Comments for Hastings Independent Press

Comment on WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? by Bea Rogers

Bea Rogers — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:11:08 +0000

Re: Norman horses
I suggest they must have bern hobbled for the Chanmel crossings to stop them jumping about, kicking the crew or otherwise asserting themselves. The tapestry seems to show their heads low down, ie forced into a kneeling position.

Comment on All us Women 2026 by Emma Hoey

Emma Hoey — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:45:04 +0000

Hello, this was a very poignant and moving exhibition. Janey Moffat is not mentioned in the article above; she is an organiser, educator, curator, and mentor for the AUW project. I hope that this can be amended to reflect the efforts of all the artists.

Comment on Convent Arson by Ian

Ian — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:45:49 +0000

I think people want to see justice being served. Everyone who trespassed ever in the past should be prosecuted. And if the two boys are prosecuted for arson then people are saying they want to see them get a lot more than a slap on the wrists.

Comment on James And Decimus Burton by Nel

Nel — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:17:23 +0000

In reply to Good Fairy. Passionate & enthusiastic commenter, my understanding of the British Georgian model for building was as you propose in the modern era: 'the art of building slightly (weakly)' as Dan Cruikshank's 2009 book, 'The Secret History of Georgian London' references on p188. Housing demand outstripped supply & were built speculatively as poorly built shells to sell for their interior development on up to 90 year leases, to then return to a freeholder a building in a parlous state. Their beautiful & elegant proportions ideal for entertaining many, either as leaseholders or for high rents, leading to overcrowding.

Comment on A Meander Through an Artist’s Mind by susan gilbert

susan gilbert — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:23:24 +0000

I enjoyed the Betty Parsons exhibition last year. I agree the title was a misnomer, but as a researcher who’s written about a number of mid-twentieth century woman artists, I found it very interesting to see the work from Betty Parsons, who supported women artists at a time when macho personalities dominated the world of abstract expressionism abstract while ignoring the women. She was important.

Comment on Carr Taylor – Wine Pioneers Who Ran Out of Road by James Kirby

James Kirby — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:11:05 +0000

Such a shame, I kept there ageing UP Willmes press going for many years, untill I retired.
The Carr-Taylor family were a lovely family,and great to work for.

Comment on Eight Days of Syd’s Last Stand by David Young

David Young — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:46:29 +0000

Fun though Nick Tucker’s preview of ‘Syd’s Last Stand” (HIP 305) is, he’s arguably too much of a fan boy to be objective.
LSD, sometimes enjoyable, other times curdling your karma, does not automatically confer wisdom. Consequently, Syd’s solo albums were merely whimsical, fitfully entertaining and thankfully less pretentious and overlong than Pink Floyd’s later LPs.
Floorboards are not iconic; they simply stop you from falling through the ceiling. A more interesting question to ask when analysing the album cover might be why an unacknowledged woman is adopting such an uncomfortable pose in the background? I’m sure her nudity was essential to the artistic message, yet Syd, for some reason lost to rock history, retains his clothes…

Comment on Ashford International to be Reopened by Sally DiFabio

Sally DiFabio — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:00:53 +0000

Thank you for your clear concise reporting of local issues.
It is a breath of fresh air!

Comment on Hastings Heritage in Peril by Bryan Fisher

Bryan Fisher — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:16:05 +0000

HBC and it’s officers do need to.protect our heritage (and any tourism benefit), but we should all care. The protection and restoration of buildings and monuments must be the norm – not the exception! With the dearth of industry in our area we rely heavily upon tourism to supplement the rates. Not caring about our heritage is to not care about our area’s future. We do need to move forward, but we need to work around our history.

Comment on Hastings Heritage in Peril by Peter

Peter — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:33:26 +0000

The Above-ground shelters,at Roberson Terrace are the outlets for the fans that ventilated the car park when it was originally built. The machinery was removed some time along with the ducting which provided ventilation in a time when most cars produced a lot of fumes when running.

Comment on ‘Medical’ Malaise by Bea Rogers

Bea Rogers — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:44:19 +0000

Yes, I remember the timer when you had “your” GP. Often working alone with no nurse or other specialist auxiliaries, and without the range of diagnostic tests which are now routine. And if “you” GP was rude or just brushed you off (“you’re just a young girl, you’re not important to me”), that was it. Personally, I much prefer the present system with all its stresses and strains.

The government needs to turn its full attention to GP services and primary care generally. They should not be expected to run businesses alongside their medical practice, which means rethinking the contract with the NHS. They need the money to employ new doctors – at the moment those can’t get GP jobs. And I suggest that we should all be prepared to accept appointments with a nurse, or a call from the pharmacist, if that answers our issue.

Comment on 70 Years of the Fishermen’s Museum by x0ar

x0ar — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:54:33 +0000

As a born and bred former local I have visited the Fishermen’s Museum with the kids at least once a year for the last 5 years or so.
It is a treasure of local history, thank you for sharing this, Ill read it to my kids they will love it.

Comment on Tories Hand Council to Reform by Stephen Butterton

Stephen Butterton — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:19:33 +0000

Not even pretending to be objective are you? Minority administrations exist in many councils and do so with the support of smaller parties. If they could have made the numbers, doubtless Labour an the Lib Dems would have supported a Green minority council.

Likewise Reform councillors may not be very experienced, but neither would the Green councillors if they had formed a majority, and they are now running Hastings Borough Council.

Also, consistently demonising Reform as ‘Nigel Farage’s far right party’ is doing you no favours.

Comment on We Won’t Be Silenced by Ian

Ian — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:51:46 +0000

I’m not for any war. However, we need defence, right? Or should we have no defence and just let any country that feels like it come and attack the UK? We’ll all be speaking Russian soon then. So if we need defence, we need to buy things like F16s. Someone has to make them. General Dynamics employs a few hundred people in Hastings making parts – not whole systems, and not all for defence but some for luxury goods, so they’d rather they are unemployed instead? It’s a very biased view. Where would you draw the line? We can probably link all industry to defence systems, so let’s shut down every employment opportunity in Hastings then? I can’t see why you choose to go with “mainly makes products related to war”, nothing about defending our country? Here’s what they do; General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense corporation known primarily for manufacturing Gulfstream business jets, nuclear-powered submarines, main battle tanks, and advanced defense and avionic systems”. So here’s hoping for the jobs of the people, that the Green party have more sense than the journalist here.

Comment on Tories Hand Council to Reform by Mrs Rosie Brocklehurst

Mrs Rosie Brocklehurst — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:53:35 +0000

Extremely concerned -if decent social care was not already a major concern for all of us and our families and so much else too. If ESCC Reform leadership echoes KCC Reform, which it will, we are going to be in even more dire straits. The results shows the utter mess that Labour nationally has brought to bear at the local level. While .national and local government are not the same, the local political landscape has been influenced by national performance. Starmer has been such an out of touch nonentity, an a-political disaster with no political nous, charisma or knowledge, being led by the nose by his handlers at the national level, and the Tories unable to cut thru’ after years of Johnson, Truss and Sunak because no one believes them any more. They cut local government budgets to the bone as it is. It’s no surprise to many that politically inexperienced voters are fed up and desperate for something different, so have fallen for Farage’s racist-schtick and ‘nationalist’ messages of flag-waving hypocrisy that are meaningless. Just you wait Reform voters – you will see he is nothing but a shapeshifter who only wishes to garner power and money for himself, like his friend across the water, Trump.

Comment on Permissions Sought for 471 Greenfield Homes by Carol Baker

Carol Baker — Sat, 30 May 2026 08:16:29 +0000

Thank you for highlighting this outline planning application. The second part of BX39, on the Chestnut Meadow site has not been put onto RDC’s site yet.
You will see on their portal the 87 objections have been received, over 100 signatures on our petition and objections include departments of ESCC, Ibstock Brickworks, the Ramblers Association and Bexhill TC unanimously opposed at their AGM.
This site is unsustainable on many levels.
If you would like to feature the residents views as a follow up article please contact me.

Comment on Local Hospitality in Crisis by Ian Summerfield

Ian Summerfield — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:34:04 +0000

We run Summerfields House B&B in Bohemia Road, and business is a little quieter this year. But the guests are still coming from the Netherlands, France, UK, and Germany. What might help restaurants and cafés is to drop off a few leaflets or business cards at all the hotels, B&B’s, and guest houses. Right now we have to make our own lists, so when guests ask where to eat it’s a case of us having to rely on other guests feedback as we haven’t tried everywhere ourselves. Sure people can Google things, but they prefer a more personal recommendation.

Comment on Three Key Takeaways from the Recent Local Elections by JC Hart

JC Hart — Fri, 15 May 2026 07:39:40 +0000

Correction needed.
An objective analysis of the policies and approaches of the primary political postures presented to the electorate at this time would characterise them as ‘authoritarian left’ (we take your money and spend it for you) and ‘liberal right’ (small state, individual freedom and individual responsibility).

Comment on Three Key Takeaways from the Recent Local Elections by Martin Ansell

Martin Ansell — Thu, 14 May 2026 21:06:35 +0000

The fourth takeaway is that many people still seem to be of the belief that voting means they have a say, rather than just adding a slight semblance of credibility to a corrupt system.

Comment on Three Key Takeaways from the Recent Local Elections by Ken R

Ken R — Thu, 14 May 2026 09:41:34 +0000

Really interesting analysis. It’s clear that Reform were successful in most of those areas because the Labour/Green vote was split. This intel will probably benefit the Greens next time as progressives will vote tactically to keep Reform out at all costs.

Comment on Three Key Takeaways from the Recent Local Elections by Jon S

Jon S — Thu, 14 May 2026 05:50:21 +0000

It would be interesting to see the left/right maps using the same colour and scale – it currently implies an even split from the tone strengths but the scale says otherwise.

Comment on Sweet Georgia by Martin Ansell

Martin Ansell — Mon, 11 May 2026 19:09:43 +0000

It’s on Saturday 16th May in case anyone is interested

Comment on Arts on Prescription at the Palace by Martin Ansell

Martin Ansell — Mon, 11 May 2026 19:05:37 +0000

It’s rather sad that it’s seen as an honour to go to a meet and greet hosted by the very people that make charitable works necessary. If Tara knew the better knew the history of the machinations of the monarchy against the people and what the Lord-lieutenant, in his role of Custos Rotulorum, is responsible for, like any anyone coming to the knowledge with love in their heart, she’d probably take a very different view.

Comment on Polanski Fires Up Green Supporters Despite Reform UK Hecklers by Rosie Brocklehurst Franczak

Rosie Brocklehurst Franczak — Fri, 01 May 2026 15:11:51 +0000

The more I see of him the more he grows in experience and ability, He must now deal with the increasing onslaught of those who manipulate the ignorant and the unknowing to their own ends -such as Reform, the Tory Party and those in the Labour party who have betrayed Labour. He must beware of the forces of the right that would do to him what they did to an unfortunately naive Corbyn. It will be difficult. Somehow I think as the Jewish leader of Political Party and highly articulate and politically smart, he may win through. But he has already had the Sun newspaper ‘sting’ and the Campaign Against Antisemitism (yes them!) already have him in their sights, because as they will try to make out, he is the wrong sort of Jew – just because he retweeted a message about the way the mad Golders Green terrorist was treated by Police.

Comment on Gizza Job! by JC Hart

JC Hart — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:11:41 +0000

Excellent article John.
In addition to the Green stuff, the UK and EU countries are about to embark on a massive investment in defence. GD is a major local employer with a proud history of innovation and success in Hastings since 1974. Hastings should strive to attract similar companies to boost local employment and training opportunities.

Comment on More Palestine Protest Arrests by Rosie Brocklehurst Franczak

Rosie Brocklehurst Franczak — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:28:42 +0000

Very articulately expressed by C and by H. I fully support them and their actions. What Keir Starmer and two Home Secretaries under this Labour Government have done is an affront to humanity and to justice and sends a clear message to Palestinians that their lives are worthless and to Israel to carry on slaughtering. Shabana Mahmood and Yvette Cooper are authoritarian and I despise them. I will never vote Labour because of them and Starmer and a lot of people I know feel the same away. I have written a letter of condemnation to Jo Shiner the Chief Constable of Sussex about the decision to allow heavy handed policing in Hastings and the decision by the local force to arrest here, whereas in Truro where there was a similar peaceful protest, no such arrests were made for exactly the same type of protest. Disgraceful. This is the same Hastings force who tasered and pepper sprayed an very elderly man in a home who had dementia and couldn’t walk. He was confused and bewildered and waved a butter knife. He died three weeks later in hospital. Do you trust a Police force capable of doing that and getting off lightly. Lots of people ion this town were outraged by that and will be by this.

Comment on Development Special: Refurbish Don’t Demolish by Peter John

Peter John — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:21:29 +0000

Further to your article on “Refurbish Don’t Demolish” one of the problems is I think the VAT regulations. If you refurbish you pay 20% VAT on the cost of the work while new construction is VAT free. The other reason for demolishing could be that you can rebuild with a larger no of housing units.
Is this why over the years a number of interesting buildings have suffer arson attacks?

Comment on The Republic of Letters on St Leonards Seafront by San

San — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:56:31 +0000

In reply to nicholas vester. I read Koestler 32 years ago when you lent it to me and just before I moved to the North Pole! Sorry I never got it back to you.I’m still blacksmithing and have a forge in Sheffield. It would be good to catch up, may be in London one day. All the best Sam

Comment on Sea Swimmers Talking Sewage by Peter John

Peter John — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:22:18 +0000

Further to the article “Sea Swimmers Talking Sewarge”
I remember the disruption caused in the late 1990s when Southern Water constructed the Hastings Bathing Water Improvement Scheme at a cost reported at the time of £55 million. I understand that this scheme diverted all the Victorian sewage outlets and overflows that discharged onto the local beachs into a large mile long storage tunnel. Here it could be held before being treated at the extended sewage treatment works at Pebsham.
What is going wrong, is the scheme not working correctly?
Or is it your paper only interested in bad stories.
The three outfalls onto the beach at Harold Place. Warrior sq and West St Leonards are from local streams and should be free of sewerage.
Modern housing estates have a two pipe drainage system where foul water from WCs sinks baths etc are kept separate from rain water for roofs and drives.
I understand that a few property owner, who when having work done, have connected WC etc to the rain water drainage system. This system should only be taking rain water to local steams and this is what is thus contaminated them with sewage. HBC and SW are I believe trying to track down the culprits.
I would appreciate the comments of SW on how this scheme is working?

Comment on The Republic of Letters on St Leonards Seafront by nicholas vester

nicholas vester — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 17:39:08 +0000

In reply to Sam Sherborne. Hello Sam, I thought you had gone to live in the Noerh Pole. Where are you? And how come you read this? Would be good to see you Nick

Comment on The Republic of Letters on St Leonards Seafront by Sam Sherborne

Sam Sherborne — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:34:27 +0000

Nick, I still have a book of yours if I have the right Nick Vester. How many can there be?The scum of the Earth’. I would love to get hit back to you one day. All the best Sam of forge days.

Comment on What’s The Plan? by Anna Sabin

Anna Sabin — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:57:17 +0000

Build near transport hubs – like Crowhurst and Three Oaks – and make the new streets car-free with a co-mobility hub on the outside edge of every estate. Then children have streets to play in and grownups have a car to hire when they need one. Build also traffic segregated walking, cycling and bus networks and we will be living in paradise.

And yes – make it public housing with the profit going back to the state – so homes as an asset class go out of fashion asap.

Comment on Local Legend Named UK Professional Driver of the Year by Orangee Ansell

Orangee Ansell — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:09:10 +0000

Thank you so much for posting and reporting this, very kind of you and I am truly grateful.. keep up the amazing work you do for Hastings and the community.

Orangee

Comment on Sea Swimmers Talking Sewage by Caroline Chitty

Caroline Chitty — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:58:25 +0000

Being a year round swimmer, often having to check on spillages, its a disgrace that with technology today we continue to kill our natural habitats and prevent nature to thrive, allowing humans to appreciate what a fabulous planet we have.

Comment on Judge Backs Leaseholders in Vive Tussle by Neville Austin

Neville Austin — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:09:55 +0000

You describe the leaseholdedrs thus ” the majority of leaseholders, being investors who have never set foot in Hastings but bought the studio flats for renting out”. It seems a waste of a building but have any actual tenants of these flats been affected at any time?

Comment on Colonnade Traders Fear Uncertain Future After Cafe Closes by Collete Kennedy

Collete Kennedy — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:48:53 +0000

Rother just keep on mismanaging this site and making life as hard as possible for the traders. The cafe before this last one had been there for donkeys years and was always crammed, 7 days a week. It helped all kinds of local craftspeople and artists sell their stuff, was the heart of the seafront and loved by everybody. Rother threw them out, believing that a major chain cafe would come in and they could get more rent. It never happened and the place was just left empty for ages.

Comment on The Republic of Letters on St Leonards Seafront by R Coldbreath

R Coldbreath — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:53:06 +0000

What a lovely little read this was. And they thank you for your conversation and interest. There’s not too much of either on offer, most of the time.

Comment on NEWS IN BRIEF by Bea Rogers

Bea Rogers — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:06:32 +0000

The proposals for Hastings town centre are really problematic, and nobody has covered this. Increased traffic, pollution and congestion, and obstructions to pedestrians in an area where it gets very crowded at times. HIP, can you look into this?
Bea Rogers

Comment on GP Appointments in Hastings: A Survey by Danny O'Leary

Danny O'Leary — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:32:17 +0000

I can not believe what I have just read. I must be living in a parallel universe. I can not comment on other patients surgeries although I can’t imagine they would be very different from mine, which is either the Beaconsfield Rd Surgery or The Hill Surgery or sometimes Fairlight Rd Surgery and now Ore Clinic Surgery so take your pick. Not only can we not see the same Doctor more than once we never know what surgery we might have to attend. Actually seeing the same Doctor more than once is less of a problem now because you have more chance of attending Buckingham Palace to collect your Knighthood than actually seeing a Doctor nowadays. Best you can hope for is to see a nurse or if you are lucky an Advanced Nursing Practitioner. I requested an appointment with a Doctor on Friday 27th March 2026 and received a call back advising I could get a call back from a Doctor on Tuesday 1st April 2026.Oh how this modern world with modern technology is making all our lives so much better.

Comment on Conquest History to be Rewritten? by Paul Minter

Paul Minter — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:46:05 +0000

Which side Hastings we’re on in the Battle of Hastings 1066 is really important, as I believe it was the deciding element of the whole invasion. Anyone who would like to discuss this further, I live in Bexhill.