News & Gossip Pages
By Jim Hollands
COACH PARKING PROBLEMSCOACH PARKING PROBLEMS
Several readers have been in contact with us pointing out the problems being caused by the new coach parking arrangements.
A small proportion are happy to see The Stade free of coaches but many more seem to be reflecting the views of Michael Plumbe, whose points in a letter in this months ‘Pen & Ink’ page are very pertinent.
It seems obvious that traditional trade to the Old Town Area will be affected and during the period that The Jerwood Gallery is being constructed the promised ‘up-market’ visitors will not be around to fill the vacuum.
Many of the Old Town Traders have been having a very lean time during the recession and may not have the reserves to carry them through to the pledged period of prosperity that lies in the future.
Hastings Council should find a way to alleviate their problems, half rates until Jerwood is operational might be an answer.
The Coach Parking problem needs a solution too. Have any of our readers got a bright idea that could help? Hastings folk have always been known for their ingenuity and aptitude.
Send in your ideas and I will give them an air in these columns.
As the Prime Minister has pointed out, local problems are best dealt with at a local level by the councillors, residents and traders who have to live with decisions made.
ACTIVE MP
Hastings is lucky to get another active Member of Parliament. Amber Rudd, already well known to the area before the election, has already attended many functions, made speeches and asked questions in the house.
Hastings & Rye MP Amber Rudd visiting the site for a new Scout Hut at Rye.
Her maiden speech highlighted the plight of our fishermen and she has asked questions at ‘Prime Minister’s Question Time’ on educational matters.
Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings and Rye, has been elected to serve on the extremely influential Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Select Committee. This is the first time that members of Select Committees have been elected (previously they were appointed by the party whips) and Amber was one of the nine MPs chosen from all parties by her fellow MPs to fulfil this important role. Locally Amber has appeared at many events around the constitu-ency.
Its Carnival Time
August sees the 42nd. Hastings Old Town Carnival. It was first organised in 1968 by the Old Towners because the established Hastings & St. Leonards Carnival Procession missed out the Old Town.
The Old Towners were enthusiastic about their Carnival and it became the best show in town. Sadly the Hastings & St. Leonards event fell by the wayside but one of their last acts was to bequeath the title of “Miss Hastings” to the Old Town. So, for ever on, the Old Town Carnival Queen is also “Miss Hastings” and represents the town in that capacity throughout her year in office.
The 2010 Old Town Carnival Queen, “Miss Hastings” Tamara Gates is a real ‘stunner’.
21-year-old Tamara, of Sedlescombe Road South, St Leonards, was selected from an entry of over twenty young ladies. The judges were, town mayor Maureen Charlesworth, Jayne White, opera singer Lindy Unlusan, photographer Patrick Jones, and Ron Everett.
Surrey University student Tamara hopes to make a career in business management. With her good looks and cheerful attitude I am sure she will be successful.
“Hastings Town” August 2010
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