Your letters - August 14

Elderly menace

MY wife and I are, again, becoming increasingly concerned by elderly people refusing to stop driving. This has included family and friends.

Some are happy to talk about their disabilities, poor eyesight for example. Most will only stop when they crash/ injure someone and the police forcefully take away their driving licence in return for not prosecuting them.

So I ask those I know, and those I don't, please examine your own conscience. Could you live with yourself if you injured or even killed someone because you are unfit to drive? I also ask the friends and family of elderly drivers to discuss the issue with them.

As a last resort, I suggest that these drivers are reported to the local police if they refuse to listen, because in every past injury and death caused by elderly drivers, many people have been aware that they should not have been driving and did nothing. Please put others first and also think of your own safety.

Paul Minter

Gunters Lane, Bexhill

Save our gardens

I wish to complain about the plans for our memorial gardens by St Barnabas Church.

Why do we have to lose this lovely quiet place? I think the local dean should try to find something else on which to save the money. We have had these gardens here a long time and they have been enjoyed by the local people.

I believe this is a symptom of a wider problem with society in general and its lack of faith in the Church of England.

We should encourage our local people and politicians to get involved in saving our heritage.

Many of us have had family members commemorated on the war memorial in this garden before it was moved and in the garden itself.

Family members have, in many cases, been baptised, confirmed and buried in this parish church of St Barnabas for well over 100 years.

Maybe it is time for the British Legion to contact the church to find out if it is possible to put back the war memorial and hold a special service in the church for all the war dead.

Janet Howe

Cooden Drive, Bexhill

Ye Olde Buckholt Lane

Buckholt named from a male deer and a small wood,

A hurricane swept through in May 1729 not so good.

A few wild flowers and squirrels now and then,

Wild birds from a fat crow to a jenny wren.

There's dog walkers and people going for a hike,

Soon get disturbed by lorries and a noisy motorbike.

Horses often come along to give their riders a treat,

Some impatient car drivers think it's a main street.

Along comes an immature egghead who thinks he's got Formula One,

Making you cringe in the hedge while he has his fun.

So if you feel you'd like to go down ye olde lane,

Come in an army tank '“ not your Zimmer frame.

Old Jack

(resident)

Bad idea on classes

I am writing to the Observer as I don't know what to do.

I go to Bexhill High and will be in Year 8 next year. The next year we move to the new school. There will be 90 students in each class with three teachers.

In my class now there is one teacher to 30 students and when some students are bad the teacher can't teach us as he is busy with them.

In a class of 90 the bad students will play up more as they like a lot of people to show off to.

I don't want to be in such a large class. It is very scary being in with so many others with all that noise. I live in Bexhill and can't go to another school. Mr Conn says it is a great opportunity but it will be the same teachers and same students, just a different building.

The day in the new school will be longer. It will go to 5pm, so some students will be even more badly behaved as they are forced to stay in school longer and the teachers will be tired and not able to sort them out.

What can I do?

Year 7 student

Have a blanket cut

I was summoned to '“ and duly attended '“ a meeting of Catsfield Parish Council at Hermon Cottage on July 9 to discuss the change of speed limit at Catsfield Stream.

I think that because of the increase over the past 30 years of both housing and traffic density the speed limit should be 30mph throughout the whole village area, backed up with speed cameras and 'pinch points', thus removing the stupidity of having 50mph reducing to 30mph in so short a distance.

Thirty miles an hour is a much better limit to give owners/occupiers of properties adjacent to the road peace of mind.

I would also like to draw attention to the fact that over the past few years with the increase in traffic I have had three separate accidents occur with my boundary hedge, all by uninsured drivers.

Additionally, why not reinstate the diversion of HGVs along Kitchenham Road, thus allowing a once-peaceful village to return?

Patricia Creffield

Catsfield Stream, Battle

A flawed superstate

According to Maria Rankka, the head of the Swedish think-tank Timbro, 2.4bn of our taxpayers' money was spent last year on the EU promoting itself, despite the fact there has been shown to be a majority of Europeans who do not wish to be within an EU federation (French, Dutch and Irish referendums).

This is democracy out of the window. Where is the budget for those who do not want this EU federal state?

Not only is the European Union undemocratic but it is also blatantly anti-democratic.

I want no part of this flawed superstate and will be endeavouring to remove our great heritage, the United Kingdom, from this ill-conceived coalition at the earliest opportunity.

Tony Smith

UK Independence Parliamentary Candidate for Battle & Bexhill

Ashburnham, Battle

Such wonderful care

I am writing regarding the Irvine Unit at Bexhill Hospital.

My mother was in the unit for some five weeks before her death on July 21, and the love, care and compassion she received from the wonderful staff at this hospital should be highlighted in every way possible.

I live in Australia and before I came to England to visit my mother I had been impressed and comforted by the nursing staff whom I spoke to every day.

I arrived in England on July 7 and on July 9 was informed that my mother would not be with us for much longer.

My sister and I and my partner stayed at the hospital with my mum until she died on July 21. During those 12 days and nights, the care, comfort and love shown not only to my mother but to us was above and beyond anyone's expectations.

All too often we read about hospital conditions and treatments in a negative way, not only in England but in Australia, but the Irvine Unit at Bexhill Hospital is a wonderful example of how hospitals, and in particular palliative care units, can be not only a comfort to the patients but to their relatives.

Over our 12 days there my sister and I witnessed the kindness, respect, love and care not only to my own mother but to all of the patients in this very special unit and not only by the nursing staff but also by the auxiliaries and people bringing around the teas. With no exception these are all very special people. My mother was not covered in the usual bed sores found in most hospitals, and although towards the end of her life was in a comatose condition was never ignored or left unattended to.

There are no words that can express my family's thanks to the people at the Irvine Unit for making my mother's last days as comfortable as they could possibly be or for their love and compassion to us at what was a very emotional time in our lives.

Charmaine Hacker

Townsville, Queensland

Thank you everyone

I WOULD like to thank the kind lady who came to my immediate rescue when I had an unfortunate accident just outside the Regency Arcade, Eversley Road, on Friday, July 24.

I would also like to thank the kind gentleman who stopped to help and phoned for an ambulance.

My gratitude also goes to the wonderful paramedics who promptly attended the scene, treated me and took me to hospital.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You were all brilliant.

Jill Dawes

Willingdon Avenue, Bexhill

Tipped for extension

Apparently the Pebsham waste site is going to close temporarily for business reasons. I find this quite a puzzling explanation. After making inquiries I think it should be called funny business reasons.

The facility is reaching its full capacity sooner than expected.

This is hardly suprising. After the closing of the Beddingham tip we are the only landfill site in the area, with more and more rubbish being processed every day.

lt seems that the East Sussex Waste Plan has been derailed, the new landfill site '“ wherever it is going to be '“ is not ready, and it could be years before the Newhaven incinerator is ready.

Apparently Biffa is going to try to extend the tip again, which would mean another extension of the closing date. Here we go again.

R Sanderson

Top Cross Road

Pebsham

Editor's note: East Sussex County Council says business landfill will close temporarily, but household landfill will remain open.

Firm favourites

On behalf of Chantry Community Primary School I would like to thank the following businesses which very kindly donated prizes for our summer fair raffle:

Eastbourne Theatres, Drusillas Zoo, Park

Middle Farm, Yesterday's World, Sainsbury's, Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway Park, Tesco, Wards Outfitters, The Denbigh, De La Warr

Pavilion, Seafood, Wilderness Wood, Cafe Beige, Smugglers' Caves.

Their kindness and generosity is very much appreciated and they helped to make the fair a great success. Thank you once again.

Gonda Boreham

Chantry PTA

Newlands Avenue

Bexhill

A fine memorial

WHAT a great afternoon Bexhill Bowling Club organised in memory of Colin who died in March.

Very many thanks to all the bowlers and helpers from BB Club, and the bowlers from other local clubs and family and friends who all helped to make it such a succes.

Together with 558 raised earlier, donations made the grand total of 1,153, which has been donated to Palliative Care, Irvine Unit, Bexhill Hospital.

A big thank-you to all.

Barbara Nicholls

Larkhill

Bexhill

Our church is not closing

AS CHURCHWARDENS of the Bexhill Team of churches (comprising St Peter's, St Michael's and St Andrew's) we would like to challenge strongly the unsubstantiated allegations made by Frank King (Letters Bexhill Observer August 7).

No one has ever raised the idea of St Peter's closing. Any regular reader of the Bexhill Observer will be aware of some of the many and varied activities involving all ages which take place at St Peter's. It has a large and enthusiastic congregation where newcomers are welcome. However at the heart of the church's life is its worship; St Peter's resources are big enough to be able to offer a wonderful sung Eucharist and a choral Evensong every Sunday of such a high musical standard that the choir (including about 20 children and young people) have recently sung in St Paul's and Norwich Cathedrals (see Observer August 7).

In addition there is an informal service, Time For God, taking place every Sunday morning, a valued alternative for many. St Peter's also offers services every weekday. All of this obviously refutes Frank King's statement that "no one wishes to attend Anglican church services".

St Andrew's has a small but equally committed congregation, pays its way like St Peter's and has just survived in good heart a long vacancy without a priest. There is no likelihood of its closing in the foreseeable future.

In conclusion, all three churches in the Team have a positive outlook and are looking forward to the future with confidence, as they seek to serve the local community and share the gospel.

Judith Platt

Jan Sparkes

Churchwardens of Bexhill Team Ministry

C of E is modern

MR King is quite entitled to his views about the proposed plans for St Barnabas Church on Sea Road, although I disagree with them.He has however, been grossly misinformed about some other matters, which I would like to correct.

The new priest who is now serving at St Barnabas is very firmly rooted in the catholic wing of the Church of England. Had this not been the case he would never have been appointed.

If you wish to label him evangelical because he is concerned about the mission of the church then you would have to apply that label to every priest in the Church of England!

I can categorically state that there are no plans to close any other Anglican church in the town. To even suggest that St Peter's might be closed is pure fantasy, as it is one of the most vibrant churches in the local area.

I'm sorry that Mr King feels that the Church of England treats parishioners with 'utter contempt' but in my experience the vast majority of churches have a mixture of modern and traditional services to suit the widest possible group of people.

The Revd David Frost

Rural Dean of Battle and Bexhill

Congregations are up

MR King states in last week's paper that St Peter's Church could well be closed and that the Church of England claims that no-one wants to attend church services.

Has Mr King been to St Peter's lately? The Sunday services have a good number of parishioners with a Canon who is well liked by all.

The choir is excellent and was invited last Sunday to sing in Norwich Cathedral '“ you are not invited unless you are extremely good!

No Mr King, St Peter's will go on for many, many years. Why not give it a trial!

Councillor Brian Gadd

Collington Lane West

Cooden

I was appalled by letter

WHILST applauding your coverage of the safe return of our intrepid rowers I was utterly appalled that you publish a letter suggesting that the future of St Peter's Church might be in jeopardy and slanging the clergy in a most unChristian manner.

Would it not be better to verify your correspondent's facts before publishing, thus saving anxiety among some of your readers?

Rachel Prance

White Hill Drive

Come along and see

THE allegations made by Frank King (Observer, August 7) should not go unchallenged. I am the new team vicar at St Michael at All Angels Church which is part of the Bexhill Team of Churches, together with St Peter's and St Andrew's, about which he made reference.

Quite from where Mr King derives his information I cannot say. His assertion that in Bexhill churches the parishioners are treated with "utter contempt" and that clergy introduce "trendy new services" does not match up to my experience here.

Mr King would be very welcome to come to St Michael's on any Sunday and to worship with us. What he would find is a church with a range of worship that takes mission at its heart. He would also find a loving and committed congregation who not only meet together in good numbers week by week but who also seek to serve the local community in East Bexhill through a long established and well organised pattern of practical community service.

It is Mr King's view "no one wishes to attend Anglican church services". His attendance with us would clear his thinking about this and his other views as well.

Father Stephen Huggins

Team Vicar in the Bexhill Team of Churches

St Michael's Vicarage

Glassenbury Drive

Bexhill

Policy is a sensible one

IT'S not often that I have praise for the Ravenside Tesco store but full marks to them for refusing to allow an adult to buy alcohol on behalf of a minor (or so it must have seemed to the cashier).

The major supermarkets are constantly blamed for supplying the cheap booze that fuels under-age drinking, the health risks and the anti-social behaviour that results. In my opinion they must share the blame but Tesco is clearly trying to clean up its act.

By coincidence my 35-year-old daughter was refused a bottle of wine by her local branch in Surrey. She is only 5ft tall, however, and looks younger. She was amused by the incident and, since she works with disadvantaged young people, not unsympathetic to the policy.

It's a shame for Tesco that they chose to argue with a solicitor, but I imagine they can afford to defend themselves if, as indicated, she turns litigious.

David Woolf

De La Warr Road

A benchmark of stupidity

I AM appalled to learn that Rother District Council plan to remove all the donated seafront benches as part of its "rejuvenation" scheme for Bexhill seafront.

RE-generation of Bexhill? More like DE-generation of the town.

I was on the seafront last week during the glorious weather and all these benches '“ without exception '“ were fully occupied. Not only is this a gross example of insensitivity towards the families who have donated these benches '“ with full authority approval '“ in memory of their loved ones, it is an appalling waste of money. Added to that, these benches provide a link to the history of the town for future generations.

We now have nowhere to park in our town: we have shops closing down and traders relocating and now, it seems, the prospect of nowhere to sit on the seafront!

Has Rother District Council never heard of the saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"? Perhaps our council is secretly run by a load of vampires because they are slowly but surely sucking the life-blood out of our town.

Christine Hamilton

Southcourt Avenue

Bexhill

Planners are a shower

WITH so many other Bexhillians, I attended the protest rally on Monday against the council's intentions to remove the dedicated seats along our sea front.

My first thought was "Is this a legal action?"

How dare they interfere with residents' intentions to commemorate their loved ones. Certainly good taste does not come into it. One only has to look at the monstrous buildings at the top of Sackville Road to know that commonsense fails our local powers that be when decisions are made re town planning. What a shower they are! Heaven protect our seafront.

JOYCE HUMPHREY

Reginald Road

Bexhill

Thanks for your honesty

I WOULD like to thank the very kind and honest lady who found my rings in the cloakroom at the Bexhill Hospital on July 28. You will never know how grateful I am to you. Thank you very, very much.

Mrs V Buckle

Collington Lane West

Plan is a waste

IT IS difficult to imagine a more convoluted set-up than the Next Wave programme for the Seafront.

Why do we need more plans from architects to suggest what is really good housekeeping?

Tidy up '“ rearrange one or two things - look at obvious problems.

Instead of all this fussation, all it needs is smartening up which could be done far more cheaply by a group of sensible townspeople and councillors.

If you employ architects it means that you get an independent view but you must expect to pay very heavily for the plans and the cost of their suggestions.

The seafront exists as a promenade and is much enjoyed as such.

To spend so much money in the vain hope that some ultra modem designs will regenerate the town is just pie in the sky.

Will a body of councillors please tell the initiators of this scheme that they are going about it in the wrong way.

It is not too late to change horses.

Basil Streat

Cantelupe Road

Bexhill

Road is done deal

HOW on earth can planning permission for this extremely controversial Link Road be granted BEFORE the relevant planning inquiry has even taken place?

But, as your report makes clear, it was granted on July 29!

It seems to me the only answer to make any sense is that the 'big guns' have already decided that the scheme will go ahead willy-nilly, whatever the rest of us (and especially the locals) think.

The big guns of central government and East Sussex and Rother Councils have their own town planning target games to play, of course, and, as we now know all too well, the development opportunities to be opened up by the 'proposed' new road offer the only realistic chance to achieve the targets (and their bonuses?) in this area.

On the other hand, our local big gun MP seems to be far more interested in sorting out his expenses and related scandals than in protecting this part of his constituency.

I do wonder, though, whether he would have been so compliant to the proposed scheme had his 'main residence' been nearer to Bexhill rather than to Rye?

Democracy, anyone?

James Richardson

Oakleigh Road

Little Common

Have a butcher's...

WE hear so much about shops closing down in Bexhill I thought it would be nice to mention one that has very recently opened and that your readers may not be aware of due to its location.

The shop is in London Road more or less opposite the Guide HQ and is a new butchers shop.

Having noticed it myself I happened to wander inside and was met with the sight of meat as it should be (well hung and well presented) and the selection of the butcher's own sausages was mouth-watering.

I actually chose the Bexhill banger which proved to be very tasty and with barely any fat in the pan after cooking must mean a low fat content (healthy).

I did chat with Robert Green the butcher and was pleasantly informed that all his meat is locally produced and sourced so low food miles (for the environmentalists) but above all every thing I bought was just so tasty.

I suggest to your readers to give it a try and taste meat as it should be and cost wise i think is very comparable to what you pay in supermarkets for, in my mind, an inferior product.

So if you shop at Aldi pop over the road and have a look or make a special journey.

I think you will find it worthwhile.

Alan Haldane

Amherst road

Bexhill

Brave stance saluted

WE agree with much of what you say about the problems occurring within Royal Mail (Observer, July 24).

Nationally, the quality of service we provide the British public with is in serious decline. Of course, this is bound to be replicated at Bexhill.

Quite rightly many postal workers are concerned;however very few are brave enough to let that be known in public. The Bexhill section of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) would like to thank the individuals who contacted your paper, and we salute their brave stance.

It is true that all workers at Bexhill have been asked to consider voluntary redundancy and/or a buy-down of hours. We have been told that Royal Mail is looking for approximately 300 hours out of the workforce at Bexhill.

The CWU has asked several times where these hours are to be taken from, but have not had a reply from Royal Mail. Which goes to prove that the nameless Royal Mail spokesman who informed your paper that "we are making changes in a calm measured and structured way, inviting continuous involvement and dialogue with our unions and our people" has no grip on the local reality of the situation.

Nationally, the CWU is asking Royal Mail to come back to the table to discuss its reasons for not honouring the National Pay and Modernisation Agreement Phase Four. Another example of "dialogue" the Royal Mail way.

Yes, it's true we have six vacancies; and yes, Royal Mail is not filling these jobs '“ so the workload is being carried out by a few individuals on overtime. We are told the next step is casual staff.

Casual staff is also an issue which the local CWU has not had any "dialogue" on '“ other than an informal chat where we were told that zero-hours contracted casuals would be employed, rather like the dockworkers of the 1930s who queued up each morning in the hope of work for the day.

Soon individuals will be waiting by their phones each morning across Bexhill in the hope of delivering your mail.

The CWU understands that modernisation will mean job cuts. But, as all trade unionists will tell you, protection of full-time jobs is the ultimate aim. So we oppose these zero-hours casual positions at the expense of full-time employment. Who on earth is going to get a mortgage on the prospect of a phone call each morning?