Post Christmas blues - hie you to the Old Town!

Boxing Day fun in the Old Town

AN afternoon of fun is in store in the Old Town, this Boxing Day.
From 12.30pm the four Hastings Morris teams will be Morris dancing at Winkle Island, followed by a mummer’s play.
Afterwards, a human fox hunt will play out through the streets of the Old Town, then at around 3pm, organised by the Hastings Bonfire Society, will be the Fifth International Spronkers Championship, at The Stag, in All Saints Street. Think conkers, but with sprouts.

And thanks to the FILO for a GREAT Christmas quiz and to the lovbely girl at The Electric Palace who made our experience at The Holly & the Ivy so enjoyable - my forst visit but won't be my last!

December

No walk scheduled for December. Next outing will be in January - Church in the Wood, more on this anon.

Lots going on in Hastings this month.

Currently part of the vampire film, Byzantium, is being made here, presumably the filing we saw at Camber Sands was also part of this/

.

Then there's loads more:

8th December - Sound Waves, All Saints, forgotten Carols & other Christmas songs

10th December - OHPS Christmas Social (members & by invitation only)

10th December - Carols in All Saints

11th December - Old Town Victorian Christmas Event

15th December - Old Town Late Night Christmas Shopping

16th December - Christmas Carols at the Fishermen.s Museum

17th December - Christmas Concert in St Mary's = Hastings Philharmonic Choir

18th December, FILO Christmas Pub Quiz

and for those of you who missed Liane Carroll last Sunday at St Mary's, what can I say? It was a triumph.

Or if you're far away, Hastings stars briefly, but significantly, in The Stone Summons, which you can order online in hard copy, or on Kindle, and cuddle up with a good read.

"This review is from: The Stone Summons (Kindle Edition)

I have already read this several times (I have a printed copy too) and each time find something new. It is a children's book but you find yourself transported ito their world and caring about them. The characterization is strong and the book is hard to put down as the story leads you on and you want to know what happens next. Sequel please!"

The Stone Summons eBook: M. J. Sak.: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

The Stone Summons (to order printed copy.)

Camber Sands to Rye

No photos! And we found the Sea Buckthorn and I took some lovely (I think) shots. But I've just spent some time downloading about 100 photos from Bath, Trowbridge, a walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal, some stunning photos of reflection on the sand of the lights at twilight on Pelham Beach, and today's walk - I then deleted them from the camera - and the folder is empty! Must have clicked Cancel instead of Finish, but there is no way back.

When we got there the sand was blasting off the beach, proving my point about how well Hastings has been designed! No sand (apart from the beach netball court!) blowing in your face, even when we have huge expanses of sand at low tide, it is damp and doesn't blow around.

There was some filming going on, with a lovely horse, and lots of figures in black.. We then walked to Rye along the cycle path, lovely countryside on one side, and on the other, mostly the road. We had a somewhat windy lunch en route, so it all turned into quite a good day.

Linda arranged everything very well, good weather, apart from the wind, the front seats upstairs on the bus, both there and back, and all in all, a most enjoyable day.

29th November - Camber Sands

Weather may be wild and woolly, but we will risk it. Quite like a raging sea myself.
The 100 bus leaves Hastings Station 10.15. The intrepid Linda will lead us onward, where we will recce and decide if we wish to walk on to Rye, and take the bus back from there, or enjoy ourselves exploring the area and searching for sea buckthorn.
Return will be on the 14.18 or 15.18 100 bus, either from Pontins or from Rye, or maybe even Lydd (in which case the bus return times will be earlier! - Group decision!

North's Seat

Photos from the Walk

Name:North's Seat - Hill number:5449 Height:175m / 574ft Area:42: South-East England & the Isle of Wight Summit feature:trig point: OS measurement Drop:109m Col grid ref:TQ752154

1787 Sept-Oct - General William Roy set up a 32-feet high scaffold tower supporting a theodolite where North’s Seat is today, or close to it. He was making long-range observations as part of the triangulation survey linking London and Paris that resulted in 1791 of the setting up of the Ordnance Survey, the world’s first official surveying body. Fairlight and Dover were the two key English cross-Channel observation points. The 1787 survey enabled the production of the first one-inch-to-the-mile maps, which began in the 1790s.

1825 - Sir John Herschel took long-range survey readings close to where North’s Seat is today in order to help determine precise calculations for degrees of longitude.
There were two windmills on the west side of Mill Lane on Fairlight Down: one stood at the lane’s 90-degree turn, close to today’s Hillcrest School, the other on the later site of North’s Seat.

1869 April 21 - The Fairlight windmill, a famous landmark visible for many miles around, was burnt to the ground. It was never replaced, and North’s Seat, in memory of Frederick North, was erected in April 1870 on its site at Fairlight Down.

1869 Oct 29 - Death of Frederick North, the highly respected Liberal MP, whose home had been Hastings Lodge in Old London Road. His daughter Marianne became the world-famous botanic artist. The by-election on November 17 was the last election in Hastings to be held with open-air hustings, at the Central Cricket Ground, prior to the 1872 Ballot Act bringing in polling booths.

1870 April - A large seat for 12 people, made by GE Jones of York Gardens, was erected by the famous artist Miss Marianne North on Fairlight Down in memory of her father Frederick North MP, who had died 29 October 1869. North’s Seat, as it was called, was put on the site of the Fairlight Mill, the well-known and valuable landmark windmill built in 1819, which burnt down on April 21 1869.
A sign said “Frederick North, his seat”. The Hastings News suggested removing the scrub hedge which was blocking the view. [This would be a good idea today!] In the years following it suffered much vandalism.
More Vandalism From the Hastings News of 20/06/1879
The News commented on the vandalism continually carried out on Old Humphrys tomb and on Mr North's Seat, at Fairlight Down. Miss Marianne North had instructed that the seat be repaired and repainted.

1938 July - Hastings Council accepted Major Sayer’s generous offer of selling North’s Seat and the acre of surrounding land to the council for £100. The seat had been replaced by a large viewing platform in 1930, which was to be used as a look-out during World War Two. But this was vandalised in 1982 and so was demolished and replaced by two seats, with a large round direction plaque, which is still there.

1988 - The North’s Seat area was added to the Country Park.

Walk to North's Seat

Information on North's seat

25th October 2011 Walk to North's Seat

North's Seat, on the edge of Hastings Country Park, is the highest point in Hastings and on a clear day you can see the coast of France with the naked eye! But bring your glasses, JIC.

Meet on The Stables steps at 10.30. (Top end of The Bourne - buses include 20, 20A, 344, 100 to Lydd)

North's Seat was erected by Marianne North in honour and memory of her father, Frederick North who was MP for Hastings in the mid nineteenth century. Marianne was born in October 1830 and she lived in Hastings with her father (her mother died when Marianne was a child) until 1869. She cultivated the garden and greenhouses at their house in Old London Road: she loved plants. She was also an accomplished painter and musician and with her father lived a cultured, comfortable life full of artistic activity and associations. (There is a Marianne North Gallery at Kew.)

Firehills Walk

I have to confess that this is a bit of a cheek; most of the photos were taken on the recce, rather than on the actual walk, because despite lovely weather all day, a seamist crept in and obliterated the view. Luckily I had some prints of Holman Hunt's 'Fairlight' paintings I was able to share.

27th September Walk Country Park - Firehills

• Assemble by top of East Hill lift at 10.30
• (Make your own way up by your chosen route - I'm taking the lift, all being well.)
• We will walk to the Firehills by the Barley Lane route (not up and down the cliffs)
• I haven't done the timings yet so more details later, but the Coastguards Tea Rooms does delicious cakes and drinks, and are dog friendly, so those of us interested can pause for refreshment there,
• and I suggest we take the bus back, but if you want to use Shank's Pony, your choice.

Tuesday 23rd August - Tenterden & Smallhythe

Jill is leading the walk (I am away)
If the weather is inclement, it won't be happening

Bus 340 - leaves
Hastings (Rail Station Interchange) 1020
Hastings (Queen's Road) 1024

Smallhythe is a National Trust property, so there is an entrance fee unless you are already a member.
The half-timbered house, built in the early 16th century when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding yard, was the home of the Victorian actress Ellen Terry from 1899 to 1928, and contains her fascinating theatre collection. The cottage grounds include her rose garden, orchard, nuttery and the working Barn Theatre.
Tenterden - The Jewel of the Weald (allegedly!)
As anyone who has visited the town will tell you the picturesque 'Cinque Port' of Tenterden has every reason to declare itself 'The Jewel of the Weald'. Its fine High Street must rank amongst the most attractive in the Country with historic houses, shops, restaurants and pubs separated from the carriageway by wide expanses of tree-lined grass verges.

Bad News! Tuesday 23rd August - Tenterden & Smallhythe

Jill is hobbling around in a support boot and not in a fit state to lead a walk. Unless someone else can step into the breach quickly ( so that we can let everyone know) this walk will regretfully have to be postponed.

In between strolling round the West Hill area

We

We had visitors from Nova Scotia, Camada.

Old Town Carnival Week - so much on, so much to do

Saturday 30th July 2011- Sunday 7th August 2011
http://oldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk/

Pirates! Friday 5th August - 12.30 - muster on the beach near the Lifeboat House. Pirate Day this year will create, with your help, a spectacle which has never been seen before and will be an image which will forever be associated with Hastings. Last year we claimed the World Record, this year we create a World First. Thousands of pirates on the beach photographed and filmed from the air - forming a human skull and crossbones with Hastings underneath.

Be part of this iconic image and again, this year, you can say 'I was there'!

Update

Today was a little overcast but warm and windless for our exploration of West Hill and its western side - including St Mary's Terrace, which is a really charming road, if you haven't seen it.

After a general discussion it was agreed to leave Firehills (the walk - not the bus ride!) until later in the year, possibly Autumn, and to go to Tenterden and Smallhythe in August (Tuesday 23rd)

Times and buses later.

Firehills - Country Park extra!

NEW SUNDAY BUS SERVICE!

Starts 31st July 2011 serving Hastings Country Park
Join us on the first Sunday bus on service 344
leaving Hastings Bus Station/Railway Station at 11.05 am.

Some of us will be getting on in the Old Town
Taking the bus home is optional

Use it or lose it!

Old St Helen's (ORE) Church

For the first time, the weather let us down - but not seriously. Fairly short, sharp thunderstorm over lunch (wish I'd got a photo of the garden gnome) which we had in the cemetery, a fascinating place to visit, with a lovely atmosphere and great views. Then we (the diehards) went on to the church, (http://www.rootschat.com/history/hastings/content/category/2/14/28/) as below. Last photo is of a later folly.
[Remains of Manor House, Ore Place
The remains of a sandstone and brick building, reconstructed in the Victorian period to form a folly within the grounds of Ore Place, were believed to be the remains of the medieval Manor house of Ore. Excavations revealed that the remains date to the late 16th/early 17th century, and were part of a large mansion. Medieval finds discovered in the area suggest that the medieval Manor house may have stood nearby. http://www.hastings.gov.uk/conservation/conservation_sites.aspx ]

Tuesday 28th June - Hastings Cemetery & Old St Helen's Church

Hastings Cemetery - 10:30 by the Cemetery Entrance on The Ridge

Bus Stagecoach No. 28, leaves Station Bus Stop B at 9.56 / Queens Road (opposite Priory Meadow, over the road) at 10.

Bus is hourly, if you miss it you can try 21, 21A, (sorry, don't have the times) and walk from Malvern Way.

1856 Dec 2 - The first burial took place at the new Hastings Cemetery, at St Helens (now the town’s only cemetery). The deceased was well-known local builder John ‘Yorky’ Smith.

1955 Oct 3 - The crematorium at the borough cemetery was officially opened by the Earl of Verulam. The first cremation took place on November 1: Alice CC Jones, an 83-year old widow, of Blacklands Drive.

Come and explore the history and enjoy the natural surroundings and the view!

Old St Helen's Church - The surviving parts of the church suggest that it is of early Norman or Saxon origin – this can be clearly seen in the north wall of the nave where a small window of nine inches wide is seen, giving a probable date of 1150 or before; and although the church shows evidence of much alteration, it would appear that the tower is of late 12^th or 13^th century.

The churchyard contains the family vault of General Murray, conqueror of the Canada’s and builder of Beauport Park

The Glories of Hastings

There aren't many places in the world that offer so much from one doorstep!

Walking holidays - countryside all around, and lots of buses to other nearby walking spots, such as Burton St Leonards, Military Canal, Rye, Battle. Join us at Hastings Strollers. Blue plaque trails

Fishing - sea angling, reservoir fishing, and of course, our own fishing fleet.

History - Hastings was here long before 1066, and here we are, still going strong. Blue plaque trails

Architecture - varied, 1400's onward, with something to see wherever you, not just in the Old Town - remember to look up.

West Hill, East Hill, Country Park, Alexandra Park and environs (reservoirs, woods etc.)

St Helen's (ancient) woods

Even Amusement Arcades and Adventure rides, trampolines, Crazy Golf, Adventure Golf, Mini-golf, netted ball play area, Quality award (2011) Beach

Loads of excellent and varied restaurants, and fish and chips galore.

Our own micro-climate, meaning often it is sunnier here than just down the road!

Lots of Museums, Fishermen's, History House, Old Town

And festivals and celebrations galore!

Hastings Old Town Carnival Week 2011

Coastal Currents - Hastings, St Leonards and Rother Visual Arts Festival - 27th August - 30th September 2011

Hastings Week, including Bonfire Night

Hastings Jack in the Green Festival - Next year, you've missed 2011!

Occurs every May over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

Don't forget - Pier Consultation - Saturday 4th June, St Mary's in the Castle

Public drop in session - St Mary-in-the-Castle from 1pm until 4pm on Saturday, June 4,

A host of local businesses and community groups have been invited to the morning session, which will include an update on the progress of Hastings Borough Council’s efforts to compulsory purchase the pier from current owners Ravenclaw.

You can learn more about the project, find out the results of the consultation and comment on early plans.

Members of the trust will be on hand throughout the day to discuss the pier or, for more information visit www.hpwrt.co.uk

Once again lucky with the weather (but sorry for the farmers and market gardeners)

May Walk - Tuesday 24th

The St Leonards part of the The Hastings & St Leonards Sculpture Trail, leading to Discovering Burtons' St Leonards

Meet under Queen Victoria on the Front, in front of Warrior Square, at 10:30 am.

Hoist the sails, marauders plan to pinch our world record

Pirate Day organiser, Roger Crouch, with Pirates. 6/8/10 IF THIS PHOTO IS USED, MUST CREDIT MATT STABELER

http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/hoist_the_sails_marauders_plan_to_pinch_our_world_record_1_2676241
Published on Friday 13 May 2011 09:05

A PARADE of pesky pantalooned plunderers from Penzance are planning on pinching Hastings’s pirate prize.

Just last year more than 6,000 locals donned an eye patch and picked up their cutlasses to help the town smash the Guinness World Record for most pirates ever in one place.

HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND SAY YES TO THE PEOPLE’S PIER

I’m delighted to be able to tell you that Hastings Pier & White Rock Trust have been successful in our Heritage Lottery Fund application. The People’s Pier has an exciting future.

We have battled against the odds, in a Catch-22 situation where we couldn’t achieve ownership without funding, or funding without ownership, since the pier first closed in 2006. As a community trust we always knew we couldn’t walk away and we have become known for our ‘dogged persistence’. Now our greatest asset can be reborn and thrive for another 100 years.

There are many people to thank (see below), and there is so much more to be done. This is the end of the struggle and the beginning of the hard work. But for now, we celebrate!

Please pass on the fantastic news to everyone you think will be interested, and why not follow @thepeoplespier on twitter (go on, you know you want to really!)

A NEW LIFE FOR HASTINGS PIER

Now that we can rescue and re-engineer Hastings Pier as the People’s Pier, we want to let you know the next stages.

Match funding, esp community shares

Profile/momentum

Offers of help and advice – welcome but bear in mind we are inundated…

On again, off again!

Apologies, the May Walk will not now be The West Hill and it's Environs (no taking the lift for a walk this month!)

The person who suggested the walk, and still wants to do it, is hors de combat - get well soon.

So the May walk will now be

The Hastings & St Leonards Sculpture Trail, leading to Discovering Burtons' St Leonards.

And don't forget to put the June walk on your calendar!

June walk will be Tuesday, 28th June Cemetery Walk and Old St Helen's Church - led by Anne Scott. Not to be missed!