16/01/2026
We have learnt with great sadness that Andre Palfrey-Martin passed away on Tuesday night and with his passing Hastings has lost a wonderful soul and a champion of local heritage.
We first got to know Andre when we were working on the pier’s redevelopment in his role as an archivist at Hastings Museum. During the 60’s and 70’s Andre worked on the pier as band manager, booker and DJ.
We turned to him for answers and insights whenever we had a question about Sidney Little Hastings Borough Engineer who designed Bottle Alley, the promenade, car parks and Bathing Pool.
“It’s Mr Little to you and I !” - Andre used to say.
For the last 2 years Andre enjoyed a platform for heritage at the Bottle Alley Art Market where we placed him amongst the artists, in the middle of the space for anyone to approach if they had any questions regarding local history.
When we programmed the Pier relaunch event, we organised a DJ -re-union, giving Andre and his DJ group a platform once again.
They were the first DJ s to perform on the newly renovated pier. A tribute to Andre’s commitment and passion.
We will miss Andre terribly and will be forever grateful for your patience and encouraging spirit.
