Your Letters - July 25

Impending crisis Re: Achiever's Award and Cash Crisis BELATED thanks to those who were responsible for selecting me as "Overall Achiever 2008" which was totally unexpected. I could not find the right words to say at the awards night as I was only too aware of the juxtaposition of success and failure with the impending news of the cash crisis hanging over Sidley Community Association, which was so well reported and commented on in last week's Observer. In regard to the award it was a delightful surprise. However, while it was focussed on me it was achieved as a result of the work of the whole team at Sidley who make their individual and collective valuable contributions to the community which far outweigh their financial rewards. The award was also their gift to me. Although I tell everyone that I am not emotionally involved, Sidley; the Community Association and particularly the staff, deserve not only my affection but also the support and thanks of all the people of Sidley and Bexhill. The award was made to me but it also recognised the workers at Sidley Community Association, past and present, who have achieved so much. I must also thank Betty Szewczyk, who raised the closure of Learning Link with the Observer. This link with the press enabled us to tell readers of the problems we are facing at Sidley which I first raised in an earlier letter to the Observer when another of our highly valued staff had to be made redundant. In this letter I also drew attention to Greg Barker's closing comments on his visit to Sidley Community Centre as reported in the May 30 Observer as follows: "It's important and much needed work that goes on here, helping local people with their life chances to improve their quality of life. Clearly, in order for projects like this to thrive, they need long term funding." The lack of long term funding is the problem. The staff constantly worry about their jobs and their future because of the redundancies and the funding uncertainty. However, if the Association cannot be saved the long term losers will be the people of Sidley. They will lose facilities that started in 1949 and have been progressively developed to provide vital services at a cost that no organisation can match. It is a strange world we live in. The people of Sidley need and deserve local, affordable services. If the Association disappears due to a lack of funding who will provide them? Can no one see it as it is? JOHN IZZARD Chairman Sidley Community Association Link disgrace IT IS nothing short of a local disgrace that the Learning Link adult learning centre at Sidley is due for imminent closure. I applaud your giving this front page priority and also your Observer comment. The decision not to fund is myopic in the extreme and was announced on the same day as the Government stated that almost 20 per cent of 17/18-year-olds receive no training or education and are unemployed. To withdraw this support from Sidley where the infrastructure is set up and has been working to the benefit of the community for some time, is extraordinary and illogical. It will deprive many of an opportunity of training and employment and individuals and society can only be the worse for it. JOHN MULHERN Peartree Lane Traffic congestion WITH reference to the endless Observer letters calling for a bypass. We have a local Conservative MP who is anti bypass and a Government which is anti road construction, so here is little hope of any change in the foreseeable future. (The mooted link road being just a local sop). Since the anti road lobby killed off the original bypass scheme on which huge sums of public money had already been spent on preliminary works, many people have been needlessly killed and injured on the A27/A259. Much pollution is produced by the endlessly congested traffic. Meanwhile the Government has the temerity to announce that single carrigeway trunk roads are the most dangerous in the UK. Hmmmm ! GLYN CHAVE South Cliff Sea views AT their meeting next Monday (July 28), the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Rother District Council are being asked to recommend the Cabinet to allocate 3.5m from the Council's Capital resources towards Bexhill seafront improvements. This sum, together with 600,000 already allocated and 1m which it is hoped to get from national sources, would fund the 5.1m scheme they have in mind. The intention is that there would be a public exhibition of the final designs 'When they had been agreed'. I am told, however, that the scheme involves forming six below-ground shops at the rear of the Colonnade; the demolition of the Rowing Club and rebuilding on another site; the paving over of a large area of the putting-green; extensive tree-planting and restyling of the Pavilion car park and numerous other changes along the entire length of West Parade. Surely the people of Bexhill should be given an opportunity to express an opinion on what is proposed before any thought is given to allocating huge sums from our Capital Reserves to fund it? I thought we lived in a democracy. JACK SEABROOK Richmond Avenue Roadside help ONE hears so much about gangs, knife-crime and yobbish behaviour that it is a pleasure to report something more positive. Recently, I drove my wife to the headland opposite the Coastguard station and a motorcyclist of about 25 drew up alongside. Shortly, he tapped the window and said: "Excuse me, do you know you've got a flat tyre?" I got out promptly and he pointed to the nail-head responsible. At this point I realised I had gone without my mobile, was not sure of the RAC number and had no idea of the nearest phone. "Would you like me to change the wheel?" he asked. He had some difficulty finding the spot for the jack and lay flat on the ground to locate it, asking my wife to step out of the car. When he had finished I apologised for also coming without my wallet, but I would like his details so I could send to him. "Forget it," he said. "When I am as old as you I hope someone will do me a favour." I should have asked how far he had come, but if he is a local lad I would like to pay him this tribute. "You have restored my faith in your generation." Hugh Freebury Summer Hill Road Post queue I WOULD just like to congratulate all the workers at Bexhill's main Post Office. They are doing a fantastic job under very pressurised conditions. It cannot be easy working day in day out with such large queues. It really annoys me when you get people writing in to complain like the silly lady from last week moaning about waiting in the queue for 14 minutes! To answer her question, 14 minutes is not at all a record by any means. Why doesn't she try Terminus Road Eastbourne or Cambridge Road, Hastings, then she will see what a real queue is like! Keep up the good work, Bexhill; we know it wasn't your fault that the subs closed down, we have the Labour government to thank for that! L Roberts (Mrs) Amherst Road Voucher thanks WE would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who kindly donated Tesco and Sainsbury vouchers to our school. Many of them came anonymously and so we have been unable to thank you personally. With the Tesco vouchers we have been able to order: *mini digital cameras and videos *A metal detector *A sound recorder *CD players. These will be very useful for the children to be able to record their work. With the Sainsbury vouchers we have ordered a flick football table for our college students, a curling set and various athletic and p.e equipment. Many thanks Fiona Allen School Secretary Glyne Gap Special Needs School Road sense A TIN of paint and a green bulb would solve the problem of traffic chaos to Hastings at peak times. Yet again recently 100 yards of road was closed in St Leonards causing a tailback all day back to King Offa Way up to 8pm. This time it was due to the closure of Harley Shute Road, north-bound, for gas works. The section of road which normally causes the worst congestion is the nearside lane from the Murco petrol station to the bottom of Harley Shute Road. Therefore, under normal conditions, if the nearside lane was extended back towards Bexhill for at least as far as Bulverhythe Road, or better still to Bridge Way just ten parking spaces would be lost but this would feed two lanes of traffic to the above junction. When the lights turn to green, two lanes would then move, being fed by further traffic from Bexhill. To make things even quicker, fit a green filter light for left turns up Harley Shute Road. As most drivers know, there is no problem at the Filsham Road traffic lights. Please will the Highways Department at least try an experiment with temporary traffic cones from Bridge Way to the Murco petrol station. B.H. Mewett Chantry Avenue Woodland worry WE Live at Ashley, Top Cross Road in Pebsham. Our house backs on to ancient woodland at the north-eastern end of Bexhill. The woodland in question has been up for sale for the past few years with planning consent for two houses. It is also home to badgers, foxes, bats, squirrels and numerous species of birds including owls, robins, wrens, blackbirds, thrushes and woodpeckers, to name but a few. We knew that one day some-one would buy the land but on Friday we came home from work to discover to our complete horror that most of the trees had been chopped down leaving just a few oak trees, (the oaks have tree preservation orders on them), however, we have since found that at least one tree with a preservation order on it has been felled. (We have photographic evidence) . Our main concern has been for the welfare of the wildlife and the still nesting birds, up untill Friday we had frequent visits from badgers, foxes and squirrels since this work has taken place we haven't seen any of these, and no birds at all.. We feel that this is an outrage that someone can just come along with a chainsaw and decimate some of our rare and precious ancient woodland. There must be some sort of law against this. The reason for writing this letter is that we don't know who to turn to or make aware of this travesty. Please help Steve and Alison Bridges Top Cross Road Cart required MAY I appeal to some kind reader who possesses a small two-wheeled cart, the type which is either pulled by hand, costermongers used to use them, or hitched up to a pony, to lend it to the Bexhill and Hastings Fairtrade group for one day, Carnival Day, Saturday, July 26 in Bexhill. We usually have a Landrover and a farm trailer, but we have been unable to borrow these this year. Bexhill Fairtrade group really want to participate again this year, (we came second in our class the year before last). Also, with the soaring cost of fuel.and the pollution caused by exhaust fumes, we consider it most suitable if the cart is pulled by muscle power and good honest sweat. So, if anyone can help us with the loan of a small cart of this type, please phone me on Bexhill 845225. DENIS LUCEY Hon.Treasurer, Bexhill Fairtrade Committee Sickening behaviour LAST Sunday some children were apprehended by the police whilst trying to vandalise Sidley United's new football stand at Gullivers Sport Ground. As far as we know no charges have been brought against them. The stand recently erected was built as a tribute to James Duffell and Liam Cox, Sidley players who were killed in a tragic traffic accident five years ago. To damage this particular building is as bad as desecrating a grave. Having been a resident of Sidley with my family and a supporter and former player for Sidley I find this display of vandalism sickening. The question is who is responsible for our children, is it the parents, the police, the schools? Everybody is blaming each other. Perhaps we should all accept some responsibility for allowing the situation to develop. We could go on arguing forever. However one thing is certain the old excuse WE AINT GOT NUFFINK TO DO is past its sell-by date. R. SANDERSON Top Cross Road Macmillan support I WOULD like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Little Common and Bexhill Macmillan Cancer Support committee for all the hard work they have given to the fund- raising for the Speech Therapist post recently. They have spent many hours baking, cooking, organising, planning and executing the Murder Mystery Supper at Freezelands Farm and the Open Garden held at Cranston Avenue last weekend. Without their continual efforts the charity would not have benefited by another 1804.95, 1212.45 and 592.50 respectively. Every member of the team gives of themself at all the events and I would like their commitment support and encouragement to their colleagues and the charity to be recognised. Thanks must also go to the various sponsors who also give of themselves and to Macmillan, namely Mr and Mrs Van Draat, who gave us the privilege of using their premises and garden, Mike Cooper and the Catsfield Players, for their artistic flair and super sleuthing for the Murder Mystery Supper, Mrs P Crouch, Mr and Mrs B. Wright, the hard working gardeners who presented such lovely calm havens for The public to view, Mrs Vi Curtis and her cake baking team for the Open Garden. The ladies who give us a little extra help on the night and our ever supportive husbands, partners who also give their expertise in various ways. Frank Field has also supported our fundraising efforts by donating 400 to Macmillan from his efforts in running the Rotterdam marathon recently. Finally a thank you to all patrons who support our activities and put their hands deep in their pockets to give continual sustenance to this very worthwhile charity. CYNTHIA EDWARDS Chairman Bexhill & Little Common Committee Macmillan Cancer Support Rowing dilemma HOW sad that Bexhill Rowing Club has had to give up hope of having a place in the Colonnade redevelopment - a "chance in a lifetime" opportunity. Have all the avenues in the financial world been explored and help asked for? How about the sporting world? Names like Steve Redgrave? Given the club's history and the superb racing results of today's members could help and advice be forthcoming? They deserve the best as they give us their best. As for the retail units, do we see Sale or To Let boards going up to generate money towards this huge project? Has interest already been shown? If so, what type are we to expect? I have a horrible feeling that the people of Bexhill are going to be left with another Devonshire Square. No comment! Phyllis Doswell Cranston Avenue Sound investment WOW, what an evening we had at the De La Warr Pavilion on July 15. I attended a film premiere and exhibition of a project that was run by a local multi media charity Sound Architect. The project was called the Rother Special News Report. Over a year Sound Architect had trained young people from Bexhill and Robertsbridge schools in film making and drama and then the young people made two drama/documentary films about the history of the two towns. It was fantastic - the work that was put in by the young people was really inspiring. Well done everyone - it was a very good evening, a fantastic atmosphere at the De La Warr Pavilion, which was very well attended by lots of people and we saw two really great films. It was really good to have been there, and for a change, to have witnessed in an event which was very positive about young people, their creativity and what they can achieve given the opportunity. MARGARET DOWLING Fairlight Road Hastings Water watch OBSERVER readers, all of whom, like me, are compulsory customers of South East Water, should check that all their direct debit payments are credited on the six-monthly water statement. Mine for last December was omitted from my next statement, issued in May. Mistakes do happen to us all so, when I pointed this one out, I hoped the company would admit its error and send a corrected statement. Two months and much correspondence later, I'm still hoping. Fortunately, South East Water is still better at supplying and metering water than at supplying a reliable report of payments received. ALLAN BULA Wickham Avenue Future fuels EVERY sector of Rother community is feeling the economic pinch. Farmers and other rural residents are hit particularly hard as they have to travel to and fro their nearest town for business and essentials. Fuel costs are biting hard and many "green" Rother residents are in favour of converting to biofuels. Bad move! Government subsidies and other biofuel support measures increase estimated wheat prices over the next few years by about 5%, maize by 7% and vegetable oil by about 19%. It doesn't take much extrapolation to realise that all associated commodity prices will also increase in unison. Yes, the use of oil and the harnessing of energy, is number one in the survival of nation states in the world economy and we, in Rother, are at the sharp end as energy consumers. World Oil reserves are finite. They will run out. The world population is increasing. Demand for energy becomes increasingly competitive and therefore expensive. The answer? Well, certainly not to invest in biofuel conversion. Biofuels are literally making your bread more expensive. Think ahead to times when there will be no more oil and your answers will appear. Yes, other forms of energy transfer; solar, wind, geo, tidal, wood, other carbon concentrates like coal; yes, coal! Britain has about 400 years worth of coal reserves we could use for the future. Let Rother lead the way in telling district councillors and then government what should be happening. Value selected items that contain or harness energy; this is your future but not biofuels. Tony Smith Brownbread Stud Ashburnham Such generosity AS we approach the end of another academic year, can I once again express my thanks to the people of Bexhill and the surrounding areas who do so much to assist the work of St Mary's Wrestwood Children's Trust. As a Special Needs School and College, St Mary's receives only limited assistance from central government and relies upon fees to provide education, therapy and residential and medical care to the pupils and students aged between seven and 19 who have complex special needs. We continue to rely upon people's generosity to be able to purchase the additional resources required such as medical, play, ICT and other specialist equipment.. The people of Bexhill never fail us with their support whether it is by attending our very popular fairs or by sending us little bundles of vouchers from Sainsbury's and Tesco's. As the advert says 'Every little bit helps' at St Mary's. Your generosity enriches the lives of the young people attending St Mary's. Thank you. Kay Parkin Head of Administration St Mary's Wrestwood Children's Trust Patient care WE WANT to express heartfelt thanks to teaching staff and support staff, past and present, from Glyne Gap School and the Glyne Gap faculty at Bexhill College. Hastings and Rother are fortunate to have such a good local school for children and young adults with complex learning difficulties. As parents we have found this school enormously supportive, even through challenging and difficult days when no approach seemed to work. Our son started there aged 2 and now leaves as a strapping 19-year-old. Through the school's patient care and support he has already achieved much more than was thought possible at birth and we are so grateful that when the going got tough the school never gave up on him. Dennis and Patricia Nolan Marley Lane Battle Running men I'M writing regarding Cancer Research Race for Life. I would like to congratulate all those ladies who took part in this fantastic event. I am wondering though what has happened to all the men who when asked on the day stated they felt left out, as men are not able to enter the Race for Life. My message therefore for those men and anyone else who missed out this time on doing their bit for awareness and raising funds into research for a cure is IT'S NOT TOO LATE... get a team of eight or more people together and join the 1st Hastings Relay for Life this August at William Parker. For more information see www.cancerresearchuk.org/relay Come and join me for the party and camp the night too. You can run, walk or crawl as long as you are registered and in a team. I look forward to hearing from you NICOLA EVANS Relay for Life Committee member Roundwood Road St Leonards Coffee Shop I'M sitting here resting in my armchair Watching the hands on the clock go round. At last it is ten o'clock - off to the shop I go. Where I can get a mug of coffee for less than a pound. Standing wide-eyed at the counter. The shelves all full of some treats. There's drinks, biscuits, toiletries and crisps. There's pens, lots of chocolates and some sweets. You can sit at a table and have coffee. Or if you prefer you can have tea. The staff are nice and friendly They are happy to serve you and me. Weekdays they are open ten o'clock until noon. For patients and visitors they open from two to four. They will help carry your purchases to your bedside. Without them life in hospital would be very poor. GORDEN PIERCE Irvine Unit patient MY grateful thanks to the kind lady who found my purse last week in Western Road and handed it in to the Farm Kitchen. It was returned to me by the police also thanks to the Farm Kitchen staff for minding it. I am very sorry not to be able to thank you personally, but do not have your address or phone number. I will give a donation to St Michael's in lieu. Many thanks, God bless you. M. ATTREE Stevens Close I WAS sad to read about the death of Jackie Luck. She was always most supportive of so many local groups, events and also like me a letter writer to the Bexhill Observer who would also stop to chat in the street when she was still able to get around town. Pen and paper addicts will miss her! Philipa Coughlan Gordon Place