Bexhill News, May 2026, Issue 47

MAY 2026 | ISSUE 47
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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seth lakeman
freedom fields
20 th anniversary Tour
COLLEGE KNIFE CRIME TALK — P8
HORSE SHOW BUILD UP — P8
SUSSEX FAMOUS FACES — P10
GRIEVING COUPLE LAUNCH
FUNDRAISER AFTER
DEVASTATING TWIN LOSS
Saturday 16 May 2026
de la warr pavilion
bexhill
sethlakeman.co.uk - gigantic.com
a crosstown concerts presentation
by arraNGement with DMF MUSIC
SIVYERS AUCTIONS
FRIDAY 12th JUNE 2026
Auction starts at 11.00am. viewing in person
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YOUNG PARENTS HONOUR LILY-ROSE AND LEO
WHILE RAISING FUNDS FOR HOSPITAL STAFF WHO
SAVED MOTHER’S LIFE — FULL STORY ON PAGE 4
YOUR LOCAL AUCTION at the
Old West Station, Terminus Road,
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A BEXHILL LANDMARK SINCE 1902

2 NEWS
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
WELCOME
WELL, the sun has made a
few appearances here and
there and it really feels like
Summer is on the way.
It’s been a long, long winter, so I’m
sure all the hospitality businesses in
the town are looking forward to an
influx of visitors to enjoy our coastline.
I was deeply saddened to receive an
email from Fin, who we’ve featured
on the cover of this edition, about his
and his partner tragic loss recently. As
a father, I simply cannot imagine the
sheer heartache and loss the couple are
going through right now.
The only plus side is that Fin and
his partner Millie, who have been so
brave, have praised the staff at the
Conquest Hospital for their work and
have launched a fundraiser to raise
money for the unit.
It’s lovely to hear good things
being said about the NHS who work
tirelessly, which certainly can’t be easy,
but please help if you possibly can.
You may have noticed the last few
editions of this newspaper have been
missing some of the regular features
from our MP and Council Leader.
We’ve had a few emails from readers
asking where they are!
As I write this, we are in Purdah, due
to the forthcoming East Sussex County
Council elections on May 7th, so these
columns have taken a short break and
back next month.
This are hugely important elections
for the county, so I hope as many
residents as possible turn out to vote.
The next era of ESCC Councillors will
be the ones in charge when the Unitary
Authority comes into action - so make
your voices heard!
Paul Gibson, Group Editor
THE TEAM
PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR
paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
VIKTORIA COWLEY — FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS
viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
MIKE LEGG — SPORTS REPORTER
sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
DEAN COOK — PRODUCTION
design@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
CONTACT
ADVERTISING SALES — 01424 762128
sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
Hopes to reopen historic
station entrance
A BEXHILL councillor is seeking
to open conversations on the
potential reopening of the
historic Devonshire Square
entrance at Bexhill Railway
Station, with the aim of improving
connections between the station
and town centre.
The entrance, believed to have last
been in use in 1902, could provide
a more direct and accessible route
for residents, commuters and
visitors travelling to and from the
station, according to Bexhill Town
Councillor Andrew Crotty. He says
its reopening has the potential to
strengthen links with the town centre,
supporting Central Ward businesses
and encouraging increased
footfall and tourism.
The idea is currently at an
early stage, with an initial focus
on beginning discussions with
relevant stakeholders and the
wider community to explore what
may be possible.
Cllr Crotty, Central Ward Town
Councillor and local resident, is keen
to take a collaborative approach,
working with residents, businesses
and partners to assess the feasibility
and potential benefits of the proposal.
He said: “I am keen to start
conversations about reopening the
Devonshire Square entrance and to
explore how this could better connect
our railway station with the town
centre. There is clear potential to
support local businesses, attract more
visitors, and improve accessibility
Woman charged
after crashing into
seafront wall
A WOMAN has been charged
following a crash in Bexhill in which
a car struck a wall surrounding a
restaurant terrace.
Officers from Sussex Police were
called to the junction of De La Warr
Road and Middlesex Road at around
8pm on Friday, April 17, after reports
of a collision.
The incident involved a vehicle
crashing into the wall enclosing the
terrace area of The Bistro, located on
the corner of the junction.
The driver, a 57-year-old woman,
sustained minor injuries. She
was arrested at the scene and
taken into custody.
Police have since confirmed that
Sarah Turner, 57, of Middlesex Road,
Bexhill, has been charged with driving
for those using the station. I look
forward to working with residents
and partners to see what may
be achievable.”
a vehicle while over the alcohol limit.
She has been released on bail and is
Sinkhole forces road closure
Further engagement is expected
as conversations develop, with
community input forming an
important part of any future progress.
due to appear at Hastings Magistrates’
Court on August 5.
Bexhill News is a publication by Regional Media
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nor contributors can take responsibility for loss
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without express permission of the editor.
A SINKHOLE caused the closure of
Eversley Road in Bexhill recently
(Thursday, April 9), with the road
shut to traffic while investigations
are carried out.
East Sussex Highways took the
decision to fully close the road, with
motorists advised to avoid the area
and seek alternative routes.
It is not yet clear how large the
sinkhole is or how long the closure is
expected to remain in place.
An East Sussex Highways
spokesperson said: “We were called
on Wednesday, April 8, to reports of
a void in the road which appeared to
relate to an old utility trench.
It’s important that the underlying
issue is addressed before permanent
repairs are carried out and we
are contacting utility companies
to find a solution. To ensure the
safety of road users, we have
closed Eversley Road until the
area is made safe.”
Authorities have suggested the
works should be complete, and the
road reopen, at the start of May.

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4 NEWS
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Couple launch
fundraiser
after tragic
loss of twins
A YOUNG Bexhill couple who
endured the devastating loss of
their unborn twins have launched a
heartfelt fundraiser to support the
hospital team who cared for them
during their darkest days.
Fin Hendley and his partner Millie
Piper, both aged 21, say their lives
changed forever just two weeks
ago when Millie, who was 22 weeks
pregnant, was rushed to hospital after
experiencing complications.
Following examination, the couple
were told that Millie’s waters had
broken and she had begun to go into
labour. Due to the early stage of the
pregnancy, doctors explained that
there were no facilities available
locally to intervene, and that babies
born at 22 weeks have extremely
limited chances of survival.
Despite holding on as long as she
could, hoping to delay labour, Millie
gave birth to twins Lily-Rose and
Leo in the early hours of Monday
morning. The babies were born
peacefully sleeping.
Fin said: “Only hours before,
we were watching them kick and
listening to their strong heartbeats.
It’s something no parent should ever
have to go through.”
Tragically, the ordeal did not end
there. Millie developed a severe
infection, which led to sepsis, forcing
doctors to induce labour urgently
for her safety. During the birth, she
suffered significant blood loss and
was taken into emergency surgery.
He added: “Millie showed incredible
strength. She nearly lost her own life,
and I couldn’t be prouder of her.”
The couple have spoken of
their deep gratitude to staff on
the Buchanan Delivery Ward at
the Conquest Hospital, praising
midwives, nurses and doctors
for their compassion and care
throughout the traumatic experience.
“They were amazing from the
moment we arrived and throughout
the six days we stayed. They
cared for our babies with such
dignity and supported our whole
family”, Fin added.
In a bid to give something back, Fin
and Millie have set up a GoFundMe
page to raise money for the ward,
with hopes of helping improve
facilities and support for families
facing similar situations.
They are also organising a
large community raffle through
their family-run café, Hughies
at Earls, with prizes donated
by local businesses. All funds
raised will go towards supporting
the hospital ward.
The couple say they hope their
efforts will not only honour the
memory of Lily-Rose and Leo, but
also help other families in the future.
The couple concluded: “Lily-Rose
and Leo will always be in our hearts.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the love
and support from everyone, and this
is our way of giving something back
and hopefully making a difference.”
Anyone wishing to support
the fundraiser can do so via
the couple’s GoFundMe page,
while further details about the
upcoming raffle are expected to be
announced soon.
Scan (or click if
viewing the digital
issue) or visit: https://
gofund.me/edd7d171e
Pub Landlord joins
Rotary to boost
community work
A WELL-KNOWN local publican
has taken his commitment to
community causes a step further
after joining a long-established
Rotary club serving the Bexhill and
St Leonards area.
Peter Prior, landlord of The Bull
Inn in St Leonards, was formally
inducted into the Rotary Club of
Senlac St Leonards during a meeting
held at Cooden Beach Golf Club on
Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
He was sponsored by fellow
Rotarian Andy Cruttenden and
welcomed into the club by President
Terry Mahindrakar.
Peter, who was born in the 1960s
and raised in Woolwich, began his
career in banking, spending five
years with National Westminster
before moving to a Singaporean
bank, where he rose to the position of
Vice President.
Following his retirement from the
banking sector, Peter and his wife
Pauline relocated to Spain, where
they embraced a new lifestyle and
took on a variety of roles including
bar work and estate agency. It was
during this time that the couple also
became heavily involved in charitable
work, founding and running a food
charity to support those in need.
Their eventual return to East Sussex
came after a friend alerted them to
an opportunity at The Bull Inn in St
Leonards. Knowing Peter’s passion
for hospitality, he was encouraged
to take on the role of manager. In
October 2016, Peter and Pauline
began running the pub, and two years
later secured the tenancy themselves.
Peter said: “I’ve always loved bar
work and it’s always been a second
job for me, so when the opportunity
came to run one, we took it.”
Since taking over The Bull Inn, the
couple have built a strong reputation
for supporting local causes, hosting
charity events and collections
throughout the year. Among their
regular initiatives is an annual
fundraising party in aid of Macmillan
Cancer Support.
Explaining his decision to
join Rotary, Peter said his
motivation was rooted in a lifelong
desire to give back.
He said: “Pauline and I have
always been interested in helping
the community and raising money
for charity. Now at The Bull we
do a number of charity events
and collections. I see Rotary as
an opportunity for me to help the
community even more.”
The Rotary Club of Senlac St
Leonards is part of the global
Rotary network, bringing
together volunteers dedicated to
supporting local and international
charitable projects.
For more information about
the club and its work, visit
www.senlacstleonardsrotary.org.

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6 NEWS
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
£200k gym revamp
announced for
Leisure Centre
AI Police cameras
to be used on roads
FITNESS fanatics are set for a major
boost as Bexhill Leisure Centre
unveils a £200,000 transformation
of its gym facilities this month.
The investment, funded by
Freedom Leisure, will see a complete
overhaul of the centre’s gym, with
all existing cardio and resistance
machines replaced by cutting-edge
equipment from Life Fitness.
As part of the upgrade, the gym
space will also be redesigned to
improve accessibility and create a
smoother, more intuitive workout
environment for users of all abilities.
The new layout is aimed at enhancing
the overall experience, making it
easier for members to move between
equipment and get the most out of
their sessions.
The incoming machines will feature
the latest in fitness technology,
including performance tracking,
personalised workout options and
enhanced comfort — bringing a
more modern, connected training
experience to the heart of the town.
The refurbishment forms part of
wider efforts to position the leisure
centre as a leading health and
wellbeing hub for the community.
Working in partnership with
Rother District Council, the project
is also designed to encourage more
residents to stay active and improve
overall fitness levels across the area.
The upgraded gym is expected to
reopen to members later in May.
Charity celebrates £5,000 boost following
celebrity Catchphrase appearance
BROADCASTER, presenter and voiceover artist, Kemi
Rodgers, recently took part in the popular television
game show Celebrity Catchphrase, where she chose to
play for Headway Sussex.
Her appearance resulted in £5,000 raised in support
of the charity’s work with people affected by brain
injury across Sussex.
During the programme, Kemi spoke movingly about
Headway Sussex and the personal connection her family
has with the charity.
She shared how the organisation supported her father
following his brain injury, highlighting the vital role
specialist services play in recovery and long term support.
By sharing her story on a national platform, Kemi helped
raise awareness of the challenges faced by brain injury
survivors and the importance of accessible, specialist
support services. This visibility is invaluable in helping
more people understand life after brain injury and ensuring
individuals and families know where to turn for help.
Headway Sussex has thanked Kemi for her generosity,
openness and advocacy. The funds raised will directly
support the charity’s ongoing work across Sussex, helping
people rebuild independence, confidence and connection
within their communities.
A spokesperson for Headway Sussex said: “We are
incredibly thankful to Kemi for choosing to support us and
for speaking so openly about her family’s experience. The
funds raised will make a real and lasting difference to the
people we support every day.”
Headway Sussex encourages anyone who would like
to support its work or learn more about brain injury
services to get in touch or visit its website at
www.headwaysussex.org.uk.
MOTORISTS across East Sussex
could soon find themselves under
the watchful eye of new artificial
intelligence cameras, as Sussex
Police rolls out cutting-edge
technology aimed at catching
dangerous driving offences.
The force is the latest in the country
to deploy AI-powered cameras,
designed to automatically detect
motorists using mobile phones
behind the wheel or failing to wear a
seatbelt, two of the so-called 'fatal five'
causes of serious collisions.
The move comes amid ongoing
concerns about road safety across the
county. Over the past three years, 82
people in Sussex have been involved
in crashes where a driver was using
a mobile phone, while a further 214
people have been injured in collisions
where seatbelts were not worn.
The technology has already been
trialled in Sussex, with promising
and concerning results, according to
Sussex Police. A pilot carried out by
National Highways in 2024 detected a
total of 458 offences in just seven days.
Of those, 330 drivers were caught
not wearing a seatbelt, 118 were
using a mobile phone, and 10
were committing both offences
at the same time.
Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo
Shiner, who is also the roads policing
lead for the National Police Chiefs’
Council, said: “We regularly hear
from our communities across Sussex
that they are tired of seeing people
using their mobile phones whilst
driving, therefore increasing the
risk to everyone around them. And
while we endeavour to respond to
these concerns and proactively patrol
wherever possible, the reality is we
cannot be everywhere all of the time.
“These AI cameras are not
designed to replace modern-day
policing, but to enhance it. By
embracing the technology available
to us, we can build a better picture
of driver behaviour, influence
behavioural change and take action
where necessary.
“It is statistically proven that not
wearing a seatbelt and driving whilst
distracted which includes using a
mobile phone are among the five
most common causes of fatal and
serious injury collisions on our roads.
We hope that this new initiative will
help to reduce the number of these
collisions, which so often cause
absolute devastation to victims and
their loved ones.”
The cameras, supplied by
Acusensus, are funded through
Sussex Police’s road safety recovery
costs, which include proceeds from
speed awareness courses.
They will remain in place for
several weeks, before being
reviewed and evaluated.
The use of the AI cameras,
which went live in April, dovetail
with the national roads policing
Operation Spotlight campaign
running throughout April,
which has a particular focus on
seatbelt compliance.
Makers’ Fair returns with creative showcase
RESIDENTS are being invited to
celebrate local creativity as the
Bexhill Artists’ Workspace (BAW)
hosts its popular Spring Makers’
Fair this summer.
Taking place on June 5 from
10am to 4pm at Bexhill Sailing
Club on De La Warr Parade, the
free event promises a vibrant
showcase of handmade goods
and artistic talent from across the
group’s membership.
This year’s fair has been rebranded
with a stronger focus on “makers”,
reflecting the wide range of crafts
and creative disciplines represented
within BAW. Visitors can expect
a diverse selection of items for
sale, from handcrafted pieces
to unique artworks, while also
having the opportunity to meet the
creators behind them.
Organisers say the event is as much
about engagement as it is about
selling, with members on hand
throughout the day to chat about
their work, share insights into their
creative processes, and answer
questions from the public.
BAW is a well-established art
group in the town, running regular
workshops and activities for artists of
all abilities throughout the year.
Admission to the fair is free. For
more information about the group
and activities, visit www.bawuk.org.

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8 NEWS
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Academy
students get
powerful knife
crime talk
A MAN whose son was tragically
stabbed and killed in an
attack in West Sussex visited
Bexhill Academy recently to
give a powerful talk about the
consequences of the crime.
Martin Cosser is the father of
Charlie Cosser, a 17-year-old
from Milford in Surrey who was
fatally stabbed at a party in West
Sussex in July 2023.
Charlie was stabbed three times
in the chest and died two days later
in hospital. His family said at the
time: “Our lives have been destroyed
by the tragic and unnecessary
loss of our son.”
Following the devastating loss,
Martin made a promise to his
son as he lay on his deathbed – to
dedicate his life to warning others
about the consequences of carrying
knives. From that promise, Charlie’s
Promise was born.
Since then, Martin has travelled
the country speaking to schools,
Martin Cosser at Bexhill Academy
youth groups and community
organisations, sharing his family’s
story and encouraging young people
to make safer choices.
His campaigning has reached
millions online, helping to drive
a national conversation about
knife crime and its impact far
beyond major cities.
Martin commented: “It was a
pleasure to be joined by Sussex
Police and Dave whose support was
really appreciated.
“The level of engagement,
compassion, thoughtful questions,
and support shown by these
outstanding young people was
truly appreciated.
Charlie Cosser
“I’m confident these young people
now know how to report a knife
carrier anonymously, understand the
immeasurable impact of knife crime
and feel like they really do know who
my little boy was.
Martin has already spoken to
thousands of young people across
Sussex including students at
Hailsham Academy, Hailsham
Boxing Club and Eastbourne Air
Cadets, and has urged audiences
to report anyone carrying a
knife anonymously through
Crimestoppers’ Fearless campaign.
Thousands set to trot along
to Bexhill Horse Show
THE Bexhill Horse Show, an event
that has defied national trends to
become what is now believed to be
the last remaining town show of its
kind in the United Kingdom, is set to
return this late May Bank Holiday.
In its 123rd year, the show’s roots
stretch back to 1903, serving for over
a century as a cornerstone of Bexhill’s
civic identity and last year attracted
around 4,500 visitors.
The organisers say the event is
moving beyond traditional formats
to ensure there is something for
everyone to watch and enjoy like a
mini County Show.
The revamped show has moved
Photos: JPT53 Photography
far beyond traditional jumping &
showing classes, but is ever evolving.
The Coakham Bloodhounds, led by
Hunt Master Paul Hollis, remain a
perennial year-on-year favourite. The
2024 and 2025 seasons introduced
Hobby Horse events that took
the town by storm with over 100
entrants last year.
The 2026 line up promises even
more of a spectacle with attractions
such as Flyball, Mounted Games
Demo, Carriage Driving, Falconry
Demo, Bexhill 100-vintage cars and
the Bexhill Lions Dog Show continues
its popular run, year on year.
Visitors can also expect to see Rosie
the Little Grey Pony, the Princess and
Unicorn, Art & Tales, Showjumping,
Kids Fun Fair corner and over 40
stalls including charities, trades,
tack stall, dog treats, food hall, kids
clothing and much more.
Vice Chair and local Para Equestrian
Rider Emily Lawes, commented:
“The Committee is proud of what we
have achieved with The Bexhill Horse
Show, we could not let this Historic
& Icon longstanding tradition fall by
the wayside. We are completely selffunded
(No grants or council money).
Money is raised by the committee
and classes being sponsored by
local businesses.”
It’ll take place at the Polegrove on
Monday 25th May, from 8am.
Family football day set to culminate
in annual hospital showdown
GET ready for a thrilling day of
community spirit, family fun, and
fierce football rivalry as Hastings
United Football Club opens its
doors on Sunday, 10th May,
from 10am, for a special Family
Football Fun Day.
The event promises excitement for
all ages, culminating in the highly
anticipated annual staff match
between Conquest Hospital and
Eastbourne DGH.
The day kicks off with a celebration
of local youth talent, as the Hastings
United Academy Kids and Youth
teams take to the pitch for a series
of friendly games. It’s a fantastic
opportunity for families and friends
to support the rising stars of local
football and catch a glimpse of the
future of the sport in Hastings.
Next up will be an inclusive
Football Friendly Match between
Hastings United and Eastbourne
Borough Inclusive and Disability
Football Teams. Highlighting
the need for more inclusive
sporting opportunities.
And finally, the hotly contested
Annual Hospital Cup. Staff teams
from Conquest Hospital and
Eastbourne District General Hospital
will go head-to-head in what has
become a legendary local fixture. The
Conquest Hospital team currently
boasts an impressive record, having
secured victory in four out of the last
five encounters. All eyes will be on the
pitch to see if they can extend their
dominance or if Eastbourne DGH can
finally snatch the trophy back.
“This event is more than just
football; it’s about bringing our
community together, celebrating
our local talent, and showing
appreciation for our incredible NHS
staff,” says organiser Jo Clark from
The Friends of Conquest Hospital
“The rivalry between Conquest and
Eastbourne is always a highlight, and
we’re expecting another passionate
display from both sides!”
Beyond the beautiful game, there
will be plenty to keep the whole
family entertained. Exciting footballthemed
games the PowerShot
Challenge and FootDarts, traditional
fair games, a tombola brimming
with prizes, and a lucky dip will
provide endless fun for children.
Hot food provided by Hastings
United and waffles and ice creams
from The Waffle Wagon will be
available throughout the day, and the
licensed bar will be open for adults to
enjoy refreshments and soak in the
vibrant atmosphere.
The Family Football Fun Day is a
brand-new collaboration between
Hastings United Football Club,
Sussex Police and The Friends of
Conquest Hospital, with funds raised
on the day going to support our
local hospital. It is being generously
sponsored by Lightning Fibre —
Your most local full fibre broadband
provider for homes and businesses
— up to 10Gbps!
It’s all going on at the Pilot Field,
home of Hastings United FC, on the
10th of May and is set to be a highlight
in the local calendar, offering a
perfect blend of sporting action,
community engagement, and family
entertainment. Come down, support
your local teams, cheer on our NHS
heroes, and be part of a brilliant day.
For more details visit the Friends
of Conquest Hospital website:
www.conquestfriends.co.uk

10 FEATURE
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Famous faces with Sussex
roots and connections
BY DOMINIQUE AYLING
SEVERAL well-known people
were either born in Sussex or live
here now, from sporting stars to
Hollywood actors.
Here are just a few famous faces
from in and around the local area you
may have seen out and about.
JOHANNA KONTA
Former British No.1 tennis player
Johanna was born in Sydney,
Australia, but moved to Eastbourne in
2005 when she was 14 years old.
She was granted British citizenship
in May 2012 and had an illustrious
tennis career, reaching a singles
ranking of world No.4 in 2017. She
won four WTA singles titles, reached
the semifinals of the Australian Open
(2016), Wimbledon (2017) and French
Open (2019), and represented Great
Britain at the 2016 Olympics.
She once commented: “I liked
Eastbourne straight away. It’s
quintessentially British in lots of
ways, but there’s more to it as well. I
love the outdoors and walking up on
Beachy Head and being so close to the
sea are both big pluses.”
Johanna retired in 2021 and now
lives near Ashdown Forest with
her husband Jackson Wade and
their two children.
JAYNE TORVILL
Ice skating legend Dame Jayne Torvill
lives in Heathfield with her family.
Jayne, 68, is most famous for
winning gold at the 1984 Winter
Olympics in Sarajevo for her and
skating partner Christopher Dean’s
perfect performance of Bolero.
Following her professional skating
career, Jayne taught figure skating
before appearing on ITV’s celebrity
ice skating competition show
Dancing on Ice alongside Chris
for several years.
Originally from Nottingham,
Jayne supports many local charities
and businesses and is often spotted
enjoying Eastbourne and Bexhill-on-
Sea’s seafronts, and visiting Hailsham
for openings and appearances.
Jayne once commented: “One of my
favourite places nowadays is Bexhill.
It’s one of those old-fashioned
seaside resorts and the architecture
is beautiful — there are some lovely
Art Deco buildings. The De La Warr
Pavilion on the seafront is amazing.”
RAG ‘N’ BONE MAN
Singer Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, real name
Rory Graham, grew up in Uckfield
and lived in Brighton before moving
to a sprawling country house in
Heathfield, where he lives with his
wife and four children.
The ‘Human’ singer, 41, attended
Ringmer Community College
before being expelled and joining
Uckfield College.
He also worked on community
projects with The Prince’s
Trust, painting and gardening
in Crowborough during
his school years.
He said in an interview: “We
relocated outside of the city because
Brighton is too hectic and I need
somewhere peaceful. We live in a
world where people want to take
pictures of you, and I want to keep
my children’s innocence for as
long as possible.”
GWENDOLINE CHRISTIE
Game of Thrones and Star Wars actor
Gwendoline Christie was born in
Worthing and grew up in a small
hamlet in the South Downs.
The Hollywood actress, 47, played the
first Star Wars female villain, Captain
Phasma, in Star Wars: Episode VII — The
Force Awakens and has also appeared
in two of the Hunger Games films.
Growing up, Gwendoline was in the
Sussex rhythmic gymnastics squad,
which she says she ‘adored’.
She previously commented: “I grew
up in Sussex, in the countryside, kind
of in the middle of nowhere, and this
is in the days pre-internet.
“Although, I know people struggle
to think that there was such a world.”
EDDIE IZZARD
Actor, comedian and politician
Eddie Izzard moved to Bexhill
aged seven and attended St Bede’s
School in Eastbourne.
Eddie, 64, is currently starring in the
Hamlet World Tour.
The actor has appeared in films
including Ocean’s Twelve, The
Chronicles of Narnia, and Treasure
Island, as well as Six Minutes to
Midnight which featured scenes
shot in Bexhill.
Growing up, Eddie worked at
Bexhill’s De La Warr Pavilion
before going on to headline at the
venue years later.
The actor said in an interview: “It
was sort of a dying building when I
was working in the self-service café in
the late 1970s. £38 a week I was getting
in the summer holidays, now it’s
become one of the great arts centres
of the South East.”
PIERS MORGAN
Controversial TV presenter Piers
Morgan went to school in Lewes and
now lives in a country mansion in
Newick, just outside of Uckfield.
The former Good Morning Britain
presenter, 61, lives there with his wife
Celia Waldron and their daughter,
as well as his three sons from his
previous marriage.
The opinionated journalist,
who used to edit the Daily Mirror,
previously lived above the pub
his parents ran, the Griffin
Inn in Fletching.
He previously said: “It was one
big happy building. From age five
to 13, I spent most of my free time
downstairs working and talking to
adults. I read the newspapers they left
behind, watched how they interacted
and learned the value of information
and storytelling.”
KEANE
Keane band members Tom Chaplin
and Tim-Rice Oxley were born
in Battle and went to school in
Robertsbridge where they met future
bandmate Richard Hughes.
Their original line-up included
founder and guitarist Dominic
Scott, who left in 2001, while Jesse
Quin became an official band
member in 2011.
The group started out as a cover
band called The Lotus Eaters,
playing in several pubs around East
Sussex. They changed their name
to Keane in 1997.
Tim now lives in Litlington, near
Polegate, while Tom, 47, lives in Kent
with his wife and family but returns to
his parents’ Sussex home regularly.
Tom said: “A lot of people I grew up
with or went to school with in East
Sussex have gone to far-flung corners
of the world. With my lifestyle on
tour, I was conscious of wanting
to remain close to my roots. It’s
important to maintain that certainty
in my life — I love the familiarity of
still being in this part of the world.”
JOHN SIMM
The acclaimed actor, famous for
his roles in Life on Mars and Doctor
Who, has become one of the most
prominent faces of modern Sussex
since taking on the mantle of Detective
Superintendent Roy Grace.
The 55-year-old actor, originally from
Leeds, made a permanent move from
London to Brighton with his wife,
actress Kate Magowan, and their two
children. He describes the relocation
as “serendipitous,” as it coincided with
him landing the lead role in Grace,
which is set and filmed almost entirely
across the county.
While he is now a confirmed
Brightonian, his work as Roy Grace
keeps him constantly on the move
through the local “nooks and
crannies” of East Sussex. He has
noted that filming the series has been
a fantastic way to discover his new
home, from the bustling North Laine
to the quieter stretches of the coast.
JOE MARLER
The England rugby international and
Harlequins prop is a quintessential
Sussex local, born and bred in
Eastbourne. While he is legendary
for his “mischief” on the pitch, he is
equally known around these parts as a
die-hard Brighton & Hove Albion fan.
The 35-year-old was born in the
town and spent his formative years
playing for the Eastbourne Sharks
from the age of 11. He attended
Maynards Green Primary School
and Heathfield Community College,
and his rugby journey took him
through Hellingly RFC and Haywards
Heath RFC before his professional
career exploded.
Despite his heavy involvement
with London-based Harlequins, Joe
remains rooted in the area, currently
living in East Sussex with his wife
Daisy and their four children.

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12 NEWS
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
To write to the editor, email:
letters@bexhill.news
CONCERNS RAISED AFTER
DEVOLUTION MEETING
DEAR EDITOR, My wife and I attended
the Public Meeting at the De La Warr
last year to learn about the proposed
‘Devolution’ of Local Authorities
and Public Services planned for May
2028. There were only about 40
of us attended.
There was a Q&A after each speaker,
representatives from the existing
ESCC, Rother DC, our newish Bexhill
Town Council and from the Bexhill
Neighbourhood Board.
The following is what was discussed
(and revealed):
1. Devolution usually means passing
power and responsibility downwards
to be more ‘Local’, not in this case. All
District LAs are to be terminated from
2028. A new East Sussex County area
will be served by one all-powerful
Unitary Authority.
2. Town and Parish Councils will,
however, be unaffected and will
continue (it is hoped) without its ‘Council
Tax’ being capped to an increase of a
maximum. of 5% per year. (Current ESCC
and Local Authorities are restricted to
increases no greater than 5% pa and
have been for several years under the
previous Government, hence the ever
more noticeable lowering or cancellation
of Public Services).
3. All local Authorities have the
responsibility for their Regulatory
Services, highways, refuse disposal etc —
which cannot be cancelled.
However, they also have Discretionary
Service Responsibilities which in
Bexhill’s case covers toilets, allotments,
childrens play equipment, recreation
grounds, ornamental gardens, most
grass cutting etc.
4. Rother’s representative confirmed
that as the 5% Council Tax cap has
not been yet revoked by our new
Government , RDC can no longer
continue the provision of Discretionary
Services, without going into debt.
Like all of us who put so much hard
work into setting up Bexhill Town
Council, we believed, as did the RDC,
that the BTC would be pleased to accept
such responsibilities over a settling in
period. However, the political majority
changed at the last BTC Election, and
is now controlled by the same ideology
that governed Bexhill and later the
RDC for decades, until voted out by a
genuine group of Independents who
wished to improve the unacceptably low
service standards in RDC. Unfortunately,
long term Austerity and Covid hit our
Government and our RDC funding.
5. To the horror and astonishment of
the audience and RDC, the Bexhill Town
Council, refused point-blank to accept
any new financing of discretionary
service responsibility.
Looking back, we should not have
been so devastated, as the very people
who on social media and in print fought
against the formation of BTC are now in
control of it. They have the majority on
all the BTC’s functions
Unfortunately, there was
then more shocks;
6. All the Assets of the RDC which
have financial value are going to be
passed up to the new Unitary Authority,
who should dispose/sell them — eg.
Bexhill Town Hall and much else.
I admit to confusion when I believe
it was then stated that the Unitary
Authority had no legal right to retain
them and the services they currently
provide. If this is a wrong interpretation,
no doubt those in charge will
correct this in print.
7. I asked whether we could expect
the level of Transferred Local Services
Standards post 5/2028 to be similar
to the current ESCC’s current Highway
Maintenance Standards….no reply.
It is now clear that the discretionary
services of RDC will not be taken over
either by BTC or the new Unitary
Authority. And that if the same Party
majority of the existing BTC and ESCC
continues after May 2028, Bexhill’s
Public Services will be shredded and
asset stripped. I do appreciate that
Bexhill has a reputation for begrudging
any tax rise, but you get what you pay
and vote for. This time, it will affect
every single one of us residents.
Local Power to the people — I think not!
Mr.I.M.Griffiths (retired Head of
Technical Services of a large LA.)
OPEN LETTER TO THE
LEADERSHIP AND TRUSTEES OF
THE DE LA WARR PAVILION
DEAR EDITOR, As the centenary of
the De La Warr Pavilion approaches in
2035, there is a rare and meaningful
opportunity to mark this milestone with
a public gesture that is both timeless
and forward-looking.
I would like to propose the creation
of a large-scale Centenary Clock, to be
installed on the Pavilion’s exterior wall
facing the seafront greens.
This would not simply be a functional
clock, but a carefully designed
architectural feature — one that
complements the Pavilion’s modernist
heritage while offering a powerful civic
symbol. Positioned prominently, it would
serve as a shared point of reference
for residents and visitors alike: a place
to meet, to pause, and to reflect on the
passage of time against the backdrop
of one of Britain’s most important
modernist buildings.
The Pavilion was conceived as a
democratic space — open, accessible,
and rooted in public life. A centenary
clock would honour that original vision.
It would extend the building’s role
beyond gallery and performance space
into something even more elemental:
a marker of time within the daily
rhythms of the town.
Done well, such a feature could become
a new visual icon for Bexhill-on-Sea,
a focal point for the 2035 centenary
celebrations, and a lasting legacy that
continues to engage the public long after
the anniversary year.
I believe this idea has the potential
to attract artistic collaboration,
public interest, and external funding,
particularly if approached as a
commissioned design project that
invites innovation while respecting the
Pavilion’s architectural integrity.
I would welcome the opportunity
to develop this proposal further or
contribute to any exploratory discussions
around centenary initiatives.
Paul Minter
HASTINGS ROAD ‘STILL DANGEROUS’ FOR USERS
DEAR EDITOR,I have been asking out to clear the pavement has just been
Bexhill council and the highways thrown on top of the soil bank and not
department to clear Hastings Road actually cleared. The area is still very
pavement to make it not just safe narrow and dangerous.
for mobility scooter and wheelchair I fully understand that doing the job
users, but also able-bodied pedestrians properly would cost a lot of money
and even drivers.
because it might involve removing
I admit some work has been done, by some trees, as they seem to be holding
that I mean very little work, the areas the bank together, but if there were
that have had something done, it is to be an accident, the cost would
clear that the soil that has been dug be much greater.
KIND EASTER SURPRISE
FROM A STRANGER
DEAR EDITOR, On Maundy,
Thursday (April 2), I was leaving
Sainsbury’s, Bexhill, when a lady
approached me saying, ‘I’ve got
something for you’. She fumbled
about in her bag and eventually gave
me a Sainsbury’s token, adding, ‘I
want you to have a treat for Easter.’
I thanked her perfunctorily, but
before I could investigate
further, she had gone.
I would like to thank that lady,
assuming she reads your newspaper,
for her very kind gesture, as I have
no other idea how I can do that.
It was certainly a surprise in these
straitened times and one that I wish
to acknowledge.
Mr D.R.Hollamby.
HAVE YOU SOMETHING
TO SAY?
Send your letters to the editor by
emailing: letters@bexhill.news
I also reported a rotten tree a few
weeks ago, also on the Hastings Road.
I have been told it has been looked
at and told no’ work needed’. I am
staggered that the stewards who are
looking at this sort of thing can not
see the problem.
I would like to meet the highways
department manager on the Hastings
road to show them all the problems we
as disabled people face on this area
David Jarvis

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news MAY 2026 NEWS 13
Music From The Movies
at the De La Warr
HASTINGS Sinfonia, an orchestra
formed by local professional and
talented amateur musicians,
will be joined by the exceptional
youngsters of St. Richard’s Catholic
College choir, led by Head of Music,
Beccy Byrne, at a concert at Bexhill’s
De La Warr Pavilion in May.
Founded by local composer Polo
Piatti, Hastings Sinfonia is renowned
for its energetic performances and
commitment to making classical
music accessible to all.
The event will take place on Sunday,
17th May at 3pm.
The conductor for this exciting
concert will be Derek Carden, known
for his warmth and humorous
asides with the audience. Leading
the orchestra will be Adrian
Charlesworth, who will also perform
the violin solo in Schindler’s List.
Enjoy some of the most powerful
film music ever written, including
highlights from The Sound of Music,
arranged for solo piano with full
orchestra by Kent composer Simon
Proctor; the soloist for this demanding
work is Howard Southern.
To conclude the first half of the
concert, the orchestra will perform
Edelweiss, with St Richard’s Catholic
College Choir, and the audience will
be warmly invited to sing along.
The first half of the concert also
features music from Dances with
Wolves, the Humming Chorus from
Madame Butterfly and Finale from
the ballet Ismanien, Polo Piatti’s
latest large-scale composition
to date, which will be receiving
its first full premiere in Japan, in
September 2026.
The second half of the concert
will feature music from the films
Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean,
Schindler’s List and Star Wars.
It will also include Chuff by
composer Garry Judd, a friend of the
orchestra, who sadly passed away
recently. Garry wrote Chuff about the
miniature railway in Hastings Old
Town and kindly dedicated this piece
to Hastings Sinfonia.
Tickets start at £15 and under 18’s,
who are accompanied by a paying
adult, are welcome free of charge.
Bookings can be made on the
De La Warr Pavilion website at
www.dlwp.com or via the
Box Office: (01424) 229111 or visit
www.hastingssinfonia.com
Fear of Last Orders
head for The
Brickmakers
HASTINGS-BASED punk/skiffle
merchants Fear of Last Orders will
be bringing the noise to Bexhill on
Thursday the 14th May.
Promoting their new record,
“In the Last Chance Saloon”, the
band will be playing a special show
at the Brickmakers on Sea Road
starting at 7pm.
The four track 7” includes the bands
love song to Hastings Pier, “The End
of the Pier” and the psychobilly/skiffle
cross over tune “Psycho Charlie.”
Fear Of Last Orders erupted onto the
Sussex live music scene two years ago
— stand-up bass, electric guitar and
terrace-chant vocals.
Their mission was simple. Weld
the excitement and energy of the
early Clash with the beats of Lonnie
Donegan and songs about characters
straight out of the Sweeney. And so a
new musical genre was born. Punk,
Skiffle and Debt Collection.
Geoff Martin from Fear of Last
Orders said; “We are delighted to
be playing at the award-winning
Brickmakers in Bexhill on Thursday
14th May. It’s a bar we know well and
we are expecting a lively evening
in good company.
“We are not aware of any other
bands playing a mixture of punk
and skiffle and with our electric
washboard setting the pace we
guarantee a live show that will get the
Brickies jumping.”
Work Begins to transform
De La Warr Pavilion for
future generations
THE De La Warr Pavilion has
announced that work has now
begun to restore and reimagine the
Grade I listed modernist landmark.
Launching the major
transformation project, ‘An Icon
For Everyone’ in partnership with
Rother District Council, that will
redevelop this pioneering centre for
the arts, creating new learning and
community spaces, refurbish the
auditorium and galleries, improve
accessibility, support environmental
sustainability and secure the
Pavilion’s purpose as a creative and
cultural home for all.
This project is a key part of
Transforming Heritage. Powering
Community, a UK Governmentfunded
partnership between Heart
of Sidley, De La Warr Pavilion, and
Rother District Council working
together to create opportunities,
inspiring pride of place and
strengthening community life across
Bexhill and Sidley.
Currently the De La Warr Pavilion
in its 90th year is showing its age
physically and environmentally.
The building’s fabric is deteriorating
and both structural and operational
deficits need addressing urgently.
The building has badly insulated
external walls and leaking roofs,
with poor levels of airtightness due
to many of the metal-framed,
single-glazed windows showing
signs or corrosion and cracking.
These issues will be resolved
through this major transformation
project, designed by multi prizewinning
architects Haworth
Tompkins in consultation with our
local communities.
The first appointed contractors on
site will be RTB roofing, working to
improve the Pavilion’s environmental
sustainability by fixing the main
foyer flat roof so that it is watertight
and insulated, ensuring the inside
of the building is warmer and more
comfortable for visitors and ready
for improvements to heating and
airtightness that will come with
the later works. Key preparatory
works will also be carried out on
the auditorium roof ahead of the
installation of solar photovoltaics
later in the year (solar panels paid
for by Rother District Council’s
Community Infrastructure Levy
(CIL)* funding).
Other work happening this year
is the restoration of the iconic De
La Warr Pavilion north and south
staircase glazing, where specialist
heritage glazing contractors will
remove each pane of glass and
carefully repair the metal frames
before reglazing. This work will
help improve the performance
and long-term resilience of the
building and reduce its operational
environmental impact.
Planned works this Spring also
include the repair of the auditorium
piano lift, after being out-of-service
for the last three years, contractors
Centre Stage Engineering will restore
this essential piece of equipment
meaning our technical team can load
in band equipment from the west
stage doors avoiding the need to load
through the delicate glass doors at
the front of the building. Staging and
seating can now be stored beneath the
stage and accessed easily, reducing
heavy lifting and turnaround times
and allowing the auditorium to better
support multiple users.
De La Warr Pavilion auditorium
audiences will be happy to hear that
new permanent seating is currently
being crafted by Audience Systems, a
leading UK designer, manufacturer
and installer of specialist seating.
With fabric now in production by
Bute Fabrics (est. 1947) on the Isle
of Bute, home of our sister Pavilion
in Rothesay. Supporters can donate
through the Your Seat In History
campaign to help fund the building
project, have their name engraved on
chair plaques in the auditorium and
become part of the Pavilion’s story.
All areas of the Pavilion will
remain open throughout 2026. Some
scaffolding will be in place and
certain routes through the building
will be temporarily adjusted. The
addition of the DLWP 90th birthday
Summer Programme on the south
terrace will ensure that summer
2026 is a time full of activity for
the pavilion.
This project is made possible
through De La Warr Pavilion’s
partnership with Rother District
Council and the generous support
of the UK Government, The
National Lottery Heritage Fund,
The Wolfson Foundation, Garfield
Weston Foundation, The Chalk
Cliff Trust, Foyle Foundation, and
Suzy Eddie Izzard.

16 NEWS
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Steam locomotive brings
Sussex Belle through Bexhill
REPORT BY STUART FAIRWAY
ONE of the railway's great survivors
successfully steamed into through
Bexhill last month on a round trip to
London.
34028 'Eddystone', a West Country
class Pacific built for the Southern
Railway at Brighton Works in 1946
hauled the 'Sussex Belle' from
London Victoria on a round trip via
Eastbourne and Hastings.
The locomotive was part of a class
of 48 named after locations in the
west of England, with a further 62
locomotives then built and named as
the Battle of Britain class.
It left London Victoria this morning
and headed south through the
Sussex Countryside arriving in
Eastbourne just before 2pm. It then
left Eastbourne towards Hastings and
continued on steam power through
Bexhill, Battle and Tunbridge
Wells to arrive back in London
Victoria this evening.
Originally designed with
streamlined air-smoothed casing, 60
of the combined classes, including
34028, were rebuilt to a more
conventional design to improve some
problems experienced in adhesion,
maintenance, high fuel consumption
and reduced driver visibility.
Following withdrawal by British
Railways in May 1964 after covering
851,549 miles in service, including
on some of the most prestigious
duties including the Atlantic Coast
Express and Devon Belle, Eddystone
languished in the Woodham's
scrapyard at Barry in South Wales for
22 years before it was purchased by
the Southern Pacific Rescue group
and moved to begin restoration in
Sellindge, Kent in 1986.
After much work, Eddystone,
named after the group of rocks nine
miles off the coast of Cornwall, was
eventually restored to steam in 2003,
working on the Swanage Railway
in Dorset until boiler overhaul was
required in 2014.
After several years of service
following this second overhaul, the
locomotive was again withdrawn
after a crack was identified in the
frames around the leading set of
wheels, requiring further work.
The owners, Southern Locomotives
Limited, decided to put Eddystone
through the works required for
mainline use in 2024, with return
coming in September 2025.
In their heyday, both the West
Country class and sister locomotives
could be seen in the local area,
including occasional use on the
Eastbourne to Hailsham shuttles as a
'filling in' turn between longer duties.

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news MAY 2026 REGULARS 17
A MATTER OF TASTE
WHY TRATTORIA ITALIANA
REMAINS A BEXHILL FAVOURITE
BY GARY VAN DEN BUSSCHE
THE Trattoria Italiana is a family-run
restaurant based right by the seafront,
in Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea.
Like many Italian families, they are
very passionate about preparing, eating,
celebrating, and of course eating, food
and drink. It was established in 2004,
when they first opened in a smaller
restaurant, which is now Cavells.
The restaurant has gone from strength
to strength, becoming one of Bexhill’s
most popular, by always providing
good quality authentic Italian food
and serving it alongside friendly staff,
no matter how many hours they have
worked, or how busy they have been,
they are always cheerful and pleased to
make you welcome.
At Trattoria Italiana, they have an
extensive menu, ranging from traditional
Italian pastas and pizzas to fantastic fish
and meat dishes, plus a children’s menu.
The restaurant offers excellent value
two-course weekday set lunch at only
£9.95, which changes weekly to keep
it exciting. The set lunch menu offers
a choice of three starters and three
main courses, add a dessert for £3.25.
They always include a meat, fish and
vegetarian option.
The price of the menu with starters
averaging £6-£9, Mains £15-£20, with
pizzas starting at £9.95.
My friend was visiting me from
London, as I would say he is quite a
plain eater, never really eats outside
the box and chose spaghetti Bolognese
(£14.50) with a side order of garlic bread
(£4.75), which he really enjoyed and
I’m sure he had the same last time we
visited together! I went for the pan fried
Calves Liver with butter and sage, the
liver was cooked to perfection, slightly
pink as requested, served with creamed
spinach, buttery mashed potatoes and
French beans — the liver melted in my
mouth like a really tender fillet steak
(£21.50), they also do a grilled option
with bacon in a garlic, red wine sauce, at
the same price.
Fish and seafood lovers would love
Bordetto alla Pescarese, which is a fish
and seafood stew cooked in homemade
fish stock, with sweet pepper, tomatoes
and a garlic wine broth.
Served with garlic bread, kind of like a
French Bouillabaisse which originated
in Marseille, or, freshly grilled Seabass
fillet with prawns in a cream and brandy
sauce (£21.50).
I’ve never had a bad meal in the
many 100’s of times I’ve been here,
birthdays, with grandchildren, dates,
whatever the occasion, they always
make it special.
The outside seating area is superb
on sunny days and they have an up
or downstairs seating inside, with the
upstairs seating balcony looking over
the downstairs seating area.
We had two mains as described, two
desserts, salted caramel cheesecake,
A MATTER OF TASTE
KNOW YOUR GARDEN
lemon sorbet, one pint of beer and a
bottle of fizzy water and the bill came to
£76 without service.
They open for breakfast at 8.30am
-12 midday, Lunch/Dinner to
10pm, last orders 9.30pm, always
advisable to book.
I hope you get to try this wonderful
restaurant for the perfect dining
experience with your friends and family.
68 Devonshire Road,
Bexhill on Sea, TN40 1AX
Tel: 01424 736 556
www.trattoriaitaliana.co.uk
GARDEN OPEN WED & SAT UNTIL 28 OCT 2026
For details, please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk
and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden
THE
By Emma
UPPER
Reece, Head Gardener
CRUST:
at Bates Green
WHY
Garden
POPPY SEED
BAKERY
“The most noteworthy thing
IS
about
THE
gardeners is
EARL’S
that they are always
TRUE
optimistic, always
SUCCESSOR
enterprising, and never
is about experimenting and responding
to nature’s cues.
At Bates Green Garden, we strive to
BY As GARY the Head VAN Gardener DEN BUSSCHE at Bates Green
SOMETIMES Garden in East you Sussex, might crave I have a the
really privilege nice sandwich, of nurturing but a space when that’s you as
look much in your about fridge, nature you as it just is about don’t plants.
fancy This anything. Garden has long been a place of
Petrol beauty garages and connection and supermarkets — a haven do for
offer both a humans range. If and you wildlife. want a special, But lately, the
freshly rhythms made of nature sandwich, have then shifted. Poppy Climate
Seed change is the is answer. making itself felt here, and it’s
The altering sandwich the way is named the Team after here John garden.
Montagu, Over the 4th past Earl few of Sandwich, years, we have an
eighteenth-century noticed our seasons English behaving aristocrat. differently.
It Winters is commonly are milder, said summers that Lord are Sandwich hotter
was and fond sometimes of this form drier, of and food unpredictable because
it downpours allowed him can to continue arrive without gambling warning.
while These eating, shifts without have affected the need everything for a
fork, from and when without plants getting flower his to cards how pests
greasy and diseases from eating show with up. For his bare instance, hands.
The some dish spring then became bulbs now popular flower in earlier,
London, while prolonged and Sandwich’s heatwaves name have became
associated stressed even with our it. most established
But trees in and 1850, shrubs. sandwiches The Garden’s in the UK
were familiar being patterns sold by are street changing, vendors. and as
The gardeners, Sandwich we branched must adapt. out to other
countries, One of the some, biggest like Denmark, changes we famous have
for made their is open in plant sandwiches, selection. not The forgetting days
the of Americans, relying solely who on call traditional a Burger English or food
within garden a bun favorites a sandwich. are fading. Instead, we
Sandwiches are choosing have plants been that widely can tolerate sold in
cafes, warmer supermarkets, temperatures railway and periods stations, of
pubs and shops since the invention of
drought. Mediterranean plants like
rosemary and phlomis thrive in these
conditions, as do ornamental grasses
and certain succulents. We also look
for species that are naturally resilientsliced
plants bread that can in the handle 1920s. fluctuations
in In weather 2017, the and British still provide sandwich colour, industry
made texture, and and sold support £8 billion for worth wildlife. of Native
sandwiches plants remain — now important, that’s a but lot mixing of bread! in
adaptable So much for varieties the history, gives the let’s garden get
back a fighting to my chance lunch from and broadens the Poppy the
Seed diversity Bakery. for insects. Poppy Seed is an
award-winning Climate change artisan has prompted bakery us to
offering rethink baked some basic goods gardening and sandwiches techniques.
throughout Mulching beds East and Sussex, borders with is branches more
in essential Bexhill, now Heathfield than ever and before; three a thick
branches layer of organic in Eastbourne. mulch helps retain
They offer walk-in and pickup, or
moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate
soil temperature.
We try to disturb the soil less,
protecting its health and structure.
Composting is a priority too—returning
pre-phone nutrients to orders, the earth with and a fantastic reducing range
of garden fillings. waste. I chose Where rare possible, roast beef, we salad group
with plants red with onions similar and water mayo and on sunlight granary
bread. needs, I making could have maintenance chosen regular easier and white
bread more efficient. or one of These their many small changes delicious add rolls.
up The and price make for a this real delight difference was in £4.30, how the
and Garden it was copes the with most stress. delicious sandwich
I’ve With ever rainfall tasted. now The less sandwiches predictable, are
huge managing too — water just about wisely fitting is crucial. into your Let us
hand. all install There water is the butts meal to deal collect option rainwater
with and use a drink it for and irrigation. crisps for Drip £6.30 systems
(takeaway target the roots only). directly, reducing
Another great idea on the menu is a
salad bowl at £4.75, which can include
lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion,
coleslaw, potato salad, or sweetcorn
with a choice of dressings. What a
fantastic lunch idea.
The Bexhill branch is now celebrating
its 22nd year — it was originally called
Farm House Kitchen, before the Poppy
Seed name change.
It’s also a great shop to buy homemade
evaporation sausage rolls and (small saving or large), water. Danish Here, we
avoid pastries, watering Almond in the or plain heat croissants, of the day; to
early name mornings just a few are items. best. By monitoring
soil Next moisture time you rather fancy than a tasty watering sandwich on a
set or roll, schedule, head down we ensure to Poppy that plants Seed, where get
what you’ll they get great need without service and waste. friendly These staff.
strategies You can help find them Garden on Western stay lush Road even
during Bexhill, dry spells. Lewes Road in Heathfield,
and There Beatty are several Road, Hawthorn ways gardeners Road and can
mitigate Gildredge the Road effects in Eastbourne. of climate change.
Planting www.thepoppyseed.co.uk
trees and shrubs creates shade
and helps cool the area. Increasing
organic matter in soil boosts its ability
to hold water and nutrients. If you’re
planning new beds, consider raised beds,
which allow for better drainage during
heavy rain. Don’t forget to practice
crop rotation and companion planting
to naturally keep pests at bay. And
always be open to learning; gardening
make this space welcoming for both
people and wildlife. Leaving areas of
wildflowers (AKA weeds) provides food
for pollinators. Woody pruning piles,
wild edges, nest boxes, and log piles
offer shelter to birds, insects, and small
mammals. Even a shallow dish of water
can help frogs and hedgehogs. Native
hedges and diverse plantings encourage
a variety of creatures to call the garden
home. Creating a wildlife-friendly garden
isn’t just good for nature—it also enriches
our own experience, making the garden
more vibrant and alive.
Climate change presents challenges,
but it also offers opportunities to rethink
how we garden. By adapting our plant
choices, refining techniques, managing
water wisely, and supporting wildlife,
we can build gardens that are beautiful,
resilient, and welcoming.
Bates Green Garden is living proof
that with care, creativity, and a little
courage, we can thrive in changing times.
I encourage you to look at your own
gardens with fresh eyes and be open to
new ideas. Gardeners can nurture spaces
that sustain us—and the world around
us—for years to come.
Enjoy the beautiful month of May.

18 ADVERTORIAL
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
BEXHILL-ON-SEA TOWN
COUNCIL UPDATE
Civic Awards Ceremony and
Annual Town Meeting
BEXHILL-ON-SEA Town Council’s
Civic Awards Ceremony took
place on Saturday, April 18th
between 4:30pm and 7:00pm
at St Peter’s Community Centre
in the Old Town.
This year was one of the biggest
in terms of awards given since the
Town Council’s inception, with
fifteen Individual Awards and one
award for Community Organisation
of the Year presented by the Mayor
and Deputy Mayor.
Individual Awards are given
to members of the public who
have demonstrated outstanding
citizenship in the last year. This year’s
recipients were:
• Helen Bridger a trustee of
Heart of Sidley, known for her
tireless support of Sidley via
various organisations.
• Christopher Brown also
known as Mr Bumble, who has
entertained children and adults
for over 34 years.
• Nicola Collins is an advocate
and fundraiser for children and
education, former Chair of All
Saints PTFA and a trustee of
Heart of Sidley.
• Alexander Haines is co-founder
and administrator of The Friends
of Lossie Long.
• Jamie Hancock is dedicated to
making Bexhill a better place,
picking litter up on our beaches on
a daily basis.
• Angela Hastings works in Tesco
Express and is always friendly,
helpful and cheerful. She also
supports a local brain tumour
charity in memory of her son.
• Greg Hempe is known for
his wonderfully decorated
van, which he lights up at
community gatherings.
• Stephen Johnson is Chairman
and founder of Bexhill Heritage,
committed to improving,
maintaining and restoring Bexhill’s
cultural icons.
• Tumer Mehmet is co-founder
and administrator of The Friends
of Lossie Long.
• Lauren O’Sullivan-Barnes is
the founder of ‘Glow Baby’
and is constantly developing
new ideas to improve the
environment for children.
• Louis Owen is a Town Ranger who
has previously volunteered at The
Pelham as part of their Building
Enterprise programme.
• Jamie Ramsden has been
instrumental in the revival of Sidley
Cricket Club, providing the Club
with a secure home for the first
time on over a decade.
• Gordon Smith is the organiser of
volunteers at Bexhill Museum
and writes a monthly column for
Bexhill News.
• Malcolm Turner a committed
and hands-on member of
Bexhill Environmental Group,
Bexhill Friends of the Down and
Bexhill in Bloom.
• Heather Winchester is the director
of Bexhill Family Collective,
playing a vital role in developing
and sustaining projects that
support families.
The Community Organisation of
the Year Award is given to a group
dedicated to making Bexhill-on-
Sea a better place. This year’s
recipients were The Friends of Lossie
Long, a charitable organisation
dedicated to supporting older
people, working in partnership
with St Stephen’s Church. They
were founded in 2000 as a group of
volunteers providing afternoon teas
to older people.
Congratulations to all our winners
this year! Do keep your eyes peeled
at the beginning of 2027 where we
will be releasing details of how to
nominate a person or organisation
for next year’s awards.
The ceremony was followed
by our Annual Town Meeting,
where Council Leaders and Town
Councillors answered questions from
the public. A number of subjects were
raised and were either addressed
directly by the Council or taken away
for answers to be provided at a later
date. The Annual Town Meeting came
to its conclusion with the departure of
the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Mace
Bearer in procession.
Thank you to those of you
who attended one, or both, of
these important events in the
Civic calendar.
A Message from our new
Town Clerk, Adam Chugg
IN April, Bexhill-on-Sea Town
Council welcomed a new Town
Clerk, Adam Chugg, who joins us
from Seaford Town Council.
''I am delighted to become the
Bexhill-on-Sea Town Clerk and
work for such an amazing town.
It’s a privilege to work in a place
of such history and tradition,
environmental beauty and diversity
and with such a strong sense of
identity and community.
I've been involved in public service
in different ways since 1989. I worked
professionally for many years in the
voluntary and community sector.
This was for different housing health
and children's charities including
Shelter, Family Care and NCH
Action for Children. I've always
been passionate about enabling
support and opportunities for all and
understand just what a difference
local people, community groups and
communities can make.
I moved to Sussex in 2002, living
first in Peacehaven and then Seaford
for many years. In 2008 I became
the Chief Exec of the Sussex charity
3VA, where I had twelve happy years
working closely with community
groups, local councils, and businesses
to support and empower community
initiatives and action, including 3VA
playing a pivotal role in supporting
community responses to the Covid
lockdowns in 2020.
Having worked with local councils
for many years, in 2020 I became
the Town Clerk at Seaford, and
was there for four years at a busy
council managing local assets and
community spaces, delivering events,
and supporting local groups.
I hope to bring my passion,
knowledge and experience to the
role, and I'm excited to work with
staff, Councillors, local organisations
and residents to make Bexhill the best
place it can be.’'
Application details for this
year's Bexhill Day event
AS well as providing support for
numerous other regular events
across the year, Bexhill-on-Sea
Town Council puts on several
large-scale public events of its own.
The next of these is the health and
well-being event at Bexhill Day,
which takes place on East Parade on
Window Watch
Council Town Clerk, Adam Chugg
Saturday, August 15th.
Application forms for local
organisations, charities, volunteer or
activity groups to exhibit on the day
are now available either in-person
from the Hub, or via email request:
info@bexhilltowncouncil.gov.uk. We
look forward to hearing from you!
OUR Hub window has again been busy this month, with our own interactive
'Find the Bunnies' Easter display proving a hit, and several external
organisations making use of our free hire capacity.
Don’t forget, if you’re a local organisation looking to promote an event or
exhibition in the town with an informative display, the Hub window is available
for booking. Contact us to find out more.
NOTABLE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday, 15th August — Bexhill Day
Sunday, 20th September — The RAFA Wings Appeal Walk
Sunday, 8th November — Remembrance Sunday
Saturday, 5th December — Christmas Lights
Switch-on / Street Market
FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS
FOR YOUR DIARY
Wednesday, 6th May — Amenities Committee
Wednesday, 13th May — Finance & Audit Committee
Wednesday, 20th May — Full Council Meeting
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

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news MAY 2026 REGULARS 19
SUSSEX POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER, KATY BOURNE OBE
HELPING YOU MAKE YOUR
COMMUNITY SAFER
ONE of the reasons for the introduction
of Police and Crime Commissioners
(PCCs) back in 2012 was to bring more
robust, local accountability and better
governance into policing.
PCCs were elected to be your voice
in policing and in Sussex, I take this
very seriously. We were one of the first
force areas to introduce live, webcast
Performance and Accountability
Meetings (PAMs). During these monthly
live-streamed scrutiny meetings, I put
the publics’ concerns directly to the
Chief Constable and her senior team.
I monitor every aspect of policing in
Sussex — from police officer recruitment
progress, tackling rural and retail crime,
road safety initiatives (like our recently
launched Fatal Five unit) and the impact
of government funding changes. In
April this year, I conducted my 135th
PAM and you can watch them all in the
archive at www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/
about/how-we-work/watch-live/
PCCs also have two other key
responsibilities — working with all our
community safety partners at a local and
national level and providing qualityassured,
specialist services for victims
and witnesses of crime.
The first is addressed by my
Partnerships Team who ensure that
priorities from my Police and Crime Plan
are translated in the activities of all the
various agencies who work in this field,
including those I provide funding to.
For nearly 14 years, the Partnerships
Team has consistently worked hard to
attract and secure millions of pounds
of extra Home Office investment into
Sussex for community safety work, over
and above our core police budget.
More recently, the team have
supported three coastal areas —
Eastbourne, Hastings and Rother — to
secure Neighbourhood Board funding to
deliver £20 million in local investment
over ten years.
They have also successfully
implemented the Anti-Social Behaviour
(ASB) Case Review appeal process,
supporting victims and partners to
effectively tackle persistent ASB. The
ASB Case Review (formerly Community
Trigger) empowers repeat victims of
antisocial behaviour to ask for a review
of the actions that partner agencies have
taken, to resolve their concerns. To be
eligible, you need to have experienced
and reported three separate ASB
incidents in the last six months. You
can find out more on my website: www.
sussex-pcc.gov.uk/pcc-priorities/
partnership-working/asb-case-review/
All road users in Sussex will be pleased
to hear that my Partnerships Team
were central to delivering my manifesto
promise to provide a Fatal Five Traffic
Policing Unit into Sussex Police. The unit
is focused on targeting people driving
anti-socially, including those speeding
as well as persistent offenders. So far,
they have issued 327 traffic offence
reports and fixed penalty notices and
made 37 arrests. They are also providing
education and supporting our “Vision
Zero” ambition: that no death or serious
injury on our roads is acceptable. You
can read more about the Fatal Five
Unit here: www.sussex.police.uk/
news/sussex/news/force-news/newfatal-five-unit-launched-to-save-liveson-sussex-roads/
The Partnerships Team is also
responsible for allocating funding to
community groups from my Safer in
Sussex Fund. So far, I’ve invested over
£2.3 million into more than 600 local
initiatives to reduce crime across Sussex.
The second of my PCC responsibilities
falls to my Victims’ Services Team who
suggested two areas for this month’s
column: The Victims Code and our
Safe Spaces Scheme.
The Victims’ Code explains the rights
that everyone can expect to receive as
a victim of crime. Whoever you are and
whatever the crime, you have the right
to be informed about the criminal justice
process and the support available.
As your PCC, I have a statutory
responsibility to provide victim support
services (Right 4 in the Victims Code).
Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March
2026, I allocated £5.5 million to local
victim support services and I have
committed to providing a similar level
of funding for the next 12 months. As
a victim of crime, you have the right to
access these services whether or not
you reported to police, and you can find
all support services available to you on
my Safe Space Sussex website: www.
safespacesussex.org.uk.
Finally, our Safe Space Sussex Scheme
is a county-wide initiative bringing
together a carefully selected network
of locations offering a Safe Space for
people to go if they feel unsafe, scared,
threatened or at risk of harm, whilst out
in public. The purpose of the scheme
is to provide a space and facilities
where people can seek help, make a
‘phone call or simply wait in a safe
environment until they feel comfortable
to continue their day.
Safe Spaces include businesses,
organisations, community spaces and
various other publicly accessible, eligible
venues. Premises that have signed
up have done so voluntarily and been
assessed as suitable premises. They
can provide individuals with access to a
private or quiet area, access to a ‘phone,
a toilet and drinking water, whilst
using the space.
You can find the nearest Safe Space to
you on our Safe Space Sussex website:
www.safespacesussex.org.uk/safespace-scheme/
by using the devices’
location or entering a postcode. If you
know of a business, organisation or
community space that may be interested
in becoming a Safe Space, please direct
them to the website.
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www.eastbournecoaches.co.uk

20 REGULARS
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
BEXHILL MUSEUM with Gordon Smith
SPIKE MEETS HIS BIGGEST FAN
WHO can you recognise in this picture
taken in Manor Gardens, Bexhill, 38
years ago this month?
You might spot Spike Milligan in
the striped shirt but who is the figure
second left with his back partly
turned to the camera?
He was an interloper at the event,
which was Spike’s D-Battery Reunion
held at the Manor Barn in 1988.
Museum District Curator Julian Porter
says: “Spike is best known for his
comedic work but was also an actor
and writer. He was also part of Bexhill’s
wartime defences, as described in
his book Adolf Hitler My Part in His
Downfall (1971), but he continued
his association with Bexhill for the
rest of his life.
“His unit, D- Battery, 56 Heavy
Regiment, Royal Artillery, held annual
reunion dinners in London from 1967
but relocated to Bexhill in 1973 and
they continued until 1991.”
While these reunions were essentially
private events, they still had quite an
impact on Bexhill.
“The 1973 reunion at the De La Warr
Pavilion was televised as an episode
of This Is Your Life. Sometimes the
reunions (usually at the De La Warr
Pavilion) would take over the venue,
including Spike offering to join a local
theatrical production in 1974.”
This photograph shows Spike
greeting the Battery’s last commander,
Major Jack Leaman.
An exception was made to allow one
of Spike’s fans to attend their reunion —
the mystery figure is Prince Charles.
The Prince was a fan of one of Spike’s
creations, The Goon Show, which also
gave us The Dreaded Batter Pudding
Hurler of Bexhill-on-Sea.
SUNDAY STROLL
Also returning this month are the spring
and summer guided walks.
First up is an exploration of the
stories about Little Common on
Sunday 17 May at 2pm.
In order to manage numbers you will
need to reserve a place by contacting
the museum on 01424 222058, by
dropping in to reception or by emailing
info@bexhillmuseum.org.uk.
The cost is £5 which is paid to the
walk leader on the day.
KEN’S BACK
Local author and lecturer Ken Brooks is
back for his annual series of spring and
summer Saturday afternoon talks.
These are informal affairs held
in the museum Education Room
for a small group.
His first talk is about Hastings Old
Town in which he will explain how it
has changed over 150 years.
It will take place on 16 May from 1.30
to 3pm. Tickets are £10 (£8 for museum
members) which includes refreshments
and entry to the museum galleries.
They can be reserved by calling into the
museum or by phoning 01424 222058.
ANNA’S ART
Anna Kopach, a Ukrainian artist and
illustrator, will undertake her first solo
exhibition in Bexhill, in the museum
education room on Saturday 2nd and
Sunday, 3rd May.
Anna’s exhibition seeks to express
through art the changing states
that can be experienced when the
familiar world falls apart. Her colourful
paintings combine the best traditions of
Ukrainian folk and modern art.
She will also have for sale a selection
of smaller prints, cards and craft items.
Entrance to the exhibition is free. It
will be open during normal museum
hours of 11am to 4pm.
BUSTER WITH MUSIC
Buster Keaton is back at Bexhill Film
Club with his most commercially
successful film.
He stars in and co-directs The
Navigator, released in 1924.
He plays wealthy Rollo Treadway
who suddenly decides to propose to
Betsy, who lives across the street. She
www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk
declines his offer but the honeymoon
aboard a ship has already been booked.
He decides to go alone but boards the
wrong vessel. Betsy ends up on board
as well, just as a gang of saboteurs set
the ship adrift.
It is a silent film with live piano
accompaniment by Mike Hatchard.
Tickets are £8. You can reserve your
seats by phoning (01424 222058) or
by calling into the museum. The show
starts at 7pm on Wednesday 6 May.
PUZZLING HOUR
The second of our Positively Puzzling
sessions is on Wednesday 27 May
at 2.30pm. It is a chance to come
along for a social occasion and try
your hand at different types of puzzle.
No need to book — just turn up.
Admission is £5 which will include
tea, coffee and biscuits — and your
choice of puzzles.
SUSSEX BY THE SEA
Nautical themes form the subjects of the
two History Hours this month.
The story of the lifeboats in Sussex is
on Thursday 7 May and the history of
the Cinque Ports and Yarmouth Fair is
on Thursday 21 May.
Both talks are given by David Dennis
and start at 2pm. Tickets, priced at
£8, can be pre-booked on the museum
webpage or by phoning or visiting the
museum (01424 222058).
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Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news MAY 2026 REGULARS 21
ON YOUR BIKE with Paul Humpreys of Eastbourne Bespoke
THE NORMANS ARE COMING — THIS TIME NOT
AS INVADERS BUT WELCOME GUESTS
CYCLING takes a variety of forms and
not just on two wheels. You can see
various designs for those with a disability,
tricycles, recumbents, cargo bikes and
Tagalongs.
Increasingly, they come with assisted
electric power, where the energy is stored
in a battery and charged by the grid or, as
the French invention illustrated here is,
topped up by free solar power.
One of the most exciting local cycling
events this year is themed around the
most famous date in English history,
14th October 1066.
The Vhélio Trophee, a French solarpowered
cycle event, which celebrates
the ‘European Year of the Normans’,
and commemorates the anniversary
of the birth of William the Conqueror,
Duke of Normandy.
This is not a race but a social occasion
which involves around 80 cycles, 8 of
which will be these Vhélios. The route
goes from Rouen to Dieppe, overnight on
the ferry, and then on Friday, May 15th,
from Newhaven onto Pevensey Castle and
finally finishing at Battle.
The Vhélio is a DIY, solar-assisted
electric utility tricycle designed for
suburban mobility. Its aluminium frame
supports up to 200 kg and is around 2m
long and nearly 1m wide.
It meets UK regulations, as it is powered
by a 250W motor and a 522Wh battery,
with a 50 km range, but this is extended
by the 220W solar panel. The sides
allow up to 250L of cargo, and the solar
canopy provides both energy and weather
protection. From the beginning, it was
designed for low-tech repairing and it uses
standard bike components.
2026 is a trial run for a much larger
event in 2027, where there may be
up to 500 cycles, including more than
50 Vhélios. So for this year, the route
of the UK leg is still being finalised, as
are the timings.
For the public, your best chance to look
at these cycles is either before 9:30am,
at Seaford seafront, whilst they wait for
the Friday morning traffic to reduce and
then later, in the centre of Battle, from
mid-afternoon.
To accompany the vehicles en route,
there will be seven motorcyclists with
walkie-talkies. They are responsible for the
safety of the sporting event and ensure
the whole day passes without incident.
As this will be taking place on public
roads, anyone can join in by following the
route. However, they will be responsible
for their own safety.
The convoy will progress within a
‘protected safety cocoon’, allowing it to
ensure any obstacles are signalled to the
cyclists, whilst the other road users will
be informed of the event and hopefully
everyone kept safe from danger.
In 2026 and 2027, you will hear a
lot more about the Normans, where
across Europe they will be celebrating
the Duke of Normandy who became
King of England.
William’s Millennium will be marked by
numerous events, including an immersive
exhibition and quest, a contemporary art
trail across Europe, and a large gathering
of Viking ships.
The Normans had a massive influence
on UK culture, language, government,
administration and architecture, and
nowhere more so than in Sussex.
William and his army landed at Pevensey
in East Sussex. Having rested in the
old Roman fortress, which would have
been next to the sea, and now includes
Pevensey Castle within it, they marched
in land to Battle in East Sussex, making
this journey pivotal in the overall Battle of
Hastings story.
If you are interested in other 1066
events in East Sussex then keep an eye
open in the media for details.
Active Days
MOBILITY
Active Days Mobility offer the sales, service and repair of most mobility
aids. We are authorised distributors for almost every manufacturer in
the mobility industry.
Rise and recline
chairs, adjustable
profiling beds
INTEREST FREE
CREDIT AVAILABLE
With over 15 years experience you are in
safe hands. We aim to provide a personal
service, spending time with the customer
to make sure they get the correct products.
If the product is in our shop you can take it
away, no need to order it and wait.
Our engineers can visit your home to
carry out repairs and servicing and we offer
a free collection/ delivery service.
We are authorised by the FCA to sell
mobility aid insurance and can carry out
repairs on behalf of insurance companies.
We sell riser recliner chairs and profiling
beds from a wide range of suppliers. We
stock a wide range of new and pre owned
mobility aids like walking sticks, Walking
frames (Rollators), mobility scooters,
complex bespoke powered wheelchairs
from Quantum Rehab with specialist
seating options and manual wheelchairs.
6 Winston Crescent, Eastbourne
BN23 6NL. Tel: 01323 301101
ACTIVEDAYSMOBILITY.CO.UK
43 Western Road Bexhill
TN40 1DT. Tel: 01424 532620

22 MOTORING
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Rare TVR Sagaris roars onto
market in Eastbourne
A car described as ‘the one TVR got
absolutely right’ has arrived on
the market in Eastbourne and it’s
already turning heads long before it
finds a new owner.
The TVR Sagaris, offered for
sale through local specialists HPC
Classics, is one of the most extreme
and desirable British sports cars ever
built, and with just 8,000 miles on the
clock, this example is about as close to
new as it gets.
Built in 2005, the Sagaris
represents the final evolution of
TVR’s no-compromise approach to
performance motoring, a car that
blends outrageous styling with raw,
unfiltered driving dynamics.
According to HPC Classics’ Miles
Hardy, it’s a machine that stands
shoulder to shoulder with some of
the world’s finest supercars, while
offering something far rarer.
He explained: “These cars are up
there with the very best machinery
from the top manufacturers. But
they’re far rarer than any Ferrari
you’re likely to buy for similar money,
more alive, more engaging and a
million times cooler.”
Even by TVR standards, the
Sagaris is a standout.
Its aggressive, almost futuristic
bodywork looks unlike anything else
on the road. Dramatic vents, sculpted
curves and those unmistakable
slash-cut side-exit exhausts, it’s a
car that doesn’t just attract attention
— it demands it.
Miles said: “People stop, take
photos, and comment wherever you
go. There’s nothing else quite like it.”
Like all TVRs, the interior is
completely driver-focused, bespoke,
hand-built and full of character. From
the billet aluminium pedal box to the
custom steering wheel and distinctive
instrument binnacle, everything is
designed to immerse the driver in
the experience.
Even the controls reflect TVR’s
quirky innovation, with hidden
buttons positioned behind the
steering wheel, a design that was
ahead of its time.
Despite its hardcore credentials, the
Sagaris is surprisingly usable. There’s
ample interior space, clever storage
solutions including door pockets that
double as bottle holders and a boot
large enough for touring.
At its heart lies TVR’s legendary
Speed Six engine with a 4.0-litre
straight-six producing around
406bhp. It’s capable of 0–60mph
in just 3.7 seconds and a top
speed of 185mph.
Fire the engine into life and it
responds with an immediate,
unmistakable bark. On the road, the
Sagaris feels alive, darting, flowing
and responding instantly to every
input. With no traction control
or driver aids, it delivers a pure,
analogue driving experience that is
becoming increasingly rare.
Miles claims: “The chassis balance
is almost indescribable. It just goes
exactly where you point it.”
TVR built just 211 Sagaris models,
and of those, only around 103 are
currently taxed and on UK roads,
making it one of the rarest modern
British performance cars available.
This particular example is
even more special.
Ordered by its original owner
before production had even begun,
it is believed to be among the first 30
cars built, one of the early deposits
that helped bring the Sagaris into
existence. As a result, it features
some unique early characteristics,
including the distinctive raised
fuel filler cap.
With just one previous owner, a
fully stamped service history, and
meticulous care throughout its
life, the car represents a genuine
collector-quality example.
Mechanically, the Sagaris is
described as being ‘on the button,
having been dry stored, carefully
maintained and serviced by some
of the most respected names
in the TVR world.
Most recently, it underwent
a full 12,000-mile service at
Powers Performance in April
2026, including tappet and valve
clearance adjustments, ensuring
it drives as tightly and precisely as
it did when new.
The car has also been ceramic
coated and protected with paint
protection film at the front,
leaving the bodywork in near
immaculate condition.
Supplied with a full history file,
original books, key fobs, code cards
and even a private registration
plate included in the sale, it offers
everything a serious collector or
enthusiast could want.
Beyond the driving experience, cars
like the Sagaris are increasingly being
seen as strong investments.
With international demand
growing, particularly from North
America, where import laws
allow vehicles over 25 years old,
specialists like HPC Classics are
already exporting cars to Canada and
the United States.
With that market set to fully open
up for the Sagaris in the coming
years, values are expected to
strengthen further.
Miles concluded: “Opportunities
to buy a car like this are few and far
between. It’s the sort of car that won’t
hang around for long.”
In an era dominated by electronic
aids, automation and refinement,
the TVR Sagaris stands apart as
something refreshingly different,
a machine built purely for the
joy of driving.
For more information, about viewing
and price, contact HPC Classics
on 07834 228821.

2 5 7 1 8 9 4 3 6
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news MAY 2026 PUZZLES 23
PUZZLES
WORDSEARCH
Pairs of Things
Can you find all the listed words hidden in the grid below?
They may run either forwards or backwards, horizontally,
vertically or diagonally, but always in a straight line.
BINOCULARS
CASTANETS
CHOPSTICKS
CRUTCHES
DICE
EYES
FEET
JEANS
LUNGS
MARACAS
SCISSORS
SHEARS
SHOES
SHORTS
SKATES
SPURS
STAYS
TWINS
A
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T R Z P N K S N C H E L T
W U I K S Q E I J O R U E
S P S Y A T S J X R I C N
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G S S X J E A N S S R B A
T X A Q L T J J O O S E C
Each letter of the alphabet has a different number. Substitute numbers
for letters to make words that will complete the puzzle. The letters at
the side and the check-box below the grid may help you keep track.
Check-box
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11 Arrived (4)
12 Groom with
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17 Capital of Italy (4)
21 Collect or gather,
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SUDOKU CHALLENGE
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CODEWORD
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WORDSEARCH

24 TRAVEL
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Sunborn Gibraltar
The Sunborn — Gibraltar’s
five-star floating hotel
BY DAVID POWELL
At first glance, the sleek luxury
Sunborn superyacht, moored
in Gibraltar’s Ocean Village
Marina, looks poised to set sail
at any moment. Yet this five-star
floating hotel remains permanently
anchored, offering all the indulgence
and escapism of a cruise without
ever leaving port.
I recently spent a few days onboard
with my wife and enjoyed every
minute! After a quick transfer from
Gibraltar’s airport we were quickly
checked in and offered a welcome
drink of Cava or fruit juice before
being shown to our room.
Onboard Facilities:
The interiors of the Sunborn are
elegant and contemporary, with
polished surfaces, ambient lighting
and a subtle nautical design. Service
reflected the hotel’s 5-star status, with
friendly welcoming staff.
This super yacht offers around 190
rooms and suites, each designed
to maximise both comfort and its
unique waterfront setting. Entry-level
rooms are far from standard, offering
generous proportions, king-size
beds, marble bathrooms and large
windows that bring in natural light
and marina views.
Moving up through the categories,
guests will find a selection of
executive rooms and junior suites
that introduce additional space and
upgraded amenities. We stayed in
a Rock Suite, situated at the stern of
the ship. The suite was impressively
spacious, with a separate living area
and a large private balcony. Floor-toceiling
windows frame uninterrupted
views of the Marina and the Rock
of Gibraltar itself - an ever-present,
dramatic backdrop.
The bedroom was very comfortable,
centred around a large, luxurious
bed, while the bathroom was finished
to a high specification, complete
with marble detailing, a walk-in
shower and a deep bathtub perfect
for long, indulgent soaks. High-end
toiletries, plush robes and meticulous
housekeeping reinforced the
sense of luxury.
DINING
Dining on board was excellent. The
Barbary Restaurant, on the top deck,
serves as the yacht’s main dining and
breakfast venue, offering modern
European cuisine in an elegant
setting. The emphasis is on quality
ingredients and refined presentation
and large windows ensure that the
Marina remains part of the experience
with every meal.
An alternative venue, the Gastrobar,
where we had dinner the first
night, was casual, sociable, and
perfect, with a wide menu that
featured genuine classic dishes all in
a super setting.
Above deck, the relaxing, poolside
Aqua Bar is the social heart of the
yacht. By day, it offers a tranquil
setting for drinks under the
Mediterranean sun whilst by night,
it becomes a lively yet sophisticated
Out on deck poolside
venue, popular with both guests
and locals. The views are a constant
highlight, particularly at sunset.
SPA AND FITNESS
The Sunborn also features a boutique
spa and a well-equipped fitness
centre, ensuring that relaxation and
wellbeing are fully catered for. The
spa offers anti-ageing, purifying and
calming facial treatments plus relaxing
massages, wraps and day-long spa
rituals, with bespoke hair and makeup
packages also available.
GIBRALTAR
Beyond the luxury of the yacht lies
Gibraltar itself, a British Overseas
Territory, rich in history and
character. A self-governing territory
since 1713. Whilst it has its own
government and constitution, the
UK is responsible for its defence and
foreign affairs.
Chief among Gibraltar’s many
attractions are the World War
II tunnels, an extraordinary
network carved deep into the Rock.
Expanded during the war years,
they formed a hidden city capable
of sustaining thousands of troops,
complete with essential facilities
and strategic operations rooms.
Walking through these tunnels offers
a powerful insight into Gibraltar’s
wartime significance, with narrow
passageways opening into vast
chambers that echo with history. A
visit is highly recommended.
Gibraltar today is lively and
cosmopolitan, its streets lined
with cafés and shops that reflect a
blend of British and Mediterranean
influences. The famous Barbary
macaques roam freely along the
upper reaches of the Rock, adding
a distinctive and often entertaining
presence to the landscape.
From the vantage point of the
Sunborn, all of this comes together
seamlessly. The Marina provides
a lively yet refined setting, while
the Rock looms ever-present in
the background. Aircraft glide
dramatically in to land, adding
a touch of theatre to an already
unique environment.
CONCLUSION
The Sunborn offers 5-star hotel luxury
with the unmatched atmosphere
of a superyacht. It offers all the
comfort, service and attention to
detail expected; combined with the
atmosphere of life on the water.
Our days were spent exploring
Gibraltar’s rich history and
Main Street. This is the bustling,
pedestrianised heart of Gibraltar,
stretching 1.2 km from Casemates
Square to Southport Gates, famous for
tax-free shopping, numerous cafes,
pubs and historical sites. Returning
to the calm of the Sunborn after a
day exploring felt like a real treat and
ending the evening on deck or on
our balcony looking out across the
Marina was always a highlight.
The Sunborn Yacht may not
go anywhere but that’s exactly
why it works, relaxed and quietly
memorable. We can’t wait to
stay here again!
More information is available at
www.sunborngibraltar.com
www.visitgibraltar.gi
https://ww2tunnels.com
There is a video of the Rock Suite on
David’s YouTube channel
www.YouTube.com/yourholidaytv
Barbary Restaurant
Sunborn stern
The Spitfire Hall. Photo credit: WWII tunnels

Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news MAY 2026 SPORT 25
Sailors spring into action
with busy programme
BY RACHEL WYNN
IT’S been a busy Spring at Bexhill
Sailing Club. The Spring Series
concluded in March, last of the five
races, and thankfully, all five were
sailed. Almost unheard of for so
early in the season!
Thirteen helms took to the water for
Race 5, having remembered to put
their clocks forward the night before.
Easy conditions saw more Novices
shake off the winter cobwebs. Jo
and Lorna did well until their boom
came adrift, oops!
The winners of Race 5 were:
Catamaran - Dave Baldwin and crew
Wendy Watkins (Dart 16); Bob Palmer
(Laser Radial) won fast fleet and
Richard Eagleton with crew Cristina
Terrazas (Firefly) came 1st in Slow
fleet. As the only Novice boat to finish,
Robbe Dinaro and Adrian Sering
(Club laser 2000) won their fleet.
The provisional Spring Series
winners are: Catamaran - Malcolm
Brookes with Simon North/Luke
Remon; Fast - Bob Palmer; Novice
- Robbe Dinaro & Adrian Sering;
Slow - Rick Parker.
The Easter weekend had six races
Bexhill sailors have been out in force
scheduled but, unfortunately,
the weather had other ideas and
none were sailable. So, Vice
Commodore Malcolm Brooks
put on some unscheduled racing
on Easter Monday after Storm
Dave had moved on.
There were two races, which were
both sailed with one fleet and one
start. The first buoy marker was
relatively close to the starting line
which caused some jockeying to get
around. After that was clear water,
some sailors choosing to stay on
starboard tack in the shallows before
heading out to sea to the 2nd buoy on
port tack, some heading out to sea on
port tack so they would approach the
2nd buoy on starboard.
Sailing as one fleet produced an
interesting set of race results. Race
1 saw Richard Eagleton, sailing solo
in his Europe dinghy, coming first
ahead of his Firefly crew Cristina
Terrazas, who sailed her Comet
Xtra. Race 2 saw Colin Coard (Laser
full rig) win, Cristina (Comet Xtra)
maintaining second.
Bexhill Sailing Club started the
weekend of April 18-19 with a Charity
Race in aid of Cancer Research, a
charity close to many of our hearts
having lost some lovely members.
The sun, light winds and the good
cause brought a large turnout of
boats on Saturday morning. The
force 2-3 wind was northerly and
gusty, twisting and spinning, giving
the safety boats work attending
capsizes. Novice Pete Bennett lost a
shoe during his capsize which made
landing on the shingle beach later
an ‘ouch’ moment!
Richard Eagleton with crew Cristina
Terrazas won the race. Colin Coard
was second and Tony Witham third.
Saturday afternoon’s race was the
first in the 2026 Saturday Series.
The wind had picked up to a 4-5 and
half the boats decided not to launch
Bedraggled Chris Heath lands his Devoti D-Zero in style
through the heavy surf.
Four catamarans had a blast! At
least, it was a blast for Tony Lane with
crew Amy Hinz until an unexpected
gybe when trying and failing to make
it around a buoy saw them capsize.
Ken Edwards with crew Malcolm
Brookes won. The only Slow fleet
boat to launch was James Tod in a
Topaz, taking the Slow fleet win. The
race was exciting to watch from the
comfort of the balcony.
Sunday April 19 was another day
of two-halves, weatherwise. The
morning saw a large fleet set out,
including Novices. The gusty and
changeable northerly wind was
tricky. Setting out on a triangular
course towards Eastbourne meant
the beat was towards shore, creating a
wind tunnel to help or hinder!
Fast fleet 1st place went to Richard
Eagleton in his Europe dinghy. Pete
Bennett won Novice fleet, Neil Smith
won Slow fleet (Comet Xtra). Wendy
Watkins with crew Dave Baldwin won
Catamaran fleet.
The wind suddenly swung around
to a southerly after lunch with a
strong gust, completely contrary to
the forecast! The triangular course
was reversed, so boats set out
towards Hastings and the beat leg
went out to sea.
Tony Lane and crew Amy Hinz
kept their catamaran upright to take
the Catamaran win unchallenged.
Eve Fifield (Laser Radial) won Fast
fleet. Rick Parker (Laser 4.7) took
1st in Slow fleet.
This month starts with the Early
May Short Series over the bank
holiday weekend alongside ‘Get
Back Into Sailing’ training for
those that would like to brush
up their seamanship skills. The
Saturday Series and Sunday Series
continue throughout the month,
and we conclude May with the Late
May Short Series.
For more information please visit
www.bexhillsailing.club
CASH PRICES PAID FOR HI FI EQUIPMENT, CD & RECORD COLLECTIONS
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Records, CDs & Hi Fi equipment
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our recent survey shows an
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The Bull Inn
To call, or reserve a table: 01424 424984
530 BEXHILL ROAD, ST LEONARDS ON SEA, TN38 8AY
www.bullstleonards.co.uk
Facebook: @bullinnstleonards
Sunday Folk Session - Sorry, no session in May!
Sunday Rock ‘n Roll Bingo - 10th May from 6:00pm
Monday Charity Quiz - 11th & 25th from 8:00pm
Sunday Karaoke Session - 17th from 5:30pm
Other events
Sunday 3rd May - Drag Queen “Fonda Cox” from 5:00pm
(adult humour, not suitable for children)
Sunday 31st May - Ritchie Cambell’s tribute to UB40
& the Reggae greats from 4:00pm
(in the beer garden, weather permitting)
Traditional freshly cooked ‘Pub Grub’ with many classic favourites,
HOMEMADE PIES are our speciality! We also serve Goddard’s traditional Pie, Mash
and Liquor. In addition, our traditional Sunday Roast is served every week. Enjoy
our secluded beer garden, we have a large car park at the rear and
we’re dog friendly too!

26 SPORT
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
East Sussex Over-60s crowned
national champions
BY ANDY WILLIAMS
EAST Sussex are the champions of
Over 60s football in England.
The men in orange and black
overcame Worcestershire 2-0 to
win the 2025-26 Counties Over-60s
National FA Cup at a sun-drenched
Anstey Park in Alton, Hampshire.
They are without doubt worthy
champions. Earlier in the
competition they thrashed the then
reigning champions Oxfordshire
6-1 on their way to winning what
was a tough qualifying group that
also featured Kent, South West
London and Maccabi.
Drawn away at Buckinghamshire
in a tricky quarter-final, they were
denied victory in 90 minutes but
held their nerve in a tense penalty
shootout as Garry Cooper struck the
winning strike from the spot.
Then, undaunted by the opponents’
strength and depth, they overcame
two-time winners Lincolnshire by the
odd goal in five in a memorable semifinal
last month. Lincolnshire had
never before failed to reach the final
of the competition.
The final was a fittingly closely
fought contest, and it started
with Worcestershire dominating
possession, and East Sussex sitting
deep and waiting to hit their
opponents on the break.
Worcestershire’s possession was
largely in front of the East Sussex
midfield whose central pair of Paul
Elphick and skipper Andy Williams,
and centre-backs, John O’Meara
and Bob Smith behind them,
prevented any threat.
Steve Turner and Nigal Carter
offered pace down the flanks, and
they combined well with full-backs
Steve Burge and Simon Corke to
negate the threat of Worcestershire’s
lively wide men.
Burge and Corke were quick to turn
defence into attack and twice in the
first 30 minutes Corke initiated clear
cut chances, on each occasion putting
Colin Riggs into space behind the
Worcestershire left-back.
The first occasion led to a superbly
timed Riggs lob that fell narrowly
wide after leaving the advancing
keeper helpless. The second led to a
cross from Riggs to player-manager
and fellow striker Alan Osman, who
hit a powerful shot just inches wide
of the far post.
East Sussex keeper Koosha
Movevagh was largely untroubled
during the first half, only having to
deal with manageable crosses and a
couple of half-hit shots from range.
At half-time the men in orange
H&B hunt for Sussex Cup glory
following strong league finale
H&B are aiming to finish the season with silverware
BY MAX MOWBRAY
HASTINGS and Bexhill RFC sealed a
third-place finish in Counties 3 Kent
after winning three of their four
final league matches.
They now take on Ditchling in the
Sussex Cup final at Eastbourne RFC
tomorrow (May 2) looking to finish
the season with silverware for the first
time in a decade.
March closed with a 29-13 triumph
at Brockleians with H&B left cursing
they had left a few points on the table.
The boys in blue and white led 19-3
at the break after tries from Isaac
Wales at scrum-half, Sam Surridge
from the wing and Cameron Potgieter
East Sussex Over-60s celebrate
on the flank. Surridge kicked the rest
of the points.
The second half saw trouble for the
visitors, with several sin-bins and a
broken nose to add insult. However,
Surridge scored a second try and
added another penalty kick as Brocks
also added a couple of tries.
H&B hosted Gravesend IIs to
open April and were keen to assert
dominance on home soil after
only sneaking a 32-31 win in the
away fixture. They wasted little
time in doing so.
Regathering the kick-off and
charging forward, H&B’s forwards
put winger Matt Sheppard over to
open the scoring. Number 10 Bruce
Steadman added the extras.
Prop Kaleb Wiggan was next to
cross, scoring off the back of a maul.
Luck favoured H&B next as a windcarried
Gravesend clearance rolled
dead to provide a scrum all the way
back on the 5m line. The Hastings
pack powered No 8 Frazer McManus
over for a 17–0 half-time lead.
Steadman capped off a wellworked
phase of play before calmly
converting his own try to make
it 24–0 and McManus bagged his
second soon after. Another Sheppard
try and Steadman conversion
made it 38-0 in a controlled and
disciplined performance.
Second-placed Tunbridge Wells
and black were a little disappointed
not to be leading.
East Sussex made substitutions
at half-time and in the second half,
bringing on Dave Bridges, Keith
Chamberlain, David Brooks, and
later, John Fraser.
The second half continued in a
similar vein to the first. One of the key
contributory factors to East Sussex’s
ultimate victory was the impeccable
discipline of their defensive line,
superbly marshalled by O’Meara.
Although having failed to convert
earlier chances into goals, East Sussex
remained patient. They retained their
shape and their discipline.
Bridges began to find space
intelligently between the
Worcestershire back four and
midfield.
Halfway through the second half,
the increasing pressure put on the
Worcestershire defensive line led to
the first of two decisive moments.
Osman pounced on a poor
Worcestershire pass in their
own penalty area and finished
with a left-foot drive to the
advancing keeper’s left.
Although duly celebrated, East
Sussex did not allow their opening
goal to affect their concentration and
discipline and continued to do the
basic things well.
Worcestershire made changes to
personnel and formation in an all-out
attempt to grab the vital equaliser.
But with fifteen minutes to go,
it was East Sussex who struck
were up next, which ended in
an agonising 36-35 away defeat
after a late conversion attempt
hit the upright.
The blue & white army were
humbled in the first quarter by the
speed of the Tunbridge attack as they
carved out a 22-point lead.
Once settled, H & B fought back
to make it 22-15 with tries from
captain Harry Walker and scrumhalf
Wales plus a Bruce Steadman
conversion and penalty.
Another penalty in the second
half brought Hastings to within a
score. However, the hosts were by
no means done, regaining control
with a converted try to push the
lead back to 29–18.
Walker was next over, shortly
followed by Calvin Crosby-Clarke,
allowing Hastings to take the lead for
the first time by a point. Although
this advantage proved short-lived,
as Wells struck back with another
converted score to make it 36–30.
A final push culminated in Max
Mowbray forcing his way over to
bring the score to 36–35. This was the
crucial moment, with only minutes to
play, when the boot failed to deliver.
The image of the ball ricocheting off
the post will haunt Hastings’ dreams
for the foreseeable.
H&B finished the league
programme with a stylish 53-5
demolition of Canterbury III.
Dominating the visitors at the
the killer blow.
Osman again found space in the
box, a great first touch was followed
by a sublime chip over the onrushing
keeper, whose fingertips could
not prevent the ball hitting the
back of the net.
Worcestershire now piled forward
desperately, and East Sussex
responded with last ditch tackles
and interceptions, brave headers
and bodies on the line. Movevagh’s
courage, command and handling was
as immense and assured as ever.
Movevagh and O’Meara went down
with injuries, and with five minutes
left, skipper Williams had to come
off after finally succumbing to a
hamstring injury suffered in the first
five minutes of the game.
Elphick, having replaced him, made
more key tackles as he and Corke,
Smith, O’Meara, Burge, Brookes,
Bridges, Chamberlain, Riggs, Osman
and later, Fraser, all put everything
on the line throughout this closing
phase to protect the hard-earned lead.
In recognition of his priceless
contribution as initial founder and
current administrator of the East
Sussex Over 60s set up, Dave Tasker
was provided a moment or two of
pitch time, replacing Riggs before the
end of what seemed an interminable
amount of stoppage time.
When the final whistle sounded,
East Sussex Over 60s became the
champions of England, in only their
second full season competing at this
level. A truly great achievement.
scrums and breakdown, H&B went
ahead through Calvin Crosby-Clarke
off the back of a lineout five metres
out. Prop Jack Hardy boshed his
way over for the second following
flawless systems play. Steadman
converted both (14-0).
Slick hands then put captain
Walker in at the left corner for a 21-0
lead at the break.
The second half saw Lewis Sealy
return to the No 10 position, fresh
off the back of the Manchester
marathon, and Joe Jenner leant
himself to the front row. The fresh
legs gave Hastings the push to
start scoring again.
Wales sniped a score from
the back of a ruck (26-0) before
Canterbury replied with their
only try. Retribution followed as
Walker collected his second try off a
blistering break from George Feeley
and Tom Hirst, now on kicking duty,
slotted the extras (33-5).
Wales then pirouetted his way
to a second (38-5) before another
beautiful display of link play saw
Harry Walker scythe through the
defence for his hat-trick, aided by
Matt Sheppard on the wing (45-5).
Sheppard was rewarded when
the next points went his way
(50-5), soon followed by Wales
achieving a hat-trick of his own. A
solid exhibition of Hastings rugby,
satisfactorily concluding this
season’s home games.

Join us for
our next
event
Bowes House care home,
Hailsham
Let’s talk about dementia
Tuesday 26th June 2026
2pm - 3.30pm
We will shine a light on some aspects
of dementia that you’re not often
told about, why a loved one might be
behaving differently and what you
can do to support them.
Trusted to care.
To book please call
01323 315137 or email
lisa.phillips@careuk.com

28 SPORT
MAY 2026
Latest local news, visit: bexhill.news
Sport
CUP GLORY FOR OVER-60S — P26
Hole aims to go out on
a high with Common
Lewis Hole in action Picture by Jon Smalldon
BY MIKE LEGG
LOCAL legend Lewis Hole wants to
end his playing days on a high by
lifting silverware.
The prolific Little Common striker
announced last week he would be
hanging up his boots at the end
of this season.
Fittingly, his final game will be
Monday’s Peter Bentley Cup final
against Steyning Town at Peacehaven
& Telscombe’s home (May 4, 11am).
The 41-year-old frontman has so far
rattled up an astonishing 732 games
and 417 goals for the club in 19 full
Confidence high
at Bexhill for
season to come
Lewis Hole Picture Jon Smalldon
seasons for the Commoners. His only
interruptions to his time at The Rec
were a season with Sidley and half a
season at Whitehawk.
He was given a guard of honour
onto the pitch before last Saturday’s
2-0 home loss to Midhurst &
Easebourne but he is now hoping
to cap his last senior appearance
with a trophy against a side who
clinched the Southern Combination
League premier title at the
weekend (April 25).
Asked if finishing on a cup final was
the ideal way to bow out, Hole said:
“Absolutely. Obviously, it’s a tall order
in the final but hopefully the football
gods are smiling down on us.
“In the semi-final, we were 2-0
down and I got the two goals to get
us back in to it and then we won on
penalties. So, to then get into the final
from there, well we just pray to the
football gods to give us a break again.
To steal a 1-0 victory would be a nice
way to sign off.
“You don’t often get to cup finals; the
last one was when I was 33 and that
was eight years ago in our doublewinning
season when we got up to the
premier division.”
This season, Hole has not been
a regular starter throughout the
campaign under player-boss and
good friend Russell Eldridge. He
added on his decision to call it quits
now: “I don’t think the legs have fully
gone yet but as I get to 42, it’s case of
‘what would next season look like?’.
“I didn’t want it to just dwindle away,
so to go out on a high, especially
with a cup final as well, that’s the
reasoning behind the decision now.”
Hole, whose dad Nigel was also a
prolific frontman for the club before
rising up the football pyramid, got
44 goals in 43 games in the doublewinning
season when he captained
the side. But he reckons sniffing out
goals is not something in the genes.
He told the Bexhill News: “What
makes a good striker is a difficult
question. They do say to stay within
the lines of the 18-yard box, to stay
central and always to be in the box
and ready for something to drop or
someone to miss something.
“Obviously, as you get older you
lose a yard of pace, but in the box,
I was always a little bit sharp and
if it dropped then you trust your
technique to stroke it in.”
Hole has no immediate plans
for the future but will continue to
coach the club’s under-11s side
which features his son Rocco, who,
perhaps surprisingly, is not a striker
but a midfielder!
Lewis added: “I’ll carry on with the
youth football, have a bit of a rest and
play a bit of veterans’ football. My
best friend plays veterans’ football
and you’re not allowed to play if you
play senior football, so I’m looking
forward to playing that.”
Defeat to Midhurst saw Common
finish the league campaign in 16th
with April featuring a 1-0 win over
title-chasers Haywards Heath but
four losses, including the derby
against Bexhill United.
Bexhill United finished ninth in
the SCFL premier division following
a final-day 4-0 defeat to Pagham at
the Pilot Field.
The Pirates were nine points clear
of tenth-placed Roffey in Jay Skinner-
Swain’s first season at the helm.
The final month included a 2-1 win
over rivals Little Common courtesy
of goals from Callum Brand and
Will Saunders. The result that ended
a five-game losing streak against
their local rivals.
Midhurst and Easebourne were
hammered 5-0 as well but there were
losses to Steyning and Horsham.
Boss Skinner-Swain posted on X:
“Not the result we wanted for our last
game, but there’s plenty to be proud
of. Higher league position and an
improved points haul on last season.
“Big thanks to the management,
players, committee, volunteers,
and all our supporters for your
efforts and backing!”
BY MIKE LEGG
CHAIRMAN Hamish Russell says
Bexhill Cricket Club are looking to
build on the success of last season’s
150th anniversary campaign.
Last season the team finished
second in the Sussex Cricket League
East 4th Division, narrowly missing
the top spot, and the resulting
promotion to the 3rd Division brings
new challenges and opportunities.
Chairman Russell is brimming with
optimism for the summer to come.
He told the Bexhill News: “Everyone
at the club is really excited for
the summer ahead and we are as
ready as we can be.
“Playing wise, we are delighted
that last year’s Australian player
Danul Dassanayake is with us again
and we are excited for the return of
Benji Hammond, who brings much
needed depth to our seam bowling
ranks along with his years of league
experience. Luke Youngs has had
a return of the injury that kept him
out of last year, but we hope this
can be managed.
“An active and successful winter
included three teams playing
indoor leagues, with the 1st XI
performing very well and a squad of
young prospects gaining valuable
Bexhill’s new 3rd XI who played their first ever game in a friendly against Battle.
competitive experience.
“This year also sees the return of
a 3rd XI, providing a platform to
develop players aged between 12 and
15 into senior cricket. With the 2nd XI
also benefitting from several teenage
players in its ranks, things look set
fair for time to come.
“Our youth section is really starting
to thrive and it’s great to see a new
crop of players coming through to
get their first taste of senior cricket
in the 3rd XI ably supported by
some wiser heads.
“We are also again running our
girls only coaching sessions and
this year the first-ever Bexhill
Ladies side will take to the field
to play. This is a huge stop in the
right direction for us really being a
club for everyone.”
Bexhill’s 2nd and 3rd XIs begin
their campaigns on Saturday (May
2) with the 1st team’s opening fixture
the following Saturday (May 9) at
the Polegrove against Cuckfield
starting at 12.30pm.