The one major event to report is the imminent closure of Barclays Bank in the High Street on Friday 1st March and I understand that Jo and Gill are being transferred to the Brighton branch in North Street.
All customer records will be held in the Peacehaven Branch, but notwithstanding our village Post Office will be able to accept deposits in the form of cash or cheques, each with separate Barclays paying slips. Also if you require any cash, then withdrawals can be made by debit card from the machine on the counter.
All one can say, at this stage is that the premises went up for auction some few years ago which, rather suggests a sale and lease back scenario. But at the time of going to print one was unable to obtain any further information as to its future destiny.
Rather belatedly, I am happy to announce the appointment of Philip Rees as chairman of our Rottingdean Trade, Business & Professional Association, who with his partner are the new publicans in the Queen Victoria. Incidentally, they are introducing a variety of interesting innovations, particularly on the catering side and I am told that it’s well worth a visit.
This time round, everything appears to be happening in the lower High Street namely: -
a) The change of proprietor in Smugglers Fish & Chip shop, has yet to be identified.
b) The closure of Cheeky Monkeys at 26 High Street, which promptly reopened under the guise of Pop Cycle, a quirky and unique vintage interiors and collectables shop, filled with wonderful items from decades past, including quality furniture (Ercol & G Plan) lighting, records, books, glassware and pottery, taxidermy, art and posters. Open Thursday to Sunday 11am – 5pm. Tim Mason who is on 07875 852710 will be delighted to welcome you and more information can be obtained from his web site at poptim@googlemail.com
c) The closure of Filf Surf Co. where Martin O’Neill has reluctantly decided to take his business to Brighton Beach above the Beach Store in The Arches close to West Pier, fortunately, a new tenant is about to sign the lease and I am informed that the products bear no resemblance than hitherto.
Finally, I am sure many of us, who knew Declan Mongey, joint manager of The Plough, will mourn his untimely and tragic death in the New Year and our heartfelt condolences, go out to his family.
Harold Williams
