Message from Jess Steele

Unsung Heroes of the Pier–21st May 2016

Oh what a night!  My heart burst this evening to be on the pier with lots of people, including Hastings best musicians, out at short notice, all there because they feel they have to be with the pier in times of crisis.  Thx to Dan Matthews for being bold and doing what his conscience told him to do.
There were memories (shared with Lesley Davis and Archie Lauchlan) of the days after the fire... But that's not where we are. I've said it before: we have a beautiful renovated pier, an iconic, totemic, symbolic People's Pier. 
It needs to take the next steps. That will be best done (I believe) through a partnership between commercial acumen and community roots. And that's what we will put on the Administrator's table by 12 noon tomorrow. 
We are in process of agreeing terms with a commercial operator partner/investor and that will include part or full freehold ownership by Friends of Hastings Pier. 
Now we've got to get on with writing it up, ready for the lawyers (the wonderful Anthony Collins Solicitors who are giving their time pro bono) first thing in the morning. 
It's really important that we hit the Crowdfunder target not by noon tomorrow but asap. Please share it. Tell your friends how much you donated and why - they are likely to match you. STAY HOPEFUL, STAY WITH THE PIER.