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.
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.
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.)
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”
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!
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.
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.
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!
This is now back in stock!! Loving the Fishing by Beatrice Clover – Old Hastings Preservation Society (ohps.org.uk) Also available in the museum and History House.
We hope this update reaches you in good health.
Old Town Carnival Week was officially opened this morning with the flag being hoisted and festivities could get under way.
The OHPS are hosting various events through the week and running their usual Old Town and Stade Walks. Unfortunately the Lost Roads and Lost Pubs East & West tickets have now all sold out. You can get an online programme here: https://www.oldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk/events/
We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our visitors and supporters since our doors reopened in May. It’s been wonderful to see so many of you come through the doors at the museum and the History House.
Lastly, we are very pleased to be selling Steve Peak’s new book The America Ground in the museum, History House and also from our online shop https://www.ohps.org.uk/products-page/product-ohps/the-america-ground-hastings-by-steve-peak/
That just leaves us to say, have a fabulous Old Town Week, stay safe and see you soon!
Anyone who has been down to Rock-a-Nore will have noticed activity around the museum. The Valiant RX90, in our external exhibition space, has been diligently worked on by a dedicated volunteer. We are very grateful for all his hard work and care in restoring this beautiful boat. You can see the result in these photos.
We are aiming to reopen our doors on the 17th May. An auspicious date as the Fishermen’s Church, the Church of St. Nicholas, reopened as a museum in 1956.
Times and final details will be confirmed nearer the time. We will really see you soon!!
