Voices from Founder Members and Contributing Members
As part of our 10th anniversary celebrations, we are including thoughts from some of the original founders and others who have contributed along the way. One of the founding members was the poet Pete Donohue, and he is still working with us as Literature Section Editor (read one of his poems on page 11).
We owe a huge debt to the enthusiasm of those who got the paper off the ground and helped keep it going. This is what they said.
Sam Kinch
founder member and former director
When HIP started back in 2014 on the back of the financial crisis, phone-hacking scandal and three years of coalition government, we could all feel that Hastings was changing in ways which we couldn’t quite put a finger on. It was exciting but with a vague hint of threat. We’d seen what gentrification was doing to similarly deprived London boroughs and it felt as if Hastings was venturing down the same path: HIP was part of our response.
At the time of the newspaper’s launch, we did everything we could to appeal to readers from across the board. Newcomers or Hastingers, we didn’t really care, but what we did try to make sure of was that, provided you weren’t out-and-out libellous, or doing anything to attack or talk down vulnerable groups, we would act as a platform for your voice.
In the years since we started, Hastings has changed in ways that perhaps we never expected. Some of that change is for the better, bringing new energy and ideas and passions, but some of that change risks tolling the death knell for the creativity and activism which launched the paper in the first place.
HIP itself seems to be feeling impacts from those changes. The average age and level of financial stability of volunteers has changed significantly as the cost of living and generalised insecurity has increased. The impacts this has had on the editorial position are noticeable, a more ‘grown-up’ voice has emerged, for good or ill.
Regardless, it’s a joy to know that something started 10 years ago, in a pub that no longer exists, by a group of people (some of whom are sadly no longer with us, others having been priced out of town) lives on without us. Here’s to another 10 years.
Paul Osmond
founder member and former director
Who’d have thought that an off-the-cuff comment to Sam saying: “We should start our own newspaper” would result in the formation of Hastings Independent Press. At the time, I’d envisaged something akin to Private Eye meets The Anarchist Cookbook, but that kind of thing is frowned upon and probably wouldn’t have mileage and, these days, attracts a prison sentence. However, after many meetings, we gathered together a great team of friends, all with a gritty determination to take back control of our local press.
We had a very clear vision. We wanted a fluid movement of editors, contributors and directors, which would help keep the content and opinions expressed fresh and not become too stymied by one editor or the directors. No one should gatekeep the local press. The fact that 10 years later the paper is still going is a testament to all those who have and continue to volunteer their time and skills.
Kate Renwick
former director and arts editor
I was asked to write a short and light-hearted piece about the birth of the paper, and of course I jumped at the chance to do so. Then I struggled with what story I wanted to tell. It occurred to me after a few days of really wrestling with it, that my writer’s block was down to the word ‘light-hearted’. I don’t think it’s possible for me to convey the urgency and passion that each contributor possessed that brought about the birth of HIP. I can tell you that fun was had, but that was also due to the nature of its creation.
There are so many stories to tell as each person involved had their own motivations. For me, the paper represented resistance, a small whisper of revolution. We were taking on the vastness of Johnston Press, the company that owned 75% of all local newspapers at that time. The right-wing ‘local rags’ in nearly every town in the UK, printed by one media conglomerate.
Our very first meeting was at the Union Bar, a now legendary pub, sadly one of many consumed by the inevitable gentrification of the town, that we were so painfully aware of at the time. The first meeting had coincided with an established anarchist group meeting, which will give you some idea of where the paper was politically when it started.
Those months running up to our first issue were a mix of fevered excitement, terror, and finally joyful disbelief when we succeeded. It was a mammoth effort, one I think none of us were prepared to duck out of. Then when pouring our celebratory drinks it dawned on us all that we had to do it all again – but this time we only had two weeks!
It was like this for a long time, a good couple of years of financially winging it while reaching for the stars. It was, for me, one of the best times of my life, whilst also being one of the most stressful. I can’t imagine the years of rollercoaster that have come since those days. I don’t imagine it’s any easier than it was back then.
I no longer live in Hastings, so I don’t have access to the paper now, but I hope it runs forever and I hope it never stops reaching for the stars and planting its seeds of revolution.
Happy birthday HIP!
Alan Bolwell
former director and politics/news editor
What was great about working on the Hastings Independent was that it used to have politics. It used to be an alternative to the right-wing sludge of media working its way downriver with the rest of the sewage.
Sarah Young
former politics editor
Being a part of Hastings Independent Press at the beginning felt so exciting. Volunteering on the Politics section during a period of such immense social change for the town was a highlight. We ran Q&A with local candidates in the run up to the general election, as well as covering the Brexit vote.
I’m going to unashamedly say that when we held a Hustings and Amber Rudd got absolutely put through her paces by residents, that was a good day. When you have a group of people together who love where they live, are aware of the issues and want to enact positive social change, that’s a very powerful thing.
HIP meeting during the pandemic.
The roots of the paper were based on giving the town the media coverage it needed and deserved – there were lots of things to care about. I loved the meetings. They changed location but at one point ended up in the Horse and Groom and are amongst some of my fondest memories. We got stuff done but also had a few pints and a lot of fun.
It was an eclectic group of people, some with very niche interests and experiences and there was room for that. It gave me an appreciation for how unique the town is and how many people wanted to make good things happen – often being innovative and stretching resources to bring creativity, moments that felt magic or make life a bit more bearable for others.
Congratulations to HIP volunteers who have made sure the paper has reached its tenth year. I’m not living in Hastings but always pick up a copy when I’m back and it’s still such a good read. More than ever, I think that local journalism is hugely important and am pleased to see important topics being covered, and challenges made, as well as passion for what is a very special place to live.
Katie Rogers
former content coordinator, contributor and sub-editor
Firstly, Happy 10th Anniversary HIP! What an incredible achievement for an independent, community-led, volunteer-run newspaper.
I joined HIP when it was relatively in its infancy, when the meetings took place at The Tub, a pub I once frequented as a teenage something! A recent English Language graduate, I wanted to continue my skills in writing and learning more about what was involved in working with a newspaper; the fact this was a community-led publication celebrating my hometown felt like a perfect fit.
My key memories are of the HIP people at the time, Cathy often leading each issue, making the most of the scramble of people and pieces involved. Kate, Paul, Jon, Alan, Sam and the gang, ensuring we all had the heart of the paper intact, our town and the residents.
Gathering of an evening, chatting mostly about what was going on in the town, the good news as much as the bad. There was an overwhelming sense of wanting to showcase the real spirit of Hastings, the artists, the charities, the projects, the music and food scene, the events!
I started contributing some small features in the Community section, and eventually took on other roles with photography, section editing, and eventually editing the newspaper as a whole. As is the nature of newspapers, it could feel chaotic, rushed, but always fun.
I am sure I still have some of the issues I worked on somewhere. It is wonderful to see the HIP spirit continuing all these years later.
Let’s face it, Hastings is a rather unique and kooky place, and the mainstream newspapers at the time weren’t always doing the best job of highlighting it; HIP very much took up that neglected mantle and worked tirelessly to make each issue happen. Hastings at its best.
Ade Peachment
former listings editor
Those who believe in Telekinesis, raise my hand! Hastings is blessed with numerous musicians, promoters, bands, DJs, and artists; so when HIP offered me the keys to the Listings Bunker I jumped. An honour to document such a rich and talented music scene via samizdat newsprint. Wandering streets, jotting down events, emailing and texting, endeavouring to create the definitive gig calendar for the most musical borough in the UK.
The palpable excitement before Jack in the Green, Fat Tuesday, Pirate Day, and The Frat Cave/Beatwave were slavishly documented, and Flairz was always a terrible name. I saw Krautrock legends below Borough Wines, played records to Hells Angels and pagan flower folk, drank responsibly throughout bonfire season and raved about Riddles: a dark force of nature (RIP). Watched Kid Kapichi unplugged at SEED, danced the Argentine Tango, and plugged The Piercings, Marie White Band, Sine Waves and The Lennys. I experienced The Roomz Psych-fest, checked out the Funk and Soul of Voodoo, led the Pier to Eternity Acid House bike ride, and skanked with the Dub Generals.
I forever banged on about Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell: “English tribal grease rock channelling the true spirit of Stonehenge era Hawkwind and Motorhead” and danced until dawn at Remi’s Body Circus. Interviewed Sir Norman Jay and documented every essential gig down The Union Bar. Attended the filming of King Size Slim, Matilda’s Scoundrels and Maid of Ace videos, and checked out Puffy Fetlock and Lil’ Vinegar Stroke spitting carnage at the Silverhill Abyss. Got all Balearic with Los Twangueros at Trago, sang shanties, followed Dr Savage’s coffin procession, and supported psychedelic troubadours Ceyote. It was one hell of a ride.
Jon Dunham
former sales director and listings editor
Due to a bit of media sales experience from my London days, when I saw a Facebook message about a start-up newspaper, I thought I’d see if I could help. And so it started: from a cold and derelict basement office in what would become Rock House, I got on the phone and managed to drum up some advertising business. It soon dawned on me how important this free-of-charge paper could be for independent traders to promote themselves to the local community.
Although brought into the fold to fill this commercial gap, it soon became apparent that it was all hands on deck, as I soon helped collate the Listings section and eventually took over the all-important Tidal Times. I recall one night at the Horse & Groom, a gentleman took out a hand-torn section of the tidal times from his wallet, stating it was his go-to guide for future dog walks. I couldn’t have been more proud!
Another well respected artist said the paper reminded him of the legendary Village Voice in New York, as HIP covered the counterculture and was never afraid to be politically aware. During an event on the Pier to celebrate Hastings Independent’s 100th issue, the question was asked to local dignitaries: Which one word summed up the paper? The majority of responses were simply ‘community’. However, the answer from the then Hastings Borough Council Cultural Regeneration Manager, came: “Bolshy!”.
I remember thinking, “Our work here is done.” Being a volunteer for the paper opens up the opportunity to learn new skills and be a part of something unique. In these times of fake news, oligarch-owned, biased press and social media click-bait rabbit holes, it’s a blessing that Hastings has this independent voice, written by the community, for the community.
Michelle Shakesby
former director and art director
Heavily pregnant, I met Colin, Zoya and Jon Dunham in a random pub on a random Wednesday in 2016 and got the first issue out the following Monday. I somehow then only missed a couple of issues, to give birth, during the next seven years.
Thinking back to some of the highlights, the opportunity to be a key organiser of the HIP Election Hustings of 2019, was up there. The event was fully booked and grabbed the attention of the press, both local and national, for some “interesting” comments on the night.
Another highlight was a transformative programme called the “Organisation Workshop.” These workshops weren’t just about honing professional skills; they were about empowering and uplifting members of our community who may traditionally not have accessed resources like this. Witnessing individuals from varied backgrounds gain practical experience and confidence was very fulfilling. It showcased HIP at its best, with a commitment to inclusivity and social impact – not “just a local newspaper” but a force for positive change.
Of course, working on a deadline-focused publication with a flat democratic structure also brought its challenges… A phrase that came to mind, often, was ‘herding cats’. I am happy to say, we were always more or less on time – even if I have a few more grey hairs to show for it.
As an independent publication, there were a lot of strong opinions around the table – some of which were not always to my taste – but that’s democracy! I hope HIP continues to provide an independent voice for Hastings for the next 10 years and wish it the best.
Kim Batty
former food and arts editor
I got involved with HIP when my daughter started school. I had become quite lonely from the constraints of being a single parent, which had eroded my confidence. I was a journalist and copywriter before having my daughter, so I offered to volunteer with HIP. The first meeting I had was really fun, getting involved in all the discussions and planning, I felt included and ready to write again. I became the Food Ed and then the Arts Ed. As well as lifting me out of quite a low point, it kick started my writing again, which is a big part of my job – and I met some great people. My quite ‘out there’ writing style seemed well received, and sometimes I did a cartoon or two – Thank you HIP.
Simone Witney
former director and features editor
I joined in the second/third year, made good friends, leant a lot about conflict resolution – especially when to keep quiet – and developed some skills I wasn’t sure I had. This led to the projects I’m involved in now, and to my moving away to Edinburgh. Here in Scotland, farmers are restoring meanders to straightened rivers as it is understood that this organic form is vital for the environment and wildlife to flourish. Everyone who has been involved in HIP is familiar with the vulnerabilities of an organic structure, but this, and the individuals who have worked on it have been essential to the flow of its survival and character. I’m super proud to have been part of this articulate, inclusive and resilient paper.
Andrew Myers
former arts editor
Happy 10th birthday, HIP!
I’m so grateful for the time I spent as co-editor of the Arts pages, somewhere between 2018 and 2020. The exhilaration/panic at the sight of two blank pages that needed filling by Wednesday still hasn’t left me – I was always a fan of the Very Large Photo! Such a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the town.
Particular highlights were getting the chance to interview some great artists and musicians, including sax legend Trevor Watts and composers Chris White and Polo Piatti. But probably my masterpiece was managing to write a 900-word review of a gig I wasn’t even allowed into.
Ultimately, I couldn’t sustain working for HIP alongside the dreaded 9 to 5, but I still look back with pride. Sadly, I haven’t written a word since – but now you’ve got me thinking…
Força, HIP – Hastings is lucky to have you!
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. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply