I am grateful to learn that things are not so bad on the Hastings line over the period from 24th December 2015 – 3rd January 2016.
There will be a direct service to Hastings from London Blackfriars station taking roughly the same time as the journey from the usual station — http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/London/HGS/271215/1000/dep
This should bring us back to a reasonable normal service. I look forward to seeing you all in Hastings for start of the rounds.