Winkle Club President's 90th BirthdayOfficers and Committee members arranged a special luncheon last Wednesday 24th. September to celebrate the 90th Birthday of their President, Sir Kenneth Warren.
Sir 'Ken,' a former member of parliament for Hastings has always maintained strong links with the town and the Winkle Club in particular. Michael Foster, High Sheriff of East Sussex was also present and congratulatory greetings were sent by Amber Rudd M.P. and Admiral of the Fleet the Lord Boyce (Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports). Pictured are Sir Ken Warren surrounded by Winkle Club members toasting their President's great achievement.
Photo by Sid Saunders
At the start of the Winkle Club’s Annual Putting Competition during Old Town Week, Cllr. James Bacon (new Old Town Councillor) was made a member of our historic Club in the presence of the Mayor, Cllr. Judy Rogers.
The competition itself raised £350 which included a £100 donation from the Adventure Golf Management. We are most grateful to them and all monies raised will go to LOCAL good causes.
Peter Field, The Queen’s Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex was successfully ‘Winkled Up’ at a reception in Battle given by The High Sheriff of East Sussex, Michael Foster DL. Both Peter and Michael are members of our famous Club. Hundreds of dignitaries and friends of Michael Foster were in attendance at the reception in Battle Abbey when Vice Chairman, Richard Stevens, took his opportunity to pounce.
The Lord Lieutenant did not have his winkle with him but was excused a fine as it was deemed that he was ‘in working gear.’This early exemption rule came into being when most of the Winkle Club’s members were Hastings Fishermen. ‘I am sure another opportunity will present itself before too long,’ said Vice-President Richard Stevens. ’The Lord Lieutenant accepted the challenge with good grace.’
CHURCHILL COMMEMORATIVE EVENT
6th September 2015(from 10.30 am at the Fishermen’s Museum)
The Hastings Winkle Club will be marking the 60th Anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill becoming a member with an event on Sunday September 6th, at The Fishermen’s Museum, Rock-a-Nore Rd., Old Town, Hastings.
One Important Day For Your Diary!
Sun. 20th September 2015
on Winkle Island
Hastings Old Town
(more details to follow!)
CROWDS ATTEND WINKLE CLUB’S CHURCHILL COMMEMORATIVE EVENT
On Sunday 6th September, The Hastings Winkle Club held a special commemorative event to mark 60 years since Sir Winston Churchill was made a member of the famous Club.
The morning’s programme began in the Fishermen’s Museum, Rock-a - Nore Road, where a packed crowd were able to view Pathe and Movietone film coverage from September 1955 showing Sir Winston coming to Winkle Island with Field Marshall Montgomery. Having been presented with his gold winkle, Sir Winston said that joining the Winkle Club was one of the things he really wanted to do.
Glyn Gifford Boyd, a club member, spoke about what it was like on that day 60 years ago when 5,000 people watched Winston receiving his Winkle from the then Club Secretary.
A composition by local composer, Polo Piatti was played and two songs recorded by Phil White (The Winkle Club Song and the Biddy the Tubman song) were also listened to.
At 11.30 am under the direction of Hastings Town Crier, Jonathan Bartholomew, the crowd moved on to Winkle Island where a bronze plaque was unveiled by The Mayor, Bruce Dowling and Club President, Sir Kenneth Warren. Former M.P. Michael Foster was also present and read The Kohima Epitaph.
Winkle Club Vice Chairman, Richard Stevens, said ‘I was very pleased that the Winkle Club were able to pay fitting tribute to Sir Winston, not just for his unique brand of statesmanship which secured our freedom at the end of the war but also in recognition of his particular fondness for the Hastings Winkle Club. Unveiling of the commemorative plaque by The Mayor and Sir Kenneth Warren
Some of the crowd attending the ceremony on Winkle Island
The Hastings Winkle Club in Association with the
High Street Traders Presents
OLD TOWN CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
at 'Venue U' in George Street, Hastings Old Town
on Saturday 19th December
4 to 8 year olds
The Spring Social was a great success with everyone enjoying the music provided by “LOOSE ENDS” who made no charge for their great entertainment. A BIG WINKLE THANK YOU to these talented and generous musicians. Our Grand Raffle raised over £1,300, the highest total ever! A Fantastic result. All the prizes were donated and so this money will all go towards helping Winkle Club LOCAL good causes.
Thank you very much to everyone who helped and/or attended. A great result all round!
Richard Stevens, Vice-Chairman, Hastings WInkle Club
The Hastings Winkle Club's Committee 2015
A special performance by composer and committee member Polo Piatti is taking place on January 31st 2015 at 7.30pm. Polo will be premiering the piano and orchestra version of his work 'Broad, Sunlit Uplands' with Hastings local orchestra, the Hastings Sinfonia. This composition was dedicated to the London branch of the Winkle Club after being conceived with Winston Churchill in mind, who was a member of our distinguished Club. This special performance will take place at St John The Evangelist, Brittany Road, St Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex TN38 0RD. Don't miss it!
WINKLE CLUB 2015 SUPPER ~ A BIG SUCCESS!
The Hastings Winkle Club held its annual supper on Monday January 5th at the East Hastings Sea Angling Association. More than 100 members attended including the Mayor of Hastings and former Members of Parliament for Hastings, Michael Foster and Sir Kenneth Warren. Comedian, Adger Brown, provided the entertainment and Michael Foster was the after-supper speaker. A Raffle and Auction raised over £1,500 all of which will be donated to local good causes.Trophies were presented by the Mayor for Best Collection by a Pub ('The Dolphin'), Best Collection by a Club ('The Fishermen’s') and Best Individual Effort (Christian Burton).
The Club's President, Sir Kenneth Warren, addressing the members
Christian Burton being presented with the Trophy for Best Individual Effort. Christian had installed the new seating and memorial plaques on Winkle Island in the Old Town.
The Club's Vice-Chairman, Mr. Richard Stevens, introducing the speakers
Comedian Adger Brown
_________________________________________________
Thanks are due to all who helped with setting everything up and clearing away afterwards, those who with Maureen Read worked so hard in the kitchen, to Adger Brown and to the East Hastings for providing the venue.
A GOOD EVENING WAS HAD BY ALL
WINKLE UP!
This is the "Winkle Club Choir” who sang Carols on Christmas morning for the residents of Old Hastings House, continuing with a tradition going back over 30 years!
A U T U M N S O C I A L
Induction of new members at the Social
______________________________________________________________
The Amazing 'Loose Ends' giving of their time and talents entirely free at our highly successful Autumn Social
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Chairman Richard Read & Wife, Maureen at the Social
Once again, Winkle Island was transformed into FANTASY ISLAND during the last September weekend. Fantasy Island in one of the Winkle Club's main fundraising events with local music bands and performers playing live and free of charge for the benefit of the Club and local good causes.
Preparations underway, transforming Winkle Island into "Fantasy Island
________________________________________________________
Rock band '62 Stone’ once again wooed the audience and played at no cost to the Winkle Club. ‘A BIG Thank you guys’!
______________________________________________________________
Children entertainer Richard Alan receives his Thank You Certificate from Vice-Chairman Richard Stevens. Four years of voluntary service on behalf of the Winkle Club
______________________________________________________________
Bill Wicking ‘Collector extraordinaire’
______________________________________________________________
Local band ‘Ricochett’ playing their set. Fourth year of giving their time and talent!
______________________________________________________________
'Winklers wife' Shirley Hawley "adding colour to the day’'
______________________________________________________________
THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED!
WINKLE CLUB WELCOMES LORD BOYCE - CLUB PATRON
On August 10th, Admiral of the Fleet the Lord Boyce, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports visited Hastings Old Town. The purpose of the visit was primarily to unveil a plaque on Winkle Island signifying the island's complete refurbishment.
On arrival, Lord Boyce paid a courtesy visit to the Lifeboat Station and the History Hous.
A grand procession marched from the Fishermans Institute to Winkle Island led by a Scottish piper - all led by the Town Crier, Jonathan Bartholomew.
On the island itself speeches were given and Reverend Father Ronald Partridge read the names of those commemorated by way of plaques on the new seating.
Lord Boyce declared the refurbishments as complete and unveiled a bronze plaque to this effect. The Mayor and Deputy Lord Lieutenant were also in attendance.
Afterwards following the formal proceedings a fish and chip supper at 'Maggies' was enjoyed by all and a silver winkle was presented to Christian Burton who installed the plaques and the new seating at no extra cost to the club.
The winkle club revived the ancient sport of winkle tossing at their great winkle challenge on the last sunday afternoon of old town week. The game which was first played more than 80 years ago involves competitors tossing winkles into various sized containers which ranged from a milk churn to a watering can.
There were prizes for both adult and juniors, with artwork very kindly given to us by Royston Du-Maurier Lebek and from Flibbertiggibett in the old town.
Don Hawley took the Adult Prize away with a score of 20 points. The Juniors Prize was won by a young chap called Mason with a score of 22, proving that the juniors are once again better than us, old timers.
The deputy mayor was there to support us along with our local old town policeman Mark Charlton. We hope to see you all there next year for more winkle tossing.
Many thanks to Sven Alexander, Richard Stevens and everyone else for helping out.
Hastings Pirate Day has been going on for a few years now. This year the Club decided to hold a event on Winkle Island for it.
In the spirit of Pirate Day we decided to hold a sci-fi show which - yes we know has nothing to do with pirates - but its good to be different! Committee member Tom Mellon has a vast array of props, ranging from daleks to aliens, to a huge dinosaur. The local police kindly let us have the Dr Who tardis for the day as well. Thousands of people enjoyed the display and we raised around £1200on the day. All in all a successful day. Thank you for everyone who helped out on the day and everyone who donated.
![]()
HASTINGS WINKLE CLUB RESPONDS IMMEDIATELY TO FIRE VICTIMS’ FUND.
The Hastings Winkle Club which is based in the Old Town has given £500 to the “Phoenix Fund” which has been set up to bring some comfort to the victims of the recent fire in Marine Parade.
The Old Town Charity which has a 114 year old history exists to help LOCAL good causes and has its H.Q. at the Fishermen’s Institute in All Saints Street.
Winkle Club Chairman,Richard Read said “ Usually we give money away to a variety of groups and organisations at around the time of our A.G.M. in April of each year. However,we always keep a reserve “pot” for urgent local needs. The fire victims needed help immediately and so we were able to respond,” he said. “ Our committee voted unanimously to donate £500 to the Phoenix Fund.”
Pictured are Richard Read, Chairman, Richard Stevens, Vice Chairman and Ian Porter, Treasurer of the Winkle Club as they hand over the £500 cheque to Harris Woodcock representing the Phoenix Fund.
Members of the 18th Hastings scout group set about cleaning the winkle sculpture and the commemorative plaques on winkle island this week. The whole area has been subject to a appeal with the aim of completely refurbishing the old town island with new pavement, information boards and replacement seating.
Vice chairman of the winkle club Richard Stevens, said " We are very grateful to the scouts for their grand clean-ip operation since winkle island needs to look at is best for the grand opening which is planned to recognise its renewal." The club this will take place in august of this year.
WINKLE CLUB SUPPER 2013The Hastings Winkle Club held its Annual Supper at the East Hastings Sea Angling Centre on Monday (6th). More than 100 members attended and over £1,000 was raised by way of a Raffle and an Auction. Stand-up comedian, Adger Brown provided the entertainment and the after-supper speaker (pictured) was Michael Gray. Michael Gray is the Managing Director of the Hyatt Regency London-The Churchill Hotel with which the Winkle Club has formed a “twinning link.” Also present at the Supper were former Hastings M.P’s Michael Foster and Sir Kenneth Warren, the Club President. All monies raised at the event will go to local good causes.__________________A big thank you also to the lovely ladies that helped a the supper,making this event a big success!_______________________________________________THE CAROL SINGINGCAROLS SINGING: The Winkle Club maintained a 30 year plus tradition by singing Carols to the Residents of Old Hastings House on Christmas Day. The Choir sang to two groups of residents assembled in their respective lounges. Winkle Club Vice Chairman, Richard Stevens said "The Residents always seem to appreciate our warbling and for many of us Christmas would not quite be the same without this lovely tradition. They join in with the singing and give us a great reception".________________________________________________________HIGH STREET TRADERS/WINKLE CLUB CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTYMore than fifty children enjoyed the Annual Christmas Party organised by the High Street Traders with support from the Winkle Club. The event began with a grand procession from Winkle Island to the venue at St.Mary Star of the Sea church. The Children were treated to non-stop entertainment, a fish and chip tea and of course Santa made a special visit and gave each child a 'goody-bag'. A special time was had by all.__________________________________________________________Vice President Philip Furner and Treasurer Ian Porter went to Chartwell on November 11th. Mr Porter gave an excellent talk to members of the National Trust on the Winkle Club. Well done and a big Winkle up!From left: Ian Porter and Phil Furner with Wayne ThorntonIan Porter with Dorothy
___________________________________________________________FANTASY ISLAND!Saturday & Sunday14TH & 15TH SEPTEMBER 2013Another year. Another success!Live Music & Special Acts on Winkle Island!MORE NEWS COMING SOON - ALWAYS WATCH THIS SPACE!______________________________________________________________HASTINGS WINKLERS VISIT MAIDSTONEOn September 1st we got together with our Maidstone Members for a great day at Phil Furner’s house. Thanks to Phil and Bev and all those who helped to make this such a success. Our President, Sir Kenneth Warren, attended and a good time was had by all!
Our Chairman, Vice-Chairman and committee members with the Lord Warden during their visit to Walmer Castle in July 2013
Having recently set up a friendship-link with the "Churchill Hotel" in Central London, the Club was very pleased to receive an invitation to a Luncheon there and the opportunity to tour the Hotel. Our party included our Patron, Admiral the Lord Boyce, Sir Kenneth Warren, our President and Phil Furner, Vice President. A total of 25 sat down for lunch in the Library having enjoyed a couple of "Winkle Up!" cocktails in the hotel's Churchill Bar. The hotel Manager, Michael Gray, presented the club with yet another cheque (they donate £1 for every Winkle-Up cocktail sold) and a very enjoyable time was had by all. We look forward to welcoming Michael and his team back to Hastings in the near future. As it was HM The Queen's Birthday on the day of the visit, we all had our photograph taken beneath the portrait which hangs in the hotel lobby.
The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field, recently visited the Club's H.Q. for an informal chat with some of our Committee Members. The Lord Lieutenant is the Queen's representative in the County and Peter explained the history of the lieutenancy and gave us an idea of his duties in the role. Peter has been a Winkle Club member for ten years and he was able to give some very useful advice to those assembled.
We have invited him to attend the Annual Supper which will be held in January 2014.
Our Club Charity has established a "Twinning Link" with the Hyatt Regency Churchill Hotel in Portman Square, Central London. We have always been proud of our ability to attract well respected and renowned figures from the world of politics down the ages along with Royalty and celebrities from stage and screen. The distinguished Statesman, Sir Winston Churchill, became a member of the Winkle Club in a ceremony attended by crowds on Winkle Island, in Hastings old town in 1955. Also present was Field Marshall Montgomery.
The Churchill Hotel, located in London's W1 is well known for its display of Churchill regalia in its Churchill Bar and became aware of Sir Winston’s pride at being a "Winkler" during research work. They contacted the HQ of the Club in Hastings. The result was an offer to provide a London headquarter for the Winkle Club and even to serve a unique Winkle Up Cocktail!
On Tuesday 29th January, the General Manager of the Hyatt Regency-The Churchill Hotel, Mr. Michael Gray, visited the Old Town, together with members of his management team to cement a “twinning” agreement with the Hastings Winkle Club. They were transported from Hastings Station by a Classic F.X. Taxi and then visited the RNLI station, the Stade and the Fishermen’s Museum before enjoying Fish and Chips followed by a ceremony at the Fishermen’s Club (the Winkle Club's HQ) in All Saints Street. Gifts were exchanged and samples of the new cocktail were tasted and approved.
President of the Winkle Club, Sir Kenneth Warren formally welcomed the visitors and said that he hoped the friendship between the Churchill Hotel would prove to be beneficial to both the Club and to the hotel. In turn, Michael Gray, pledged to donate £1 for every cocktail sold, to the Winkle Club. The Hotel also agreed to place a Club collecting box in the Churchill Bar.
Winkle Club Vice Chairman, Richard Stevens, said: "This was a very successful visit and we are confident that the relationship established with the Hyatt-Churchill hotel will prove beneficial to both parties."
Representatives of The Churchill management team and Winkle Club Committee Members
The Winkle Club’s choir sang Carols to residents of Old Hastings House and their visitors, on Christmas Morning. “This tradition goes back 50 years plus and seems to bring a lot of pleasure both to the residents of Old Hastings House and indeed to the Choir members. We may not be “The Military Wives” but we do our best”, said Winkle Club Vice Chairman, Richard Stevens.
SUSSEX POLICES RECOGNIZES THE CLUB'S WORK
Sussex Police presents a donation to the Winkle Club's Chairman, Richard Read and Vice-Chairman, Richard Stevens.
PCSO Lisa Lavender from Sussex Police, accepts the Clubs Thank You Certificate, in recognition for her support to the Winkle Club and its local good causes.
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL
'FANTASY ISLAND' EVENT!
We all enjoyed another unforgettable weekend with live music, raffle, cakes on Winkle Island where hundreds of pounds were collected for the Club and its local good causes. Thank you very much to everyone that helped to make this another successful event. Winkle Up!Famous Hastings Resident becomes a Member (in white costume)!____________________________________________BIG DONATION ON PIRATE DAY!
Pirate Day, July 22nd, saw the Winkle Club really swinging in to action with a whole day of “Fun and Dance” on Winkle Island.The day got off to a great start when Kevin Chapman presented the Club with a cheque for a whopping £900! Kevin had been asked by his employer (Bellingham and Stanley) to nominate a favourite charity and he chose The Winkle Club!
Kevin was duly inducted into membership and he told other Winklers who welcomed him that he had nominated our Club because of its history and its policy of supporting good causes. Kevin is pictured in full Pirate dress (see below) and his generous donation is very much appreciated by our Club which goes from strength to strength!
Winkle Up!
Richard Stevens(Vice-Chairman, Hastings Winkle Club)
On Sunday July 29th the High Sheriff of East Sussex was inducted into membership of the Winkle Club. David Allam D.L. accompanied by his wife Karen, was particularly pleased to be made a member because he was born in All Saints Street and his Old Town connections go back several generations.
After being made a member, the High Sheriff, who is the Queen's top legal representative in the County, joined in the opening ceremony for Old Town Carnival Week and the procession which followed around the Old Town. His visit concluded with a tour of the Fishermen's Museum. The High Sheriff is very keen to help and support us at future events! The Winkle Club is proud to welcome the High Sheriff of East Sussex into membership.
Winkle Up!
Richard Stevens, Vice-Chairman
On the morning of Wednesday July 18th the Olympic Torch passed Winkle Island to make its way to Rye. We formed a line-up on the Island to wave it on its way! A truly memorable event!
[The precise moment when the Olympic Torch passes Winkle Island]
ARMED FORCES VETERANS FAIR JULY 1st. 2012
The Winkle Club showed their support for the armed forces and veterans by taking a stall at the veterans fair in Alexandra Park Hastings. Much interest was shown in the Winkle Club and the new Winkle sculpture. The 'Guess The Weight' of the sculpture competition continues up to and including 'Pirate Day’ on July 22nd. Come and support us on Winkle Island on July 22nd! Winkle Up! Richard 'S'
Mayor Alan Cllr. Alan Roberts, with Richard Stevens (right)
____________________________________________________________
The Winkle Stall
____________________________________________________________
Richard & Jackie
____________________________________________________________
The picture shows the opening of the Pett-Level rescue boats new boathouse, where Vice-President Phil Furner (here on the left, with Committee member Kevin Killick on the right) took the opportunity of making Lou Parsons (Beach Master) a member of the Club. Winkle Up, gentlemen!__________________________________________________________
The photographs below show the original opening in 1958 and the re-opening yesterday, 20.4.2012.
Our sincere thanks to Hastings Rotary Club, Westridge Construction and Fuller Engineering. As in the past, all proceeds from the well's collection are divided equally between the Rotary Club and the Winkle Club.
Click on the links below to read about our recent Big New Winkle Appeal!
___________________________________________________________________
The Committee's line-up
The official speech by Councillor Richard Stevens, the Club's Vice-Chairman
The official unveiling
Lord Boyce, reading the Blue Plaque's inscription
The Club's Committee with invitees and dignitaries at the end of the ceremony
A final 'Winkle Up'!
STEVE ASHMORE
has been chosen to be a crew member for The Boat Project's
maiden voyage among hundreds of nominees!
The crew will work under various skippers as the boat embarks on its maiden voyage, stopping at locations across the south coast where a festival of events will mark its arrival. The maiden voyage route will be announced soon here.
Congratulations, Steve!
Every year on Christmas Day morning, we sing carols for the residents of Old Hastings House. A winkle traditions that goes back over more than 30 years!
Winkle Carol Singers - Christmas 2010
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Fantastic News!
Winkle Club member Kevin Prince
has recently run a Half-Marathon in just under 2 hours,
managing to raise in excess of £400 for the Club!
Thank you very much, Kevin!
T H E A N N U A L S O C I A L
FRIDAY 29th OCTOBER at the FISHERMEN'S CLUB
___________________________________________This year’s social had live entertainment and a great buffet, provided by Maureen Read. It was great fun and we were able to raise some money for our Club! Than you to everyone that helped organise this wonderful event!
The Club's 2010 Supper
Speeches by Michael Foster MP and Jonathan Mendenhall
The Club's Vice President Phil Furner & Chairman Richard Read
Laura Deeprose of Emerald Entertainment & comedian Adger Brown entertaining the audience