New Year–22nd January 2013

We are going to Rye (lots of cover if weather is inclement, though we may spend a lot of time in Charity shops!.)

We are proposing a Mapp & Lucia tour, so you might like to read it up E.F. Benson.  There are a series, but if you haven’t time (or inclination) to read them all, Mapp and Lucia is probably the best for our purposes (But not the first in the series).

Times and buses later.

Happy Christmas & A Merry New Year to All our readers!

Hastings First Traditional Town Centre Christmas Market

 

The Skating Rink is back! Together with the first ever traditional Christmas Market

Hastings’ first traditional Christmas market will open on the 6th December with a host of festive, light-strewn wooden chalets, selling those special seasonal gifts, tree decorations, festive food and drinks and creating a fun, really different, Christmas atmosphere.

The fireworks, postponed due to the gale blowing, will now take place on the 6th December (St. Nicholas’s Day – Sinta Claus)

The market will be spread around Queens Square in Priory Meadow and the town centre and will be open throughout December including Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings to 8pm

Close to the ice rink the market will be offering refreshments including mulled wine, hot chocolate and pastries for those who want to soak up the festive atmosphere whilst watching the skaters enjoy themselves on the ice amidst guaranteed snow showers, all against the backdrop of twinkling Christmas lights and Christmas trees

Last walk of 2012

 From Bexhill to Hastings, taking in a little bit of shopping, a touch of culture and some great scenery.


  

Tuesday 27th November Walk

I reconnoitred the proposed walk today, and decided it was wet, muddy and a little uninspiring for our last walk of the year.

Instead I propose we take the bus to Bexhill, 10.30 from Havelock Road, quick visit to the De La Warr for anyone interested, taking turns to Poppy (and any other dogs)watch. Then amble along shore / cycle path to Glyne Gap (and maybe further).

And if the weather’s lousy, De La Warr and then dog friendly coffee and cake.

Tuesday 27th November - Combe Valley Countryside Park

Advance notice, more details later.  Thought we should get it in in case they start work on the Link Road (that one that will feed even more traffic onto The Ridge, what a nightmare!).

As this will be the last Stroll of the year, as December is already over-subscribed, it might be nice if as many as possible turn up and we lunch at Café on the Beach at Glyne Gap to discuss next year - and if the weather is bad, we can forego the walk, and have coffee and cake, before taking the bus home again.

Hastings Herring Fair - Be there!

Hastings Herring Fair takes place next month at The Stade, and will include a wealth of information, demonstrations, and most importantly, plenty of opportunities for tasting.

The event runs from November 23rd to 25th November, and as well as providing entertainment, the aim is to promote herring and the Hastings fishing fleet to the general public and professional chefs alike.

The largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe, the Hastings fleet has Marine Stewardship Council accreditation for the methods it uses to catch herring, along with mackerel and Dover sole.

And the next Strollers' date is Tuesday 27th November, more anon.

Intrepid Hastings Strollers Walk

Through the mists and not much mellow frutifulness, we sough out the items in our hidden agenda walk.  I've just had a look at the October 2011 walk - we went to North's Seat and the weather was bright and hot.  In 2010 23 did an East Hill ramble, and again enjoyed warm. bright weather.  But today was autumnal, and quite pleasant.

Old St Helen's Church

Secret Pond

 St Helens Woods

Tuesday's (Hidden Agenda) Walk

Well, it's nearer the time, but no clearer on the weather.  We are aiming to catch the bus that goes just before eleven from Bus Stop M in Queen's Road.  Regardless of the weather, I will be at the bus stop around 10.45.  We will be alighting from the bus at the stop more or less opposite the main cemetery gate, if anyone wishes to join the walk from there.

Whatever the weather, please wear strong footwear, and sticks may be useful!!  Also bring lunch, and the wherewithal for a stopover at Cafe@the Park if you wish to.

October 23rd Walk - St Helen's Woods -weather permitting!

Once again, we will catch a bus to The Ridge but I can't predict the walk, as if it has been very wet beforehand, it may have to be changed.  And if it is another tumultous day, weatherwise, it may have to be abandoned!   So keep tuned for more information nearer to the time.

The Tenterden Walk will be rescheduled when Ellen Terry's home is open again in the Spring.

In November, all being well, the walk will be to Combe Valley Reserve - before it is ruined!

Tenterden trip looking doubtful!

The BBC said it was going to clear (the weather!) but after a brief interlude it is once again raging.  Obviously if tomorrow dawns bright, breezy or not, the trip will happen.  This is just a heads up, in case.

Tenterden - Tuesday 25th September

We will catch the 10.14 bus number 340 from Hastings Station (if you are the only one at the station, don't worry, others will get on further along the way) which arrives in Tenterden at 11.18.

There is a very interesting heritage trail to follow, and an option to visit Smallhythe Place, the home of the Victorian actress Ellen Terry, now owned by the National Trust.  If you do not want to do that, then there is the Tenterden Museum to visit or another stroll around, and the option of returning to Hastings on the 340 bus at 14.45

 If visiting Smallhythe Place, return to Hastings via Rye at 15.19.

Jill is leading this walk (yes, truly!) and will provide full details of buses/times on the day.  As usual, please bring a packed lunch and your camera (and National Trust card if you're a member) - and fingers crossed for good weather!

Hawkhurst - lovely weather yet again

The name Hawkhurst is derived from Old English heafoc hyrst, meaning a wooded hill frequented by hawks - 'Hawk Wood'. Hurst (Hyrst) in a place name refers to a wood or wooded area and is used in parts of West Kent and East Sussex.

It is, we are told, two villages in one, but our impression was that Highgate was more like a town.

 All Saints was designed by Sir George Gilbert-Scott, whose other achievements include St Pancras Station and the Albert Memorial in London

 The Moor, when we reached there, had more of a village feel.

After we explored the church a kind Flower Lady gave us directions for a walk.  We came across the Nature Reserve