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  • © LMG Emily Mackey's sculpture with shadow

    Emily Mackey’s sculpture with shadow (photo: Lauris Morgan-Griffiths).

    Deep Time stories at Hastings Museum

    Who knew that it was 200 years since the naming of a dinosaur known as Iguanodon? It was the second dinosaur ever to be named; the first being a Megalosaurus, yet the term dinosaur was not coined until 1842. Who knew? Certainly not HOT’s Lauris Morgan-Griffiths.

    It sparked my interest, as it has the SoCo Artists’, a local voluntary, artist led organisation that supports artists in their practice and holds regular exhibitions. When the group settled on the idea for a show about the Iguanodon and the local geology, Hastings Museum generously gave them access to respond to its geological collection; the result being a challenging, innovative exhibition, Stories from Deep Time. 

    I have to admit that I didn’t even known what an Iguanodon was until I heard about this exhibition – you learn something every day. It is the 200th anniversary of the naming of the dinosaur known as Iguanodon. Continue reading…


    Elections off as Sussex put on fast track to devolution

    Sussex has been chosen to join the fast track to a mayoral authority, the county council elections due to be held in May postponed along the way. The news was welcomed by the East Sussex County Council leader Keith Glazier, and deplored by the Hastings Borough Council leader Julia Hilton. Nick Terdre reports graphics by Russell Hall.

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    Patron supports Hastings International Piano with concert and new composition

    Hastings International Piano is delighted to announce that its patron, the internationally-renowned concert pianist Sir Stephen Hough, will give a fundraising recital in support of the organisation at Fairlight Hall on Saturday 1 March, as well as composing a new five-minute work which every competitor reaching the second stage in the 2026 competition will play. Nicky Webb reports

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    St Michael’s Hospice needs you – for the Hastings Half Marathon

    The Hastings Half Marathon will be run on Sunday 23 March, a great opportunity for local charities to boost their fundraising by recruiting sponsored runners to support them. Well ahead of the competition this year, at least in notifying HOT of their intentions, was St Michael’s Hospice, as Nick Terdre reports.

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    The next leap forward in creating a Neighbourhood Plan for West St Leonards

    Over the winter, huge steps have taken place in planning the future of West St Leonards. Patricia Walton from the West St Leonards Neighbourhood Forum shares the latest news – and a date to add to your diaries.

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    Women’s Voice talks climate change

    Hastings’ women’s group, Women’s Voice, holds its AGM this Thursday, 6 February. The AGM will be followed by an event led by Women’s Environmental Network. Chiara Capraro from Women’s Voice highlights why climate change is a feminist issue.

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    Jewish, Zionist: what is the difference?

    Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Jewish, Zionist, non-Zionist and anti-Zionist? And what it actually means to be antisemitic? A clear insight is provided in Marilyn Garson’s new book, Jewish not Zionist, says Felicity Laurence. A talk and discussion with the author will be held on 15 February at White Rock Hotel.

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    Valentine’s concert with Hastings Sinfonia

    Hastings Sinfonia and friends are delighted to present our annual Valentine’s Concert on Saturday 15 February at St John the Evangelist Church, St Leonards-on-Sea, writes Alexandra Hudson. We have a thrilling programme for you that spans the centuries, offering melodies you know and love and introducing beautiful new romantic works.

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    Like Hastings 3, journalists arrested for supporting Palestine

    Being moved by the plight of Gazans is not a response without consequences. Among those who found out the hard way are the Hastings 3, charged in the course of a peaceful protest against an arms supplier to Israel. So are a number of journalists and writers who have been arrested under terrorism laws after commenting on the issue. A parliamentary petition to end the threat of such actions to free speech has been launched. Nick Terdre reports.

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    A man and a woman in bed

    Valentine’s Week 2025 top film picks

    The Electric Palace cinema is perfect for romance, with its velvet-clad surroundings and welcoming vibe. So if you’re looking for Valentine’s inspiration, support one of the best independent cinemas in the country and head over to Hastings Old Town to make your Valentine’s week extra special this year. Check out the treats on offer, says Annie Waite.

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    Old Bathing Pool development: will the community voice be heard?

    There was a steady throng of people passing through the West St Leonards Community Centre last Saturday to view suggestions for development at the Old Bathing Pool site. As developers look set to present their plans to HBC, will the local community get a seat at the table? Dee Williams reports. 

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    Jazz Hastings presents Dave Manington’s Riff Raff

    One of the mainstays of the London jazz scene will be taking to the stage for Jazz Hastings’ session on Tuesday 4 February: bass player and composer Dave Manington and his band Riff Raff. Julian Norridge sets the scene.

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    Is it time for HBC to rethink climate change agenda?

    Local campaign groups will be disappointed that parliament voted 120 – 7 to adjourn the second reading of the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN) until 7 July. But is this a setback or an opportunity? Dee Williams reports. 

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    Hastings Three found not guilty over arms company protest

    Three men prosecuted for taking part in a peaceful protest at arms manufacturer General Dynamics were found not guilty of all charges at Brighton Law Courts on Wednesday (22 January). Katy Colley, chair of Hastings & District Palestine Solidarity Campaign, reports.

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    Facing up to Hastings’ housing challenge

    How big is Hastings’ challenge in the face of the government’s determination to put a rocket under house-building? Nick Terdre spoke to Cllr Glenn Haffenden and head of housing Chris Hancock to find out how Hastings Borough Council is planning to tackle the local housing crisis. Research and graphics by Russell Hall.

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    Devolution: How should we form our unitary authorities?

    As the devolution process gets under way, it is the upper-tier County Council which has been allowed to make all the running in East Sussex. But the shape of the unitary councils which the governments wants to see formed is still to be decided, and here Hastings Borough Council and the other lower-tier councils could have a say. Ideas will no doubt be aired at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday. Text by Nick Terdre, research and graphics by Russell Hall.

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