the stade

Playland postcard – Old Town Hastings

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Helena Wojtczak. Hastings & St Leonards History Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/hastingshistory

Alan Esdaile… Wonderful. Looks like early 50’s?

Ju-ju Davies…There used to be two carnivals and fairs, one fair was on the oval and the carnival went through the town and the other fair would be on the beach where the Stade is and the carnival would be through the old town.

Lisa Lucas… yes those were the days!

Jacqueline Patton… Looks much more fun . Where is David Essex in this photo

Alan Esdaile… Jacqueline, He’s probably off on his silver dream machine.

Keith Veness… Remember going there in the late 50s

Harry Randall… Yes you can clearly see the old RNLI building

Peter Ellingworth… Definitely no later than early to mid fifties I would think. Regarding the old RNLI boat house, my father worked on the replacement around 1964 and got to know many of the old town characters. The somewhat shabby shed/hut in the bottom right may well be something to do with the miniature railway, which at that time terminated opposite the lifeboat House.

Peter Brazier… I remember it in the early 60’s. It’s a bit further along from where the Stade is now, between the miniature railway and the harbour arm

Who remembers the Coach Park and Uncle Tom’s Cabin – The Stade Hastings early 50’s

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supplied by Keith Hayes Facebook Hastings & St Leonards Pictures & Videos 

Peter Houghton… Yes it was nice to see all the coaches down there and Uncle Tom’s Cabin was always busy in the summer

Tony Court-holmes… happy days then the bastards took away the coach park

Virginia Davis… I remember the fair being there during Old Town week every year in the 70s

Wendy Weaver… The usual mismanagement.

Jack Apps… The Wishing Well aaaaah

Merv Kennard… the mine.

Peter Higgs… my nan owned Toms Cabin in the early 70s . Margaret Cook Galloway

Eric Harmer… was a gas apprentice then and put the gas pipes in there with old towner Jimmy Curtis

Glen Aylard… The Day’s When you could park in Hastings Old Town

Mick O’Dowd… The days when the Council used to ENCOURAGE visitors especially in coaches!

Alan Esdaile… look how many coaches!

Mick O’Dowd… What’s the word for a lot of coaches? A cluster maybe?

Stuart Moir… Exactly, the decision to stop coach and bus parking on the Stade was the killer for all the old town businesses.

David Kent… Are you sure all those coaches weren’t there because they had broken down?

Mary Cooke (Tippins)… I served the rock and ice creams 1968.

Peter Ellingworth… Does anybody remember the old 10 & 1/4″ (26 cm gauge ) miniature railway at The Stade run by Jim “JBH” Hughes, on behalf of the owners Ian Allan the well known transport publishers of Shepperton ? There were originally three steamers: ‘Firefly’ which was sold on to Kerr’s miniature railway in Scotland ( recently closed), ‘Hampton Court’ sold on to Lord Gretton’s miniature railway which is open to the public in Northamptonshire, and the ‘Royal Scot’ sold on privately ( now replaced with another new identical). ‘JBH’ lived exactly five miles from the town centre at an aptly named bungalow called “Five Miles”. Myself and a school friend had a look at his extensive workshop once, as we used to help out on the railway school holidays early ‘sixties.

Eric Harmer… I was a gas board apprentice With old towner jimmy ? We put the gas pipes in Uncle Toms Cabin in the early 70s

Reid McDuffie… I mostly remember the reek of diesel fumes

Uncle Tom’s Cabin The Stade Hastings 1973

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© HAPP1066  https://www.facebook.com/HAPP1066

Jim Breeds… A photograph from “Frank’s Shoebox” that I recently bought at auction. On the reverse of the photo, Frank says “Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The Stade, Hastings. A gold-mine in the summer months. 1973”.

Alan Esdaile… I did work here for 2 or maybe 3 days! It was the start of the season and the owner had me painting upstairs. Me and a paintbrush, can you imagine! paint everywhere. So I left and went to work at The Sun Lounge.

Jen Jen Pen… Indeed it was

Chris Meachen… Really miss that building, much nicer than the monstrosity that was put in it’s place..

Hastings Beach Concert 2021 – 31st July and 1st August 2021

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Mike Raxworthy… Been working on this one for over a year counting the postponement of last year’s event…. So really looking forward to finally presenting it. Everything and everyone in place… Sunshine is all we need now!! The dates for this years Beach Concerts are Saturday 31st July & Sunday 1st August. Are you ready Hastings…..

Freak Flag… How’s this for a freak coincidence? We’re playing at TWO fantastic festivals in Hastings on Sat July 31. Catch us at 5.15pm at the Nearly On The Beach Concert at The Stade – a free 2-day extravaganza raising money for the RNLI, Sea Cadets and Pett Level Inshore Rescue Boat. Then at 10pm we’re headlining at Hastings Rock Radio’s Welcome-Back Fest, just down the road at The Carlisle pub. As well as celebrating the return of live music, the event is raising money for broadcasting fees at the rocking good station, which is run entirely by volunteers. There is no fixed entry price but gig-goers are asked to make a suggested donation of £4 at the door. A large part of our set will be different at each event, although we will repeat a few absolute classics. So why not join us at both?

Nick Bloomfield…Freak Flag were excellent yesterday. This was their tribute to Dusty Hill from ZZ Top who died earlier this week. Lots of dancers too…

Elaine Roberts… Brilliant video, Nick – thank you once again on behalf of everyone

Eric Harmer… Great band

Graham Belchamber… They were superb

Pete Prescott… A great set. I would love to sing a few of their songs.

Stephen Rapley… Good work Mr Raxworthy next time remind me of the date.

Freak Flag, Pete Brown, Carey & Prescott, Harmer & Westlake – in aid of St Michael’s Hospice Sunday 6th October 2019

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Limited edition CD, available to buy on the day for only £5.

Mike Waghorne… Didn’t a Pete Brown write some of the lyrics for Cream ?

Alan Esdaile… Same person Mike.

Barry Taylor… “New CD from BareFaced Music, in aid of St Michaels Hospice. Volume 2 features a bumper 18 tracks, including the Musicians appearing on October 6th, at the Sea Angling Club,Hastings [2.30]. There are 2 original songs from Freak Flag, whose reputation is growing fast. Local bassist Roger Carey [Steeleye Span] has donated a track which he recorded with ex-Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Weston, also featuring Lianne Carroll. Peter ODonnell has written a lovely tribute to Dr John and legendary 60s Band Steamhammer are featured on several tracks. King Size Slim and Roger Hubbard contribute live tracks and there are contributions from Eric Harmer, Pete Brown and much more besides. Volume 2 is only £5,available at the Gig on Oct 6th and afterwards at local outlets”

Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival 2016 – Music tent on The Stade Beach 16th Sept to 18th Sept 2016

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Mike Raxworthy says…

Friday…. The Launch Party for The Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival Weekend! Featuring The 10 Piece TWO TONES band supported by the 9 piece MIGHTY SOUNDS.
Tickets are £8 in advance at The Tourist Information Centre in Aquilla House – on the seafront near Iceland….or £10 on the door. We have a big licensed bar with real ales and a great party atmosphere!

Saturday… Here’s what we have on Saturday afternoon in my Entertainment Tent! 12 noon we kick off with Thee Jezabelles – 1.30pm The Sister Suzi Band – 3pm: The Sam Calver Band – 4.30pm: Kat & Co.(from USA) – and finishing at 6pm with The Hot Detroits (Eastbourne)!!
There are of course over 50 stalls sellings delicious seafood, English Wines, and the Billingsgate Seafood Training Kitchen….not to mention the Beer Festival going on in my marquee! A special tent with fish related activities for the kids and lots of other surprizes on site. Dress as a Norman or Saxon and claim a free glass!

Sunday…. So here’s what I have for Sunday in my music tent….
Up early for the Jazz Breakfast featuring one of the jewels in the Hastings Music Crown – the superb Liane Carroll and her trio. This is truely a very special event. Doors open at 9am – yes 9am! Tickets are £15 in advance at Hastings Tourist Information Centre, Aquila House on Hastings Seafront. Under 18’s: £10. For this you get two hours of ‘Liane Magic’, a selection of savory and sweet danish pastries, tea, coffee and orange juice and a wonderful atmosphere, rain or shine!
Starting the afternoon session at 1.15pm (for this you’ll need your £1 in advance weekend wristbands or £2 on the door – FREE FOR KIDS) I present The Salts! Sea Shanties just like you’ve never heard before! At 2.45pm: All the way from Belgium…Ilja Neve playing his own unique brand of R’n’B and upbeat blues! 4.15: Direct from London…The Hi-Fi Sneakers! Older locals will recognise Tich Turner returning to his old stomping ground with a great set of rare Northern Soul songs and some great self-penned material. The weekend finishes with my own personal favourites at 6pm: Blues Brothers – Soul Sisters. Make my weekend – turn up – have a great time and dance the weekend away!

Who’s playing at Nearly On The Beach Concert – The Stade Hastings 30th & 31st July 2016?

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30th July 2016 Saturday Bands include: ZACHERY DOGWOOD, SARAH G & THE OTHER 3, SWAMPTOWN, The MARTIN BLACKMAN BAND and STAX of MOTOWN.

31st July 2016 Sunday Bands include: THE KAVEMEN, THE DO-THEYS, THE TABS & SWING STREET.

http://oldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk/events/990/NEARLY-ON-THE-BEACH-Concert/

Also Music On Carnival Day – 16:30 to 18:00 on Sat, 6th Aug 2016 – 4.30pm to 6pm at the following locations:

East Hastings Angling Club – The Happy Endings
Winkle Island – The Fabulous Red Diesel
Stables Theatre Car Park – The Rhythm Section
Outside the Jenny Lind – Sambalanco
Outside the Lord Nelson – Ukulele Orchestra

Paul Smith… Is it on the beach or same as last year, if it is i aint going.

Alan Esdaile… Sorry Paul, It looks like its going to be on The Stade open space again and not the beach.

Roxine Lucas… What a shame! Better on the beach x

Mike Raxworthy… SATURDAY…They’ll be using my stage to crown the Carnival Queen at 1pm then we are straight on with our live music! 2pm: Zachery Dogwood: some originals plus their own tribute to David Bowie. 3.15: Sarah G and the other 3! 4.15: Some Cajun and Americana from Swamptown. 5.30: Local favourites – The Martin Blackman Band 6.45: Stax of Motown – 10 piece playing clasic Stax and Motown toons! Please come down – FREE entry but please give generously to our bucketeers….drink at our bar and buy our burgers, sausages or pulled pork, ise creams, popcorn or candy floss….every penny of profit goes to Hastings Lifeboat, Pett Level Lifeboat and The St Leonards Sea Cadets (some of the Lifeboatmen of tomorrow!).
You can even buy the T-shirt for £9.95 and get FREE tea or Coffee when you buy one of our mugs!

SUNDAY… Actually we are opening at 12 noon with some entertainment for children – face painting – Uncle Bumble and stuff….plus kidz ice creams ONLY 50p from our own outlet. At 1pm I have DJ Wendy May and her brilliant LOCOMOTION set – great music to start and also in between our bands! 2pm: it’s The Kavemen!…3pm: The Do Theys, come and see if they do or don’t! 4.15pm: The Tabs – rare chance to see this fantastic band for free! 5.45pm: The big, big band sound of Swing Street. Yes – it is all FREE ENTRY – but please give generously to our band of bucketeers. Last year we made a record £12,860 profit – which went to The Hastings Lifeboat, The Pett Level Lifeboat and the Sea Cadets. If you use our own reasonably priced bar, or buy our burgers, sausages or pulled pork, our ice creams, popcorn or candy floss, you’ll be adding to the fund – as every penny of our profits goes in the pot! See you later I hope!

Roxine Lucas… Fantastic! Hope u all have a brilliant day x

The nearly on the Hastings beach concert 2015

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Highway and 1066 Rockitmen 2015

It has now been confirmed that the 2015 Beach Concert will take place this year on the Stade Open Space on Sat 1st August & 2nd August 2015.

Saturday, 1st August:

2.00 – 2.45: Doghouse
3.15 – 3.45: Titus
4.15 – 5.00: Dr Savage
5.30 – 6.15: Highway
6.45 – 8.00: 1066 Rockitmen

Sunday, 2nd August:

2.00 – 2.30: Sean Fennessey and Friends
3.00 – 3.45: Kytes
4.15 – 5.00: The Cajun Dawgs
5.30 – 7.00: The Blues Bros Show

for more details…. http://pierlessmusic.co.uk and http://oldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk/events/893/The-Nearly-on-the-Beach-Concert/

Tony Davis… Great to see a last minute rescue for this event. Always a good afternoon for bumping into people you know. Perhaps SMART should run a coach – perhaps not cos they’ve moved the coach park now. Lol

Mike Raxworthy… I think everything is finally in place for my “Nearly on the Beach Concert”, apart from two fantastic sunny days. I’ve teamed up with The Old Town Traders Association who have done a great job getting sponsorship, t-shirts, fencing, our own bar and burger stand…. so we should be set to make loads of dosh. I should point out that the money raised is for Hastings Lifeboat, not for the RNLI UK.
Thanks to all the bands that came forward and offered their services for free…on Saturday August 1st we have Doghouse kicking off at 2pm. Titus follow at 3.15, Doctor Savage and the Incurables go mental at 4.15…Highway get heavy at 5.30 and The Rockittmen launch at 6.45.
On Sunday 2nd August at 2pm we have Sean Fenessy and friends at 2pm, the Kytes at 3pm (replacing Sam Calver who had to pull out unfortunately) The Cajun Dawgs at 4.15 and The Blues Bro Show finishes the evening from 5.30 till 7pm.
Please give generously to the bucketeers when they come round – we really want to break records with this one so that it continues into the future. And next year IT WILL BE BACK ON THE BEACH!
We could do with some Marshalls over the two days, so if you fancy a free yellow t-shirt, a burger and some hard work then please message me soon with a phone number.
I could also do with some muscle on Monday morning about 10am to help take down the fencing and do a final clean up with us. Please come along, give as little or as much as you can afford and have a good time….after all it is the launch party for Old Town Week.

Sarah Harvey… SMART members…. which of you are playing in which bands? When you play, I’ll go then 🙂

Hastings Free Beach Concert… So a few changes were made which were not our fault we took this over about 4 months before the event, and I will say it was bloody hard going , but with some fantastic Bands, Sponsors and many many Hands on deck setting up and helping Saturday and Sunday I THINK we done a Grand job and have raised £12,641.86. Thanks to everyone that helped and attended, think it goes to show IT WAS A SUCCESS.