Hastings Week 2005 was generally acknowledged to be one of the best ever, with a fantastic array of events and superb weather, right up to the Closing Ceremony!
The week opened on Saturday, October 8 with a bang and a cheer, as the day saw the Opening Ceremony itself, the 53rd National Town Criers’ Championship and, of course, the superb torchlight procession, bonfire and brilliant (in every respect) fireworks display, courtesy of Hastings Borough Bonfire Boyes and locally-based Renegade Pyrotechnics. Celebrating ten years of Bonfire revival in Hastings the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, and the 400th Anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, the night really was one to remember!
Numerous events followed through the week, from jazz concerts to a family history fair, from a ‘Knit-In’ to a Memories Competition, from a Tea Dance to the High Street Traders’ Party.
October 14, Hastings Day itself, saw the Hastings In Bloom awards, the Pride of Hastings awards, and, of course, the ‘Order of 1066’ Award, the supreme accolade for services to the town. This year’s very worthy winner was the Rev Chris Sears for his work with the disadvantaged.
The closing weekend saw the increasingly popular Classic Car Show, attracting over 200 entries from as far afield as Plymouth and Hull :- and many thousands of interested residents and visitors. The Hobbies and Crafts Exhibition also took place over the weekend, giving many local people a chance to showcase their particular talent/interest.
Sunday afternoon saw the closing ceremony, and the first rain of the week!
It really was a superb week, and although supported by Hastings Borough Council, it is run by the Hastings Week Committee, a group of volunteers, led by Chairman Mr Gordon Hobson. Without them, the week simply would not happen :- the whole town is very grateful indeed to everyone who contributed to the week, in whatever way.
Walkers on our seafront are being given an insight into the lives of local wildlife thanks to three new interpretation boards.
Local Nature Reserve Officer Andy Phillips coordinated the themes for the boards, which were carefully painted by artist John Davies. Our Foreshore staff contributed too, they made the wooden frames for the boards, which complete the natural look of the boards perfectly.
A variety of themes provide the basis for the boards; at Pelham the ‘Migration Spectacle’ is explored, at Warrior Square, passers by are told to ‘Look out for Dolphins’ and further along the coast passers-by learn about ‘Glyne Gap Beach Wildlife’.
Back in November, Councillor Jay Kramer launched the boards with a visit to the beach at Pelham, she said:” “The boards are a wonderful addition to the seafront, giving residents and visitors an insight in to the habits of our local wildlife. The boards have been really well designed to fit in with the appearance of our seafront.”
So when you’re walking the dog, cycling or strolling in the fresh air, take a moment to stop and look at the boards. Who knows what you might learn about our local wildlife.
For more information about the remarkable wildlife in Hastings and St Leonards please visit www.wildhastings.org.uk
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This page last updated: 21/12/2005