Party and Play Day: Speak out for Hollington Sunday, 26th July 2-4pm
Hollington Bowl Play Park, Wishing Tree Road North TN38 9HR
Don’t miss it. With the Tornados Twirl-stars, 1st Scouts Hastings, Gozmina Circus Skills, Face painting, Buddies Line Dancers and kids’ activities also FREE FOOD supplied by Craig’s Cabin.
I spent a very interesting elevensies this week talking to Andrea Cowhig about the up-coming Hollington Party and Play.
There’s been a lot of talk recently about funding for playgrounds and other projects in Hastings, and Andrea and her community who go to the Hollington Community Meetings, Hollington Community Spirit, are keen to see that Hollington gets its fair share. It’s a shame council meetings always take place on the seafront, as it seems to add to the tendency for council plans to start on the seafront and, by the time they reach north Hastings, can be pretty much out of cash.
So, on the subject of playgrounds, this Party and Play Day intends to ensure Hollington isn’t left with the leftovers. The relevant councillors have, of course, been invited to the event. It will be interesting to see how good the new, Green council is at seeing as far north as Hollington.
There are three play-facilities on the site. One, set up by the council, is in relatively good condition. The skate bowl though, does not appear to get any attention when it comes to maintenance. The half-pipes are now dangerous – cracked and loose, and drainage is extremely poor. As to other playgrounds in Hollington, the Blackman Avenue one in Wishing Tree, was removed by Southern Housing – presumably rather than spending on maintenance – and the Robsack one, on Watermill Drive was removed by Orbit.
Andrea is also interested in seeing some money spent on the woodlands behind Michaelson Close, and the path leading up from Tescos, which at the moment seem to get attention from no-one but fly-tippers. Some additional bins and cctv would be a good start, says Andrea.
The Party and Play Day is one of a number of projects that were born out of Hollington’s regular community meetings. The group (Hollington Community Spirit) plan to have a series of consultations for local children on the day, according to age-group – a 0-6yrs group, a 7-12 group, and a 13-18 one, to find out exactly what the youngsters think Hollington needs. There is also a survey which is now live for feedback.
There is already a push to provide a safe road crossing, or a lollipop lady for Tilebarn Road. And Andrea has already had a meeting with the Head Teacher Rob Smith, of Chuchwood Academy Primary, who is in agreement and is backing the plan to go to the ESCC for funding.
What will Hollington Community Spirits Community Meetings come up with next? If you live in or near Hollington, go along and find out – and don’t forget to come to the Party and Play Day on the 26th and HAVE YOUR SAY, as well as having an amazing time with the great entertainment and fun that is in store.
Facebook – Hollington Community Spirit
Email – hollingtoncommunityspirit@gmail.com
