Do You Remember When?

1909

THE Central Parade Committee reported to the Town Council on Monday evening as follows: "Laying out Coastguard Land. At a previous meeting of the Committee, certain members had been requested to confer with the Surveyor with a view to bringing forward a comprehensive scheme for the treatment of the Coastguard Land. Such a scheme having been prepared, was submitted to the Committee, and a plan and perspective drawing produced. The scheme provided for construction of bandstand with tiers of seating arranged in a semi-circle surrounded by a covered colonnade. The scheme included the laying out of gardens, erection of small shelters and other works shown on drawing. The cost estimated for the work was 3,727." - Reference to planning of the Colonnade.

SELDOM has there been a more successful fancy dance than that which took place at the Sackville Hotel on the afternoon of January 13th from 4.30p.m. to eight o'clock. No less than 300 to 400 people of all ages responded to the invitations, either as dancers or as "lookers on", and it was quite a "sight of a life-time" to see troops and troops of happy children arriving at The Sackville.

1959

ALTHOUGH they have decided not to organise a Carnival in the town this year, members of Bexhill Round Table, who during the last nine years have by their annual voluntary effort raised more than 1,500 for charity, are contemplating an alternative event, and among suggestions being considered is that of staging a midnight cinema matinee. In connection with this the "Observer" understands that the possibility of several distinguished personalities attending the event has been mentioned.

A MAN who used to make and repair bicycles in Bexhill, and become famous as the designer of Britain's first successful aeroplane engine,was honoured on Thursday by being made an Honorary Companion of the Royal Aeronautical Society at the age of 93. He is Mr. Gustavus Green, who before the 1914-1918 War lived in Reginald-road and had a workshop in Victoria-road.

1969

THE 180,000 automatic telephone exchange in Buckhurst Road is expected to be built by the Spring of next year. Equipment for the change-over has already been ordered and there is every hope that the new system will become operational in 1971.

IT will cost more for the visitor to stay in Bexhill next season. All but a few of the 35 hotels, guest houses and other establishments listed in the 1969 accommodation register have had to increase their prices to cover ever-higher overheads. The exceptions are the Gate House Hotel, which has pegged its charges at a 37 a week maximum and 25 minimum, and Hurchington Manor, whose charges stay at 18 18s.

1979

BEXHILL has lost the chance of a conference which would have brought up to 500 delegates and guests to the De La Warr Pavilion. And a Rother councillor has blamed the town's hoteliers for not "pulling their fingers out." It has meant that the south-east area conference of the Royal Air Forces Association will be going to Ramsgate instead.

1989

LOCAL hospital services are at crisis point and one department is in danger of collapse, health chiefs warn today. The ear, nose and throat department is desperate for another consultant and without it the services will "collapse and cease to be available," says Hastings Health Authority finance director Ruth Carnall.

POLICE escaped injury when a home-made fire bomb was thrown at them from a flat in Western Road on Monday night. The glass bottle of burning paraffin was thrown after officers left the flat.

1999

"WHO cares?" is the arresting headline on a pamphlet published by a newly-formed residents' protest group. Pebsham Residents' Association Action Group is circulating the letters to householders affected by Southern Water's 30m waste-water treatment works plan confirming details of two protest meetings. As revealed in last week's Observer, PRAG seeks to channel public opposition to the sewage plant plan into formal opposition to the planning process.

THE future of Bexhill's popular Charter Day Centre hangs in the balance. Elderly people attending the purpose-built day centre at Thalia House, London Road, were dismayed on Wednesday to be handed letters from county social services. East Sussex social services committee meets today to find economies needed to match its spending in line with reduced Government aid.