HUGH SULLIVAN

The housing estate being built on the site of Ashdown House, the former Department of Work & Pensions office-block off Harrow Lane, is due to accommodate 151 new homes and a fresh Aldi supermarket. The planning permission obtained in January 2022 from Hastings Borough Council also provided for the developers, Chartway Partnerships Group, to build a ground floor community centre below six residential flats within the estate.

But last month, Chartway lodged an application to modify this permission by substituting two more two-bedroom flats for the planned community centre. They claim that there is no “genuine demand” for the community space.

This claim is based upon the findings of a consultation process undertaken by Chartway. In a glossy brochure styled as a ‘Community Engagement Report’, which is lodged on the council’s planning website, they quoted Steve Manwaring, director of Hastings Voluntary Action, as advising that “asking a community group to take on the lease of the building will be more challenging”. He expressed the belief that they should aim for an “anchor tenant model”.

They had then enquired of a number of community groups operating in the area, including Education Futures Trust (EFT), to fulfil this role but did not identify any. They concluded that there is no such interest in the space “at this stage”.

An outside observer might question whether it is rather premature to decide that there is no demand for a community space before the natural community that would use it, namely the 151 households who will shortly be living there, have arrived and taken up occupation. Moreover, there will be another 140 households arriving in due course at the further development on the other side of Harrow Lane.

Manwaring himself commented last week to HIP: “My basic position would be that any large-scale housing development should be accompanied by community infrastructure.”

He added: “The fact that no charity stepped forward to partner on this initiative may have more to do with the capacity of local charities rather than the need for the space to be provided. It has been an extremely challenging period in the charity sector (in terms of funding and operating costs), and it may be the case that the fact that no partner organisation was identified may speak more to the ability of local organisations to manage this project and the risk it might entail. I don’t think it should be inferred that there is any less need for a space.”

A council decision on Chartway’s modification proposal is awaited.

By Erica Smith

Education Futures Trust is currently sending out hundreds of copies of Edward Lear’s Nonsense Songs, Stories, Botany and Alphabets to schools across the town – and more copies are being delivered to home-educated children. The edition has been specially produced by ATownExploresABook for this year’s Edward Lear themed festival. A Nonsense Poetry competition for young poets aged 7-14 has just been launched as part of the festival programme.

Thabo Nyoni is a published poet in his early twenties who is encouraging school children to turn their hands to writing nonsense verse. His three tips
to write a nonsense poem are: Who is your main character? What is your character doing? Where does your character end up?

Thabo says: “Writing is a good way to put on paper the randomness that is in your mind – and it’s a fun way to learn. I challenge you to write a nonsense poem!”

• To enter the competition you must be between 7 and 14 and you need to submit your poem by 15th March 2021. Email it to literacy@educationfuturestrust.org or post it on the Read Your Way Hastings Facebook page. There are categories for primary and secondary schools and the two winners will receive a handwritten version of their poem illustrated
by local artist Ed Boxall.

A green technology Centre of Excellence will be based at the Ore campus of East Sussex College. Plumpton College will partner the Education Futures Trust in setting up a skills hub at the Firs on Elphinstone Road.  Three undeveloped sites on the Churchfields Industrial Estate are earmarked for factory units; another on the Ponswood Estates for “social-purpose” enterprises. 

But investment is otherwise geared to Hastings town centre, with the St Leonards half of the borough getting almost no attention at all. This was widely predicted  – both because the membership of the Board is heavily weighted with interests in and around the Hastings end of town, and because a number of ideas for projects submitted by and on behalf of St Leonards groupings were already known to have been rejected. 

However, to many observers, the oddest idea is the selection of Hastings Castle as, in the words of the Board’s promotional blurb, “our signature, flagship project” that “will capture the imagination…and can drive a step change in the performance of the south coast’s visitor economy”. It is noted that (prior to the Covid pandemic) annual visitor numbers to the castle were around 30,000 and that it does not feature on the itineraries of most tourists “nor do local people understand its importance… It stands as a neglected, inaccessible ruin.” The investment plan involves spending £5.65m, of which £3.5m would be contributed from the Town Deal fund, the rest apparently from English Heritage and/or other publicly funded agencies, to transform it into a tourist destination that “will provide the inspiration to bring Hastings’ visitor offer together”.

Making a comparison with Bodiam Castle and Battle Abbey, which each attract 150,000 annually, and Leeds Castle which soaks up 560,000, the Board’s prospectus laments “the scale of the current missed opportunity”. It calculates that “executed well, a modern interpretative attraction” would pull in 250,000 visitors a year,  1,500 extra jobs and £100m per annum “economic value”. 

Transformation of Hastings town centre into a “Garden Town” also receives an extravagant write-up. Infrastructure for improved walking and cycling throughout the town is promised; so is a “vision, inspired by Great Dixter’s world-famous philosophy of creative ecology, [that] combines horticultural innovation and biodiverse creativity to transform the public realm as an exemplary project in the region”.

Cllr Kim Forward, leader of Hastings Borough Council and herself a Board member, has greeted the submission of the Deal plan with enthusiasm: “It has been a huge undertaking by not only the Town Deal board but also the project team and project leaders to get to this point.  It is a fantastic opportunity for the town to reset our ambitions for regeneration and provides an exciting future for our town to look forward to, offering benefits to all those who live, work and visit.”

The MHCLG will spend the next two to three months assessing the plan before making an “offer” of funding, which could be less than the full sum requested. The board will then start developing detailed business cases for each approved project. Atthat stage, according to the prospectus, “the community will have the opportunity to help shape, influence and
develop some of the detail”.

Despite having his own struggles with homelessness and needing to make an hour-and-a-half round trip, on foot, to get to the EFT, Mark has found his voice since volunteering and chats regularly with staff and volunteers, sharing his learning about birds and plants. 

To raise much needed funding for EFT and to say thank you to the charity, Mark decided to do what he does best and embarked on a 15-mile walk from Eastbourne to Hastings along the shingle beach – no easy feat.

The journey took him 6.5 hours in total, and all funds raised will go towards funding the EFT’s food hampers, which are given to local families in need. “I’m really pleased that I could do this walk,” Mark says. “The Education Futures Trust help people through tough times and have helped me build my confidence. I decided to do a 15-mile walk to help raise funds, so they can carry on the good work they are doing to provide people with food.” 

The Education Futures Trust is a charity helping local families, children and individuals through keyworkers working local in schools to provide alternative and outdoor education with sports, wellbeing, forest schools and conservation. They are also currently providing food hampers to local families to help them through this difficult time.

• If you’re able to donate to Mark’s cause, visit www.localgiving.org/fundraising/markswalk

Hastings-based Education Futures Trust is a charitable organisation seeking to advance education for the public benefit in Hastings and the surrounding area. Working with schools and families, it aims to support the establishment, development and delivery of programmes that will advance education and enable the participants to derive maximum benefit. 

Education Futures Trust has been awarded a grant of £48,642 from the Youth Endowment Fund to support young people at risk of being drawn into violent crime through the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Trust will use the funding to deliver a much-needed youth programme to children at risk. This relationship-based programme will offer children and young people in the local area the chance to participate in activities they have identified as enjoying and will take place in community venues. 

Each week, Education Futures Trust will deliver a half-day course, two after school courses and two online quizzes and competitions, with courses lasting 10-12 weeks and being repeated three times. Eligible young people will have access to one of the courses as well as online sessions each week. 

Carole Dixon, CEO of Education Futures Trust explains: “Young people have told us that they feel isolated and worried, so these activities have been designed to provide a safe place where participants can enjoy challenge, discuss their concerns and learn new skills.” 

“It’s been too easy to forget vulnerable young people during this crisis,” says Jon Yates, Executive Director at Youth Endowment Fund. “The pandemic has removed much of the critical support that many of them rely upon – from teachers to youth workers. This funding will help us find the best way to reach and support these young people when they most need it.” 

The Youth Endowment Fund is an independent charitable trust that funds, supports and evaluates projects in England and Wales which work to prevent children and young people from being drawn into violent crime. 

• For more information on the Education Futures Trust visit educationfuturestrust.org; for information about the Youth Endowment Fund visit youthendowmentfund.org.uk

“Books to the ceiling, books to the sky. My pile of books is a mile high. How I love them! How I need them! I’ll have a long beard by the time
I read them.” – ARNOLD LOBEL

Hastings-based support charity Education Futures Trust (EFT) is delighted to announce that it has been appointed to lead the Get Hastings Reading campaign in 2020 following an award from the Hastings Opportunity Area (HOA).

EFT will continue the campaign begun last year by the National Literacy Trust who ran the campaign during 2018-2019 and looks forward to working with a consortium of partners over the coming year including Culture Shift, FSN, 18 Hours, Hastings Storytelling Festival and the National Social Marketing Centre.

Carole Dixon, EFT’s CEO, commented: “This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the town. The plan of the campaign is to embed reading spaces in our local community venues and make books accessible to all.”

The aim of Get Hastings Reading is to improve literacy standards within the town and inspire children to read for pleasure, with exciting initiatives planned for the year ahead.  EFT and partners will promote a number of ways in which children and young people can freely access books, take part in reading events, and hear from authors and storytellers in an exciting yearlong campaign to fill Hastings with books!

Look out for the Get Hastings Reading book cases, specially designed by local young people for this project, as they pop up at a variety of venues across town.  Children will be encouraged to help themselves to a book to keep or read and pass on, as they develop a life-long love of reading. The first bookshelf was opened at Our Café @Ore, attached to the Ore Community Centre, on 5th October during the Fun Palace event.  

Children can also look out for the huge ‘Talking Heads’ which will be coming to Hollington in December and take part in a young persons’ Word Café. EFT is working towards a target to give 10,000 books away during the Get Hastings Reading campaign and is actively seeking reading ambassadors to help spread the word. In addition, EFT would like to hear from anyone that has good quality books they would like to donate, and also any local businesses that could volunteer as drop-off points for the books, which will be collected and distributed to the young people in Hastings and St Leonards.

• For more information, please contact George Kane on 01424 722241 or email: office@educationfuturestrust.org 

Get Hastings Reading partners, Education Futures Trust: www.educationfuturestrust.org/get-hastings-reading

If you’re a fan of wine and want to raise money for charity, combine the two for EFT’s Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Carr Taylor Vineyard in April. Hastings-based support charity Education Futures Trust (EFT) will be joining forces with the famous Westfield vineyard for a special one-day event, raising vital funds to help local families in need. Guests will get a full afternoon tour around the Carr Taylor vineyard with an experienced guide ending with a tutored wine tasting.

• Sunday 28th April 2019, from 2.30pm. Tickets £15 per person in advance, with all profits to EFT. For tickets and enquiries, please contact Charlotte on 01424 722241

If you are looking to volunteer and would like to work in a cafe environment or outdoors in nature, Hastings based support charity, Education Futures Trust (EFT) would love to hear from you.

A volunteer position is currently available to help run the kitchen and assist customers at EFT’s Our Cafe @Ore, based in Ore Community Centre. Full training will be given, plus the chance to gain accredited qualifications such as Level 2 Food and Safety Certificate and First Aid at Work.

• Other volunteering opportunities with EFT are available. If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact Rae on 01424 722241 / RaeE@educationfuturestrust.org

Earlier this month Hastings witnessed the centenary of the armistice that ended the First World War, but, as noted in last issue’s Community section, we don’t seem to have taken the message of universal peace and prosperity to heart.

Remembrance activities generally remain absorbed in unthinking tradition and, if they don’t glorify military service, they certainly honour the loyalty of soldiers to a cause. What cause that is, we don’t really know. What we do know, however, is that it involves dead young boys and “God Save the Queen”. I still wonder what those lyrics are supposed to mean…God save the leader from damnation for their crimes? Maybe they get an automatic pardon from St Peter for being appointed by the divine.

Anyway, Hastings Against War is a local group committed to showing the human cost of war. They joined Hastings’ Remembrance proceedings to commemorate the deaths of all involved in war: fighters on any side, military personnel and civilians. They noted in an article for Hastings Online Times that their “white poppy wreath has been treated with respect by those conducting the formal ceremony on Remembrance Sunday and remains on show with the wreaths of red poppies.” While the red can sometimes be confused with themes of laudable sacrifice, the white poppy is unashamed in its commitment to the end of conflict. Not only does it remember the past: it makes a commitment to a better future.

A better future isn’t achieved with white poppies alone though. Plenty of people in our town are taking on the broader tasks: social and economic development; the protection of basic rights; guaranteeing a viable food source to those on low incomes; giving advice and aid to the homeless. Transition Town Hastings, Jericho Road, and Hastings Quakers, Education Futures Trust are just a few examples of local organisations working towards co-operation and happier co-existence. These are the people trying to curate a better future for us all, and so they deserve a spotlight.

Therefore, HIP’s online Community section is now setting up an information page on local action groups, to update you with the latest of their brilliant activities. We will also cover local charities and community centres. The set up should be completed by the middle of December, helping to give you some decent reading for the festive season, and find worthy causes for your free time. 

From now on it’ll be remembrance but also active efforts to make memorable things happen, in a good way, all year round.

Energy training lunch
Energise Sussex Coast is offering free training on your lunch break – with pizza thrown in, too! This short course is suitable for people who work with residents who would benefit from extra support keeping their home warm and healthy.

The module will cover how to easily save money on bills through switching, what grants are available (including free winter home checks and energy efficient measures for qualifying groups) and basic DIY energy-efficient ways to help keep homes warmer and cheaper to heat.

All attendees will receive a free home energy monitor worth £50.

The training is funded by the EU Interreg Climate Active Neighbourhoods project and the Big Energy Saving Network.

• 29th November, 12:00 pm-1:30pm. Free hello@energisesussexcoast.co.uk
Venue: Energise Sussex Coast, 17a Silchester Mews, Silchester Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN38 0JB www.energisesussexcoast.co.uk

Secret garden award
Hastings-based support charity Education Futures Trust (EFT) has recently been awarded funds by Sussex Lund. The money has been allocated to a new ‘secret garden’ project at The Firs for local families to enjoy. This ambitious project will see the creation of a wildflower meadow and butterfly garden, bird cams and a weather station, plus a stage, storytelling area and seating. CEO Carole Dixon commented: “We are delighted to receive the Sussex Lund award that will allow the development of the Secret Garden, the first funded project at The Firs. Tucked away to the side of the EFT building, we intend to develop a hands-on, environmental experience for young children and family members. Planting will begin in earnest in November when we receive our hedge and tree packs from the Woodland Trust.”

Sussex Lund is a charitable fund offering support to small-scale practical projects that improve the ecology and landscape within Sussex.

• If you are interested in volunteering your time to this and other EFT projects, please contact Charlotte on 01424 722241 / office@educationfuturestrust.org
For all the latest news and updates: www.facebook.com/EFTHastings and Twitter: @EFT_Hastings

Free environmental management workshop
The Steps To Environmental Management (STEM) scheme is designed for businesses that
want to demonstrate they are working to improve their environmental performance and competitiveness.

Giraffe Innovation Ltd, an eco design consultancy, runs three levels of STEM workshops – blue, silver and gold – in East Sussex, ranging from an introduction to the environmental management system (EMS) right up to full implementation. Issues covered include risk, legal compliance and stakeholder values; measuring your company’s environmental impact and performance; implementing an environmental policy and e-management system; and using environmental credentials and policies to create additional business opportunities.

Workshop in Hastings: Steps to Environmental Management Masterclass, Wednesday 5th December, 9:30am –3:30pm, Ocean House, 87-89 London Rd, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6LW. http://giraffeinnovation.com

Hastings Greenway
An innovative network of linked, almost traffic-free routes that everyone can enjoy for leisure, walking and cycling. Starting at Hastings Town Centre, the proposed Greenway will run 10 miles to Ore, Silverhill, Hollington and Mayfield and the Conquest Hospital. 

Hastings Greenway Group AGM is on Wednesday 21st November. Hear the achievements of the past year and learn of our plans for the future. 7.00pm-9.00pm, White Rock Hotel.

• Hastings Greenway Group Facebook page  info@hastingsgreenway.org

St Leonards on Sea Conservation Area consultation
Hastings Borough Council is keen to hear your views about the St Leonards conservation area. The consultation will run for six weeks, closing at 4pm on Monday 10th December. You can find it here: www.hastings.gov.uk/StLCAA

Kim Forward, lead councillor for regeneration says:  “There will be a drop-in session from 2pm-7pm on Tuesday November 20th at the Kino-Teatr in Norman Road. We encourage online responses but you can see paper copies at both the Tourist Information Centre in Muriel Matters House and at the community contact centre in the Town Hall, where you will also find summary leaflets and comments forms.”

Sussex Lund is a charitable fund offering support to small-scale practical projects that improve the ecology and landscape within Sussex.

Hastings-based support charity Education Futures Trust (EFT) were given a boost recently when they were chosen by Sussex Lund to receive an award. The funds have been allocated to an ambitious new project at the Firs, which will see the creation of a wildflower meadow and butterfly garden, bird cams and a weather station, plus a stage, storytelling area and seating among other exciting features to be revealed.

CEO, Carole Dixon commented, ‘We are delighted to receive the Sussex Lund award that will allow the development of the Secret Garden, the first funded project at The Firs. Tucked away to the side of the EFT building, we intend to develop a hands-on, environmental experience for young children and family members. Hastings Direct and EFT volunteers have started the daunting task of clearing the site, and already this has made a huge difference.

Planting will begin in earnest in November when we receive our hedge and tree packs from the Woodland Trust’.

• If you are interested in volunteering your time to this and other EFT projects please contact Charlotte 01424 722241 / office@educationfuturestrust.org 
• Follow EFT on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news and updates.
www.facebook.com/EFTHastings

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.

Aspiring Chefs, a new initiative funded by Hastings Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) and Education Futures Trust (EFT), aims to give students first hand kitchen experience alongside professional chefs while offering an affordable menu to customers.

The initiative will place an emphasis on sustainable, locally caught fish supplied by Rock-a-Nore Fisheries with fresh produce provided by Tesco Community Champions and FareShare, who redistribute good food otherwise going to waste. The students will be showcasing their culinary talents over a seven week period with money raised helping to fund the course.

EFT coordinator Virginia Sheldrake said of the project; ‘I have been really impressed by the commitment shown by these young people. They are working hard and acquiring skills. Last week they collectively prepared and cooked a three course meal that I would be happy to pay for at any restaurant.”

The Aspiring Chefs pop-up restaurant will be open every Tuesday from 5th June until 17th July (excluding 12th June), 12noon – 2pm with no need to book. For enquiries please call Charlotte on 01424 722241 or email office@educationfuturestrust.org

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A local community café, set up to provide affordable, home-cooked meals for those on low incomes and alleviate food poverty in Ore, will celebrate its first birthday on May 8th.

Our Café @Ore, run by Education Futures Trust (EFT) at the Ore Community Centre, works with trainees and volunteers and offers work experience for people in the local community. Support provided by nearby supermarkets enables costs to be kept to a minimum, allowing customers to pay less for their meals.

“During this year Our Café @Ore has produced a range of healthy meals using ingredients provided by FareShare and local supermarkets. Not only has this reduced food waste but EFT has also been able to offer free meals to those living in food poverty, thanks to a grant from the Park Lane Group. Additionally, we have also been able support a range of young people and adults in the café, where they have gained catering and customer service skills. We look forward to another successful year and welcoming new customers.”  commented EFT’s CEO Carole Dixon.

Our Café @Ore was officially launched with a grand opening party on Tuesday 20th June last year, attended by The Mayor of Hastings, Cllr Judy Rogers. To celebrate the café’s first birthday, Our Café @Ore will be offering a free tea or coffee with every meal purchased until Friday 18th May.

EFT is also keen to hear from anyone interested in joining the cafe team as volunteer. Full training will be provided and accredited qualifications can be achieved.

• For more information please contact Rae Edwards, EFT’s volunteer coordinator
at 01424 722241 or RaeE@educationfuturestrust.org

• The Café is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm at Ore Community Centre, 455 Old London Road, Hastings, TN35 5BH. For more information about Education Futures Trust visit www.educationfuturestrust.org and follow the Facebook page for all the latest news.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article from Hastings Independent. The future of this volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.

From the moment a child is born they begin to learn and absorb information at an incredible rate. From nursery rhymes and stories, which are the building blocks of mathematics and literacy, to developing problem-solving, spatial awareness and social skills, their first teachers are those closest to them: their family or carers. Georgina Kane writes.

Each family comes with its own unique features, its set of values, strengths and stresses. The support network around that core group – their friends, community and wider family – can prove vital in nurturing children and in helping them make the transition to a more formal learning  setting. For a child to thrive at school, he or she needs a safe, stimulating and nurturing home environment.

The resilience of the family unit as a whole, however, can be severely tested by traumatic events such as loss of financial stability, bereavement, parental separation, poor parental mental health, eviction, domestic violence and substance misuse. Where these events impact on a child’s security and their ability to thrive, help from outside the family, ie: the ‘village’ can be crucial.

The Education Futures Trust forms part of the Hastings and Rother village offering a range of services aimed at supporting ‘children and young people……to achieve their social, educational and economic potential’.

Keyworkers, who are funded through individual schools, carry out intensive work with families, helping them to identify positive ways to move forward at the point of crisis, where the stability of the home environment has been perceived to be under threat. Working in close liaison with the school, their work is governed by the needs of the family and may include: supporting families in securing appropriate housing, attending hospital, CAMHs or court appointments, sorting out financial difficulties, locating funding for vital household items or school uniform.

Many of the keyworkers and wider EFT staff are trained in the ‘Triple P’ parenting programme, which is a universal service, offered on an individual or group basis with the objective of promoting positive parenting. The coaching strategies and ‘tip sheets’ used in Triple P help parents to develop a consistency of approach to parenting, which is vital in promoting the attachment and security children need to be able to concentrate and focus on their learning.

Where children need some extra support to raise their self-esteem, help to reduce anxiety or come to terms with loss or bereavement, therapeutic storytelling is offered.

Through parent and toddler groups, which are offered in term-time, pre-schoolers are given the opportunity to explore, play and learn with their peers in a safe and stimulating environment outdoors, helping to prepare them for the school community. Well-known books, such as ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘Stick Man’ are introduced, often using a rhyming format. Groups such as these can help the parent to feel some cohesion with the community and offer ideas for developing play with their own children.

After school and holiday clubs, such as ‘Go Wild’, ‘Sport for Change’ and ‘The Science of Survival’ support primary school-age children in fostering a sense of independence, adventure and curiosity within safe boundaries, encouraging them to play and relax outdoors.

In a constantly changing, often confusing and frightening world, the participation of the village in raising a child by providing stability and a real sense of belonging within the community becomes ever more vital.

• Find out more about EFT on their website www.educationfuturestrust.org, Facebook @EFTHastings or Twitter @EFT_Hastings.

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Local charity Education Futures Trust is offering free outdoor courses and clubs in Hastings. Its new ‘Go Wild!’ project aims to get children exploring and enjoying nature with after-school clubs, holiday activities and parent-toddler groups.

Modern children are spending less time outdoors than ever before. The huge rise in indoor, technology-focused activities has led to our lifestyles becoming increasingly sedentary. Some reports even suggest that children tend to spend less time outdoors than prisoners! The roaming distance children are permitted to play unsupervised has shrunk by 90% in 40 years. Video games, the pressures of school work, parental fears and a decrease in green space have all contributed to a decline in ‘wild play’, leaving our children divorced from nature in their formative years.

The Education Futures Trust after-school woodland club and school holiday outings give children the opportunity to learn navigation and survival skills, indulge in woodland handicrafts, make new friends and otherwise have lots of playtime in the forests. The parent and toddler course also gives parents the opportunity to learn new ways of engaging with their children and nature.

Regular contact with nature has been proven to improve health and wellbeing in people of all ages. Forest school groups led by Education Futures Trust have consistently resulted in improved confidence, self-esteem, resilience, independence and social skills in participants.

The free courses are funded by Sussex Community Foundation and Sussex Coast College and also supported by Church in the Wood and local Tesco community champions. The project will be launched with a free Woodland Fun Day for children aged 8 -14 on February 14th with the after school club and parent and toddler course starting on 21st February. Courses will take place in Church Wood, a spectacular ancient woodland between Hollington and Robsack.

For more information or to book a place contact Charlotte at Education Futures Trust.
Call 01424 722241 or email office@educationfuturestrust.org

We hope you have enjoyed reading this article from Hastings Independent Press. The future of this volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.