All members will have had the minutes of the last meeting by now, (or should have…)

In it is the news that Victor Homewood is stepping down as Vice Chairman. Victor has been an incredibly hardworking contributor, giving freely of his time, effort and ability. We’ll miss his enthusiasm.

Thanks from everyone Vic. Nice one. Top man.

Happy New Year to all!

Looking forward to a great and prosperous New Year here in St Leonards.

On top of the very generous cups for the winners, donated by Peridot, a selection of other prizes has also been donated by members: Adams & Jarrett, a digital radio; Ortons Butchers, a whole bunch of fine steak; Alpha Taxis, a bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne. Big thanks to them.

Dear Members,

Another year has flown by, and the S B A is running a competition again this year for the best dressed Christmas window display, and to make this year a more competitive one we have introduced a prize along with the cup for first place and further cups for 2nd and 3rd place donated by Peridot Jewellers. There are also prizes for 2nd and 3rd place, which will be able to be viewed on our web site shortly.
This year we have asked Graham How (Chairman) of the Hastings and St Leonards management board to judge the window displays. We hope you will all join in and have a little bit of camaraderie between us all, let’s make this year even better than last year. The competition is open to all members  in central St Leonards.

Important notice to all members.

We are holding a meeting on Tuesday the 17th November at 6.30pm at the function room of the Royal Hotel opposite the warrior square railway station, this will be to dicuss:

• What our businesses want to do in the build up of the Christmas period and the best way to promote the area,
• Christmas lighting for the area,
• What the council officers are offering the area,
• Where best to spend it: markets and entertainment etc.

We would appreciate all members to come to this meeting and put their views forward. The meeting is only open to members so please bring your membership card with you as you will have to sign in and be ticked of the members list.

Thank you,

Bill Orton (Chairman)

The downward turn in trade since the roadworks began in the Kings Road, and which has continued for some traders since the roadworks ended, has been reported in The Hastings Observer.
From the Traders:

“Traders in King’s Road said their takings had fallen by as much as 60 per cent since contractors carried major pavement widening work”

From officials:

“The aim of the work was to create a busy thoroughfare from Warrior Square Station to the seafront by using high quality materials and creating attractive squares, such as at Pevensey Road, with public art at various locations.”

Read all about it, as they say.

Update: Please see Julian’s comment about being misquoted by the Observer.

A member has asked:

“Can anyone shed some light on the future of Kennedys Gym in South street and the parking issues that are going with it. We have seen no planning applications to remove paking spaces or to enforce NO PARKING.”

Any info?

We all probably have heard about the sad demise of Wilsons. After such a long history it’s sad to see part of the fabric of St Leonards change, and good wishes go to all who are looking for replacement work.

The Rumour fairy, (there is one in every town, and they are often full of…), is talking about a well known chain moving in. If you know more you can always email us….

Gensing Forum, who did the St Leonards Festival this year, have their AGM on Monday 20th July at 6:30.
Forum Training Room, Community Information Centre, 16 Silchester Rd, St Leonards on Sea.

Help, advice and guidance for new businesses starting up in St Leoanrds is available from 1066 Enterprise, details on our New Business page.

Also available are reviews for existing businesses, and details of traning courses.  Have a Biz MOT and get it fixed!