We were very excited to see we are #5 of things to do in Hastings! See what people are saying about us by clicking on the icon…
Christmas Cards 2023
In 2023 we are excited to announce a collaboration with artist Heather Stuart (www.heatherstuart.co.uk) for our Christmas Cards this year and we’ve had them printed, as usual, by Judges.co.uk.
There are two wonderful designs: ‘Gold, Frankincense and Mackerel’ and ‘Santa’s Little Helpers’ ©Heather Stuart 2023
Available from our website, the Fishermen’s Museum or Hastings History House.
Lest We Forget
During World War 2, the fishermen bravely carried on with their trade, despite the ever present threat from the Luftwaffe, whose activities included mine
laying, and random attacks on any vessel that they spotted.
There were many incidents during the war, a few are noted below.
LEST WE FORGET
Happy Return RX198
On 29th March 1940, whilst trawling the Happy Return caught a mine off of Rye Harbour. The mine exploded, sinking the boat, and killing the two fishermen Louis White, and Richard Eason.
EVG RX152
On 1st January 1942, James ‘Grizzle’ Phillips was killed when the EVG was strafed.
The EVG was to suffer again when on 17th March 1943, they caught a mine, and the boat was sunk, but three crew survived without serious injury.
Boy Billie RX61
April 10th 1943, the Boy Billie trawled up a mine off of Dungeness, Ned Muggridge, David Coussens and Charles Page were killed. The Boy Billie is remembered at the Merchant Navy and Fishing fleets memorial, Tower Hill London.
Sunday 23rd May 1943 was to see the loss of many well know Old Towners who were having a normal day at the Swan Inn until it was heavily bombed and destroyed. The names are listed here in the memorial service donated to the museum 
We wanted to end this short memorial with this tale of positivity from Dunkirk and although the rescued soldier wasn’t a fisherman he was rescued by a Hastings Lifeboat.
It is believed that sometime between 2nd June and 5th June 1940 Roland Victor Thurlow, seen on the left of this picture, aged 26, was rescued by the Cyril and Lilian Bishop Hastings Lifeboat. (Thank you to Dorothy Bird for sending us her father’s story as we have never known anything about the soldiers rescued by the Cyril and Lilian Bishop so were delighted to learn of Roland’s rescue.
(With thanks to Mick Pelling from the museum for searching out these stories we don’t have on display in the museum.)
Newsletter May 2023
See what’s been happening in the OHPS world…Newsletter – May 2023 – Old Hastings Preservation Society (ohps.org.uk)
Coronation 1953 Remembered
New exhibition at the History House for a limited time…Coronation 1953 remembered from the Hastings & St Leonards Observers of 6th & 13th June 1953
Also on display until June – Tush and Pat Hamilton’s model “Memories lost and forgotten of the Hastings Fishing Community”
New website from Steve Peak about the history of Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea
In December 2022, Steve Peak has put together a new website called Hastings History and has the story of the museum and the net shops as well as many other stories of Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea. (See the links below.)
All books are available in hard copy from the Museum and the History House.
Happy reading!
Christmas Cards!
Now available from the Fishermen’s Museum and on our website shop these wonderful, exclusive cards designed by Tracey Konyu and printed by Judges.co.uk (Bexhill Road, St Leonards on sea). We’re sure you’ll agree this local collaboration is another winner!
The greeting inside is ‘Seasons Greetings’ and you get 4 of each design in each pack of 8 for £3.80.
Tracey Konyu Artwork
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Click on each picture below for info and prices.
We are very pleased to be chosen to stock Tracey Konyu’s exciting art work which captures the vibrancy of the Hastings Stade Fishing Quarter perfectly.
We are excited to announce we have some new pieces delivered this week in her new series! Each piece is an original piece of Art. It is a drawing onto reclaimed wood.
There are two types from approximately 20cm by 20cm £30 or framed £45 of the boats.
There is a new line of pallet art which are lightweight and ready to hang on the wall. These are proving popular and Tracey has added smaller ones for £29.99 each featuring seagull, boats, net shops and even a deckchair! Then a larger one of the net shops at £45.
We will probably not have the exact ones showing in the images above as each one is unique, but you get an idea of what they’re like.
We also have fridge magnets at £3.50 each and coasters £18.50 for a set of 4 different designs or £5 each. Added to the ’round’ theme are the wall plaques that are larger than the coasters at £15 each.
These are all available from the Fishermen’s Museum and as with any kind of artwork, they are always better in the flesh!. If you’re not local please contact us either by phone 01424 461446 or email hastingsfishermensmuseum@googlemail.com to arrange payment and delivery.
OHPS Walks 2022
We’ve waited a long time for this but finally we have a full programme for Old Town Walks and Stade Fishing Quarter Walks this year. WE just need you to come and see what it’s all about!
This Tuesday, 3rd May, sees the first Old Town Walk so don’t miss out book your ticket here: https://www.ohps.org.uk/walks or contact ohpswalks@gmail.com or 01424 461446 if you’d like to book your place and pay cash to the guide on the day. Tickets £6
The next Stade Fishing Quarter Walks are June 2nd/3rd/4th Tickets £4 and available here: https://www.ohps.org.uk/walks or contact stadewalks@gmail.com or 01424 461446 if you’d like to book your place and pay cash to the guide on the day.
Carol Service 2021
Unfortunately Covid 19 is going to stop our fun again this year . We have been advised to err on the side of caution and prepare for a big celebration next year!
