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Dany Louise canvassing with james Bacon in last May's local elections. Both were elected.

Dany Louise canvassing with James Bacon in last May’s local elections. Both were elected.

Councillor resigns from Labour over antisemitism concerns

Cllr Dany Louise this week resigned from the Labour Party, citing a “huge rise of antisemitism amongst the Party membership.” However she says she will remain a local councillor sitting as an independent. Nick Terdre reports.

Cllr Dany Louise’s decision to leave the Labour Party reflects at local level dissatisfaction with the party leadership which today led seven MPs to resign from the party over its handling of Brexit and allegations of antisemitism.

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The Jerwood, and arts teaching at school, need a rethink

Tony Harrison, a retired teacher, is less than enchanted with the Jerwood Gallery which he feels enshrines elitist values – though the break-up with the Jerwood Foundation offers a chance for a change of direction. HOT welcomes other points of view on this topical matter.

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HBC's full council debates the climate emergency motion under the chairmanship of Mayor Nigel Sinden.

Climate motion passed by HBC, but Greens disappointed

Hastings now has a climate emergency policy, following the unanimous approval given by the full council last week. A Tory amendment was voted down, and the Greens, who started the climate emergency ball rolling, declared themselves disappointed with the policy. Nick Terdre reports.

The unmistakable facade of the Observer building.

New future about to unfold for Observer building

A new future is about to open up for the former Observer building in Cambridge Road following the exchange of contracts between White Rock Neighbourhood Ventures and the previous owner. A 10-year project to transform the building is envisaged, with a £10,000 Crowdfunder appeal to help kick-start the work. Nick Terdre reports.

The amusement park owner wants to build a new path along the east side of the boating lake, a move that is backed by the Foreshore Trust.

The clarity the Foreshore Trust owes the public is missing

The Foreshore Trust continues to say nothing about the future of foreshore assets, as the Stade pathway application continues. The proposal seeks to reroute the footpath and give land to the amusement park. Bernard McGinley takes another look at a case lacking in defenders.

9 comments

Gill Knight, far left, with some of the audience at her talk (photo: Laurie Holden).

Activist gives eye-witness account of life in Palestine

Hastings resident and activist Gill Knight spoke at a packed Hastings Against War meeting on 5 February about her recent solidarity and fact-finding tour of Palestine. John Enefer reports.

Immerse © Nick Snelling

An artistic, dynamic collaboration

He said, She said is on at the blackShed Gallery, Russet Farm, Redlands Lane, Robertsbridge, East Sussex.TN32 5NG until 16 March, 2019. Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-4.00pm Saturday 10-.4.30.

Constructing a community centre in the Jordan Valley.

Building for peace: first-hand news from Palestine

On Tuesday 5 February Gill Knight, of the Hastings Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Hastings against War, will give an account of an eventful 10 days she spent in Palestine last October on a solidarity and fact-finding tour. HAW’s John Enefer sets the scene.

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Rod Youngs in town to drum up a storm at Jazz Hastings

London-based American drummer Rod Youngs, who will be headlining at this month’s Jazz Hastings’ session on 12 February, has been described as one of the most expressive and adept musicians on the current jazz scene. Julian Norridge looks forward to his visit.

Leonardo Gagliano, General Manager and Jessica Lawrence at Hilton Maidstone present the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People Grant to Tony Dart, CEO of Seeing Ear and Luda Vanina-Dart.

1,000 books for young people with visual impairments

£6,540 has been awarded by DM Thomas Foundation for Young People to help provide 1,000 books adapted for young people with visual impairments to the National Accessible Library run by Seeing Ear. The foundation reports.

(c) Zoe Sim - Gstaad 2017

Seeing trees in a different light

Trees are always an interesting subject for artists and photographers. And a very particular depiction of them can be seen at an intriguing exhibition at the Lucy Bell Gallery. This is not an exhibition concentrating on specific species, more a contemplative riff on the effect of trees on the individual artists. HOT’s Lauris Morgan-Griffiths asked co-curator Lucy Bell about how the exhibition, which she and John Stezaker have been talking about for 18 months, came together.

New houses going up apace on the Archery Ground in St Leonards.

Council set to drop tool for boosting affordable housing

Hastings Borough Council’s plan to introduce a supplementary planning document to encourage the building of more affordable housing is about to be dropped. Meanwhile a planning application shorn of affordable housing has been refused by Rother District Council. Nick Terdre reports.

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Piano competition set to start

If it’s wet and cold and February, it must be that time of year when brilliant young concert pianists from all around the world descend on Hastings to cheer us all up by taking part in the ever more prestigious Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition (HIPCC). Julian Norridge has all the details. Photos by Bob Mazzer.

The landslip area below Rocklands caravan park.

Hands off, HBC – let Natural England form its own opinion!

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Practising English on the West Hill. English lessons for young refugees in East Sussex are safe for another year.

EAL service for school-age refugees reprieved

Following a change of mind by maintained secondary schools, the English as an Additional Language (EAL) service provided to schools by East Sussex County Council has been saved – at least for a year. The news has been widely welcomed, as Nick Terdre reports.

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Questions raied in Liverpool. Now Hastings is being exercised by climate change (photo: Matěj Baťha/Wikimedia Commons).

Climate emergency motion is “meaningless,” say Greens

Labour’s climate emergency motion, to be debated by the full council at its meeting on Wednesday 13 February, is “meaningless,” according to the Greens, who last month announced their support for the adoption of such a policy by Hastings Borough Council. They are now urging all those who want to see urgent action at local level to attend the meeting at Muriel Matters House. Nick Terdre reports.

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Campaign poster from SaveEALS Facebook page.

Dismay as ESCC proposes to close English language service for school-age refugees

East Sussex County Council’s move to close the English as an Additional Language service, a vital resource for school-age refugees, has provoked widespread concern among refugee families and support groups. While possible alternative ways of providing the service are being explored, they are calling on the community to respond to the consultation on the issue, which remains open until Sunday 3 February. Nick Terdre reports.

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ozgen2 350-2

Belly dance sensation Ozgen shakes it all about in aid of HFS

International Master Turkish belly dance sensation Ozgen is coming to Hastings this Valentine’s to perform with Hastings Burlesque and offer workshops to local dancers, in aid of local charity Hastings Furniture Service. Nick Terdre reports.

Hastings Creative Spring

Is digital media for you? Try Hastings’ Creative Spring this half-term

Are you, or do you know anyone, aged 14 to 18, into digital media, and wanting something interesting to do at February half-term? Dominika Hicks runs through the programme for Hastings’ Creative Spring, a great chance to learn about creative media.