Comments on: Elvis has left the Building—Landlord at Beach Tavern disappears leaving host of questions

By: Stephen Holmwood

Stephen Holmwood — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:04:52 +0000

If the words “shame on you” should be written anywhere, then they should be written below this article and in response to it.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:07:37 +0000

I would just like to say that I have never read a more contradictory article in my entire life. I am truly shocked that whoever penned this article would make such damaging assumptions, which are based on hearsay, and reports from texts and emails? faceless people whose obvious mode of transport must be a time machine because according to your report “much of the talk over the weekend has been about what has happened” – Actually, at the weekend nothing had even happened! The Beach was still open, I know because I was there, and add to that I had the most “fantastic” and reasonably priced meal

I won’t list all the contradictions they are all there for anyone with even half a brain cell to see.. What I would say is that to publish a story on hearsay texts and emails from people who have not even got the dates right, is very sloppy and unproffesional. I look forward to seeing a retraction of this article and an apology for same.

By: contributing editors

contributing editors — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:16:51 +0000

We accept the comments above about the strength of opinion expressed in the article. They were based on initial contact that people made with us by text and email about news that the Beach Tavern had suddenly closed. We tried to reflect information supplied to us as accurately as possible.

We also accept comments made here about a previous article. However it should be noted that the source (Eastbourne Herald) in the previous article is clearly identified at the foot of the post. Where we carry local news from other sources, we always seek to identify that source and declare it. It was pointed out to us subsequently that some of the claims made to the Eastbourne Herald about the role he (Stephan) had played in relation to the story of the Olympic Torch and its proposed journey through the Bay, were open to scrutiny.

We will be returning to what is a very big story for the Bay when more information becomes available. At that time, the views that you have expressed will be reflected and given fair weight as part of the article.

There is a view, which we acknowledge, that Mr. Ritchie’s role as landlord of the Beach Tavern, as well as being very colourful, was also as you put it so succinctly, ‘positive in the area, under his stewardship’.

Simon Montgomery
Editor, Bay LIfe

By: MisterPee

MisterPee — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:52:18 +0000

Thanks for covering a subject of considerable local interest. My impression that your account is rather slanted against the missing landlord Stephan Ritchie.

For instance you state that Mr Ritchie claimed personal credit for the Olympic torch, whereas your own previous article says:
‘Stephan organised the petition and presented it to the parish council and the Olympics committee.
He said he couldn’t be sure whether the petition had made a difference to the finalised route but added, “I like to think my petition had something to do with it and I am delighted everyone will now be able to enjoy the occasion.”

Whatever the rights and wrongs of Mr Ritchie’s recent actions, The Beach Tavern’s influence has clearly been positive in the area, under his stewardship.