General News Items
| Published: 10th January 2008 09:44 |
Councillors divided over whether to welcome bikers to Rye
Rye is divided on how to deal with regular summer invasions of bikers.
Family Fun Day at Northiam's Blue Cross animal sanctuary on Sunday
Northiam's Blue Cross Centre is holding a Family Fun Day on Sunday in aid of needy animals
No replacement for Rye Town Manager
Rye will not be getting a new Town Manager.
Robertsbridge photo expo debuts in the village
Robertsbridge's unique photographic exhibition, Folk-Us, gets its first showing in the village this weekend.
New exhibition at Bodiam Castle
A new exhibition and display room at Bodiam Castle will be officially opened on Wednesday.
Veterans celebration in Sedlescombe
Sedlescombe village hall was packed on Saturday for a very unusual tea party.
Battle are crime round-up
Here is this week's round-up of crime from the Battle area.
Scarecrows help Udimore fete raise £2,000 for the church
Udimore enjoyed perfect weather for its Summer Fete on Saturday.
Paedo pensioner refused appeal
A pensioner who was jailed for ten years for raping and assaulting young girls failed in an Appeal Court challenge to his prison sentence.
Railway regeneration recieves a boost
The Rother Valley Railway regeneration project has moved further down the line thanks to a Hastings-based business.
Blooming Battle wows judges
Two judges from South East In Bloom were shown around Battle on Tuesday.
Something for everyone at Battel Bonfire Boyes fayre
Battel Bonfire Boyes will be holding its annual Battle Summer Fayre on Battle Recreation Ground in North Trade Road on Saturday between noon-5pm.
Tickets go on sale for Icklesham Beer Festival
Tickets have gone on sale this week for the Icklesham Village Beer Festival.
Popular pubs under new management
It's all change for drinkers as two of the Battle area's most well-known pubs are under new management.
Talented Peacocke pupils exhibit artwork
Talented Thomas Peacocke GCSE students displayed their work at an Art and Textiles exhibition at the weekend.
Garden party raises funds for cancer charity
The Battle committee of Cancer Research UK held a successful garden party at Southings, Westfield, last month.
New community games area on the way at Thomas Peacocke
Plans are going ahead for a new multi-use games area at Rye's Thomas Peacocke College.
Winchelsea School enjoys visit from medieval musicians
Children at Winchelsea Primary School enjoyed learning about medieval music on Friday when the school had a visit from professional group The Daughters of Elvin.
Road rage man who attacked PC escapes jail sentence
A passenger who repeatedly punched an off-duty police officer in a road rage attack has been ordered to pay his victim £1,500 in compensation.
Peasmarsh parents raise money for charity in memory of little Gemma
A Peasmarsh couple who lost their daughter to a rare childhood cancer are trying to raise money to help others.
Grove, Hillcrest and Filsham Valley all face the axe
HASTINGS is reeling after yesterday's shock news that three secondary schools in the town are to shut.
Summer fun at Brede School's Fete
There was traditional fun and side-shows when Brede Primary School held its Summer Fair on Saturday.
Watch out for counterfeit currency, police warn
POLICE are urging businesses to ensure that staff are vigilant in spotting fake £20 notes.
French trip for Battle Abbey
Year 5 and 6 pupils from Battle Abbey Prep School have enjoyed a 4 day french trip to St Frimbault in rural southern Normandy.
Northiam Flower Festival celebrates the glory of God
ST Mary's Church at Northiam was filled with beautiful blooms at the weekend when a flower festival took place.
Chernobyl children enjoy fun day out at Bodiam
A group of children, who were born close to the site of the world's worst nuclear accident, had an enjoyable day out at some of East Sussex and Kent's top attractions
Moonwalkers raise more funds for breast cancer charities
A team who took part in the Playtex Moonwalk in central London last month continued with their fundraising efforts with a coffee morning at Brightling Village Hall on Saturday
Hospice funds boosted, thanks to Staplecross jumble sale
The coffers at St Michael's Hospice have received a welcome boost, thanks to a jumble sale at Staplecross village hall.
Grand Design favourite prepares to unveil latest project at Pestalozzi
Chosen by Channel 4 TV programme Grand Designs' presenter Kevin McCloud as his favourite project, Ben Law's handcrafted woodland house in West Sussex has already been
Vital meeting will shape future of Rye and Battle area for years to come
A meeting on Monday will shape the future of the Rye and Battle area.
Hastings low on fuel as motorists scramble for petrol
Striking tanker drivers have led to a fuel shortage in Hastings as motorists scramble for fuel.
Tilling Green community rally around to support former post master
Community support is helping Rye's Tilling Green News to keep going after losing its post office counter three months ago.
Extra money for mental health services
Health bosses have secured £2.8 million of government funding to provide better mental health counselling services for people.
Site of Winchelsea monastery revealed
There was a fascinating glimpse of hidden Winchelsea at the weekend when the outline of the original Greyfriars Monastery was revealed.
These boots were made for walking...
Pupils at Netherfield donned their wellies to explore the school's brand new High Weald Welly Walk.
All the fun or the fayre at Sedlescombe
Colourful stalls and sideshows and an eclectic range of arena events ensured the Sedlescombe fair was a roaring success.
Disbanded group's legacy to Battle
Beautiful Battle was presented with two trees and seat for Market Square by Marian and Stella Eagles on behalf of the Battle Gardens Leisure Group.
Line-up for this year's Beer and Music Festival
The headline acts have been confirmed for this summer's two-day Hastings Beer and Music Festival.
Rother will now handle its own standards enquiries
08 June 2008, 08:50:32
MEMBERS of the public concerned about councillors' conduct can now make complaints direct to Rother's independently-chaired standards committee.
Hospital MRSA row
07 June 2008, 20:29:22 THE hospital Trust which runs the Conquest at Hastings and the DGH at Eastbourne is at the centre of a MRSA row.
Huge problem of alcohol abuse
07 June 2008, 20:19:45 MORE than £700,000 of extra funding has been pledged for the next three years to tackle alcohol abuse in East Sussex.
Lottery grant for film project
06 June 2008, 15:58:41 Young people living in and around Battle will be given the chance to make a film and to discover what life was like in their grandparents' time, thanks to a £25,000 grant
Half-term fun at Robertsbridge
06 June 2008, 10:34:48 There was no chance of Robertsbridge Community College pupils getting bored during last week's half term holiday.
Sports club finance mystery
06 June 2008, 10:34:10 THE future of Sidley Sports and Social Club is shrouded in mystery following allegations it is suffering financial problems.
Rye gardens open to raise funds for hospice
05 June 2008, 16:52:48 There will be a chance to look around some of Rye's beautiful gardens when they open to the public on Tuesday to raise funds for St Michael's Hospice.
Nurses receive award for their work with arthritis patients
05 June 2008, 15:58:11 Two specialist nurses have received awards for their work with patients living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Youth who fell from flat dies in the Conquest
05 June 2008, 15:51:46
The Polish youth who fell from a third floor flat yesterday has died.
New homes inquiry outcome too close to call say Rye councillors
05 June 2008, 09:45:54 The outcome of the controversial Udimore Road planning inquiry is too tough to call say councillors.
Landgate light is dangerous says trader
05 June 2008, 09:39:02 A light used to illuminate Rye's historic Landgate Arch is a dangerous hazard says a trader.
Showjumping event at Northiam raises funds for Blue Cross
05 June 2008, 09:32:46 A show jumping event at Northiam's Blue Cross Centre on Sunday raised more than £200 to help care for horses and ponies.
Calling all carers
04 June 2008, 17:05:53 Have you heard of the county's secret army? A band of 50,000 plus carers all working for the good of others.
Students' art exhibitions
04 June 2008, 15:19:58 Eighteen budding Damien Hirsts are exhibiting their work for the first time this week at the Arts Forum galleries in St Leonards in the climax to Hastings College students'
Battle charity scoops voluntary award
04 June 2008, 14:39:15 A Battle charity has won a prestigious award in recognition of the tireless service it offers to residents.
Hospice thanks running fundraisers
04 June 2008, 11:24:05 ST MICHAEL'S Hospice said a big "Thank You" on Tuesday to runners who have pounded the streets to support them this year.
Ashburnham open garden helps raise hospice funds
04 June 2008, 10:44:02 The picturesque grounds of Red Pale in Ashburnham were the latest to open to the public as part of the St Michael's Hospice Open Gardens programme.
Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind charity lunch
04 June 2008, 10:38:08 Hastings and Rother Voluntary Association for the Blind held a fund-raising lunch last month at Channel Heights restaurant.
Grandmother donates thousands of pounds to Conquest hospital
04 June 2008, 10:32:02 A grandmother has donated thousands of pounds to the Conquest hospital.
Junk mail from funeral directors
04 June 2008, 10:13:39 A woman in her 60s is outraged after receiving junk mail - from a local funeral directors.
Citizens Advice are looking for volunteers during Volunteering Week
04 June 2008, 10:08:19 During Volunteering Week Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is calling on people of all ages and background to join up.
Ticket sales taking off for resurrected Beer and Music Festival
03 June 2008, 15:41:06 TICKET sales are already well underway for this year's Phoenix-like Hastings Beer and Music Festival.
Emotional journey for Race for Life entrant
03 June 2008, 14:25:35 IT will be an emotional day for Race for Life runner Ann Sandeman when she takes part in this year's event at Alexandra Park.
Bonnet holds tweety surprise for mechanic
03 June 2008, 12:37:28 A seasonal surprise greeted Nim Whitmarsh when he opened the bonnet of a Renault Trafic camper van to begin an MoT test and service.
Baby It's Emu
28 May 2008, 15:28:48 It's Osborne the emu chick...a surprise souvenir from the Isle of Wight.
Purses stolen from the elderly and vulnerable
Elderly and vulnerable people have been targeted in a spate of purse thefts.
Tragedy as Battle pensioner drowns in pool
A Battle pensioner died at the leisure centre where he regularly swam after suffering heart problems.
Sounds of witchcraft at the pavilion
"PEOPLE hear witchcraft and think it'll be controversial, but that really isn't the case." Geoff Smith is talking about the potential stir caused by the film
High Street traffic causes problems for emergency crews
Congestion through the centre of Battle is hampering emergency services and could put people in danger, according to a resident.
County Council supports new legislation to protect consumers
New regulations came into force last week aiming to provide better protection for consumers - but East Sussex County Council says honest businesses have nothing to fear.
Police carry out conty-wide check on rogue traders
Police and Trading Standards officials carried out 200 checks on trades-people in Sussex during Rogue Trader Day last month.
Fancy asking your MP a question and getting a straight answer?
Fancy having your personal question answered by your local MP? Is there something about national or local politics which is bugging you? Then read on.
ASBO dad still banned from school but conditions relaxed
A father saw the conditions of his ASBO relaxed so he could take his daughter round her friend's house.
Get your cat microchipped
National Pet Adoption Week, or PAW for short, starts on Saturday and Bluebell Cat Rehoming Centre is holding an open day to celebrate.
Junior doctors being lured away from Hastings
Teaching hospitals in London are luring junior doctors away from Hastings, leaving the Conquest with a shortage, the hospital trust's chief executive has warned.
Nursery raises hospice funds
Saturday's Open Day at Bodiam Nursery, in aid of St Michael's Hospice, was an enjoyable day for visitors and staff alike.
The Old Court House open to the public
The Old Court House in Battle is once again open to the public following the 19th Century building's conversion into offices.
Hastings Beer and Music Festival 2008 will go ahead
Hastings Beer and Music Festival has been saved following a groundswell of support from fans.
Netherfield remembers bomber crew
Villagers and dignitaries gathered at the Polish War Memorial in Netherfield to mark the 67th anniversary of the crash of the Wellington bomber at Doctors Farm, Darwell Hill.
Crack-down on doorstep crime
Police have launched a crack-down on door-step crime in the county.
Mother's £20,000 appeal
She is chairman of Rother District Council but Joanne Gadd is also a mother who lost her son to Spina Bifida.
Hospital links with DVT charity
East Sussex Hospital Trust staff and thrombosis charity Lifeblood have joined forces to raise awareness about preventing blood clots.
MP applauds firms who turn their back on battery farming
Awards which reward companies for turning their back on battery farmed eggs has attracted support from the Hastings MP.
Red Lion helps Black Rhino
It took six gruelling hours - but they did it.
MP calls for government to tackle shortage of curry chefs
The government crackdown on admitting overseas workers to the UK is causing real problems for the British curry industry, said Hastings MP Michael Foster.
Ninfield's mini-assault
Ninfield Toddler Group held a sponsored obstacle course for new toys and equipment for the group.
Man stole partner's car
A motorist stole his partner's car to do a friend a favour.
Gallery - Readers pictures of Bexhill
Reader Alan Thomassen snapped these images around and about.
Fly-tipper fined for dumping rubbish at Sedlescombe
A fly-tipper from Hastings has been fined after dumping waste in Sedlescombe.
Battle crime round-up
Here is this week's crime round-up from the Battle area:
Let us video your message to Dad for Fathers Day
The Observer wants to ensure that the best Dads in the world get the message loud and clear for Fathers Day.
Rain causes leak at Battle pub
Heavy rainfall caused a serious leak in one of Battle's pubs yesterday morning (Monday).
Crowds enjoy Battle Medieval Fair
The Battle Medieval Fair made a welcome return to the town over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Teenager wins scholarship at top music school
A talented teenager has won a scholarship to study at a top-class music school.
Battle businesses help young people's charity
Over the last few weeks Battle businesses have come together to support a charity set up by young people.
Music Day at Westfield School
SCHOOL children from the Battle area enjoyed playing African drums today when Westfield School hosted a Music Enrichment Day.
Video - Top line-up at this weekend's Black Horse Festival
The Black Horse in Telham is rocking to the sound of top class music this weekend.
Survey puts A259 on blacklist
FEARS over the journey mums-to-be would face to Hastings if maternity services were closed in Eastbourne have been heightened after a new survey slammed the A259.
Award winning nursery wins again at Chelsea
A Three Oaks nursery has come away from Chelsea flower show with yet another award.
Organist celebrates 25 years
Organist Keith Warner celebrated 25 years with Battle Choral Society this week at a choral concert at St Leonards Parish Church.
Fostering event creates interest from would-be carers
Potential foster parents gathered in Hastings this week to find out more about caring for children.
Middle income earners struggling with debt
Debt advisors have seen a dramatic rise in the number of middle-income earners wanting financial help.
Inquest on Dalmore Court deaths
A 'devoted' husband killed his wife because he couldn't cope with the continued stress of caring for her, an inquest heard on Wednesday.
Wheelclampers.org
Closing down clampers for good - that's the ultimate aim of a website created in response to car park activity at Glyne Gap.
Aussie music fan flies in for Black Horse Festival
This year's Black Horse Festival will bring a touch of Australian to Telham.
Nurse who advertised her sexual services struck off
A senior nurse who advertised herself for sexual services on her website along with her "sexual preferences, a table of charges and explicit material," was struck off
Health and safety day at Robertsbridge
Health and safety was top of the agenda for employees at British Gypsum's Robertsbridge works last Thursday (May 15), when they took part in an International Envir
Honour for chairman of Hastings College governors
THE chairman of Hastings College governors, Kenneth Melsom, has been awarded an OBE from The Prince of Wales in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Hot weather results in spate of Fairlight cliff rescues
Scorching weekend weather stretched coastguards and lifeboat crews to the limit with three cliff rescues in the Fairlight area in three days.
A21 crash death man named
A man who died after a crash on the A21 has been identified as John Gilroy, 52, of Coneyburrow Gardens, St Leonards.
Villagers dig deep to raise £4,400 at Catsfield fundriaising auction
More than 50 people turned up at Catsfield village hall on Saturday to bid for an amazing 97 lots at a fundraising auction of promises.
Auction raises more than £2,000 for Fairlight Churches
An Auction of Promises has raised more than £2,000 for churches at Fairlight.
Fairlight youth group Activate set to celebrate first decade
Fairlight youth group Activate is holding a big celebration to mark reaching a decade mile-stone.
Police appeal over chemical waste at Robertsbridge
Police are appealing for information following reports that chemical waste has been dumped in the river at Robertsbridge.
Hospice worker crashed car on the way to an emergency
A hospice worker crashed her car into an oncoming van as she tried to overtake a bus.
Cliff rescue drama
A stranded walker was airlifted to safety from cliffs in the East Hill area on Saturday.
Disabled man killed in Netherfield house blaze
A disabled man has died following a house fire in Netherfield.
Crowhurst blaze 'devestating for birdlife'
A blaze which ripped though nearly three acres of reed beds in Crowhurst has been branded devastating for birdlife.
New pre-school building open for business at Netherfield
The new Netherfield Pre-School building is open for business.
Have your say on Robertsbridge arts
Robertsbridge residents are being invited to have a say in what type of plays, music, exhibitions and other cultural events are staged in the village.
Cricket fun at Robertsbridge
Summer officially arrived in Robertsbridge at the weekend, with glorious sunshine and an afternoon of England's favourite summertime sport - cricket.
Battle MP backing local traders campaign
Battle MP Greg Barker is backing the Federation of Small Businesses' Keep Trade Local Campaign.
Green bin plans on hold
Plans to roll out green waste bins to 11,000 homes across Rother have been postponed until further notice following a dispute between the council and contractors.
Inquest hears how birthday celebration ended in tragedy
More than three times over the drink-driving limit, Michael Hopkins stumbled and fell to his death at Crowhurst Park, an inquest heard.
Sunny weather helps Battle table sale
Beautiful summer sunshine helped to make the Battle and Langton School Association table sale a rip-roaring success.
Have your say at Battle and Netherfield parish assemblies
Battle and Netherfield residents will get the chance to have their say about the issues affecting them at this year's parish assemblies.
Make a date with Dolly tonight
Hello Dolly, the latest offering from the Battle Light Opera Group, will be opening at the Battle Memorial Hall tonight.
50,000 motorists fined by Sussex speed cameras
Motorists in Sussex have paid out around £3 million in speed camera fines over the last year.
St George's Day fun at Battle Abbey
Gallant St George once again did battle with the fearsome dragon at the weekend, as hundreds of people gathered at Battle Abbey to celebrate the patron saint of England.
Mountfield marks Compost Awareness Week
A new soil improver is to be trialed at the Mountfield recycling site ahead of Compost Awareness Week, starting on Monday.
Rare chance to see gardens at Peasmarsh
Gardens at Peasmarsh Place are open to the public on Sunday afternoon as part of the National Gardens Scheme.
Spooky fun at Northiam
NORTHIAM Showtimers enjoyed near sell-out audiences when they staged a ghostly production this weekend.
Rush hour chaos after Catsfield crash
There was rush hour chaos this morning after a crash closed one of the main routes into Battle.
Fairlight Bowls Club celebrates 40th with smart new facilities
Fairlight Bowls Club had plenty to celebrate at the weekend when it held an event to mark its 40th anniversary.
Jo raised money to build African school
A coffee morning at Brede on Saturday raised more than £100 for an African schools project.
Video - Hospice celebrates 21st birthday
St Michael's Hospice celebrated its 21st birthday with the help of the founder's two sons.
Duke of Gloucester visits Pestalozzi
HRH the Duke of Gloucester visited Pestalozzi International Village Trust today as part of his tour of the Hastings and Battle area.
Gallery - Open gardens in St Leonards
Six colourful gardens in St Leonards were on display when St Michael's Hospice Open Gardens Scheme got underway today (Tuesday).
Pride at Battle Scouts St George's Day parade
The residents of Battle swelled with patriotic pride as the Senlac District Scout's took part in their annual St George's Day parade.
Inquiry outcome could have major affect on the Rye's character
An inquiry into what is said to be the biggest planning issue to affect Rye in 50 years opened today.
Slideshow - Host of winners at Half Marathon Prize-giving
Well over £100,000 has been raised for charity by this year's Hastings Half Marathon.
Gallery - Queen's cousin visits hospice to launch fundraising appeal
The Duke of Gloucester visited St Michael's Hospice today as part of its 21st birthday celebrations.
Mum banned from driving after A21 horror crash
A mother-of-two who spent almost a month in intensive care following a car crash on the A21 at Sedlescombe has admitted careless driving.
Family pays tribute to their "stunning" daughter following river tragedy
A family from Broad Oak have paid tribute to their "beautiful talented" daughter.
New reception opened on hospice's 21st birthday
St Michael's Hospice celebrated its 21st birthday today with the help of the founder's two sons.
Award hopefuls enjoy reception
Four Rother-based groups, which have been nominated for a prestigious nationwide award, joined 16 other voluntary organisations from East Sussex for a special reception.
Duke to visit Sedlescombe charity
The Duke of Gloucester will visit Pestalozzi International Village on Tuesday.
Duke of Gloucester to visit St Michael's Hospice
The Duke of Gloucester will visit St Michael's Hospice on Tuesday to join in its 21st anniversary celebrations.
Police issue warning about Battle cold callers
Battle residents are being warned to look out for two cold callers who claimed to be collecting money for an animal charity.
Video - Foster and Rudd discuss the political landscape
If there was a general election tomorrow, who would win in Hastings?
Fire walk fundraiser leaves hospice
St Michael's Hospice's fundraising office said a big thankyou and goodbye to their Challenge Event Co-Ordinator Cheryl Davis on Thursday.
Sara Lee Trust competition winners announced
THE winners of the Sara Lee Trust notelet design competition have been announced.
Battle area schools affected by Thursday's teachers strike
Schools from Battle, Robertsbridge, Westfield, Burwash and Hurst Green will be affected by today's teacher's strike.
Secretary of State tours new college site
Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham MP, visited Station Plaza to see how the construction of the new £120 million college was progressing
Two local men sue in atomic testing injuries damages claim
Two local men are among hundreds of British servicemen who say they took part in atomic bomb testing more than 50 years ago and who have now launched one of the country's
Anti-BNP demonstration on Saturday
A group of activists is staging a protest against the British National Party (BNP) on Saturday (April 26).
Grandmother running Hastings Marathon in memory of granddaughter
A bereaved woman is planning to run the Hastings Marathon in December in memory of her five-year-old granddaughter.
Smart scouts in St George's Day Parade
Hundreds of smart youngsters from the local scout and guide groups marched along the seafront during the annual St George's Day Parade on Sunday.
Battle Tourist Information Centre to close?
Battle could lose it's Tourist Information Centre if no one wants to take the service on when it is put to tender next year, it has been warned.
Blackfriars affordable homes row
Councillors are still trying to overcome obstacles in the creation of the Blackfriars development.
New camera slows down speedy motorists in Battle
Speeding drivers in Battle should watch out as the town's new mobile speed camera has been out and about.
Battle crime round-up
Here is this week's round-up of crime in the Battle area.
Then latest on crimes committed this week
Blackfriars back before planners
A controversial housing development in Battle will be brought back before planners today (Thursday).
Video - David Cameron helps Conservatives launch manifesto
HASTINGS said "all right Dave" when the leader of the Conservative Party came to town this week.
Photo dog show winner announced - see pictures of the best dogs in town
Hundreds of dogs entered the St Michael's Hospice Photo Dog Show.
Girlfriend injured in Catsfield drink drive crash
A young man's girlfriend was injured when he crashed his car while over the drink/drive limit.
Motorcyclist dies after crash near Ravenside
A motorcyclist has died after a crash near Ravenside Roundabout yesterday (Wednesday).
Motorist escapes serious injury in Battle crash
A driver escaped serious injury after their car flipped over in a crash at Powdermill Lane, Battle.