Another Londoner, and a crafty business

[Mick.]

hi Mick,

There are many examples of houses that have been left to 'rack and ruin' in the old town (and elsewhere in Hastings) that have been saved from extinction by people (not necessarily from London) moving in and doing them up.
There was a case in the old town where a lady from Devon or Cornwall moved in and saved a house but was met with local hostility despite saving a row of cottages that the council wanted to pull down in the old town as they had been so neglected and unwanted.
She eventually managed to save the lot but none of the locals spoke to her or encouraged her, and yet without her efforts the houses would have all been destroyed along with what was indeed 'part of their heritage'.
Historically the old town has been typically very clannish and at one time the residents were classed as unwashed 'pariahs' by the rest of the (newer) Hastings town as it developed.
Now it seems the tables might have turned somewhat.

Interesting to read that Richard.

[Richard]

And now things are on a better footing as of the following:

In 1952 local residents were concerned that the historic character and fabric of Hastings Old Town was being lost by demolition and unsympathetic renovations.

http://www.ohps.org.uk/

OHPS managed to save the Net Huts against the council who saw them as an obstruction to development of the area.

[Ginger]

Thanks again RIchard and Mick. I might just make the jump. With my cat and dog.!!!

[Richard]

As for how much you get for your money do be aware that many of the older Victorian houses need years of TLC to bring them up to a reasonable state of repair.
At first glance you fall in love with a property and it's very hard to see beyond a starry-eyed acceptance at what may cost money and time to improve.
The business should find a market as there seems to be a lack of craft classes in Hastings, unless you want to go to the college and enrol for whatever is running.
These may be very good for all I know but I have had enough of Adult Education and would prefer something else.
Not that I know much about sewing except turning up my mother's slacks as she has one leg shorter than the other !!**
It can be very rewarding to achieve something that is appreciated and 'cross-stitch' would seem an avenue worth exploring for personal relaxation.
Not sure if you are just aming at 'special needs' students, but it seems an ideal hobby in general.

There are lots of very knowledgeable people sprinkled about in Hastings and easy to get on with - ofcourse this takes some time to explore.
So, don't delay or be at all apprehensive, I should think there are lots of peole wanting to learn in a cosy environment and have a chat or cup of tea..
You will need a short leaflet about classes perhaps and a card with your business details that you can pin up at various locations.

[Tarmar]

A craft cafe sounds brilliant. There are a few craft workshops and drop in places in St Leonards. There are also short courses advertised in the window of the Hastings Art Forum. Might be worth a look to see what kind of things are popular. Good luck! I moved to St Leonards from south west London about 6 months ago and my only regret is that I wasn't able to move here sooner.