Bohemia Village Voice

BOHEMIA    Journal originally published JUNE 1987

JOURNAL OF THE BOHEMIA AREA RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION   No.25

STREET PARTY (Notice) in ALDBOROUGH ROAD on JULY 11^TH WILL BE OPENED at 3.00 PM By The DEPUTY-MAYOR of HASTINGS CLLR PAUL SMITH

 

STREET PARTY

This year we have particularly asked for the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress to open our Annual Street Party because Councillor Paul Smith has special connections with our Association, being our Honorary Treasurer.

All Bohemia residents are invited and there is no charge for taking part – we are relying on the goodwill of our residents to provide the items for the buffet and on a number of cash-raising items to cover the expenses which we must inevitably incur.

There will be something for everyone to enjoy. For the children, the Fire Brigade have generously agreed to bring a Fire Engine to show them. I will be bringing my “Push Pudden Table”; that is a kind of oversized Shove Ha’penny board. There will be no charge for the children to try their skill on it, with prizes for the successful ones. There will be two raffles – one especially for the kiddies, the other for the adults.

As last year, we will have a disco to provide the incidental music. However, that will not necessarily be the ‘pop’ music so loved by the adolescents, but will also include records for the more mature. Even so, they will be light popular items appropriate to a happy atmosphere.

John & Chris from the ‘North Star’ are applying again for an extension in order to provide a licensed bar. We are also arranging to sell soft drinks for those who prefer them.

Christine Bayliss will be there in order to present her Cup for the best garden.

Our Social Secretary, Iris Miller, is in overall charge of the event. Last year, a number of our ladies rallied round to provide the cakes and sandwiches etc. for the (free) buffet. Iris asks for volunteers to come forward once more to assist in this way and, indeed, in any way they can. She would be grateful if all those who are able to help would contact her in advance, so that she can judge what resources will be available to her, and what purchases she will have to make to fill any gaps.

She lives at 34, NEWGATE ROAD. Telephone 428477. Chris Bond, of ‘Green Leaves’ is running a Raffle to help raise funds for our expenses. H. NORTHWOOD, Editor. 39 Salisbury Road. Tel: 426684

 

 

HASTINGS SERVICE CENTRE  (Advertisement) COLOUR TELEVISION & VIDEO BARGAINS. 66 BOHEMIA ROAD 434932.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J. PAINE  (Advertisement) Tel 427955. PLASTERING AND GENERAL BUILDING WORKS. Cornice moulding a specialty

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15th ST LEONARDS BROWNIES

Until now, Chris Treen has herself  provided us with the details of the activities of her Brownie Pack. This time, as an experiment, she has asked all her Brownies to write an article on their Pack Holiday. She has given us the one that she thinks the best and it is with great pleasure that I reproduce it. The writer is LISA MILLER, aged 8 and a half.

PACK HOLIDAY

We took our cases up to the Church where the coach was, then we loaded the cases in and we all got into the coach. I sat next to Nicola, and then we waved ‘Goodbye’ to our Mummies, Daddies, brothers and sisters. We played ‘I Spy!’ in the coach and when we got there the Hall door was locked, so we sat down on our cases and a Policeman came and managed to let us in. We had dinner and put our beds up, mine was near to the wall. Later on we had our tea, then we wrote letters to our families, then we went to bed.

On Sunday after breakfast we went to Church. When we got back we did all our jobs. In the afternoon we went on the swings after baking our cakes for the week.

On Monday we had a lovely day in Tunbridge Wells. We had a bus ride to there and then we went for a walk in the Town and country. We had our packed lunch, then we answered some questions. We took the bus home and after tea we went to bed. We were all tired.

On Tuesday ‘foxes’ and ‘deers’ went shopping for food, and the others went to buy presents for Mummies and Daddies, brothers and sisters. We had our lunch and went on the swings after our jobs. In the afternoon we did ‘craft’. We made 30 tiles, Easter Baskets and we had coloured eggs and a chicken in our baskets and we made plastic flowers.

On Wednesday there were lots of taxis outside and we did not know where we were going. Then we were told we were going to ‘Bently’ and look at the Motor Museum. We went to a big house and there was old-fashioned furniture and someone was living up the top. After lunch we played in the park, then went back to the Hall.

On Thursday after breakfast father Donald and friends came to see us. We all went for a 2 and a half mile walk. Some of us were tired, some of the others went back earlier. When we came home we made some cakes for Charlotte’s party.

On Friday we had breakfast and we played on the swings and I did my jobs which was cleaning the bedroom, then we had lunch and in the afternoon we had our sports day. In foxes team there was Sandra, Rebecca, Charlotte and me (Lisa) and all won and had a flag lolly, it was delicious.

On Saturday we had breakfast and packed our beds away and put our clothes in the cases, it was very crowded in the hall, no-body could move. Then we left the Hall and started our journey home. We met our families at the Church and were very pleased to see everyone. I had a very enjoyable Pack Holiday and I hope I can go again next year.

Lisa Miller age 8 and a half.

As a result I understand Lisa will qualify for her Writer’s Badge. Thank you, Lisa!

 

MONKS & THORP  (Advertisement)    YOUR FAMILY BUTCHERS 94, Bohemia Road, Tel 435701. FREEZER MEAT PRICE PER 5LBS. LAMB CHOPS … £5.00. PORK CHOPS … £6.00. MINCEMEAT … £4.20. STEAK & KIDNEY … £7.40. BRAISING STEAK … £7.04. CUT CHICKEN … £3.50. PORK SAUSAGES … £3.30. LAMBS LIVER … £3.50. PIGS LIVER … £3.00. Minimum order 5lbs. Whole or half lambs and pigs cut and bagged to your requirements. Competitive prices on application. Fresh farm turkeys and chickens. Hams, cheeses, cooked meats etc. Join our Christmas and Hamper Clubs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NORTH STAR (Advertisement) CLARENCE ROAD, Tel 439485. Fine Ales, Strong Lagers, Good Wines. Bar Snacks, Full Meals, Extensive Menu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GARDEN COMPETITION

Although entries have been coming in for our Gardening Competition we could do with a lot more. It costs you nothing to enter and there are good prizes to be won!

It should also brighten up the whole area and your achievements will give everyone a great deal of satisfaction.

Remember that the Judges are not looking for Parks & Gardens standards, just ordinary normal gardens. The judging is based on a points system, so that everyone has an equal chance for window boxes, patio tubs, front or back gardens. We already have two entries from a husband and wife, with the wife entering the flower garden and the husband the vegetable garden.

The closing date for entries is the end of June. Judging will take place early in July.

So come on everyone! Join in this competition and help make it a success!

Entries to me at 26 Westminster Crescent. Telephone 423666. VIC WATSON.

 

SANDELL PERKINS (Advertisement) FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING AND HOME IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS. SOFTWOODS, HARDWOODS, CHIPBOARD, BLOCKBOARD, PLYWOOD. SAND, CEMENT, BRICKS, BLOCKS, DOOR AND WINDOW FRAMES, GUTTERING, ELECTRICS, TOOLS, PLUMBING AND MUCH MORE. C.O.D. DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE. THE MERCHANT ON YOUR DOORSTEP. The South’s Leading Timber & Builders Merchants. Springfield Valley Rd, tel: Hastings 424300. Build on our 200 years experience 1785-1985.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

OWBENN ANTIQUES (Advertisement) And upholstery. Antique Dealers – Traditional and modern upholsterers, French Polishers and Restorers. 76 & 80 Bohemia Road. Tel 437443. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST PAUL’S SCHOOL

St. Paul’s School was originally opened on August 28^th, 1871 on the site of the present YMCA. It moved to its present site on 10^th January, 1962, and was officially opened on St. Peter’s Day, 29^th June, by Sir Adrian Boult and the Bishop of Chichester. So, June 29^th will herald the beginning of a birthday week.

A look back through the Head Teachers will no doubt revive memories for some of our older readers – 1871-1872 – W. Kingswood; 1873-1907 – George Randall; 1907-1914 – F. W .J. Cox; 1914-1930 – H. W. Eaton; 1930-1954 – William Gray; 1954-1964 – Edmund Niblett.

However, in our celebrations we shall concentrate on the last 25 years, a period of history that has seen many so many changes in the world, particularly technologically. This is the age of the micro-chip and our aim will be to raise sufficient funds to compurtise the school.

The week will open with a Birthday Service at St. Peter’s Church at 10.30 a.m. and a party for all the children in the afternoon i.e., Monday, 29^th June. In the evening there will be a Wine & Cheese Party for all past and present staff members and those who were pupils and left to go to Secondary School between 1962 – 1970 and are now aged between 28 and 36.

Tuesday, 30^th June will be a visitors’ day for all ex-pupils and parents when they are invited back to talk to our present children, enjoy some refreshment and reminisce. The School will remain open until 8.30 p.m.

Celebrations will go on for the rest of the week culminating with a Garden Party on Friday, 3^rd July from 5-9 p.m.

To all ex-teachers, secretaries, Governors, managers, cooks, caretakers, cleaners, kitchen ladies, pupils, parents, lollipers, friends, see you then! There’s a lot to remember, talk about and laugh about.

Musically, much is happening this term.

1) Week beginning Monday, 8^th June, a group of our children will be in the Chorus of the professional production of ‘Jesus Christ, Superstar’ at the White Rock Theatre.

2) The evening of Tuesday, 9^th June, we shall give a joint Concert with the Malmo Chamber Orchestra, from Sweden, a professional group, at St. Peter’s Church, Bohemia Road, 7.30 p.m. All proceeds in aid of ‘Polioplus’ – admission £2, children and O.A.P.s £1.

3) Week beginning Monday, 6^th July, we again provide the Chorus for the professional production of ‘Joseph’ at the White Rock Theatre.

Derek Norcross.

 

WBM INSURANCE SERVICES SAVE MONEY ON INSURANCE HOME CONTENTS FROM ONLY £19.50! DISCOUNT FOR PENSIONERS. COMPUTERISED MOTOR QUOTES IN MINUTES. SPECIAL SCHEME FOR DRIVERS WITH CONVICTIONS ETC. INSTALMENTS AVAILABLE. SELF-EMPLOYED? – PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE FROM £20. ALL OTHER ASPECTS CATERED FOR INCLUDING LIFE AND PENSIONS. MORTGAGES ARRANGED. OPEN SATURDAYS – 24 HOUR ANSWERING. 32 Tower Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex, TN37 6JE. Hastings (0424) 434675. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GREEN LEAVES (Advertisement) CUT FLOWERS, POTTED PLANTS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES. 91 BOHEMIA ROAD, TEL. 428693. YOUR LOCAL GREENGROCERS. FRIENDLY SERVICE. FRESH CUT VEGETABLES. APPLES & PEARS FROM KENT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.A.R.A – BOHEMIA AREA RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

The Bohemia Area Residents’ Association was originally formed to provide the residents of this part of St. Leonards with a united official voice with which to address the municipal Authority – or, indeed, any other body, should this be deemed to be necessary.

The need for this arose at a time when the present Silverhill Ward was to some extent a part of the then Holy Trinity Ward. A Councillor for that ward was not only unappreciative and uncaring of the needs of the residents ofBohemia – he was actually arrogantly antagonistic to the electors in this area.

To him this was an Industrial area; he believed that a Residential area was the one with the fewest residents!

We set out then to speak for our residents and to bring their problems to the attention of the Council and/or its Officers.

Sometimes in the process we have been misunderstood – particularly when we tried to solve the problem of too many cars and too few parking or garage facilities. Many of the vehicles in this area were unlicensed, and most of these were thought to be repair jobs associated with the numerous small car repair firms that appeared in Salisbury Yard, taking over the lock-up garages that previously had in some part alleviated the problem.

Unfortunately, when the Police swooped to catch the offenders they caught a number of local residents as well. I do have to stress that anyone trying to get by without taxing their cars has only themselves to blame if they get caught. If any of our members ask us, in writing of course, to deal with this problem we will be bound to take notice of their request.

I add that we do not get involved in personal feuds between neighbours!

We have, over the years, tackled many problems; our most recent one has been that of blocked gullies in the roads. We have approached the Borough Engineer on this, knowing full well the difficulty caused by perpetually parked cars preventing access for cleansing purposes. However, he has assured us that he is looking into the problem.

In addition to these routine problems we are now, as you will have seen, undertaken a number of projects with a view to bringing together our residents and establishing a valuable community spirit. The primary one of these, to many of us, is the Benevolent Fund from which, among other things, we have paid out a number of donations to some of our Old Age Pensioners to help them with their fuel bills during the cold weather.

The Annual Street Party, which was a great success last year, due entirely to the wonderful way in which folk co-operated, will we hope be a similar success this year and in the years ahead.

Our involvement with the Police in the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has, in its turn, brought us into contact with more of our residents and augers well for the future.

This Newsletter itself does serve to keep us all in touch and could do even more if our residents care to add their own contributions…..

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

In the past your Committee have always felt that, although there is a great deal of goodwill throughout Bohemia for our Association, when it comes to joining us – thus backing us with your subscriptions – there has been some kind of hiatus that intervened and prevented that happening. We know that this is not due to meanness; in any case our subs are deliberately kept small in order to enable everyone to join.

Now, with the generous co-operation of a number of our traders, we are starting a new scheme to make it easy for everyone to become members.

These traders have agreed to accept subscriptions on our behalf. Then, at regular intervals, Committee Member Vic Watson will do the rounds, collecting the monies paid to the traders and passing the list of names to our Membership Secretary, Mrs. Watford. The traders will, of course, have receipt books in order to give members their receipts.

Each trader will have a notice in the shop to indicate that they are offering this facility.

These helpful traders are: MONKS & THORPE, GREEN LEAVES, MUNDAY’S, SUSSEX BILLIARDS. In addition, Open All Hours and Green Leaves have jars available for donations.

It is quite clear that the more folk who join us, the more we can achieve!

 

SUSSEX SPORTS & LEISURE Coming in for the new season CRICKET, TENNIS, BOWLS EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING CLUBS CATERED FOR 81 – 85, BOHEMIA ROAD, ST. LEONARDS-ON-SEA. Phone: HASTINGS 440070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE WALLPAPER CENTRE (Advertisement) WALLPAPER & PAINTS. LARGE SELECTION, LOW PRICES. THE WALLPAPER CENTRE, 43, BOHEMIA ROAD, ST LEONARDS. TEL. HASTINGS 431331. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPEN ALL HOURS (Advertisement) 107 BOHEMIA ROAD, FULL OFF-LICENCE, COAL, ICES, GROCERIES, STORES, PROVISIONS ETC, VIDEO HIRE, CONFECTIONERY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R & J PERKINS (Advertisement) D-I-Y   Sharpening service. Discount tools. Key cutting. Locks. Electrical goods and repairs. Paraffin. Lawn mower repairs. Paraffin heaters serviced. 105, Bohemia Road, St Leonards. Hastings 430301.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAUL SMITH (Advertisement) THE NEW YORK, CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS RAILROAD COMPANY. Company Shares, Bonds, Debentures 19^th & 20^th Century Prospectuses Legal Documents For Prices Contact Paul Smith, 39, AMHERST ROAD, HASTINGS. Tel 426735.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRINDLE & Co. Who’s selling your property ? OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN SELLING YOUR TYPE OF PROPERTY IN THE BOHEMIA AREA. ESTATE AGENTS. WE OFFER A SPECIAL DISCOUNT TO MEMBERS OF THE BOHEMIA AREA RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION. NO SALE – NO FEE. CALL IN AND SEE US AT: 115, BOHEMIA ROAD. OR TELEPHONE HASTINGS 4444425/445551

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONALITIES

A newcomer recently arrived in the Bohemia area is BRIAN DOWN who lives next door to the North Star in Upper South Road.

Although he has been in Bohemia for less than a year he is no stranger to Hastings. Brian was born in the Town, attended Hastings Grammar School and had his first job as an apprentice journalist on “The Hastings & St. Leonards Observer” at the paper’s offices in Cambridge Road. That was during the war.

When he was called up he joined the Royal Navy and saw service in home waters and the Pacific. After the war he rejoined the “Hastings & St. Leonards Observer” and married ex-Wren Christine Smith. Their first home was in St. Margaret’s Road, where their neighbours were Bob and Eileen Fermor.

After a spell on the “Observer’s” sister paper, “The Sussex Express and County Herald” covering the Battle area, Brian moved to “The Evening Argus” at Brighton and then to Horsham and Crawley before being asked by “The West Sussex County Times” to join them at its Horsham office where he worked in the editorial department for nearly 25 years, becoming Chief Reporter and News Editor. Ill-health forced him to take early retirement five years ago. Four years ago his wife, Chris, died of cancer.

Out of the blue Brian contacted his former friend and neighbour Eileen Fermor, whose husband Bob had died 20 years earlier. They married at Hastings Registry Office and lived for a short while at Brian’s home in Horsham before making their home at Eileen’s home in Upper South Road,Bohemia

On hearing that Brian had expressed a desire to take an active part in our organisation’s activities, we very naturally grabbed him very quickly, co-opted him to the Committee and gave him the job of Public Relations Officer. In view of his expert journalistic experience I am also very grateful for his offer to help in the production of this Newsletter, humble though it is in comparison with his earlier experiences.

 

TED HEASMER (Advertisement) ROOFING CONTRACTOR. GENERAL BUILDER. Free Estimates, Quality Work. 114, Mount Pleasant Road, Hastings. Tel. 420676 or 735658

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KARINA  (Advertisement) WE SELL BABY AND TODDLER, WEAR, WOOLS AND KNITWEAR. We also offer a unique service, let us make up beautiful hand-knitted garments, from our wide Selection of patterns, in any size. Find us at: 131 Bohemia Road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BETTY’S PANTRY (Advertisement) HOME COOKING. Breakfasts, Lunches Parties Catered for. Phone 432038 For quotations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUMBLEWISE . . . 

If we are to go on handing out grants to our Old Age Pensioners, let alone enlarging our sphere of operations we do have to start thinking now of ways and means of raising the necessary funds.

The Humble Jumble, twice a year, does provide us with a certain amount; certainly, if everyone who gets a copy of this Newsletter donated 10p each time they received it we would be some £400 better off by the end of the year. As I have said elsewhere in this issue, there are collecting jars in some of our local shops.

Your Committee have decided to take advantage of the occasional Boot Sale if we can get together sufficient saleable material for the purpose. I am, as always, willing to store such items as you may wish to pass on to us.

My address is: 39 Salisbury Road. Telephone 426684

Our Jumble sale in March raised £54 nett. Many thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Burge and daughter, Mrs. Down, Kathy, Mrs. Marchant, Mrs. Relf, Nicola and Adrian for helping us, and our President, Bert Northwood, for storing all the material.

Iris Miller.

Social Secretary.

 

OUR SECRETARY SAYS:

Provision is made for signposting those areas where Neighbourhood Watch schemes are operating. The signs are made by the British Legion and cost around £15 each. We had agreed that our Association funds were needed for other things. I can now tell you that the following people have each donated the money for a sign:

Chris Bond (of Green Leaves)

Brain Down

John Stevens (of the North Star)

Councillor Paul Smith

Mr. Vickers (of the Wheatsheaf)

We would like to express our real gratitude for these generous gestures.

 

EMPRESS ART  (Advertisement) THE PICTURE FRAMERS, 3-4 Tower Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea, Telephone (0424) 442000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K R NUNN  (Advertisement)

Antiques

Weapons, Furniture, China

Medals, Coins, Silver

K.R. Nunn

Valuations, House Clearance

106, Bohemia Road. Tel 431093

 

 

 

SUPPORT

Although, when a crime is committed, the criminal may be caught and punished, in reality it is often the victim of the crime who suffers more than the criminal.

People react very differently to being burgled. Some take it in their stride, but others may feel very angry, want to cry, be afraid, or feel physically sick.

The victim sometimes feels like leaving a much-loved home altogether.

In Hastings there is a group of people who not only understand but who can give practical help and advice. They are the Victim Support Scheme whose trained volunteers do an excellent job.

During the year ended September 30, 1986, 808 referrals were made to the Hastings Victim Support Scheme. Of these 801 came from the Police. The remainder came from Social Services, the Regional Health Authority and from victims themselves.

Well over half the referrals were following burglary. The others were theft, assault, criminal damage, fraud and sexual offences.

Here is just one case reported in the Annual Report of the Hastings Victim Support Scheme:-

“An 86 year old man, partially sighted and suffering from cancer had his small bungalow ransacked by thieves. Money set aside for a holiday and to pay bills were taken. The gentleman very much appreciated our visit and although he had help from other organisations, Victim Support were pleased to be able to persuade the Rotary Club to pay for his telephone bill.

Many people gain great benefit from a visit by one of our volunteers, even if, as in some cases, tea and sympathy is all that is required.”

One of the Scheme’s trained volunteers is Mrs. Jackie Cooper, who lives in Salisbury Road. She became a volunteer four years ago.

BRIAN DOWN.

 

APRIL MEETING

An interesting feature of the Association’s Spring General Meeting was a demonstration on how to save a life.

It was given by two members of the Hastings Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, Phil Marshall and Matthew Briggs.

With the help of a life-size plastic dummy known as “Resusci Ann” they demonstrated mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and cardiac massage and how to place a patient in the ‘recovery’ position.

After the demonstration, several members tried their hands at the various techniques.

Later, the meeting agreed to make a donation of £10 to the St. John Ambulance Brigade as a small token of their appreciation.

The meeting went on to discuss the work of the Association. It was suggested that perhaps it would be useful if we held the occasional afternoon meeting, particularly in the winter months in order to avoid being out after dark. It was agreed that the Committee will look into this suggestion.

BRIAN DOWN

FLORAL BASKETS

Following a discussion in Committee about the Town plans for floral decorations, Chris Bond, of ‘Green Leaves’ has offered to provide hanging floral baskets, especially with our traders in mind, for £9.50p, the profits to go to our Benevolent Fund. Since these take some time to bring into flower, these would not be available this year until about August. Next year they would be ready earlier.

CONGRATULATIONS!

To Chris & John Stevens at the “North Star” for their newly arrived daughter “Jennifer”. She weighed 7lbs 2oz at birth.

To Amanda & John Gumbrell, of Salisbury Road also a new daughter Jade Naomi. She weighed in at 7lbs 12oz

To Paul & Kathleen Smith on their election as Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress.

To our Chairman, Ray Marchant on his re-election to the Borough Council.

I am pleased to be able to announce that Mr. Chris Bond of ‘Green Leaves’ has kindly agreed to be co-opted onto our Committee.

RELATED ARTICLES

Bohemia Area Association

Bohemia Journal – issue 21 (June 1986)

 Bohemia Journal – issue 23 (Dec 1986)