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