The usual domination by the top seeds proved not to be the order of the day at the Hastings International Chess Congress, as grandmasters found themselves facing a stiff challenge from lower-rated opponents. Meanwhile the congress faces its own challenge as it prepares to look for fresh funding. Report by Nick Terdre, game commentaries by Grandmaster Chris Ward, photos by HICC unless otherwise stated.
Originally from Argentina, Jorge Labbe Herrera, has lived in Hastings for 18 years and has made a valuable contribution to the local community. He is now in danger of being deported. As his court appeal is at the end of January, there is no time to lose. HOT’s Chandra Masoliver talks with Jorge about his life in Hastings, and describes some of the ways he has dedicated himself to benefiting our town.
This Sunday, 14 January, sees the second Martin Luther King Jr Day hosted at The Palace in Hastings Town Centre. Organiser, Claudine Eccleston, tells HOT’s Erica Smith why she wants to see the whole town there, in our Sunday Best.
A feast of thrilling classical piano music will be on offer at Fairlight Hall this weekend when young South Korean virtuoso Hans Suh, who came second in last year’s Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, will give the HIPCC Winter Recital. Julian Norridge reports.
Hastings Borough Council is looking for volunteer meteorologists to help with its weather readings.
Hastings Sinfonia’s Winter Concert at 7.30pm on Saturday 27 January at St John the Evangelist, Brittany Road, St Leonards-on-Sea TN38 0RD. Tickets are just £10 in advance or £12 at the door. Children under the age of 16 are free (ticket required). Tickets available from: The Tourist Information Office, Aquila House, Hastings or via TicketSource (booking line 0333 666 3366) or
HOT wanted to spread the word about this grant scheme, aware of so many active and empowering women’s groups in Hastings.
The Joe Strummer Foundation is teaming up with Independent Venue Week (IVW) to put on a special show in Hastings, East Sussex. This will be the first time any venue from the area has joined IVW in its 5 years. The show, Strummerville-on-Sea will include music from breakthrough bands: Arrows Of Love/Bloody Knees/Yowl/Lice/Heavy Lungs and will take place on 3 Feb at The Brass Monkey.
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