Embattled patient transport service provider Coperforma should be stripped of its contract, one union has suggested.
The private company took over from South East Coast Ambulance Service back in April, but during the first few months patients complained about numerous incidents of crews either not turning up or showing up late.
One of its sub-contractors VM Langfords went into administration earlier this year and Coperforma had to step in to guarantee the pay, jobs, and terms and conditions of employees by transferring them to other companies working under them on the contract.
However the GMB union, which represents staff working for sub-contractor Docklands Medical Services, has warned that many of its members could lose their jobs without money owed to them from their previous employers.
Gary Palmer, GMB organiser, said: “No more chances, no more waiting until the dust hopefully settles, the time has come to remove Coperfoma and all those that would put profit before patients and staff.”
He explained that the union had been made aware that all transferred staff could be given notice and dismissed from their current NHS contracts with a view to offering them inferior contracts on a take it or leave it basis, which could affect up to 60 staff.
The tender process for the contract was led by the High Weald Lewes Havens Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) on behalf of all seven CCGs covering Sussex.
Mr Palmer added: “The GMB have written assurances and viewed public broadcasts where Coperforma CEO Michael Clayton clearly states that their new providers would not only pick up the PTS work after the collapse of Langfords, but that staff would be looked after and not out of pocket, and importantly that all their terms and conditions would remain and be protected and not just during any inbound move to a new provider but with assurances that it would also do so for any future outbound transfer as well.
“Right from the very start when this contract was awarded to Coperforma despite the missed warning signs around their inability to deliver such a vital service for Sussex being ignored by the CCGs and its accountable officers, their delivery, accountability and responsibility has been seen to fail all measures, standards and targets by everyone except those who are ultimately responsible, the CCGs.”
Coperforma have been approached for comment.
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Calls to strip Coperforma of Sussex patient transport service contract


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Consumer experts are warning of a new series of online scams offering seemingly well-priced drones for sale.
However, the fashionable items being advertised on online shopping sites at lower than the recommended price often do not exist, according to Action Fraud.
After victims agree to purchase a drone, the fraudsters request payment to be paid via bank transfer, saying that it will quicken the delivery process.
After transferring the money the buyers never receive the drone and the fraudster blocks the victim to prevent further conversation.
Action Fraud has offered the following advice which applies to all online transactions:
Check the validity of the post.
Avoid paying by bank transfer and instead use an online payment option such as PayPal, which helps to protect you.
Check feedback online by searching the associated phone numbers or email addresses of the seller. Feedback will give you useful information about recent transactions other buyers have made.
If the item is below market value consider whether this is an opportunity too good to be true.


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You might find a new face next time you open Snapchat, the police.
Sussex Police have signed up to the mobile social network in an effort to engage with younger members of the community.
The force will begin using Snapchat on a trial basis during Brighton Pride on August 6, after which they will consider how best to utilise the social app going forward.
James Armstrong, communications manager for Sussex Police, said: “
The prime activity for Snapchat is to improve police engagement with a hard to reach demographic.”
The force plans to use Snapchat as part of its public engagement at Brighton Pride, with employees and volunteers of Sussex Police sending messages from the account.
Snapchat differs from other social networks in that messages sent over the platform are only available for a short time before they disappear forever. The mobile app is particularly popular among younger people.
“Following an evaluation of the use of Snapchat at Brighton Pride Corporate Communications will make recommendations regarding how the channel should be used going forward”, Mr Armstrong added.
Sussex Police aren’t the first police force to see the potential of Snapchat, however.
The technology was first adopted by West Midlands Police in 2014, who claim to be the first police force in the world to do so.
West Midlands Police communications manager, Peter Edney, said: “Snapchat is used to reach a younger audience and to get our key messages across to young people.”
“We have to try to be in a place where they are active”, he added.
West Midlands Police regularly get between 1,500 and 2,000 views on each of their Snapchat messages (snaps), and use the platform to get key messages across about crime prevention and safety.
The force also uses Snapchat for appeals that might be particularly relevant for young people, asking them to then call 101 with any relevant information.
“We’re always open to trying something and giving it a go to try and reach people”, said Mr Edney.
While Sussex Police have no immediate plans to use Snapchat for witness appeals, Mr Armstrong said that the force were aware that goals for the technology might change through ongoing use.

Sussex Police join Snapchat to reach more young people


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Bexhill United Football Club's run of three consecutive league wins was brought to a shuddering halt on Bank Holiday Monday.
The Pirates were sunk 5-0 away to Langney Wanderers in a Macron Store Southern Combination Football League Division One match played at Eastbourne United AFC.
Bexhill joint manager Ryan Light said: "It was a really disappointing result obviously. We started so poorly. I didn't recognise the team I was watching in the opening 20 minutes particularly. It's by far the poorest we've been and it's hard to put your finger on why."
Light felt that Bexhill allowed themselves to be bullied by a bigger and more physical Langney side. They got off to a bad start, falling behind to a Shane Saunders goal in only the fourth minute.
Bexhill started to get a foothold in the game after the first quarter and dominated possession for long spells. They carved out three or four chances late in the first half, hitting the crossbar from one of them, but were 3-0 down at the break.
Paul Weatherby got Langney's second and Nathan Crabb added their third just before half time, using his pace to surge through before slotting past Dan Rose.
Bexhill again saw plenty of the ball in the second half, far more than their opponents and spent a lot of time around Langney's box only to get hit on the break.
Saunders and Crabb netted again to complete the scoring, while Bexhill played the last 20 minutes with 10 men after Kevin Barden was shown a second yellow card.
"I don't think we deserved anything from the game, but 5-0 did flatter them," added Light. "They were very clinical in front of goal, whereas we lacked any real cutting edge. Despite creating a hatful of chances, we looked a little bit toothless in front of goal."
Bexhill: Rose; Robertson, Kidman (Butchers), McFarlane, Ottley; Wheeler (Giles), B. Trickett, Holden, Cuddington, Gouet (Shelton); Barden. Sub not used: A. Trickett.
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Bexhill winning run ended by five-star rivals


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Sussex motorists who are travelling to Kent are being told the M20 motorway will be shut until at least this afternoon.
Highways England issued a statement saying that the M20 is closed between junctions one and four, and ‘is likely to remain closed until at least Sunday lunchtime’.
The scene on the M20 between Borough Green and Leybourne in Kent after a lorry hit a foot bridge and it collapsed. Picture: Natasha Najm / SWNS.com
The closure comes after a lorry struck a footbridge in Kent, causing it to collapse. Read more here.
Highways England said that diversions are also in place and it is likely the M26 which links the M25 to the M20 will also remain closed until the incident is cleared.
The diversion for the M20 is via the A2 or M2 using the A229 and A228, and the diversion for the M26, closed at M25 junction five, is to use the M25 junction two and then travel on the A2 or M2.
Highways England south east operations manager Gary Coleman said everything was being done to reopen the motorway again, but safety had to come first both for workers and drivers.
“We are facing a real challenge to lift two HGVs and a motorbike clear of the scene and deal with all of the rubble from the collapsed bridge strewn across both carriageways.
“There is also the issue of the remaining part of the footbridge, which is still in place over the coast-bound side of the motorway. We have crews on scene ready to take action as soon as the police have completed their investigation. We also have cranes en route and lighting so work can continue through the night.
“We are doing everything we can to safely reopen the motorway, but we’d ask drivers to please bear with us as this is a complex operation and it will take time and skill to complete. We’ll keep everyone updated.”
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TRAFFIC UPDATE: Motorway closed until ‘at least’ lunchtime


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There’s nothing quite like a gentle British comedy.
We do seem to create these movies with a certain style.
It does help, of course, having an amazing pool of talented actors to call on.
And Golden Years certainly has an incredible cast.
Bernard Hill, Virginia McKenna, Simon Callow, Sue Johnston, Una Stubbs, Phil Davis, Alun Armstrong - any director would be salivating at the thought of having such people on hand.
And director John Miller is certainly lucky as this was his first major project.
Also heavily involved was TV presenter Nick Knowles, who shared the writing and production credits.
Hill plays Arthur, a kindly pensioner who is looking after his wife (McKenna) who has health problems.
His world is turned upside down, though, when he discovers a financial crash has decimated his pension pot.
Faced with trying to pay for his wife’s treatment and realising his friends are similarly cash-strapped he decides to ‘take back what he’s owed’, courtesy of robbing the odd bank or two.
While there are some dubious moral dilemmas raised, the accent is on humour.
We have a workaholic policeman (Armstrong) and his frustrated wife (Johnston) and the up and coming detective Stringer (Brad Moore) who is too clever for his own good.
While the jokes are unlikely to have you falling off your seat, this is a good family bit of fun that doesn’t outstay its welcome.
DVD Specs:
RRP: £17.99
Cat. No: HFR0423
Run time: 96 mins
Cert: 12A


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Sussex motorists who are travelling to Kent are being told the M20 motorway will be shut until at least this evening.
Highways England issued a statement saying that the M20 is closed between junctions one and four, and ‘is likely to remain closed until at approximately 6pm’.
The collision on the M20 is causing problems for anyone driving to Kent. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
The closure comes after a lorry struck a footbridge in Kent yesterday, causing it to collapse. Read more here.
Highways England said that diversions are also in place and it is likely the M26 which links the M25 to the M20 will also remain closed until the incident is cleared.
The diversion for the M20 is via the A2 or M2 using the A229 and A228, and the diversion for the M26, closed at M25 junction five, is to use the M25 junction two and then travel on the A2 or M2.
Highways England south east operations manager Gary Coleman said everything was being done to reopen the motorway again, but safety had to come first both for workers and drivers.
The collision on the M20 is causing problems for anyone driving to Kent. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
“We are facing a real challenge to lift two HGVs and a motorbike clear of the scene and deal with all of the rubble from the collapsed bridge strewn across both carriageways. “There is also the issue of the remaining part of the footbridge, which is still in place over the coast-bound side of the motorway. We have crews on scene ready to take action as soon as the police have completed their investigation. We also have cranes en route and lighting so work can continue through the night.
“We are doing everything we can to safely reopen the motorway, but we’d ask drivers to please bear with us as this is a complex operation and it will take time and skill to complete. We’ll keep everyone updated.”
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TRAFFIC UPDATE: Motorway closed until ‘this evening’


A round-up of local cases from Hastings Magistrates’ Court from August 3 to August 16.
August 3:
Erham Yuksel (aged 32), of Shacklewell lane, London, pleaded guilty to producing a quantity of cannabis. The offence took place at Hastings on April 29. He was committed to Lewes Crown Court for sentencing.
Jamie Morley (aged 43), of Cornwallis Gardens, Hastings, pleaded guilty to driving a Rover car on South Terrace, Hastings, on May 14, with the controlled drug Benzoylecgonine in his system. He was fined £150 and banned from driving for one year.
August 9:
Michael Cassidy (aged 32), of Bristol Road, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to dishonestly making off with £45 of fuel from Ninfield Road Service Station, Bexhill Road, Ninfield, on May 5 without having paid. He was also found guilty, following a not guilty plea, of impersonating a Special Constable at Ninfield Service Station on the same date.
In addition, he pleaded guilty to driving without an MOT and to stealing a vehicle number plate from Church Road, Catsfield, on May 5. The court made a community order with a requirement of 100 hours of unpaid work and ordered him to pay £45 compensation.
Robert Marples (aged 25), of Trawden, Lancashire, was jailed for a total of 26 weeks for breaching a restraining order. The offence took place at Bexhill on July 2.
He also admitted being in breach of a suspended sentence, imposed by magistrates, for an earlier breach of a restraining order on May 6. Magistrates said that the reason for the custodial sentence was because of previous breaches, the repetitive nature of the offence and the psychological impact on the victim.
August 10:
Edgaras Beker, (aged 23), of London Road, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to stealing aftershave worth £85 from Boots at the Arndale Centre, Eastbourne, on July 21. He also pleaded guilty to being in possession of a quantity of heroin on the same date. The court made a community order with a requirement of 80 hours of unpaid work.
Stephen Brophy (aged 52) of Magdalen Road, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle on Bohemia Road, St Leonards, on July 23, while over the drink drive limit. He gave a breath alcohol reading of 80 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35mg. He was fined £120 and banned from driving for 20 months.
Ian Crawford (aged 52), of St Pauls Cray, Orpington, Kent, pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman by beating and to using threatening behaviour. The offence took place at Junction Road, Bodiam on July 23. The court made a community order with an alcohol treatment requirement and fined him £150.
Theresa Feathers (aged 58), of Belle Hill, Bexhill, pleaded guilty to two charges of assaulting a police officer. The offences took place at Belle Hill, Bexhill and Hastings Police Station, Bohemia Road, on July 22. She was fined £80.
Julia Upton (aged 52), of Marley Close, Battle, pleaded guilty to driving a Peugeot car on Hillside Road, at Beauport Park Caravan Park, St Leonards, on July 23, while nearly three times over the drink drive limit.
She gave a breath alcohol reading of 99 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35mg. The court made a community order and banned her from driving for 23 months.
Jake Woolley (aged 24), of Farley Bank, Hastings, pleaded guilty to driving a Ford Fiesta on Mount Pleasant Road, Hastings, on July 23, while over the drink drive limit. He gave a breath alcohol reading of 58 microgrammes. The legal limit is 35mg.
He was fined £150 and banned from driving for one year.
Rakim Ali (aged 34), of Church Road, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to being in possession of £20 worth of cannabis. The offence took place at St Leonards on June 12. He was fined £200.
Mervyn Curtis (aged 42), of Tilebarn Road, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in a public place. The offence took place at Battle Road, St Leonards, on July 26. He was fined £50.
Kirsty Johnson, (aged 18), of Taylor Close, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to destroying furniture, walls, bedding and personal property of an unknown value. The offence took place at Eastbourne on March 2.
She was given a six month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £50 compensation.
Charlotte Harvey (aged 36), of Reginald Road, Bexhill, pleaded guilty to being in breach of a restraining order. The offence took place at Bexhill on March 21. The court made a community order with a requirement of 40 hours of unpaid work and ordered her to pay £150 compensation.
Ashley Apps (aged 20), of Harold Road, Hastings, admitted being in breach of a community order by failing to complete unpaid work and failing to provide evidence of absences. He was fined £40.
Ashley Fildes (aged 28), of Eversfield Place, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to being in breach of a community order by failing to turn up for unpaid work. He was fined £100.
August 16:
Billy Connell (aged 22), of Linley Drive, Hastings, pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman and causing her actual bodily harm, The offence took place at Middle Road, Hastings, on June 7. The court made a community order with a requirement to attend a domestic abuse programme.
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Bexhill's cricketers will host Cuckfield in a key game towards the top of the Sussex Premier League tomorrow (Saturday).
Bexhill head into their final home league match of the summer in third place - 17 points behind their second-placed opponents and 36 adrift of leaders Roffey.
“It’s a massive game for both sides and a chance to pretty much put us in pole position for the top two,” said Bexhill captain Johnathan Haffenden. “It will be a big challenge; they’ve been doing a very good job this year.
“We’ve been a bit disappointing at home in these big games this year. We need to make sure we ‘turn up’ that’s for sure.”
Key man Sam Roberts is set to return and Bexhill are waiting on the fitness of Joe Cox. If Cox isn’t fit, Chris Deeprose could feature again.
“With Sam coming back in, it will strengthen our batting line-up a hell of a lot,” said Haffenden. “And if CD (Deeprose) plays, potentially we bat to 11. From a strength in depth point of view, potentially we’re very strong.”
James Pilbeam and Tom Powell are likely to keep their places after performing well in the win against Brighton & Hove last weekend.
“Pillers and TP did fantastically well,” continued Haffenden. “They’re the most in-form players in the twos and they deserved their chance. It wasn’t an easy wicket to bat on and I was pleased for both of them.”
Pilbeam and Powell scored 69 between them as Bexhill posted 216-8 batting first before bowling Brighton out for exactly 200.
“216 was a brilliant score and we were confident (of going on to win the game),” added Haffenden, who took four wickets with the ball.
“We had spoken before about how other sides take wickets; they set a negative field and bowl one side of the wicket. Off a short run, it was fairly well controlled and put pressure on.
“They went for it and that kept us in the game. Whenever a side tries to win it, you know you’re going to get opportunities and we took that. We stuck to our guns and carried on executing our plans.”
Play will start at 11.30am.
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Bexhill set for key third versus second clash


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A man suspected of murdering a 19-year-old woman has been released on bail, police have said.
The 27-year-old man from Portslade was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday in Burgess Hill after police officers found the body of Shana Grice at her address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak at just before 9.45am.
Flowers were placed at the scene of Shana Grice's murder yesterday, Saturday, August 27. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
He has been released on bail until September 29 pending further enquiries, Sussex Police added.
Her parents paid tribute to their daughter, who they described as their ‘beautiful girl’. Read more here.
Flowers were placed at the scene yesterday while the investigation continues.
Detective Superintendent Jason Taylor said: “This remains an ongoing investigation and has understandably come as a shock to the local community.
Flowers were placed at the scene of Shana Grice's murder yesterday, Saturday, August 27. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
“Our thoughts are with Shana Grice’s family and friends and we would ask anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, no matter how insignificant you may think it was, to get in touch.”
Witnesses can email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Bow.
Alternatively, witnesses can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
As previously reported, the death has been notified to the body which handles police complaints because officers had contact with Shana before she was murdered. Click here to read more.
Shana Grice, 19, has been named by Sussex Police as the murder victim. Picture: Sussex Police
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COUNTY NEWS: Murder suspect released on bail


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Chris Hughton is looking ahead to making just a third return to former side Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Brighton boss guided Newcastle to promotion from the Championship back in 2010 as they sealed a Premier League return at the first time of asking.
Unbeaten Albion travel to St James’ Park in good form, sitting second in the league and they are still yet to taste a defeat this season.
But having managed there before, Hughton is all too aware of Newcastle’s qualities and the test his team will face.
He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. It was a very good staff, a very passionate club and all the people that work around the club are all mad Newcastle supporters as well.
“It’s one that you look forward to but I think it’s also a club and a stadium that I think graces this division.
“I think most teams will look forward to going to them but in other ways it will be a little bit daunting for everybody because they are a team that will be up there come the end of the season.”
Brighton have been boosted with the news Newcastle strikers Dwight Gayle and Alexander Mitrovic have both been ruled out of Saturday’s encounter.
Despite those two missing, Hughton believes whoever Magpies boss Rafa Benitez brings in will be a handful for his defenders.
He added: “I was a little bit surprised because I know the comment after their most recent match was that they would both be available. A little bit surprised with that but it does not really alter too much and still makes it as difficult game as it was.
“They can afford to have the squad that they have had and they have recruited very well, so whatever team or formation will be strong.”
With the summer transfer window closing on Wednesday, Hughton admits he may well do some business before the door slams shut.
Brighton’s boss said: “Hopefully we’re not too busy because we don’t need to do too much. We will only do something if it is right for us and that’s whether it be in or out.
“A possibility could see a couple go out on loan but that’s only if we do some business and I’m not desperate for it.
“We’ve got a good competitive squad, players coming back from injury which adds to that but if we can finish the window having the best possible squad we can, then that will be a plus for us.”
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Hastings Priory’s cricketers are aiming to complete a rare double over Preston Nomads.
Priory will travel to the nine-time Sussex Premier League champions tomorrow (Saturday) keen to repeat their splendid victory in June’s reverse fixture.
Mick Glazier bowling for Hastings Priory against East Grinstead last weekend. Picture courtesy Regwood Photography
“I don’t think many Priory sides have completed the double over them in recent years anyway,” said Priory captain Tom Gillespie.
“The home result against them was a really great team effort and we can take a lot of confidence into the game. We’ve got nothing to fear and hopefully we can get a result.”
Heading into their final away fixture of the season, Priory are fifth in the table - 29 points ahead of seventh-placed Nomads.
Key all-rounder Elliot Hooper is set to return for what will be his final Priory appearance of the season having missed last weekend’s 46-run defeat at home to East Grinstead.
We’ve got nothing to fear and hopefully we can get a result. Tom Gillespie
Gillespie said: “Hoops has been brilliant and you can’t replace his runs. To be without him was a big loss, but I think the 11 we had out on the day was capable of beating that East Grinstead side. Unfortunately we weren’t quite able to do that.”
Jed O’Brien took four wickets as Grinstead posted 240-9 batting first and Leo Cammish made 71 as Priory were all out for 194 in reply.
“We had them 90-5, which was a phenomenal start in the conditions,” said Gillespie. “Brad (Payne) bowled really well and was well supported by Finn (Hulbert) up top.
“Both spinners (O’Brien and Mick Glazier) bowled quite well, but towards the end of the innings the flatness of the wicket and credit to their lower order batsmen, we couldn’t quite keep them to a score we were able to chase.
One of the sightscreens blows over in the strong wind at Horntye Park last weekend. Picture courtesy Regwood Photography
“Whenever I give Jed the ball I expect wickets and he expects exactly the same from himself. Leo’s had more low scores than he would’ve liked since he came back, but he’s still had two fifties and it’s great to see him back in the runs.”
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Video: Priory aim to complete Nomads double


Ferring Football Club boss Ross Harnes believes his side will get better – after shipping 33 goals in their opening two Southern Combination Football League Division 2 matches this season.
Ferring crashed to an 18-0 opening-day defeat at Jarvis Brook on Saturday, before they suffered a 15-1 reverse at home to Bosham on Tuesday. Despite those heavy losses, Harnes – who had to put together a squad after taking over in the summer – has confidence that his determined side will turn things around.
He said: “It was a lot better on Tuesday than the Jarvis Brook game but it’s still the same story as we’re working hard to put a team together.
“The lads are working hard and not getting much of a result out of it. We lost again but at the same time the determination of the lads will help us to progress and grow.”
Jack Neave scored Ferring’s goal against Bosham, making it 2-1, before the visitors ran out comfortable winners.
Harnes’ side host Rottingdean, who lost 6-0 in their last game, on Saturday.
He said: “Rottingdean is going to be interesting as they were stuffed in their last game. We’ve got the mentality to try to get a result.”
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Sussex side ship 33 goals in opening two matches


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The makers of popular ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s has recalled four batches of its product after pieces of metal were discovered in them.
Unilever said it had identified a period of production where small pieces of metal may have found their way into tubs of Cookie Dough ice cream.
As a precaution it is recalling all potentially affected items.
The affected batches are 500ml cartons of Cookie Dough, with batch codes L62110L011 / L62111L011 / L62112L011 / L62113L011.
Unilever has urged anyone who bought the affected product to dispose of it immediately and contact its customer care line on 0800 146 252 to arrange a replacement.

Metal flakes found in Ben & Jerry’s ice cream


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A bumper Bank Holiday of football lies in store today (Monday).
The area's four highest ranked clubs are all in action, with three matches this morning and one this afternoon.
Hastings United will seek to continue their unbeaten start in Ryman Football League Division One South when they host East Grinstead Town.
The U's have picked up five points from their opening three league matches and came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 in an incredible game away to Chipstead on Saturday thanks to a Jay May hat-trick.
Frannie Collin may make his first start for United against a Grinstead side still searching for its first point. Steve Watt could also return for a match which will kick-off at 3pm.
Elsewhere, Little Common will play their first home fixture of the season as they entertain Seaford Town in Macron Store Southern Combination Football League Division One.
Common won 2-1 at Selsey on Saturday to make it six points from a possible nine so far, while Seaford have lost both of their opening two league games 1-0.
In the same division, a fascinating contest lies in store as Bexhill United face Langney Wanderers at Eastbourne United AFC.
Bexhill have won their last three league encounters to sit second in the fledgling table, while Langney have also started well with six points from a possible nine.
Bexhill are hoping Connor Robertson and Zak Olujobi will return after sitting out Saturday's 3-1 win away to St Francis Rangers because of illness.
Westfield will seek to preserve their unbeaten record in Southern Combination League Division Two as they head to Rottingdean Village.
The Westies have won two and drawn one of their three games so far, scoring 11 goals and conceding nine. Rottingdean have won two and lost one of their three.
Matt Dadswell and Sam Winter will miss out because of work, but Curtis Coombes is available to make his first appearance of the campaign.
The matches involving Common, Bexhill and Westfield will kick-off at 11am.
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Sussex headteachers have shared their concerns about the rising cost of university education.
With a number of universities in England announcing they would be raising their annual fees above the £9,000 limit, there are fears higher education could once again become the playground of the elite.
Michael Ferry, Headteacher at St Wilfrid's, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1520189 SUS-150820-140229001
Michael Ferry, head of St Wilfrid’s School, in Crawley, said the idea of increasing fees was “alarming” and added: “This will only put students off from entering university as they will be saddled with increased amounts of debt.
“Although many schools, including St Wilfrid’s, spend a lot of time demystifying what you pay for and when, it will certainly put people off from applying if fees rise.
“If we are not careful as a society, we will go back in time to an age when only a small minority were able to access a university place and even they were given a grant to do so.”
Peter Woodman, head of The Weald School, in Billingshurst, said he did not think students had been put off by the high fees, but were more selective about their choices.
We should do everything we can to ensure that access to university is fair and that people get in on merit, not because of which school they went to or how much money their parents have. Michael Ferry, headteacher, St Wilfrid’s School
He added: “They want to go to a university where the teaching is good and the support first class. They do not just want a degree.
“They want the right course that is also value for money and provides them with the right educational experience for their next step in life.”
When it came to earning a place at university, Mr Woodman felt the increasingly difficult A-levels would lead to a fall in the numbers making the grade.
He agreed the rising fees could also see students from less well-off backgrounds deciding the cost was too high.
Currently, any student debts not paid back after 30 years are wiped out and there are that, if that safety net was withdrawn, talented youngsters would choose to enter employment or an apprenticeship rather than achieving their full potential at university.
Mr Woodman recognised the difficulties faced by the government when it scrapped free university education.
He pointed out the percentage of students participating in higher education had risen from 10 per cent in the 1980s to more than 40 per cent and added: “This comes at a cost.
“Providing virtually free higher education to 10 per centr of the population was one thing but providing it to over 40 per cent of the population is expensive.”
Summing up his feeling, Mr Ferry said: “Universities are great places for their further development and although not everyone wants to apply, we should do everything we can to ensure that access to university is fair and that people get in on merit, not because of which school they went to or how much money their parents have.”
Mr Woodman agreed, describing a framed extract of a speech made by playwright Alan Bennett, which hangs in his office.
Called Fair Play, it reads: “We all know that to educate, not according to ability but according to the social situation of the parents, is both wrong and a waste.”
He said: “I whole heartedly agree. As such, I worry that increasing university fees yet again will allow the sons and daughters of those who can afford university to go and those who cannot afford it, not to go.
“Unless mechanisms are put in place to encourage and support those students and families this would be both unfair and a tragic waste of potential.”
Make the right choice for you and your child - Visit educationsussex.com for trusted school reviews, videos and so much more.

Heads share concerns over university fees


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The focus at Sussex this season has been very much on nurturing players for the future.
Fast bowlers George Garton, Stuart Whittingham and Jofra Archer have all emerged and played their part in both red and white-ball cricket.
Chris Nash. Sussex v Hampshire, NatWest T20. Picture by Phil Westlake SUS-160717-110048001
But coach Mark Davis still relies on a core of experienced players – none more so than opening batsman Chris Nash who, along with skipper Luke Wright, is the last survivor of the team which became serial trophy winners a decade ago.
Nash was seriously considered for the captaincy when Ed Joyce stepped down at the end of last season but Davis opted for Wright instead.
The 33-year-old instead poured his energies into re-booting his technique in South Africa under the guidance of Gary Kirsten and on making sure he and Joyce gave Sussex a strong platform in the County Championship.
At Cardiff this week the peerless Joyce passed 1,000 runs for the ninth time in his career and, all being well, Nash will join him on that landmark after making 132 in the first innings against Glamorgan to move onto 994 runs.
Job done, according to Nash.
“At the start of the season we knew it would be a transitional season and that the senior players had to stand up,” he said.
“Ed Joyce and I have put a huge emphasis on our opening partnership and for him to go past 1,000 runs already and me to be on 994 is just what we wanted really, and there are still four more games to go to push on.
We have put a lot of the onus on ourselves to get off to good starts because it takes a bit of pressure off some of the less experienced guys behind us in the middle order.
“I was delighted with the way I played because, on the second day, Glamorgan bowled outstandingly.”
With Essex beating Leicestershire in three days to stretch their lead at the top, Sussex probably need to defeat Glamorgan and win another three matches to have any chance of finishing in the one promotion place.
The likelihood is that Sussex will still be in the second division next season but it remains to be seen whether Joyce, who turns 38 next month, will be striding out with Nash to open the batting.
Davis and Joyce, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will sit down soon to talk about the future but Joyce might be tempted to extend his stay so he can finish his career with 50 first-class hundreds. He is currently on 45.
Meanwhile Nash was among several Sussex players to offer messages of congratulation to coach Phil Hudson, who played club cricket at Horsham with Nash, and his Sussex under-15s after they beat Staffordshire on Thursday to win the Royal London National One-Day final at Kibworth. Among the Sussex team was opening batsman Scott Lenham, who could one day continue the family tradition which is woven into the fabric of Sussex cricket.
His father Neil and grandfather Les both played for the county - as opening batsmen.
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This weekend the Rye Jazz and Blues Festival will delight music lovers from across the South East with a feast of top class ticketed and free music performances.
The headline concert on Saturday August 27 with UK Queen of Soul Mica Paris has been in high demand and organisers have announced additional standing tickets for this concert at £15.
Acclaimed Jazz singers Liane Carroll and Joe Stilgoe perform together on Monday August 29 and there are a handful of seats still available plus standing tickets just released at £10.
Book through the festival website and tickets may be also available on the door.
Friday August 26 sees Sky Arts guitar stars, Zayn Mohammed and Steve Morrison perform on the outdoor performance stage at the Kino Cinema from 7pm - one of many free events that take place at the festival.
On Friday night you can also experience the coolest Latin Jazz with Hastings-based Jazz Train at the Grapevine Champagne and Jazz Bar from 8pm and Andy Williams performs at La Maison store from 6pm. The Rye Bay Crew swing into the weekend at the Queens Head Rye from 8.30pm.
Saturday August 27 sees a free performance from midday at the Kino outside stage from the Fabulous Brass Funkeys who will play at various locations in Rye. The amazing Brillos take to the Kino stage from 1.30pm and Louis Turpin and his Trio play blues at the Butter Market from 3pm.
Saturday’s feast of vibrant free music continues with Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion at the Kino stage from 5pm. Free music across both Sunday and Monday takes place at these venues with Cuban band Kandela Mi Son, The Fabulous Red Diesel, Dom Pipkin’s New Orleans edgy band the Ikos and Rod Pooley’s Funky Organ Trio. King Size Slim perform at a free event at the Standard Inn from 4pm.
On Sunday the Rye Lodge Hotel hosts a stunning jazz and champagne event on the terrace from 1-3pm with the superb Dave Barrett Jazz Trio. To book tickets for this event please call 01797 223838 or go to www.ryelodge.co.uk
Wrapping up this amazing weekend of music, on Monday Paul Richards and his Latin Trio perform the coolest Bossa Nova’s and Samba rhythms from midday at the Butter Market. The achingly cool Violet Jive perform outside the Kino and the jazz Funk Giants perform outside Simply Italian both from 3pm.
The old Borough Arms host the Paul Richards Latin Duo at 3.00pm and the Turpin Hubbard Blues Duo see out the weekend in style at the Ship Inn from 4pm.
For more updates or to book go to www.ryejazz.com.


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Entries are being sought for the Stride Open Art 2016 which will run at Chichester’s Oxmarket Centre of Arts from October 11-23.
Centre spokesman David Souter: “The Oxmarket Centre of Arts is indebted to Stride & Son for their sponsorship of our recent success, the 40th Anniversary Retrospective Exhibition. The Oxmarket is also sponsored each year for £1,000 prize money for the Stride Open Art Competition and is calling for entries online for the first time.
“With a £500 first prize for painting (along with the Stride Trophy), £250 second prize, £250 for the drawing prize and £100 for the Lawrence Williams Prize for Abstract Painting, the competition is open to all artists in East and West Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey, with the exhibition taking place between October 11-23.”
Full details on how to enter the competition are online at the Oxmarket website: oxmarket.com/stride-open-art-2016
Initial entry is by email: artists should send up to six images to info@oxmarket.com with STRIDE 2016 as the subject line. Entry cost is £12 per image (£10 per image for members) and payment can be by cash, cheque, or debit/credit card. The email should include the name of the artist and their postal address and phone number, along with the title, medium, size and price of each entry. The JPEG images should be named as the artist and title of the work.
The deadline for entry is Monday, September 26. Artists will be notified by email by October 1 if their work has been selected for the exhibition, and the work must be delivered on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9, 10am-4.30pm.

Entries sought for Chichester-based art competition and exhibition


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Police have confirmed they are looking for a missing swimmer at Camber Sands – days after five men lost their lives at the beach.
A coastguard helicopter is circling above Camber Sands, and a spokesperson for the RNLI confirmed they had lifeboats at the scene.
Sussex Police said they were called to the scene after a member of the public contacted them and the coastguard at Camber Sands after seeing an abandoned pair of flip flops next to the sea and a female diving into the water at this location.
A spokesperson added: “Officers at the scene are doing coastal checks to see if there are any persons swimming having difficulty”.
An RNLI spokesperson said the search for the ‘potentially missing swimmer’ was being co-ordinated by Sussex Police and the coastguard, and that their lifeguards were keeping watch from the beach with binoculars.
This search comes after five men lost their lives at Camber Sands last week, and the RNLI donated lifeguards to patrol the beach over the Bank Holiday weekend. Click here to read more.
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BREAKING: Search for ‘missing swimmer’ at Camber Sands


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For young people around the UK, now is one of the most important times in their lives for deciding what they want their future to look like.
While many will take the university path, the rising popularity and continued government emphasis on apprenticeships, means they are an alternative option being preferred by a large number of school leavers.
But is the apprenticeship pathway suitable for everyone; and if you or your children are considering one, what can you do to stand out from other candidates as you look to secure an apprentice position?
Watch the video for some first-hand advice from those in the know – young people who chose the apprenticeship route.
Daniella Tubb-Whittington, an early talent recruitment specialist from GSK who sees its apprentice scheme as a vital tool in recruiting amazing young talent, also gives shares some pointers on what employers are looking for when it comes to the ideal apprentice candidate.

Advice from apprentices on how to secure one in 2016


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Bill Bryson didn’t pull any punches when he compared a Sussex town to a ‘patient on life support’ in his latest book.
The famous travel author made the comment about Bognor Regis in The Road to Little Dribbling, which documents Bryson’s journey from the West Sussex seaside town to Cape Wrath in Scotland.
In the book, Bryson criticises the local authority for its handling of the Bognor Regis Regeneration Task Force initiative, which he said had an initial goal to bring £500million of investment into the town before being ‘quietly reduced’ to £100million and then £25million before being ‘wound up’.
He then went on to say: “As far as I could tell, all the authorities are doing for Bognor is just keeping it ticking over, like a patient on life support”.
Despite his criticisms – and his observation that the second-most popular Bognor Regis attraction behind Hotham Park was ‘a shop selling mobility scooters’ – he goes on to say that Bognor ‘isn’t such a bad place’, complimenting its ‘long beach with a curving concrete promenade’.
He is more reserved about the town centre, describing it as ‘compact and tidy, if not thriving’.
As far as I could tell, all the authorities are doing for Bognor is just keeping it ticking over, like a patient on life support Bill Bryson
Do you agree with his comments? Have your say with our poll.
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POLL: Bill Bryson bashes Sussex town in new book


A nail-biting wait for thousands of pupils across East Sussex came to an end yesterday as this year’s GCSE results were announced.
With 26 results in from 27 of the county’s schools, provisional results show 60 per cent of students received five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and maths.
That represents a significant increase on last year’s figure of 56 per cent and was described by East Sussex County Council as ‘fantastic news for young people and their schools’.
A total of 22 out of the 26 secondary schools and academies that have currently reported their results either maintained previously strong performance or improved on their performance last year.
The average for the county in terms of 5 A* to C including English and maths has improved for the second year running by approximately 4%.
Outstanding improvements against this measure can be seen at Rye College which has gone up by 19 per cent, The Eastbourne Academy up by 18 per cent, Heathfield Community College up by 12 per cent.
There are a further nine schools which have improved by more than five per cent including Beacon Academy, Bexhill High Academy, Chailey School, Hailsham Community College, Peacehaven Community School, Seahaven Academy, St Richard’s Catholic College, The Cavendish School and The Hastings Academy.
For the first time, this year’s results are also measured against the new Attainment 8 indicator – the new national benchmark for performance at key stage four.
In East Sussex, the average Attainment 8 score, which measures a student’s average grade across eight subjects, was 4.9.
Cllr Nick Bennett, East Sussex County Council lead member for education and inclusion, special educational needs and disability, said: “This is always a nerve-wracking time for young people awaiting their GCSE results.
“Achieving good grades gives them a solid step on the ladder towards a successful future in their educational and professional life.
“I’d like to congratulate all our students for the effort they’ve put in not just in the run-up to their exams but over the last two years, and to wish them every success as they go on to further education or training.
“We’re very pleased to see an improvement in this year’s results, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of our young people and the teachers who’ve guided them.”
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East Sussex bucks national trend and records better GCSE results


A superb all round performance from Sussex under-15s resulted in Sussex being crowned the winners of the A Division Royal London ECB under-15 Cup Final.
Having lost the toss Sussex were invited to field, and Staffs got off to a great start making 54 without loss.
Sussex wicketkeeper Mason Robinson got things moving with a spell-binding flying catch.
Skipper Tom Clark then turned their innings upside down with a double wicket maiden on route to figures of 3 for 17, and from that moment Sussex were on top. Max Lincoln wowed the crowds sprinting 30 yards to take a high catch in the deep, and it was left to Tom Gordon (3 for 39) to have Staffs floundering on 164 all out.
Alastair Orr completed the job with a well timed catch on the ropes.
In reply our openers faced a real barrage of pace and bounce as Staffs were not going to lie down easily.
The players jump for joy
At 68 for 5 Sussex were having their first and only wobble throughout the whole campaign. However our team is resilient and man of the match Tom Gordon lead the recovery with perhaps one of his most important innings thus far, and against a spirited and energised attack Tom grafted hard making a match winning 68 runs. He was backed up by Oliver Carter (39 not out) who demonstrated a very straight bat from the off. He was rewarded by hitting back to back cover drives to win the match.
Huge celebrations then ensued as Sussex became the 2016 Royal London ECB U15 Champions.
The squad: Oliver Carter - Seaford, Tom Clark - Horsham, Henry Crocombe - Hailsham, Tom Gordon - Eastbourne, Tom Hinley - Lindfield,
Scott Lenham - Eastbourne, Max Lincoln - Preston Nomads, Dominic Morgan - Lindfield, Alastair Orr - Lindfield, Joe Pocklington - Eastbourne, Mason Robinson - Preston Nomads, Louis Storey - East Preston, Freddie Longley - Lindfield
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Sussex under-15 win the Royal London ECB Cup final


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Emergency services have attended a death at an address in West Sussex that was described as ‘sudden’ by police.
Sussex Police said officers were sent to a property at Grove Road, Broadwater, in Worthing, at around 12.30pm today following reports of a death.
The police have issued a statement which said: “Police are currently in attendance at an address in Grove Road, Broadwater following the report of a sudden death.
“The circumstances are currently unexplained and have required the attendance of specialist officers.
“Police believe the circumstances to relate to one address, with no other residents or members of the public in danger.”
A spokesperson added that the coroner’s office had been informed and that two police vehicles were currently at the scene.
They added that ambulances and the fire service had also been in attendance.
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COUNTY NEWS: ‘Sudden death’ reported in suburban road


None of the 119 services a day set to be restored to Southern train timetablse are in Sussex.
Govia Thameslink Railway brought in a revised weekday timetable in early July, which cancelled more than 300 services a day in response to staff shortages.
The rail operator has been locked in a bitter dispute with the RMT union for months over plans to change the role of conductors, with both sides blaming each other for the inadequate level of train crew available.
The new timetable saw most train services cancelled between Lewes and Seaford, with buses operating instead.
Southern announced today that 119 train services will be reinstated on Monday (September 5), but these will be in Surrey and in and out of London.
Charles Horton, GTR’s chief executive, said: “We know how difficult life has been for our passengers recently and we are sincerely sorry. Our aim has been to bring back as much of the timetable as quickly as we could and for several weeks we’ve had 5th September as our target to begin the reinstatement of trains.
“We’re pleased that we can restore a large chunk of our train timetable for our passengers on this date but we will not be satisfied until the full timetable is running, and running in a punctual way people can rely on.
“But with another RMT strike called for next week, passengers will be dismayed and angry, as we are, that the union has called yet further cynically-orchestrated action to try and scupper this improved service, and cause maximum disruption, damage and delay in the very week when many people go back to work and back to school after the summer break.”
“But we will not be thwarted in our determination to give passengers their trains back. In the face of an intransigent RMT leadership, we’re doing all we can to get our passengers back on track.
“The updated timetable will allow us to run a more comprehensive rush hour service with virtually a full peak service at London Bridge and 95% of peak train capacity at Victoria. We will continue to add services incrementally and we are aiming at restoring the full timetable in the coming weeks.
“However, while we’ll do all we can to restore the services, we are faced with an unparalleled wave of strikes, unjustified industrial disputes and abnormal levels of train crew sickness. We are also part of a live railway network which can result, however much we don’t want them, in unexpected incidents which do cause short notice cancellations and disruption. This is the start of the journey to restore the full timetable. It will take time to complete, but passengers can be assured it is now underway.”
The restored rail services are available in online journey planners.
Southern says that information on services during the RMT strike action on Wednesday and Thursday, 7 and 8 September will be announced in due course.
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No Sussex services restored in Southern timetable changes


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Lifeguards will be stationed at Camber Sands following the tragic deaths of five men, the RNLI has confirmed.
In response to the deaths, which took place on Wednesday, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution is providing a team of five to six lifeguards and equipment over the Bank Holiday weekend.
It was recently revealed that the five men were friends from London who had visited for the day. Click here for the full story.
In a statement, the RNLI said it was to ‘provide reassurance to the public’ by providing a temporary lifeguard service which will work alongside the existing local authority personnel from Rother District Council.
The lifeguards will be there from 9am to 6pm, Saturday to Monday.
The RNLI offered to provide the lifeguards over the weekend and the Council accepted its offer.
In addition to the lifeguard service the RNLI said it will also be providing a team which will be on hand to provide safety information to all visitors at the beach.
The RNLI provides lifeguard cover on over 240 beaches throughout the UK.
The charity advised that anyone who is not familiar with Camber Sands should speak to the lifeguard before entering the water, and to visit RNLI.org/respectthewater before visiting.
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Lifeguards stationed at Camber Sands after tragic deaths


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A disposable barbecue may have started a fire that temporarily closed a Sussex rubbish tip last week.
The incident happened last Friday evening (August 26) at the Hop Oast site near Horsham and was thought to have started in a metal container due to a disposable BBQ igniting material on a camping chair.
After using disposable barbecues, residents are being advised to not throw away the charcoal until it is completely cool.
David Barling, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for residents’ Services, said: “Thankfully this fire was contained, disruption to normal services was minimal and on this occasion no-one was hurt.
“This incident serves as a reminder to take care when using disposable BBQs.
“Always make sure the charcoal is completely cool before disposing of it, which might take several hours. It is not worth the risk.”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service declared the Horsham Household Waste Recycling Site safe to the public later on Friday evening.
Mr Barling added: “If you have any doubts about safely disposing your barbecue you can speak with a member of staff at your local Household Waste Recycling Site.”
For more information on the safe disposal of barbecues visit www.recycleforwestsusex.org
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COUNTY NEWS: Disposable barbecue warning after rubbish tip fire


iy_project is a spectacular immersive installation developed by world-renowned light artist Chris Levine in collaboration with Edenlab, Eden Project’s international creative partner.
Chris will create a unique event for Hastings on the evening of September 10 from 8pm, illuminating the townscape like never before with a spectacular sound and light using stunning high-powered lasers.
Be in the thick of it at the end of the pier (booking required) or watch from the beach, promenade, East Hill or West Hill. The East and West Hill lifts will stay open until 10pm.
Chris is fast becoming recognised as one of the most original artists working in light today and he has collaborated with a diverse range of creative talents ranging from Massive Attack, Hussein Chalayan, Antony and the Johnsons, Grace Jones and Jon Hopkins.
His iconic work Lightness of Being, the historic portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is part of his Equanimity body of work that was commissioned by the Island of Jersey to commemorate 800 years of allegiance to the crown. The work has been acclaimed internationally and shown at Buckingham Palace, the Royal Academy and the Houses of Parliament, London.
He has had one man shows in London, Paris and Singapore and a travelling exhibition with the British Council which went to 12 countries worldwide.
Most recently he has had work exhibited by the Museum of Art and Design in NY, the National Portrait Gallery, London and the Fine Art Society. He has just completed another historic portrait to commemorate the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday and to raise funds for the victims of Nepal’s recent earthquake.
An interactive app, designed to co-ordinate with the performance, will be available soon.
Tickets are free but there is an option to donate to Hastings Pier Charity.

Light and sound in one incredible ROOT 1066 event


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BUST, an extravagant night of Burlesque and bass beats comes to the Printworks on September 3 from 8pm.
DJ Statis Beatnik returns to the decks after raising the roof at the Coastal Currents After Party which launched the Observer Building in 2015. So for those who danced and danced, this is a rare opportunity to see this talented DJ in action.
Preceding the DJ and the action upstairs, is a spectacular event in itself with three performances by two world class Burlesque performers Miss Betsy Rose and Kitty Bang Bang downstairs in the perfect setting of the Printworks to warm things up. Don’t miss this packed evening of glamour, gorgeousness and celebration of classic burlesque with a full on party atmosphere followed by DJ and dancing into the night.
The first 50 tickets sold will get free limited edition print by St Leonards’ artist Drew Copus.Tickets from www.sweetanddandy.co.uk.

Beautiful burlesque and a night of dance at Printworks


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Bexhill United's footballers continued their fine form with a 3-1 victory away to St Francis Rangers yesterday (Saturday).
Strikes by Georges Gouet and Craig Ottley put the Pirates two-up at half time, and although the Saints pulled one back, Corey Wheeler secured the win.
Bexhill joint manager Ryan Light said: "At this stage of the season, being away from home all the time, it doesn't really matter how you get these points, it's just important to get points on the board early."
With Gordon Cuddington and Ashley Kidman away for the weekend, Bexhill then lost Connor Robertson and Zak Olojubi to a sickness bug, so forward Jacob Shelton filled in at right-back.
Against a St Francis side which had conceded 11 goals in losing its opening two Macron Store Southern Combination Football League Division One fixtures, Bexhill dominated the first half, fashioning 17 chances to St Francis's two.
"First half it was like the Alamo," continued Light. "We created good chances and if we had a little bit more cutting edge, it could've been seven or eight by half time."
As it was they had to settle for two. The opener came in the 15th minute when Billy Trickett made a run down the right and drilled the ball across for Gouet to volley home at the far post.
One became two just eight minutes later. The ball bounced up against the arm of a St Francis player inside his own box and Ottley dispatched the resulting penalty into the top corner.
Other opportunities came and went, and Bexhill almost saw their advantage halved on the stroke of half time. A foul by Craig McFarlane gave St Francis a penalty of their own, but Bexhill goalkeeper Dan Rose tipped the spot-kick onto the post.
In scorching conditions, St Francis were fantastic during the second period. Looking a totally different side, the hosts kept hitting Bexhill on the break and caused them a few problems.
St Francis hit the crossbar with an effort from distance before pulling one back midway through the half. Bexhill didn't react in their own box and Stuart Goodwin poked home quite a soft goal from Bexhill's point of view.
Bexhill were rocking a little bit at that point, but reacted well, composed themselves and regained control.
They carved out a couple of openings before settling their nerves with a match-clinching third goal. A corner was half cleared to Wheeler, who produced a fabulous strike on the half-volley into the bottom corner.
"It was a difficult afternoon with the (high) temperatures," added Light. "First half we were fantastic, second half we took our foot off the gas a bit."
Bexhill: Rose; Shelton, A. Trickett, McFarlane, Ottley; Gouet (Butchers), Holden, B. Trickett, Giles, Wheeler; Barden. Subs not used: Robertson, Olujobi.
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Visit now for the latest football news - direct from the Bexhill-on-Sea Observer


Light and sound in one incredible Root1066 event


New research conducted by Foster Grant has established the average person takes around nine shots before choosing the perfect photo to put on Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook but are you of the many that feel like they are missing a trick and just can’t get it right?
Take a leaf out of Kylie Jenner’s book and follow these easy to remember tips to make the most of your pictures;
Tip 1
Try different angles
Most of us have a “good side” and by tilting your head to the right it tends to be more interesting than just a straight on shot and can also be a more flattering angle. Taking a photo from above is also a great way of displaying different angles and can highlight all the bits you want to show off.
Tip 2
Don’t underestimate good lighting and a filter- from black and white to sepia tones- accentuate your features and bring out your inner model with your Instagram filters or just pose with a good ray of sunshine on your face.
Tip 3
Get creative
Take a selfie snorkelling in the sea or the side of a mountain. Not only is the scenery eye catching but you will be the envy of all your friends. Don’t be afraid to use accessorise and incorporate these items into your selfie. New glasses, big jewellery and rings are great at grabbing people’s attention
Tip 4
Use your arms as a frame- whether single armed or using both, let your arms show the rest of your body off, just be careful your fingers don’t cover the lens! If you are not a fan of the extended arm selfie then you should definitely consider a selfie stick.
Tip 5
Show off your personality. Smile, frown, laugh make a silly face or pout- just try and avoid the duckface where possible. When you share your picture let your friend feel the true essence of you.
For all this watch the video featuring blogger Kativa Donkersely for her top tips on how to get the celeb inspired selfie from the likes of Kylie Jenner herself as well as trendsetters Rihanna and Gigi Hadid


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How well do you know your retro games?
Try your luck in our fun ‘name the screenshot’ test - and see how you fare against your friends.

Can you get 10/10 in our retro games quiz?


Another body has been found on a beach in Sussex, the police have confirmed.
Sussex Police said they were contacted this afternoon with reports that a body had been washed up on Littlehampton beach.
A spokesperson added that the coastguard were involved, and that the coroner’s office has been informed.
Police officers are currently closing down the scene.
It is thought to be the body of the diver that went missing on Saturday off the coast of Bognor Regis – but police said they were unable to confirm the identity of the body.
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COUNTY NEWS: Another body found on Sussex beach


Get the latest breaking news from the Bexhill-on-Sea Observer - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily.


The five men who died at a Sussex beauty spot yesterday (Wednesday, August 24) came to the beach together from London and were all young adults, police said.
Three men were pulled from the sea at Camber Sands around 2pm before two others were found at about 8.15pm.
Emergency services are no longer searching for anyone else with no one else reported missing.
Chief Superintendent Di Roskilly said: “We believe we now know who the men are and that they came to the beach together for the day.
“We believe they are all in their late teens and early 20s and come from the Greater London area.
“These men were not fully clothed when they were pulled from the sea but wearing clothes appropriate for being at the beach for the day.
“We have no further reports of anyone else missing from Camber and there are no on-going searches related to this incident.
“This has been an incredibly tragic incident and we are offering their next of kin support at this difficult time and our thoughts are with them.”
Emergency services were called to the beach at 2.10pm to reports of a person in the sea.
While they were on scene another person was seen in difficulty at 2.20pm and 15 minutes later a third person was rescued.
Despite best efforts to save them, they all died.
The bodies of a further two men were found in the water by members of the public between 8.15pm and 8.45pm.
David Walker, RoSPA’s leisure safety manager, said: “We are terribly sorry to hear of the tragedy at Camber Sands, and our thoughts are with those involved and their families. It’s too early in the investigation for us to comment on what happened, but we can point people towards our general water safety advice, particularly ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
“The most positive choice you can take is to go to a lifeguarded beach – check out the Marine Conservation Society’s www.goodbeachguide.co.uk for where these are.
“Be aware of tides, even if you are not intending to be in the water, as a quick-turning tide can catch out walkers, climbers, and others enjoying the shore. Strong currents are a danger, so make sure you know how to spot rip currents and know how to escape them.
“Bear in mind that the water can be colder than you expect, even in the summer months, and can lead even the strongest swimmers into trouble at any location.”
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COUNTY NEWS UPDATE: Victims of Sussex sea tragedy ‘young adults from London’


On the neighbouring table a party of four were celebrating an 18th birthday.
Coincidentally, we knew the Dudmans but hadn’t seen them in some years.
The Halfway Bridge
Now daughter Emily had reached the first key milestone in her life and had persuaded family and friends that she wanted to mark it with a lunch at the Halfway Bridge.
What made the choice the more remarkable was that for more than a year, Emily has worked there serving at tables.
Most youngsters would rather celebrate a birthday anywhere but the place of work. But clearly Emily knew quality when she saw it - and had an ambition to enjoy a taste of it as a customer too.
New head chef Luke Gale had made her a stunning cake with a handcrafted and rather cute little elephant on the top.
The Halfway Bridge
She was thrilled.
But then, Luke is something of a culinary wonder. A rare find in a country pub.
His plates are not merely packed with local produce, they are presented with a certain creative elegance.
We chatted to him as we left. A trained pastry chef he is as unassuming as he is talented. In his six months since he arrived, he’s made a number of changes to the menu.
The Halfway Bridge
For him it’s about preparing everything from scratch.
He’s good. The food is excellent. It aims to focus on seasonal dishes with a traditional English and Mediterranean flair.
When we visited on a Saturday lunchtime, there was a choice of the set menu - two courses £18; three courses £22 - or the a la carte. Some daily specials increased our options.
The prices are dearer than you would find in city centre chain restaurants. But this is unpretentious quality dining.
The Halfway Bridge
For those wanting something more akin to pub grub, there are the classics. Beer battered haddock, hand cut chips, pea puree (£15.50) or chargrilled burger with all the trimmings (£14.50).
This is, after all, a country inn and is proud of the traditional drinking area even though the restaurant is an increasingly vital part of the economic mix of places to which most customers must drive.
It’s an old pub - standing for some 250 years. And as the name suggests, it’s located half way between Midhurst and Petworth.
Originally a watermill it became a coaching inn in the 17th century and now offers six en-suite rooms and one suite housed in Cowdray Barns, the inn’s former stable yard.
The young team is led by general manager Billy Lewis-Bowker, a man with a warm smile and a reassuring sense of calm.
Sophie served us. But I guess on any other day it could have been Emily.
The Halfway Bridge
Fish of the day and roast loin of pork followed starters of homemade soup, and gin and tonic cured sea trout.
Strawberries and cream with a twist and warm triple chocolate brownie with honeycomb and lime ice cream completed the meal.
It’s a beautiful location in the heart of the South Downs for an inn.
On the day of our visit, the weather was mixed. Sunshine one moment, rain the next.
But there was nothing mixed about the quality of the visit. The service was pleasant and the food was excellent. A real cut above pub grub.
It was all in the detail. The slight bitterness of the tonic gave a real edge to the sea trout.
The triple chocolate brownie oozed temptation.
Although we were invited guests of the AA rosette restaurant, there was no link to a commercial arrangement with them. We were there to write an honest opinion.
We raised a glass of Upperton sparkling rose to celebrate the chance meeting of Emily and her family.
And - having checked out other diners’ meals to ensure no favouritism - vowed to return and enjoy a little more of Luke’s cooking when we were off duty too.
There were no half measures at the Halfway Bridge.
The Halfway Bridge
The Halfway Bridge
The Halfway Bridge

Restaurant Review: Halfway by name but no half measures


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Bexhill United Football Club joint manager Ryan Light praised a 'sensational' response from his players in a proverbial game of two halves last night (Tuesday).
The Pirates were beaten 3-0 away to higher grade Shoreham in round two of the Peter Bentley Challenge Cup after producing a chalk and cheese performance.
Light said: "It was always going to be a tough evening. They're a good side and they would definitely hold their own in Ryman South (two tiers above the level Bexhill play at).
"We chased shadows for 45 minutes and didn't get near them. For the first time we had to rant and rave a bit at half time, and the players were left in no uncertain terms the standard we require.
"We made a couple of changes and we couldn't have been prouder of the response. The second half performance was sensational and Shoreham didn't know what hit them; they had to change their formation twice."
With two games coming up in three days over the Bank Holiday weekend, Bexhill used the match as an opportunity to rotate their squad and give some game time to players who have been substitutes of late.
They trailed 2-0 at half time, with Light attributing both goals to sloppy individual errors. Freddie Barker struck in the second minute and Ryan Stevens in the 37th.
Bexhill brought on Corey Wheeler and Wayne Giles at the break, assumed total control of the play during the second half. With Kyle Holden magnificent, the Pirates played some nice football and fashioned seven attempts at goal.
Shoreham added a third goal, however, with a moment of quality in the 70th minute. A neat move down their left ended with Richard Greenfield curling a lovely angled shot past Dan Rose.
Bexhill: Rose; Butchers (Robertson), A. Trickett, McFarlane, Ottley; Olujobi (Wheeler), B. Trickett, Holden, Cuddington, Shelton (Giles); Barden. Sub not used: Kidman.
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'Sensational' second half delights Bexhill boss


This is the latest column from Lucy Saunders, who provides a regular agony aunt feature - Ask Lucy.
Dear Lucy. My husband has got this terrible habit of washing his hands lots of times and checking all the switches to make sure they’re off. It takes us hours to leave the house every day as he has all these rituals. In fact, his life has become unbearable as it seems like he has become a prisoner in his own world of checking. Please can you explain in detail, what you think is wrong with him?
Lucy: I am sorry for your distress regarding your husband’s condition it must be an anxious time for you? It sounds like your husband is suffering from an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD. This is a complex condition that occurs in many people. Your husband could have a genetic predisposition in his personality or it could also be a social conditioning due to stresses he feels in his life. It seems he is acting out rituals and repetitive actions in order to block out thoughts and feelings that he is uncomfortable with. There are many unconscious conflicts in the sufferers mind that can cause the OCD and it will help him if he finds an outlet to explore these through counselling or a support group. Your first port of call should be his G.P. who will advise him. This is a journey that affects both of you and I am sure your husband can find the help he needs for both of your sakes. I would definitely advise him to join a local Support Group as this will give him the ongoing support until he feels he has conquered the condition.
Dear Lucy. I don’t know which way to turn. I could really use some advice.
I have been married eight years and feel out of love. I stay with my husband as he recently had cancer. But both myself and my teenage daughter are unhappy in this loveless argumentative home.
What should I do?
Lucy: It sounds like you’re in a difficult situation. I hope your husband has recovered well but this is clearly difficult for you as his illness can make you feel obliged to stay. You say you are out of love but I am wondering if it may be the cancer that might have got in the way of your relationship. Perhaps you and your husband have been preoccupied with his battle. The stress of the cancer plus life’s daily struggles would put a strain on any marriage and I can understand that you may have felt shut out at times. I am wondering if you can try and find the love with your husband that you once had when you first met him? It is very important that you both try and work on your relationship to figure out what has caused the problem and try not to argue in front of your daughter. Maybe the stress has stopped you from spending enough special time together. I also do suggest you could try some couples counselling to work through honestly what has caused the problem together and how his cancer impacts on your marriage and your decisions. These sessions could also be used to discuss your own feelings about your own inner world, which understandably has taken a back seat in recent times. All marriages deserve open communication and honesty with each other and a commitment to try and understand what has gone wrong whether you stay together or not.
Lucy is a BACP Accredited Qualified Counsellor. She previously worked in the media as an actress.


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Relax and kick back tomorrow in Bexhill with free Music on the Bandstand outside the De La Warr Pavilion from 2-6pm..
This is presented by Union Music Store which is the brain-child of Jamie and Stevie Freeman.
They simply love the music they sell and want to share it with as many people as possible.
Their lineup will include amazing artists such as Mike Ross who writes soul wrenchin’, riff bustin’ songs that make audiences want to share the tale of his life’s journey and the lessons he’s learned. The Self Help Group inhabit the musical spaces between folk, Americana and indie; the band formed in 2009 when songwriter Mark Bruce decided to clean years of dust off his old 12 string guitar and start writing songs, recording demos in his darkened loft space in Brighton.
The Jamie Freeman Agreement is the UK’s very own Americana virtuosos (Spiral Earth). With 100 Miles From Town they set about defining English Americana with a mix of styles embracing folk, country and echoes of the 60’s. They are signed to the Union Music Store record label, and have released two albums with a third on the way.
Noble Jacks are a rip-roaring alt-folk band with roof-raising energy, whose warm electro-acoustic interactions fuse together a mixture of folky rhythms and engaging lyricism. The band encompasses heartfelt, yet uptempo songs showcasing fiddle, blues harmonica and big anthem toplines. The band has just signed to the Union Music Store label and will be releasing the debut album early 2017. For more detail and timings go to www.dlwp.com.
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Live music all afternoon from the DLWP bandstand


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The suspected murder of a teenager has been reported to the body that oversees complaints against the police, Sussex Police has said.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission was notified by Sussex Police following the discovery of the 19-year-old woman’s body at an address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak yesterday.
Sussex Police said: “The death has been notified to the IPCC owing to there having been previous police contact with the deceased and other people.
“Her family have been informed of this development. We await the IPCC’s decision as to how any internal investigation will be conducted.”
As previously reported, a 27-year-old man from Portslade was arrested in Burgess Hill yesterday on suspicion of murder after the body was found. Click here for the full story.
Police added that a post-mortem is expected to take place in Brighton later today, and that the address is still a crime scene as forensic work continues.
They are not formally identifying the dead woman at this stage but said they will do so as soon as possible.
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UPDATE: Murder reported to police complaints body


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Super-classy soul singer Laura Mvula is touring this autumn and in between dates at major venues in the likes of Glasgow and Birmingham, she comes to Bexhill on Sunday November 20.
The announcement of this new UK headline tour comes hot on the heels of news of her second Hyundai Mercury Prize shortlisting, in as little as three years, for her mesmerising and critically acclaimed album The Dreaming Room.
Recorded over a twelve month period The Dreaming Room is an expansion of what was an already captivating sound. The heavenly vocal layering, the unexpected, complex diversions and the grandeur are still all there but now with the addition of buzzy analogue synths and electric guitar lines. If Laura’s debut album, Sing to The Moon, was the sound of a young artist honing her craft, then this latest work can be described as the sound of a confident and accomplished lyricist - still reflecting her distinctive, signature sound, but showing the progression of an artist who has truly come into her own.
Upon its release in 2013, Sing to The Moon quickly became a firm favourite amongst both critics and fans-alike, establishing the Birmingham-native as one of the UK’s most promising musicians, and propelling what would later become her distinct and signature sound overseas,
The vocal on that album was pretty much the happy result of her Caribbean DNA, a Birmingham upbringing and a lifetime’s informal training in church choirs. Mvula also did four years as a music undergrad at Birmingham’s Conservatoire.
Her first album eventually caught the attention of the prestigious BET awarding body, which went on to nominate her for Best International Act. Following an extensive tour taking in dates across the UK, Europe and North America throughout much of 2013/14, where Laura not only took on much of the instrumentation but also the role of show director, she returned to the studio to get to work on her latest album.
After the buzz surrounding her live dates earlier this year, Laura has more than proved her place as one of the UK’s most exciting live performers. Tickets £19.50 are available now from www.dlwp.com or 01424 229111.
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A “confident and accomplished” artist now at the top of her game


A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in Sussex after a woman’s body was found, police have said.
Sussex Police said that at just before 9.45am today, officers were called to the address in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak, which is in Portslade, East Sussex, over concerns for the welfare of a 18-year woman living there who had not arrived at work this morning.
Our thoughts are with the deceased and with her family and friends Superintendent James Collis
The body of a woman, believed to be the resident, was found inside the house, police said. Formal identification has not yet taken place.
They added that nobody else was in the house at the time.
The cause of death has not yet been established but it is being treated as suspicious by police and detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team led by Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rymarz, are investigating.
A 27-year old Portslade man was arrested this afternoon at an address in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody for interview and further enquiries.
Superintendent James Collis of the Brighton and Hove Division said: “Our thoughts are with the deceased and with her family and friends, who are receiving our support at this time.”
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COUNTY NEWS: Man arrested for suspected murder as woman’s body found