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Some of the current HOT team: back row, from left, Paul Way-Rider, Erica Smith and Bernard McGinley; front, Nick Terdre, Zelly Restorick and Nick Weekes.

HOT NEEDS HELP!

We are unsure what our future will be when our long-standing editor Nick Terdre retires from active duty at the end of November, writes the HOT collective.

HOT has always been run by a small core of part-time volunteers, and while we have rarely been short of articles, we also rely on our members to perform the tasks of loading up others’ stories to our website’s WordPress editing window and proofing/sub-editing them. All articles are also checked by a third person before being published. Continue reading…

Hastings Jews for Justice host a free film and discussion evening

Richard Wistreich from Hastings Jews for Justice previews a film night at Stade Hall on Saturday 8 November.

The Scientist

Legendary dub master The Scientist performs at the Henry Ward Hall

Hastings prepare for a Spooktacular Halloween night of heavyweight dub and deep bass frequencies as world-renowned dub producer The Scientist takes to the stage at Henry Ward Hall on Friday 31st October. Lisa Quinn of Mikes List supplies the spine-chilling details.

Tom Lehrer remembered: an interview with Chris Connelly and Tim Whelan

Tom Lehrer, the great satirical singer, died in July 2025, prompting many eulogies and memories from writers. Chris Connelly and Tim Whelan are celebrating his work with Jude Montague and members of the Albion Skiffle Company on Thursday 6 November. Jude Montague talks to both about Tom Lehrer’s toe-tapping and witty songwriting.

St Leonards man pleads ‘not guilty’ to Terrorism Act charge for holding sign referencing ‘Palestine Action’

A St Leonards resident charged under the Terrorism Act for holding a sign in Parliament Square bearing the words ‘I support nonviolent resistance. I support Palestine Action. I oppose genocide’ entered a plea of ‘not guilty’ at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday (15 October).

Plans to bring a scrap store to Hastings gain momentum

Would a scrap store be a useful resource for Hastings? The town has had them before and now moves are afoot to start another one. A public meeting on Thursday 23 October will test the waters. Nick Terdre reports.

Lindsay Jayne, at 80, makes a film

Lindsay Jayne, at 80, is feeling somewhat alienated from the world. So she wrote her first play and then made a film of the dress rehearsal: A Spectacular Interview. It is due to screen at the White Rock Theatre on 25 October. She explained to Nick Terdre how it all came about.

Reform and Labour neck-and-neck in by-election battle

The untimely death last month of Peter Pragnell, the Conservative county councillor for the Ashdown & Conquest division in Hastings, has resulted in a by-election to choose his replacement. In what until now has been a safe Tory seat, this provides an opportunity for Reform UK to test whether its lead in the polls translates into electoral success. Text by Nick Terdre, research and graphics by Russell Hall.

Sophie Barber in front of her painting of her painting of the sea. Taken by LMG

Three exhibitions at Hastings Contemporary

There are three new exhibitions at the Hastings Contemporary – three for the price of one – and each one of them very fresh and exciting. Of the three artists I had only known the work of one, Michael Landy, of YBA fame. The other two, Sophie Barber and Isabel Rock, were completely new to me. The shows have been well curated; two very colourful exhibitions, while in the middle gallery there is a restful pause of Michael Landy’s drawings. HOT’s Lauris Morgan-Griffiths was pleasantly surprised by the quality of all three artists.

Hastings Storytelling Festival returns with the theme of Welcome

The Hastings Storytelling Festival is back on Friday 17 October, filling the town with tales, music, dance and performance for all ages for ten days. There are events across Hastings and St Leonards – many of them free – this year’s programme celebrates openness, connection and community through the power of storytelling. Erica Smith gets ready for storytime.

Free energy advice drop-ins at the Pebsham Community Hub

Local community benefit society Energise Sussex Coast (ESC) will be holding two free energy advice drop-in sessions at the Pebsham Community Hub (70 Seabourne Road, Bexhill, TN40 2SW) on Wednesday 15 October and Wednesday 29 October. Both sessions will run 9.30–11am. ESC’s Gabriel Carlyle explains what sort of things they can help you with.

Your Party successfully launches in town

Supporters of Your Party, which is being formed by leftwingers disillusioned with the Labour government, and perhaps with party politics in general, enjoyed a successful inaugural meeting in St Leonards last week. Next up is a rally to be held at Horntye sports centre on 18 October when the party’s co-founder Jeremy Corbyn will be in attendance. Nick Terdre reports.

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Chamber music festival returns with nature theme

The 2025 Hastings Chamber Music Festival is back with its most ambitious and varied programme to date, offering a vibrant mix of four chamber music concerts that span an impressive 350 years of repertoire, from the Baroque to contemporary works. Nick Terdre explores what is on offer.

Middle aged woman looking intrigued

Doctor Who, Murder She Wrote and more small screen gems: TV Festival 2025

TV Festival is back at the Electric Palace cinema this 9-12 October, says Annie Waite. This annual festival of communal TV watching, discussion and reminiscence includes a popular Doctor Who event, a focus on Graham Greene, and celebrating crime sleuthing onscreen with a Murder She Wrote special!

Local UNA branch to propose peace solution for Palestine

The Bexhill and Hastings branch of the United Nations Association will hold a public seminar on 25 October to discuss issues of war and peace, when it will put forward a proposal for how peace could be secured in Palestine. Bea Rogers explains the thinking behind the session.

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Hastings Jews for Justice condemn Manchester killings

Hastings Jews for Justice has issued the following statement condemning the attack at a synagogue in Manchester yesterday.