Hastings Old Town Residents Association
East Hill House
13 Tackleway
Hastings
East Sussex
TN34 3DE
Dick Edwards, Chairman
01424-437069 — dick@hotra.org.uk
For everyone living and working in the Old Town
Report Street Problems
Click here to go to Fix My Street, where you can report problems such as potholes, broken paving slabs and blinking street lights.
Biddy the Tubman honoured
In a short ceremony on 11 August , around 100 people gathered in West Street to remember Biddy the Tubman (inset photo). Cllr James Bacon, Deputy Mayor & Biddy's great great grandson, and Christian Burton, the President of the Winkle Club, unveiled a blue plaque in honour of Biddy, who was born and lived on West Street (though nobody seemed to know quite where!) After the unveiling, Phil White and Garry Blakeley serenaded the crowd with a specially written song about Biddy.
Biddy was famous for entertaining Hastings crowds between the wars, and after WWII, with antics in his floating wooden tub. You can watch a YouTube video by clicking here.
Incomers survey
Researchers from the Universities of Plymouth and Hertfordshire are carrying out research into the impacts of in-movers to the seaside. They are interested in learning why people move to Hastings Old Town, and their experiences as residents.
Let them know your views by completing a five-minute online our survey which is available by clicking here.
If you have any questions and, also, if you are willing to be interviewed (whether in person or by telephone) you can email the lead researcher, Steven Jakes on steven.jakes@plymouth.ac.uk
Isabel Blackman Centre: great news
Wonderful News about the Isabel Blackman Centre: Hastings Council decided on 12th April to register the IBC as a Community Asset. HOTRA applied for this 8 weeks ago. This result gives interested parties a six-month moratorium that prevents the sale or a new lease being issued by ESCC.
There are more details in the Parish News, which you can download by clicking here.
Old Town Carnival
Hastings Old Town celebrated its 50th Annual Carnival at the beginning of August, with a now-familiar programme of events spread over a week or so. These two pictures are from the famous (or imfamous) Pram Race, where elaborately-costumed teams compete over a course that runs along George St, the High St and All Saints St. Events were somewhat quieter than usual since Deeday White, the usual man-at-the mic for the week, was having hospital treatment. We all wish him well for a speedy recovery.
Councillor’s surgery and litter pick
Deputy Mayor, Cllr James Bacon, is organising another Fancy Dress Litter Pick at the end of Hastings Old Town Carnival Week. This is a family-friendly event and if you are able to come along in fancy dress, you will be entered into the Best Dressed Competition. Don’t worry if you can’t or don’t wish to dress up.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be meeting you all at the Stade Open Space (Hastings Old Town) at 2pm on Monday 12th August 2019. If you have gloves and a black sack, please do bring these along with you. Litter pickers will be provided on the day but if you have your own, please bring these along too.
SURGERY
James is also organising an Old Hastings Ward Advice Surgery at The Steamie Laundrette (Mount Road) on Thursday 15th August, 10am-11:30am. If you live in Old Hastings Ward (Clive Vale area), this is an opportunity for you to meet James and discuss local issues which are affecting you and your community.