Press Releases week beginning 28 October 2019

Foreshore Trust Small and Events Grant Programme for 2019-20 open for applications

The Foreshore Trust is taking applications for its second grant programme for 2019-20. The programme combines the small grants programme and the events grant programme. The call for applications opens today. The programme will offer grants of up to £6,000. Voluntary and community groups offering services or activities or running events in Hastings and St. Leonards are eligible to apply.

Councillor Sue Beaney, chair of the Foreshore Trust charity committee said:

"A wide range of activities were awarded grants in the last round of funding including:

• A Greek drama workshop project
• A programme for the relief and prevention of poverty caused by debt
• "Drawn to Life" Big Draw weekend
• Umbrella Parade and pre-parade workshops
• Hastings Health Walks and
• Provision of free specialist counselling and complementary therapy

So if you have an activity in mind that needs some financial help, please send us an application".

For an application pack and grant application guidance, please email Foreshore-SE@hastings.gov.uk

The programme opens for applications on 28 October 2019 and closes at midday on 18 December 2019. The Foreshore Trust will approve grants in March 2020.

For further information on the Foreshore Trust please go to the Foreshore Trust section of our website.

Hastings Herring Fair- another fantastic fish festival

The Hastings fishing fleet has been catching herring off local shores since at least the 1600s when records began. Come and celebrate the undervalued 'silver darlings of the sea' in its many wondrous forms, from bloaters to buckling and kippers, and other seasonal fish.

Kim Forward, lead councillor for tourism and regeneration said:

"The Herring Fair takes place on the Stade open space, in the heart of Hastings historic Old Town, and just yards from the fishing beach, over the weekend of 23 and 24 November. Admission is by wristband, costing just £1, from Hastings Tourist Information Centre, or on the gate; under 18's are free.

"As well as delicious fish dishes, stalls will be selling various local produce, wines, ciders, hot food, vegetarian options and other delights. There will also be a beer to delight every palate with the bar run by Harvey's Brewery in the music area.

"Learn to create seasonal fish dishes using our local catch with free cooking demos in Classroom on the Coast, sponsored by Hastings Fish and Seafood. CJ Jackson, the principal of the famous Seafood School at Billingsgate and the Hastings Fish brand ambassador, will be hosting demonstrations on both Saturday and Sunday (23/24 November) at 12 noon and 2.30pm. CJ will create a number of recipes to celebrate the herring that will include: Classic rollmops, Soused Herring, Smoked Herring, Grilled Herrings with Mustard and Basil Butter. Demonstrations last around 90 minutes and are on a first come first served basis, these are very popular.

"There will be plenty of entertainment too, thanks to a fantastic music line up with a folky flavour, to include a ceilidh and of course sea shanties. Throughout the weekend there will be children's sea-themed craft activities in the Stade Hall, as well as traditional net making techniques at the Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society stall in the marquee.

"In a new addition to the weekend's activities, there will be a Sunday Jazz Breakfast with Mike Hatchard and friends. Doors open at 9am and the performance starts at 9:30am. Ticket price also includes tea or coffee and a famous Hastings Fisherman's Roll - cooked specially by Tush and Dave. £13 adult / £10 child (with a paying adult) and includes a weekend wristband."

Please note that because the site can get very busy, and there are lots of young children and very hot cooking equipment around, only assist dogs are allowed into the marquee.

Illegal tobacco seized

Officers from Hastings Borough Council Licensing team joined Sussex Police and ESCC Trading Standards on a multi-agency enforcement check.

Off licences and convenience stores across the borough were visited to make sure they were complying with their licences. And that they were operating within the law.

As a result, a large quantity of illegal cigarettes and tobacco were seized from several different shops. Breaches of alcohol licences were also found and are being dealt with by the Council. One arrest was made. The operation will be carried out again soon.

Cllr Colin Fitzgerald, lead councillor for environmental services said,

"Our licensing team continues to work hard with other statutory agencies to ensure a coordinated response.  These operations are an excellent example of multi-agency working to stop the sale of illegal and untested products to the public."