VERY St Leonards-on-Sea by Wordsmith Design

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Nº1 2012

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www.verystleonards-on-sea.co.uk

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‘‘Welcome!

Welcome to St Leonards-on-Sea, a seaside town with a lot of front! Over a mile of wide promenade with unspoiled vistas out to sea on one side, and facing that view, gorgeous terraces, a square, gardens and avenues snaking down hills. The area has long attracted visitors and artists for its lovely surroundings and its ethereal quality of light. Today a wave of creative entrepreneurs has discovered that this town is a great place to ‘eat, live, love’ and to create, work and shop! St Leonards-on-Sea has an enviable mix of bold new businesses and niche ideas side by side with an established community of knowledgeable

COVER IMAGES: ‘V’ from Love Cafe; ‘E’ from Plenty; ‘R’ from Kick’s Barbers; ‘Y’ from Philip Oakley Illuminations; swimming costume from La La Rookh & photographed by Alun Callender; crockery from charity shops; cake from Post Office Tea Rooms; lobster from Azur; dog from St Leonards Glass; basket and dress from SHOP; mannequin from the Garment Rail Centre. VERY St Leonards-on-Sea is supported by Hastings Borough Council Printed in St Leonards by Hastings Print Company: www.hastings-print.co.uk VERY St Leonards-on-Sea would like to thank ALL the local people who have supported this publication, the advertisers, the interviewees – Deborah Bowness and K Avery-Stallion – and everyone who has offered their advice and suggestions. We hope you find this magazine an appropriate celebration of our special town!

independent shops and family run businesses that span generations. It’s a recipe flavoured with international spice, a dollop of seaside sauciness, a taste not overpowered by overegging the ‘twee’, a bit rough and raw, sometimes eye watering, but well seasoned by a diverse community and it always results in an interesting dish. St Leonards-on-Sea has several shopping hot spots. Don’t be surprised to find several ideas in one place, such as an opticians in a café or a combo dog biscuits, felted crafts and web design shop. When you want to take a break from work and shopping, there are delightful eateries to enjoy… catch up on gossip, plan a project or just unwind, and there’s plenty of spots for a makeover or pamper.

www.verystleonards-on-sea.co.uk

Azur at the Marina Pavilion The perfect place to watch the sun go down… meals, light bites, cold beer, ice cream, fresh lobster

MEDITERRANEAN STYLE RESTAURANT, BEACH VIEW BALCONY, BEACH LEVEL BISTRO & FUNCTION ROOMS FOR WEDDINGS, CONFERENCES & PRIVATE PARTIES

www.azurmarinapavilion.com 2

Telephone: 01424 447461

Satisfy your appetites in St Leonards-on-Sea There are over thirty places to eat in St Leonards-on-Sea and each one has a distinct flavour, from hearty soup and a roll for a round pound at Oak Bakery or a heartful £2 Christian meal served at His Place (Kings Road) to a fashionable menu at Pier Nine in the glamorous surroundings of the Zanzibar International Hotel. Here is a morning to midnight taster trail. Start the day at one of the sunniest places in the UK with breakfast on the seafront at Grand Parade. Kassa’s delicious Middle Eastern breakfast is served with Persian tea, whilst Smiths Real Food is famous for a brunch style menu. Plenty serve great coffee and light bites and Pasta Pasta offer consistently good

Italian fare. Round the corner, One Café on London Road is a popular meeting place for artists, with good photography and art shows and homemade tasty eats. Nearby, the great shopping on Norman Road will leave you needing refreshment, so look out for the house-size portrait of Prince Charles by well-known street artist Ben Eine and the entrance to the sensuous Love Café. A divine menu includes savoury and sweet crepes. Across the road, the tiny kitchen in Little Larder produces big flavoursome lunches. For teatime, try out the newly opened Shop on Norman Road serving fabulous tea and cakes by Michaela surrounded by fabulous things to buy, whilst the Post Office Tea Rooms at Marina do a properly posh teatime set.

Round dinner time, St Leonards again is the place for variety and choice. For a great meal out, try the wildly popular Taj Mahal tucked into Western Road serving authentic Indian home cooking, or the grand Ghurka Palace on Warrior Square. For more spice, head for authentic African and Caribbean food at Mamma Putts on Kings Road.

For fish and the best of the local daily catch, book a table at St Clements’, situated on Mercatoria at the top of Norman Road. This Michelin ‘Bib Gourmand’ awarded restaurant serves fish with the best produce from local smokeries and rare breed farms, plus handmade cheeses and seasonal vegetables. The set menus are an affordable way of enjoying exceptional cuisine. Long summer evenings and spectacular sunsets are best enjoyed around Marina and Marine Court. Browse some art at the galleries, followed by sundowner cocktails at Bar Blah a popular watering hole with a village vibe. Follow this with fine dining at Azur with the best terrace view for miles, or friendly Armenian restaurant Relax , or lastly the Sea Terrace Restaurant at Royal Victoria Hotel.

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I love glimpsing the sea when I’m out and about in St Leonards. It’s always visible, like a living carpet.” Cath, writer and artist

one cafe

Number One London Road Deb serves up homemade lunches and snacks, monthly art shows, and seats with a sea view

Mamma Putt’s African Caribbean Restaurant Homestyle cooking with African heart… Jerk Chicken, Goat Curry, Rice and Peas, Ackee and Salt Fish, Oxtail stew, Yams, Okro, Egusi Soup, Patties and more. Takeaway and Eat in, groups welcome, vegetarian options 23 Kings Road TN37 6DU Tel: 07400 384 443 www.mammaputts.afropartynight.co.uk Find us on Facebook: Mamaputt’s Kitchen and Lounge

locally sourced, home made food served all day breakfast, lunch, freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, presses, cakes, tea, coffee vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options fully licensed private hire and catering 21 Grand Parade TN37 6DN Closed Tuesday 07543 109959

PEROGI, PELMENI, AND JIAOZI – what’s it all about? DUMPLINGS, the kind of mama’s comfort food that impoverished students and frightened soldiers dream about… and, in case you don’t have a mama in a kitchen, you can just purchase them in St Leonards shops. Whilst we are familiar with ravioli and tortelloni, most nations and creeds have evolved their own heartwarming version of small packets of unleavened dough stuffed with something yummy. Poland has perogi and you can enjoy potato, mushroom or berry fillings. Pelmeni are the Russian and Siberian version usually

with meat and onions, whilst varenyky are the Ukrainian type. Boil in plenty of salted water; when they rise to the surface, they are ready. Serve with a dollop of sour cream. Armenian shop Moscvichka and Latvian shop Baltic, both on Silchester Road, are stockists, also offering a wide range of deli goods, as well as Pewex on Western Road. China has jiaozi, often called ‘pot stickers’ or gyoza in Japan. From frozen, place the dumplings in a hot oiled frying pan frill side up, and fry for 8 minutes (without stirring) until the bases are nicely brown. Add two big spoons of water and slam on a lid. Turn down the heat to steam through for 8 minutes. Serve with a dipping sauce made of soy, rice vinegar and chilli oil. Kings Oriental on Kings Road stock a wide selection of Chinese dumplings, plus over twenty types of noodles, cooking sauces, and authentic Eastern ingredients, better and lower priced than supermarket specialist ranges. Plus, points out owner Aimee, you can get an expert’s advice for free.

Art in all the right places! Art as an integral part of the street scene, has flourished in St Leonards-on-Sea over the last few years, led by Hastings Borough Council’s ‘Art in New Spaces’ programme, initiated with the support of the Arts Council England, as well as works by a coterie of ‘Street Art’ artists. Follow this station-to-seafront walking trail. Walk westwards along the seafront towards the iconic ship shaped Marine Court to find ‘Stream’ by Esther Rolinson, a series of seven steel and glass pillar lights.

Next to the station, The Space, a redundant site, hosts a changing programme of installations by artists from the region and mainland Europe as part of ‘Art in New Spaces’. Theatrical and thought provoking, ‘The history still to be made shows itself’ by Dylan Shipton and Ben Fitton opened in March. Other installations will follow. A stepped alley way halfway down Kings Road is the location for ‘Heritage 1’ Annabel Tilley’s mural of architectural details. Scan across the street for trace remains of old painted advertising signs. Further inspired by building details are the commissioned

bollards and seating designed by Steve Geliot located along Kings Road. Look out for shop shutters painted with colourful letters. These are the work of Ben Eine who shot to fame when

his work was presented as a gift to President Obama from David Cameron. Down London Road towards the seafront, you can’t miss Eine’s house-sized portrait of Prince Charles from his polo playing days adorning the side of a building.

Behind Marine Court is an example of the Moth Project by zeroh, working with Moose, a clean art pioneer. This is also part of ‘Art in New Spaces’, and uses an innovative technique

where pressurised water becomes the ink, and the grime-hued walls the canvas, for these geometric, ephemeral images of moths. A further ten minutes walk along the seafront and on the beach wall opposite St Leonards Parish Church is a Banksy artwork that appeared in August 2010. The work is popular with residents and visitors who seek out this elusive artist’s work.

For information on The SPACE: c.gist@btinternet.com +44(0) 788 144 1120 For information on ‘Art in New Spaces’ programme: mhambridge@hastings.gov.uk

About Looking and Making: Two unique St Leonards Designers

“There is a kind of palpable energy here, something to do with infinite views and far horizons, the changing quality of light minute by minute that makes this such a special place to work.” Deborah Bowness

A WIDE SEA-FACING WINDOW on Grand Parade frames a unique business, hand printed wallpapers by Deborah Bowness, one of a wave of creative industries that have located to St Leonards. The space is neither a studio nor a showroom in the usual sense as Deborah explains, “For me, this space is more like an installation where I can develop ideas. Customers can visit by appointment, to browse paper samples, and this introduces people how to use the paper.” For a passerby, the space is reminiscent of a kind of museum where a mix of domestic and suburban objects are displaced from their hardworking environment and

take on the appearance of vessels that evoke a soft melancholy and playful wistfulness. This unique way of presenting her objects feeds into the designs of the wallpaper and the result is a revelation. Printed party dresses and empty chairs evoke a myriad of past activities and aspirations. Filing cabinets and book shelves are trompe l’oeil puns transforming the idea of space. The designs and working methods are highly considered, a world away from shabby chic; instead they reference Duchamp’s ‘Ready Mades’ and Warhol’s silk screened multiple images. It’s no surprise to find out that her work has been featured in leading magazines such as Elle Decoration and World of Interiors, and grace walls across the globe from Hong Kong to Norway to

VERY St Leonards-on-Sea is brought to you by:

hastings creatives

Cath Tajima-Powell www.verystleonards-on-sea.co.uk

an email list for hastings creative media community

Erica Smith www.wordsmithdesign.co.uk Jo Perfect www.atomicindustries.co.uk 8

London, and locally The Old Rectory in the Old Town. I asked Deborah why she set up here, “I found an empty shop and knew immediately it was a place I wanted to stay”. A grant from the council and support and mentoring from 1066 Enterprises have further enabled Bowness and other creative entrepreneurs such as lighting designers, photographers, web and graphic designers to set up.

www.hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk

www.hastingscreatives.co.uk

“This quirky seaside town with its warm, creative people was the breath of fresh air I needed to get St Leonards accessories up and running.” K Avery-Stallion

She explains, “There are so many talented creatives, a network that you can access, photographers, graphic designers etc. They don’t shout about it but it’s here to find. Artists are happy to share and projects can get off the ground. It’s a place where everything works together, to sustain creativity, cafes, galleries, style shops, without the noise and relentless interference of places like London.” Deborah Bowness deborahbowness.com

K AVERYSTALLION, another designer arrival, works from a Georgian house in Burton St Leonards producing a range of high quality bags and leather goods. She was equally attracted to a certain vibe present in St Leonards-on-Sea. She is inspired by big skies, tonal shades on the beach, eclectic shop windows, a different pace and lifestyle that results in creative work that’s neither twee nor too seaside but instead has some urban grit. Turning her back on a career of fast paced fashion and W.A.G. bags, she has named her brand ‘St Leonards’. Exquisitely made, luscious to touch and use, her understated bags are investments, designed and

manufactured to age gracefully and to be enjoyed as part of a life well lived. Her ‘Quarry’ bag, described as “the perfect manbag” by the Daily Telegraph’s men’s fashion editor, is one of a series of bags named after the surrounding Georgian streets. Like Bowness, K’s products have been picked up by Elle Decoration and that’s led to an international following and relationships with stockists in the UK and Sweden. K hopes to develop a local manufacturing workshop, and possibly work with fashion students from Hastings college. “I love the idea of St Leonards taking root here and becoming the home of understated leather accessories.” Her leather goods are currently available online and at selected stockists. K Avery-Stallion stleonardsonline.com

hastings arts forum Over 600 members Artist-run exhibition and events space Open 50 weeks of the year Open Thursday–Tuesday 11am–5pm

36 Marina • TN38 0BU Tel: 01424 201636

www.hastingsartsforum.co.uk 9

fashion • tea and cakes • vintage • homewares jewellery • ceramics • accessories • furniture 32–34 Norman Road • St Leonards-on-Sea • TN 38 0 EJ Open 10–5 Wednesday–Saturday • 11–4 Sunday Find us on Facebook: Shop @Norman Road 10

St Leonards-on-Sea Style Mile Marina, Grand Parade, Norman Road, London Road and Kings Road add up to a mile of styling for you and your home. Starting with underwear and working outwards to dressing the walls of your home, here are some starter ideas.

Lala Rookh at Marine Court produce bespoke swimming costumes, hand made frilly knickers, and wispy chiffon garments in nude shades, suitable for very private yachts and similar situations. Dress up at Bramwell Cole on Norman Road with delicately altered, adorned and resewn garments.

Wayward on Norman Road has niche vintage and theatrical haberdashery and fabrics. From gold trims and ribbons to antique ticking, this is the place to inspire all your creative sewing projects. Xanadu on Norman Road and Stuff by the Sea on Grand Parade are two shops bursting with vintage wear. Desiderata on Kings Road mixes up a dress agency with luxury lingerie and lovely things. Bejewel yourself at Peridot on London Road or dress up with hand made one-off

DESIDERATA

Quality Dress Agency, Lingerie, Erotica and Vintage Apparel 5 Kings Road TN37 6EA Tel: 07702 117105

designs with silver settings for semi precious stones, fossils (left) and minerals at the Burton Gallery in Marina. The Goldmine on Kings Road has a selection of watches, clocks and silver (right). Shop (below right) is a lifestyle store with an eclectic mix of new retro inspired home ware, women’s fashion, vintage children’s clothes and toys, collectables, mid century iconic furniture and unique designs made from recycled wood. All washed down with a cup of tea and a slice of cake. On the same road, Skylon has a selection of mid twentieth century design classics mixed up with vintage medical cabinets and original pieces, and TheKula & Co (left) nearby stocks classics including Spanish designer lamps by Fase and a range of unique cocktail chairs. Further up, Patrick Robbins Antiques and Interiors deal in Persian rugs, and fine antiques. Nearby is The Hastings Antique Centre and hours of treasure hunting.

Xanadu A fabulous shop, full to the brim with unique clothes, accessories, vintage collectables and curios. Catering to elegant folk and film productions… capes, stoles, smalls, headwear, plus fours, tweeds, cravats. 37 Norman Road TN38 0ED Open 10am–4.30pm (except Tuesdays)

Tel: 07751 861850

hastings arts forum Artist-run exhibition and events space Artwork, jewellery, craftspieces and beautiful artists’ cards for sale Open Thursday–Tuesday 11am–5pm 50 weeks per year Tel: 01424 201636 36 Marina • TN38 0BU www.hastingsartsforum.co.uk

For those blank walls… check out two unique galleries also on Norman Road, Lucy Bell Fine Art Photography and twentieth century Russian art at Baker Mamonova and indulge your discerning taste and global style sense. Gill Gallery near the station on Kings Road has an excellent, well-priced selection of prints including typographical artworks by Ben Eine. For a diverse array of art and craft, head over to the Marina, to the Burton Gallery (twentieth century and modern) and Hastings Arts Forum. This splendid artistrun exhibition space showcases our creative community with 650 members, most of whom are working artists. For renovation work, fixtures and fittings… there are some great local companies. Booker and Best are a light builders’ merchant on Norman Road while there is Adams and Jarrett for kitchens, white goods, multimedia and fires. St Leonards Glass Company on Silchester Road does windows and glass and the Art of Mirrors at Marina is good for decorative pieces. fabulous vintage interiors from

TheKula & Co GGG furniture G lighting G mirrors G ceramics watches G designer jewellery G textiles glass G paintings G prints G textiles Visit us at 58 Norman Road TN38 0EJ Open Thurs–Sat 10–5 Sunday 11–4 or by appointment 07725 469305 / 07950 011611 www.thekula.com/theshop

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MERCATORIAL ADVERTORIAL

Art shows, I adore ’em… Let me take you to the Forum…” Yvonne Rees, Hastings Arts Forum Poets’ Society

Meet Kate Bramwell-Cole, dress designer, ceramicist, maker, shopkeeper and all round creative life-force housed in a dinky shop on Norman Road. One off dresses and tops are made by collaging together vintage fabrics and details made with buttons, ribbons and bows. The effect is a dreamy recollection of ’70’s childhood, bedroom wallpapers, and caravan holidays, plus the exuberance of Indian textiles. Skirts that swing, colours that zing, madcap prettiness, daywear that makes the day. And its affordable, with outfits under £100. In addition to accessories and groovy lampshades, Kate produces a range of pottery vases and beakers with refined shapes to soften the soul and a dab of colour to please the eye.

Peridot Peridot Jewellers Ltd

46 London Road TN376AN info@peridotjewellers.co.uk www.peridotjewellers.co.uk Handmade wedding rings, bespoke pieces commissioned, all aspects of jewellery repair and restoration undertaken, good prices for scrap gold.

Est. 30 years Flowers bought weekly direct from Dutch auctions plus seasonal local blooms for an unsurpassable range. Contact us to create what you had in mind.

La Collina Gardens Passionate about Flowers 13 Norman Road TN37 6NH Tel: 01424 422605

www.lacollinagardens.co.uk

Same day local delivery for orders placed before 2pm

Bramwell-Cole 72 Norman Road, 01424 552 959, or 0790 025 2857 Open: Wed, 1–5pm Thurs–Sat, 10am–5pm

G E T

L U C K Y !

at Local Charity and Junk Shops Whilst some may disparage streets with lots of charity and junk shops as creating a poor impression, St Leonards folk just love them. Not only can you find ‘on trend’ items at bargain prices, for example sculptural pottery, brushed stainless steel kitchenalia and ’60s telephone benches, but you can support organisations that play a vital role in the community. Local charity St Michael’s Hospice at Upper Maze Hill is celebrating 25 years of service during which they have had shops and warehousing in central St Leonards. Last year these generated an income stream that has vitally assisted with the running costs of the hospice and has kept the charity’s profile high in its catchment area. This

Bobo Flower & Garden Shop Offering simple, nostalgic charm 45b London Road Tel: 01424 721120

in turn creates other fundraising opportunities, advertises their events and provides a community service. Chris Jones, of St Michael’s Hospice Trading Company comments, “Our shops are manned by a large team of volunteers, many of whom have experienced the support and help that St Michael’s Hospice offers, either to their family or friends and neighbours. By working in the shops, it is a very positive way of allowing them to cope with their own grief and say a big thank you for all the Hospice has done for them in difficult times.” So whether you are buying, donating or volunteering you can feel thoroughly great, ‘retail therapy’ of the highest order.

Home styling on a shoestring featuring some lucky finds from 20p to £12… In Japan, the decoration of a room’s feature alcove, the Tokonoma, is changed to match the seasons, and is maybe something we can copy. This ‘summer mantlescape’ (above) is inspired by shorelines, horizons and sky using vintage pots from local potteries at Rye, Iden and Broadstairs, plus a 1930s shell plate and Japanese Shino candlestick. Grey smoked glass, a personal favourite, and the height of style in the ’30s, creates a layering effect of shifting clouds whilst brushed steel, pewter and aluminium provide highlights and glints. Tiny vintage crystal glasses are a great way to display fossils and delicate beachcombing finds.

2012–13 Seasons in St Leonards-on-Sea

Spring Collection

Summer Collection Tue 5 June: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. A royal themed picnic at Burton, St Leonards Gardens and street party events at Marina: marinequarter.com burtonsstleonardssociety.co.uk

April and May Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club Adult and Junior YHA dinghy sailing courses are held from the clubhouse on the lower promenade at Marina: tel. 01424 420656 hastingssc.org/trainingsail

Sat 28 April–8 May: The Green Fuse – a Jack-in-the-Green themed art exhibition and events at Hastings Arts Forum, at the Marina: hastingsartsforum.co.uk

Vina © Cat Morrow

Sunday 13 May: Red Rose Vintage Fashion Homewares and Handmade Fair at Azur at Marina Pavilion Vintage clothing, kitsch homewares and shabby chic-ness. Early Bird 10.30am – £2 11.30–4.30 – £1.50 Children: FREE Call 01424 752449 for enquiries www.redrosevintagefairs.webs.com Sunday 13 May: Markwick Gardens Dog Show Pooches, hounds and their owners are judged on style and breeding. This is a great chance to visit an exclusive and very lovely garden, plus stalls and barbecue. Turn up with or without a dog. Gates open from 11am, shows start 1pm: markwickgardens.org.uk Saturday 19 May: Saturday Battle Choral Society present a Jubilee Concert; Handel’s Coronation, Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory, Beethoven Ninth in D minor at 7.30 Christchurch, London Road. Tickets from battlechoral.btck.co.uk, local shops and on the door.

Tue 5 June: Silver Anniversary Open Gardens and Seasonal Market at St Michael’s Hospice, Upper Maze Hill: stmichaelshospice.com Sat 9 June: Outrageous Decadence Seaside Special at the Masonic Hall Assembly Rooms: outrageousdecadence.co.uk Sun 17 June: ‘Who Saw Margery Daw’ by the Rude Mechanical Theatre company. A comic mystery set in 1968 staged in the beautiful St Leonards Gardens. Starts 7.30pm but bring a picnic for 6pm. Tickets from: 01323 501260 or therudes@btinternet.com Sun 8 July: Wimbledon Men’s Singles Barbecue Join the excitement at Azur’s special event: azurmarinapavilion.com Sat 14 July: St Leonards Festival: Warrior Square Gardens 11am–6pm, celebrating our global community; music, entertainment, food, children’s tent and free activities. Contact Gensing and Central St Leonards Community Forum: gcsl.org.uk Tue 17 July: The Olympic Torch Relay Events along St Leonards seafront, Grand Parade and Marina, pop up food bars and a special menu at Azur Restaurant. Check local press for schedule and event details. Tue 24 July: Teddy Bear’s Picnic Children’s event at St Michael’s Hospice, Upper Maze Hill: stmichaelshospice.com Sat 28 July: Burton Centenary Gala Dinner and Grand Ball at the Royal Victoria Hotel, Marina: burtonsstleonardssociety.co.uk Sun 5 August: A Garden of Family Delights. A free, family day out celebrating many faiths/one community at St Leonards Gardens, spotlighting local talent, fashion, music, food and art activities: hastingsinterfaith.org 6–10 August: Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club ‘Sea Week’. Races and info about sailing, training and membership: hastingssc.org

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Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club

Art of Mirrors La La Rookh The Bohemian Burton Gallery Vanessa Fowler Works Bar Blah Our Big Day Heaven on Sea Cut Diamond Flooring Relax The Arts Forum Marina News Post Office Tea Rooms Discount Carpets

Grosvenor Gardens Putting and Bowling Car Free Seafront Cycle Path to Bexhill Bulverhythe Beach, Wreck of the Amsterdam & Sunken Prehistoric Forest Filsham Reedbed Nature Reserve

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parking. Time restrictions apply on busier roads.

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St Leonards P Central has FREE on-street

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St Leonards Warrior Square Station

Hasting Museum & Art Gallery Skate park, Tennis Courts Putting, Bowling Summerfields Leisure Centre

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Hastings Pier, White Rock Theatre The Stade and Fishing Fleet & Jerwood Gallery Shipwreck Centre, Fishermans Museum & Aquarium

SWIM, SURF, ROCKPOOL High tide times can be found at: hastings.gov.uk/community_living/tide_tables/

St Leonards’ beaches won the Marine Conservation Society’s 2011 Clean Water Award

Autumn Collection Winter Collection Thu 6–Sun 9 September: Hastings and St Leonards Heritage Open Days Four days of free and accessible events celebrating our local heritage. Tours, walks, talks and events at Marine Court Building, St Leonards Parish Church, Sidney Little’s seafront and many venues: heritageopendays.org.uk 8–23 September: Coastal Currents 2012 The annual visual arts festival featuring open studios, exhibitions, performances and events: coastalcurrents.org.uk

Sakama Live Show Band

October is AfriKàBa, an annual festival of African & Caribbean heritage arts, featuring music, performance, family events, storytelling and discussions. Events at Mama Putts, 23 Kings Road and other local venues: afrikaba.co.uk

Fri 21–Sun 23 September: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ presented by the Mercatoria Company. A strolling performance of Shakespeare’s play set in the enchanting St Leonards Garden, Maze Hill, enjoyable for all ages. Bring a picnic and arrive early: mercatoriacompany.co.uk

October–November: Brighton Photo Fringe, Hastings This biennial festival is a new and exciting extension of the main Brighton Photo Fringe with events at Hastings Arts Forum, Marina and nearby galleries, cafes and shops: photohubgroup.blogspot.com Saturday 20 October: Twelve Hour Concert at St Michael’s Hospice: stmichaelshospice.com Saturday 27 October: Halloween Pumpkin Trail St Michael’s Hospice: stmichaelshospice.com

Fri 2 November: Bonfire Night at Markwick Gardens hot dogs, hot soup and a really hot bonfire, a perfect venue for families with small children: markwickgardens.org.uk Saturday 1 December: Battle Choral Society present Fauré’s Requiem and Gounod Messe Solennelle at St Johns the Evangelist, Pevensey Road: battlechoral.btck.co.uk Saturday 1 December: Christmas Fayre, St Michael’s Hospice, Upper Maze Hill: stmichaelshospice.com

6–18 December Christmas Craft Fair at Hastings Arts Forum Marina. A stunning Christmas event, beautiful gifts, brilliant ideas, all locally made, plus festive cheer aplenty: hastingsartsforum.co.uk December Santa-on-Sea: St Leonards independent shops present Christmas shopping special events: santaonsea.co.uk

Monday 31 December: Outrageous Decadence’s, not to missed New Year’s Eve Party at the Assembly Rooms, West Ascent: outrageousdecadence.co.uk OR… New Year’s Eve Gala Party at Azur at Marina Pavilion – azurmarinapavilion.com, the Ball at Royal Victoria Hotel or an Armenian style party night at Relax: caferelax.co.uk

Year round regular (and highly irregular) events… The Green Lawn Tennis Club on Tower Road West offers tennis coaching for juniors and acrylic and hard courts, plus floodlighting for extended play and a cosy clubhouse for après tennis: thegreenltc.co.uk tel. 01424 430221

Azur at Marina Pavilion Bistro, Restaurant and event venue with unrivalled sunset views has monthly tea dances in the legendary Sun Room, Tuesday is Le Roc jive classes and Friday is 1066 Jazz Club night: azurmarinapavilion.com

The Sewing Parlour at La La Rookh, Marine Court, Marina, features classes and projects to increase your sewing prowess: Sewingparlour.wordpress.com Love Café, Norman Road, Norman Road, special grand feast events and art shows: thelovecafe.me

Post Office Tea Rooms on Marina, properly posh teatimes and pop up restaurant nights, with special menus based on much-loved cookery books. Thursday is knitting night: wix.com/potearooms/info Wonky WI a locally grown version of the Women’s Institute, meetings first Tuesday of the month 7.30pm at the Royal Victoria Hotel, Marina: wonkywi.com St Leonards Film Society, community cinema with an excellent selection of offbeat and great films at keen prices; kids cinema club at the Magnet, Christchurch, London Road, and grown up cinema at Hastings Arts Forum, Marina: stleonardsfilmsoc.co.uk

Plenty on Grand Parade hosts events, café nights, wine tastings and skincare events. Visit their Twitter or Facebook page: Plenty Provisions Store Burton St Leonards Society presents the James Burton memorial lecture series, a lighthearted look at the late Georgian Regency and preVictorian times held at Hastings Arts Forum, Marina and guided walks during July and August: burtonsstleonardssociety.co.uk Gwyneth’s African Party Nights at Mamma Putts Afro Caribbean Restaurant, 23 Kings Road, regular party nights featuring, Hi-Life, Soukous, Soul, Reggae, Rhumba & Latin rhythms accompanying great tasting food: afropartynight.co.uk

Who’s Wearing What pop up fashion events in and around St Leonards selling a range of independent designers’ accessories and clothes in a party style atmosphere: whoswearingwhat-parties.co.uk

Café Relax, Marine Court, Marina, jazz, belly dancing, Russian folk dancing are a few of the entertainments to accompany the authentic Armenian food, Georgian wines, fine cognac and a warm welcome: caferelax.co.uk The Space, Kings Road. An enclosure by the Station is the location for a series of artists’ projects. The initiative is part of Hastings Borough Council’s ‘Art in New Spaces’ programme, re-animating empty sites with contemporary art: interface-2011.blogspot.com Respond Academy, Silchester Mews, is an alternative education and youth project providing classes and skills support for music, dance, film and art: respondacademy.com

Introducing…

Events Festivals Research Education Training www.18hours.org.uk

Purveyor of cushions that are Naughty but Nice, and bespoke bunting for decoration, occasions & gifts

www.thepinkminx.co.uk

MR HEELY’S 32 Kings Road TN37 6DU Open 9–5 Monday to Saturday Tel: 01424 713365 For weddings, parties, bingo, openings of paper bags…

Call: 07940 180616 www.cheapthrillsevents.co.uk

Quality Shoe Repairs, Engraving, Trophies, Key Cutting, Locks, Bags and much more! YOUR LOCAL SHOP FOR USEFUL GOODS & SERVICES

Thu 6– Sun 9 Sept: Hastings and St Leonards Heritage Open Days Four days of free and accessible events celebrating our local heritage.

heritageopendays.org.uk

We can transform any venue to make your event magical Brought to you by two of the Outrageous Decadence crew metamorphosis-events.co.uk 07541 989865 / 07982 728215

ACTIVE ARTS is a self funded visual and performing arts project for adults with learning disabilities run by Hastings & Bexhill Mencap Society and based in St Leonards We run classes in Making for the Stage, Dance, Art & Design, Comedy & Drama Improvisation and Musical Theatre

Our annual show is on

Wednesday 25 July 7.30pm at the Phoenix Arts Centre William Parker School NOT TO BE MISSED!

8–23 SEPTEMBER www.coastalcurrents.org.uk

Specialist, Local and Family-run Our pick of St Leonards Businesses JS Gedge, ‘probably the oldest bike shop in the world’, was established in 1897 selling Rudge Whitworth bicycles and has traded continuously from the same site in Silchester Road. Now specialising in Triumph, Yamaha and Honda motorbikes plus Vespa and Piaggio scooters, there is a range to suit all riders. Gedges world of motorcycling has traced the changes from the early days when motorbikes were the most practical and economic means of transport through the ’50s mods and rockers’ seaside battles era to the motorcycling heights of the ’70s and ’80s. Today the freedom of the road, good design and engineering excellence makes motorbiking a growing lifestyle choice. Gedges again leads the field by providing a comprehensive one stop shop service with advice, financing, training courses, get kitted up and onto the road, plus an onsite workshop for tuning and repairs.

Gedge’s Motorcycle Training School We provide training for a complete novice all the way through to a Full Licence! The first step is the CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) which is £90. We can then provide training with the bike from as little as £250! So, the costs to get riding, with test fees included, can be as low as £461.50. 10 Silchester Road TN38 0JB Tel: 01424 423520 E: bikes@jsgedge.co.uk

Kings Stationers and Expressions Art Shop Twelve years living and working in Japan has given me a deep appreciation of every thing to do with paper which is happily fulfilled by these side by side shops, a proper office stationers and an independent art and hobby materials shop on Kings Road. Four generations of family run business, their knowledge is their strength. If you are serious about business, writing and creating then this is seriously good stuff. Whilst you may get convenient and cheap goods in supermarkets and catalogues nothing beats a range honed by an experienced salesperson and professional demand. Great pens, robust files, and an ink cartridge service. Next door at Expressions there is an inspiring selection of sketchbooks, paints, tools, and scrapbooking materials. Fast Print Every town needs a great print shop and we have one such on Gensing Road. Long established with a widely experienced team, it serves the many businesses, shops and creative industries in the area for all their print and marketing materials needs.

48 Kings Road TN37 6DY Tel: 01424 437136 W: www.kingsstationers.co.uk

art & craft materials for students & professionals

49 Kings Road TN37 6DY Tel: 01424 446260 W: www.expressionsart.co.uk

Silverhill Computers Unit 1, 8 London Rd TN37 6PE 01424 717717 Service and repair, upgrades, health checks, data recovery, accessories, parts ordered as required, new PCs built to spec, used PC and Apple computers sold

The areaʼs leading independent electrical retailer We stock most domestic electrical appliances and home entertainment Your local Blomberg specialist – freestanding and built-in appliances available – 3 year guarantee

6–18 Norman Road TN37 6NH Tel: 01424 437165 or 01424 432398 www.adamsandjarrett.com

Adams and Jarrett, the electrical retailer on Norman Road was established in the ’60s and this family run business excel in the old fashioned virtues of really knowing their products and knowing about service. By belonging to the Euronics buying group of independent traders their prices can match or better any big name stores. It also enables them to stock niche brands not found in chain stores such as the high-end Blomberg washing machines and the seriously cool and stylish British Ruark audio range. Adams and Jarrett also provide a prompt and courteous delivery service which is free for distances of up to 20 miles, and can include installation and removal of old appliances.

Scarlett ‘Pimpernel’ Antiques, 25 London Road houses the kind of bookshop that writers and booklovers dream about. Two hundred thousand secondhand books fill floor to ceiling in a space that was once a showroom for modeling gowns. The runway and grand staircase is now a narrow passage between towering stacks of books. Negotiate your way through the dusty labyrinth and lose your self in reading. Owner Mr Philipps is a great guide and specialises in book searches. He has also published fascinating books on numismatics. Silverhill Computers on London Road is not so much an Apple Store style ‘genius bar’ but more of a ‘Geek Cave’ stocked with advice and troubleshooting for Macs and PCs. Also selling useful extras and a good range of second hand computers that come with up to a three month guarantee. Helpful advice is always available, including assistance with Mac warranty issues. Niche businesses are thick on the ground in Norman Road and they are the spice in the shopping basket. Dawg’s Biscuits produce four distinct dog treats designed to do good. Karma Dawg, Scratchbuster, Fab Fangs and Good Dawg are original recipes made with calming and healing natural ingredients. Bung Ho stock all you need for brewing beer and wine making including ingredients like elderflower, sloes and hops plus a portable fruit press that you can rent by the day to turn end of summer fruit glut into ambrosia juice.

Bread… Our Daily … and meat & veg PEOPLE SAY YOU NEED TO SCRATCH the surface to get to know St Leonards-on-Sea and buying our daily bread is a good example. Early birds and commuters can pick up traditional breads, rolls, snacks and fair trade coffee to go or eat in from an eye rubbing 6am at Jempsons next to the station on Kings Road. Oak Bakery on the London Road opens at 8am with all their breads baked on the premises daily. Their GI and granary loaves are best sellers, and also popular are vegetarian savouries and speedily made fresh sandwiches. On Norman Road at Gizem Nur, you can pick up a dense wholewheat Iranian Naan bread perfect for soaking up stew juices or Lavash, a Middle Eastern wrap. Moscvichka on Silchester Road stocks Eastern European breads including light and dark rye breads flavoured with malt and caraway, and Chalka, a sweet bread plait. Baltic on the same road, stock an authentic Lithuanian ‘Calamus’ rye bread; chewy, malty and fragrant it is baked on sweet smelling herb straw (calamus) for an extra taste infusion. You can find these types of breads in other St Leonards outlets as well as a variety of pittas and chapattis thanks to our diverse population. Onto the seafront and Plenty on Grand Parade takes delivery of Lighthouse

Bakery artisan breads from Bodiam. They produce a wide variety of breads from wholemeals, whites, sourdoughs, to fruit and seeded breads, pastries, muffins and bagels, and they are happy to reserve your favourite bread for you. These are also served with locally made cakes, speciality teas and Italian coffees in their small café. Helen at Plenty is a strong supporter of the ‘Shop Local’ campaign. Her shop is a shrine to what a good idea this is, stocking locally made pies, a range of farm cheeses, local wines, jams, nut oils, honeys, vegetables, ice-cream and even locally made organic beauty products. Salt produced right here in St Leonards is the final ingredient. For fruit and veg; St Leonards Grocery on London Road features local varieties of fruit and vegetables as well as Sussex jams, honey and juices. For meat; Malpass on Norman Road is a rare treat, a traditional butchers shop with a long history of expertise. They sell game, specialist cuts, handmade sausages and also supply restaurants. All in all, a pleasant morning shop in St Leonards gets the best of local produce, expert advice, friendly service and some fresh sea air, not forgetting supporting independent shops, local businesses and jobs, plus it keeps the high street chainstore free.

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I love walking down London Road to buy my groceries. I never have to go to Asda – I can do it all Totally Locally!” Erica, graphic designer

plenty provisions deli café

The St Leonards Grocery Farm fresh fruit, vegetables & country delights Visit our website to shop online and order our famous seasonal veg boxes of farm fresh, locally sourced produce delivered FREE direct to your door Tel: 01424 432393 or 07545 387843 www.stleonardsgrocery.co.uk 15 London Road TN37 6AJ

Oak Bakery 17 London Road Baked on the premises daily GI granary, sunflower loaf, seeded bloomers, vegetarian pastries, sandwiches, seasonal specials, special breads baked to order.

Keeping it local Seasonal and specialist groceries, fruit & veg and treats… Cards, gifts and sweeties A tempting range of breads, pastries, baked goods and cakes from the Lighthouse Bakery Delicious ice cream and sorbets In addition we have a range of continental cheeses, pate, olives and biscuits Organic and local wine, beers and lagers Store cupboard basics, a range of fresh fruits and vegetables (as local as the seasons allow), and frozen foods Café serving loose leaf speciality teas, ﬁne Italian coﬀees and hot chocolates Light seasonal bites and luscious cakes – including gluten free and vegan options • 16 Grand Parade, St Leonards on Sea TN37 6DN 2 hours free parking directly outside! Open: Mon–Sat 10am–6pm & Sun 11am to 4pm Open on Bank Holidays Email: goods@plentyprovisions.co.uk www.plentyprovisions.co.uk Follow us on Facebook & Twitter: Plenty Provisions Store

Tel: 01424 439736

Look Amazing Hair and Beauty

Carol in Solo on Silchester Road has years of experience with cutting and colouring (using Matrix and Joico K-pak) and is a specialist for weddings and proms with make up, massages and the ‘pamper works’ package. She is also a stockist for Dermalogica skincare and Sienna spray tanning. Solo have recently introduced a male barbering section. Bella Nails on the Kings Road, is a new enterprise by a Vietnamese couple who have quickly established a loyal following, whilst across the way is the even newer iKandi offering party lashes and spray tans, and all things glittery and glamorous. Next door is Essence, a classic beauty salon for facials and holistic treatments. Hair De-Zign is a nearby award-winning salon. Playfords hair salon on Norman Road provides an up market white haven of calm and serenity with over an hour’s dedication to your locks with each appointment. Playfords offer bespoke colouring with Aveda products which are well known for being eco gentle.

For male grooming, you might try a Kurdish style threading and a hot towel shave at Head Barbers on London Road, an increasingly popular service that tourists have discovered whilst on holiday outside the UK. In contrast, Shaws on Norman Road is a completely traditional English barber’s shop with a great retro interior, run by two brothers who set up shop in the post war rubble, now 67 years standing. Noir and Culture Barbers both on the Kings Road specialise in Afro styling and a cool chill out vibe whilst Kings Barber on London Road is the place to get shaved designs or hair ‘tattoos’.

iKandi Lash Bar 31 KINGS ROAD TN37 6DU Tel: 01424 443863 Email: info@hairde-zign.co.uk Find us on Facebook: Hair De-Zign

32d Kings Road TN37 6DX Tel: 01424 457740 Open: Tues–Sat 10am–6pm Find us on Facebook: iKandi Lashbar

Bobby Brown @ Solo

From ayurvedic hair serums to vajazzle body art, it’s all going on within a five minute walk around the Kings Road, Silchester Road, London Road and Norman Road. There are no less than sixteen establishments for hair, beauty, nails, lashes, tans and gent’s grooming, both traditional and ‘out there’ for all types and pockets.

HAIR & BEAUTY

8 Silchester Road TN38 0JB Tel: 01424 435485 www.solosalon.co.uk

Are you a budget beauty? No money for special treatments is no problem in St Leonards; check out the Middle Eastern shop Gizem Nur on Norman Road for rose water to use as a skin freshener, almond oil and olive oil soap, which are all a couple of quid. Alternatively, order body care products online from St Leonards based Visionary Soap Company. This really does what it says on the label; fairtrade, global partnerships based on social justice. Soaps, creams and bath oils are simply made with the finest vegetable oils, butters, essential oils and botanicals. They smell good and so will you. www.visionarysoap.co.uk

Perfect pint-size crooner Bruno Mars may sing of natural beauty, “You are amazing, just the way you are” but in St Leonards-onSea, there’s a vast array of treatments and products to get you looking amazing, to change the way you are and then to change it all over again.

Massage Holistic bodywork Yoga classes & one-to-one Nicola Smith 07930 442639 nicola@bodywisdom.org.uk www.bodywisdom.org.uk Thai Massage

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Zero Balancing

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Pulsing

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Pregnancy

NIGEL SALES: STONECARVER Architectural & Contemporary Tel: 07407 357301 Email: ns.stncarver@gmail.com

Menneer Shuttleworth Solicitors Outstanding Legal Service on your Doorstep For more than a century we have been providing an all round legal service to individual clients and businesses both locally and further afield. 28/29 Grand Parade TN37 6DR Tel: 01424 720044 e: rharrison@menneershuttleworth.co.uk www.menneershuttleworth.co.uk

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES! Email: callalison@hotmail.co.uk Mobile: 07879 448191 www.adaylearning.co.uk

Places to go… Marine Court Building was designed along the lines of the Cunard’s 1930s Queen Mary cruise liner. Serviced cabin-style flats had balconies and ‘passengers’ had access to promenade decks, restaurants and ballrooms, an early precursor to an apartment hotel. There was even an under road passage onto the beach. Highly controversial at the time, it replaced rows of Georgian buildings and cast a shadow over the Burton area. Its style used already outdated deco details and failed to embrace modernism. Nevertheless, it is now much loved by resident writers and artists for its bold ‘in your face’ optimism. It is currently undergoing a major renovation as befits its grade 2 listed status. Below the ‘waterline’ canopy are shops, cafes and galleries. The 1930s seafront was designed by borough engineer Sidney Little who became known as the ‘Concrete King’. He utilized new methods with steel and concrete to build distinctive shelters, a sunroom (now part of Azur), and the country’s first underground car park. Under the double deck promenade at Warrior Square, Bottle Alley was built and decorated with recycled glass from a nearby dump. In its heyday, it included cafes and rest areas. During WW2, Little became involved in the building of the concrete Mulberry Harbours that were a crucial part of the D-Day landings.

Number One for St Leonards-on-Sea

www.huntersnet.co.uk 6 Kings Road TN37 6EA Tel: 01424 429355 Fax: 01424 429011 Blog: www.thekingsroad.net

Christ Church on London Road is a fine example of a High Anglican church and a fitting venue for prayer and concerts. The thunderous bells peal out their call to worship from 10am every Sunday. Don’t plan to lie in! Bell ringing practice is Monday evenings. Burton St Leonards is a Georgian new town dating from 1828, developed by James Burton and later his son Decimus. Villas, colonnades and grand public buildings are set amongst parks and two specially built service areas; Lavatoria for laundry and Mercatoria for shops. At the base of St Leonards Gardens is South Lodge, home to the Burtons’ St Leonards Society and a small museum. Opening times are Wednesday: 11am–2pm, Saturday: 11am–4pm, Sunday: 1–3pm. Take a tour with the Society or just enjoy exploring the many fine examples of architectural styles; Georgian villas and terraces, Gothic Revival and Scottish Baronial. www.burtonsstleonardssociety.co.uk St Leonards Parish Church was destroyed in WW2 when a doodlebug bomb bounced across the water and flew up the aisle. The new church features unusual parabolic arches and a sea-themed interior. The exterior cross, when lit, can be seen midchannel.

Places to stay… If you don’t have local mates and can’t move down, then stay at one of these highly original places… Warrior Square Gardens, the south coast’s most magnificent square, has recently been restored back to its Victorian splendour. It is the ideal place for morning ‘constitutionals’. The wreck of the Amsterdam, beached on her maiden voyage in 1749, off Bulverhythe beach, can only be visited a few times a year. Keep an eye on the moon and tides for very low ebbs or take an organised tour. http://shipwreck-heritage.org.uk Visit the sunken prehistoric forest on Bulverhythe beach at low tide. The 4000 year old tree trucks date to the early Bronze Age when sea levels were lower and humans were busy inventing writing and metal making. Filsham Reedbed Nature Reserve has a raised boardwalk, great for watching birds, rare moths and beetles. Access is from the Bulverhythe Recreation Ground on Bexhill Road. GENSING AND CENTRAL ST LEONARDS COMMUNITY FORUM The first stop for local information & advice. Meeting rooms and facilities are available for group use. The forum hosts open meetings and organises cultural events including the annual St Leonards Festival. 16 Silchester Road

Website: http://gcsl.org.uk

St Leonards Holiday Company has several self-catering places on their books including a Marine Court apartment. They also offer concierge services. www.1066holidays.co.uk St Benedicts B&B on Pevensey Road is a high Victoriana phantasm of gorgeousness and also take bookings for feast style parties. www.victorian-bed-and-breakfast.com Hastings House B&B on Warrior Square. Seng from Singapore has established a highly rated guesthouse with boutique styled rooms. www.hastingshouse.co.uk The Zanzibar International Hotel has world-themed rooms, sea views and the Pier Nine restaurant. www.zanzibarhotel.co.uk The Cloudesley – tranquility and holistic therapies are the owner, Shahriar’s, signature style. Rooms are decorated with his eclectic photographs and collections such as African masks. www.thecloudesley.co.uk

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WHAT ? … that’s VERY St Leonards!” Claire, teacher

Tel: 01424 438291

I went to that last year and it was really good

general consensus

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 September 2012 Stade Open Space For more information call 01424 451111 or visit www.hastings.gov.uk/community_living/2012_events/seafood