Hastings Online Times

Archives for 2022 | Page 4 of 43

Hastings shows solidarity with essential workers

150 trade unionists and supporters marched through Hastings on Saturday 19 November. They were demanding pay rises in line with inflation and an end to the government’s austerity cuts. Representatives from the Royal College of Nursing, Fire Brigades Union, National Education Union and UNISON attacked the government’s financial statement for failing to address the cost of living emergency facing millions. The march and rally were organised by Hastings & District Trades Union Council.

Posted 18:43 Wednesday, Nov 23, 2022 In: Campaigns

Unpaid carers face mounting problems

To mark Carers Rights Day on Thursday 24 November, HOT’s Judy Parkinson spoke to local charity Care for the Carers about the red-hot topic of unpaid carers and the help that’s available to them. There has been an alarming 20% increase in the number of East Sussex carers experiencing problems with their finances since last year, with 85% of carers locally highlighting this issue.

Posted 17:06 In: Community

Preventing Plastic Pollution!

On 18 November Andy Dinsdale and Beverley Coombes organised a Strandliners’ event: Preventing Plastic Pollution, funded by the EU’s Interreg fund, The Rivers’ Trust, Sea-Changers, Rother District Council and local donors. “It’s great to pick up rubbish from our natural environments and bin it, but is it enough?”, asks Andy. “What more can we do to prevent the plastic pollution in the first place?” HOT’s Zelly Restorick, a rubbish-picker-upper since coming to Hastings over 20 years ago, attended this event and reports on what she and the team did to go that extra mile. (All images provided by

Posted 15:44 In: Clean Seas Please! Tags: #2minutebeachclean, Andy Dinsdale, Beverley Coombes, Preventing Plastic Pollution, Strandliners, Zelly Restorick

Clifton Centre launches Crowdfunder for new lift

The Clifton Centre, as Southwater Area Community Centre has renamed itself, has just launched a Crowdfunder in support of its project to install a new lift. The centre recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. HOT’s Nick Terdre, a trustee of the centre, reports.

Posted 10:02 Tuesday, Nov 22, 2022 In: Community Tags: Clifton Centre, Crowdfunder, Nick Terdre, Nigel Sinden, penny pepper, Peter Pragnell, Theresa Hodge

@WhatSarahReadNext chats books, books, books at The Electric Palace

Marie-Claire Amuah will discuss her debut book One for Sorrow, Two for Joy in conversation with Instagram book star, @WhatSarahReadNext, live at the Electric Palace cinema in Hastings Old Town, says Annie Waite.

Posted 19:39 Sunday, Nov 20, 2022 In: Literature Tags: @WhatSarahReadNext, Annie Waite, books, cinema, Electric Palace, influencer, Instagram, Marie-Claire Amuah

St Anne’s to be demolished despite committee’s decision

No sooner had proposals to redevelop St Anne’s church in Hollington been refused than there was an application to demolish it anyway. Hastings Borough Council (HBC) approved it in a delegated decision by planning officers. Bernard McGinley reports.

Posted 21:07 Wednesday, Nov 16, 2022 In: Home Ground Tags: Article 4, Bernard McGinley, demolition, Denman, HBC, heritage asset, HS/DM/22/00835, HS/FA/22/00028, Incledon, Mission Church, St Anne's Hollington

Climate sit-in shuts down Barclays Bank

Today, Monday 14 November, there were protests at more than 100 branches of Barclays Bank across the UK. Campaigners were highlighting Barclays’ investment in fossil fuels (oil, coal and gas). HOT’s Erica Smith witnessed the protest at the Hastings branch in the pedestrian area opposite Queens Arcade.

Posted 04:46 Tuesday, Nov 15, 2022 In: Campaigns Tags: Barclays Bank, climate change, DefundClimateChaos, Extinction Rebellion, fossil fuel, Global warming, occupation, protest, sit-in, XR

Hastings’ Community Fill the Skies with Hope

On a wet and windy Sunday (30 October), 75 people including families gathered in Bottle Alley to make brightly coloured orange paper airplanes carrying messages of hope and welcome to refugees. They were then launched, Filling the Skies with Hope. Polly Gifford writes.

Posted 04:39 In: Campaigns Tags: asylum, Fill The Skies With Hope, Hastings Community of Sanctuary, MP, Refuge, refugees, Sally-Ann Hart