Do you remember when?

1908

FOLLOWING on the recent case in connection with the destruction of trees by gas, a complaint has been made to the Corporation, by the Head Gardener that three trees, in Sackville Road, have died as a result of the laying of underground cables by the National Telephone Company. It is probable that the Company will be called upon by the Corporation for damages in this connection.

THE latest arrival in Bexhill appeared on Sunday afternoon last in the form of a sand artists, on the De La Warr Parade, opposite the Sackville Hotel. Is this class of visitor to be a new form of attraction in the town?

1958

THE Old Town Jubilee Clock which has regulated the lives of housewives, shopkeepers, and office workers in the district for 71 years and served the town as a proud and respected landmark, may strike its last hour this week. Rust and corrosion threaten to silence it and there is no money to pay for an urgently needed overhaul.

FOUR of the world's top golfers, Open Champion Bobby Locke and Ryder Cup men Max Faulkner, Ken Bousfield and John Jacobs, visited Cooden Beach Golf Club for an exhibition match on Sunday afternoon. Nearly 600 people watched them drive off in brilliant sunshine and formed a large gallery which followed the players round the 18 holes.

1968

SHOCK news for members of the Bexhill District Nursing Association is contained in the association's annual report. 'Out of date aims' and the 'complete lack of response' to an appeal for younger people to become members are blamed for a threat that the association may have to disband.

IT looks as if the corner of London Road and Little Common Road will be the site of a new fire station. Part of the land of about one acre '“ on the Bexhill Council-owned West Trading Estate '“ will have to be reserved for the future improvement of the trunk road.

1978

ROTHER'S 1,000 prize lottery got off to a swinging start this week with comedian Norman Vaughan '“ and allegations of being a "con." Norman picked up a 50p bonus with his winning ticket. He was in Bexhill for the official launching on Tuesday although tickets went on sale at the end of last week at many of the 45 outlets.

WHEN the curtain goes up on Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society's 50th production, Carousel, members will have their fingers crossed '“ particularly the treasurer. The show's run at the De La Warr Pavilion could be crucial for the society's survival. The BLODS' last two shows Gypsy Love and Orpheus, both lost money.

1988

"GIVE my love to the misses and the kids!" Spike Milligan told Prince Charles as he drove away from a Royal visit which made a lot of people very happy. From the moment the Prince stepped out onto the Coach House forecourt he delighted everyone with his friendliness and informality. He crossed Manor Gardens to a "walk-about" to shake hands with the crowd, some of whom had waited for two hours to see him.

1998

HOSTAGE David Mitchell was safely back in Sidley this week '“ and talking of his need to get back to Yemen to "tidy up." Mr Mitchell, an English teacher with the British Council, his wife Carolyn and 14 year-old son Ben were captured by Yemeni tribesmen three weeks ago. Sidley will welcome the family home tomorrow at a special celebration for the whole family.

BUSTLING Bexhill provided an eye-opener for motor racing hero Stirling Moss over an action-packed weekend. Opening the two-day Bexhill 100 Motoring Festival on Sunday, Stirling confessed: "I had no idea it would be like this!" Stirling arrived in a cavalcade of cars headed by Eastbourne Scottish Pipe Band to find the scene of Bexhill's pioneering 1902 international Motor Trials on De La Warr Parade packed with people and crowded with historic and unusual vehicles.