Observer column 29 August 2024

The rain and wind early last Sunday did nothing to dampen the spirits of Hastings Pride, and by the time the parade reached the Oval the sun was shining and stayed out all day. Councillor Adele Bates, our Equalities and Culture lead, and one of now six LGBTQ+ councillors at Hastings Borough Council, spoke about how important it is to create safe spaces for everyone to be who they are and love who they want without fear.

The gathering was as joyful as ever, starting with the amazing energy of the young women and men of the Edge dance troupes (I wish dance classes had been like that when I was a teenager!), and continuing through an afternoon and evening of magnificent costumes, singers and bands. Well done to the team for pulling off yet another great event, and a big thank you to the sponsors who came to the rescue at the 11th hour with the extra funding needed.

Last week I visited the Dove Café in West St Leonards to listen to the men and women who came to Hastings seeking safe haven from war-torn countries. I was saddened to hear how the recent racist riots had triggered their fears all over again, making them anxious about being out on the streets despite the great outpouring of anti-racist support in Hastings.

Determined to run with the positive in their usual way, the Refugee Buddy Project will be organising a painting and picnic action hub by the steps between Oscar's and Goat Ledge as part of the We are a Sea Festival on 28 September from 3 pm, to collaboratively repaint the beautiful message of 'One Hastings, Many Voices' on the sea-front steps. Everyone is welcome to join in, to help encourage refugees out of their homes, reclaim public spaces, and bring all of us together.

Next Monday's cabinet, subject to completing final contractual negotiations, plans to approve Troika Projects as the preferred provider for the first phase of plans to enrich the Hastings Castle experience. The focus will be on replacing the derelict West Hill Café with a new building that will combine a café, community space and interpretation centre.

Troika Projects are a new consortium led by local people already known for being behind some great café and restaurant experiences. They have pulled together an impressive team of experienced architects, landscape architects, heritage and interpretation specialists to work with the community to start the exciting task of bringing the story of the castle, the surrounding landscape, and wider story of Hastings to life. All with a commitment to being zero carbon in operation once built and to use exclusively local suppliers for food and drink.

If you want to find out more, do come along to the cabinet meeting on Monday 2 September at 6 pm. The first half hour will be devoted to answering questions from the public.