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  • Detail from the cover of Cancelled Confessions

    Claude Cahun at the Electric Palace

    This Sunday (15 December), Susan de Muth is launching a new translation of writings by the remarkable surrealist Claude Cahun with readings and a special film screening at the Electric Palace. Erica Smith looks forward to finding out more about a woman who was challenging gender norms through her art a century ago. Continue reading…


    ‘Standing Up For Nature’ –  Community meetings to discuss housing crisis

    On Sunday 1 December, I went along to the first ‘Standing Up For Nature’ discussion group where approximately 40 people shared their views on housing needs, nature conservation and the new HBC local plan. Dee Williams reports. 

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    The White Rock Theatre facade at dusk

    White Rock Theatre – ‘Non User’ survey

    Have you been to the White Rock Theatre, Hastings in the last 2 years? If not, the new venue operator, The Guildhall Trust, would like to hear from you and there’s a chance to win 2 tickets to a show of your choice!

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    Liz Gilmore, director of Hastings Contemporary, to stand down after 14 years

    HOT’s Judy Parkinson spoke to Liz Gilmore about her decision to move on after 14 years at the helm of Hastings Contemporary to become CEO at The Sherborne, a new landmark gallery in the eponymous Dorset town, in March 2025. In Hastings she established the gallery’s reputation nationally as a leading innovator of artistic interpretation and engagement.

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    HBC website brought down by cyber attack again

    Hastings Borough Council’s main website  was put out of operation on Thursday 5 December, by a repeat attack from the same pro Russia hacktivist group which brought it down temporarily in late October. Nick Terdre reports, research by Russell Hall.

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    The end of our Alley Way Learning programme is here and it’s time to celebrate!

    Alley Way Learning is coming to the end of its three month pilot offering accessible learning to the local community. HOT’s Erica Smith, who is also part of the Alley Way Learning steering group, invites you to the wrap-up party next Tuesday, 10 December from 1–4pm at the Observer Building.

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    The Unthanks winter concert at White Rock Theatre this Friday

    Erica Smith was excited to learn that The Unthanks are bringing wintery songs to Hastings on Friday 6 December. The perfect way to conjure up the Yuletide vibe.

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    Destination Hastings for the Baton of Hope

    The Baton of Hope, a campaign aimed at engaging people on the taboo topic of suicide, is coming to Hastings as part of its second national tour in Autumn 2025. Chris Connelley sets the scene…

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    Carols for all with Hastings Philharmonic Choir

    Hastings Philharmonic Choir present their annual Carols For All concert on Saturday 14 December at the beautiful Victorian Christ Church in Silchester Road, St Leonards-on-Sea starting at 5pm. It will be the culmination of a successful year, says press officer Gareth Simpson, who also has advance information on the choir’s offering for 2025.

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    Museum event to mark UN’s day of disabled people

    To mark UN International Day of Disabled People on Tuesday 3 December, local disabled activists have organised an event at Hastings museum with short talks, spoken word performances and refreshments, as they explain.

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    The Frost Fair through JJ Waller’s eyes

    If you had sharp eyes, you might have spotted photographer JJ Waller as he documented the folk of St Leonards enjoying Saturday’s Frost Fair. The sky was overcast, but that didn’t stop the streets of St Leonards from shimmering with frosty whites and multi-colours.

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    Much to enjoy at the greenhouse group’s Christmas market

    There will be festive cheer and celebration for the achievements of the past year at Alexandra Park Greenhouse Group’s Christmas Market, as Lynda Foy explains.

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    Christmas concert featuring Sound Waves and Acapella Bellas at All Saints

    Joy to the World, a concert featuring festive music from around the world provided by Sound Waves Community Choir and Acapella Bellas, will be staged at the Hastings Old Town church of All Saints on Friday 13 December, Nick Terdre reports.

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    Sunday Service – singing the praises of writing courses at Hastings Contemporary

    HOT’S Judy Parkinson met a worship of writers just as they had completed a three-week writing course at Hastings Contemporary.  There are a few terms to describe a group of wordsmiths, but top of the list is worship which seems fitting for this select flock, who assembled for three Sundays in Hastings Contemporary, a place of quiet contemplation, learning and veneration. 

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    Free Hastings Energy Champions training at the White Rock Hotel

    Energise Sussex Coast is holding a free one-day training for Hastings & St Leonards residents ‘passionate about making a difference’ to their local community. Energise Sussex Coast’s Gabriel Carlyle explains what will be happening.

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    Special ‘Winter Fuel Payment drop-in’ at Bexhill Senior Citizens Club

    Volunteers are distributing 5,000 fliers in Bexhill this week urging pensioners to check their eligibility for pension credit and apply before the 21 December deadline. Energise Sussex Coast’s Gabriel Carlyle reports.

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