be hugely significant.
These small things help create a sense
of belonging to a community, makes
others feel valued and can make a
real difference to someone going
through tough times.
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Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news OCTOBER 2025 NEWS 21
SLM Group celebrates
65 years in the community
SLM Group is celebrating 65 years
since its founding in October
1960. Over the years, the familyrun
motor group has maintained
a strong community presence
and donated more than £65,000
to local charities. To thank its
customers, SLM Group is honouring
the anniversary with a special
£6,500 prize draw.
This autumn, St Leonards Motors
(SLM Group) is proud to mark an
incredible milestone — over six
decades of service, growth, and
community support. The family-run
business, which began as a small
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garage in St Leonards-on-Sea, is
celebrating its heritage while showing
gratitude to its customers.
Founded by father and son team
Graham and Brian Wakeford, SLM
Group has expanded from its original
garage into a network of dealerships
and service centres across East
Sussex, Kent, East Anglia, Surrey,
Hampshire and Essex.
SLM Group now has over 350
employees working across 14
brands, including manufacturers
such as Toyota, Renault, CUPRA,
and Suzuki. The family still own
the business today and keep it true
to its founding values: quality,
care, and community.
As SLM Group celebrates 65 years,
its proudest achievements aren’t just
in motoring, but in the support it has
given to causes that touch thousands
of local lives.
From charity abseils to fundraising
bike rides, the group has backed
organisations such as The Sara Lee
Trust, which supports people living
with life-threatening conditions,
and Nelson’s Journey, which helps
children coping with bereavement.
SLM Group also continues to
sponsor local clubs and partner
with community cricket teams
across the country.
Andrew Bullimore, Operations
Director at SLM Group, said:
“Reaching 65 years is about
recognising the hard work of our
teams, the loyalty of our customers,
and the strong foundations that will
carry us forward.”
The 65th anniversary isn’t just about
the years — it’s about the people. SLM
Group wants to say thank you to the
communities that have welcomed,
supported, and got to know them
throughout the years.
As part of the celebrations,
everyone who orders a new
Toyota from any SLM Toyota
centre before 11th October 2025,
the official anniversary, will be
entered into a £6,500 prize draw.
It’s a small gesture of thanks,
because this milestone belongs
as much to our communities as it
does to SLM Group.
Terms and conditions apply. UK
residents. Prize paid by bank
transfer. Please see www.slm.co.uk/
toyota/event-offers/special/slmgroup-65th-celebration
Call 07780 929684
LOCAL MP DR KIERAN MULLAN
Listening, caring and delivering
for the residents of the Bexhill and
Battle constituency.
Regular surgeries held in person or virtually.
If you require my assistance, please get in touch by
emailing kieran.mullan.mp@parliament.uk
or telephone the constituency office
on 01424 736861
Further information on my website:
drkieranmullan.org.uk
Nusrat Ghani
Christmas Markets
th
th
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November.
10.30am - 4pm at St Michael’s Hospice.
Let the festive magic begin! Discover a whole host of stalls
brimming with:
Local handmade crafts, jewellery, gifts and decorations.
Live music, refreshments and games.
Santa’s Grotto and much more!
Visit stmichaelshospice.com/event/christmasmarkets25
or call 01424 445177 for more information.
Registered charity number 288462

22 REGULARS
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge
WOULD 20MPH SPEED LIMITS
ENCOURAGE MORE TO CYCLE?
THIS month, I plead guilty to being lazy
and asking a machine to write for me as
I didn’t know the answer. Apparently,
Artificial Intelligence does. The question
I gave it was “Would 20mph speed limits
encourage more to cycle?”
It responded: “Yes, a 20mph speed
limit for motor vehicles would likely
increase cycling, as studies and
pilot programs show slower speeds
improve road safety, making people
feel more comfortable and confident to
walk and cycle.
“A 20mph limit creates a less
intimidating environment for cyclists,
encourages active travel for health
benefits, and supports the goal of
shifting away from car dominance
in communities.
Why a 20mph limit encourages cycling:
• Improved Perceived and Actual
Safety: Lower speeds, especially
20mph, are associated with increased
safety for pedestrians and cyclists,
as they reduce the likelihood and
severity of accidents.
• More Confident Road Use: When
people feel safer, they are more likely
to choose active modes of transport
like walking, wheeling and cycling,
particularly for journeys to school
or local shops.
• Community-Focused Streets: 20mph
limits help shift the focus of streets
from solely movement to being
better places to live, with safer, more
inclusive conditions for all road users.
• Positive Evidence from Trials: Pilots in
areas like South Edinburgh and Wales
have shown increases in walking and
cycling levels after the introduction
of 20mph limits.
Broader Benefits
• Better Public Health: Reduced
congestion and increased physical
activity from more walking and
cycling contribute to better public
health outcomes.
• Environmental Advantages:
Encouraging sustainable travel helps
reduce carbon emissions and improve
the local environment.
• Strengthened Communities: Calmer
roads lead to less noise and more
opportunities for social interaction,
contributing to stronger and more
vibrant communities.”
My opinion is based on evidence
and reputable sources as well as
some biased ones. Royal Society of
Prevention of Accidents, ROSPA, gave
the best guidance with backing from
Department of Transport.
It refers to 2018 data on 20mph speed
limits, which concludes there is a small
but significant increase in walking
and cycling. There was no conclusive
evidence of a reduction in casualties or
collisions in residential areas.
As with everything, there are a range
of views, Cycling UK, Sustrans, Living
Streets, 20’s Plenty and other Active
Travel campaigning groups promote
with their evidence.
Motoring groups, needless to say, are
not in favour and point to the difficulty
in maintaining a slow speed with an
increase in fuel consumption.
AI provides the answer: “Driving at
20mph does not increase pollution
and may even reduce it. Research
indicates that 20mph speed limits
encourage a smoother driving style with
less acceleration and braking, which
reduces wear on tyres and brakes — a
major source of particulate emissions.
While some models initially suggest
increased engine running times could
raise emissions, real-world observations
show little to no adverse effect, and
often improvements in air quality
due to smoother driving and fewer
particulate emissions.”
Wales introduced 20mph in
2022, only on residential roads and
busy pedestrian areas. It was not
or ever intended to be a blanket
20mph imposition.
Although there is a small 3.8mph
decrease in average speeds, there does
not seem to be any conclusive evidence,
other than my new friend AI, that more
have taken up cycling.
Is it worth the effort to introduce 20mph
with all the related costs?
Maybe, but only in selected residential
areas where high pedestrian footfall is
desired with local support. Although
many indicate that too much traffic
travelling too fast is a barrier to cycling,
some will still need to be convinced
that it’s a sensible way to travel
short distances.
Happy Wheeling. Ian Hollidge &
Bexhill Wheelers.
BEXHILL MUSEUM with Gordon Smith
www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk
PENGUIN PLAYER
MEMORIES IN BEXHILL
THE museum was able to rekindle
memories for two of our visitors.
Wendy Marsh and Gussie Welch
came in to see if there was anything on
display about a Bexhill theatre company
in the 1970s of which they were part.
We were able to provide them with
a boxful of memories in the shape of
press cuttings and programmes.
Wendy said: “Learn the lines and
don’t bump into the furniture — that is a
well-known quote about acting. And in
weekly rep it couldn’t be more true.”
In December 1973 she joined
the Penguin Players at the De La
Warr Pavilion for their pantomime
Babes in the Wood.
“I was Acting ASM (Assistant Stage
Wendy and Gussie examine
the Players’ archive
Manager) which meant I had a small
part but I also prepared props and
assisted with the running of the show.
“Having previously been in children’s
theatre tours and television small parts
I was then delighted to be offered
a 22-week season in 1974 and then
again for a split spring and autumn
season in 1975.”
The Penguin Players were a repertory
company offering a different play
every week. The company was run by
actor manager Dickie Burnett and his
wife Peggy Paige.
“Sometimes I played a small part and
sometimes I was given the lead which
always included a curtain speech at the
end of the play.
“In weekly rep you perform play 1
in the evening whilst rehearsing play
2 in the morning and reading play
3 in spare time.
“Fortunately, Dickie tried not to
overload us and he spread the size of
parts evenly amongst us. Even so it
meant a lot of late nights learning lines
and nerve-wracking opening nights.
“Gussie Welch was the Stage
Manager. She was extremely efficient
and never one to panic if things didn’t
always run smoothly. We are still firm
friends to this day.
“Of course things went wrong — doors
suddenly not closing properly, guns
not going off, sound cues not delivering
the right sound. All the same a very
professional play was produced every
week and the regular audience loved it.
“I stayed in digs in Linden Road. You
had a room with a sink and a gas ring.
Perfectly adequate.
“We regularly let off steam at the
Continental nightclub on the seafront,
or the Conti, as we called it. Sheer bliss
after an opening night but probably
followed by a subdued rehearsal
the next morning.”
TIME FOR CURRY
THE annual fundraising Indian
buffet is back.
It is on Tuesday 21 October at the
usual venue of the Shiplu Tandoori
Restaurant on London Road, Bexhill.
This is a chance to enjoy a lovely meal,
meet friendly people and raise money
for the museum all at the same time.
You should arrive by 7pm.
Places must be pre-booked. Tickets are
available from the museum at £23 each.
DINOSAUR DELIGHT
Albie with museum
District Curator Julian
Porter – and Rexy.
THE museum’s cuddly dinosaur has
found a home — and a name.
We held a competition during the
school holidays to find the dinosaur egg
and name the dinosaur guarding it.
The first entry pulled from the post
box was from four-year-old Albie Sully
from Bexhill. He had named it Rexy.
GREY OWL’S LEGACY
THE story of Archibald Belaney,
otherwise known as the
American Indian Grey Owl, will
be told in a museum lecture on
Wednesday 15 October.
Grey Owl was an early conservationist
who wrote and spoke about the need to
develop respect for the natural world.
He claimed to be the son of a Scottish
man and an Apache woman.
The fact that he was born in Hastings
with no links to native Americans was
not revealed until after his death.
The talk by Peter Smith, Grey Owl’s
Legacy and Attenborough’s Dream,
will be at St Augustine’s Church
Hall, St Augustine’s Close, Bexhill,
starting at 2.30pm.
The cost is £5, reduced to £4 for
museum members. There is no need to
book — just turn up on the day.
The story of the Cinque Ports
will be the subject of the talk on
Wednesday 22 October.
WHERE WAS THE
BATTLE OF HASTINGS?
Was the Battle of Hastings actually
fought at Battle?
There are various theories that
other sites could have been the actual
location. These will be examined in the
next talk to Bexhill History Club on
Thursday 2 October.
On Thursday 16 October the subject
will be the History and Wildlife of
Pevensey Marshes.
Both talks are by David Dennis and
start at 2pm. Tickets, priced at £6, can
be pre-booked on the museum webpage
or by phoning or calling into the
museum (01424 222058).

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news OCTOBER 2025 ADVERTORIAL 23
BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN
COUNCIL UPDATE
Battle of Britain Day
Tribute to Fallen Heroes
Christmas Light Switch-
On to bring festive cheer
SEPTEMBER 2025 marked the
85th anniversary of the Battle of
Britain, and a chance to pay tribute
to and commemorate those who
made the ultimate sacrifice while
protecting our skies during World
War Two. The Battle represented
a key turning point in the War
and is rightly remembered each
September by the RAF Association.
This year, Bexhill-on-Sea Town
Council was proud to support
the RAFA in their remembrance
efforts in the area.
On Sunday, September 14th a
memorial service was held at the
Central War Memorial attended by
the Vice-Lord Lieutenant, The Mayor,
The Deputy Mayor, The Town Crier,
Bexhill-on-Sea Town Councillors
and assorted dignitaries, along with
representatives from the Armed
Forces, RAF Association and Royal
Bexhill-on-Sea
Remembers again
ON Sunday, November 9th we will
be joining the rest of the country
in Remembrance Sunday services,
commemorating those killed in
armed conflict throughout the
history of our nation. We are
proud to be working again in
partnership with the Royal British
Legion to organise parades and
services at both Central and Little
Common War Memorials, which
will be attended by The Mayor
and Deputy Mayor.
The expected timetable of events for
each ceremony is as below:
CENTRAL WAR MEMORIAL
10:10 am Parade forms up at
Devonshire Square.
10:20 am Parade leaves
Devonshire Square.
10:40 am Parade arrives at
Central War Memorial.
10:45 am Memorial Service.
11:15 am Service ends and Parade
leaves Central War Memorial.
11:40 am Parade dismissed
at The Colonnade.
LITTLE COMMON WAR MEMORIAL
09.15 am Wreaths laid out in
St Mark’s Church.
09.30 am Wreaths collected.
British Legion.
After a parade of Standards, Town
Crier Jon Bartholomew welcomed
onlookers and gave a brief history of
the Battle before wreaths were laid,
and a minute’s silence held. The Last
Post was played, and the Parade was
then directed from the Memorial and
dismissed. A reception was then held
at the Albatross Club for attendees.
Chairman of 1066 Branch RAF
Association Sqn Ldr Andrew Skinner
RAFVR(T) Ret’d, said “Working
with Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council
to organise this event has been an
outstanding experience and we’re
so grateful for their support. I can’t
thank them enough.”
09.45 am Church service starts.
10.30am Service concludes and Parade
assembles outside.
10.45am Parade leaves
St Mark’s Church.
10.50am Parade arrives at Little
Common War Memorial.
10.55am Memorial Service.
11.25am Service ends and Parade
leaves the Memorial.
11.35am Parade dismissed at
The Poppy Club.
NOTABLE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
WEDNESDAY, October 1st — Amenities Committee
WEDNESDAY, October 8th — Finance & Audit Committee
WEDNESDAY, October 29th — Full Council
WEDNESDAY, November 5th — Engagement & Communications Committee
SUNDAY November 9th — Remembrance Sunday
SATURDAY, November 29th — Christmas Light Switch-On
UNBELIEVABLY, it’s almost that
time of year again, and everyone
at Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council
is excited to bring you another
brilliant Christmas Light Switch-On!
Christmas is always a special time of
year in the town, and we’ve got loads
of festive treats lined up for our 2025
celebration, with more being added
to the bill all the time
This year’s proceedings will take
place on Saturday, November 29th
from 3pm until 7pm, with the lights
being switched on by The Mayor,
various performers throughout the
afternoon, and a special visit from
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
some four-legged friends.
As usual, we are working with
Bexhill Lions help to organise their
street market, which this year will
take place along Western Road.
Local businesses are
encouraged to get involved, and
representatives from the Town
Council will be handing out
information packs with all the
relevant details, application forms
and engagement possibilities
during the first two weeks of October.
Keep your eyes peeled for more
information as we gear up for the
festive season!
Town Rangers begin
their efforts to smarten
up Bexhill-on-Sea
AS Bexhill-on-Sea Town Council
continues to grow and inherit more
responsibilities and assets, we
felt now was the appropriate
time to increase our
presence in the local
community and to help
to maintain the general
tidiness of the town.
To that end, three
Town Rangers have now
been recruited, with two already
undertaking work on the ground:
one specifically for the Sidley area,
and one with a roaming brief across
the district. A third will be joining
them, also with a roaming brief, in
early October.
The Rangers will have a multipurpose
role, including: responding
promptly to incidents of graffiti,
vandalism and flyposting;
maintenance of open spaces;
cutting back weeds and
brambles on public rights
of way and performing
minor repairs; litterpicking
and management
of certain waste bins;
lending operational assistance
to the Town Council’s community
events; and generally acting as
an approachable and friendly
presence in Bexhill.
We’re delighted to have the Town
Rangers joining us, and we hope their
efforts are already beginning to be
felt around the town.

9 1 6 4 2 5 7 3 8
24 PUZZLES
OCTOBER 2025
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Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news OCTOBER 2025 SPORT 25
Rowers go West to
claim second at South
Coast Championships
BY ANDY BICKERS
BEXHILL Rowing Club travelled
to Plymouth for the finale of the
2025 season and the largest coastal
regatta in the country — the 68th
South Coast Championships.
More than 30 rowing clubs,
from Kent in the east all the way to
Cornwall in the west, came together
to decide the fastest crews in
each category.
Races were split between
championship and open events,
with championship races featuring
the top two crews from each
rowing association. Bexhill were
represented by three crews,
including their recently crowned
Junior Senior Men’s champions,
who were selected for their
championship race.
Originally scheduled to be rowed
in river boats, the weather had other
plans. With 30mph gusts forecast,
organisers switched to coastal boats.
Junior ladies four (from left) Darren Mitchell, Amberley
Conner, Gabby Ward, Taya Hutton-Mitchell, Catherine Richard
As predicted, the wind was very
strong, making conditions tough, but
all Bexhill crews coped well.
The Junior Senior Men’s
champions faced a challenging race
but managed a close second. Seb
Ward, Herbie Molton, Chris Botha,
Byron Cramp and cox Taya Hutton-
Mitchell lined up against other
association champions and turned
the contest into a two-boat race,
pulling clear alongside a crew from
Itchin Imperial.
At the halfway mark, there was
nothing to separate the crews, and it
came down to the final 200 metres,
where Itchin marginally edged
ahead. Although not the win they
had trained hard for, the progression
from previous defeats to both Itchin
and Ryde earlier in the year showed
just how much effort the crew
and coaches had put in to nearly
cause a major upset.
Bexhill also fielded a Junior Ladies
crew — Catherine Richard, Taya
Championship winning junior senior four (from left) Taya Hutton-
Mitchell, Byron Cramp, Chris Botha, Herbie Molton, Seb Ward
Hutton-Mitchell, Gabby Ward,
Amberley Conner, and cox Darren
Mitchell. They faced stiff competition
and needed to finish in the top two
in their heat to qualify for the final.
As this was not their usual line-up
and their first race together, they
rowed well but narrowly missed
out on qualifying.
Bexhill’s other crew competed
in the open junior senior event.
This was another recently formed
crew, including two novice rowers.
The crew of Noah Landau, Chris
Doswell, Clive Bingham, Digby
Cramp and cox Catherine Richard
were up against it right from the
start with peak windy conditions
and being slightly left on the line.
They soon got into their rhythm but
finished in fifth.
With the summer season now at
an end, Bexhill are looking for new
members to bring more success
next year. Email club captain Andy
Bickers: agbickers@hotmail.com
High five for Boon at
Polegrove Bowls Club
OBs’ walking footballers
get back into their stride
JOHN BOON swept to a remarkable
FIVE titles at Polegrove
Bowling Club’s finals.
Although the weather was not
kind and two finals will have to be
re-arranged, Boon, is only in his
second year of bowling, made hay
while the sun shone.
He claimed the men’s
championship crown as well as the
Whittaker Trophy, Handicap, Drawn
Pairs and Mixed Pairs.
Rachel Mackriell won the Ladies
Championship for the second year
running, she was also runner-up in
the Mixed Handicap Singles and Pairs
with new bowler Marie Gibbons.
Julian Wood was Mixed Singles
winner and also won the Men’s Two
Woods and Pairs with Kieran Jay.
Polegrove also held the
captain’s charity afternoon in aid
of Action for ME.
Great fun was had by all as different
bowls activities were played on a
beautiful sunny day — and £300 was
raised for the charity.
Results — Ladies Championship:
R Mackriell 21 — 15 B Simpson,
Longdon Trophy: T Rawles 21 — 20
P Hill, Handicap: A Watt 21 — 19 B
Club champions Mackriell and Boon
Simpson. 100 up: D Hodd 101 — 49
A Watt. Two woods: A Watt 16 —
13 R Wood. Veteran Two Woods:
L Crone 17- 10 B Simpson. Pairs:
M Adcock & L Hume 16 — 15 R
Mackriell & M Gibbons.
Results — Men’s Championship:
J Boon 21-7 T Adams, Whittaker — J
Boon 21 — 7 E Gatward. Handicap: J
Boon 21- 19 T Adams. 100 up: J Wood
103 — 77 K Jay. Two woods: J Shemain
17-10 T Adams. Pairs: K Jay & J Wood
24 — 2 C Mead & W Gale. Drawn pairs:
W Gale & J Boon 14 -11 J Shemain &
C Hearsum. Mixed pairs: J Boon & H
Cain 14 — 12 C Jeffrey & LGatward.
Australian pairs: D Hodd & J Pollard
18 — 12 K Jay & L Gatward
OLD Bexhillians Walking Football Club’s new league campaign
has kicked off.
The OBs (gold kit) and Little Common Wonderers (black kit) are targeting
more glory for the popular club.
For more details about walking football in Bexhill contact Mick Davies on
07961 008743 or at mickdavies48@gmail.com

26 SPORT
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Sport
Ramblers celebrate promotion
Town’s cricket clubs
are all on the up
BY MIKE LEGG AND JAKE RALPH
LITTLE Common Ramblers, Sidley
and Bexhill are all celebrating
successful seasons.
Ramblers confirmed their highest
finish in a 142-year history with
second spot in Sussex League
Division 3 East before seeing off
Chichester Priory Park III and then
Buxted Park in the play-off challenger
match (Sept 20).
Ramblers have now secured backto-back
promotions. They travelled
optimistically to Glynde backed by
plenty of supporters in high spirits.
Skipper Jon Meredith was able to
pick his first choice XI — a theme of
the 2025 season, with the team using
just 13 players across 18 regular
season matches and two play-offs.
Securing promotion to Division 2 is
no easy task: finish second in Division
3 East, face the second-placed side
from Division 3 West, and then play
the eighth-placed side from Division
2 — in this case, Buxted Park.
Little Common won the toss and
skipper Jon Meredith chose to bowl,
opening with reliable duo Varun
Khullar and Kaleb Auld.
Buxted’s Alfie Hunter and Ben Cobb
started brightly, Cobb smashing a six
over the sightscreen. At 41-0, Auld (3-
28) broke through, removing Hunter
(17) via a sharp catch from Harvey
Jack. Cobb (30) fell soon after, and
dangerman Iain Allan edged behind
off Jack (1-16) to Chris Meredith.
Buxted collapsed to 49-3.
Naish (31) and Cooper (23) steadied
things, but Renay Meadows (1-24) and
Eddie Lemmon (1-26) kept it tight.
Meadows removed Cooper after a
51-run stand. Meredith (2-10) struck
twice, while smart catches from Tom
Crathern helped Auld and Lemmon
add scalps. Auld’s third capped a
season tally of 47 wickets as Buxted
posted 167-8 from 45 overs.
Given Little Common’s 252 at the
same ground the previous week, the
total felt light.
Little Common’s chase began
steadily. Crathern (10) and Malcolm
Johnson built to 46-1 before
Johnson and Chris Meredith (27)
added 83. Johnson passed fifty, but
after his dismissal at 140-3, nerves
crept in. A mini collapse saw Little
Common stumble to 161-6, Buxted
sensing a late twist.
Harsh lbw calls saw Jon Meredith
and Varun Khullar depart quickly
but calm heads prevailed — Mark
Hopkinson striking the winning two
runs to spark jubilant celebrations.
This promotion takes Little
Common into uncharted territory
once again. It’s a remarkable story
for a group containing players who
have represented the club for many
years, starting as colts and driving six
promotions in the past ten years.
Skipper Meredith said: “It’s hard to
put into words what this means for
the club. To achieve back-to-back
promotions with this group, many of
whom have grown up playing cricket
together here, is really special.
“I’m fortunate to lead a team that is
not only talented but also committed
and united. I’m proud of what we
continue to build and can’t wait for
the challenge of Division 2.”
Sidley are toasting a double after
lifting the T20 Plate at Sussex CCC’s
1st Central County Ground at Hove
and also winning Division 10 East.
Abdullah Al Arif was leading man
in Sidley’s title-clinching 119-run win
over Crowhurst Park III as he starred
with bat and ball.
He scored a fantastic 115 —
including 12 sixes - while Johnathan
Haffenden made 65 to take his season
tally to a chart-topping 1,023 runs in
the league. Al Arif then took 3-5 while
Sabbir Ahmed bagged 3-6.
It followed on from their T20
success on their debut in the
competition which saw them triumph
in the final at the end of August.
Club vice-chair Jamie Ramsden was
stunned by how the season unfolded.
He told the Bexhill News: “We had a
really good win on the first day of the
season at Bexhill Strikers and it set the
tone. It was, ‘Let’s not give up until the
final ball of any game’.
“We’ve had four new players
Sidley celebrate T20 success at Hove
Bexhill CC promoted
come in and they have helped
create a squad, which is key. A lot
of people have played most weeks
and that makes such a difference
to having a consistent team. Credit
to Stephen (Ramsden), who has
been captain, my brother Craig and
Jonathan Haffenden, between the
three of them they have created
this atmosphere which people
wanted to be around.
“That has led to a successful
league season but also a massive
achievement for the club in going
to Hove and winning the T20
Plate. We’d never entered before
because we had been so busy on the
rebuild programme but thought
we’d give it a go.
“It was a real good day out for the
whole club a credit to everyone who
continues to put the club first and
keep pushing hard to keep the club
being successful.”
Bexhill, who were marking their
150th year, finished as runners-up in
Division 4 East to grab promotion.
The Polegrove club won their
final game to ensure at least second
spot then just missed out on being
champions after their rivals for top
spot St Peters scraped to a one-wicket
victory against Heathfield Park.
Bexhill chairman Hamish Russell
said: “If Heathfield had taken the final
wicket against St Peters we would
have won the league but then there
were a couple of games early on
which if we had won then it would not
have mattered.”
Autumn Series suits top Cats
BY RACHEL WYNN
THE new month saw the start of
a fresh set of races - The Autumn
Series. The bright sunny weather
brought 20 sailors to prepare for
races 3 and 4 (Sept 6/7). The first
two races had been cancelled
so there was all to “sail” for,
although we were hopeful that
the final opportunity to compete
for the trophy on September 13
would go ahead - but the weather
had other ideas!
Bexhill beach, with appropriate
wind strength can generate
substantial waves - colloquially
known as “dumpers”. Add the tidal
flow, and launching or recovering
boats can become very tricky. So
it proved for the first race, when
Bob Palmer was swept into the
breakwater in his lightweight
Topper. Fortunately, the damage was
only a bent mast.
A number of sailors decided to keep
their gear and person intact, leaving
nine boats to challenge in race 3, and
eight in race 4. The Catamarans found
the conditions ideal however, with
senior instructor Flo Wright and Abi
winning race 3, and Tony Lane with
Hana Bolton second. This result was
reversed in race 4. The win in Race 4
for Tony and Hana saw them win the
trophy, and although Flo and Abi tied
on points, they take second. That’s
just how the scoring works!
Eve Fifield (Laser Radial) won both
races, chased by Sam Coffey, who
came second and third. So, Fifield
lifts the trophy, Coffey takes second,
but tied on points with Richard
Eagleton in third.
Slow Fleet was represented
by Cristina Terraza, sailing
her Byte, who won the trophy
uncontested. The Novice fleet wisely
stayed on the beach.
Bexhill Sailing Club’s Class Cup
(Sept 20-21) was a weekend of two
halves, Saturday being wet and damp
with a less than predicted southerly
wind, and Sunday was sunny but with
a cold north wind. Thankfully, the
club got all four races sailed.
Fast Fleet was hotly contested. Eve
Fifield bagged first place in a Laser
Radial in the first two races and
third place in races 3 & 4, which won
her the trophy. Chris Heath was a
consistent second in all races, taking
second overall in his D-Zero.
Cristina Terrazas took first place
uncontested in Slow Fleet in all four
races in a borrowed Comet Xtra. They
are excellent boats, and Terrazas
enjoyed the experience, so maybe
a new purchase is in the offing?
Simon North won Catamaran fleet
uncontested in his Dart 15. Novice
fleet had a strong showing of eight
dinghies. Amy Hinz won the trophy
in her Laser Radial, with Hugh
Stephenson in second place in a
full rig Laser.
This month is the Brass Monkey
Series, interluded with the Club
Cup and a Charity Race, then
on to the final Series of 2025, the
Frostbite Series.
The club always welcomes
new members, contact:
membership@bexhillsailing.club
Novices enjoying a calm sea
Photo: Cristina Terrazas

Join us for
our next
event
Bowes House care home,
Hailsham
Supporting people with
advanced dementia
Wednesday 12th November, 2pm - 4pm
Join Alison Butler to find out more about how
the brain changes during the advanced stages of
dementia and how you can support your loved
with their changing physical and emotional
needs, and behaviours.
Trusted to care.
To book please call
01323 917394 or email
lisa.phillips@careuk.com

28 SPORT
OCTOBER 2025
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Sport
Eldridge relishes
competition for
places at Common
Results have turned for Eldridge’s side. Photo: Jon Smalldon
BY MIKE LEGG
RUSSELL ELDRIDGE is enjoying
having selection headaches at
Little Common as they chase league
points and cup success.
Common have amassed nine points
in their first six games this term —
last season it took them 23 games to
achieve the same tally.
In September they also enjoyed
knockout wins in the Sussex
Senior Cup, FA Vase and Peter
Bentley Cup as they saw off Bexhill
United, Godalming and AFC
Uckfield respectively.
This month is shaping up to be a
busy one with Senior Cup and Vase
games against Isthmian League South
East high-fliers Three Bridges and
away to Sheerwater FC.
Player-boss Eldridge is happy
to have the points on the board
and believes competition within
the squad is now paying off
after a worrying start when they
lost their first three Southern
Combination League games.
He told the Bexhill News: “Nine
points were a long way off this time
last season. It probably wasn’t until
the New Year we got them and this
year we have them by the end of
September. But we knew last year
wasn’t really us and I wasn’t expecting
us to be anything like that this season
despite the start when people were
saying, ‘Here we go again, same old
Little Common’.
“I knew that wasn’t the case and the
group we have got is a good one, with
some real quality within it, and that is
starting to shine through and make a
difference in matches.
“The group is giving me selection
dilemmas, which is what I want. Not
being disrespectful to anyone we’ve
had over the past couple of seasons,
but this year we have a real strong
group where players can come in and
replace anyone else.
“Players now if they do not perform
then there is someone who can
come in and take their place. That
is what you need and keeps players
on their toes.”
Common beat Lingfield (Sept 5)
early in the month during a five-match
winning streak which included a
Senior Cup victory over Bexhill United.
They suffered a 3-0 setback
against Horsham YMCA (Sept 13)
before knocking Godalming out the
Vase on penalties.
Eldridge added: “After the first three
league games, we went five unbeaten
— winning all five — then we had a
disappointing result at Horsham YM
before winning in the FA Vase. After a
disappointing start, we have bounced
Matt Cruttwell is out injured
back and things have flourished and
there has been improvement.
“We were making too many errors
and getting punished, so we changed
the way we play a little bit, made
things a bit more simple, and it
seems to have worked for us. Things
started to click and that was down
to the boys and the attitude they
have showed and the way we have
worked to get better.
“We just want to keep seeing those
supporters getting down The Rec and
cheering us on.”
Goalkeeper Finn Holter has been
impressing on loan from Hastings
United following a groin injury
to Matt Cruttwell and his stay
may be extended.
Eldridge added: “Finn was the
penalty shootout hero for us
(against Godalming) and all the
time we have him there is no added
pressure on Matt to get back quicker
than he needs to.”
Little Common fixtures: Roffey
(home, Oct 4); Three Bridges (home,
Sx Snr Cup, Oct 7); Midhurst & Ease
(away, Oct 11); Peacehaven (home,
Oct 14); Sheerwater (away, FA Vase
1st rnd proper Oct 18); Seaford
(home, Oct 21; Steyning Town
(away, Oct 25).
Chance for fans
to cash in on
Polegrove return
BY GEOFF MARTIN
PICTURE: AMY MARSHALL
CREATIVE
BEXHILL United are offering
fans a special deal of Football For
a Fiver for their first Saturday
game back home at the famous
Polegrove ground against
Horsham YMCA (Oct 4).
Bexhill share their ground with
the cricket club, which means that
home matches cannot be played
until the cricket season ends.
Despite being on the road
since early August, the Pirates
have made a strong start to their
Southern Combination League
Premier Division campaign,
suffering just two defeats and earning
a solid points tally that places them in
the upper reaches of the table.
As an incentive to bring more
fans through the gate, and as thank
you to existing supporters, the club
committee have cut admission prices
as a one-off on October 4 to £5, with £3
for concessions and £1 for under 18s.
Children will be admitted free.
The clubhouse at Bexhill has a
great reputation for adding to the
matchday experience and beers
from club sponsor Three Legs will be
available as well as a range of hot and
cold food and drinks.
The Polegrove boasts one of
the most famous grandstands in
non-league football, dating back
nearly a century.
Bexhill has a reputation for giving
young players a chance, and with a
thriving youth set-up and partnership
with Bexhill College, that conveyor
belt of talent is all set to continue.
Bexhill manager Jay Skinner-
Swain said: “It’s fantastic to be back
at the Polegrove in front of our
own supporters.
“There’s nothing quite like playing
at home, and with our Football For
a Fiver offer for the first Saturday
fixture, we’re hoping to see a big
crowd cheering the team on.
“Last season we averaged over 200
supporters here at the Polegrove, a
terrific figure at Step 5 football but
now we want to push on and grow
that even further.
“The noise, energy and atmosphere
you create really does lift the players,
and one thing is always certain: you’ll
find a warm welcome waiting for you
at the Polegrove.”
United conceded a stoppage-time
goal to draw 2-2 with Eastbourne
United at the Polegrove (Sept 24).
Charlie Playford levelled before Max
Hollobone had put them ahead in
the 77th minute.
The draw followed a run of mixed
results including a Peter Bentley Cup
loss (3-1, Sept 3) and RUR Cup win
(on pens, Sept 17) against the same
opponents. United also bowed out
of the Sussex Senior Cup 2-1 to Little
Common (Sept 9).
In the league, the Pirates chalked
up an impressive 2-1 league win over
Crawley Down (Sept 6) but suffered
defeats to Roffey (4-2, Sept 13) and
Forest Row (4-1, Sept 20).
They bounced back with a 7-2 rout
of ten-man Lancing in which Jaan
Stanley bagged a nine-minute hattrick
(Sept 27).
Bexhill United Oct Fixtures:
Horsham YMCA (home, Oct 4);
Pagham (away, Oct 11); Newhaven
(away, Oct 18); Haywards Heath
(home, Oct 25).