Do You Remember When?

1908

A SUBJECT of great interest to the trading community was discussed at the monthly meeting of the Commercial Association, held at the Devonshire Hotel on Tuesday evening, this being in regard to the feasibility of adopting uniform hours for the closing of shops at night during the winter months. Mr. A.R. Deeprose introduced the subject and a very interesting discussion ensued. Mr. Deeprose began by mentioning that he had visited several tradesmen in St. Leonards Road in order to get their views on the subject of closing earlier in the evenings during the winter months, and opinion had been rather divided on account of the different trades. They had, however, all agreed that if all would do it, they would.

THE Harvest Festival in connection with S. Peter's Church was commenced on Tuesday, services being held throughout the day. The greatest interest was evinced in the proceedings and a feature of them was the large congregation at the evening service. The interior of the church was charmingly decorated with many beautiful flowers, while fruits and vegetables further testified to the appropriateness of the scene.

1958

BEXHILL Civil Defence Week has been disappointing, said Commander S.F. Pocock (Civil Defence Liaison Officer). The public have taken little interest in the display of latest vehicles and equipment used by Civil Defence workers and up to Thursday only 10 new recruits had been enrolled.

THE report of the Bexhill District Committee of the East Sussex Education Committee yesterday revealed that attendance at Bexhill primary schools during the Spring term was 89.29 per cent. Attendance lost through sickness in the primary schools was 9.39 per cent, while in the Secondary Girls' School it was 4.29 per cent.

1968

A FORECAST that Bexhill's retired population would find it hard to adjust to the decimal coinage system was cited as a reason for traders to be particularly understanding and patient during the change-over from sterling to decimal currency. This view was expressed by Mr L.V. Keep, who is manager of the Westminster Bank's Town Hall Square branch, when he spoke to members of the Chamber of Commerce.

THE cost of alterations to Sidley House would be more than the estimated 4,000, the chairman (Mr. J. Marchant) said at the 20th annual meeting of Sidley Community Association. The alterations including building a library downstairs and extending room two which at present is not large enough for activities such as dressmaking.

1978

AFTER nearly two hours of debate, Rother council decided on Monday to shelve Bexhill's swimming pool scheme for six months. "Shame on the lot of you!" yelled one of the disappointed supporters who had waited from 6.30pm to 10.30pm for the subject to be discussed. Placard-carrying supporters had made a silent demonstration on the steps as councillors entered the Town Hall.

1988

SEXUALLY abused children are finding safety at St Jude's Women's Refuge as the hostel plunges deeper into financial crisis. The refuge is 7,000 in the red, struggling to keep open as its role shifts to be a safe place for children in danger as well as a haven for battered wives.

1998

FED-UP traders want the high street banks back in Sidley. A protest meeting this week drew up an action plan to get essential banking restored. It is part of a wider plan to pump fresh life into the community. Over the last three months, all banks and building societies have closed their Sidley branches, leaving just one "hole in the wall" cash point and the Post Office.

A DEDICATION service for the opening of a new wing and library was held at St Mary's special needs school on Friday. The new wing is named after Dr Michael Tettenborn, a consultant paediatrician and former governor of the school for over 11 years. A plaque to commemorate the old school building was unveiled in honour of Canon Michael Townroe, who has been a school governor fo 25 years.