Our best mates are installed in our house on rabbit duty and we will head off in a south easterly direction.
But look what has arrived in my in box. Cousin Barbara has sent me a photo of my Dad in the 40s. Maybe it is post war, though he seems to be wearing an airforce insignia.
He looks a little sad. He had a lot to be sad about. It is a good thing he met my Mum in 1952.
The driving today is no problem. We arrive in Eastbourne, to look at a couple of potential flats. This gives us a lot to think about. Moving to the coast is something we have talked about for a couple of years.
A cup of tea at The Towner Gallery seems a good idea at this point. It is a great little cafe with good views across the tennis ground to the town. The Towner is open Tuesday to Sunday 10 to 5 with free admission. We always love the Ravilious Room but today focus on the current exhibition, Recording Britain, an exhibition of nearly fifty watercolour paintings of the changing landscape of Britain during the Second World War. Set up by Sir Kenneth Clark at the outbreak of war in 1939, Recording Britain was a scheme intended to boost national morale by celebrating the country’s changing landscape, natural beauty and architectural heritage, as well as a memorial to the war effort. Selected from a collection of 1500 paintings, now held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, the show features artists such as John Piper, Kenneth Rowntree and Barbara Jones, and emerging artists of the time. They were commissioned to paint ‘places and buildings of characteristic national interest’, and document rural and urban environments as well as precious buildings under threat from bombs and the effects of ‘progress’ and development. Clark considered Recording Britain to be an extension of the Official War Art scheme.
We just have time for a look at the Ravilious Room. Eric Ravilious died in World War Two in his prime. We love his work. This one could have been our view today.
After stopping off in Battle to see a friend, we arrive at Hastings. The Travel Lodge, Hastings is quiet and comfy but too minimalist.
We walk down to the sea front and look at the changing skies and cool April weather.
The White Rock on the sea front at Hastings is a welcome retreat and how lovely to have a half of Harvey's after all this time! I am beginning to realise that this area is like a second home as I have been coming here to visit in laws (no longer with us) since the early 80s.
Next stop is The Crown, check out the website of this friendly, busy, efficient independent local. http://www.thecrownhastings.co.uk/
Another longer term favourite is The First In Last Out, otherwise known as FILO. http://www.thefilo.co.uk/
Tonight they have the band Cafe de Paris playing which is great. You could find music every night in Hastings Old Town. Everywhere is buzzing, even though it is only Tuesday. This would be a great place to live, though Eastbourne, with train access to Hastings whenever we fancy a night out, could be the answer.
We miss out on The Blue Dolphin Chippy as we arrive too late. Meanwhile, an update from home indicates that Hermes the rabbit is happy. So dodging the hail, we end up in good old Wetherspoons for food and thankfully, the beer is good. I can recommend the The John Logie Baird!
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