Do You Remember When?

1908

THAT the Bexhill Town Council don't contemplate staying their hand in the matter of seafront improvement is demonstrated by the fact that this the week corporate body has had under consideration what is, to all intents and purposes, euphemistically described, as the "Central Parade Improvement." Behind this apparently general appellation there is evidently more than appears at first stated, and it is believed that when the scheme in its entirety, for the improvement, has become un fait accompli it will be productive of quite a transformation scene, and one which will be conducive to the benefit of the town, and a pleasure to the eye.

STROLLING along Chantry Lane on Tuesday afternoon, I was startled on learning that a municipal election struggle was in progress and that the polling papers were being "dumped" at the Borough School. One would have thought, seeing that the Ward is largely composed of working men, there would have been a real stir, but not even a sprinkling of the unemployed were to be seen in the neighbourhood of the booth. It evidently requires much to arouse some of the electors from their lethargic condition in that area '“ Pithy Points column.

1958

A PLAN to illuminate Bexhill's seafront in annual stages was introduced by Councillor H.G. Morgan at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday. He asked for provision for this to be included in the Estates and Parks Committee's capital expenditure forecast for next year. Councillor Morgan suggested that 500 should be allowed in the coming year and 500 for the next year.

PERSONAL qualities such as integrity, thoroughness and persistence are as important as they ever were, and a girl possessing them is likely to make a happy life for herself, sometimes outshining girls who have been looked upon as "cleverer," said the Headmistress (Miss W.M. Wilkins) in her first report to parents at the Down County Secondary School for Girls' Speech Day.

1968

FINAL preparations are now being made for what might prove to be one of the greatest engineering feats seen along the South Coast '“ and with luck it should be visible from Bexhill. Given the right combination of tide and weather, an attempt will be made later this month to float the first part of the new Royal Sovereign Light Tower from Newhaven to its permanent resting place about eight miles south of Bexhill.

A CALL for the town to revert to its old standing as a 'seaside resort' instead of the newer expression, a 'residential town by the sea' was made at a meeting of the Hotels Association on Wednesday. In a 'personal' statement, the chairman (Mr. E.J. Burman) said he considered the move would be of 'psychological importance' and 'a step in the right direction.'

1978

CHEAPER alternatives to Rother's 900,000 plan for a new swimming pool beside the Drill Hall have been put forward in an attempt to keep the scheme afloat. The major plan remains on Rother's books. Any alternative would be a fall-back if there is insufficient cash for the original. Officers suggest slashing the plan to 672,000.

HOSPITAL radio may soon be available to patients at Bexhill Hospital and geriatric unit, thanks to the hospital's League of Friends and Hastings and Rother Hospital Radio Service. The service was pioneered at St Helen's Hospital and the Royal East Sussex Hospital at Hastings.

1988

WIT, raconteur but above all electrifying political speaker '“ former Conservative Party deputy chairman Jeffrey Archer held the largest luncheon gathering in the 53 year history of the De La Warr Pavilion in thrall.

1998

ROLF Harris dashed off a quick cartoon for Bexhill after his sell-out show at the De La Warr Pavilion on Friday. The autographed self-portrait will be auctioned in aid of Children In Need in a fund-raising idea by Bexhill Library. Librarian Anne Rowley and senior library assistant Sue Dale met Rolf backstage after the show and watched him produce the picture.

THE area needs tourists '“ but not too many said councillors this week. The balance between encouraging tourists into towns '“ especially Bexhill '“ and flooding the countryside and villages was discussed by Rother's regeneration and tourism committee. Councillors were considering the council's tourism strategy for the next five years. They agreed to spend 25,000 next years on the joint 1066 Country Campaign and to spend the same every year if reviews showed the campaign was successful.