Friends and family say goodbye to Hastings' Beach Artist

The simple wooden coffin, with words from friends and family inscribed along the side, was carried into St Ethelburga's Church, St Leonards-on-Sea where the service of celebration and thanksgiving was held.

Sid, who had come to be known as 'Grandad-by-the-sea' for his artistic talents designing pictures from pebbles on the beach, and for his work at the Hastings Arts Forum, died on 25th August aged 54.

The Reverend Mike Mills conducted the service and tributes were paid by Sid's daughter Naomi Sadler and Harry Lyons of The Hastings Arts Forum.

In the service programme Naomi said her dad "loved Hastings, as can be seen from how he incorporated his environment into his work."

Harry described Sid as "a much loved and respected man" adding, "he served the Arts Forum so wonderfully well and without him it would not have survived."

A poignant quote from Sid in the programme read:

"I have had a wonderful life and I am so lucky, happy and grateful for the life I have had."

After the service the committal took place at Hastings Crematorium and a wake was held at AZUR, The Marina Pavilion.

Flowers were laid at a stone-art memorial on the beach opposite the Arts Forum that simply said 'Sid'.