A Brighter Day arrives

Local resident, documentary film maker, festival organiser,  anthropologist and music-producer, Keith Rodway contacted HOT to say that the CD he was commissioned to produce for Citizens Advice 1066 – with uplifting songs from local people – is now ready and available to purchase. Songs of hope and optimism with a message: whatever’s happening, don’t give up. HOT’s Zelly Restorick writes.

The CD is called Brighter Day, from the title of one of the included songs by singer- songwriter and extremely talented guitarist, Stevie Stone – a well-known and well-liked face and voice on the local music scene. This particular song was inspired by the visit of a stranger (who later became a friend) at a time of musical drought and grey day mood. The visit catalysed the return of his musical muses – and Brighter Day was born. A truly beautiful song, sung with heartfelt sincerity and passion.

Stevie says that his ultimate pleasure – one of them – is to bring joy to people, to reach them in some positive way through his music and make their day a brighter one.

“I offered to compile the CD as my friend and long-term musical collaborator, Alan Bruzon, is area manager for the CAB,” said Keith. “He produced one for the Eastbourne branch of CAB and so I offered to do the same for Citizens Advice 1066.

“We have a fundraiser at the Printworks on Sunday 30 September. Anyone who would like to perform should contact me either via Facebook, or my email address: keith.rodway2@gmail.com.”

Want to buy the CD?

The CD is on sale at:

    Wow and Flutter, Trinity Street
Sea Kale Cafe, London Road, St Leonards
Bookbuster, Queen’s Road
Borough Wines, Robertson Street
Deano’s Music Shop, Claremont

And Keith will soon be taking them to shops in the Old Town.

See also previous HOT article: Seeking inspirational musicians.

Citizens Advice 1066

Citizens Advice 1066 is a local charity which provides help at the heart of the community. The service is available to everyone in the community of Hastings and Rother. Each year CA 1066 helps around 7,000 people who have, between them, 22,000 issues. The service is run by 15 paid staff and around 50 volunteers who are assessors, advisers, receptionists, administrators and research and campaigns workers. If these volunteers were paid at the going rate, it would cost over £300,000 a year.

Citizens Advice aims to help with any type of enquiry and if they can’t find an answer they aim to find someone who can. At present the main enquiries are benefits problems including sickness and disability benefits and Universal Credit, debt, housing problems, employment issues, consumer problems, family and personal matters, immigration, utilities and more.

Advice can make a major difference to people’s lives by relieving stress, gaining additional income, helping people get the benefits they are entitled to, restoring financial stability, helping people stay in their homes, deal with family breakdown and access to children, sort out problems at work and stay in employment, challenge unfair practices and discrimination. These things benefit the wider community and increase community resilience.

As well as giving advice, CA 1066 also gather information about the problems people are facing and look out for unfair policies or practices and campaign to change or improve these. These can be local issues or national issues.

There are many ways in which you can support the work of Citizens Advice 1066 – you can make a donation, help fundraise, you can volunteer or follow them on social media: Twitter@Hastings1066CAB or Facebook.com/citizensadvice1066. You can contact them by phone on 03444 111 444 or send a message via www.citizensadvice1066.co.uk or drop-in to the office at Renaissance House, London Rd, Saint Leonards-on-Sea TN37 6AN.

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