Hastings Forum

UncleB, I don't mind the rambling on - I am glad you have posted so much about this renovation project because I have found it completely fascinating and inspiring! I agree that an obsession for absolute authenticity e.g. in building restoration is unnecessary and unrealistic. Time and technology mo...

I worked in a government department too, for a few years, then an insurance company which dealt largely with local authorities and public bodies. Phew! What an eye-opener! I was appalled by the waste of money on mis-planned and badly-executed projects - many of the failures were never heard about by...

Over the last few years, Hastings has won many millions in government or EU handouts. Where does all that money go? Does anybody really know, except for the council and some local development agencies? Far from the money making a big difference to the quality of life, Hastings sadly seems to have be...

You are coming over as a little muddled, Richard! Earlier you said "property restoration/alteration is heavily regulated". Now you have gone back to "there are general rules or guidelines ... may be enforced by law". Which line of argument do you wish to pursue? You can't have bo...

Your earlier statement did not refer to either legislation or regulation. The word you used was "rules". Contrary to your implication that, with classic car (or fine art) restoration, it is a free playing field for anyone, the opposite is the case. There are plenty of rules, largely dictat...

That statement is untrue and ill-informed. Whilst there is of course no legislation governing classic cars (or fine arts), there are strict conventions on how an old car (vintage, veteran, classic) should be restored. Talk to any professional restorer. It is actually very similar to restoring an old...

I admire greatly those people who inject new life into old buildings and preserve them - as being part of our tradition and our history. More admirable than the obsession of every new generation to ignore the past, rip down elegant and good architecture and replace it with often mediocre modern stru...

I noticed that too - assuming that the building I have kept my eye on is the right one, on the corner by the main road? I walk past there most days and it's lovely to see changes slowly taking place. On the first floor is a big room with a high ceiling, some impressive mouldings and a beautiful chan...

Wetherspoons in Hastings indeed has no ambience! Just a cheap food and drink factory. The Bexhill one is a little better and more comfortable. I could say much more on the other issue but of course one has to tread carefully. Even so, (generally speaking you understand ..), I shouldn't have to worry...

Interesting that some of my friends seem to share the view that the Wetherspoon pub has lost its atmosphere - all spaced out, not that friendly and service is rather dire. Some have switched to Yates - admittedly not rushed with customers but very clean and organised, friendly staff serve you straig...