Danni Segal, Needing more sleep The (ir)regular thoughts of Around-Bexhill.co.uk founder, Danni Segal, on life in Bexhill-on-Sea This column reflects the thoughts of Danni Segal, and does not claim to reflect the opinions of around-bexhill.co.uk or any of the shops or businesses listed on this site unless directly stated

Dateline: November 2007

Item: Post Office Closures

Back in January’s column I wrote about the importance of local Post Offices, and urged readers to support their local branch. Sadly it appears that the needs of local people and local communities is of little interest to big businesses of which the Post Office is certainly one.

According to the Bexhill Observer: “Collington sub-post office is scheduled for closure in addition to that at London Road under Post Office cuts announced.”

Bexhill MP Greg Barker is working to try and fight the closures and says “The managing director of Post Office Limited, Alan Cook, has said that our area is to be assessed over a six week period starting in November. It is therefore vital that the strength of local opinion is properly expressed.” There is a petition to be signed on his web site, and I urge all readers of this column to sign up and show your support for your local Post Office. Click here for the Online Petition.

Item: A New Perspective

Recently I was visited by Sharon, a friend from my university days who has been working in Singapore for a number of years. The last time we had been able to get together I had been living up in London, and she had never visited an English seaside town was was intrigued by the concept. Naturally this meant I acted as tour guide, and in doing so I got to view the town through the eyes of someone who is primarily only used to big city living; it was a fascinating experience, and I thought it would be of interest to post some of her thoughts on our town.

First up was how friendly people are in Bexhill; the fact that people actually stop and talk rather then just rushing about to do their job.

She was impressed by the diversity of our shops. Where she lives in Singapore the shops are invariably chain stores and lack any character or atmosphere and she dislikes shopping; here she was fascinated by a number of the shops and - if not for luggage restrictions on her flight back - would have ended up taking a lot back home.

What she wanted to take home was something that wouldn’t be easily available back in Singapore. We managed to get a few bits and pieces, her favorite amongst which was the homemade sweet tobacco from H&H - proudly made in Bexhill.

Another big hit was the food. We only got to sample a few places - I had, after all, offered to cook for her - but Sharon particularly enjoyed her breakfasts at The Garden Cafe (although she did bow out of trying black pudding) and her traditional fish and chips at Louie’s. Compliments also for our coffee/snack stops at Edgars and The Courtyard (where she discovered why Marmite is considered an acquired taste). Obviously we would have liked to get round to eat at more places, but unfortunately there was only so much time available.

Possibly her greatest joy was simply walking along the promenade, watching the waves crash on the beach and enjoying the peace and tranquility our town offers. Not forgetting the beautiful sunset and the views from Galley Hill.

Photos by Sharon Tan (1-3) & Danni Segal (4)

Overall, she absolutely loved Bexhill. For someone used to big city life - with all that entails - Bexhill provided a superb haven from the real world. An ideal place to get away and relax.

Maybe it could even be a place tourists might want to visit..?

Until next time,

Danni Segal
founder
around-bexhill.co.uk

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