Your letters - July 17

We need the gardens

I WAS shocked to read that St Barnabas Church in Bexhill could soon be demolished.

What is to happen to the lovely public garden behind the church which is so popular with young and old alike? Early morning you see children there before school, then flat dwellers exercising their dogs, then rest home residents enjoying a sit down in the flower-filled garden, then office workers eating their sandwiches, and people meeting to enjoy a quick chat before the whole cycle starts over again.

There are so few public green open spaces in Bexhill town centre that its loss would be devastating to so many.

William McKelvie

Marina

Thieves are despicable

MY faith in humans is going away fast. Is there nothing that people won't do to get a fast buck?

To steal from Barby Keel's animal sanctuary shop is despicable.

This lady and her helpers are dedicated to helping sick and orphaned animals, and take nothing in return, only love and satisfaction.

I am sure if Barby Keel knew one of the thieves and they came to her for help with one of their pets she would open her arms and put the animal first. She would put revenge aside and continue to do her loving work. Because she is genuine, a quality very rare these days.

If any of your readers are passing the Animal Sanctuary shop, why not pop in and make a small donation to help fill this void in their good work?

And don't forget, thieves, "What goes around, comes around".

D MORE

Meads Road

Bexhill

Opticians in focus

Re Goddard and Rogers Opticians.

MY father Mr Ben Goddard started the London Road business in 1950, he is still remembered by very many people in Bexhill .

The article in the Observer showed a photo of my father on the left, but the name Neil Cox had been put there by mistake, and the photo of the London Road business was taken in 1950 .

My father and then his nephew Mr George Rogers and David Rogers with the Endwell Road practice always gave a very personal service to all their patients .

Its was with much sadness and with great concern for their patients when the business had to close so very suddenly .

BRENDA WRIGHT

Benejacq

France

Let the Bell ring out

EVEN as a a non-smoker, I was impressed that the management of the Bell Hotel went to considerable effort and expense in producing a high quality smoking shelter for patrons.

It was tucked away and the colour scheme carefully matched its premises in the Old Town.

To my surprise, planning and other objections were raised resulting in the closure of this facility (forcing smokers into Church Street with increased disturbance) and then the imposition of a 9pm curfew, surely the worst of all outcomes.

This was subsequently followed by a (no doubt costly) planning appeal hearing.

These events were not initiated through community liaison (as you might imagine) but via a sudden nine o'clock "raid" on a busy Friday evening. The planning inspector has now delivered his independent findings.

They make interesting reading.

He seems bemused by the planning department's original concerns re this developement and emphasises its discreet nature.

Of course the additional "screening" wall that had also been constructed and rendered to match, makes any visual concerns even more difficult to understand.

The Inspector clearly felt that the Bell management had sought to do the right thing, for this special location, all along.

He also appears to express some concerns about the environmental health department seeking to restrict "shelter" opening hours, clearly feeling that this should be a matter for the licensing authorities.

I've noted the ambivalence felt by Old Town residents and others towards this amazing old hostelry over a number of years. Perhaps they don't feel that it sets the right "tone" in some way but of course, using it it more often en-masse could put that right.

The historic "original" Bexhill village managed to retain the classic church, pub and manor house combination for a very long time (until 1968 I believe).

In this new 21st century, let's try and keep it to two out of three at least!

DAVE WALSH

Rotherfield Avenue

Bexhill

Controversial Colonnade

YOUR report (Observer July 10) of the Rother District Council Cabinet meeting on July 6 omits to state that the public were excluded from the discussions on the Colonnade.

One other factor discussed, but not reported, was that of the 135 commercial organisations canvassed over leasing the units, only one had expressed any interest.

Despite this, members voted 94,000 to proceed with the design of a revised scheme which refurbishes and extends the existing space but within the budget of 2million.

The published brief minutes record that "members agreed that the only way to truly test the market was to build the scheme and market the units once completed".

In the circumstances, the pious hope expressed in your editorial for a lessening in tension between residents and the council would seem to be somewhat unjustified.

I predict public outrage if revised plans to extend existing floor space in the Colonnade propose ripping out the back wall of the building, in the face of public opposition and the Grade II listed status.

J HODSON

Cooden Sea Road

Bexhill

Highway robbery

re: the recent Highways Survey in the Observer

THE answer to these problems is where you live and money. The Government will not fund improvements to our major roads in our area such as the A21, A22, A259, and the A27. I find this quite puzzling because Mr Brown is deducting money from our council tax and transferring it to his friends in the North. I cannot remember agreeing to this arrangement.

As for our local roads which are in a disgraceful state, the potholes seem to be filled in quite regularly. Could we not improve on this by using better materials because sometimes the more expensive turns out to be the cheapest in the long term.

However there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are going to have a wonderful link road, a road to nowhere which will not solve our congestion problems in Barnhorn Road, Little Common, Sidley and the Ridge area. This road is being built for one reason only, to accommodate hundreds of new houses. We are about to lose the countryside gap between Hastings and Bexhill. Indeed our sports fields could be next.

I am sure that our children and grandchildren will not thank us for ruining this beautiful countryside,.

R SANDERSON

Topcross Road

Bexhill

Can you help?

I HAVE been busy researching my family tree and fairly recently found out that my great great grandfather Thomas France, from Compstall, Derbyshire was killed in a bombing raid on Loose in 1944. He was 79. I found his commemoration on the Commonwealth website and sent for his death certificate. To my surprise the informant was Elsie France '“ his daughter '“ someone we never knew existed!

After more searching, I found that his first wife either died or was institutionalised and his three sons were farmed out to family friends. My great-grandfather must have fallen out with him around this time and not had much subsequent contact as we didn't know that he got married to a Margaret Gair in 1907 having previously produced Elsie Gair France in 1901 (they are all listed in the 1901 census!).

I note from my Google search that the Eastbourne Herald had published a photo of "the National Fire Service Sub Division 3 from late 1943-44", which was sent in by Mrs Boniface of Bexhill.

On the back row are: ? Mewett, Elsie France, Jerry Wainwright, Ann Poole, Marjorie Payne, Mrs Boniface (Bonny), ?, ?, ?, Dorrie Bucknor, ? Colling, Roma Venables and Pam Slatern.

Names remembered on the front row are: Levarton, Short, Hopkinson, Hyle, Martin, Joyce Jeffries.

I wondered if I could get in touch with Mrs Boniface of Bexhill as she had an Elsie France in her picture who could possibly have been my great aunt.

My e-mail address is [email protected]

I know it's a long shot, but I would be interested to know!

STEPHEN FRANCE

Carlton Road

Torquay

In defence of the BNP

CONTRARY to David Barry's mistaken assertion (Bexhill Observer, July 10) the BNP is not a racist organisation.

Nor does its patriotic fight for "national sovereignty" make it such. Britain's heroic and victorious struggle to defend our national sovereignty from invasion by the Nazis in the Second World War did not make our great nation racist.

Personally, I am a proud Briton who believes all people have the right to self-determination within their own nation state and the BNP also asserts this.

Whilst Cllr Martin Forster's letter (Bexhill Observer, July 10) is confused, misleading and light on political content, I must congratulate him on expressing more verbiage in his letter than he ever uttered when we served together on Rother District Council.

He makes passing reference to my resignation as a Tory member of RDC. To set the record straight, having served with commendation as founding-chairman of the RDC Improvement and resources committee, I was invited to join the cabinet.

However, it became clear that this promotion would have made it impossible to maintain the ethical standards I have always upheld.

The leader of the council failed to rectify this matter and I resigned as a councillor in May 2008 and subsequently joined the BNP.

My action against the unethical behaviour of the Tory Party locally proved prescient given the impact of the recent revelations about MPs' and MEPs' expenses.

Here is incontrovertible proof of the BNP's long-standing contention that the British political class is institutionally corrupt, dishonest and self-serving.

I have an adult lifetime's professional experience in the service of Britain countering subversion including totalitarianism of the Left and Right.

I don't need lectures about what constitutes totalitarianism, nor do I need to prove my credentials to self-appointed thought police and would be character assassins like Cllr Forster.

If the BNP was fascist I wouldn't be a member of it.

The LibLabCon hydra emulates fascist organisations in supporting the violent Marxist thugs of the UAF when they attacked democratically and peacefully elected BNP MEPs. Cllr Forster studiously avoids confirming whether or not he and the Liberal Democrats support political violence.

KEITH STANDRING

Bexhill

Praise for Greg

IN view of the current situation and bad press, I felt I had to put pen to paper and express my personal opinion and my grateful thanks and appreciation to our local MP, Mr Gregory Barker.

I first approached Mr Barker 18 months ago after the death of my dear husband regarding the lack of care he had received from the local "caring authorities" after being discharged from hospital.

Mr Barker was kindness itself and he and his personal secretary have given me great support in dealing with this matter, and indeed still are, helping me reach the highest level of complaint possible.

I also feel Mr Barker has done, and is still doing, a great deal for Bexhill.

Whenever I pick up the Bexhill Observer, his photo is nearly always displayed, fighting a worthy cause on our behalf, a prime example of this is our local post office, which he saved.

Therefore I think we should take stock on all issues before we judge and maybe think again and read thoroughly his explanations on recent events.

P NELSON

Pembury Grove

Bexhill

No votes for anyone

WHY has Stephen Jackson (Observer letters July 3) concentrated only on his alleged failings of Tory policy?

Is he completely blinkered to the present goverment's persistent about-turns and, surely by now, financial incompetence?

It may well be that John Bercow will turn out to be a successful Speaker, in which case even the Tories could come to accept him.

If on the other hand, there is a change of government at the next election, there will be the opportunity to change the Speaker.

As to the paucity of Tory policy at the present time, Mr Jackson knows full well that the political scene is in a perpetual state of flux and no Opposition could be expected to offer a realistic policy until an election is actually declared.

Given that Mr Jackson is a Liberal, I am tempted to take issue with him on that party's wooliness.

It would appear that they have only one member capable of presenting an intelligent financial policy, though they didn't have enough confidence in him to select him as their leader.

To be frank, I have had my fill of all political parties, but realise that a Parliament of Independents is inconceivable.

I am therefore prepared to consider the Tories as a possible alternate government if they present a constructive policy.

A BROWN

Ninfield Road

Sidley

Beware cat burglars

ON THE second Wednesday of Wimbledon, I sat down to watch Andy Murray's quarter-final match and, as it was a hot day, I had some windows open.

Early in the second set, a black cat decided that one of my open windows represented an invitation for it to enter my living room and jumped onto the window sill.

As it was wearing a collar, it seems reasonable to assume that it was not a feral cat, but a domestic pet.

Fortunately, as I was watching the tennis, I was able to shoo it away before it could do any damage; but, if I had not been in the room at the time, what might I have found '“ cat muck on my carpet? The possibilities are too disgusting to contemplate.

As I chased it away, I couldn't help but ask myself "are the owners of that cat (whoever they are) really so selfish and inconsiderate that they believe it to be reasonable that I can't even open a window on a hot summer's day without facing the possibility of their out-of-control pet invading my home?"

If so, how would they feel if someone else's dog were to enter their home by a similar route?

It is summer, people have windows open and the birds are still breeding.

Is it so unreasonable to expect of cat owners the same as we expect of the owners of all other pets '“ to show a little thought and consideration for other people and wildlife by keeping their animals under control?

PAUL CAMPBELL

Bexhill

Do not destroy a church

THE letter written by the Rev Gathercole, a Baptist minister, was rather disapproving of Heloise Brown (Victorian Society).

The lady obviously appreciates the fine architecture of St Barnabas Church and the quality of workmanship used to build it '“ and this is a commendable opinion!

Whether viewed from an armchair or committee room that is irrelevant.

Heloise together with the Victorian Society must know considerably more about good buildings than the rest of us.

Well done, madam, and I congratulate you on your views.

The whole situation of St Barnabas Church and the proposed demolition is quite absurd. This church has always been well funded with money enough to keep it in credit. Unfortunately like many other C of E churches with a healthy bank balance, the people in charge have used the money for misguided uses.

It is very easy to spend money which has been accrued over the years, quite another finding people so generous again to regain it, especially at this time of recession.

It is quite disgraceful to suggest that St Barnabas should be demolished and replaced by the proposed plans for this site, they are very large and not in keeping with surrounding buildings.

I suggest, Bishop, you take your plans and developers and plant them on another site far away from us. There are plenty of places to build your project.

I cannot believe you have idle time to concentrate so much energy on the destruction of this church, just leave it alone and let us use and enjoy the old church for the purpose it was originally intended.

LAURA LOGAN

Sea Road

Why did he write?

I READ the letter from the Rev Gathercole a baptist minister with some surprise. It is not normal for any of our ministers to comment on other churches' business, and so I wonder why this pastor should involve himself in another churches internal decisions.

It is unlikely that this pastor is local to this area or have the blessing of any of the Bexhill churches to make such unhelpful remarks.

As for the Victorian Society it is their duty to preserve buildings of special interest to the nation. Remember the root of all evil is the love of money. It is quite absurd to expect the Victorian Society to pick up the bill for the mistakes of the C of E in the way this church was ministered to by the previous priest (Colin Pritchard).

JANE USHER

Turkey Road

Bexhill

Hearing problems

I WAS interested to read the letter from Mrs Chris Cox in the Bexhill Observer of June 26.

I have visited the De La Warr Pavilion on many occasions and have been very disappointed that the loop system did not work.

With all the money spent on refurbishment, I had hoped this would make a difference to the theatre, but sadly I still cannot pick up the loop system.

As a matter of interest I was in row G when we went to see South Pacific and my husband and I did not find the loop system to be working. Had someone forgotten to switch it on? It makes such a difference to those of us who unfortunately have a hearing problem when we can hear the dialogue clearly and enjoy productions put on by the De La Warr.

I look forward to a response from the De La Warr Pavilion and am sending them a copy of my letter.

DILYS SOAR

Chichester Close

Bexhill

Taxi thanks

I AM writing to thank those taxi drivers outside Bexhill station, who so kindly helped me when I fell in the road on Thursday, July 9.

They were wonderful, so kind and helpful.

My husband too has said that Bexhill taxi drivers are the best '“ courteous and helpful.

CR DOE

Cranfield Road

Bexhill

These films are not what we want

WE sometimes see films advertised as "on general release" but they are seldom screened by the multiplex Cineworld at the Crumbles, Eastbourne.

We heard that the film entitled W, referring to Bush, and lately Is Anybody There featuring Michael Caine were released, and much praised, but they were never made available.

I grew up in the golden age of the cinema, and love going to the pictures, and go whenever I find that a wholesome film is being shown, but those at Cineworld are seldom to my taste, nor, I think, to that of most of your readers, comprised as they predominantly are of senior citizens.

I hope they will join me in protesting to Cineworld '“ at www.cineworld.co.uk/contact

RALPH HILL

Willow Drive

Little Common