Hastings has gained several new councillors in the last two rounds of local elections, including three new Green Party representatives in May. One of them, Glenn Haffenden, presents his councillor diary, looking back at his first three months in office.
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For the first time since the Cold War ended, the annual Hiroshima Day event last weekend took place against the background of a war in Europe that has the potential of escalating into nuclear conflagration. John Enefer of Hastings Against War, which organises the event, reports.
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While exploring Beauport Park woods, Chris Bell, a retired architect and Zoom Arts member living in St Leonards, discovered a monument, now sadly neglected among a cluster of holiday chalets, built by a previous owner of the woods in the 19th century in honour of his departed wife. The writer laments such poor treatment of our building heritage.
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The very first August Bank Holiday was in 1872. In Hastings, that was the day that Hastings Pier opened. 150 years later to the day, there was a party. Bernard McGinley reports.
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You have until 4.30pm this Sunday – 14 August – to visit this extraordinary installation at Zoom Community Arts Gallery. HOT’s Erica Smith sings the praises of this installation piece – the third of three excellent exhibitions by women artists in this tiny, accessible, white cube gallery.
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HOT’s Judy Parkinson spoke to Irina Brook in advance of her exhibition, My Mother, My Shadow at Electro Studios.
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Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February we have all learned so much about Ukraine. Coming up for six months since the war started we now know where it is geographically, about its exports – it is a major exporter of food crops, wheat, maize and barley, and sunflower oil, as well as wood. And, importantly, the resilience of its people. HOT’s Lauris Morgan-Griffiths learnt that through a direct link Kyiv artist Dasha Podoltseva of Seria_project is collaborating with local theatre company ExploretheArch to recreate the atmosphere of the apartment blocks, Panelkas, to produce innovative, experiential theatre.
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Applications are now open for a second round of grants to support local food projects from the Hastings & Rother Food Network. Matt Pitts, communications officer for Hastings Voluntary Action which facilitates the network, explains.
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Hastings Borough Council has taken two important steps towards boosting the town’s supply of affordable homes, following an application by Orbit Homes and ilke Homes to build 140 affordable properties on the Harrow Lane site, while the Council resumed its own career as a registered provider by undertaking to make affordable properties for rent available at York Buildings in the town centre. Report by Nick Terdre, graphics by Russell Hall.
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HOT’s Paul Way-Rider takes a look at some of the shows coming up in August and September at the White Rock Theatre.
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After a break of two years the Garden Full of Cultural Delights makes a welcome return to its usual setting of St Leonards Gardens on Sunday 7 August, reflecting the diversity of our local community. On offer will be food from around the world, music and other entertainment, and stalls highlighting issues of the moment, as John Enefer describes.
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July turned out to be a meteorological record-breaker for Hastings, as the town recorded its driest ever month and hottest ever day. Its location by the sea, however, spared it the extreme heat suffered elsewhere. Nick Terdre reports.
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There is a happening new two-part show at Project 78 in Norman Road. HOT’s Judy Parkinson sought out the artist to discover more.
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This weekend (Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July) is your last opportunity to visit two complementary exhibitions about the natural environment at Electro Studios Project Space in Seaside Road. Erica Smith goes for a walk in the woods.
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PhotoHastings has really established a creative hub for photographers in Hastings. By founding the organisation it has shown there are talented professional and amateur photographers in the town and its support and encouragement have given many photographers the confidence to produce innovative work and to stage exhibitions. HOT’s Lauris Morgan-Griffiths went along to see the summer exhibition at Stade Hall.
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