When he was the town’s Mayor Richard Stevens launched his now famous sock appeal for the Surviving Christmas Charity – that was in 1994 and this year Richard has decided it’s time to hand over the reins of the appeal and the current Deputy Mayor, Councillor James Bacon is the man who will now be in charge.

James says: “It’s a privilege to have been asked to take over the Annual Christmas Sock Appeal from Richard.

“This year, I have managed to secure a few new locations for people to drop socks off to. If you do have any unused and new socks or underwear, for men and women, which you would like to donate for homeless people to use, the following locations are where you can hand them in: Hastings History House in Courthouse Street, The Stag Inn in All Saints Street, Asda in Silverhill, Hastings Borough Council Contact Centre (the Town Hall), Ore Community Centre and His Place Art Cafe and Community Centre in Robertson Street.

“All of these locations will have their collection boxes out by tomorrow  and I thank everyone in advance for their support with the Annual Christmas Sock Appeal.”

The appeal is designed to help those living on the street or in very cold conditions. The idea is that if people include a pair or two of new, warm, socks on their Christmas present lists and then put them them in the ‘Sox Boxes’ at one of the collection points mentioned above, these are then distributed among those in need. Charities handling the distribution, include Surviving Christmas, The Salvation Army and St. John Ambulance.

Richard says that handing over the Sock Appeal is a sad moment: “It is so sad that such basic items of warm clothing are still much needed by those less fortunate than ourselves. Little did I imagine when I began this appeal that the demand would still be there nearly a quarter of a century later.

“I am so pleased that James has agreed to organise it both for this year and the future. I know that with James, the appeal will be in safe hands.