Hastings People: Margaret Williams Margaret wears two hats for the same cause: she is secretary of the Friends of the Conquest Hospital and Chair of the Hands Off the Conquest Campaign, which is fighting to stop the downgrading of the Conquest Hospital. She helped to obtain over 45,000 signatures on a petition and took it to Parliament and handed it to Tony Blair; she helped organise a march along the seafront which attracted over 7,000 people with a rally at the end.
Are you originally from round here? I was born in Iden and went to school in Rye and to college in Hastings, many years ago. I had a shop in Rye and an Estate Agency in St Leonards. Best things about Hastings? I have watched Hastings and St Leonards improve and go backwards over the years but one thing never changes – the people. The people are wonderful. I also believe we have a wonderful Hospital and that nurses, doctors, consultants and everyone practising there do a most fantastic job. Worst thing about Hastings? I suppose I’d have to say public transport. Did you know there is no direct bus service from Harley Shute to the Conquest, and various other places I dare say. Favourite local pub/bar/restaurant? I love eating out. I don’t have a favourite place, anywhere that serves good food is good enough for me. Favourite local shop or business? Kings Stationers on Kings Road and Berforts printer have always been exceedingly generous in supporting the Friends of the Conquest. Favourite place for a walk? I am so very lucky in that I have acres of woodland attached to my house. Walking through the woodwith my dog and birds singing is about the best way of getting rid of the blues that I know.	Which local paper do you read? It has to be the Observer. They have been so supportive in everything that the Friends have tried to do. Without their help we would not have been as successful. And I also listen to Arrow FM - another supporter who’s crucial to our campaign. What has the regeneration done for Hastings? The regeneration is wonderful and must continue. We have a state of the art railway station with station plaza being started. There is still so much to be done, such as probably a Foundation Trust Hospital, hopefully things will continue to improve. What’s next for the Friends? We will continue our campaign until the fight is won, and we will continue to raise money for the extra comfort of patients both in the hospital and in the wider community.
The Friends always need volunteers to help in the two shops at the hospital. If you are interested, give Margaret a call on 01424 753 005. If you are interested in the campaign, either contact Margaret or go to the website: www.handsofftheconquest.org.uk

Hastings People:

Margaret Williams

Margaret wears two hats for the same cause: she is secretary of the Friends of the Conquest Hospital and Chair of the Hands Off the Conquest Campaign, which is fighting to stop the downgrading of the Conquest Hospital. She helped to obtain over 45,000 signatures on a petition and took it to Parliament and handed it to Tony Blair; she helped organise a march along the seafront which attracted over 7,000 people with a rally at the end.

Are you originally from round here?
I was born in Iden and went to school in Rye and to college in Hastings, many years ago. I had a shop in Rye and an Estate Agency in St Leonards.

Best things about Hastings?
I have watched Hastings and St Leonards improve and go backwards over the years but one thing never changes – the people. The people are wonderful. I also believe we have a wonderful Hospital and that nurses, doctors, consultants and everyone practising there do a most fantastic job.

Worst thing about Hastings?
I suppose I’d have to say public transport. Did you know there is no direct bus service from Harley Shute to the Conquest, and various other places I dare say.

Favourite local pub/bar/restaurant?
I love eating out. I don’t have a favourite place, anywhere that serves good food is good enough for me.

Favourite local shop or business?
Kings Stationers on Kings Road and Berforts printer have always been exceedingly generous in supporting the Friends of the Conquest.

Favourite place for a walk?
I am so very lucky in that I have acres of woodland attached to my house. Walking through the woodwith my dog and birds singing is about the best way of getting rid of the blues that I know.

Which local paper do you read?
It has to be the Observer. They have been so supportive in everything that the Friends have tried to do. Without their help we would not have been as successful. And I also listen to Arrow FM - another supporter who’s crucial to our campaign.

What has the regeneration done for
Hastings?
The regeneration is wonderful and must continue. We have a state of the art railway station with station plaza being started. There is still so much to be done, such as probably a Foundation Trust Hospital, hopefully things will continue to improve.

What’s next for the Friends?
We will continue our campaign until the fight is won, and we will continue to raise money for the extra comfort of patients both in the hospital and in the wider community.

The Friends always need volunteers to help in the two shops at the hospital. If you are interested, give Margaret a call on 01424 753 005. If you are interested in the campaign, either contact Margaret or go to the website: www.handsofftheconquest.org.uk