If you’re tired of wandering around the shops or endless scrolling online and still can’t find the perfect dress or coat, then maybe it’s time to develop your sewing skills. We’re lucky to have some skilled seamstresses in Hastings who are keen to nurture and develop our sewing ambitions, both with a commitment to slow fashion. Seek out fashion pioneer Judy Dewsbury’s sewing classes at The Beacon or pick up one of Nomad SLT’s simple sewing kits so you can create your own truly individual clothes.

LEARN FROM LOCAL TALENT

Local style icon Judy Dewsbury studied menswear design at the Royal College of Art, taught at Central St Martin’s and was a founding designer at Swanky Modes in the late 70’s. Swanky Modes tailcoated the excitement of 70’s London punk bringing their own inimitable style of rebellion, energy and self-expression. Judy’s co-designer at the label will be known to many of you as The Great British Sewing Bee’s judge, Esme Young, and the label was a go to for many 80’s style setters. A collective of four designers, the label grew to prominence at an exciting time in British culture when fashion, film and music were making headlines around the world.

Judy fondly remembers visits from Vivienne Westwood, Malcolm Maclaren and Grace Jones and simply says “We had a lot of fun!”. This is clear in the clothes, and Judy’s approach to fashion hasn’t changed. A Swanky Modes icon, the ‘amorphous dress’ is in the V & A Collection, shown here in red, and fetches thousands at auction. Fashion Auctioneer Kerry Taylor remembers buying the amorphous dress in blue, turning every head at her local rugby club as she wiggled her way to the bar. Swanky Modes clothes were bold, clever and experimental – hedonistic clothes for hedonistic times.

SHE’LL HAVE YOU IN STITCHES

Judy’s new friendly workshops at The Beacon are for all levels of ability and she’s adamant that sewing should be fun. Inspired by her grandchildren’s desire to make their own clothes, Judy has loved passing on her knowledge and encouraging creativity in others. Her technical knowledge is extensive, and she loves to work with fabric almost sculpturally, enjoying an element of play in the creation of a garment. You’ll certainly enjoy yourself and end up with something unique and personal. Sessions run every Wednesday AM or PM, and booking is essential. See the website for further details: beaconhastings.com/events.

In a recent conversation, Judy’s joyful approach is evident: “I love clothes; the act of taking a piece of fabric – something that is essentially flat – and rearranging it into a three-dimensional, moving, tactile, wearable entity.”

WEAVER’S DELIGHT

With a focus on fabric waste and tactile fabrics, Nomad Surplus Luxury Textiles (Nomad SLT) was established in 2022 by Philippa Farnese, keen to devote her business to circular fashion.

Specialising in luxury knitted and woven fabrics that are considered surplus, samples, seconds or waste, all the textiles she sells come from prestigious mills in Scotland and Yorkshire made from natural materials such as cashmere, wool, linen and silk. A recent batch of felted wool inspired her to create easy-to-sew coat kits which can be personalised with simple trims or flamboyant embellishments; another fashion enthusiast keen for sewing folk to have fun!

IT STARTED WITH A KIT

The kit includes six pre-cut coat pieces, clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations. All you need is a few hours, a domestic sewing machine, an iron for pressing seams, and some thread. Other easy-to-make Nomad SLT kits are for wool or cashmere decorative wreaths, scarves or pet baskets – perfect for crafters of all ages.

Recently moved to Caves Road in St Leonards on Sea, Nomad is a treasure trove of fabric delights with offcuts, scraps, larger pieces and some ready-made products. If you love soft, luxury fabrics of all shades and colours, you’ll love Nomad, and you’ll be given the chance to experiment and play with affordable bundles. Pip clearly loves what she does, the joy of watching woven fabrics as they fall from the loom, and loves seeing the creations that fashion students and budding designers build from the materials she provides.

She’s now working with 15 mills in Scotland and Yorkshire who provide renowned design houses around the world with their finest materials, and Pip is proud to be working with all British mills. The feeling is mutual according to Fiona MacDonald, Sustainability Manager at Alex Begg in Ayrshire: “Nomad SLT has been a fantastic partner for us. Not only do Nomad take some of our textile waste that would have gone to destruction, but they are also able to show the public the creative opportunities for upcycling textile waste.”

Kits are available all year round with event sales held throughout the year in St Leonards: see nomadslt.com for further information. Saving the planet in style, what could be more on trend?

John Bright OBE, award winning costume designer and founder of the Bright Foundation, is a source of inspiration for many. His costume and prop house, Cosprop, specialising in period costumes, has provided costumes for some of the world’s finest actors and directors and has a well-deserved reputation for careful research, impeccable attention to detail and a high level of craftsmanship. Cosprop has been celebrating sixty years in business with a unique exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London, one of the museum’s most popular exhibitions opened last September and ends 8 March. Visit fashiontextilemuseum.org/ for details.

From early successes with Merchant Ivory such as Maurice and Room with a View, Cosprop have created costumes and collaborated with designers to create memorable outfits for characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow and Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth, and for a wide range of films, theatre productions and television series all focused on period costume mostly from the 18th to the mid-20th century. 

John knows the importance of authenticity: “Actors walk into Cosprop with just a script and the name of their character. They walk out with that character forming in their mind, having brought him or her to life through the angle of a hat, the fabric of a coat or the feel of a pair of shoes.”

Cosprop holds tens of thousands of individual pieces, and John won an Oscar and a BAFTA with co-designer Jenny Beavan OBE for Room With A View in 1987. Cosprop has collaborated with many outstanding designers over the years including recent successes such as Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders.

With a passion for creativity, the arts and equality, John set up the The Bright Foundation in 2018 to give children and young people locally an opportunity to explore and develop their creative skills, primarily serving those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The latest production, The Ballad of Red and the Wilding Wolf, created for his performance space, The Barn Theatre, just outside Hastings, will be shown free to local schools and to the general public later in the year. The Foundation also uses the Benbow Arts Space in St Leonards for creative programmes and is hosting a fundraising table sale of fabrics on Sunday 1 March.

Visit thebrightfoundation.org.uk/whats-on for more details.

Costumes and fashion can elevate a film from the ordinary to the extraordinary. HIP asked Julia Andrews-Clifford, Creative Director at The Electric Palace, for some of her favourite clothes in film: “I’m an admirer of John’s work and love films like Breathless (1960), Funny Face (1957) and Cruella (2021) – all quite different films where the clothes really stand out.”

We’re getting in early so you’re not rushing to the local garage for flowers when our next issue is out on 13 February. Sometimes gestures of love need a little planning, and with Fat Tuesday coming up mid-Feb, it’ll be a busy few days in Hastings over the weekend of 14 February. There are many ways to express love, through acts of care and selflessness as well as buying cards and gifts, and the spending is pointless without thoughtful behaviours – ideally lasting all year round. Make a ‘Valentine’s vow’ and promise to make your partner’s lunchtime sandwiches once a week for a month, run them a relaxing bath each week or chip in with the housework if your efforts have been lacking!

And if you’re stuck for inspiration, Hastings’ creatives are helping you out with a whole town full of ideas for love gifts. Don’t forget it doesn’t always have to be for an intimate partner: if you know someone who’s feeling particularly unloved, without misleading them let them know you’re thinking of them. Brilliant card selections to suit all tastes can be found at Made, Habibi and Reste on Hastings High Street, Butler’s Emporium on George Street, Waterfalls on Robertson Street and in St Leonards at Déjà Vu and Shop on Norman Road and also at Pass Muster and Paisley and Friends along King’s Road. You’re bound to find the perfect Valentine’s card to say you care!

LET LOVE BLOSSOM

There are plenty of flowers readily available this time of year with daffodils, tulips and fragrant hyacinths in the shops; but for something much more special, head to Shimizu Flowers at 22a High Street. Owner Mao chooses exceptional flowers and creates memorable, exquisite bouquets, so get in early if you want to place an order. She reopens on 3 February and is worth a visit for something breathtaking. And I’m sure you’ll agree flowers aren’t gender-specific – most people appreciate a thoughtful bunch of sweet-smelling stems.

If you prefer dried flowers, head to Reste at 58 on the High Street for carefully selected dried bouquets in hand -picked pots, a special for Valentine’s Day, or you could pick out a plant which can grow alongside your love. Hannah at Simply Garden also has great plants every Thursday at Hastings market in central Hastings. If you’re not going down the flower route, Cherry Blossom soap at Butler’s Emporium smells divine and their brass hearts, with a mirror or without, make sweet love tokens, as does the Sussex honey at £12. Warm toast and honey, the perfect gift for self-love.

FOOD OF THE GODS, SOLACE FOR MORTALS

Chocolate of course, and we’re lucky to have a couple of great chocolatiers in Hastings. Coastal Cocoa, run by James Bridger at 45, Hastings High Street offers unique flavours inspired by Hastings – and a death star chocolate bomb (£5), making delicious hot chocolate for the Star Wars lover in your life. Invest in one of his workshops, a whole day, or the 2 hour Truffle workshop … how could you not have fun?

Rye Chocolates on George Street has lovely small hampers with your own choice of their delicious chocolate fillers, and their caramel chocolate hearts could also make a thoughtful gift for single friends. I have to admit to my current infatuation, almond croissants at the Kiosk up on the West Hill – breakfast can be as romantic as any evening meal, and the views will always make your heart soar!

A LOVE OF LITERATURE

Inspired by her father’s readings of The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear, local potter Judith Rowe has made Valentine’s plates and bucket cups (£55) featuring this lovingly paired couple. A wider selection of Judith’s work can be found at Made, 82 High Street, Hastings including her delightful New Zealand-inspired sprites, alongside other possible gifts with a love of nature.

Local booksellers suggest the works of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, Sufi mystic Rumi, and of course Jane Austen and WH Auden. Sally Rooney’s Normal People is now a modern classic and Shakespeare’s sonnets have stood the test of time. Check out local independent booksellers Black Gull Books in St Leonards on London Road, and Hare and Hawthorn in the Old Town on George Street. You’ll find a great selection at each and some readily available suggestions from enthusiastic staff if your loved one is a booklover.

SINGING FROM THE HEART

For a town steeped in music, local soprano Thomasin Trezise cites the love duet at the end of Act One in La Boheme by Puccini as her favourite piece, with Love of My Life by Freddie Mercury also greatly admired. Thomasin will be singing another of her favourites from Madame Butterfly when she joins Hastings Sinfonia on 7 February for a Valentine’s concert at St John’s Church, Pevensey Road, accompanied by a fellow Glyndebourne artist (see the website for details). 

Help Me Make It Through The Night by Gladys Knight is one of my personal favourites, along with I Know Sometimes a Man is Wrong by David Byrne – both beautiful and haunting. The famous country classic, Islands in The Stream springs to mind for something less haunting, and who doesn’t love Leonard Cohen’s lyrics in Dance Me To The End of Love? For all musical tastes, you can head to Wow and Flutter on Trinity Street. There’s something intrinsically romantic about vinyl, so listening to some of your favourite love songs with a glass of something relaxing and a candle-lit meal might be your perfect Valentine if you’re not into reading poetry aloud. Hot chocolate and Baileys in a flask on the beach or on West Hill always feels romantic, and isn’t it one of the great things about romance, as in life, that we all find different things romantic?

SPEAKING FROM THE HEART

Finally you could always spread your love more widely towards humankind by checking out the emergency funding appeals for Jamaica, Gaza and Ukraine or for local charities such as St Michael’s Hospice, The Seaview Project or HARC. As always, be generous with your love and your money.

VALENTINE’S DINING

Enjoy a romantic meal or takeaway with special Valentine’s menus at some of the following:

• Bayte: Italian set menu ending with one of Italy’s greatest love stories, tiramisu. (£50 pp)
• Coquina: for a lunchtime Valentine’s treat with obligatory oysters and romantic sea views. (£45 pp)
• The Crown: go Mardi Gras with their special Fat Tuesday menu, always cosy sitting in the Snug!
• Mama Putts: Afro-Carribean, tasty and great value, takeaway available
• Remy’s: delicious Anglo-Asian food, a romantic building and a great night out. Reopening on 6 Feb
• The Codfather: at 10, East Parade, family run and great fish and chips if the weather allows a romantic walk along the seafront
• La Bella Vista: a real treat for a loved one, modern Italian Valentine’s special (£54.95 pp) 

We are blessed in Hastings and St Leonards with an abundance of independent traders offering something for most tastes, quirky to classic, and at every price point. Most shops are open right up to Christmas Eve – so please join us. Here’s a taste of just a few as we take a Christmas gift trail wandering through St Leonards, into the town centre then along to George Street and the High Street.

The trail also contains enough coffee shops and bars along the way to lubricate your present pathway and give you the energy to keep going! As it’s now getting close to a final date for deliveries a visit to the local shops will save you the stress of ‘will it or won’t it arrive in time?’. Online shopping offers infinite choice, but if you’re a last-minute shopper, make sure to check the last date for deliveries before Christmas; it’s really not worth the angst when a friendly local shopkeeper will be delighted to see you.

FROM THE WEST

Let’s start in St Leonards. Norman Road has seen a minor shakeup with new arrivals Opahstore at number 58 and vintage clothing experts Sunless moving into a new space farther up the hill. Opahstore, run by local St Leonards’ siblings, offers thoughtfully selected, environmentally conscious, modern designs with a simple, stylish aesthetic, from all around the UK. Their handmade range includes their very own vegetable-dyed patchwork cushions, as shown here, to elegant ceramic mugs, crockery, soaps, fragrances and accessories from a range of emerging designers, all price points available. The beauty is you won’t find these designs anywhere else in Hastings and many are limited-edition items created in partnership with select artisans.

Across Norman Road at 53, Déjà Vu is tightly packed with antiques, art posters, decorative textiles, original artwork and so much more. SHOP at 32-34 Norman Road excels in beautifully packaged food, while Black Gull Books on the corner of London Road and North Street offers perfect books for art lovers, some unique first editions and excellent reading matter for local thinkers. If you’re shopping for a bookish friend, the knowledgeable staff will undoubtedly have some helpful suggestions.

For hands-on art, what about a gift voucher from St Leonards Art School offering sessions for aspiring artists of all ages? All materials are provided at the Art School’s delightful studio on Maze Hill, so all one needs to bring along is enthusiasm and imagination. Vouchers are available for one-hour classes (£13.50), two-hour classes (£20) or you can gift four two-hour sessions for £70. Available from stleonardsartschool.com.

ECLECTIC AVENUE

Heading into King’s Road you’ll find humour, style and quirkiness by the sackful. It’s worth popping into Popsicle at number 36 if your friends need, or would appreciate, a shot of humour for Christmas. One gift that always makes me chuckle is the tea towel advising “Do one thing to scare your family every day” whether that’s for a friend who excels in this behaviour or someone who might need a nudge to live a little more bravely, it’ll make anyone smile while they’re drying the dishes. You’ll also find great bags, books and colourful, glittery Tatty Devine jewellery for elegant sparkle. At Pass Muster, 41 Kings Road, this warm and welcoming shop has stylish, affordable accessories, an inviting selection of smellies, homewares and rugs and perfect stocking fillers like a lobster bottle opener or an elegant retro -style receipts tin for your favourite freelance friend. Their lovingly restored furniture might just be that perfect present for your nearest and dearest.

Bayte gift vouchers will cheer anyone up in the New Year with their delicious, Italian-inspired menu and relaxed dining (vouchers are available from £10 and upwards and can be purchased online at bayte.co.uk); or head west along the seafront to Half Man Half Burger for their inimitable BBQ sauce, aprons and sweatshirts or gift vouchers to spend on their juicy burgers.

King’s Road in St Leonards is crammed with independent stores, eateries, charity shops and second-hand stores but save some of your pennies for farther along the trail.

HEADING EAST

Walking along the seafront towards Hastings new town, you can stop off at the White Rock for a cuppa or cocktail, or pop into Barnaby’s for a nip of something warming. Don’t forget B and T Music at 9 Claremont for gifts to continue Hastings’ much loved music legacy. Is this the year for someone you love to start playing the ukulele or maybe something more complex? There’s an excellent range of instruments and a huge selection of printed music, but it’s one of those presents that probably needs prior consultation with the proposed recipient. Otherwise it could bomb as a gift idea!

Heliotique at 5 Trinity Street, a newish independent gift and lifestyle store, has a great selection of children’s toys and games as well as fun gifts for so-called grown-ups. That Green Shop at 4, Castle Street has charming knitted dinosaurs, a wide range of presents that can be engraved and some exceptionally quirky 3D printed animals.

Drifting into the Old Town along George Street you’ll find good ideas for presents for men at Scatter Box at number 46, including walking books, socks and grooming kits, and If you take a loved one along, you might also find their gift for you on the clothes rail which is awash with affordable cosy knits.

Rye Chocolates at 20 George Street couldn’t have a wider selection of Christmas chocolate: everything including Christmas pudding or Christmas candyfloss flavour to chocolate trees and, local favourites, the chocolate lobster; all perfect festive treats with bars at £6.95. They also sell a wide selection of Copper Pot Gin, from the local St Leonards distillers, in tempting flavours including Plum and Ginger or Navy Strength and perfectly packaged as gifts. The Copper Pot Gin Build-Your-Own Mini Gift Box is £25: find their full selection at copperpotgin.co.uk

At Butler’s Emporium, 70 George Street, you’ll find a beautiful selection of soaps, scarves, socks and jewellery to suit all budgets, and their clothes will last for years, keeping you warm, comfortable and effortlessly stylish over the winter. Check out the wrapping paper and ribbon for a truly colourful Christmas as well as silk bangles in every colour of the spectrum – the perfect small gift or stocking filler for the friend who has everything.

OLD TOWN TRINKETS

Across the road at 58 Hastings High Street, Reste smells incredible as you enter, so worth the visit just to inhale, and also offers one of the best selections of indoor plants in Hastings. The ‘70s ceramics collection sold here is colourful and affordable and one-off pottery and rugs might just be the perfect Christmas gift for the home. Your plants will thank you for investing in their stylish watering cans and your friends will love you forever if you gift their wellbeing kits – Sleep Easy and Self-Love.

A few shops along at Merchant 57, 57 Hastings High Street, you’ll find decorative gifts and homewares exquisite antiques and a perfect present if you want to help your friends stay off their phones: a stylish wall calendar in beautiful muted colours (£28), with nothing digital in sight. Judges at number 51 has an impressive selection of panettone – plain, chocolate, limoncello, prices from £13 to £30 as well as other edible gifts, perfectly wrapped.

Other delights on the High Street include Shop House Hastings at number 49 with a warm welcome and everything Peanuts, Moomin and Salty Sea Dog among other characterful gifts. Also worth a visit for unique locally crafted gifts, art and homewares head for Made in Hastings opened 20 years ago by six local women creatives at 82, High Street. Here you’ll find one-off ceramics, colourful knits, textiles and jewellery and the playful art of Claire Fletcher: detailed, innocent, beautifully realised and often a window on a magical seaside world.

Retro toys at Courthouse Cooperative on Courthouse Street will please fans of the Muppets, Rupert the Bear, Wallace and Gromit and ‘70s classic The Flowerpot Men. Courthouse Mews next door is a real treasure trove of unusual finds and worth a rummage alongside the many other second-hand stores on the High Street.

LOOKING YOUR FESTIVE BEST

And if you’re still searching for your Christmas frock, look no further than the following rails. Family-run vintage store Xanadu on Norman Road in St Leonards has a wide selection of one-offs in great condition from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, or on the other side of London Road back towards the station have a rummage at Cross Street Vintage. Don’t forget Substance for fancy dress outfits or if you’re planning to dress up for your kids on Christmas day.

In the town centre, British Heart Foundation’s shop has a good selection of party dresses in all sizes and further into the Old Town, Mame’s Place on George Street has brilliantly priced end-of-line pieces from High Street brands. Final stop is at 64a High Street, the best dress agency in Hastings, with an endless dress selection which changes all the time, offering well-priced one-off pieces – see you there!

Hastings is full of beloved small businesses and taking a stroll down Queens Road, you only need to peer into the cozy Prince Albert or packed Imperial and you’ll see a throng of loyal patrons who turn up night after night for a pint and some good vibes. On a recent tour of the old town I got to meet Kimberley Duke the owner-chef at a business that has benefited from the town’s legendary community spirit which has taken her business on a successful journey.

Old Town-based restaurant Tonka, which has been open for a year and a half, offers a decidedly Hastings take on Mauritian food, inspired in part by the cuisine of Kim’s Mauritian inlaws. The restaurant is the culmination of Kim’s decade-long experience of training, learning and working deep in London’s highly competitive culinary world, taking inspiration from her time in Bao of Borough market and her deep passion for Southeast Asian food. Kim was also co-founder, with business partner Ryan Riley, of the immensely successful CIC Life Kitchen, working with food industry A-listers like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall of River Cottage fame, and Nigella Lawson, as well as TV personalities including Sue Perkins, to develop cooking classes, cookbooks and recipes for the taste-blind.

It’s fair to say that Kim has seen and done a massive amount in the world of food, but having her own restaurant has always been her dream – “I’ve always felt happiest in the kitchen, and I just want to create beautiful tasty food.” And that’s precisely what she’s been doing at Tonka, which has attracted rave reviews for its menu staples like tapioca fried chicken, prawn toast in courgette flowers and her famous mac and cheese.

But, notwithstanding the praise, it has been a struggle for Kim and her team to keep the business afloat with costs going up and a reduced council marketing budget hitting summer tourism. As Kim says “Many people expect business owners to be wealthy, especially if they are DFL’ers (Down from Londoners) but that’s not the reality, as most of us live and operate month to month with no parachute.”

In a twist worthy of a tv drama, television Producer Susie Liggat of Black Mirror fame got talking after a mix-up with a Deliveroo order, starting a conversation which, over time, came to change Tonka. Susie was in love with Tonka’s menu but could see the business was struggling. One night, over dinner in Tonka, Susie offered to step in and help give Tonka the renovation and vibe she felt it deserved, drawing on the resources of the tight-knit Old Town community. Within months, Tonka was transformed with the help of artists Louis and Ian Skelton, Dennis the handyman, local carpenter Kai, helpers Clare, Michelle, and Feona, and a host of other local business people and patrons too extensive to list, all of whom asked for nothing in return for their generosity.

Kim could hardly put her surprise into words and said at the time she was wondering *Why are all these amazing people doing this for me?” As our interview develops, it becomes clear that this generosity of spirit, comradeship, and solidarity is very much a key Hastings strength, and one that those, like Kim, coming to the town often cite as one of the main reasons they choose to relocate here. As she puts it, “Tonka has so many loyal and passionate followers, and other small businesses are great too, there’s no competition here, we all work together–and it’s very satisfying.”

Kim sees Hastings as “a town full of cool, forward thinking people who want to do interesting things” and in our hour-long interview, she namechecks other food industry businesses including the Sri Lankan food at Colombo 16 in Marine court, Raj’s offering of travel inspired bowls at Three Souls in a Bowl in St Andrews Mews, and the beer and summer vibes at Seadog.

It’s clear that Kim has found her community: from the Old Town Committee to other independent business owners such as Tess from The Crown pub, who has offered to mentor her. And having received such sterling support in her early months here, Kim is ready to give back and pay forward that same passion. 

I arrived at the Montgomerie Suite at Bannatyne’s Hotel at 11am to set up the brand new Hastings Independent ‘feather flag’ – only to find the other sponsors had set up the day before. Figuring out how to assemble the flag in front of early guests was slightly embarrassing, but Molly Oliver, of Let’s Do Business, was on hand to help.

Early guests were an opportunity for a bit of networking – surely what these events are for – and I chatted to Frankie and colleagues of Frankie on the Beach (finalist for Business of the Year) as well as catching up with Luke Funnell of Project Rewild (finalist for Community Spirit category).

I also found I was sharing a table with the charming employees of Hastings Court Care Home (finalists for Sustainability Champion) plus the husband & wife team representing Bodiam Boating Station & Lime Wharf Café (finalists in People First and Extra Mile). Joining me from HIP were Victoria Kingham (Arts Editor) and Amy Davies (Judge and presenter of the New Directions award).

The UK is awash with awards, estimated at more than 4,000 annually by Boost Awards; and there’s a wide variety of categories, from media to construction, from farming to technology and, of course, business.

We’ve all participated in some way, whether it’s voting in events like BBC Sports Personality of the Year or watching televised occasions such as the BRIT Awards. Of course, some accolades are more prized than others, some are even ‘vanity awards’ where the recipient is essentially paying for the recognition. But the 1066 awards ceremony is something special: a local event organised with care and attention for the benefit of the local community.

As one of the sponsors, HIP could be seen as biased, but Let’s Do Business, who organise the awards, has been operating in Hastings in one form or another for 30 years: it sees its role as not only supporting local businesses, but in doing so, helping to create “jobs and wealth that benefits the wider community and contributes to cohesion” and also “helping some of the region’s poorest communities”. You can read some of the success stories on letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/success-stories.

Winning an award brings obvious benefits, not just to those that win, but all those shortlisted or who receive a ‘Special Commendation’. Winning brings publicity, but along with that, information about the company: for example, why it’s successful, how it looks after its staff, whether its green credentials are more than just greenwash. And of course, it’s motivating for all those who work within the business, bringing a sense of pride to what everyone contributes.

Talking about awards, one of the guest speakers was Emily Craig MBE, current British Olympic rowing gold medallist in the women’s lightweight double sculls. She spoke about the highs and lows of achieving success and what it takes to win through. I got to speak to her afterwards – and hold a gold medal for the first time! She explained how important she felt it was to support local businesses and how she appreciated the opportunity, as someone living locally (she started her rowing career at Bewl Water) of being “able to share my success with so many people from the area”.

Guest speakers are so important in adding interest to these events and the two chosen, Emily and Jens Knoops were a perfect combination. Jens told a fascinating story: starting with his strong love of chocolate from childhood to setting up his chocolate business from scratch at the age of 42. To find out more, read ryezine.com/articles/sound-knoops.

But the moment we ‘had all been waiting for’, was the announcement of the results. Speeches and lunch over, it began with a fanfare (if slightly muted), and the announcement of the Best New Business award, going to … 1066 Kitchens! (For full results see Let’s Do Business Facebook page.)

HIP sponsored the New Directions award, nominating 3Drecruit as the winner with a special commendation for Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm. But for the rest, we were naturally rooting for our table and delighted when Charlie and Daisy Abrahams, representing Bodiam Boating Station & Lime Wharf Café, not only won the Extra Mile category but were nominated for a special mention in the People First category (see interview).

The momentum and excitement continued right to the end with photoshoot and congratulatory chatter. My only criticism would be the lack of time available for networking at the end of the event – but then, perhaps, I’m just over-fond of talking, and most people have places to go.

Alex, Vanessa, Izzy, Billy (and Oona the friendly dog), took the reins of the then Bodiam Ferry Company in 2012, developing the business along with Lime Wharf Cafe. HIP interviewed their general manager, Charlie Abrahams, at the awards ceremony to find out more about the business and what winning the Extra Mile category means to him.

“It’s lovely to be commended for it [Extra Mile] as we do work hard: it’s true that we go above and beyond,” he says. “We also got ‘highly commended’ [in the People First category] for looking after our staff, which is great.

“Fifty young people work for us and a lot of them come back every year. Some people start when they’re just 15 working at the weekend, then go to uni and come back in the summer. They progress from things like washing up to organising and running the boating. It’s a really happy atmosphere. We organise social nights, and everyone gets fed on their shift,”

Charlie explained that his background was in theatre, but “that all stopped during the pandemic”. Then, in 2022, by chance, his mother-in-law showed him a Facebook post about Bodiam Boating Station looking for someone to join a family-run business. “It sounded like a really good atmosphere.”

He applied with his wife, Daisy, as Alex and Vanessa were looking for a management couple – and got the job. “I haven’t looked back. It was a ray of sunshine.” As the job came with accommodation, they live on site, “It’s obviously really good for us as we’re thinking about starting a family, and it’s a lovely area to be in. And we have a campsite so I’m also there in case of an emergency.

Daisy has her own work but manages to run the social media, work the Sunday shift and join in with other duties.

Asked what he had brought to the business Charlie said, “Hopefully I’ve continued making sure the staff are well looked after – they’re lovely staff and friendly people. I bought in a lot more staff and built on social events such as quiz nights and the popular retro gaming.

Charlie described his outlook on the business as “definitely aligned” with the vision of the owners, Alex and Vanessa , which is clearly important. “They literally built the place; they care about it a great deal. It’s like they have two human children and then another child.”

It sounds like a place worth visiting this summer.

For more information on 1066 Business awards 2025, Let’s do Business, and this years winners please visit letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk/latest-news/1066-business-awards-2025

In an interview at Sleeper Bagel shop, HIP business editor Jordan Connelley, met the dynamic distilling duo and couple Dionne and Jo Tester to learn more about Copper Pot. Dionne, a passionate science teacher and self confessed distilling nerd, explained that the idea for Copper Pot had come out of nowhere following a gin tour in Cornwall where she had been seduced by the scientific principles behind the gin-making process. After the tour, and despite Jo’s initial caution – gin-making can be a dangerous process – Dionne decided to invest in a small 2L still, ‘Belle’.

After seven months of experiments and sleepless nights behind the still, Dionne found her first combination for Copper Pot’s now trademark ‘Moonshine’ recipe. After a blind test, roping in their family, the duo went live in May 2024. Jo explained, “We were very naive at the time, we’re very busy people and we didn’t expect to become popular so quickly,” with Copper Pot distilling small batches, as few as six bottles a week, whilst working full-time jobs, and, most importantly, planning their June wedding.

The business has grown quickly, with two new stills 10L ‘Ami’ and 60L ‘Missy’ (named for her missing parts) joining the team. Little did the duo know that their trademark ‘slow and steady’ in-house distilling method is rare in the gin industry. Jo explained that Copper Pot do things differently, and are one of a small but growing number of distilleries who produce gin in the traditional method entirely in-house, using their own stills. Dionne said, “We didn’t know there was any other way of doing things.” The team takes pride in the fact that from start to finish their gin is made by hand, down to the labelling and packaging of the bottle, with Jo saying, “It just makes sense, we never wanted to cut corners, we had to make it the right way.”

Their ‘Moonshine’ recipe has now been joined by a number of other creations, from limited edition bottlings like their ‘Pride’ gin which celebrates pride month, to other spirits such as V vodka and non-alcoholic concoctions. With their operation now expanding, the team were also asked to put their navy strength gin up for a Gin Guide award in their High ABV & Navy Strength Gin 2025 category for gin over 54% ABV. At the time Dionne thought nothing of it, “We didn’t expect to go far having been open for just a year, but we thought, ‘screw it’, and entered anyways.” Little did the Copper Pot team know that, following expert blind tastings, they would be selected as finalists from an international pool of navy strength gins, hailing from Slovenia to Singapore. Jo and Dionne are ecstatic; as Jo says, “for us, no two bottles are the same, so to be selected as a finalist only a year in gives us a real confidence boost that we’re doing the right thing.”

Alongside an expanded selection and recent award success, the Copper Pot team have also started to take on events, including a number of tastings, including one on 29 May at Sarah’s Cellars in Battle (@sarahswinecellar), with another planned at St Leonards Church Market on 20 June (@saintleonardschurchmarket). The team will also be at Gin Fest in Brighton on 5 July. In addition, the team have also been working on a collaboration with Only Coco (@onlycocochocolates) of George Street with a moonshine gin and chocolate ganache bar as well as a recent collaboration with Marina Fountain (@themarinafountain1837).

The future is looking bright and busy for Dionne and Jo, who are also looking to open their own venue in St Leonards, with the help of Jo’s mum Sally Tester, where they plan to host an expanded roster of in-house gin tastings and, even more excitingly for budding distilling nerds, gin-making classes. Dionne is now taking a larger role in the business, with the hope of expanding their offering of spirits, working more closely with local bars and businesses, and most importantly creating quality first concoctions the right way. For all the gin lovers of Hastings, the answer is clear: watch this space.

Run by the much loved Rory Myers of Half Man Half Burger fame and partner, designer Hannah Exley-Myers, and located next door to the flagship Half Man restaurant, Ritual offers a chic cocktail bar experience in the heart of St Leonards dispensing a well curated list of wines, local Sussex beers from suppliers like Floc (@flocbrewing) from Canterbury and Beak brewery (@beakbrewery) in Lewes, as well as a refined and unique bevy of spirit-first cocktails.

In an animated interview with HIP, Hannah and Rory outlined the philosophy and emphasis behind Ritual, a two year endeavor of passion to create an independent local watering hole designed, as Rory put it, to “do something for the community” and liven up the evening scene at Marine Court by offering a unique take on the Scandinavian style cozy cocktail bar. Indeed, it was a point of pride for Rory that Ritual does its own thing: “We are able to make our own decisions about the beers and cocktails on offer by opting for primarily independent and, where possible, local suppliers.”

Hannah described the early stages of Ritual’s inception and the design mentality behind the bar saying “It was really an accident that we opened during the summer” with there being a real emphasis on creating a cozy space that can be used all year round, from sunny seaside summers to a warm and inviting Copenhagen-style refuge during the cold, wet winter months.

Both see Ritual as an addition to a growing bar scene in St Leonards and an accompaniment to the existing restaurant offering at Marine Court. When talking about their cocktails they stressed how hard it was to finalise their menu, which they have carefully balanced around an impressive list of high quality spirits that offer options for all tastes, as well as a growing list of non-alcoholic options.

Open Thursday to Sunday, Ritual also host a number of weekly music events, including a set from cult DJ Shed this past weekend (Saturday 3 May), playing vintage tracks fresh from Beauty and the Beat London (@beautyandthebeatldn) as well as a number of events delivered by local DJs assembled by local musician and DJ Elliot ‘Easy’ Green (@easy.green.uk).

Sampling the venue on a sultry spring Friday afternoon, my drinking partner and I asked to sample the most unique concoction on the menu, and the team duly delivered with their Raspberry Ritual–a heady but balanced cocktail combining strong nutty amontillado sherry, vibrant and rarely seen absinthe flavours, as well as refreshing hints of Raspberry and Rum. There is no cocktail quite like it in Hastings, and it was recommended by mixologist James as a Ritual staple.

Alongside the Raspberry Ritual, Rory and the team offer a full set of classic cocktails, from OG cocktails like the Frozen Margarita or Negroni, offered in classic gin style or with a smoky Mexican mescal twist, and new flavours such as the Pandan Colada. A Guatemalan toasted coconut style rum infusion mixed with coconut milk and pineapple to bring back memories of pura vida and the Caribbean playa – the perfect choice to accompany a sunny spring evening pre-dinner aperitif.

Ritual is located at 8 Marine Court and is open Thursday through Sunday. For more information visit @ritualstleonards on instagram.

With looming tariffs, trade wars, and increased economic uncertainty, HIP investigates the growing trend of shared commercial spaces in Hastings and the positive effects of this new business model.

Running a business is hard. ONS statistics released in November last year show that only 39.4% of businesses survive for their hard-earned five-year anniversary. And the South-East has a low growth ratio of just 9.9% of new business registrations – compared with London’s top rating of 12.6%. Indeed, growth only outstrips the rate of businesses who cease operations in the area by 0.1%.

It’s not hard to see why the statistical prognosis is bad, as the cost of running a business has skyrocketed in recent years, the High Street has been on its last legs for as long as anyone can remember, and the initial outlay for a new small business can be an expensive risk for a first-time entrepreneur.

But the news isn’t all bad. In recent years, businesses across Hastings have been experimenting with a novel way of minimising the dangers of the start-up by banding together and sharing space. This new trend is in vogue, with informal incubation centres for start-ups popping up across Hastings, from larger scale enterprises such as Heist, which hosts several smaller concessions in a big building, allowing emerging food purveyors to test and develop their concept and menu in a shared space, to smaller agreements between like-minded business folk.

One excellent example of a local success story is Mark Plummer of The Wine Room, who in an interview with HIP described the birth of his business in 2020, during the onset of covid. Mark admits “I must have been mad” to go live then. But the success of The Wine Room and its partnership with popular homeware store Shop of Norman Road in St Leonards, where Mark runs a concession, speaks for itself.

Mark can now celebrate being one of the 39% of businesses that have survived the five-year mark, and, what’s more, can point to a growth in his turnover, with The Wine Room currently offering over 300 wines, compared to the 70 or so he started with.

Mark is wholly positive about the benefits of shared spaces, acknowledging that his partnership with Shop has helped him avoid high initial outlays whilst also offering him low overheads to kick start his wine business. However, he counsels caution and suggests that new initiatives should be careful about who they partner with. No two businesses are alike, and Mark stresses that a shared space is about much more than merely saving costs. Success requires synergy and, for Mark, a shared space will only work if businesses offer products or services that complement each other and cater to a similar clientele.

Another recent positive story shows how premises can be shared across time, in this case day and evening, demonstrating how unused or underutilised space can be turned into a mutually beneficial business arrangement. Sleeper, opened by Nick Clark, and now celebrating their third year on Kings Road in St Leonards, has recently partnered with Wermut, turning Sleeper, a New-York style bagel shop and foodie’s dream, into a stylish cocktail bar in the evenings serving up pre-dinner drinks.

Speaking to Nick and the team at Sleeper, it’s clear he shares Mark’s passion for shared spaces and has hosted various pop-ups over the years including two-weeks with the chic Cambridge restaurant, Vanderlyle. He’s especially pleased that Wermut could utilise the shop, saying “we usually run out of bagels at around 2.30pm; now the space has become revitalised as a popular watering hole in evenings too.”

Deriving additional income has helped Nick to support his team of four bakers and baristas. It’s clear he sees the potential for this growing trend in Hastings and St Leonards as like-minded creative and energetic people work together to generate new business concepts in a tough, but definitely not unbeatable, market.

Whilst laying the groundwork in Booyah’s early stages, it is clear that Lisa really came to see and appreciate how her customers had come to ‘feel the health’ of her product, as the Booyah team like to say. This early momentum kickstarted their health drinks business, allowing Booyah to expand into larger premises whilst realising its tangible potential to increase the health and vitality of the community. Indeed, Lisa confesses it has always been her mission to help people feel better, and Booyah is merely an extension of that lifelong passion.

Speaking to Lisa, it is clear that she is very grounded in her local Hastings community and takes pride in the fact that every bottle sold supports jobs and business in the town. She sees Booyah as a “community-driven vision for better health” and is clear that the momentum is not slowing down, saying “We’ve spent years helping people feel healthy, and we’re not stopping now.” In a world where kombucha, and the health drinks market as a whole, is as Lisa puts it “popping off left, right, and centre”, she is keen to point out that Booyah stands apart from the rest, asserting that “we’re not just about fizz and flavour; we’re about function.”

Booyah are keen to point out that, unlike mass-produced brands focused on shelf-life over substance, Booyah prioritises health benefits at every stage to support gut health, immunity, and vitality with Booyah carefully fermenting their kombucha for approximately 40% longer than many other brands.

From the fermentation process to their choice of packaging, Booyah do things differently.

For more information you can visit booyahvitality.co.uk where you can learn more on gut health, inflammation and their local stockists near you. Or get in touch with them via: @booyah_vitality info@booyahvitality.co.uk

Opening a new retail business is always challenging, but doing so today, in an age of online dominance, never having run one before and with only a basic handle on social media, is a brave gamble indeed.

Yet that’s what Nicola Amies did in February 2019 when she opened Sea Whistle, a children’s shop selling shoes, books, clothes and wooden toys on Courthouse Street in the Old Town, fulfilling a lifetime dream to be her own boss and share her love of good design.

Five years on, she’s still there, having survived the pandemic, four lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis. She’s even managed to expand her business, scaling up from renting half the shop to take on all of it, before finally going the whole hog and buying it in 2023.

Nicola had wanted to design and make her own children’s clothes from her school days, but was persuaded to opt for a safer career path, training as a teacher and spending over three decades in early years’ education instead.The trigger for her new career came in 2019, when she designed a range of children’s clothes that sold at a limited range of outlets, including Charleston at Lewes and the Pop Up Emporium, a creative fair here in Hastings.

“A throwaway comment, ‘You should think about opening a shop’, got me thinking; then I began to literally pull a plan together on the back of an envelope,” she said.

“The shop ethos was to be sustainable and ethical and fill a gap in the market for a more personal shopping experience. “I also knew that I wanted to sell children’s shoes and that I wanted to fit them properly, so I enrolled on a six-month training with The Society of Shoe Fitters.”

This £5k training was a wise investment that keeps professional shoe fitting alive on the high street now that brands like Clarks have largely disappeared.

And it is no surprise that her bestselling line is the footwear-related cult brand, Barefoot shoes, which come with flexible soles and wide toes, and are “the way to go for comfort, improved balance and healthier feet.”

“It has been the greatest privilege to serve so many wonderful loyal customers over the past five years and to see so many young children grow up with the shop. I have the best job ever and here’s to the next five years.”

Happy Birthday, Sea Whistle. A career change business with attitude that has had a baptism of fire and survived, and proof that you should never give up on your dreams.

Sea Whistle is at 23a Courthouse Street, Hastings TN34 3AU

This prestigious event celebrates innovation, resilience, and excellence across a wide range of industries, and it’s so easy to participate – entry is completely free, and submissions are now open!

The 1066 Business Awards returned to the local business calendar in 2024, recognising organisations and individuals who go above and beyond in their contributions to the community. From start-ups and family-run enterprises to established industry leaders, the awards offer a platform to celebrate the breadth of talent and innovation in the region.

Hosted by social enterprise and business support organisation Let’s Do Business Group and headlined sponsored by marketing agency Fresh Online, the 2025 awards categories have been designed to reflect the diversity of the local business landscape, including:

Business of the Year – Sponsored by FreshOnline: A company that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and impact within its industry and community.

Best New Business: Celebrating entrepreneurial brilliance and innovation among start-ups less than two years old.

Lone Ranger: Recognizing the resilience and determination of self-employed individuals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who blaze their own trails.

Growth Champion – Sponsored by Lloyds Bank: Paying tribute to businesses that have demonstrated exceptional expansion and sustained success.

Community Spirit – Sponsored by Lightning Fibre: Honouring individuals and organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on their communities.

New Directions – Sponsored by Hastings Independent: Recognising businesses that have successfully navigated change through innovation and strategic adaptation.

People First – Sponsored by Kiley’s Karpets: Celebrating employers who prioritize the wellbeing and professional growth of their workforce.

Future Leader: Highlighting emerging talents under 35 who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities.

Extra Mile – Sponsored by Only Lifts: Honouring businesses that deliver unparalleled service excellence and set the standard for customer satisfaction.

Sustainability Champion – Sponsored by AAK BD Foods: An accolade designed to recognise an organisation that has shown unparalleled leadership and commitment to sustainability.

How to Enter

Submitting an entry is simple and free. All you have to do is visit the official Let’s Do Business website to complete the application form. Entries close on 3 March 2025 so don’t miss out on this chance to highlight your achievements.

Save the Date

The winners will be announced at a business lunch on 5 June 2025 at Bannatynes Hotel, Hastings where finalists will gather to celebrate the exceptional contributions of the 1066 business community and hear from Gold Medallist Rower Emily Butler. 

For more information, including entry guidelines please contact stacey.pretty@ldgbroup.co.uk.

It is my intense love for crime fiction and detective dramas that first made me interested in fighting crime, and it turns out that my skills in accountancy are actually very useful in detecting and preventing fraud. After realising that this may be a good way to spice up my accountancy career (Who can blame me? I signed up for qualification in forensic accountancy, the equivalent of a master’s degree, which I completed last month. 

Although I learnt exciting things, like interviewing techniques and the legalities around searching for evidence in a suspect’s trash, I spent a huge amount of time being taught how we can protect ourselves from becoming victims of fraud, and it opened my eyes to the huge extent of the problem faced by businesses in the UK. 

In fact, a study carried out by Portsmouth University, Crowe UK and Peters & Peters solicitors estimated that fraud losses in the UK could be as high as £219 billion annually. A staggering proportion of those losses (£157.7bn) is from private sector businesses as opposed to individuals and public sector bodies. 

When I started mentioning this to people, I was constantly presented with anecdotal evidence backing up the extent of this problem. The sad thing is that businesses are not always able to recover from these losses. Things like: “Our bookkeeper stole £15k from a business I worked at.” or “One of my volunteers would regularly pinch £10 or £20 from petty cash.”

I have questioned clients about a transaction, to be told “Oh, that £5,000 was taken out of my bank account because I was a victim of fraud. They said they were from the bank, and I needed to transfer my money to keep it safe.”

Interestingly, we are advised to regularly change our passwords and be safe online, and this is good advice seeing that 72% of businesses had experienced cybercrime between January 2021 and January 2023. 

However, internal staff-related fraud accounts for over a third of small business fraud, which begs the question of why employees are stealing from their employers, and what we can do to prevent this happening. It’s also interesting that these incidents are under-reported, with businesses deciding to deal with it themselves rather than go to the police. Are we too soft on these sorts of criminals, perhaps?

There are three factors that must be present for a fraud to occur, and this is a good starting point in the bid to learn how we can protect ourselves. These factors are, ‘Opportunity’ to commit fraud; ‘Pressure’ applied to the individual committing the fraud; and the ‘Justification’ of the fraudster for committing the fraud. These factors are collectively known as ‘The fraud triangle.’

Consider a virtual assistant who is such a time-saving asset that she is given more and more responsibility and gets on well with the business owner who has never questioned the VA’s trustworthiness. 

One day the VA discovers that her husband has run up gambling debts and their home is at risk of being repossessed. This one change can shift the ‘pressure’ and ‘justification’ side of the fraud triangle. The VA, under financial pressure, can rationalise committing fraud because, ‘the business is thriving; it won’t even be missed.’ In this case, if the opportunity is there due to lack of controls, the business is almost certain to suffer a loss. 

Fraud is a serious problem in the UK, accounting for 40% of all crime, and business owners need to proactively protect themselves from this risk. The first step in doing this is to educate yourself further about the risk areas and common weaknesses in business systems. 

Rosie Murphy is the director of RDM Accountancy Services. The company can offer one-to-one support and group sessions to assist in reducing the ‘opportunity’ for people to steal from your business by helping with risk assessments and implementing procedures to combat the risk. For more information visit rdmaccountancy.co.uk. You can also visit her YouTube channel for more tips on business accounting. 

The shop is part of a small East Sussex chain with locations in Polegate, Lewes and East Grinstead. The firm’s guiding principle, according to owner Steve Granger, “is to provide a friendly, approachable service for everyone and… to encourage anyone to become enthusiastic about cycling. We believe people should feel comfortable in a bike shop and be able to buy their ideal bike, whatever their needs.” 

During its 13-year existence, Cycleshack has seen radical changes: an overall increase in cycling, possibly partly boosted by both the government ride-to-work scheme and people using bikes to exercise during Covid. The recent e-bike revolution has also got people onto the saddle, especially in hilly areas such as Hastings, and enabled existing cyclists to remain riding for longer.

To better understand and serve customer requirements, Cycleshack endeavours to become rooted in the community where its shops are located, explains shop manager Harvey – who along with Kevin, George and Myles, comprise the Hastings staff team. Harvey has worked with bikes since he was 13 and built wheels which have literally been around the world. “We don’t employ anyone who isn’t a dedicated cyclist,” he explains – at one branch this even includes a triathlete.

Product and technical knowledge are consequently extensive, and all mechanics have completed the nationally accredited CYTECH apprenticeship scheme. Since electric bikes are considerably more complex than their people-powered counterparts – involving motors, control systems and associated software – such expertise is of paramount importance. 

Aside from routine repair and servicing, the more welcome since the closure of High Tide Cycles in St Leonards, and available to all and on any make, the Hastings shop also offers what Harvey describes as, “bespoke fitting;” ensuring each bike perfectly matches its owner, to avoid aching backs and strained limbs. “It’s important to get the frame size right, don’t buy online,” advises Harvey, “especially those getting bikes for their 60th and 70th birthdays!” For customers purchasing a new bike, Cycleshack provides pre-delivery inspection and assembly. “Something you don’t get from an internet ‘bargain’,” adds Harvey.

Having excellent industry connections, Cycleshack can source a wide range of makes, including Cannondale, Trek and Orbea. The latter is a Spanish employee-owned enterprise, part of the famous Basque country-based Mondragon Cooperatives.

When HIP visited, the shop, centrally located on Havelock Road, had comprehensive stocks of parts and accessories and staff offering unhurried, friendly advice to a steady stream of current and prospective customers. And of course, they mend punctures.

Tel: 01424 722815. cycleshack.co.uk

Perfect Planters is a local family-run business, custom-making wooden planters for gardens, courtyards, and outside spaces. 

The enterprise is the brainchild of owner Steve Dale, 67, who operates from an idyllic workshop on a Crowhurst farm with a view of the Combe Valley nature reserve.

Formerly a Falklands-veteran RAF engineer, sales manager and care home chef, Steve counts himself fortunate to have attended a school where woodwork was on the curriculum and learnt practical skills from his father. There’s also what he describes as the “University of YouTube.” 

A few years ago, after wincing at the cost of planters in garden centres, he decided to make his own and, once other people had admired the results, began to get commissions. Eventually, the production of made-to-measure planters – a range extending to wishing wells and toy boxes – became a full-time job.

Subsequently, his grandchildren have become involved, helping to construct and deliver the products, and advertising them by wearing Perfect Planters t-shirts!

Firmly established in the community, Steve has constructed planters high enough to be tended by wheelchair users, created bespoke herb boxes, sold made-to-fit plant holders to Conquest Hospital and care homes, such as Bethune Court and is a sponsor of Ore in Bloom. Currently marketing his wares on Facebook Marketplace, he plans to extend onto social media shortly. He also attends craft fairs in the area.

Making planters for both indoor and outdoor use, Steve buys locally sourced and treated timber. They can be finished in natural wood or painted to order, and Steve also offers repairs to existing planters. He also visits customers to carefully measure the space where planters will be located – currently 2.5 metres long is the largest he has made. The bespoke models take around 14 days to craft, and delivery within a 20-mile radius is free. 

“I can turn my hand to most types of woodwork, so if you have a project you’d like to discuss, please do get in touch,” says Steve.

perfectplanters.net

DAVE YOUNG

Although a work in progress, Tariq Chaudry’s new shop, Hastings Photographic, at 42 White Rock is very much open for business. Situated at the seaside end of Robertson Street, it occupies premises which have provided continuous retail camera and film services for almost 120 years.

A professional photographer, taking corporate events, editorial, PR and portraits, Tariq has worked for corporate and private clients across London and the Southeast since he set up as a freelance in 1992. Having last visited Hasting a quarter of a century ago, he became aware that the shop’s previous owners, Marriot’s, (see below) were retiring and selling the business. It seemed an ideal opportunity: “I was excited by the idea I’d be able to continue its history as a photographic shop,” says Tariq of his purchase. 

While continuing as a photographer for hire (corpix.com) Tariq aims to build the new enterprise gradually, initially offering photo processing, printing and scanning for film and digital images. In addition, he sells both colour and black & white 35mm and 120mm film, provides passport and visa photos for any country and can supply digital codes for online passport apps. Picture restoration of old prints and printing photos from your phone are part of an expanding range of services.

He intends to eventually sell used film cameras; Tariq has a large collection of 35mm and medium format examples. “I used to work for Hasselblad and know the mechanics,” he says, emphasising that digital photography is an economic necessity, traditional film his true enthusiasm. “Unfortunately, my freelance photography is digital, clients want speed of delivery – but my passion is film, using analogue is a way of revisiting my youth.” 

Tariq began printing films when he was 13 years old in London and views this new endeavour as his career turning full circle. Currently based in Kent, he’s encouraged by the friendliness of residents and is exploring the possibility of moving down to Hastings. “It’s a joy walking and shooting locally, never knowing what will turn up; it’s all about local people and enjoying being here.”

Personable, knowledgeable and happy to give guidance and advice, Tariq provides his customers with a lifetime’s experience of cameras and printing. To develop the shop, he’s hoping to employ local people and has been in touch with East Sussex College, who have recommended two enthusiastic photography students. 

Tariq is also networking, in contact with local photographic groups and beginning to meet some of the many creatives who live and work in Hasting and St Leonards. During HIP’s visit to 42 White Rock a stream of passers-by popped in to chat and make enquires, delighted that the town’s only dedicated photographic shop is back in business. 

Contact hastingsphotographic.com, Instagram @tariqimages and mobile 07973 746903

A century of history

In 1902 Fred Judge – commemorated by a blue plaque on the shopfront at 42 White Rock – set up a photographic business in Hastings. Initially retailing camera equipment and glass film plates, he began. taking landscape pictures as a sideline and by 1904 was producing the postcards that subsequently became his firm’s primary focus. Judge was a member of the Royal Photographic Society and at the forefront of technical experimentation. During his lifetime, he won many trophies, exhibiting in London, America, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

His work is now categorised as being in the ‘Pictorialist’ style, an international photographic movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wherein the photographer creates a finished image by manipulating rather than simply taking a picture – prefiguring Photoshop by many decades.

Judge’s business prospered and outgrew the premises. In 1910, Marriott’s became the sole agent in Hastings for his postcards and took over the shop and studio at 42 White Rock. At their peak, they ran four shops on the Kent and Sussex borders. Meanwhile, Judge relocated, eventually to a purpose-built factory on Bexhill Road at Bulverhythe, which still exists today. Trading as Sussex Postcards, the company featured scenic views and landmarks from all around Britain; examples can be viewed online and in the shop. 

After 112 years of service to local photographic enthusiasts, Marriot family members, Simon, Mike and Sally, recently retired and the premises were reborn as Hastings Photographic, owned by Tariq Chaudry.

The Great Post Office Scandal is responsible for ruining the lives of more than 700 sub-postmasters. Find how this happened when Nick Wallis comes to Hastings to talk about his book of the same name.

During the campaign against the downgrading of the St Leonards Crown Post Office in 2017 (See Issue 117, St Leonards Post Office, Smiling Bravely), those involved became aware of various tactics being used by Post Office Ltd to make it difficult – or almost impossible – to deal with them. One of those tactics was to give the impression that ours was an isolated campaign; this helped prevent the story getting any traction in the wider media. It was a tactic of  ‘isolate and control’.

Once this had become clear, we began searching for other communities in a similar position. But this was also difficult because none of the stories had got any traction. The same tactic was used in what is now known as ‘the Great Post Office Scandal’ through the book of the same name by Nick Wallis. Nick will be giving a talk in Hastings on 10 May at the Pig in Hastings. In the meantime, here is some of what happened.

24 YEARS AND COUNTING

The scandal can be traced back to 1999 with the introduction of a computer accounting system called Horizon, which wrongly detected the existence of financial discrepancies at multiple post office branches. This led to the unjust prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters who were blamed for these discrepancies and accused of theft and false accounting. The scandal still remains unresolved 24 years after it began, almost a quarter of a century ago – back when the Millennium Dome was still being built.

In 2019, Lord Arbuthnot said in a debate in the House of Commons: “My own suggestion is that the government should clear out the entirety of the board and senior management of the Post Office and start again…” And yet four years from then, with many already dead, those affected have still not received proper redress.

I thought I understood much of what had happened during those 24 years; I had followed the case on the news and listened to some of Nick Wallis’s blog on the BBC. But I still wasn’t prepared for the shocking revelations in his book. It’s 508 pages long and I felt somewhat daunted as I recently carried my copy home from Bookbusters. But it’s a gripping, if harrowing, read and as they say ‘unputdownable’. Dame Joan Bakewell, quoted on the back cover, concurs: “Nick’s narrative has the power of a great thriller as he lays bare the lies and deceit that has ruined many lives.”

Reading about those ruined lives and the relentless pursuit of innocent people provides an uncomfortable insight into aspects of government and business practices that have been allowed to flourish and which have been highlighted by the recent pandemic. What is so shocking is how the callous disregard shown towards sub-postmaters by Post Office Ltd has continued right up until today. 

Recent appalling behaviour relates to the way the few compensation payments – which took many years to be made – were swiftly swallowed up: loss of earnings over many years were paid as if earned in one year, pushing tax into a higher earning bracket. One victim, who lost his home as well as his wife over the scandal, eventually received £330,000 in compensation, only to have most of it snatched back in bankruptcy and tax payments, leaving him with £8,000. A tax lawyer, Dan Neidle, has described the government handling of compensation as scandalous.

THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

At this point you might be wondering why Post Office Ltd went to such lengths to blame sub-postmasters for losses that they had no control over. The answer, as usual, is money. The Horizon system had to be seen to be working or it could not meet government objectives, and Post Office Ltd wanted to meet those objectives (which changed during the period of the scandal). Post Office Ltd, which receives income from the Post Office network, had been making a loss; when the Royal Mail was sold off in 2012, the subsidy it had been obtaining had to be paid by the government. This led to a culture of making a profit at all costs.

These changes intensified the need to hold sub-postmasters accountable for losses rather than the Horizon IT system they were using. As Private Eye wrote in a special report:

“Misleading parliamentarians was a measure of the arrogance in the Post Office boardroom… One Post Office insider told the Eye that meeting the 2020 objective became the relentless focus… Anything that could get in the way of ‘2020’ as it became known, was logged as a risk to be managed and minimised carefully.”

And the tactic used throughout was one of ‘isolate and control’ reminiscent of the behaviour often found in domestic abuse cases, coercive control, now illegal in the UK.

LOCAL VICTIMS

This was the case with East Sussex victims Bob and Kathy Crane. “You are the only ones having problems with Horizon,” was the phrase used by Post Office investigators in 2008, when, in front of their young children, the investigators turned out the drawers in the family home near Ocklynge Road Post Office, Eastbourne, looking for evidence of theft.  

Katy Crane, the daughter of the late Bob Crane, trained as a children’s nurse at the Conquest and went to school at St Richards, Bexhill. She will be interviewed by Nick Wallis at the event on May 10. 

To obtain tickets go to bathpublishing.com.

If you haven’t noticed that there’s new Hastings magazine, you haven’t been getting out much. The website says there are 52 stockist around town, but it seems to be popping up wherever you find people, from shops to hairdressers. 

So how has it gone down with the public? “Feedback has been incredibly good, says Mel.  “We’re getting lots of positive comments from people on social media, on the street and in shops, bars and cafes that stock the magazine.” 

As for me, I enjoyed reading it from cover to cover in two sessions, which is very unusual. It’s engaging, beautifully presented and definitely something to keep.

You might be surprised that it was originally launched in 2014 as an online magazine. But they found that 2014 was a bit early for what they were trying to do. “Time was very limited, and articles were sporadic and seldom read, so our efforts sometimes felt slightly futile, and we all ran out of steam,” says Mel. 

But when Mel’s husband mentioned that the GetHastings.com domain name was due to expire, it got her thinking that it might be time to do something: “Lots of exciting new businesses have opened since then,” Mel explains. “The demographic has changed, there are even more creative people living here and wanting to get involved in their new community.” 

She feels that this has added energy to what the town already had to offer.  “More effort is being made by the town as a whole, and we think it’s now the time for Get Hastings to celebrate these places, people and businesses.”

Hastings is a very diverse community, and reaching the town as a whole is a big ask. But Mel explains: “We definitely didn’t want to create something that would only appeal to the ‘arty, down from London’ demographic. We want to celebrate Hastings and the surrounding areas – and that’s so much more than the DFL community. Articles such as Squad Goals, which features Hastings United Girls U12 football team, our Ask Auntie problem page and other features will hopefully help to merge our readership demographic.

As we know at HIP, not for profit media can be difficult to finance. So what’s the plan? The Get Hastings creative team consists of Mel, Beth King, Steven Larkin, Caitlin Lock and Jack Booth, with Mel’s mum, Linda Baxter is treasurer. “We all have our own businesses, and many people would say that we’re mad for not focussing on the things that do make us some money,” Mel acknowledges.

But undeterred, the team managed to raise just enough money for the first print run through advertising, and their printers, Scantech, based on the Ridge, offered free promotional material. 

“Selling advertising was difficult with nothing to show people and businesses, so we’re hoping that future issues will be easier now they understand what Get Hastings is all about. Even though we’ve all had to dip into our own bank accounts, we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved with this first issue. And lots of people have come forward and offered to volunteer their services as photographers, illustrators and writers, which is amazing and will give our little team more time to spend on our own businesses.” 

They are also planning to apply for Arts Council/Lottery funding, and there will be a donate button on the website so that people without businesses to advertise can support them in that way. 

Despite the financial difficulty of running a magazine, they intend to give paid work and experience to “local young people with an interest in any of the elements of running and creating a magazine”. Not only that but “All money from advertising goes directly towards covering the printing costs. Any annual profit made will be donated to a local charity of our choice.”

High ideals, but how does it work in practice? Mel explains: “Currently, each issue will pay one young person £50 for a contribution. This Spring issue it is the young voice article, A Day in the Life. That money came out of our own pockets and will do so until we can fund it in other ways. 

That’s just a start: “We’d also really like to get sponsorship so that we can have an annual Get Hastings writing prize, a Get Hastings illustration prize and a Get Hastings photography prize.”

And the future? “Get Hastings has so much potential and there is so much going on around here that we won’t run out of content anytime soon. If we can find some funding and/or sponsorship we have lots of plans for Get Hastings such as the prizes and some events – so we’re all glad we didn’t let that domain name expire.”

Get Hastings is a free, quarterly arts, culture and community magazine. Spring ‘23 issue is out now, and the Summer issue will be out at the end of June. For more information visit GetHastings.com.

I heard the buzz around the latest show at Stella Dore before rounding the corner into Norman Road. Owner Steph Warren is keen to point out that the bringing together of women artists in this way is far from being divisive. It is more of a celebration of art by women and particularly the power found in collaboration. It highlights the necessity of working together and pooling resources to survive in such a challenging financial landscape.

The gallery, founded by Warren in 2007, has its roots in street art and prides itself on showcasing local talent. “Graffiti is my passion, street art pays the bills,” Steph tells me. St Leonards became home in 2018, and it has been host to WMD annually ever since. 

Dominating one wall of the gallery is a limited edition print of Bananarella by local artist Shuby. I have to confess to falling in love with this beautiful A1 print which now has pride of place on my living room wall!

A VR experience is underway, provided by Irish-born, St Leonards resident ORNAGH. She is a self-taught artist and has been exploring a variety of mediums, since discovering extended reality in 2021. This includes 3D scanning, modelling and animating, photogrammetry, virtual reality painting, installation and world-building. She describes the characters in her surrealist environments as playful, yet somehow disturbing. A further collaboration between ORNAGH and Stella Dore on 1 April will see short individual virtual reality sessions up for grabs, so you can experience this unique digital world for yourself. 

Vanessa Farinha describes her work as exploring the symbols and signs that we hold onto to understand who we are and what it means to exist in the in-between spaces. Now a Hastings resident, she cut her artistic teeth at Goldsmith’s where she studied Fine Art. A child of an Irish mother and Portuguese father, she grew up on a London council estate and this influence can be seen in the Country Estate series, where she subverted icons of royal and government buildings to create fictional council blocks.

Cat Johnston, another artist showcasing here, tells me her work is influenced by folk art, nature and childhood memories. She has worked as an illustrator and model maker and, at a previous show in Centrespace, she invented and built a series of gods. 

In a buzzing corner of the shop sits Licence 2 Kale, a coffee, smoothie and juice bar, passionately run by Raquel. “We also sell healthy vegan snacks. No refined sugar, no nasties,” she tells me as she hands over a cup of green goodness. Racquel has recently opened her third coffee shop (this time in Rye) and I’m not surprised. She is a powerhouse of a woman with seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm. She’s been described as an artist working with fruit and veg! “I love collaborations,” she says. “It benefits everyone involved.” 

As I take in the multi-disciplinary nature of this show, it strikes me that collaboration, whilst an effective survival strategy, also produces a combined strength that is a powerful force indeed. As Warren points out: “Our resilience is born of necessity.” 

There is more than art on offer here though. This is a place where people, artists – and us mere mortals – are invited to connect and support one another. As Warren says: “I sell paintings, but it’s people that I like.” I’m left feeling that Stella Dore is much more than just a gallery. 

stelladorestore.com

FIONA MCGARRY looks at what you should be buying from your greengrocer through the year.

January: Christmas veg such as Brussels sprouts and red cabbage are often cut price in January. Also in season: brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli and kale; roots such as sweet potatoes, shallots, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, parsnips, turnips. Also try winter salad and chicory. 

February: Try picking edible primrose flowers to decorate your salad. Also in season: brassicas such as cabbage, cauliflower, purple sprouting broccoli and kale; roots like beetroot, sweet potatoes, shallots, Jerusalem artichoke, leeks, parsnips, salsify. 

March: Known as the ‘hungry gap’ but spring leaves such as spinach are starting to come into season, and you can pick young nettles and wild garlic for soups and stews. Also in season: brassicas including cauliflower, broccoli and kale; roots such as spring onions, sweet potatoes, beetroot, leeks, parsnips and turnips. 

April: UK spring vegetables like asparagus and watercress are at their best over the next two months. Look out for Jersey Royal new potatoes and spring greens … and rhubarb comes down in price. Also in season: cabbage, purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, celeriac, beetroot, swede, wild nettles, spinach, lettuce and salad leaves.

May: Samphire can be bought (or picked) locally and there are plenty of UK new season peas, broad beans, radishes and rocket. Also in season: tenderstem broccoli, cabbage, beetroot, new potatoes, spring onion swede, turnips, asparagus, lettuce and salad leaves, rhubarb, spinach, watercress, and wild nettles.

June: The best time to buy summer berries and a good time for leaves and stems such as asparagus, artichokes, Swiss chard, samphire, spring greens, sorrel, spinach and salad greens. Also in season: peas, courgettes, broad and French beans and a range of brassicas and root crops. 

July: Summer is in full swing with seasonal produce similar to June, with the addition of more (and hopefully cheaper) tomatoes, peppers, chillies and aubergines.

August: Broccoli and courgettes are at their best this month, and it’s a good idea to buy local cucumbers and fresh peas, beans and salad leaves before the season ends. Look out for gluts of summer berries like raspberries and redcurrants.

September: A good time to buy carrots as well as chillies, tomatoes, peppers, sweetcorn, courgettes and marrows. Hedgerow fruits such as damsons are at their best, and you can try local cob nuts and wild mushrooms. There are still plenty of salad, brassicas and root crops.

October: The perfect time to buy cheap squashes and pumpkins as well as local apples and pears. Last chance for local tomatoes, although most of the rest of September’s harvest is still in season.

November: A good time to buy brassicas like kohlrabi, kale, red cabbage and Brussels sprouts that are now in season, and a last chance to buy end-of-season globe artichokes. It’s also the best time to buy horse radish.

December: Go for new season parsnips, celery and leeks. There are fewer salad leaves about, but you can still find rocket and cress. There are plenty of brassicas available and root crops such as swede, beetroot, Jerusalem artichokes and carrots. 

Having lived through the pandemic and the more recent ‘egg shortage’, I’m a bit sceptical of media stories and government spin. During the pandemic we seemed able to get most things locally including toilet rolls, and the during the bird flu epidemic, eggs were piled high in local shops. 

I talked to Giles Perrin of St Leonards Grocery about the latest shortage: salad. He says: “We’ve had a continuous supply from our distributor in Brighton TG Fruits, and our local supplier J Fountain, and the markets in London have a plentiful supply – but you have to pay for them.” So the empty Supermarket shelves clearly indicate something about their supply chains and financial model.

Giles goes on to say: “But we should try to eat fruit that’s in season as it’s obviously better for us and more cost effective. If we do want to eat things out of season, such as tomatoes, cucumber and peppers, then I guess we should expect to pay more for them.“

But media hysteria makes it difficult to think clearly. I read reports of tomato prices rising by 400%; Giles only experienced a rise of 200%, still a lot but not inaccessible. And then of course these prices are only until spring. He told me: “Last week we were paying £21 for a basket of tomatoes. But already, this week, that’s gone down to £16” – and he will be passing the reduction on to his customers. Can we say the same for supermarkets? 

Having said that, he acknowledges that there are other increased costs for shopkeepers over the same period which they may have to pass on. Incidentally, energy costs go up for Giles in the summer as he has to keep the shop and storage cold rather than heating the premises over the winter. Fruit and veg like to be kept cool. Which raises another topic, quality. Giles explains: “People are beginning to realise that quality suffers when fruit and veg is kept for long periods in cold storage covered in plastic. More people are coming here for the quality and giving two fingers to the supermarkets.”

On a positive note, he says his customer base has been great: “People were so grateful for the way the shop stayed a traditional fruit and veg shop [after changing hands] where they can still come in for one potato and a carrot with no plastic.” But there has also been an increase in footfall in general, encouraged by changing trends, a changing demographic and rebranding of the store.

Are the days of ‘The Great British Pub’ behind us? Since we were plunged into the depths of a nationwide lockdown, the social landscape seems to have shifted. Declining over the years, ‘wet-led’ public houses may seem relics of the past; however, a short jaunt around St Leonards will present you with an array of drinking establishments. I caught up with one landlord whose life’s passion is to maintain the humble local pub. Grant Hayes, locally regarded as the ‘Pub Guru’ has recently taken on The North Star, a public house dating from the late 1860s. 

The Pub

The name of the premises beguiles many customers. In fact, The North Star has its roots in Greek mythology as the brightest star, and until the 1990s the pub sign sported a simple red barrel and the name of the building. After a refurbishment in 1996, the sign reappeared with The North Star steam locomotive built by George Stephenson in the 1830s, as an emblem representing the early career of the first landlord, Joseph Wisden.

Wisden was granted a licence in 1870 after a lengthy career as a railway man on the South Coast Railway. The pub was his passion project, although he was disliked by the community and his tenure was filled with controversy and legal battles.

In the early years, The North Star Inn was listed as a lodging house, which led to court proceedings when Joseph refused beds to two soldiers under the ‘soldier’s allowance’ which afforded military personnel the opportunity to lodge at inns for a reduced rate. He was represented by Hewett’s Brewery of St Leonards who claimed that works were being carried out at the premises; however, Wisden was still fined the sum of 40s (£2.00). 

Wisden employed a barmaid by the name of Mary Jane Bell who was gainfully employed at a rate of £18 a year. Mary only remained in the pub for several months, after becoming the object of Wisden’s desires. Mary allegedly declined his proposal of marriage, and in response he attempted to sue her when she chose to resign. Mary attended court and when the jury ruled in her favour, she was awarded two guineas – and The North Star lost a good barmaid along with several local customers who supported her. 

The pub has always been at the centre of the community. In the late 1800s the pub was home for the Bohemia Bonfire Boys, who led an annual procession through the streets in wild costumes to mark 5th November.* 

 More recently, pool, darts and golf teams have kept the pub roaring with life. It was clear to me that this pub holds a special place in the hearts of local customers when I met Dee, who has frequented The North Star for 65 years and even held her wedding reception there. Dee provided the pub with a photograph of the street party held there for the wedding of Charles and Diana – it hangs in pride of place on the wall and underlines the pub’s commitment to the neighbourhood. 

The Landlord

What drew you to the North Star?

I’ve used the North Star frequently over the last 10 years, so I know what a great pub it is. I always thought that I would love to run it should the opportunity arise!

Did you always want to be a landlord?

Pubs have played an important role in my life: my parents would take us as kids, we would play in the garden with all the other kids. As I grew up it’s where I made a lot of friends and was the social contact point before mobile phones came along! I always thought I’d be good at running a pub, because I grew up immersed within the community. My early career started on the River Thames and the only opportunity to meet other crews was ashore in a pub at the end of the day!

What do most people misunderstand about you?

To succeed as a landlord you need to have patience and a good sense of humour – I believe a lot of people misinterpret the smiling face and pleasant demeanour for someone they can take advantage of. They don’t realise I’ve been working with the public since I left school and have always had a keen sense of understanding people. They’re always a bit surprised that I’m one step ahead of whatever they are thinking about!

What’s a common myth about being a landlord?

Often people are attracted to owning a pub for the lifestyle. Under the pretence that landlords spend all day drinking with the customers, have four holidays a year, drive fancy cars and live a life of luxury. The truth is that it’s a way of life rather than a job! You are never ‘off duty’! From being available in the early hours for deliveries and contractors to do work prior to opening, all the way through to closing down at night, doing the end of business reports on the computer. A working day can start at 6am and end at 1am most weekdays! 

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone who’s looking to become a pub landlord?

Prepare to make this profession your life, both in work and social spheres! You need to be involved in all aspects of the pub, take part in the teams that play in your pub, the charity drives that are organised there, respect the community that uses the pub – some of them have used the pub their whole life. You’re not just running a business, you’re looking after people’s memories! Always treat people with respect and look after them when they are unable to themselves. 

The Recipe

A man of simple pleasures, Grant’s favourite Craft Union cocktail is a Sex on the Beach.

Method:

Fill a glass with crushed ice.

Pour over 25ml of Vodka and 25ml of Peach schnapps.

Add in 40ml of orange juice then carefully top with 30ml cranberry juice. 

Garnish with a slice of orange and don’t forget the umbrella!

For a full history see hastingspubhistory.com

As their website says: “You know up front what is expected of you and have a clear understanding of what to expect from your instructors and training partners”. Ali Bayley or Professor Ali as she is known in class, runs the club with her husband Paul Bridges (or Professor Paul).

Explaining how she got into Jiu Jitsu herself, in 2002, she says: “At the time, it wasn’t well known as a sport or a martial art. But there was starting to be some interest due to the success of the Brazilian Royce Gracie in the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events. I was introduced by Paul and was one of very few females in the country to train at the time. Paul and I were both in the ‘Dirty Dozen’, the first twelve British born practitioners to be awarded our black belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”

Professor Ali and Coach Kial teaching a Tiny Champions class
CREDIT: John Rose

So who was Royce Gracie and why is he important? This goes back to 1914 when a Japanese Jiu Jitsu champion travelled to Brazil where he met 14 years old Carlos Gracie, Royce Gracie’s uncle. Maeda taught him for five years. In 1925 he opened his first school and started to teach his younger brothers, Gastao, Oswaldo, and Helio. Together, the brothers developed the art which is now known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The Gracie Barra organisation was founded by Carlos Gracie Jr in 1986 and now has over 1,000 schools on six continents.

The centuries-old Japanese art of Jiu Jitsu evolved from close quarters fighting in battle, whereas Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is designed almost exclusively as a ground grappling art. It specializes in takedowns, joint manipulations, chokes, strangulations, and submission holds. “It was designed to incorporate technique and finesse over brute strength,” Ali says. “It has a strong focus on the self-defence aspects of the art, along with the more modern sport techniques.”

Ali’s husband, Paul, has been teaching since the late 90s, juggled teaching Jiu Jitsu with a range of jobs for many years, with teaching as his main job from 2013. They opened the current school in 2017. “Paul and I run the business together; he teaches the adult classes and I teach the children. 

“As a secondary school teacher, I can’t stress enough how important the structure and discipline of training in martial arts is for young people. It’s so important to understand from a young age that sometimes we win, and sometimes we don’t, but with hard work and resilience we can improve, develop and become better versions of ourselves.” 

Professor Ali and Professor Paul at a seminar with others from Hastings
CREDIT: John Rose

Explaining how this works, Ali says: “Jiu Jitsu is a close contact grappling art and practising with a partner releases ‘happy hormones’ in our brains, endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin in particular. Socially, it is wonderful for children and adults alike, but I particularly like the way our students learn problem solving skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure – skills which are so transferrable to life.” 

Ali acknowledges that it can be intimidating for new adults joining, knowing the expectations of a training partner, but emphasises how friendly they are as a school, and how helpful the students are to each other. “One of the most common comments from new students after their first class, is how welcomed they felt – which is exactly what we hope to achieve.” She says she feels lucky to be teaching the diverse student base that Hastings provides and explains that have been deliberately keeping their prices low to maintain affordability.

And for the experienced practitioners wishing to go further they run advanced classes throughout the week, along with an extra session dedicated to those who wish to compete. “We have a number of competitive students who are making a name for themselves in large events, and a great kids’ squad who are competing regularly with success.”

Something to think about in the new year?

• For more information visit graciebarrahastings.com

The Kings Road Drugstore has been in Kings Road for 20 years, so it straddles two distinct periods in St Leonards history: the bit when the town was rather down at heel and the bit when it suddenly went upmarket. Steve Burton runs the shop with his wife Debbie, and the help of daughter Jodie, and grandchild Amelia. 

Steve and Debbie with a range of their goods

He says: “We opened it as a copy of Superdrug;  over the years it has evolved into a hardware shop because we found this was what our customers wanted. All product requests are noted, and we source them if there is a good demand.” So, a real local shop.

A quick walk around the shop reveals ‘what customers want’. From tools to toys, from stationery to kitchen products or, as Steve says, “from bin bags to mascara”. It’s all there – and if it isn’t you can ask. He says: “we are part of the community and understand that many people rely on us for their everyday needs. We spend much of our day answering questions and trying to solve different household queries and problems.”

They bought the premises freehold at the start, and paid the mortgage over the next 15 years, so, fortunately, the recent increase in rents hasn’t been a headache for them. Steve feels the shop would work in any town, provided rent and costs were reasonable – which of course is not often the case these days.

The notice says it all

He says that prices only began to rise during the pandemic, when it was also more difficult to source items. But it’s only over the last year that prices have really rocketed, by at least 30%. And it’s not just product prices: “Inflation has led to all our costs such as energy, transport, insurance and accounts increasing by up to 30%”, he says.

Steve describes his customers as a mixture of all sorts, representing a wide demographic, who mainly come from the immediate area where they can access the shop on foot. So far they have stayed loyal, he says, “so we continue to make a small profit.” They understand without their support the shop won’t survive.

“Amazon and other big retailers are slowly killing the small independent shops and businesses such as ourselves,” he says. “When we started up there were three other stores like ours in Kings Road, but now we are the only one.” 

Over Christmas, the shop stocks some seasonal products, but mostly, “just sell more of things we sell all year round.” So there’s some opportunity to top up the kitty for the New Year, when he says things will start getting really tight, “with people only buying what they really need”. 

Steve feels the government could do a lot more to help small traders, starting with raising taxes for the likes of Amazon, and abolishing corporation tax and VAT for small turnover businesses “to give them a chance to compete.”

But they fully intend to keep going, and with the support of the community they will.

East Sussex County Council is providing information on how to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. The information in this article comes from one of their newsletters. 

The recent costs of living increases have led to tough decisions for many people on how to spend their money, and others need advice and financial support to afford rent, fuel bills and everyday items. To help with these issues, East Sussex County Council are continuing to collate local and national resources. 

• For full information go to www.eastsussex.gov.uk and search Support with cost of living

Benefits Calculators

Free on-line checkers can answer questions about savings, income and outgoings to get benefit advice for you, your family or someone you work with: www.entitledto.co.uk

Government Support 

The government has created a web area for families to find out what support they could be eligible for if in receipt of Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Working Tax Credit or Disability Benefit: helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk

Household Support Extended

In May, the government announced a further extension of the Household Support Fund which will run from October until the end of March 2023. ESCC will be working with schools, further education, and early years providers to issue food vouchers to all families with eligible children/students for the school holidays.

Eligible school pupils should automatically receive HUGGG food vouchers ahead of each holiday. Eligible children with early years providers will also receive vouchers to cover this period. 

• For more information on the HUGGG voucher system and how it works, follow the link

• For any other query contact: freeschoolmeals@eastsussex.gov.uk or sles.projects@eastsussex.gov.uk

Help to Keep Warm 

• For advice on how to keep your house warm, go to warmeastsussex.org.uk and click on DIY hints or www.moneysavingexpert.com and search for Heat the human not the home.

• For help, advice, and financial support: East Sussex Warm Home Check service offers
free advice, along with home energy efficiency visits for eligible households: warmeastsussex.org.uk or
0800 464 7307 or text WARM to 80011.

• Citizens Advice offers energy advice, financial support and fuel vouchers: www.citizensadvice1066.co.uk or 01424 869 352.

Household Support Fund

Families facing hardship can get help with essential household costs. Support is also available via local district and borough councils for emergency help with bills and other items; the local authority will decide eligibility and arrange a payment if the applicant is entitled:
www.hastings.gov.uk search Household Support Fund

Help with Utility Bills

British Gas Energy Trust (not just for British Gas customers): follow link

Southern Water Hardship Fund to provide additional assistance to individuals who are experiencing financial difficulty: follow link

Debt support

Advice on dealing with debt is available from a number of online sources:

• Step Change debt charity: www.stepchange.org 

• Hastings branch of Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice1066.co.uk

• Government website: www.gov.uk search Options for paying off your debts

• Debt Advice Foundation: call their debt advisers free on 0800 043 40 50

• National Debtline: www.nationaldebtline.org

• East Sussex County Council have a network of community groups, charities and other local organisations that offer a wide range of support. If you have any content either local or national, send it to family.focus@eastsussex.gov.uk

‘Business’ conjures up the process of making money – or indeed, failing to do so. But for some, money is of less importance than supporting their community. The latter seems to epitomise the business model behind the café/craft shop Yellow is the Colour of Happy run by Liz Miles at 35 Robertson Street.

For Liz, being part of the community as Principal of Silverdale Primary Academy in Hastings was a vocation. Her vision of running a school was rewarded in 2016 by winning the 2016 national Laughology award of Happiest School of the Year. She also co-founded Hastings Thrives which has galvanised collaboration between schools across the town.

An entrance that beckons you in

But her outlook on life was severely tested when she was struck down by a debilitating mystery disease which took two years to diagnose. Eventually signed off with non-epileptic attack disorder, Liz had to figure out a way of restarting her life. She had though, made good use of two gruelling years of medical investigations, thinking about what she might be able to do – not planning, but giving her thoughts the space to expand. “I had to find something flexible,” she says, “something I could do and still be part of a town I think is awesome.”

What she came up with is Yellow is the Colour of Happy, a café-come-craft workshop. “Hastings is an amazing community against the odds of its statistics,” Liz says. “I want to help and be part of that.” 

“Yellow is about choosing to be happy. A decision you can make every day for your own well-being and the impact you have on others around you. It’s about being present.”

She says that another big thing about Hastings people is they are incredibly creative whilst not “incredibly wealthy”, so she wanted to create a space where anyone could come in and be on their own, or with others, for as long as they like. 

“There are books and things to look at and things to do that are free,” she says, “so many people come in and go ‘oh this is for children’ and I’m like, ‘no’; the idea is that enjoyment and being together is for everyone.” 

With Covid delaying the opening for a year, the business finally opened this February. But that seems to suit Liz. Initially she resisted putting up a sign saying, “Craft café” because she didn’t want to define it: “I had loads of people who didn’t come in because they didn’t know what it was,” she says. “And people would just come through the door and go ‘Hi what are you?’” She even put a sign up in the window that said: “Be brave. Come in, it’s interesting!” She added that those who made it through the door were, “so varied, so interesting to talk to.”

So what exactly do they do? Basically it’s about food and craft – but much more: so with the food, like any café you can come in a have a coffee and cake… but there are over 20 hot chocolates on the menu. You can also come in as a family and have a table barbeque at an affordable £10 per head – bringing your own drinks with no corkage. These can be set up at any time, just give her a ring. And Liz says: “The kids eat their veggies because they cook them!” Or you can arrange a children’s party and because there is so much to do the children can craft, be independent to explore, you can just watch the fun – or get involved if you like. 

As for crafts, you can buy them or make them. Liz wants the space to be somewhere that a child could come in with £1.50 in pocket money and, “still buy mum a present for Mothering Sunday that is handmade and unique – or you can spend £300 on a picture that has taken me a zillion hours to make”. 

If it’s still not clear, then this remark might help you understand. She says: “You walk into Yellow, that is the inside of my head. Literally.” 

And a final piece of advice, if you go in with a child, whatever you do, resist the impulse to say to them: “Don’t touch anything.”

Fitness is big business and those looking to get fit can easily become confused by the competing routes to a healthy body. But dig deep and some fundamental aspects usually emerge, such as the development of core strength. Pilates focuses on these fundamentals as well as helping to deal with injuries that people have accumulated during their life. 

Pete and his partner Brigitte first got interested in health and fitness through participation in competitive sports and taking part in fitness activities from a young age: “It seemed a natural progression to move into the fitness industry.”

This eventually led to an interest in teaching Reformer Pilates, a method using reformer apparatus, rather than the mat-based Pilates version; the specially designed machines make the process more intensive and dynamic as well as flexible. “Running a Reformer Pilates studio you get lots of referrals from osteopaths and physios plus people coming with a wide variety of injuries and medical issues. You need the experience, the training and the confidence to deal with a diverse range of clients.” 

Pete and Brigitte used to present on a fitness convention circuit. One venue was the Pontins at Camber Sands with hundreds of people taking part: “Hastings was our retreat away from the madness,” says Brigitte.

They moved to Hastings in 2018 and started looking for a premises almost immediately. It was hard to find the right place and in the meantime they continued to run their Health & Fitness business in London.

An ideal premises finally secured on the seafront in St Leonards, they launched into a whirlwind of activity helped by “an amazing group of skilled local tradespeople”. Brigitte says they were determined to open at the beginning of September 2022, an exciting but daunting project. “After a five-week turnaround, we transformed the carpet warehouse into a high spec, bright, airy studio space equipped with top-of-the-range Pilates equipment – and making the most of the incredible sea views.” 

The studio is also an education centre hosting STOTT PILATES training. This method has its roots in the original teachings of Joseph Pilates but has changed and evolved based on what is now known about exercise and the human body.

Brigitte as lead instructor trainer is currently running an intensive reformer course, training the next generation of Pilates instructors. More courses, including mat, reformer, injuries and Total Barre training are all being planned for 2023 – Total Barre being dynamic ballet-based training that focuses on strength, flexibility, stamina and core stability. 

Asked about what makes Sea Breeze special, Pete says the benefits of Reformer Pilates are well documented: “The machines literally ‘reform’ your body. The feedback we’ve had since opening go along the lines of: “We’ve been waiting a long time for something like this to open”.

“Reformer Pilates improves muscular strength and enhances muscle tone,” Pete explains. “And it helps manage lower back pain by building core strength and stabilising the spinal muscles. Greater flexibility helps to build longer, leaner muscles and aligns posture: this improves balance, helps manage high blood pressure, decreases stress levels and improves coordination.” Not only that, he says but “it helps to maintain a healthy weight – when teamed with balanced nutrition.”

There is a free 30-minute Reformer Orientation session to prepare clients for the Beginners Reformer classes – ‘beginners’ doesn’t mean an ‘easy’ Pilates session, more of a straightforward, easy-to-follow entire body workout. “Once clients build a sound foundation, more challenging classes can be attempted,” says Brigitte. “The reformers can act as a low-level rehabilitation tool. But at the other end of the scale they are a super-advanced challenging beast of a machine!”

“We have been blown away and delighted by the positivity and enthusiasm shown by everyone attending classes. We love the location of the studio and the fantastic, ever-changing views of the seaside.”

Some people are able to turn a crisis into an opportunity and that’s what Hastings resident Lindsay Wright has managed to pull off with the award-winning skincare brand Rose Rock Beauty, launched in 2018. 

It all started back in 2016 while holidaying in Portugal – taking a break from chemotherapy for breast cancer. While doing a spot of backstreet shopping, Lindsay stumbled across the magic ingredient for her products: this was the ancient healing herb, Cistus Ladanifer, commonly known as Rock Rose. This shrub grows wild in parts of the Mediterranean and the oil is renowned for its ability not only to repair and rejuvenate the skin, but also to reduce scarring. In addition, along with immune-boosting properties, it is full of polyphenols and antioxidants. 

The serendipity of chancing on this herb was not lost on Lindsay. She understood that those undergoing chemotherapy need help in boosting their immune system, but she also realised that it could combat the general deterioration in skin condition caused by the cancer. But then Lindsay used to be a Myers Briggs* counsellor, as well as a management consultant, and had already figured out her personality type and her ability to think outside the box.

Lindsay is also able to make quick decisions. Having visited Hastings for the first time in 2001, three months later she bought a house and moved down here with her husband while still working in London. “I fell in love with Hastings immediately,” she says.

After meeting business partner Lionel Copley, they soon set up in a variety of business in the town: first a lifestyle store similar to Butler’s Emporium; next turning The Old Rectory into a boutique hotel; and then acquiring Maggie’s Fish & Chips with additional business partner Stanislav Krezelok. 

But Rock Rose Beauty is the business that she has finally settled on with business partners Raquel Le Bron and Vanessa McNeilly. Raquel has many years’ experience in the beauty industry as brand manager, beauty therapist and makeup artist – as well as troubleshooter for the beauty chain of stores Space NK. Vanessa is the “creative genius” behind the brand, having used her background in aromatherapy to overcome the distinctive smell of the rock rose plant. Her skills in reflexology, Swedish massage and aromatherapy have also been used within the NHS, treating people with learning difficulties. 

Between them, they set about blending organic essential oils incorporating Rock Rose and creating a range of balms and oils for both face and body. Both balms and oils claim to soothe, repair damage, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving a “radiant glow” to all age groups and skin care types – claims backed up by both Lindsay’s husband and oncologist!

In 2020, the brand won the Lux Life Best Organic balm of the year, and now it has been awarded UK’s Best Organic Skin Care Brand of 2022 by SME enterprises. The brand also is featured in the Beauty Bible and Muddy Stilettos Black Book. 

At the end of the interview, Lindsay promised to reveal more “exciting products” in the in the new year, giving me a sneak peak, but swearing me to secrecy. 

• For more information, please visit www.rockrosebeauty.co.uk

*Myers Briggs Type Indicator is based on a theory that there are 16 basic personality types and is widely used in business to assess the workforce.

Some businesses are the result of careful planning, but for Ned and Charlie, it could be more a case of learning by mistakes, a good dose of luck – and having a lot of fun along the way. It all started when at 19 and 21 respectively, Charlie and Ned took on The Lamb Inn, Wartling, bought by their father. It was at this stage that the fun part and ‘learning by mistakes’ was most prominent. 

Charlie says: “We spent half of our time apologising.” Easy for him, he says, as he wasn’t good at school and was always apologising.

As time went on, they got more serious and it was much harder work, particularly running as an full inn with six bedrooms: “It was a killer, getting up at 7am and going to bed at 2am in the morning.” 

But then a trip to America changed everything. It was there that they came across the craft beer scene – and “were blown away by it”. In the US, breweries were becoming bars, they explained: “you’d walk into a full brewery, and you’d sit amongst all these tanks … so impressive.” 

The dream turned into reality, and The Imperial in Queens Road opened in May 2016 with the microbrewery on full display. After three years, things were going so well they were looking beyond the pub to buy premises for automated canning and more brewing capacity. 

Then Covid struck and it was a case of ‘on yer bike’ – but not pushbikes. They dusted off their motorbikes and started to deliver, motivated by the big bill that was coming their way for the planned expansion.

Surviving the pandemic enabled them to open a brewery at their new premises on the Ridge – as well as opening another venue on the seafront at The Courtyard. “We would have ended up kicking ourselves if we didn’t take it.”

Another piece of luck enabled them to relocate the brewery to bigger premises at the same site on the Ridge three months ago “The last bit of expansion for the time being.” And now the Brewery Tap Room is up and running.

And what keeps them going? “We’re really rooted here. We really like Hastings as a town. We’ve always had such good local support. And long may it continue.” 

• You can hear the full story in the latest HIP Biz (Episode 15) on Spotify or Anchor.

Gina and James outside the off licence
CREDIT: Rachel Manns

You probably know that Queens Road has had a rocky past history in retail; why did you decide to open a wine shop there?

Gina: We live close to Queens Road and we both have a sentimental nostalgia for traditional off licenses. During lockdown we were dis-appointed not to have a good wine shop nearby, having got stuck in a bit of a rut with mainstream options. 

Along with many other Queens Road business owners, we sense the potential in the area – we knew the space would work for the concept we had in mind. Also, we were really lucky to have someone in mind to manage the shop: Drew Carr is responsible for the day-to-day running, while I continue my career as a freelance events manager and James runs his pub, The Royal, in St Leonards. 

We knew Hastings supports independent shops and hope that people enjoy the opportunity to buy wine from a local business. We feel very supported by the sense of community on the road and throughout the town. 

How do you view the comp-etition in St Leonards? Are you positioning yourself in terms of a similar clientele, prices, etc? 

Gina: We don’t necessarily view similar retailers as competitors. We feel there is a shared vision that specialist independent shops are still viable businesses. Operating a small shop isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s hard work and immensely challenging on a daily basis, so we are supportive of fellow independent businesses and lucky to have so many in our community. 

Hastings Natural Wine Week was a great example of local wine retailers coming together to support each other and showcase the exemplary wines that the participating bars, shop and restaurants have to offer. 

The Manager Drew Carr
Photo by Rachel Manns

Will you continue to focus on wines from Europe and the UK, or will this selection evolve over time? Is there anything new for Christmas?

James: An old London friend of mine, wine consultant Ruth Spivey, (who now lives in St Leonards) was integral in selecting our opening range. Her expertise and industry relationships enabled us to
choose a very high standard of wines predominantly made by independent producers. As we grow the offering, we rely on customer feedback to inform our buying choices – as well as our own gut feelings.

We’re putting the finishing touches to our Christmas range, which won’t deviate too much from our core offering of interesting, quality wines at a wide range of price points. There will be some specially assembled case deals with Christmas dining and drinking in mind, as well as some more unusual and fun bottles for gifting. As Ruth always says, our wine list always reflects the uncomplicated values of, “good wine made by good people in a good way”.

We’re aware that we can’t compete with the supermarkets on price, but we can offer higher quality, unique wines, as well as sharing their provenance. All wines are available to drink in at the shop for an £8 corkage fee and we have a weekly menu of ‘by-the-glass’ options, allowing people to try out wines. 

We hope to grow the online side of our business and think Christmas will be a great time for people to take advantage of free local delivery (TN31-TN40 postcodes for orders over £50). 

There are a lot of upcoming events, including one tonight. How are they going?

Gina: Organising and hosting events is one of the most fun aspects of running the shop. We also regularly welcome winemakers and suppliers to showcase their products. Ruth Spivey hosts a regular tutored tasting series called Flight Club, which is an intimate exploration of six wines with a different theme. So far each of the Flight Club events has sold out. 

Our first party, Fizz & Chips, was a great success and we plan to have a party at the shop each month, changing themes to suit the season – we had mulled wine and cider for Halloween and a Beaujolais Nouveau party for 17 November. 

You have a playful name for the shop as well as memorable names for some of your events. Do you have a clear strategy for promoting the shop?

James: In the early days of creating the shop’s identity a few people were not convinced by the name, but we knew it was right for us. The puns just keep coming! And the graphics we create are just
a way to invoke the fun we find in sharing wine with friends and customers. 

Obviously, it’s important for us to be memorable and we believe the best way to do this is to ‘be ourselves’. As a brand, we have a lot of work to do establish our identity and our customer base. We are realistic that this will take time, and the most important thing is to remain consistent and authentic. 

Around 10 million tonnes of waste food is thrown away in the UK every year, much of it going to landfill and thereby creating environmentally harmful greenhouse gases. Once these rubbish tips are full  ̶ predicted to be in about three years  ̶ what then?

One answer is anaerobic digestion, allowing micro-organisms to breakdown the biodegradable matter inside an enclosed system. This process gives off methane, which is collected and converted into biogas and used to generate electricity. What remains is a nutrient rich digestate used as a fertiliser for agriculture.

CREDIT: Dave Young

Hasting-based Cibus Waste Ltd was created to provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly method of food waste disposal throughout Kent and Sussex. HIP spoke to its director Simon Prior who, along with his business partner Alan Taylor, launched the enterprise six months before the start of the Covid pandemic. Both had previous involvement in the waste industry and knew that to attract customers they’d need to appeal as much to cost savings as environmental considerations.

“For most people the main point is to save money,” says Prior. Put simply, food waste (like glass) is heavy. “For a company it can push commercially collected bins over a weight and price threshold. Being carbon neutral may be a good moral point and convince some, but cost is key.”

The food waste collected from Cibus’s distinctive 120 or 240 litre capacity orange bins is taken to an anaerobic digester unit in Maidstone. Early each morning four lightweight trucks  ̶ small enough to access tight places and each equipped with a quiet electrically-powered loading lift so as not to wake the neighbours  ̶ make an early start from their depot off Ivy House lane. In a perfect world the vehicles would be battery powered, but at present the mileage range isn’t sufficient and the payload penalty (batteries are heavy too) prohibitive.

The geographical range of Cibus is wide, west towards Brighton and Crawley, eastward to Folkestone. Predictably the distances between the rural collections are the longest, and in common with many coastal firms there’s the frustration of only having a 180 degree customer catchment area. Although some domestic flat blocks are serviced, most waste food pick-ups are commercial. Fortunately, the relatively modest scale of the Cibus operation is not of interest to large rubbish and recycling collectors such as Veolia and Biffa. “There was a gap in market for an independent, dedicated supplier,” explains Prior. 

Currently there’s no statutory local government doorstep food waste collection south of Tunbridge Wells  ̶ despite the practice being commonplace and long standing in London boroughs. All organic waste will be banned from landfill by 2023 and new government legislation coming soon will mandate local authorities throughout the UK to provide kerbside collection of domestic food waste. This is unlikely to have much impact on the Cibus business model and at present the firm is slowly growing to meet demand. Customers want to embrace environmentally friendly practices and reduce their carbon footprint while simultaneously controlling costs at a time when the price of general commercial refuse – along with much else – is spiralling. Recycling, it’s a Hasting thing. 

• https://cibuswaste.co.uk

Who Cibus collect from: 

Restaurants and cafés, nursing and care homes, food manufacturers, wholesale food suppliers, schools and colleges, hotels and holiday parks, office complexes, retailers, supermarkets, bakeries.

What Cibus collects:

Fruit and vegetables – out of date, damaged, peelings
Meat – out of date, off cuts, small bones and carcasses
Tea and Coffee – bags, dregs
Fish – off cuts, outdated, bones, frozen
Bread and cakes – stake, dough, flour, sandwiches, pastries
Dairy products – cheese, yogurts, creams.

By Des Wilson

Back in the day my dad always wore a hat, or to be precise, a cap at weekends and a hat for business, presumably on the principle that ‘If you want to get ahead, get a hat.’ 

Jean Constable, who works most weekends in the hat shop at 52a High Street, clearly believes this too. She enthusiastically takes me on a tour of over 500 hats. There are bowlers and berets, top hats and homburgs, fedoras and trilbys, straw ‘boaters’, panamas and Stetsons, Chairman Mao caps and Peaky Blinder caps, Sherlock Holmes deer stalkers (much liked by Asian tourists) and pirate tricorns for festivals or fancy dress parties. For women there’s a selection of sun hats and colourful hats for weddings and social events. They share the tastefully decorated space in this small shop with old-fashioned hat boxes of the kind carried by Phileas Fogg  in Around the World in 80 Days. On the wall there’s a Philip Treacy poster: ‘How a hat makes you feel is what a hat is all about.’ 

Jean, who works for the owners, says “Hastings folk love their hats”. Undoubtedly the shop has become one of the High Street’s main attractions; some buyers come from miles away to try them on in front of a mirror, choosing between three and six hats and paying from £9 to £109 for each one.

While she is the shop’s ‘star’, Jean is not the owner; the hats began their Old Town life further up the High Street at No 38, the ‘House of Habibi’, part of the Café Maroc before it was beaten out of business by Covid and transformed by Mark Byrom and his partner Keith Balfour-Morrison. It is now a place to display and sell the goods they carried back from a year living in Marrakesh: leather belts and handbags, hats, jewellery, rings, bracelets, candles, socks and scarves. 

They found the hats were best-sellers and began to buy them from all over the place, London and the Midlands and as far away as Ecuador and Madagascar. In early 2017 they took over the premises at 52a to create a home for hats. They also now have a third High Street shop at No 32a selling interiors, i.e. furniture and other goods to lend colour and class to homes. Mark, who was born in Blackburn in Lancashire in 1961, is the buyer and runs the business and counts the pennies while Keith, a former chef, is the artistic and creative mind that makes these three shops so compelling. It’s an ideal partnership. And at the heart of their High Street empire? Hats. Mark and Keith have proved that if you want to get ahead, you really do have to have a hat, or in their case, 500 of them.   

Read about other traders in this series:
Hare and Hawthorn
Robert’s Rummage
The Cigar and Pipe Shop

“We’re a small graphic design firm based in Hastings, working closely with businesses and private clients all over the world to deliver exceptional services for web and print and always trying to create for local musicians. Some recent clients include: Sistie Moose, Scott Chisholm, Kid Kapichi, Blabbermouth, Rufus Stone, Lather & Yarn, Hastings & Rother Healthcare, Hastings HEART, Sussex Sound, Gracie Barra Hastings and Metaltech.”

Origin story

“I was born in London, moved to Brighton when I was five, Hastings when 10 and I’ve been here ever since. Local musician, graphic designer, and ‘martial artist’.

Music is what got me started on graphic design. From picking up a copy of ‘Art of Modern Rock: The Poster Explosion’ at age 14, to working behind the bar at The Union Bar (TUB), designing all their posters in my free time. Gigging relentlessly, dive bars, fancy clubs. I’ve just always loved it. I’ve only ever played drums in bands. I play every instrument to some level, but drums to a much higher level. My favourite drummer is Thomas Pridgen, but Matt Garstka is becoming one of my favourites and definitely one of the best. I learned to play drums by listening to Led Zeppelin, so John Bonham needs an honourable mention.

I’m lucky enough to be playing again with my Math Rock band ‘Forever Home’ now, but there was a time when I couldn’t play music. My anxiety became so bad I couldn’t leave the house and had to leave my bands and quit TUB. I needed a way to work from home and maintain my connection to music. I decided to put everything into freelance design and work with as many bands as possible. My influences include, but aren’t limited to, Richey Beckett, Justin Hampton, Scrojo, Emek, Bonnie MacLean and Jermaine Rogers.” 

HIP founder member

“In 2013, Paul Osmond, owner of TUB, had the idea of starting a newspaper… due to dissatisfaction with the Hastings Observer’s ability to accurately report local news. We aimed for grassroots reporting, fair and balanced but with often accidental left, sometimes socialist leanings… to combat the predominantly right-wing press.

This became the Hastings Independent Press. The initial meetings were held there while I manned the bar. As far as I can remember (sorry if I’m missing anyone), the first people at the meetings were Paul, Tim Barton of Bookbuster, Jamie Tarrant, Sam Kinch, Kate Renwick and myself. The team quickly grew to include some fantastic people such as Kim Batty, Pete Donohue, Cathy Relf and many others.

I sort of defaulted to designing the paper as I had a computer with the right programs and had already been doing the pub’s band poster designs for a couple of years. Sam and myself worked together to design the first few issues until he took a more editorial role and I’d figured out the workflow to the point of being able to tackle it solo.

I started as a volunteer, eventually charging a very modest fee. The founder members of HIP put years of love and hard work into growing something we were all very proud of. By then I’d started working full time as a freelance graphic designer and my focus shifted to that. I stepped down from my position as lead designer of
HIP hoping to give another young designer the opportunity to grow and establish themselves in the role.”

• www.echonova.co.uk – also Twitter, Insta and FB

By Des Wilson

Behind the shop doors in the Old Town you discover a special kind of personality. Their stories are love stories, fired by childhood dreams that they realise by determination and hard work. Chris Chamberlen’s story begins when he was 13 and on holiday on the Isle of Wight. While his family enjoys the scenery and fresh air, Chris falls in love with an atmospheric old cigar and pipe shop. Its owner, a man in his seventies called Joe Siggins, was retiring in seven days and he let Chris occupy a corner of the shop for the week and take away some 50-year-old posters, a few colourful cigar boxes, and one or two old pipes. He also inspired Chris to take away a dream – to have his own pipe and cigar shop.

CREDIT: Dave Young

In 2007, now 34, Chris opens his own small pipe and cigar shop, at No  15 George Street. He and his wife Sam live above it, where Sam keeps the books and handles the admin. Chris, with his good humour and infectious enthusiasm, is ‘front of house’, having learned his trade from a shelf-full of 40 books on cigars and pipes. He rates one called ‘The World of Cigars’ as the best. The shop has many of the characteristics of classic pipe and cigar shops all over the world – rows of shiny pipes and glass cases full of cigars. The walls are covered in 1950s posters and the shelves with cigar boxes from years before. There are 100-years-old tobacco scales and two 120 year old jars. 

The 250 pipes in the shop come mainly from Italy and sell from £35 all the way up to one at £895. The 500 cigars come mainly from Central and South America. They are displayed in humified cases, one devoted entirely to Cuba. There are no cigarettes; Chris does not smoke or sell them, believing (rightly or wrongly) that cigars and pipes are safer. His 150 or so regular customers also buy from him pipe cleaners and cases and while I am in the shop he takes calls from some, each with their own special requirement. 

CREDIT: Dave Young

Cigar and pipe shops are few and far between, especially in the UK, but when you find one, whether you smoke or not, you will be enchanted – they’re like old-fashioned chemists’ shops and have a unique feel and atmosphere. They’re like living and working museums. Sherlock Holmes, who would tell Dr Watson that a particular mystery was a ‘two pipe problem’, would have been at home in Chris’s shop.

But there’s something else that is special about Chris’s shop. He has put a table and chairs outside, and every day has a small number of regulars, some of them former servicemen, who puff their pipes, keep each other company, keep an eye on the George Street crowds, and thrive on Chris’s cheerful welcome and a cup of coffee. This is more than just a shop, it’s a community centre for these guys. Usually, first to arrive and last to leave is Malcolm, a former serviceman who most will remember as a bus driver of many years. Malcolm is there every day. 

You don’t have to be a smoker to love Chris’s shop. It is where George Street’s heart beats most strongly. 

Read about other traders in this series:
Hare and Hawthorn
Robert’s Rummage

By Des Wilson

The little shop at No 68 the High Street is packed. Curiosity-seekers crowd the narrow aisles between piles of ‘stuff’. They come from all over Sussex and further afield. There’s a woman who has come all the way from Berlin to buy a silver candlestick. Some – at least 10 a day – are other traders, seeking to replenish their stock. And everyone knows Robert, the owner, collector and trader. And Robert knows everyone.

The tall, talkative 80-year-old, a former chef and hotel manager, is the doyen of the Old Town traders. He took over a fish and chip shop in 1990 after 10 years in Africa, filled it with over 10,000 second-hand books, items of crockery, cutlery, old children’s toys, maps, tools, wine glasses and decanters, cameras, postcards, and all sorts of bits and pieces, and called it ‘Robert’s Rummage’. The place is filled with laughter as he banters with the men and flatters the ladies. His personality dominates the shop. Robert’s philosophy is displayed on the wall: “It’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.” He buys and sells, 50 percent to the trade and at least 70 percent to locals, but when someone wanders in to offer him an item free, he puts money in his charity box and donates it to causes like the Ukraine Appeal. 

With an eye for a bargain, Robert is a familiar figure at auctions in London and more locally, at Battle and Redhill, and will spend up to £2,000 each time, not that there’s much space for his purchases in the shop: they overflow into an alley alongside. He has opened a second High Street shop, ‘Robert’s Curios’, mainly to sell some of his vast collection of non-European art books. 

Robert is a compulsive collector – he has 5,000 books at home, travel books and cookery books – and is also a student of the history of slavery. One of his most valuable books, worth at least £3,000, is Wilberforce’s 1807 edition of The Abolition of the Slave Trade. Lecturing at colleges on anthropology, this is a man who loves to talk. 

Give him an audience and he’s unstoppable – the shop more like a theatre than a place to trade, with Robert unquestionably the star.   

Treatbox was founded in 2014 by Zoe Charlton, a mum with small children seeking employment with childcare friendly hours. Her previous experience in hospitality and catering made this completely impossible, so she began the new business from scratch, initially in her front room and with just £30 capital.

Looking for a gift to comfort a friend, Zoe hit upon the idea of sending a personally created box of small presents, along with a card. Quickly realising she was onto something special, Zoe began sending them to others before taking the concept online and creating a business; to the extent that she now sends thousands of boxes across the UK and worldwide. 

In addition to offering a variety of sizes and contents, including ‘personal pamper products’ and stationery, Zoe cannily created a subscription base of customers who look forward to a monthly box of treats just for themselves. According to Zoe, “delivering curated and personalised boxes filled with love and happiness to help create a better world one smile at a time.” 

Paying close attention to presentation and detail, Zoe was determined to stay in control of the box contents, such as handwritten messages – time consuming to produce but adding a personal touch that’s a core part of the firm’s marketing strategy. 

The Treatbox range has also diversified, adding Advent calendars (with 24 hand-wrapped presents) corporate clients, such as Costa, and a wholesale section.

As the company rapidly expanded, Zoe leased a small starter business unit on the Castleham Industrial estate from its owners, Hastings Council, who were “very helpful” and in 2020, when this was outgrown, moved to larger premises nearby.

During lockdown business boomed; unable to see friends and family, people sent cheery gifts, and Zoe and a single employee struggled to keep up with demand. Since then she has gradually increased her staff team to 10 people. All bar the designer (her partner) are women and there’s a strong emphasis on flexible working around childcare responsibilities, a team working ethos and looking after employees. “It’s important everyone is happy here,” says Zoe, “people want to come to work.”

From the start social media has been essential to the Treatbox business model. Initially using Facebook Marketplace (then free) before moving to a purpose-designed website. Subsequently the firm has developed a very active presence on Instagram and, most recently, Tik Tok, each with a slightly different customer demographic. In addition to frequently changing content (up to four times a day on Tik Tok) customers are keen to see the everyday working of the company, forming a close bond with the brand and replacing the personal contact of traditional retail by creating online relationships. 

The Treatbox story so far might best be summarised as building a website, building a community and building a team. And it continues to grow…

Originally an animator, he changed occupation four years ago and has since gained a diverse range of training and experience. After working at the Walworth Road Community Garden, he gained formal qualifications in organic gardening methods to enhance flora and wildlife. Ewen studied permaculture at Sintra in Portugal and has also become skilled in natural building methods – such as wattle and daub. “I’m an ecological gardener… I look to nature to inspire… what best fits your garden,” says Ewen.

When constructing hard landscaping features, such as a retaining wall, Ewen uses traditional methods and recycled materials to avoid carbon intensive concrete. Customers are increasingly conscious of the importance of even small plots to overall sustainability and Ewen has the necessary rewilding techniques to promote insect and animal friendly spaces. “People are keen to encourage wildlife, and this is a way of achieving a living space and demonstrable environmental change,” he explains.

In addition to one-off garden improvement projects, he’s able to provide regular maintenance, changing the appearance and focus of a garden over the longer term using organic methods like natural, peat-free composts while avoiding harmful chemicals. 

No one wants invasive weeds but, says Ewen, his pragmatic approach means “there’s an organic solution to most garden problems.”

Ewen aims to “work from the soil up” and his suggestions for bio-diverse gardening include creating a wildlife
pond, native hedging, a poll-inator patch, bird/bat boxes and a ‘micro forest’. Based in St Leonards he works throughout the wider Rother area and is able to provide services to both individuals and organisations, such as care homes and schools. 

• wildgardener.uk

By Des Wilson

Hare and Hawthorn is an unusual name for a bookshop, and this one in George Street is full of surprises, not least its owner Neal Neofitou. Tucked away behind the counter, he looks about 26 but is in fact 46, and was born in Hastings. 

Neal’s grandparents were Greek Cypriot but his father, now in his seventies and occasionally still helping in the bookshop, built a busy restaurant business in Hastings, first the Lifeboat, then the Seagull, and Neal, who lives near Alexandra Park, began his career working there. 

After attending local primary and secondary schools, Neal did an arts foundation course, then went on to do a degree in fine art printmaking and bookbinding in London. Subsequently working part-time at a bookshop in Eastbourne, he learned the basics of the trade and eventually decided to open his own shop.

Building on success

This first business, part bookbinding and part bookshop, was in West Street, a hidden quarter of the Old Town. Because it missed out on passing trade, Neil plastered nearby areas with posters to steer customers his way. Eventually he moved to George Street and opened Hare and Hawthorn, a beautifully laid-out space sparkling with classics – Dickens and Jane Austen – newly published books, cards and stationery.

The key, Neil explains, lies with knowing what books are coming onto the market. He does this by building contacts with wholesalers from whom he can order books on a ‘sale or return’ basis. Enter the shop and there’s a better than even chance he is searching his computer to discover which books are being published and whether they’re likely to sell. Neil’s good relationship with publishers means he can get many signed books you can’t obtain on-line. Developing an instinct for best-sellers, he saw the potential of Richard Osman’s debut thriller and sold over 80 copies (in today’s competitive climate that’s a lot of books). However, Neil was amazed to discover that his all-time best-seller (over 250 copies) is a book called ‘Other Minds’ by Peter Godfrey-Smith; described on Wikipedia as “being on the evolution and nature of consciousness, comparing the situation in cephalopods, especially octopuses and cuttlefish, with that in mammals and birds.” 

Walking down George Street after talking with Neil I wondered who, of those enjoying a drink outside pubs and coffee houses, were potential buyers of this book. 

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Neal says that nature books are especially popular but laments the fact that books for children and young people are left on the shelves. “It’s sad – young people don’t appear to read these days, they’re more likely to be absorbed in their cell-phones.”

Being the owner of a small bookshop is a hard business when Amazon can sell books at a heavily discounted price, supermarkets have pushed their way into the business, and you can buy books in charity shops for a pound or two, but Neal is a stubborn competitor. In his determination and creativity he is comparable with so many of the small shop owners in the Old Town, always in a fight for survival and always optimistic that the box-full of books that comes each week will eventually sell. 

The last working dry steam UK coal mine, in Wales, is soon set to close, threatening the survival of many enterprises earning revenue from transport nostalgia.

The nearest to Hasting is the Kent & East Sussex Railway, with a station at Bodiam. An important draw for thousands of holiday makers each year, it also attracts custom to local shops, hotels and eateries.

Bodiam Station
CREDIT: Markus Geiger/Wikki Commons

Threat to local business

“The Kent & East Sussex Railway is extremely concerned that UK sources of the specialist coal we use will run out by the end of 2022,” says Matt Hyner, trustee for the Kent & East Sussex Railway. “We simply don’t know where the next batch of coal is coming from. Prices have increased by 200% so far this year. The best solution in the medium term, for the environment and for stability of supply, is controlled extraction of high-quality UK coal. 

“We’re joining the Heritage Railway Association in calling on UK governments to pause the planned closure and review the licensing of the Ffos-Y-Fran mine to ensure that attractions which rely on coal will continue to flourish whilst minimising their environmental impact.”

“The UK has more than 150 heritage rail companies covering 560 miles of track running between 460 stations. These lines play a big role in UK tourism today, any threat to them is a real worry,” adds Chris Austin, secretary of the all-party parliamentary group on heritage railways.

“They are worth about half a billion pounds a year to the national economy – mainly through the visitors they attract to a region.

“Millions of tourists take trips on these lines every year.”

Out of 12 million tonnes of coal used in the UK each year, around 35,000 tonnes go to the heritage steam sector, including railways such as the Lavender Line at Heathfield, steamships, including the Waverly paddle steamer, traction engines and steam museums such as Brede – just a few miles away. Hastings has two miniature steam railways, on the seafront and at Alexandra Park, while the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch narrow-gauge line is only a short drive across the county border.

Coal supply cut off

Bill Giles, organiser of the annual Weald of Kent Steam Rally comments: “The planned closure of the last UK coal mines at the end of 2022 puts the entire heritage steam sector in crisis.

“Steam railways such as the Kent & East Sussex and the Bluebell Railway will be affected, steam fairs such as international steam rally in Dorset, and marine steam such as the Steam Preservation Society ships at Chatham Dockyard, due to take part in the Queen’s Jubilee flotilla this summer, will all suffer.

“If the UK mined coal supply is cut off, the heritage steam sector will have to rely on imports from places like Kazakhstan and Colombia, which is lower quality ‘house coal’. It is smoky, emits higher particulates and lowers air quality. It is also expensive, which is another issue for so many heritage sites who are charitable status organisations and rely on volunteers and donations to survive.” 

Tank engine at Rolvenden – Kent & East Sussex Line
CREDIT: ARG/Wikki Commons

There are also concerns over the carbon footprint of imported coal, which travels thousands of miles before arriving at UK markets. ‘E-coal’ alternative smokeless fuels have been developed from mixes of anthracite, coal dust and molasses and several narrow-gauge rail companies have launched trials of the substance. Initial results have been promising, although tests to assess the impact such fuels have on vulnerable parts of locomotives, such as their fireboxes and boiler tubes continue.

Searches for alternative sources of coal are ongoing, with Australia and Colombia suggested as possibilities. The conflict in Ukraine has meant that supplies of Russian coal have stopped. 

Other worries include the threat to jobs at heritage trusts, many of which have evolved from being volunteer and enthusiast run into important businesses. Particularly important is the irreplaceable skills base involved in being able to preserve and repair such important parts of industrial history.

“We are talking months, not years” warns Bill Giles, “before supplies are exhausted and excursions on steam trains and heritage steamships become a thing of the past.”