Celebration of Nelson's triumph

That's the slogan coined by the organisers of the town's Trafalgar Day celebrations to encourage Bexhillians to support an occasion which will include the lighting of a commemorative beacon plus a spectacular fireworks display.

Next Friday's event, the start of three days of commemoration, is being sponsored by Old Town Preservation Society, the Sackville Partnership, Harvey's brewery, Rother and town traders.

Local independent businesses have contributed 1,000 in total following a business-to-business personal appeal by Cllr Eric Armstrong and Cllr Stuart Earl.

The pair walked around the town seeking 20 donations from local independent traders.

The idea of marking the 200th anniversary of Nelson's last and most famous naval victory over Napoleon was first put forward by Cllr Armstrong in an Observer appeal.

Now the town has a new landmark on the summit of Galley Hill - a specially constructed beacon.

Cllr Armstrong says of the many months of preparation to ensure that Bexhill will be part of the National Celebrations on October 21: "The main contributors to the event have continued to give support and advice.

"They are: Old Town Preservation Society,The Sackville, Harveys and Rother District Council.

"However, it must be pointed out that the true 'Trafalgar Spirit' showed itself with the erection of the beacon on Galley Hill.

"The beacon itself, was made in Catsfield by Philcox Engineering is wonderful and hopefully will be there for many years to come. It was erected by : Hav' a skip, Jewsons, Bexhill Build and Design, The Builder Centre, Brewers and last but not least Coussens Crane Hire and no shortage local muscle.

"All of these businesses either provided labour or materials free of charge. It is so worthwhile and satisfying to have a business say 'It's for the community' and 'Keep it local'.

"The Trafalgar posters on display in the town are superb and again local Glide Design provided their services freely.

"The local cafes are providing 'Trafalgar Breakfasts' on the 21st '“ Don't miss out - start your day at: Cavells '“Coasters '“Specials or the Manhattan who all generously supported the events.

"Bexhill expects every 'man' to do his duty." Be there and don't forget 'Fly the Flag'.!

Next Friday's programme begins with the Trafalgar Day Breakfasts.

By 7pm the King Offa Dancers will be performing on the De La Warr Parade lawn opposite The Sackville.

The Galley Hill beacon will be lit at 7.15pm

Patriotic music will be provided on the promenade lawn. The 7.30pm firework display will be preceded by the reading of Nelson's famous prayer on the eve of battle.

Donations will be invited in aid of the Royal Naval Association.

On Saturday, October 22, Bexhill 100 Motoring Club will be staging a 1pm cavalcade of red, white and blue from Galley Hill to the Sackville and on to Bexhill Sailing Club where from 2.30pm the club will be staging special Trafalgar Day races.

Bexhill members of the Maritime Volunteer Service hold their annual Trafalgar Night Dinner at the Sailing Club in the evening.

On Sunday, October 23 Bexhill branch of the Royal Naval Association and Hastings and District Association of WRENS will be holding a Trafalgar Day thanksgiving service at St Augustine's Church. The 3pm will be conducted by the Vicar, the Rev Robert Coates, who was a Royal Navy chaplain from 1995 to 2000.

Ex-service standards will be presented at the altar during the first hymn, O God Our Help In Ages Past.

In addition to Nelson's Prayer, read by a cadet, prayer will be offered for the Queen and Commonwealth and for peace and concord.

Trafalgar Day will be celebrated by Bexhill branch of the Royal Naval Association with the customary dinner at The Mermaid.

Some 80 Shipmates and their guests will be attending the special 200th anniversary dinner and Town Mayor Cllr Joy Hughes and her daughter and Mayoress, Sam, will be guests of honour.