Awards celebrate Hastings Week

The evening started with the award of certificates for the Hastings Week Poetry Competition ‘View of the Old Town’.

A panel composed of Hastings’ Mayor Judy Rogers, former ‘Magpie’ television presenter Jenny Hanley and Old Town Councillor James Bacon picked winners from over 30 entries.

First Place under 12’s was awarded to seven year old Learna Reed, with second place going to Malachy Roark, also aged seven.

The Adult Class was won by John Geater with Yvonne Rees in second place.

Cllr Bacon said: “It was such an honour to be one of the judges for the second Hastings Week Poetry Competition. I was inspired to run the competition after reading my Great Uncle Sam’s poems on Hastings Old Town. I was pleased to see the number of entries we had, as well as the quality of poems we had the pleasure to read. Well done to everyone who participated in the competition.”

Prizes were awarded for Old Town Best Dressed Windows with a theme ‘Colours of the Cinque ports’

Voodoo Sirens, in George Street, won the Pam Browne Trophy, Little Treasures, in High Street, won the Ray Goode Trophy and Balfour and Byrom, in High Street, were highly commended.

The evening ended with the presentation of the Bowskill Trophy. The Trophy is presented annually in memory of Cyril Bowskill who, with his wife Joan, was a great supporter of Hastings Week. From a majority vote, based on public nominations, it is awarded to the person, group or organisation who has done most to promote the prestige of the week.

The trophy went to Eve Martin for her work during Hastings Week organising the schools art competition and working with Miss Hastings and her entourage.

It was presented by Hastings’ Mayor, Councillor Judy Rogers and Hastings Week Chair Nigel Hogben.

Hastings Week spokesman Ion Castro said: “Hastings Week activities go on beyond the week itself and we are already planning this year’s events”

There is more information and updates on www.1066.net/hastings-week.

Benefit from an ongoing discount on your Hastings Observer by joining our voucher membership scheme. Once you’ve subscribed we’ll send you dated vouchers which can be exchanged for your paper at any news outlet. To save money on your (paper title) simply click here (www.localsubsplus.co.uk)