Hastings - ‘Popular with visitors since 1066’

There are some good events and exhibitions in the pipeline for the 950th anniversary.

Hastings Week will have a community parade with Saxon and Norman giants on 15th Oct, and many other events.

From June 25 Hastings Museum has its The Story of Hastings in 66 Objects exhibition;

The History House (21 Courthouse St, open 11-4 Thurs-Sun) is running a powerpoint presentation of the Hastings Embroidery’s 81 scenes, all in colour

Hastings Local History Group is having several meetings at Hastings History House on 1066-related themes (open to the public, but please book a place).

Additionally, HLHG is publishing a booklet, 1066-2016: The Battle of Hastings’ 950th Anniversary containing ideas suitable for individuals and groups, large or small, to commemorate the events of 1066.

It has the historical background, along with information on Anglo-Saxon society, including food and clothes, to help people to be as authentic as they wish.

The booklet is 32 pages long, A5, and priced to sell at £1; it will soon be on sale at the History House, Hastings Museum, Bookbusters, and Horntye Park Sports Complex; also at the Hastings Half Marathon, Race Reception, on March 20, and on their website. We’re hoping other local charities will stock it, to help raise funds for their good causes.

Any local charity that is interested, please contact heather.grief@talktalk.net.

The Story of Albert & His Memorial - raising money to help rehome Albert

£3 - available from Hastings History House, 21 Courthouse Street

REMINDER - Book Sale - 19th - 21st February 2016

Hastings History House

21 Courthouse Street

11 - 4pm

The Old Observer Building

The neighbours surrounding the Old Observer building are concerned about the public awareness of the proposal to built five new floors on top of it.

Flint Development Group unveiled revised plans to provide accommodation for 230 students, an art-house cinema and a shop/restaurant at Cambridge Road site in December.

But after planning notices were sent out on Friday (February 5), some residents are worried not enough people who will be affected by the proposal know about it.

“We’re not opposed to the idea of student accommodation itself, it’s just a gross over-development as it’s too high,” he said.

“Everyone thinks its going to be a community asset but the bulk of the development is the student housing and I don’t think enough people realise.

“So few people know about it when it will be a huge blot on our landscape.”

There have only been four public comments on the application, with three negative and all concerned about the height of the proposal.

The notice says the deadline for comments is in 21 days, so February 26.

To view the application visit: www.hastings.gov.uk/planning.

Read more: http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/news/local/concern-over-old-observer-building-proposal-awareness-1-7204040#ixzz3zgFYrZ4E

Look Up As You Visit Hastings History House!

Thanks to High Street Traders' Association.

Please Support Model Railways

A miniature railway will be returning to Alexandra Park later this month after years of absence.

It follows months of hard work over the autumn and winter to get the overgrown train tracks into a fit state.

Further plans include turning the middle area into a family picnic area, continuing the parameter fences round the site and a mid way station, (for use on planned Christmas specials.

“We also are looking into opening the railway up for private children’s birthday parties.”

The railway is situated in the upper park, near to the Buckshole Reservoir, with easy access from St Helens Road.

The new railway will be officially opened on Saturday February at 11am. The site is being opened by the mayor and other guests, from 10.30am onwards.

Once opened the railway will be open every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, bank holidays (excluding Christmas Day) and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday’s during the school holidays. Rides will be £1 per person.

Great Dixter - Talk - 13th February 2016

Saturday February 13th at 5.30PM
Hastings History House
21 Courthouse Street

Victoria Williams, curator at HMAG for many years, has been working at Great Dixter and will talk about what she has learnt.

Tickets £3 including Refreshments.

A heritage group has been created to raise money for the relocation of a Prince Albert statue

• The Albert Statue Group needs £5,000 to pay for the statue to be moved to outside the town hall as well as a new pedestal and information board.

• It is currently stored in a greenhouse in a service yard in Alexandra Park but the group hopes to move it behind the ramped access to the Community Contact Centre at the Town Hall

•  It was consented by the Government’s planning inspectorate in November and Hastings Borough Council support the project but it must be funded from outside the Council's budget.

• A Portland stone pedestal will be provided by JF Stoneworks of Battle. 

• An information board, giving a concise history of the statue, is also being installed, funded by the great, great granddaughter of the statue’s sculptor Kelly Stirling and her family, who live in California. 

•  Donations for the project should be sent to the Albert Statue Group c/o Hastings Voluntary Action, Jackson Hall, Portland Place, Hastings, TN34 1QN. 
• Cheques to be made payable to Hastings Voluntary Action, if acknowledgement of the donation is required, please enclose a SAE.

Book Sale - 19th - 21st February 2016