Thursday, January 17, 2008

My big bro' got married


Say hello and congratulations to my gorgeous brother Sean and his beautiful wife Frances. They got married in Calgary, Canada, just before Xmas but unfortunately I couldn't be there.

Sean and Frances are both acclaimed poets who usually make their home in Hackney and hopefully they'll be back here in the UK with us soon.

You can find Sean's blog at http://abandonedbuidlings.blogspot.com (but for those of a sensitive nature be aware that Sean's work is far from U rated!)


Council Restructure

As my former life was Regeneration Programme Manager at Hastings Borough Council I am sure that you will all appreciate that the Council restructure is close to my heart. Notwithstanding the fact that my former colleagues are effected, the importance for the wider community should not be underestimated. Now is the time that we need to be formulating a considered a response to the Chief Executive. The deadline for responses has been extended to 23rd January and I can provide further details about the proposals. Community partnerships, neighbourhood renewal (including the wardens), economic development and regeneration are all effected by the restructure. If you want to work with me to put together a response please give me a ring or drop me an e-mail.

Arts in Hastings
In relation to provision for arts and cultural development, there is to be a special meeting on 22nd January at 7.00pm at Hastings Arts Forum, 36 Marina, St Leonards on Sea, where Penny Precious, HBC's Cultural Development Officer, will be giving a presentation on the impact of the proposed restructure on the arts in Hastings. If you want to find out more and have a view to give, I strongly encourage you to come along and join us at the meeting.

Hello!

Hello friends, its been a while since I posted so I thought I'd say hello. I have a number of things to update you on which I'll do over the course of the evening. Firstly though you'll notice, regular visitors, that my photo has changed. New year, new hair colour! But I've spent at least a fortnight walking round Hastings with people not recognising me! So, I don't have a twin - it is me! See you all later

Friday, January 4, 2008

Support Hastings Old Town Residents' Association's Post Office Campaign

Please join with us in supporting Hastings Old Town Residents' Association in their campaign to oppose the proposed closure of the Old Town Post Office in George Street.

HOTRA has asked the community for support in fighting the proposed closure and has submitted a number of petitions to our MP, our local political leaders, and to the Government Office for the South East, along with letters of support to the Post Office consultation team. We now have to play the waiting game, but I feel that it is valuable to note the passion and commitment with which HOTRA are spearheading this campaign and it is clear that there will be no giving up without a fight. I am committed to providing HOTRA with whatever support they may require in taking this campaign forward.

For more information please contact Dick Edwards, Chair of the Old Town Residents' Association at East Hill House, 13 Tackleway, telephone 01424 437069

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all of our friends - I hope that 2008 shall be a memorable and exciting year for all of us.

The Trust is always looking for new members to get involved in our work so make a new year's resolution and commit yourself to supporting the regeneration of Hastings and St Leonards by supporting your local development trust.

Trust membership is open to both individuals (aged over 18) and organisations and membership benefits include:
* entitlement to vote at our AGM to elect Board members and to determine policy direction
* receipt of our Annual Report
* receipt of our newsletter and other Trust information / updates
* personal invitations to Trust events

An application form for membership and a copy of our Memorandum and Articles of Association are available from Peta McGarry at the Resource Centre. Subscription rates are as follows:

- Individuals £10.00 per annum
- Students, senior citizens, unwaged £4.00 per annum
- Organisations £20.00 per annum