National Trust branch may be forced to close

Publicity officer Colin Hill said there was a "very real" possiblity the branch would dissolve following vacancies for the post of chairman and vice-chairman.

At the 38th AGM last November, held in St Peter's Community Centre, Graham Looker and Janetta Looker announced their retirement from the posts of vice chairman and treasurer due to moving away from Bexhill.

At the time, chairman Hans Heetveld made a stong plea for the vacancies, and emphasised that the long-term future of the association looked uncertain without these officers.

Though the post of treasurer has been filled, Hans will not be standing for re-election and the vice chairman post is still vacant.

According to the branch's constitution, if no nominations are received the association closes by default.

Colin said: "Three years ago we had exactly the same problem. But someone came through at the last minute and we were saved.

"But it doesn't look like it's going to happen this time.

"You never know. Miracles do happen. I hope so, it would be a great shame."

The South East Centre for National Trust Members formed in Eastbourne in October 1970 before splitting further into an Eastern section and the Seven Sisters Centre. In 1980, the Rye and Winchelsea group broke away, followed by Hastings and St Leonards in 1982.

But Bexhill remained the nucleus for the South East Centre until 1992, when it was officially named the Bexhill Association of National Trust Members.

It provides valuable financial support for local National Trust properties, such as Sissinghurst, Bodiam Castle, Bateman's and Scotney Castle.

A membership of 750 in the early 80s has now shrunk to 400. Colin said it was "still a viable number were it not for a lack of volunteers for the essential posts of officers."

The meeting takes place in St Augustine's Church, Cooden Drive, at 2.15pm on September 2.