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