Do you remember when?

1908

A FIRE which could easily have been attended by more serious consequences but for the prompt action of neighbours, broke out at 19, Belle Hill on Wednesday evening last. It appears that no one was in the house at the time of the outbreak, Mr. W. White, the occupant, being at work while his wife was on a holiday. A clothes horse had been placed before a large kitchen fire, and it is supposed that the clothes on this became ignited, and the horse falling back knocked over a paraffin lamp which was standing on the table.

WHIT-Monday, the day on which Sidley branch of the Rye Conservative and Unionist Association held their annual fete, was brilliantly fine, and the grounds of Barrack Hall looked charming beneath a sky of azure from which the sun shone with intense brightness. A more picturesque spot for such a demonstration it would have been difficult to find and the grateful thanks of all those connected with the Conservative cause are due to the Misses Thorneycroft for their kindness in placing the grounds of Barrack Hall at the disposal of the Sidley branch.

1958

EAST Sussex Police Athletic Association's 29th annual sports meeting in Polegrove on Saturday, held in brilliant sunshine, drew a crowd of over 5,000. For four hours the spectators were thrilled with exciting events both of a serious and a novel nature.

1968

WITH only a little more than a month before the six-month period for objections expires, no protests have yet been received against the Town Council's decision to demolish the Manor House. This week the Association of Bexhill Citizens, which has, with Old Town Preservation Society, taken a particularly active part in the three-year discussions over the future of the house and grounds, wrote to the Town Clerk (Mr. R.S. Robinson) stating that the Council's present plans are 'compatible with the association's hopes.'

NEGOTIATIONS are under way for the 100,000 development of St. Mark's Rectory site at Little Common, where the Town Council plans to build a block of warden-care old people's flats and houses to let. Originally, 38 flats comprised Stage One of the scheme, but the 151,100 cost was more than 50,000 above the special yardstick laid down by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. In a bid to overcome this problem the Housing committee looked into industrialised building methods and talks are now to be opened with an Oxfordshire firm.

1978

WORK should start today on creating Bexhill's first purpose-build skatepark. Bexhill's youngsters will get their own skatepark thanks to the energy and drive of a group of adult enthusiasts. Rother council has given its blessing to a scheme to use a former tennis court at Sidley recreation ground.

1988

ST Bridget's council-run rest home is to close with the loss of 42 beds. The decision was taken in secret session of the county social services committee. The 94,000-a-year running costs will instead be pumped into the development at Thalia House, London Road which aims to keep more elderly people in their own homes.

UNCERTAINTY still surrounds plans by St Peter's Community Association to demolish its 70 year-old buildings and develop the site with a new centre and flats for the elderly. A month ago the association submitted outline plans to Rother planning committee. The scheme could go before councillors on June 30. It proposes rebuilding all three community centre halls with six one-bedroomed flats on land behind.

1998

PLANS to revamp the De La Warr Pavilion have come under new scrutiny. Accessors dealing with the 16.8m Lottery bid have come back with more questions. The Observer understands that five key issues have been raised since the original bid was submitted. Confidential documents have sent councillors into secret session. New concerns involve safeguarding the lease held by the charitable Pavilion Trust.

HIGH School head Michael Conn has spelled out his aims for the school. He puts the emphasis on discipline at the top of a front page article in the newsletter, High Priority. Since his arrival in January Mr Conn has instituted many changes.