Your letters - August 29

Pavilion attitude

RE The Enigma of the De La Warr Pavilion: Here in Bexhill we are lucky to have this architectural icon of a building now refurbished to the tune of many millions of pounds, but why must the management in their pursuit of making it a Centre for Contemporary Art, be so unco-operative with the local amateur societies and organisations who would like to use the DLWP facilities? When attending a performance of The Music Man by the Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society, I was amazed to see no sign on the front of the DLWP building advertising the show. On enquiry later, I was told that the DLWP management would not allow it because it would not be in keeping with the new image of the DLWP.

Nor is there any longer a mention of amateur society productions in their brochures of live events. Surely it is obvious that such publicity would attract more people to both the shows and the building itself, which would increase the sale of tickets, drinks, meals and revenue generally.

Another example, take the Bexhill Art Society who, prior to the Pavilion refurbishment, were always welcome and able to hold their annual exhibition in the main building at reasonable cost. Now it seems that the main building is not available, while the new Studio "might" be available at 40 per hour - far too much for a small society, and many other amateur societies like it. Earlier this summer I wrote to enquire about hiring the Studio to do a small musical performance to raise funds for a charity - I had in mind Wateraid. After a lot of delay they sent me their hire rates. Because the performance was for a charity outside the local area the rate would be double their normal rate, i.e. 80 per hour!

The aim of making the DLWP a Centre for Contemporary Art is all very laudable (and the recent Grayson Perry exhibition was excellent). Such things as the musical events and programmes for children's activities and participation are also to be commended. However I feel sure that most local people would welcome far wider availability for local societies and organisations as well as more general entertainment in the theatre itself. If the management do not know what I mean, I suggest they have a look at the programme of activities in Eastbourne at the Congress, Devonshire Park, Winter Garden and Royal Hippodrome theatres. Perhaps Rother District Council, who fund the DLWP to such a large extent, could lean on the management to change their attitude to local people and in particular to be more helpful and co-operative with the local amateur societies in providing a venue at a rate that they can afford and maximising their publicity.

DOUGLAS FAWKNER

Hazelwood Close

Seldom used

WITH reference to last week's letter in the Observer (Pavilion slammed). I have visited the restaurant on two occasions and each time we have waited 30 minutes for our main course, and the restaurant has not been full. I am very disappointed with the De La Warr Pavilion.

Prior to my moving to Bexhill, about nine years ago, every evening there was entertainment in the theatre, during the summer, band concerts on a Sunday afternoon, which cost 1. Wednesday afternoons tea dances, on the terrace, which was semi enclosed and a pleasure to sit there. With this year's weather, strong winds etc it is no pleasure. Could not the terrace be enclosed as before? What is there to encourage young people to Bexhill? We have no cinema, and a theatre that is seldom used. I feel this will be a big white elephant.

WINIFRED DAW

Albany Road

Grim message

I TOOK my granddaughter to visit the De La Warr Pavilion last week and was appalled when we walked in to the ground floor exhibition. The only thing on one wall was a series of lights forming the words 'PUT DOWN THE GOOD BOOK. PICK UP THE GUN'. I consider this an inappropriate statement especially in these violent times.

There was nothing artistic in the presentation '“ no beautiful lettering, just a bald statement picked out in lights. In any other place, surely, the writer of such words could be charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Should the good citizens of Bexhill be subsidising such dangerous statements? I, for one, object strongly that my money is being used to support such sentiments.

LOUISE HOBSON (Mrs)

Marina

Just ask

THROUGH your paper, may I congratulate the BBC for the marvellous cover they gave Bexhill on their Friday Deckchair tour.

The tour round Bexhill and the filming from the De La Warr Pavilion showing shots along the seafront must clearly point out to the bureaucratic people who sit on planning committees that the seafront is perfect as it is.

It does not need people in ivory towers, who obviously never walk the seafront like Deirdre Williams, to tell us that when they walked in the rain and high winds recently that ladies would not want to walk to a restaurant when their hair would be messed up and their clothes would get wet. How often does she walk along the seafront, as it is windy most of the time?

Maybe if these people, who have millions of pounds to spare (our money) would like to take some money out of reserves and spend it on decent pavements, opening the toilets again and helping businesses to reopen the many, many shops that have closed before thinking of building more shops and restaurants which are surely not needed.

And could they not employ another traffic warden to monitor the two-hour parking limit, which would keep the traffic moving? This is no criticism of the lady who does the job now on her own.

So come on, planners '“ leave the warmth of your ivory towers, walk round our beautiful town and ask the people what they want '“ I'm sure you would be surprised.

Peter Morgan

Harewood Close

Unfair burden

THE uncertainty and internal strife over the seafront project exposes once again the deeper malaise afflicting the council.

The truth is that for the past nine years the ruling group has relied more and more on the council's officers to do the thinking. At far too many meetings councillors have been quite content to let officers take the lead.

Failure to master a brief - an elementary tool of the trade - is also apparent.

All this has placed an unfair burden on officers, who, owing to the nature of their situation, are not in a position to provide the leadership and direction the council so badly needs.

If the ruling group cannot function effectively then they should make way for those who can. Otherwise the council will continue to go round in increasingly expensive circles.

STEPHEN JACKSON

Second Avenue

Shop closures

AS I am settled in Bexhill, contentedly I might add, it worries me as much as other residents about so many empty shop and business premises.

Have appropriate councillors truly grasped the enormity of these closures, or maybe other more lucrative plans are afloat?

As the tourist season apparently limps on, I recall many readers' letters last year mentioning the necessity for a face-life and rejuvenation of Devonshire Road, Sea Road, Sackville Road, the now closed cinema/theatre in Western Road.

Of course, all floated over dim eyes and possibly deaf ears.

This town needs more than one major attraction ie. DLWP - and I look forward to the Museum Opening in the spring of 2009.

Are there truly no other suggestions not only for tourists, and visitors but also for the forgotten residents.

Why build more hotels, apartments for people to come to a town with so few leisure outlets. We're losing to Eastbourne and Hastings!

VALDA WARREN

Church Street

Cash deal

I SEE from my Observer today that Rother District Council's ludicrous 5.1m seafront plan has already cost 600,000 in preparation.

May I suggest that when two communication officers (another 100,000 per annum) are appointed, their first task will be to communicate to the electorate a detailed breakdown of where that 600,000 of taxpayers' money went.

GORDON KNAPP

Venture Close

Post haste

IT has been brought to our notice that our regular postman has been "sacked" after many years service. He serves Clinch Green Avenue, The Highlands, Turkey Road and a large area around. He has always been good enough to deliver the right post to the right address, this we cannot say of some other postmen, when he is away. Many times my husband who is in his late 80's re-delivers post to the correct address, where upon our post is at another address, our house numbers are plain to see, so no excuse.

Surely this is another sign of cut-backs to essential services for so many people. Post offices we hear are being - or have been - closed, so what next? If a postman goes, especially one we trust, and rely upon to be on time, what, or who do we get instead please?

MRS BANKS

Clinch Green Avenue

Bitter sweet

WHILST I am absolutely delighted for Mrs Muscat and her family that she has survived this terrible ordeal, it is just a shame that the efficiency and enthusiasm to cure stroke patients in record time is only available to an exclusive few, mainly those of an age worth saving!

My father was finally admitted to the Conquest after a fight from a G.P., who told him to go home take antibiotics despite the fact he couldn't speak or stand, not normal for a 67 year old - and I'm not a G.P! He was then left without treatment, due to, firstly, a broken scan machine and then a lack of staff to operate it and, of course, there were higher priority cases, which I doubt very much, as he died the next day.

By all means, be proud of the Conquest for the few successes you tell of, but ensure everyone there is singing from the same hymn sheet, as this bitter-sweet success may rub other less fortunate families up the wrong way.

TRACY ASTON

Woodville Road

Road rights

I HAVE the deepest admiration for Beatrice Hurlock enjoying using her hundred years with such spirit, and would like to send the brightest and best of good wishes for her years to come.

But how annoying it can be to read such accounts, for lesser mortals ("Can I ever live up to this? I feel less than half that energetic already")!

Recently the cautionary road sign of two bent people has been criticised as giving the wrong "image." Well, yes, we are usually fitter for longer now but there are, and always will be, old bent people toward the end (and well done them for still crossing roads!) but the road rights of everyone need to be recognised and acknowledged.

BERYL SANDERS

Ninfield Road

No lifeguard

A FEW years ago I wrote to the Bexhill Observer, praising the young men on duty at Egerton Park at the boating lake. Your readers were so pleased to read a letter in praise not a "grumpy letter" (their words not mine).

My grandson Daniel is 12 and stayed with me for a week. He once again wanted to go on the boats. The young man on duty was as helpful and kind as the previous men. I thought I recognised him. He told me he was really a lifeguard and was usually patrolling Bexhill beaches. He went on to explain there were no lifeguards on the beaches now as if he rescued someone from the sea he might get hurt and the council couldn't be liable for this. Has the world gone mad? I would love to hear other people's opinions about this. I know my friends are appalled at Rother Council's decision.

S. A. HARRIS (Mrs)

Pembury Grove

Hope and glory

WOW, what an experience, I am so glad that I got a team together for this wonderful event. The event held at William Parker School over the Bank Holiday, was opened at midday on Saturday by the Mayor of Hastings and ran for a full 24 hours until noon Sunday.

Ten of us from Bexhill took part camping out overnight and wouldn't have missed it for the world. Team Oddball, as we named ourselves, was a mixed age team from seven years to 64-years-old, some people complain about young people and teenagers, but ours did us proud, cart wheeling, dancing and singing their way around the track, everyone admired them for taking part so enthusiastically.

The feeling of camaraderie between teams was wonderful and by the end everyone had met and made new friends, laughed together and had so much fun.

During the 24 hours, a fete was held at the school, complete with fairground attractions, stalls, kite flying, and demonstrations by local groups. When the fete closed, the Cancer Research UK party began for team members and anyone else who wished to come along and join in. A disco, live band and the local group The Men in Black performed until midnight stopping for an hour at 9.15pm for the Candle of Hope Ceremony.

This was led by Tim Hucknott, who piped those in the Phoenix Arts Centre down to the track, where over 400 candles in decorated bags had been placed around the track lighting the way for teams during the night. While these bags were being lit, everyone joined in with Amazing Grace and Celine Dion's 'Hero' accompanied on the bagpipes and lead by Leslie Davis. Poignant words were read out as the word Hope was lit up and then all those taking part walked one lap together.

The difficult hours were those between 2am and 5am, but we sometimes walked in pairs or with people from other teams for company, and I personally thoroughly enjoyed walking with a team member from 5am until daylight; that was very special.

The event ended rather wet as it had started to rain quite heavily, but everyone was called to take to the track to finish and despite the rain, all teams came down for a big countdown and final lap together along with supporters, committee members and those who had come to collect and help clear up. Fantastic!

This was a first for Hastings, but will become an annual event, next year it's September 19/20, make a date in your diaries.

If you don't want to take part as a team, just come along the afternoon or evening events, you will still be supporting the teams and more importantly, the cause.

If you feel that you would like to donate money to Cancer Research UK for this event, it's not too late, please send your sponsorship to Team Oddball c/o Pat & Colin King, 1a Pages Lane, Bexhill on Sea TN39 3RD, all monies must be handed to Cancer Research UK by September 30.

PAT & COLIN KING

Pages Lane

Holiday at home

THROUGH your paper I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Beulah Baptist Church especially Marilyn, Peter, Gerald and Don and all their helpers for a very enjoyable second year of Holiday At Home.

Holiday At Home is a week-long programme run by volunteers that enables us older less mobile people to be picked up from home to go and enjoy a week of activities including craft, exercise, (run by Amanda,) relevant talks by visiting speakers, outings and fellowship plus very enjoyable home cooked food.

Jenny and her team in the kitchen produced some very tasty appetising food.

One of the outings was to Eastbourne where we all enjoyed a tour around the countryside followed by ice cream and then we had another trip to the Coach House in Manor Gardens where we enjoyed a lovely cream tea and talk.

I feel that we are very fortunate as a town to have such a caring church in our local community that not only talks about the love of God but shows it by reaching out to all age groups.

Thank you very much everyone involved.

Joyce Goble

Bexhill

Classic car thanks

I WRITE to thank all members of Bexhill Museum's events group who planned and gave up their bank holiday to run our stand at the Bexhill 100 Classic & Custom Car Show.

The show gets bigger and better each year and is a grand reminder to residents and visitors alike of the town's motoring history.

Which is why it is essential that the museum always has a significant presence there.

Whilst not listing all of the helpers names I must mention David Hughes. Without David providing suitable transport and help the day would not have been possible. There he was at 7.45am putting up the marquee on his own in a near howling gale!

I would also like to thank Andrew Coley for allowing us to display his APCsport Peugeot 206 rally car and for being available to answer questions on the team and rallying in general. Mary and Ken Bywater for their e-Type Jaguar, both cars setting off our stand in great style. Also thanks to all who donated items for sale and tombola prizes.

For the Society of Bexhill Museums the day was a great success both financially and for marketing the new museum and our Elva restoration project and for further publicising our link up with APCsport.

JOHN BETTS

Head of Fundraising

Society of Bexhill Museums

Elephant Hawk Moths

Re Are they a danger? Observer, August 22

THESE caterpillars are not dangerous; they are the caterpillar of the Elephant Hawk Moth. My Nan found one in her garden in a fuchsia, this is it's favourite meal. Before they change into a chrysalis they will bury themselves in the ground.

They are called Elephant Hawk Moths because the caterpillar looks like an elephant's trunk.

CONNOR MELLISH (Aged 12)

Kingswood Avenue