Do You Remember When?

1908

THE fact that Mr. Cyril Maude and his charming wife, that eminent actress, Miss Winifred Emery, together with a parade of other brilliant artistes, were appearing at the Kursaal in matinee, was, in itself, more than enough to account for the crowded assembly on Tuesday. But added to this was the fact that charity was the cause in which both performers and audience met, and consequently the pleasure of both was in no small degree enhanced. When it became known a few weeks ago that Mr. Cyril Maude had generously decided to give a matinee at the Kursaal, and that he was enlisting the sympathy of several other distinguished members of the theatrical profession so that the unemployed fund, which is such a great value during the winter time in Bexhill, can be augmented, there was created throughout the town the deepest possible appreciation.

1958

THE opening of the baby welfare clinic at Little Common's fine new Community Centre in Shepherd's-close, is a boon to mothers living in Little Common, Cooden and Wartling. On the first Monday of the month mothers bring their babies and toddlers to the bright and pleasant premises.

SIX months ago, following the Government's economy calls, the Town Council deferred for six months any new construction of council houses. Now, "in view of the increasing number of applications on the waiting list for accommodation," the Borough Housing Committee has recommended "that the original programme for 1958 be approved for submission to the Minister of Housing and Local Government."

1968

WITH the rest of the country, Bexhill has mourned this week the passing of Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, beloved by all who knew her, and or only knew her good works. Bexhill was privileged to have several links of unusual interest with her, the principal one being her visit to town with her three children in 1946.

THE controversial 7,000 West Parade catering point, named the Sovereign Light Cafe, this week opened for business for the first time. Ice cream off-sales began on Tuesday and light refreshments on Thursday.

1978

AN attempt to urge cost-saving measures on Rother council has rebounded on Bexhill Chamber. "There is nothing particularly unusual about these measures," Rother policy and resources committee chairman Cllr Bill Sansom said this week. "We have been carrying out most of them for years.. So have most councils."

AFTER a silence of 10 years, the Sidley Fete caused quite a stir for the residents on Saturday. Organised by the recently-formed committee of the Sidley Youth Club Appeal Fund, the fete '“ which realised 200 '“ was the first big event of a series designed to raise enough money to build the Sidley youngsters their own centre.

1988

WITH his wife safely out of the room, actor Stubby Kaye admits cheerfully to having fallen for another woman. She is, he says, "the most curvaceous creature. She's luscious '“ and that's with a triple L." Stubby, who is Bexhill's Hollywood resident, has recently finished filming on what American promoters believe to be the biggest block-buster ever. With its London premiere not due until nearly Christmas, Who Framed Roger Rabbit is receiving all the razzamatazz in America that was once accorded Donald Duck, and, more recently, E.T.

1998

THE 1999 Bexhill guide will be delivered to every house in Bexhill as well as being distributed nationally. The guide, with a 120,000 print-run, is being produced by local professionals for the Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. Now businesses, particularly those connected with the tourism and visitor industry, are being invited to take out space in the full-colour guide, which will have listings of hotels, guest houses and places to eat.

PART of the town's history has disappeared with the demolition of the former police station in Barrack Road. The Victorian police station was built to accommodate a sergeant and included two cells. It served as the town's police station until the opening of the present police station in Cantelupe Road in 1903.