Eastbourne News, January 2025, Issue 08

JANUARY 2025 | ISSUE 08
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2 NEWS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
WELCOME
HAPPY New Year to you all,
welcome to a brand new year for
your local community newspaper.
I hope you all managed to take some
time off over the new year period to
spend with friends or family, or simply
for a rest. We managed to get a few
days off, which was a nice reset, ready
for a brand new year of bringing you
the latest news and information.
The festive period was a good
chance for me to ponder over all the
happenings of last year and looking
back at everything we have done with
the newspapers — I felt extremely
thankful for all the support everyone
gives us each and every month.
We call our series of publications
‘community newspapers’ for a good
reason. When you look through the
stories we publish, many of them
are generated by the source of the
story contacting us directly, which
makes me feel grateful that we have
become a trusted outlet for news
and information.
We mentioned a few months ago,
that a recent survey suggested that
local newspapers are the most trusted
source of local news, so I always like to
make sure each edition is full of news
that matters to the area you live in.
Our office receives many phone calls
every single day with news stories and
information from you — the reader,
which is what makes this publication
so successful.
So, I’d like to encourage you to keep
doing this by contacting us using the
details below as this is how we will
continue to stand out throughout 2025
as your favourite local newspaper.
Paul Gibson
Group Editor
THE TEAM
PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR
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LYLE ACOTT – ADVERTISING SALES
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dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
CONTACT
ADVERTISING SALES — 01323 33 70 70
Eastbourne News is a publication by Regional
Media Group Ltd, a company registered in
England and Wales number: 13746177. We have
taken care to ensure that the information in this
newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher,
nor contributors can take responsibility for loss
or damage resulting from errors or omissions.
Eastbourne News does not endorse the
accuracy of the advertisements or the quality of
the products/services being advertised.
Information provided by businesses and
community organisations are provided directly
by their own representatives; please direct any
queries or comments regarding content directly
to the organisation. Any opinion or views
expressed within this publication are solely
those of the author. © 2025: No part of this
newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole
without express permission of the editor.
‘One in a Million’ nurs recognised
in global medical awards
Sylvia Hampton (third from left) with her award
A WOMAN from Hailsham
who has spent more than three
decades dedicated to developing
wound treatments has been
recognised as one of the Top Ten
Nurses in the world.
Sylvia Hampton travelled to India
recently and clinched a finalist
award for her work in the industry,
fighting off tens of thousands of
other professionals.
She was recognised for her
impactful contributions to nursing
education including extensive
training programs emphasising
wound care best practices by
organising a Tissue Viability Service.
It started in 1993 when she cared
for a man who had severe burns to
his legs and feet and Sylvia spent
weeks looking after his wounds and
gained vital experience, to then being
promoted to a wound specialist.
Her ongoing efforts led to improved
knowledge among nurses, enhancing
healing rates and significant cost
savings for the NHS.
Sylvia’s holistic approach to
wound management resulted in her
patients having an impressive 83%
healing rate within just six weeks,
showcasing the impact of education
and effective assessment.
Her patient-centred approach
and contributions to research
revolutionised wound care practices
globally, attracting medical
professionals worldwide.
Syliva told Eastbourne News: “I just
can’t believe it happened really. It was
so much fun in India when I collected
the award. It’s very surreal, but it’s a
lovely feeling that I got that far and
my 30 years in wound care has been
recognised in this way.”
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing
Awards, organised by leading
integrated healthcare provider Aster
DM Healthcare, received more than
78,000 applications from nurses in
over two hundred countries — the
Grand Jury selected Sylvia as one of
the ten most inspiring entries.
Dr. Asad Moopen, Founder
Chairman and Managing Director of
Aster DM Healthcare said: “Nurses
are the silent heroes of our healthcare
system, demonstrating unparalleled
passion and commitment to their
patients. The Aster Guardians Global
Nursing Award is our humble effort
to recognise, honour and empower
these dedicated souls who tirelessly
serve and uplift the noble cause of
the healthcare industry. We are
elated and profoundly touched
by the enthusiastic engagement
of nurses from across the globe in
this initiative.”
Apprenticeships successes
recognised at graduation ceremony
THE ACHIEVEMENTS of local
apprentices were celebrated
at a special graduation
ceremony recently.
The East Sussex Apprenticeship
Graduation Ceremony recognised
the commitment and hard work
of East Sussex apprentices from
across all industry sectors and of all
ages and levels.
The evening also celebrated the
contributions of local businesses
and educators to the programme
and underlined the importance of
apprenticeships to the local economy.
Over 50 apprentices registered
to graduate at the event held at
the Winter Garden’s Floral Hall
in Eastbourne, supported by
their employers, apprenticeship
training providers and
family members.
Councillor Bob Standley, lead
member for education and inclusion,
special educational needs and
disability at East Sussex County
Council said: “I was delighted
to attend the Apprenticeship
Graduation Ceremony recently
and celebrate with those who
participated in this year’s
apprenticeship programme.
“I offer my congratulations to all
the graduating apprentices as well
as my thanks to the businesses
and training providers who work
so hard to make the East Sussex
apprenticeship programme
such a success.”
Sylvia is not giving up yet — she is
now in the process of setting up a
chain of specialist centres, with the
first Gentell Would Healing Centre
recently opening in Guildford with
plans to continue expanding more
across the country.
She moved to Hailsham from
Newhaven eleven years ago and
says she loves the town. Syliva
concluded: “I’ve made so many
friends here, people are so kind, I
absolutely love living in Hailsham,
I’m extraordinarily happy here. If
you love what you do, then you’ll
never work another day for the
rest of your life.”
Eastbourne
Mayor’s
New Year
message
As we welcome 2025,
I reflect on the tough
times that many
residents have faced
during the past year.
Sadly, the cost of living
crisis remains an
everyday challenge for many families
and individuals. At times like these I’m
greatly heartened by our community’s
resilience, compassion, and
willingness of people to help others.
As we step into the New Year, let’s
carry this resilience with us. Let’s
embrace hope and optimism for a
brighter future. Our shared sense of
community is incredibly strong in
Eastbourne, something I will always
be most proud of.
Wishing everyone a healthy,
peaceful and prosperous year ahead.
May 2025 be filled with opportunities
and happiness for every resident in
our wonderful town.

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4 NEWS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Coastguard called
to rescue people on
small boat off coast
EMERGENCY services were called
to rescue a number of people on a
small boat in the Channel recently.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency
spokesperson told Eastbourne
News: “HM Coastguard sent a UK
Border Force vessel and an RNLI
lifeboat in response to small boat
activity reported in the Channel on
29 December. People were safely
recovered to Eastbourne.”
The photo shows the Eastbourne
RNLI all-weather lifeboat with
at least twenty people on board
wearing life jackets and hi-viz coats at
Sovereign Harbour.
There is no other
information at this time.
Stadium apologises
after traffic chaos
at racing event
A POPULAR event at Arlington
Stadium resulted in gridlocked
traffic and delays.
The closure of the overflow parking
due to waterlogging, resulted in many
visitors parking on Arlington Road
West, near Hailsham, causing traffic
chaos across the area.
Photos show many visitors taking
to foot to get to the stadium for its
National Bangers Christmas event.
The organisers posted this
statement on social media:
“Spedeworth Motorsports would like
to apologise to the local residents
for the car parking issues around
Arlington Stadium at yesterday’s
event; we are aware of the situation
and it will be addressed in the
future as more top events come to
the venue in 2025.
With an unprecedented crowd at
the Christmas event, and the fields
which are usually used for overflow
parking being severely waterlogged,
management were out on the
roads and did the best they could in
difficult conditions.
It is fantastic to see such a huge
interest in the event, and we would
like to also thank everyone for their
support at the venue.
To reiterate, we apologise to the
local residents for the car parking
issues and this will be readdressed
for the 2025 season as Stock
Car, Hot Rod and Banger racing
continues at the venue.”
Man charged
following
town bank
burglary
POLICE have charged a man
following a burglary at an
Eastbourne bank.
Marc Tatnell, 44, of no fixed
address has been charged with
burglary following the incident
which took place at a bank in
Terminus Road, Eastbourne
around 1am on 11 December.
Cash was stolen and
equipment was damaged.
Tatnell has been remanded in
custody and is due to appear at a
court to be fixed on 10 January to
answer the charges.
Witnesses or anyone with any
information or footage is asked to
contact police online or call 101
quoting serial 42 of 11/12.
Airbourne Crowned UK’s Best
Free Airshow for Fifth Year
EASTBOURNE International
Airshow is officially the UK’s Best
Free Airshow for a fifth time,
picking up the most votes in this
year’s Airscene Awards.
The free four-day airshow
picked up the top spot ahead of
Bournemouth and Blackpool after
followers of Airscene — one of the
UK’s leading airshow websites —
voted for their favourite.
Airbourne joins the winner of the
best ticketed airshow — the Royal
International Air Tattoo — with both
shows crowned the best in their
respective categories in 2024.
Votes were also cast for the Best
Display Team and Best Solo Display
with the Red Arrows and Typhoon
coming out on top, followed closely
by another Eastbourne favourite —
Rich Goodwin’s Pitts bi-plane.
In 2024 Airbourne celebrated
30 years of flying and fans were
treated to a diamond anniversary
display from the Red Arrows just
before the team embarked on their
overseas tour.
Other highlights included the RAF
Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial
Flight’s Lancaster, Tutor, Jet Provost,
The Starlings, Aerosuperbatics
Wingwalkers, Rich Goodwin Pitts
Special, Belgian Bronco, Mustang,
Spitfire and a debut from the
Swedish Draken — the first Western
European built aircraft to break
the sound barrier.
Councillor Margaret Bannister,
Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead
Member for Tourism, Leisure,
Accessibility & Community Safety,
said, “Thank you to the fans for once
again supporting the show and voting
Airbourne into first place. To receive
the top spot again, alongside the likes
of the Royal International Air Tattoo,
really is incredible.
“Plans are already underway for
2025 and we look forward to bringing
you some awesome displays. As
always, we need your help to keep the
show running — whether its booking
premium seating to guarantee the
best viewing spot or advertising your
business at the UK’s official best free
airshow — all of the money raised
supports the show and helps to fund
the flying displays.”
Airbourne returns from 14 — 17
August 2025 with premium seating
and airshow car parking already on
sale. With all proceeds supporting the
show, and some seating and parking
areas selling out last year, airshow
visitors are advised to book early to
avoid missing out.
MP launches
campaign to create
domestic abuse bill
JOSH Babarinde, MP for
Eastbourne, is calling on the
government to recognise victims of
domestic abuse in the law.
He stood in the Chamber in the
House of Commons last month
to state that there are no specific
offences that recognise domestic
abuse. This ‘legislative quirk’
means that some abusers are
eligible for early release under
the Government’s SDS40 early
release scheme — letting down
survivors of domestic abuse,
according to the MP.
Josh said: “On Good Morning Britain
today, I launched my campaign
to create a specific set of domestic
abuse offences.
Let’s close the loophole that means
some domestic abusers are convicted
of offences that do not specify the
nature of their crimes.
Having officially proposed the new
law in the House of Commons and
piled on the pressure via the media
this morning, I stood in the Chamber
to urge the Justice Secretary to back
this much-needed change in the law.”
He says it is an issue that’s close
to his heart and he knows how
important justice is to survivors of
domestic abuse.
He has already received backing
from Women’s Aid, which is a
National domestic abuse charity
working to end violence against
women and children.
Supporters of the campaign can visit
www.domesticabusebill.co.uk.

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6 NEWS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
New operator appointed to
manage Eastbourne theatres
EASTBOURNE Borough Council
has entered a partnership with
one of the UK’s top theatre and
entertainment operators to run the
town’s popular theatres.
Trafalgar Theatres — the venues
division of leading global live
entertainment company Trafalgar
Entertainment will operate the
Congress Theatre, Devonshire
Park Theatre and The Winter
Garden and conferencing and
exhibition facilities.
The theatres join a portfolio of
other Trafalgar UK and international
venues including Trafalgar Theatre
in the West End and Olympia Theatre
in London, the Theatre Royal Sydney
in Australia, The Chiswick Cinema,
and many UK regional theatres in
its portfolio including Southend
Cliffs Pavilion, New Theatre Cardiff,
Fareham Live, G Live Guildford,
Wycombe Swan, and the Pavilion
Theatre Glasgow.
Through a Creative Learning
programme, Trafalgar Entertainment
provides unique learning experiences
for the communities it serves.
Each year, Trafalgar’s work across
its regional theatres has touched the
lives of over 50,000 people through
youth theatre activities, interactive
workshops and masterclasses, and
groups for adults in later life.
The company also collaborates
with local schools, colleges and
universities, and fosters strong
partnerships with local community
theatre organisations and amateur
groups, ensuring that theatre remains
accessible to all.
Founded by Sir Howard Panter
and Dame Rosemary Squire in 2017,
Trafalgar has close partnerships with
leading theatre companies such as
Lincoln Center Theatre New York
and the Barbican Centre (including a
soon to be announced 2025 season).
Prior to Trafalgar Entertainment, Sir
Howard and Dame Rosemary led the
growth of the Ambassador Theatre
Group (ATG) from its inception to
becoming the largest global live
theatre company.
Sir Howard was knighted for
services to theatre in 2013, while
Dame Rosemary was made a Dame
in 2018 for services to theatre
and philanthropy.
Sir Howard Panter, Joint CEO
and Creative Director at Trafalgar
Entertainment, said: “We’re delighted
to be working with Eastbourne
Borough Council.
Together, the Devonshire
Quarter Venues form an
entertainment epicentre on the East
Sussex coast. We are immensely
proud of our work in regional
venues, including recently bringing
our world-class productions of The
King and I and The Rocky Horror
Show to Eastbourne, and passionately
believe that local audiences outside
London deserve the very best.
Through Trafalgar’s unique model
Eastbourne audiences are assured
that the best shows and events will
be brought to Eastbourne alongside
major new productions premiering
here. Under our operation, local
businesses across the wider area
will continue to reap the economic
benefits that a thriving theatre
complex brings.
Our team is looking forward to
working with new colleagues in
Eastbourne to develop and enhance
the operation. During challenging
financial times for councils up and
down the country — we congratulate
Eastbourne Borough Council for their
foresight in selecting Trafalgar as its
partner to protect these wonderful
venues for the future.”
Refurbished children’s home
reopens following storm damage
STAFF and residents at a children’s
residential home in Eastbourne
celebrated its reopening recently
following storm damage last year.
The Bungalow, which
accommodates up to seven children
and young people aged between
7 and 19 with complex needs and
disabilities, suffered extensive
damage when Storm Ciaran
hit last October.
High winds got under the roof and
rainwater penetrated the building
causing severe damage to the
bedrooms and electrics.
Over the last year large parts of
the home have been repaired and
planned refurbishments carried out
to ensure the building is safe and
meets the needs of the residents.
During the repair work, staff
ensured that the lives of the
children affected continued as
smoothly as possible.
Despite the young people being
housed temporarily in Bexhill,
staff worked hard to make sure the
children were disrupted as little as
possible, including coordinating
and managing the school transport
so the children could continue their
schooling in Eastbourne.
At a special event children, staff and
parents celebrated the refurbished
home and the new facilities, which
include a sensory room, a fitted
kitchen, newly refurbished bedrooms
and bathrooms, and a range of
outdoor games and activities as well
as an enclosed fire pit.
The Bungalow has been a
residential children’s home for
20 years and is run by East Sussex
County Council.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne JANUARY 2025 NEWS 7
Hundred-mile challenge
exceeds fundraising targets
Town Voted Dog Friendly
for Second Year Running
Cheque presentation to St Wilfrid’s Hospice
A WOMAN from Eastbourne
who set out to raise a thousand
pounds for St. Wilfrid’s Hospice
smashed all her targets after
raising almost three times the
amount for the cause.
Claire Johnson received a breast
cancer diagnosis two years ago - her
response was to set up the Breast
Friends Forever website with her copartner
and website designer Emily
Hurd. It’s aimed to be a supportive
space for everyone affected by breast
cancer to come together.
With ten of Claire’s friends, they
completed the 100 for £100 Challenge,
which eventually raised £3,600 for St
Wilfrid’s Hospice.
Claire said: “The idea for the
Challenge came from my friend
The team who took part in the walk
Sab Richardson after her recent
experiences with the illness.
We all walked 100 miles during
October, three and a half miles per
day in all weathers, to raise £100
each, “but we have far surpassed that
amount, which is wonderful”
It was lovely for us all going back
into nature. We walked mainly
around the Eastbourne area. It
was wonderful for us all to meet
at The Perch Cafe in Princes Park
in November and donate such a
large amount to St Wilfrids Hospice
Directors, who attended the event”
Since its launch, Breast Friends
Forever has donated more than
£9,000 to Macmillan Cancer
Support, Breast Cancer Now and St.
Wilfrid’s Hospice.
She added: ”The charity is very
important to Emily and myself, and
we want to help as many people as
possible. I am now also trained in
Level 2 Cancer Care so the website
can also be seen as a place where I can
offer support. Claire says that more
men than women die of breast cancer
pro rata, hence her urging people to
connect with Breast Friends Forever
to get the support they need where
there is help for Men as well.
Breast Friends Forever also
hopes to continue raising money
this year for the three charities
they support and the worthwhile
improvements in Cancer care, that
they strive to achieve.
For more information, visit:
www.breastfriendsforever.co.uk
Eastbourne dog-friendly
accommodation. Photo: James Ratchford
EASTBOURNE has been voted
one of the UK’s most dog
friendly destinations for a
second year running.
The National Dog Friendly Awards,
organised by Dog Friendly magazine,
recognises the venues, towns and
cities that offer outstanding levels of
service and the best welcome for dogs
and their owners.
Held at the Kennel Club’s
Headquarters in London, Eastbourne
was this year presented with a
silver award for the UK’s most dog
friendly town or city, after winning
bronze in 2023.
The award was collected by Karey
Whitmore - author of Eastbourne’s
Dog Friendly Guide – who attended
the awards with her dog Scamp, on
behalf of VisitEastbourne.
Collecting the award from actress
and presenter Debbie Arnold, Karey
said “This is such great news for
Eastbourne. Not only is it the sunniest
Scamp with Eastbourne’s award
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place in the UK but it really is one of
the most dog friendly towns too.
“With so many dog friendly places
to stay, places to eat, shop and nearby
dog friendly venues to explore,
there would never be a need to leave
doggie behind. Plus, with four miles
of glorious promenade and the South
Downs on our doorstep, going for
walkies is always a joy!”
Eastbourne celebrated its first
ever Dog Friendly Award last year,
following a series of partnership work
between VisitEastbourne, Karey
Whitmore, the Friends of Eastbourne
Seafront, and the Chatsworth Hotel,
which resulted in a new Dog Friendly
Guide, venue recognition scheme and
dog friendly events.
Eastbourne’s Dog Friendly Guide
2025 is available to pick up now
from Eastbourne Visitor Centre,
the Seafront Office and selected
venues, or download online at www.
visiteastbourne.com/pet-friendly.
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8 NEWS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Andromeda M31
Comet Neowise photographed by John through the
slot of one of the Observatories at Herstmonceux
Astro images from
Sussex are out
of this world
JOHN Fox has had his eye to a
camera for the past six decades
and has become famous across
East Sussex for his incredible
astrophotography skills.
Editor Paul Gibson sat with John
within the grounds of the historic
Herstmonceux Observatory Science
Centre, where he spends a lot of his
time, to find out about his passion for
photography and the solar system.
When John was just seven years
old in the early 1950s, his father built
a four-inch telescope reflector from
a kit, and as soon as John observed
the moon and planets through the
telescope, he knew there was no
going back, and a long and interesting
and career in photography and
astronomy began.
After leaving school, John worked
as a salesman in a Brighton camera
shop. Later, he and his brother
Ian owned and ran a camera
shop in Hove for 14 years, and
over the years, he was recognised
for his photography skills and
was approached to become
a news photographer for the
then Evening Argus.
This career path led to him being
headhunted by the Manchester
Evening News, where he became a
key part of the team covering major
stories across the city and the North
West until he retired after taking
redundancy in 1996.
During his 32-year career as a press
photographer, John continued to
develop his love of astrophotography
and was always called upon to
capture key stories, such as solar
eclipses and comets that made
huge headlines.
Throughout his career, John
boasts he has photographed a total
of 1,400 weddings — but admits to
acting ‘dumb’ nowadays when being
invited to ceremonies — going back to
photographing the bride and groom
is something far from his agenda
these days. He was also named
Photographer of the Year in 1983
after his award-winning images were
published in the region’s press.
He is now often found standing in
the dark looking upwards with his
digital photography equipment to
capture galaxies, planets and key
solar moments to produce some
breathtaking images for all to see.
As Chairman of the Wealden
Astronomers, a group of almost
50 like-minded individuals, John
has been known to stand in deep
snow for five hours to capture a
night sky in temperatures as low as
-6ºC, making him, quite literally,
outstanding in his field.
John fondly remembers the
days of film photography and
says it has never been easier to get
stunning images of space. He cites a
memory in the late ’80s when most
of us had never heard of the term
‘digital photography’.
John told me: “The Manchester
Evening News (MEN) embraced
technology from the earliest
possible moments. Even in 1996,
the company purchased the first
Kodak/Nikon professional digital
cameras with a tiny 1.5 MB memory
and had mobile phones and modems
mounted in a portable suitcase which
transmitted images to the office — the
company really was ten years ahead
of anyone else.
By 1996, almost all photographers
for the company were made
redundant, and just one staff
photographer would go out to take
all the images for the newspaper and
send all the images back to the office
from a briefcase in true James Bond
style. There was no need for him to
John Fox at Herstmonceux Science Centre
return to base to process images like
the ‘old days’.”
Nowadays, John is happily retired in
Polegate, where he Chairs Wealden
Astronomers, which for two years
had been based at Herstmonceux
castle until the castle’s temporary
closure for emergency restoration
work in November 2023, and is
extremely active in developing the
group. He is also dedicated to passing
on his skills in bespoke one-day
Astrophotography courses, which
are run from the Observatory Science
Centre twice a year.
John said: “It’s paramount that we
encourage new blood, not only into
the astronomy group but also teach
camera owners to point them to the
skies to capture what is happening.
The courses are designed to help
anyone from absolute beginners to
professional photographers get the
best from their equipment.
There is so much happening up
there, and with the developments
in technology, almost everyone can
get some stunning photographs like
mine. All it takes is some patience and
a love of space.”
Visit the-observatory.org/events
to learn about stargazing evenings
and John’s astrophotography
courses. John is also a STEM
ambassador volunteer at both the
castle and the Observatory Science
Centre and attends most of the OSC
public stargazing evenings with his
telescope equipment.
You can see more of Wealden
astronomers work on their website
www.wealdenastronomers.org

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne JANUARY 2025 NEWS 9
Spectacular timelapse photography from the Science Centre
Herstmonceux Castle captured at night Comet Neowise captured by John from Herstmonceux in 2020
John being interviewed for BBC’s Sky at Night. Photo Raquel Taylor

10 NEWS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
You’re touring in April and
May, how did you select
the venues because they’re
quite small compared to the
traditional stadiums?
It’s very much trying to cover as
most of the UK as we can and sort
of reconnect with people that love
that album and want to come and
hear some of the maybe deeper cuts
that we don’t play at festival sets and
things like that.
In February, we’re supporting
James Blunt on his Back to Bedlam
20th Anniversary Tour, so we’re going
to some of these bigger places then.
But, it would have been nice to come
down south, but maybe later in the
year, we can work out something
for Eastbourne.
Eastbourne’s Toploader
announces 25th anniversary tour
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
TOPLOADER shot to fame in
the late 90s with their Dancing
in the Moonlight cover and over
the past two and a half decades,
they have performed all over
the world boasting gigs with
the likes of Coldplay, Robbie
Williams and Bon Jovi.
The band recently announced it is
hitting the road this year on a twelvedate
tour around the UK.
Frontman, Joe Washbourn took
some time from planning the group’s
25th Anniversary tour and spoke to
editor, Paul Gibson about the plans
and the band’s love of Eastbourne.
You’ve announced twelve dates for a
comeback tour in April and May this
year to celebrate 25 years of making
music, how are the plans going?
It’s been a little while since we’ve
done a tour as such — it’s been a good
few years. We’re always busy out and
about during the summer doing lots
of festivals and things like that, but I
think the opportunity of going out and
celebrating, unbelievably 25 years
since our first album, is just mental.
It was a real opportunity to go out
and tour again and play some of the
songs from the album that maybe
we haven’t played for many years,
I’m really excited about the idea of
being able to go out and share it again
with people that loved it the first
time around and people that maybe
didn’t know it.
You still have a huge fan base in
Eastbourne — do you find those fans
still follow you on tour, or are you
finding new fans along the way?
Absolutely, the joy of music streaming
now means everything’s so accessible.
So, we really find it’s very much
across the board.
In Eastbourne, where we all started,
a lot of that first album was written
in our bedsits and the student flats
in the town. We sort of managed
to go out and be a proper band so
grew our fanbase from proper
face-to-face gigs.
But, the success of something like
Dancing in the Moonlight, means
the album is now being listened to by
lots of different people. I mean, that
song, in particular, has gone through
the generations.
I know from even my daughter’s
generation, that they all know that
song, which is a great little advert for
everything else that we’ve done since.
How did that song come about?
Obviously, it’s a cover of the 1972
hit by Kelly’s Band Boffalongo,
but what made you decide to
pick up on that?
It’s funny, back in the day, I used to
have this big elaborate story of how it
was my Mum’s favourite song. She’s
a Motown fan and she always used to
do the Hoovering to it, but basically,
it came down to when were working
with an America producer. There
was a lot of pop in the charts and as
we’d gone past the Brit Pop thing, it
was quite difficult for an Indie band to
break into. So, we had this idea for this
song, which was a big hit in the ’70s in
the States, and it was a real sliding door
moment, but we nearly didn’t do it.
We just did a version of it one day in
the studio and the vocal really suited
my voice and it just turned out, as it
turned out. It’s one of those songs that
spreads a lot of joy to a lot of people
and we’re really proud of it.
Twenty-five years on — do you ever
get bored of singing Dancing in
the Moonlight?
There was a little period in the middle,
when we took a breather in the mid-
2000s, but like all bands after a certain
while, you start to appreciate the big
songs you’ve got, but these days, it
pretty much sings itself really. So, we
never get bored of singing it, we just
always look for new ways to perform
it live and do it justice on stage and get
people involved.
That’s what a lot of the sets are about
these days, getting everyone involved
and making sure everyone feels
immersed in what you’re doing and
goes home having had a great time.
As we both lived in Eastbourne in
the same era, I’m going to remind
you of some of the hottest places
we went to and I want to hear your
memories of them.
TJ’s — Yeah, 100 per cent. I
remember all the bouncers there
André and Danny Berry and all those
guys. I remember a little bit later on
down the line, when we got a record,
we used to be able to skip the queue,
which was when we really knew
we had arrived!
Atlantis? — Yeah, We played in
there with I think was Cast, but I
wasn’t much of a punter there as
I wasn’t really a ‘boogier’, but we
did played there. Atlantis was a big
part of the scene of growing up in
Eastbourne, so, I remember it well.
Counting House? — I frequented
there quite a lot. The back garden in the
summer in those days was amazing.
plastic chairs came out, so I was there
quite a lot at that point — we all were.
We had a flat up in Bedford Grove,
where I lived with Dan Hipgrave, the
guitar player, where we wrote some
of the songs for the album. So, the
Counting House was just down the
road; that was our local really.
Do you get back to Eastbourne
much these days?
I still have a lot of friends and
family there, so I get down as much
as I can and see the town — it’s
lovely to come back.
It’s interesting to see how the town
has changed. Obviously, in the late
90s, it was kind of a different town
altogether really, it has got an awful
lot bigger now.
I still love being near the sea, and
that’s where the dream of being in a
band came about — looking out to see
and thinking what is out there for us
and that’s something about living by
the sea that does that.
I was going to ask you why
Eastbourne isn’t on your tour list
— but you have played here quite
recently right?
Yeah, over the years, we’ve played a
number of gigs in the town, we did the
Bandstand a few years ago, but, it’s
just one of those things, when a tour
gets put together by a promoter, you
kind of just go with it.
We did a lovely Festival out near
Arlington Reservoir last year which
was absolutely lovely. It was just
really nice to be back in East Sussex,
and you know, get friends and family
to come along. It’s a buzzing scene
down there which is good.
You mentioned James Blunt
earlier, but you’ve also played with
some huge names over the years.
What’s been the highlight of your
25-year career?
It’s really difficult to say as we all still
love playing live, but over the years,
we’ve done the old Wembley Stadium
with Bon Jovi, been out on big tours
with Robbie. In the early days, we got
to go on tour with Paul Weller which
was incredible.
We feel very comfortable doing
what we’re doing now, so, I think
the highlight is that we’re still able to
do it really. I think that’s something
we’re very appreciative of and will
continue to be.
So, what does the future hold?
Another 25 years?
If you had said to me when we
started in 1997 that we would still be
gigging 25 years later — I would have
laughed at you and thought I’d be an
‘old man’ by then!
But, all the time we love doing it, I
don’t see anything changing. I think
this year, we’re going to be getting
in the studio and recording a new
album, so that’s exciting.
For me, it’s always about moving
forward and doing new stuff.
Obviously, people come to hear some
of the music they know and love, but
as a band, producing new material
is a big part of it. I think all the time
we’re writing and love playing live, I
can’t see any reason to end it.
For information on the band’s
forthcoming tour and tickets, visit
www.toploaderofficial.com.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne JANUARY 2025 NEWS 11
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
WRITE to
the editor
by scanning
the QR code
here or visiting:
www.eastsussex.news/letters
County to receive £21m to
fix potholes and roads
THE Government has announced
a countrywide £297m boost to fill
potholes and repair roads, with
East Sussex receiving £21m over
the 2025/26 period.
It comes as part of a record £1.6bn
Government investment across
England — an increase of nearly 50%
on local road maintenance funding
from last year — it is enough to fix
the equivalent of over seven million
potholes, according to officials.
Local authorities in the South
East will each receive a share of
the funding, as the Government
looks to rebuild Britain as part of its
‘Plan for Change’.
This comes as figures from the RAC
show drivers encounter an average
of six potholes per mile in England
and Wales, and the cost of pothole
damage to vehicles is around £500
on average, with more severe
repairs costing considerably more.
According to the AA, fixing potholes is
a priority for 96 per cent of drivers.
Each local authority can use its
share of the £1.6bn for 2025/6 to
identify which of their roads are in
most need of repair and to deliver
immediate fixes for communities and
raise living standards across every
area of the country.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“Broken roads can risk lives and cost
families hundreds if not thousands of
pounds on repairs. That’s a cost that
can easily be avoided by investing
properly in our roads.
Through our Plan for Change, we’re
determined to put more money back
into the pockets of hardworking
people and improve living standards.
That’s why we’re giving councils
funding to repair our roads and
get Britain moving again — with
a clear expectation that they get
on with the job.”
Eastbourne is just one of a large
number of towns across the county
which has its problems. The town’s
MP, Josh Babarinde is amongst the
many motorists who have had their
cars damaged by potholes.
He told Eastbourne News: “After
years of under-investment by the
Conservative-led County Council, our
roads are in an absolute state.
I’ve lost two of my own tyres
from driving on Eastbourne’s roads,
so, I will be fighting to ensure
Eastbourne to gets a fair share
of this funding.”
Road users in the South East are also
being encouraged to report potholes
in their area to their local council
through a dedicated Gov.uk page.
FAIR
FARES
FOR ALL!
Get on board with reduced fares on
all East Sussex buses.
Visit our website for more information about
eligibility and operators:
eastsussex.gov.uk/Bus-Fares

12 NEWS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Drought at Pevensey Levels. Photo: Sam Roberts
A Wetland
Renaissance:
Bringing Pevensey
Levels Back to Life
BY JAMIE PARSONS: HEAD OF
NATURE RESERVES SUSSEX
WILDLIFE TRUST
Photo: Graeme Lyons
SUSSEX Wildlife Trust and
National Highways have joined
forces to launch an exciting
and ambitious Network for
Nature project to bring Pevensey
Levels back to life as one of
the great biodiverse wetlands
of the UK, benefiting people,
nature and wildlife.
You pass through the Pevensey
Levels driving from Eastbourne
to Bexhill on the A259. It stretches
over 3,500 hectares (13.5 sq. miles)
between Eastbourne, Hailsham and
Bexhill. It has many designations,
such as SSSI (Site of Special Scientific
Interest), SAC (Special Area for
Conservation) and RAMSAR
(an International Designation
for Important Wetlands). Yet,
many people are unaware of its
international importance.
It is a landscape dominated by big
skies, acres of lush wet grassland,
intersected by many miles of ditches
filled with nationally rare aquatic
species. However, there used to
be another element Pevensey
was famous for, which has all but
disappeared, and that is huge flocks
of wetland birds. Through history,
the levels have transitioned from
salt marsh through to freshwater
marsh, then grazing marsh and today
it’s an important grazing area for
agriculture in the South East, with
animals being turned out in spring for
finishing (fattening up) on the lush
wet grassland before market.
In 1996, Sussex Wildlife Trust
purchased 150 hectares of land on
the Levels which was subsequently
designated a National Nature Reserve
along with a parcel of land owned
by Natural England. The reserve
supports rare species such as the Fen
Raft Spider, at least 25 rare aquatic
molluscs, 16 species of Odonata
such as Hairy Dragonfly, along
with a huge number of rare aquatic
invertebrates and plants.
However, when we purchased
the site in the late 1990s, there were
large flocks of waterfowl and waders
overwintering on the reserve, along
Photo: Glenn Norris
with small numbers of Lapwing and
Redshank breeding. Today, these
flocks have all but disappeared
from the Levels.
So what has caused this decline?
Essentially it comes down to water.
Availability of water at the right
time of year is critical for a healthy,
balanced system. This balance
has been altered due to extensive
water management infrastructure
installed on the Levels in the 1970s.
Water is pumped off the Levels in
winter and held back in the summer,
resulting in water levels being held
at a constant all year round. Good
news for farming.
But when you bring in challenges
of increased water extraction and
climate change, suddenly this system
starts to fail. With less water flowing
through the system and hotter
summers causing more evaporation,
the system is working to a deficit with
less and less water being held within
the wetland, causing it to dry out.
With £600,000 funding from the
Network for Nature project, we
have begun our restoration project
by carrying out earth works on our
reserve. These have been taking
place over recent months. The aim
is to create a mosaic of habitats by
blocking and meandering ditches,
digging scrapes and creating deeper
ponds as well as undulations.
Together, these measures will help
‘re-wet’ the Levels, allowing wetland
species to re-colonise lost territories.
We are also working in partnership
Photo: Neil Fletcher
with farmers, neighbours and
partners, in order to raise water levels
and create new habitat where we
can to restore wetlands more widely
on the Pevensey Levels. The aim is
to create an archipelago of wetland
habitat right across the Levels
providing stepping stones for species
to move through the landscape.
As you might expect, initially the
transformation is creating a lot of
mud! We hope the earthworks will be
finished around December 2024, after
which the restoration of the habitat
will slowly begin. We will keep you
up to date as to progress along the
way. Follow our blogs and social
media updates and join us on this
exciting journey to bring Pevensey
Levels back to life.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne JANUARY 2025 NEWS 13
Ken Brooks is a volunteer driver for Cuckmere Community Buses
What’s it like to be a
volunteer bus driver?
KEN Brooks wanted something
to keep him busy in retirement —
driving with Cuckmere Community
Buses was just the ticket.
How did you become a
volunteer bus driver?
I was due to retire from working
in London in March 2016 and was
looking for something to do. My
wife saw an advert on the back
of a Cuckmere bus and thought I
might enjoy it. I rang the number,
was impressed with the aims and
principles of the charity and signed
up. She was right (as she always is!) I
enjoy the driving, being part of a very
friendly and worthy organisation
and providing a service to the
country villages.
What was the training like?
Although the buses are quite a bit
bigger than a car, they are surprisingly
easy to drive. Training was really well
organised. I did several drives with an
instructor on two different buses and
then a simple driving theory test. You
don’t need a special licence to drive
our buses either.
How often do you drive and how
many routes do you know?
I drive five or six times a month. I
try and fit round my wife’s diary so it
doesn’t interfere with home life too
much. I know four routes, but mainly
drive two — both country village routes
where the driving conditions can be
interesting! You never know quite
what’s coming round the next bend,
but it’s great fun.
What’s your favourite drive and why?
I honestly couldn’t choose between
routes 42 and 43. They both connect
rural villages with Hailsham or
Eastbourne and Polegate. I love
driving the country lanes and visiting
the pretty villages. Every drive has
something different to notice. You
might see horse riders out and about,
farmers busy in the fields and senior
cycling clubs out for their weekly rides.
I love seeing the seasons change too —
new spring flowers in the hedgerows
or the changing colours of leaves in the
Autumn. It’s a joy!
What’s the best thing about driving
for Cuckmere Buses?
The best part is the passengers! It
is more of a social gathering than a
journey to the shops. In the outlying
villages there is no commercial bus
service. We provide an essential
service to people who can’t drive and
have no other means of transport apart
from expensive taxis. I haven’t yet
met an unhappy passenger. I recently
drove one regular passenger who was
Keith Moore and Ken
Brooks, volunteer drivers
recovering from a broken hip all the
way up to her front door as she was
still a bit unsteady on her feet. It only
took a few extra minutes and the other
passengers were very grateful for that
little service to a fellow passenger.
To find out more call 07711 243419 or
email nick@cuckmerebuses.org.uk
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14 NEWS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Community Business Award — Pathfinders Youth
Businesses and
entrepreneurs gather
to celebrate successes
Creative Excellence Award — Bodiblossom
THE annual Eastbourne Business
Awards took place recently which
saw a range of businesses and
individuals recognised for their
efforts in the business world.
The event, sponsored by Brufords,
was a celebration of the best
Eastbourne has to offer across a range
of categories. Accolades on the night
went to businesses that have excelled
in fields as diverse as best start-up
and best large business, as well as
outstanding sustainable business and
the award for digital excellence.
Sandwiched between a glamorous
drinks reception, generously
sponsored by Handelsbanken, and
a cheeky dance, courtesy of the
band Large, the awards ceremony
was hosted this year by Chamber
CEO Christina Ewbank and
comedian Helen Lederer.
As well as recognising excellence
and creativity, the awards ceremony
raises money for important local
causes. The recipients this year
were St Wilfrid’s Hospice, The
Leaf Hall Community Centre and
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare.
The three charities will share
the proceeds from the evening’s
raffle and auction.
Work is already underway
planning the 2025 business awards,
which will take place at the Winter
Garden in October.
Health & Wellbeing Award — RMJ Wellbeing
All the winners of the annual business awards
Compere Helen Lederer and Chamber CEO Christina Ewbank

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne JANUARY 2025 NEWS 15
SME Business Award (1-9 Employees) — Design Lab
SME Business Award (10-49 Employees) — Corin Dudley Electrical Services
SME Large Business Award — (50+ Employees)
Owen Contractors & Scaffolding
Customer Service Excellence Award — Prints Regent
Digital Excellence Award — Fountain Digital
Outstanding Family Business Award — DB Domestics
Outstanding New Business/Start-Up Award — Ace Corporate Fitness
Overall Business of the Year 2024 — Corin Dudley Electrical Services — Overall Business
Outstanding Sustainable/Green Business Award — Cadence
Outstanding Tourism/Accommodation Award — Hydro Hotel
Employer of the Year Award — The View Hotel
Outstanding Young Achiever-Apprentice Award
— Elliemae Watson from Elite Muscle Welfare
Outstanding Food & Drink Award — Journeys Wine Bar & Resturant
Outstanding Professional Service Award — Bees Homes Property
Lifetime Achievement Award — Jonathan Webley, Grand Hotel

16 NEWS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Campaign to
support mental
wellbeing launched
THE ‘How Are You Really Feeling?’
campaign, has been running over
the festive and New Year period
to raise awareness of the range of
services and resources available in
Sussex to support people with their
mental wellbeing.
It also aims to make mental
health a positive part of everyday
conversation by encouraging
everyone to regularly check-in with
themselves and those around them.
An estimated 220,000 people
in Sussex (around 13% of the
population) are believed to have a
common mental health disorder.
However, the true number is likely
to be significantly higher, as this
estimate only accounts for those who
have been recorded as accessing
services, according to statistics.
Coproduced by a diverse range of
organisations including the NHS,
local authorities, primary care
providers, charities, voluntary
groups, and people with lived
experience, the ‘How Are You Really
Feeling?’ campaign is the first-time
organisations and champions of
mental health across Sussex have
come together in this way to promote
mental wellbeing.
The campaign also highlights the
recently developed mental health
signposting resources for adults
over the age of 18, cocreated by
individuals with lived experience,
service providers, and partner
organisations across Sussex.
It includes information on vital
crisis support as well as resources
for people to take proactive steps in
managing their mental health.
Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer at
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation
Trust, said: “Christmas and the
New Year can be a difficult time
for many, challenging us mentally
and emotionally. It’s not always
easy to see, as people often hide
their struggles, or say they’re fine
when they’re not. Checking in with
someone - or reaching out yourself to
others who might need your support
— can make all the difference.
People across Sussex are
encouraged to visit how-are-youreally-feeling-sussex.nhs.uk.
Drivers to receive sat nav alerts
to warn of emergency vehicles
AMBULANCES across Sussex will
be sending alerts via Sat Nav Apps
to drivers to make them aware
of their presence with an aim of
improving response times.
South East Coast Ambulance
Service NHS Foundation Trust
(SECAmb) has become the first
ambulance service in Europe
to fit digital alerting to its
emergency vehicles.
SECAmb is testing the system,
Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert, which
enables real-time alerting between
emergency and other vehicles, with
the aim of improving road safety.
Alerts are delivered to drivers
today through leading navigation
apps including Waze and Apple
Maps. Soon, alerts will also become
available through new compatible
vehicles as they come to the
market. Drivers can receive the
alerts, potentially in advance of
seeing or hearing a vehicle’s blue
lights and sirens.
SECAmb will turn on the alerts
on its vehicles next week (Monday,
9 December), allowing the
notifications to begin being received
when its vehicles are responding
on blue lights.
As well as improving road safety,
the system is also expected to reduce
the cost and time associated with
repairing damaged vehicles. It is
also hoped the alerts will enable
ambulances to progress more
smoothly through traffic, potentially
reducing operational response times
and the Trust’s carbon footprint.
The system is being implemented
through SECAmb’s existing
relationship with ACETECH which
provides the Trust with a cloudbased
fleet telematics solution.
SECAmb Fleet Services Manager,
Rob Martin said: “We are pleased
to be trialling this technology in
our response vehicles. The alerts,
in addition to traditional lights and
sirens, will mean motorists able to
use the system will be aware of our
presence sooner. This extra time not
only creates a safer experience for
motorists but also our operational
crews and patients across
the south east.”
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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne JANUARY 2025 REGULARS 17
A MATTER OF TASTE
We send anonymous members of the team to check out local pubs, cafes and restaurants to give you an honest review.
These visits are not pre-arranged, and the venues do not know they are reviewing the food and drink!
ALL ABOUT YEW: A PUB TO REMEMBER
enjoyable. The camembert was another
hit. Served with garlic and rosemary,
the addition of a fig and honey chutney
added a delightful sweetness. While the
crostini served alongside were crisp and
tasty, we found ourselves wishing for a
few extra slices to mop up the generous
portion of cheese.
For mains, we opted for the Homemade
Camembert starter
Cauliflour Bang Bang
Chilli Con Carne (£14) and the Pan-Fried
THE Yew Tree in Arlington is a pub
we’ve visited numerous times over
the years. It’s a family favourite, often
the destination for Sunday drives or
impromptu lunches with friends. During
summer, it’s easy to see why it’s so
popular. With a sprawling garden,
a children’s playground, and a dogfriendly
atmosphere, it’s a quintessential
countryside retreat. But this time, our
visit couldn’t have been more different.
It was a cold, dark evening in late
November when we returned to the Yew
Tree. The contrast to its summer charm
was striking but equally delightful. As
we approached, the glow of Christmas
lights illuminated the wintery darkness.
The pub seemed to stand out even
more against the shrouded countryside,
beckoning us in with its warmth.
Upon entering, we were met with the
unmistakable smell of an open fire—a
comforting scent that instantly made
us feel at home.
Pan-fried Seabass
The pub was quiet, with just a handful
of diners enjoying the calm before the
festive season rush. We were shown to
a table next to the crackling fire, a prime
spot on such a chilly evening. It was the
perfect setting: cosy, welcoming, and
full of rustic charm. The Yew Tree has
always maintained its traditional pub
feel while offering modern twists to its
food and drink menus, and this visit
was no exception.
To start, we ordered a bowl of mixed
marinated olives (£4) to nibble on
while we browsed the extensive menu.
Gluten-free Chilli-con-Carne
As always, deciding was a challenge.
The starters alone were enticing, with
options like Leek & Potato Soup (£8),
Prawn & Avocado Salad (£8), and
Devilled Whitebait (£7.50). Ultimately,
we went for the Crispy Bang Bang
Cauliflower (£7.50) and the Baked
Camembert (£9).
The cauliflower was a standout. Lightly
battered and cooked to perfection, it
retained its crunch, and the spicy sauce
heightened it to a dish full of flavour.
It’s something I’ve tried (and failed) to
replicate at home, making it all the more
Seabass (£18.50). The chilli, served with
basmati rice, sour cream, and spring
onions, was hearty and warming. The
gluten-free twist gave it a slightly
different texture from traditional
beef chilli, but the flavours were
rich and satisfying. The seabass was
beautifully cooked, with its flaky texture
complemented by plump king prawns
and a garlic chilli butter that added a
wonderful kick. The steamed potatoes
and broccoli provided a perfectly
balanced accompaniment.
The menu offers something for
everyone, with other mains including
Breaded Scampi (£14.50), Hunter’s
Chicken (£14.50), and Pork Tenderloin
(£17.50). For steak lovers, there’s an 8oz
Sirloin Steak (£23). If you’re in the mood
for burgers, the pub’s separate gourmet
burger menu is worth exploring. With
clever names like “Yew Know Yew
Want To” and “Hallou-Me, Hallou-You,”
they’re as creative as they are delicious.
New Year, New You
How would you feel if someone said,
“Wow—you look amazing!”
every day?
If you’re tired of staring at your wardrobe
and feeling uninspired, it’s time to discover
the confidence that comes with wearing the
right colours.
Donna Lane is a qualified Colour & Style
Consultant with House of Colour. Donna’s
approach isn’t about fashion—it’s about the
science of colour and finding what works
for you.
Visit Donna in her beautiful Hailsham
studio and experience the magic of colour
analysis over coffee and cake. Using a range
of drapes, she reveals how different shades
affect your skin tone, eyes, and overall look.
Discover your wow colours—the vibrant
palette that truly enhances your best features.
Discover the Colours That Love You Back!
The transformation is incredible. Donna’s
expert guidance gives you a clear understanding
of which colours suit you, along
with a personalised colour fan to take shopping.
Know exactly what to wear to look
and feel your best—effortlessly.
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Just confidence every day.
If you’re ready to refresh your style, embrace
your true self, and make 2025 your
year, book a Colour Analysis session with
Donna Lane today. It’s an investment in
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New Year, New You—because you deserve
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Vegetarian and vegan options are
available too, ensuring no one is left out.
Families are well catered for, with a
dedicated children’s menu that’s both
affordable and varied. For £6.95, kids
can enjoy options like a Chicken Burger
with Chips, Tomato Pasta, or Fish
Fingers, Chips & Peas—all rounded off
with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
Speaking of desserts, the selection
was as tempting as the rest of the menu.
We opted for the Sticky Toffee Pudding
(£7), served with a generous scoop of
creamy vanilla ice cream. The rich toffee
sauce was the perfect indulgence on a
cold evening. Other choices included
a warming Apple, Plum & Cinnamon
Crumble (£7) and a decadent Salted
Caramel & Chocolate Brownie (£7).
By the end of the meal, we were full,
warm, and utterly content. There’s
something special about dining in a
countryside pub, especially on a dark
winter’s night. The Yew Tree manages to
capture the magic of both seasons—its
lively summer garden and its cosy winter
fireside offer two completely different,
yet equally enjoyable, experiences.
It’s a pub that combines great food, a
welcoming atmosphere, and charm.
Visitors can get 20% off food bills when
you pre-book during January, Monday-
Friday for tables up to six people.
The Yew Tree Inn, Arlington, Polegate,
East Sussex, BN26 6RX
www.yewtree-inn.co.uk
01323 870590

18 REGULARS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
EASTBOURNE BID (BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT) with Luke Johnson, Operations Manager
EASTBOURNE TOWN CENTRE:
LOOKING AHEAD TO A BRIGHT FUTURE
WELCOME to the inaugural monthly
column dedicated to all things
Eastbourne Town Centre.
We’d like to start by expressing our
thanks to Paul Gibson and Eastbourne
News for giving us the opportunity
to keep you informed about all the
exciting events and developments
coming to our town.
My name is Luke
Johnson, and I’m the
Operations Manager for
Your Eastbourne BID
(Business Improvement
District). As this is the
first column, it’s worth
Luke Johnson taking a moment to
explain a little about what a BID is and
how it helps to shape our town.
There are around 300 BIDs across
the country, and Your Eastbourne
BID was established following a vote
of local businesses who wanted to
improve the experience of shopping,
working and visiting Eastbourne. We are
predominantly funded by the businesses
within the town. Whilst the Council
also contribute (as they have offices
here), it’s important to note that we are
separate from them and do not provide
the statutory services they offer, such
as waste collection or street cleaning.
Instead, our focus is on enhancing
the vibrancy and attractiveness of
the town centre.
We’ve been up and running for over five
and a half years now, and we’ve already
made a significant impact. Perhaps
you’ve seen some of our initiatives
around town, such as:
• The Jubilee street party that brought
the community together for a
day of celebration
• The evening lighting we installed in
Little Chelsea, Langney Road, Station
Street and, of course, the annual
Christmas lights display
• The return of the ice rink in 2020 and
2021, (and which we’ve sponsored for
the last two years)
• Over 60 planters across the town
centre that we’ve planted and
maintained, brightening up our streets
• The Elmer Art Trail we brought to
Eastbourne last year, as well as the
big screen for the tennis finals at
Devonshire Park
• Our ambassadorial team, who patrol the
town, offering a friendly face to visitors
while also helping with stock recovery
In December, we spent over £50,000 on
Christmas lights, adding to the festive
atmosphere of the town centre. We also
hosted a switch-on event with stars
from the Eastbourne Devonshire Park
Panto, and collaborated with traders
in Little Chelsea to put on a Festive
Fun and Fireworks night. Thankfully,
we managed to avoid the rain and
still created a magical experience for
everyone.
Looking ahead to 2025, we have
NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL DEMOCRAT MP, JOSH BABARINDE
some exciting plans in the pipeline.
One of our main focuses is to support
traders as we navigate two major
projects: the pedestrianisation of Victoria
Place and the re-paving of Bankers
Corner to Halifax.
We understand how frustrating
construction work can be, especially
when it affects local businesses. That’s
why we’re already working with East
Sussex County Council to bring together
traders and discuss how we can mitigate
the impact of the construction phase.
The pedestrianisation of Victoria
Place, in particular, is something we’re
very excited about. We’ve worked with
traders in the area for several years to
demonstrate how pedestrianisation
can positively affect footfall, and the
pop-up park we introduced each summer
has been a huge success. This area is
a gateway to both the seafront and
the South Downs and we believe it
should be a space that celebrates both
Eastbourne’s natural beauty and its
vibrant town centre. While the works
are scheduled to take around nine
months, we are confident that the result
will be a significant and much-needed
improvement for the town.
In addition to these major projects,
next year we’ll be relaunching our “Love
Local, Shop Local” campaign. Despite
what you may hear in the media about
the decline of the high street, the reality is
that Eastbourne town centre is thriving.
Our occupancy rate is currently around
94%, which is above the national average.
But to keep it that way, we all need to
do our part and continue to support our
local businesses. Throughout January and
February, we’ll be reminding customers
of the importance of shopping locally and
using the high street. It’s not just about
supporting independent shops; it’s about
creating a vibrant community where
people can shop, eat, work, and socialise.
As we head into 2025, there’s much
to look forward to in Eastbourne. We
have big plans to continue supporting
our traders, enhancing the town centre,
and delivering events and initiatives
that bring the community together.
We’re excited for what’s to come and
we hope you’ll continue to support us as
we work towards a brighter future for
Eastbourne Town Centre.
Stay tuned for more updates in the
coming months and thank you for your
continued support!
SIX MONTHS ON
FROM HISTORIC
ELECTION WIN
HAPPY New Year! 2024 was an
enormous year for our town. It saw
Airbourne named as the best free
Airshow in the UK at the Airscene
Awards for the fifth time.
It saw big new shops invest in town,
like Smyths Toys in the Harbour and
many small businesses too, like Pebbles
at the Enterprise Centre and Flour Flow
in Hampden Park. We also saw record
numbers of Eastbourne students get top
grades, national awards for Eastbourne
voluntary groups Mankind and Sanctuary
and so much more.
Refusing to be downtrodden by Covid,
a recession, or the cost of living crisis,
Eastbourne has come out fighting
— as we do best!
2024 also saw a historic General
Election result locally and nationally,
where I had the honour of being elected
to represent our town as our MP. As an
Eastbourne lad, born and bred, it means so
much to represent our town.
I’ve got to work from day one, starting
with securing the re-opening of the DGH’s
Midwifery Unit, following months of
campaigning with it being closed for births
for nearly a year. A huge thank you to all
those NHS staff who pull out all the stops
to power that unit for local families.
Another win for our local NHS in
2024 was that the Health Secretary has
responded to our campaign for more DGH
funding by confirming that our hospital
will receive landmark investment to
upgrade its facilities. Having spent two
weeks very poorly in the DGH in 2024,
I know just how amazing the staff are —
and just how impactful it would be to their
work and welfare if I get this investment
over the line pronto.
We’ll hear soon on the final amount and
timescales — and, as a campaign priority of
mine for 2025, I’m pushing for this ASAP
so that we can get cracking.
Beyond this, I’m also pleased in my first
six months to have successfully secured
the future of the £20million Towns Fund
for Eastbourne! The Labour Government
put this under threat in July.
Just as I promised before the election,
I challenged ministers on the floor of the
House of Commons for this money, met
with four different ministers 1-2-1 to push
for this cash, wrote letters to ministers to
make the case and they have confirmed to
me that our lobbying was successful — the
funds are Eastbourne’s!
Before the election, our last MP said
of my commitment to fight to save this
fund: “there isn’t a scenario where a
Lib Dem MP would have that influence
and that voice”.
Pulling out all the stops on this since
becoming our MP, I’m glad to have
proved that wrong. I’m especially proud
of all those who joined me in making the
case for our town.
The Eastbourne Town Board (separate
from Eastbourne Borough Council) that
local residents applied to join in 2024
will be doing a public consultation in
this year to ultimately decide how
this cash is spent.
I’ve made no secret of the fact that a top
priority for me in 2025 will be urging the
Board to spend a good chunk of this cash
on facilities for children and families to
enjoy — whether that’s at the Sovereign
Centre (where I learnt to swim as a kid!)
and/or elsewhere in our town.
I’m also pushing the Government to
make the first initial payment of this
cash earlier than the initial 2026 date
it has proposed.
Another key priority of mine in 2025 is
supporting survivors of domestic abuse —
an issue particularly close to mine and my
family’s hearts.
I’ve been very concerned that many
domestic abusers qualify for the
Government’s early prison release scheme,
despite the Government giving assurances
to the contrary.
The problem is that, because there are
currently no specific offences of domestic
abuse in the law, abusers are able to hide
behind convictions such as assault, which
masks much of their abuse and qualifies
them for the early release scheme. You can
only exclude someone from early release
based on the offence they’ve committed.
I’ve therefore put forward a new law to
close this loophole, which would create
a new set of domestic abuse offences in
the law for the first time. By recognising
this in law, we could exclude perpetrators
of these new offences from early
release schemes.
I launched my Bill live on Good Morning
Britain, with Susanna Reid and Richard
Madeley backing the idea, as well as
Women’s Aid and Refuge. I’ll be lobbying
the Government to help me make this
law to support victims in Eastbourne and
across the country.
I’m as energised as ever to keep fighting
for our town in 2025 — it’s a real honour.
If I can help you with anything, email me,
josh.babarinde.mp@parliament.uk

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne JANUARY 2025 REGULARS 19
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ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge
2025: EXPLORE, CONNECT, AND
CELEBRATE ON TWO WHEELS
Coastal Culture Trail ride from Eastbourne to Hastings last July.
HAPPY and Healthy 2025 to all readers
of On Yer Bike.
Trust everyone was well-behaved
and good last year? If so, perhaps
Santa delivered a brand-new bicycle or
useful accessories?
What better start to the New Year than
enjoying the freedom cycling gives you
and exercising on your bike. If you’re new
to cycling, or a regular rider, the chance to
work off the excess of mince pies, turkey
and Christmas puddings is out there.
It’s also time to look at what you can
add or ask for to personalise your bike.
This year we will be able to celebrate
birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s day
and other special occasions where the
pleasure of giving allows an opportunity
to perhaps ask for accessories.
For first-time riders, consider yourself
very lucky this is the start of a wonderful
exciting journey of where to go and
what to wear.
Endless trips of quiet solitude to clear
the mind or with a group for exercise and
social interaction, the fun has just begun.
Extras to consider could be: colourful
clothes, goggles, sunglasses, hats,
helmets, bells, lights, pannier bags, racks,
puncture repair & tool kits etc.
The bicycle is all you need to free
yourself away from stress. You and your
personal transport deserve to be a part of
your identity.
Years ago, there were many cycle
shops in each town, their decline is a
story for another occasion, now one
either uses the local mega-store Halfords,
similar alternatives are available or an
online website delivered conveniently to
your front door.
If you are considering a conversion kit
to an E-Bike it must be done through a
reputable manufacturer using the correct
charger, those bought cheaply online
have been proven to be the main cause
of e-bike fires.
Finding the right track or route may
be new to you, should you use a paper
map or one of the many smart satellite
navigation devices?
Digital mapping is now at a different
level, Strava, Garmin, Google and many
other brands offer digital live bike maps
to your phone or other device with
added extras. One is the possibility to
share your routes, distance, speeds,
times, height climbed all recorded and
seen with your cycling friends, family or
anyone you wish.
The possibility of your loved ones
knowing where you are at any given time
is very handy and for some a necessity.
Many routes cyclists choose are along
paths less trodden, hidden from car
drivers. Making these unknown tracks
traceable by recording creates a cycling
community with a shared interest in
exploring where finding the shortest or a
different route is part of the fun.
The start of 2025 ends a quarter of
this 21st century after cautions of a 1999
millennium bug or Y2K could shut down
all computers.
Risking collapse of world infrastructure
highlighting our reliance on technology,
fortunately clever people stepped up and
the impending catastrophe was avoided.
It is always best to be prepared with a
plan B. Joining one of the many cycle
clubs or national groups is recommended
with Cycling UK being a leader in
providing £10 million third-party liability
insurance. This will cover you if you
damage another person or their property,
for example if you were to accidentally
cause injury to a fellow rider or hit a car.
Your chance to bling the bike at Bexhill
After Dark will be on Saturday 25th
January. Details will be announced
shortly about the parade around Bexhill.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on
your bicycle, buggy, stroller or mobility
scooter all lit up.
This month, I’ve included a photo of a
photo from our July Coastal Culture Trail
ride from Eastbourne to Hastings, which
is fully kitted out with colourful additions
and everything required for exploring our
Sussex Coastline.
Happy Wheeling.

20 REGULARS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
KNOW YOUR GARDEN
By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden
We are now closed until Wednesday 26th February 2025 when we
will then be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 22nd October.
For details, please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk
and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden
“If the birds begin to sing in January, Frosts are on the way.”
THE New Year is traditionally a time
both to glance back and to look ahead,
and that has always been true when
it comes to the weather, a complete
obsession of mine.
Winter can be the harshest season,
particularly for outdoor workers. I am
always checking the weather apps on
my phone, looking for clues as to the
likelihood of rain and frost but the
natural world — clouds, birds, animals,
and plants — all provide their own clues
to predict what the winter will bring. We
perhaps could do with becoming more
sensitive to these signs once more rather
than solely relying on technology.
The study of weather proverbs is
known as paremiology. Some are fanciful
fun with no basis in scientific fact, while
others have been found to have a kernel
of truth at their core. No matter what,
these folkloric tales predicting winter
weather are interesting to observe.
January boasts a wealth of sayings,
proverbs and rhymes, which were coined
to help our ancestors work out what kind
of weather was likely to occur during the
coming 12 months.
Many relied on the time-honoured
belief that whatever the weather is
like now, in the next season it will be
the opposite. Thus, a good number
of proverbs suggest that warm or
fine weather at the beginning of the
year is bad news, especially for the
coming harvest.
For example: “If grain grows in January,
it will be a year of great need”, “January
flowers do not swell the granary”, or the
deeply pessimistic “January warm, the
Lord have mercy!”
A lack of snow in January is also bad
news: as it is then likely that there will
be a freeze-up in March or April.
But the most intriguing belief is that “a
green January makes a full churchyard”.
This is based on the perfectly reasonable
notion that cold weather kills germs,
while mild winters allow them to spread.
In the days before antibiotics, even a
common cold could turn into a more
serious, even fatal infection.
So, we should perhaps hope for typical
winter weather. In the words of one
wise but anonymous French forecaster:
“A cold January, a feverish February, a
dusty March, a weeping April and a
windy May, presage a good year”.
January weather lore — Certain days
in this month are given particular weight,
including the feast day of St Vincent of
Saragossa (January 22), the patron saint
of vintners and vinegar makers:
‘Remember on St Vincent’s Day, if
the sun his beams display, ’tis a token
bright and clear of prosperous weather
all the year.’
So, let us look out for the sun on the
22nd. We gardeners could do with some
prosperous weather in 2025 after the
disastrously wet and cold spring we
had last year.
On St Paul the Apostle’s Day (January
25), we look again for a forecast for the
rest of the year-
If St Paul’s Day be fair and clear it does
betide a happy year,
But if it chance to snow or rain then will
be dear all kinds of grain,
If clouds or mists do dark the sky, great
store of birds and beasts shall die,
And if the winds do fly aloft, then war
shall vex the kingdom oft.
This one seems very specific, we hope
very much to avoid great stores of birds
and beasts dying! And as for a war.
Acorns that fall heavily mean a cold
winter is coming. Similarly, a large crop
of walnuts means a snowy, cold season.
Thick nutshells predict a severe winter.
Leaves which fall early, indicate
winter will be mild. When leaves fall
late, winter will be wild. An extra cold
winter is in store if the leaves wither on
the branches in October instead of falling.
We found here at Bates Green Garden
that the leaves remained steadfastly
on the trees and, as I write this the
hazel leaves have yet to fall. Should I be
getting my sledge ready?
“When leaves fall early, Fall and
winter will be mild;
When leaves fall late, Winter
will be severe.”
Temperature — There seems to be
an awful lot of folklore about August
temperatures interestingly.
“If a cold August follows a hot July, it
foretells a winter hard and dry.”
“For every fog in August, There will be a
snowfall in winter.”
“If the first week in August is unusually
warm, the coming Winter will be
snowy and long.”
“A warm October, a cold February.”
“As the days lengthen, the
cold strengthens.”
I have always found that the coldest
time of the year is mid-January, about 3
weeks after the shortest day.
There is an interesting concept known
as las cabañuelas, a method of weather
forecasting that originated in Spain and
is still found throughout the Hispanic
world. The idea is that the weather on
each of the first 12 days of January
represents the weather for the 12
months of the year — with the first day
representing January, the second day
February and so on. I like this idea; it is
simple and straightforward and makes
me more determined than ever to record
the weather every day. Even if it is
just a sentence.
There you have it, my resolution for
2025 is to keep a weather diary. I’ll let
you know how I get on. Until next month,
keep warm and dry and enjoy the quiet
solitude of winter.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND
VENUE HIRE IN POLEGATE
We are a private members club, offering a well-stocked bar,
entertainment, weekly quiz night, cash risers and much more.
We have dart teams, a golf society, and a free pool table. We are
dog friendly and children under 12
are welcome until 7pm.
UPCOMING
ENTERTAINMENT
18 January: Race Night
25 January: Burns Night Quiz
1 February: After Four (band)
15 February: Valentines Vinyl Night
22 February: Halo (duet)
1 March: Elvis
15 March: Justine (singer)
22 March: Stuart Bligh (singer)
Interested in membership? Pop in and speak to
our friendly bar staff.
Windsor Club, 54 Windsor Way, Polegate, BN26 6QF
Telephone: 01323 487618
REMEMBER
WE HAVE FREE
POOL, ALL DAY,
EVERY DAY
Polegate Community Association has been in existence for more than
60 years and is an independent organisation which owns, runs and
maintains the Polegate Community Centre for the use of the people in
the area for leisure activities.
The Centre comprises a large hall, two smaller rooms and one meeting
room, together with kitchens and toilets.
The centre is solely maintained from subscriptions (£5pa), affiliated fees,
hire charges, donations and legacies.
What’s on: Commuity warm hub, multiple fitness
groups, weekly Bingo, Saturday Coffee mornings,
arts & crafts, hobbies and social activities and
groups for children.
Polegate Community Association
54 Windsor Way, Polegate.
01323 482434
polegatecc@gmail.com
Registered Charity No: 305293
SLEEPING BEAUTY. 18-26
January. Call 01323 483348
(Archer & Partners)
or book online at
polegatedramagroup.com

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.newseastbourne JANUARY 2025 BUSINESS CARD 21
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Featuring local businesses in Eastbourne and surrounding areas
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£65+vat, email sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
VIKTORIA COWLEY
BUSINESS LOCAL NETWORK
07748 338075
viktoria@businesslocalnetwork.co.uk
Networking organisation for connections & collaboration for
local businesses. Come and enjoy our relaxed atmosphere. At
BLN, conversations flow naturally without awkward elevator
pitches. Engage in meaningful dialogue, brainstorm, and build
genuine relationships.
LISA KHAN
HEALTH & WELLBEING
EXECUTIVE WITH ALOE VERA
07553 496885
lisag10@live.co.uk
Forever Living products are designed to promote health and
wellness by enhancing the body’s natural functions, improve
overall health, and support a balanced lifestyle. Transforming
lives through wellness with aloe vera & botanicals.
SHARON KAY
FAMILY LAWYER & MEDIATOR
01435 817060
sharon@kayandpascoe.co.uk
www.kayandpascoe.co.uk
As a specialist family law practice, our family lawyers provide
advice on a range of issues including divorce, separation,
financial provision, child arrangements, domestic abuse and
injunctions, as well as cohabitation and prenuptial agreements.
DONNA LANE
IMAGE CONSULTANT WITH
HOUSE OF COLOUR
07774 825315
donna.lane@houseofcolour.co.uk
I offer the best colour and style analysis on the market, using
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CATH GOSDEN
GENUINE CONNECTIONS
— SINGLES SOCIAL
EVENTS & MATCHMAKER
07842 042759
connect@genuineconnections.co.uk
www.genuineconnections.co.uk
Whether you’re looking to find your soulmate or would just
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LAURA SHERLOCK
FAMILY LAW &
MEDIATION WITH EMIN READ
01323 819519
family@eminread.co.uk
Down to earth advice on all areas of family law from moving
in together, buying a home, divorce, separation, Nuptial
Agreements, child arrangements and mediation. Helping you
put your family first.
VIKTORIA COWLEY
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT,
YOUR FRIENDLY PA
07748 338075
viktoria@yourfriendlypa.co.uk
Your virtual support system: easing your workload, one task at
a time — Virtual Support, Real Results!
CHERYL TIBBALS
CHERRY DANCE
07793 383956
www.cherry-dance.com
Cherry Dance in Eastbourne offers pole fitness, aerial hoop,
burlesque, street dance, and more in a supportive, fun
environment. Find us on Facebook and Instagram or online at
www.cherry-dance.com
MAHESHA RICE
HOLISTIC THERAPIST & COACH
07904 223056
mahesha@mahesharice.com
EFT Tapping Therapist, NLP Coach and Reiki Master guiding
you to overcome trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, burnout,
phobias, and any other barriers preventing you from true
happiness. Nurturing minds, healing souls: your journey to
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RICHARD HOLLANDS
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
MANAGER AT ABBOTS WOOD
MANOR CARE HOME
07435 278302 / 01323 576100
richard.hollands@hamberleycarehomes.co.uk
Abbots Wood Manor Care Home — offering exceptional luxury
living with individualised care. Providing expert residential,
nursing & dementia care services
LIZ KELLY
ECK BOOKKEEPING
01323 348480
www.ECKBookkeeping.co.uk
ECK is a bookkeeping company based in Hailsham. Helping selfemployed,
small businesses with bookkeeping, VAT, Payroll, CIS
and Tax Returns.
SALLY
MAGSON-BROWN
AESTHETICS NURSE
AT AESTHETICS4YOU
07938 630684
sally@aesthetics4you.co.uk
Anti-Wrinkle Treatments, Dermal Filler/Lip Augmentation, Fat
dissolving injections, Chemical peels. Enhancing self-expression
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LESLEY-ANNE JONES
NEW ERA MORTGAGES
07777 698538
www.neweramortgages.com
Finance & Lending Solutions: Are you ready to level up
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KIRSTY SAUNDERS
TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
01323 660075
kirsty.saunders@travelcounsellors.com
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/kirsty.saunders
As a dedicted travel counsellor, I offer personalised planning
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22 REGULARS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
LIVING WITH CANCER with Nadine Searle
HOW MY LIFE CHANGED: A JOURNEY
WITH CANCER AND FINDING CALM
Nadine Searle
TWO years ago, in December 2022, my
life changed forever. 8 December, I went
for what I thought was just a routine
mammogram—something I’d done
before. I wasn’t worried at all; it wasn’t
my first, and I didn’t expect it to be my
last. But that appointment marked the
start of a journey I never anticipated.
For those unfamiliar with my story,
my name is Nadine Searle. I’ve always
been passionate about helping others
find calm and balance in their lives, even
in the face of challenges. But when I
was diagnosed with cancer, everything
I knew about staying calm was put to
the ultimate test.
Now, two years later, I’m sharing
my story to offer hope, support, and
practical tools to others who may find
themselves on a similar path.
As I entered 2024, I reflected on how
much had changed since last January.
January 2023 — Facing Fear and
Uncertainty: My cancer diagnosis in late
2022 changed my life in ways I never
imagined, but I was still not really sure
what this would mean for me.
Back then, my emotions were a
whirlwind. On one hand, I carried on
as if nothing had changed—running my
business, facilitating workshops on
goal-setting, and encouraging others to
adopt a positive mindset. Yet inside, I
was riddled with fear and uncertainty,
filled with “what ifs” and a sense of
powerlessness over my future.
The irony wasn’t lost on me — I was
helping others tap into the power of
their minds to create their desired
futures, while I couldn’t escape the
terror that my own days might be
numbered. Let’s be honest—anyone who
hears the word “cancer” immediately
wonders, “Am I going to die?”
That fear consumed me, accompanied
by sadness, shame, and a desperate
need to shield those I loved. I told
no one except my partner, who
accompanied me to appointments, and
one close friend who intuitively knew
something was wrong. The thought of
burdening others with my uncertainty
felt unbearable.
Wrestling with Unexpected Emotions:
A surprising emotion I wrestled with
was shame—a strange reaction, but one
I’ve since discovered is not uncommon
among cancer patients. Through
meditation and gentle self-inquiry, I
traced this feeling back to old childhood
patterns and worked to release it.
Despite the darkness, small moments
of joy with friends and family became
treasures. A cinema outing with
my niece and a weekend with my
nephew felt more precious than they
could have imagined, as I feared they
might be my last.
On January 18, I returned to the
Brighton Centre with my friend. It was
a freezing day, and as we arrived, I
envied her carefree excitement about
showing off her new Christmas coat. All
I could think about was whether I’d see
another Christmas.
Finding Calm Amid Chaos: During
that appointment, the consultant
explained the specific type of cancer I
had—words that felt foreign and heavy.
The tests continued, including full-body
scans, and the fear of cancer spreading
loomed large. This period of waiting and
uncertainty was the darkest and most
terrifying of all.
Thankfully, I had my trusted Calmer
Self Method to help me find peace
amidst the chaos. Through relaxation
techniques, I managed to sleep and
even face tests with a sense of calm
that surprised the medical staff. I am
endlessly grateful for these tools,
which gave me moments of control and
strength during such a vulnerable time.
Sharing My Story: Looking back, I wish
I hadn’t kept my diagnosis a secret for
so long. Carrying it alone was a heavy
burden, but I now understand why I
did—and why others might feel the same.
Sharing my story, both privately and
later through social media, lifted some
of the weight and allowed me to process
my emotions. The outpouring of love and
support I received was incredible and
reminded me of the power of connection.
Words of Advice: To anyone facing a
cancer diagnosis, my advice is this: don’t
carry it alone. Trust your intuition about
when and who to share your journey
with, but know that opening up can be
a profound relief. You are stronger than
you think, and so are the people you’re
trying to protect.
Even in the depths of despair,
there can be moments of joy and
empowerment. Finding ways to reclaim
even a small sense of control can be
transformative—and this is what I aim to
share with others.
If you’d like to learn more about how I
can support you, please visit my website
or YouTube channel, where I share
more about my journey and the Calmer
Self tools that have helped me. And if
you need a listening ear, please don’t
hesitate to reach out.
Please feel free to contact me directly
if you have any questions or simply need
a listening ear.
Here are details to my YouTube
channel: www.youtube.com/@
CalmerSelfCoach
Website: www.calmerself.co.uk/yourcancer-coach
Text: 07856 169186
Email: nadine@calmerself.co.uk
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OFF!
Throughout January!
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01323 925178
Pebbles Eastbourne
Station Parade
BN21 1BD
www.pebblesrestaurants.co.uk

Your local independent
property experts...
Residential Lettings Land New Homes
MEET
YOUR
FRIENDLY
TEAM
KINGS DRIVE - £795,000
A substantial 1930s detached residence on a generous corner plot,
featuring a stunning kitchen/breakfast room, extended reception
with bifold doors to a south-westerly garden, heated pool, four
bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms, solar panels, and a tandem garage.
Conveniently located near schools, hospital, and Eastbourne
amenities.
VAL PRINSEPS ROAD - £440,000
Close to the beach with stunning coastal views, this delightful
semi-detached bungalow offers a lounge with a wood burner, bright
living/dining room, modern kitchen, two double bedrooms, and a
converted garage with a studio and shower.
Features include a secluded southerly garden, ample parking, and
no ongoing chain.
DAVID SHELTON
ANITA BAKER
OLD MILL LANE - £425,000
A spacious 3-bedroom detached bungalow in a sought-after
location with stunning South Downs views. Features include
a delightful front garden, secluded rear garden, garage/
store, and long driveway. Accommodation offers a 17’ x 12’
lounge/dining room, kitchen, flexible bedrooms, bathroom,
and separate WC.
Benefits include gas central heating, modern double glazing,
and no ongoing chain. Ideally situated near countryside
walks, Polegate High Street, and bus routes.
SELMESTON ROAD - £325,000
A beautifully presented two-bedroom semi-detached
bungalow in an elevated position with stunning far-reaching
views. Stylish and ready to move into, it features a modern
kitchen, spacious living room, garden room, and well-maintained
lawn and patio garden.
Conveniently located near Framfield Way shops, Eastbourne
Hospital, and transport links. With gas central heating and
UPVC double glazing, this is an exceptional home not to be
missed. Contact us today to arrange a viewing!
SNOWDON CLOSE - OIEO £200,000
Situated in a sought-after residential area, this delightful
one-bedroom freehold cluster house is perfect for first-time
buyers or investors. The ground floor offers an open-plan
modern kitchen, breakfast area, and lounge, while upstairs
features a double bedroom and stylish bathroom. Outside,
there’s a private front garden and allocated parking.
Conveniently located near Langney Shopping Centre, transport
links, and Eastbourne Borough Football Club. Viewing is
highly recommended for this fantastic opportunity!
FREE VALUATIONS FOR SELLING & RENTING
JOHN STEVENS
SAM BEALE
PADDOCK GARDENS - £349,950
A spacious 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalow in a lovely
Wannock location, offering stunning South Downs views.
Features include an open-plan living room with a modern
kitchen, sunroom, two double bedrooms, a shower room,
and a superb bathroom with a tastefully fitted suite. Outside,
enjoy a 50’ rear garden, garage, and driveway.
Conveniently located near bus services, Polegate High
Street, and countryside walks in the South Downs National
Park. Offered with no ongoing chain
ALBION ROAD - £299,950
A spacious 3-bedroom mid-terraced house, ideal for firsttime
buyers, conveniently located near the town centre and
railway station. Features include a through lounge/dining
room with an open fireplace, modern kitchen, good-sized
bedrooms, bathroom/WC, and an attic area with a Velux
window, offering versatile potential.
The property benefits from gas central heating, double
glazing, and a south-facing rear courtyard. Close to The
Beacon, seafront, and local shops. A fantastic opportunity
not to be missed!
CHESTNUT DRIVE - £350,000
A charming 3-bedroom semi-detached house conveniently
situated near Polegate High Street and railway station. The
property features a spacious reception room opening to a
conservatory, modern kitchen with integrated appliances,
and a versatile third bedroom on the ground floor.
Upstairs are two double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes
and a bathroom/WC. Benefits include gas central heating,
double glazing, a driveway, and a south-westerly rear garden.
Close to schools, shops, and The Cuckoo Trail.
SAMUEL TOWNSEND
48 HIGH STREET, POLEGATE, BN26 6AG
CALL 01323 483348 or visit archerandpartners.com

24 REGULARS
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
TRAVEL with David Powell
TYDDYN LLAN – ON THE EDGE OF SNOWDONIA
NORTH Wales is an excellent
There’s disabled access advice on the
destination for a holiday or a short,
website and if you have any questions
relaxing break. Stunning scenery and
in this respect then you can always give
plenty of things to see and do.
reception a call for friendly advice.
I recently stayed at Tyddyn Llan, which
is in the small village of Llandrillo. Not far
from the main A5 route into North Wales
but far enough to experience a real rural and CD players, radio, wi-fi, telephone,
location and an excellent restaurant with Egyptian cotton sheets, fluffy dressing
rooms! Tyddyn Llan is one of Wales’s gowns, slippers and bath/shower
most renowned restaurants set on the toiletries. Dogs can be taken by prior
edge of Snowdonia National Park in the arrangement.
beautiful Vale of Edeyrnion.
A RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS
This really is a great way to experience
excellent food in elegant surroundings.
There are 12 bedrooms and a groundfloor
garden suite. I had room 2, a large
en-suite first-floor room with a view over
the main entrance. There are 3 acres of
beautiful, landscaped gardens which
you can walk around and super views of
the Berwyn Mountains in the distance.
There’s an ornamental pond in the
grounds, a croquet lawn and a delightful
terrace with tables and chairs adjoining
the restaurant.
INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED
GUEST ROOMS
All guest rooms have been individually
designed with all the extras needed for
a memorable stay. Rooms have TV, DVD
GREAT FOOD, WARM
HOSPITALITY, AND
A NEW OWNER
Renowned chef Gareth Stevenson has
been running the hotel and restaurant
on behalf of the new owner since July.
Gareth brings to the restaurant his
desire to support local producers and
source quality ingredients, and growing
food in the kitchen garden. At Palé Hall,
a North Wales restaurant where he was
Head Chef for seven years, his initiatives
led to a Michelin Green Star, and three
AA rosettes. This ethos now dictates the
new cooking style at Tyddyn Llan, and
sustainability is the focus in creating
an exceptional and truly Welsh dining
experience.
Chef Joshua Morris is second-incommand,
and Robin Evans completes
the senior kitchen team as specialist
pastry chef. Finally, Maria Ganova,
Gareth’s partner, joins restaurant
manager Torin, as front-of-house
manager. These four are well used
to working together and they bring
expertise and experience from working
at some of the UK’s very finest starred
establishments. It’s a new vibrant
crew for Tyddyn Llan together with a
completely refurbished restaurant which
looks fantastic!
DISABLED ACCESS
Disabled access is well catered for
and help with luggage is always on
hand. Whilst the upper floors may
be unsuitable for guests with limited
mobility (there’s no lift) one ground
floor room has been recognised by Visit
Wales as suitable for disabled guests.
AMENITIES
Tyddyn Llan has three delightful and
relaxing sitting rooms. I found it rather
special sitting on a comfortable sofa,
drink in hand, choosing from the dinner
menu and wine list whilst being offered
a selection of Canapés as a pre-dinner
treat and then being shown to your
dining table. The stunning dining room
which is airy, elegant and a pleasure to
eat in, is just across the hallway via the
well-stocked bar.
Each night Gareth offers a six or ten
course dinner taster menu starting with
canapés with coffee and petits fours
included in the dinner pricing. Breakfast
is a five-course tasting menu. A good
variety of wines are served by the glass
and carafe, and there’s also a selection
of half bottles. Food and wine matching
is always fun and with the tasting menu
Tyddyn Llan offer wines for each course,
for a supplement.
You can see the wonderful dinner
menus detailed on Tyddyn Llan’s website
but here’s a little taster … Canapés, oat
groat sourdough, citrus cured trout,
hand dived Scottish scallops, charred
sweetcorn soup, raviolo of rose veal
sweetbread and shin, brown butter
poached cod plus a choice of Welsh lamb
or Welsh black beef fillet, and a selection
of delicious desserts.
THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
Tyddyn Llan is ideally placed to explore
the local area. Close at hand there’s
some excellent walks where you can
experience the peace and quiet of the
unspoilt landscape.
Llangollen is a popular tourist town,
about 18 miles away, with its steam
railway, Horseshoe Pass and the famous
Pontcysylite aqueduct. Built by Thomas
Telford 200 years ago, you can cross it by
narrow boat or take a horse-drawn boat
ride along the canal.
Bala Lake is also fairly close by and the
narrow-gauge Bala Lake Steam Railway
runs for several miles alongside the
lake. You may also consider visiting the
Berwyn Mountains, which is about a 20-
mile drive away, where you can find the
highest waterfall in Wales.
CONCLUSION
If you are looking for a relaxing, luxury
breakaway that’s different, then Tyddyn
Llan ticks the right boxes. Beautiful
surroundings, a home-from-home feeling
and sensational meals!
Tyddyn Llan: 01490 440 264
www.tyddynllan.co.uk
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26 SPORT
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Almost 500
residents commit
to Christmas
Day Parkrun
PHOTOS: ANDREW HAZELDEN
IT was a record event for the
Eastbourne Parkrun team who
hosted 450 attendees for its annual
Christmas Day event.
Representatives of 43 different
running clubs took part at the event
which took place at Shinewater Park,
with 37 new personal bests recorded
and almost 50 first-time runners.
It was a record attendance for the
event - the first event in 2012 only
had 40 attendees. Since Eastbourne
Parkrun started in January 2012,
16,962 participants have completed
143,451 Parkruns, covering a total
distance of 717,255 km, including
19,982 new Personal Bests. A total of
1,198 individuals have volunteered
14,415 times, according to the group.
The group meets each week and
welcomes residents from all abilities.
Email eastbourne@parkrun.com,
or look up Eastbourne Parkrun on
Facebook for the latest information.

Join us for
our next
event
Bowes House care home,
Hailsham
Wills and Power of
Attorney
Wednesday 22nd January 2025
2pm - 4pm
Listen to Elena Johnson from Gaby
Hardwicke Solicitors explain the
importance of wills and having a Power
of Attorney in place for your loved one
Trusted to care.
To attend please call
01323 315137 or email
lisa.phillips@careuk.com

28 SPORT
JANUARY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Sport
Missed chances and
great stops deny
Sports festive cheer
IT was a case of déjà vu for
Eastbourne Borough as they were
made to settle for a point at The
ReachTV Stadium.
Borough were on top throughout,
and had the best of the chances
against Salisbury but some fine stops
from Dan Lincoln denied the hosts a
deserved breakthrough.
However, the point preserves the
Sports’ unbeaten home league record,
but leaves them outside the top
seven on goal difference as we reach
the halfway mark of the National
League South season.
Adam Murray named an unchanged
starting eleven to that which saw
off Weston-super-Mare on the
weekend, with Jack Clarke once again
on the bench following his return
from injury and Yahaya Bamba
also amongst the substitutes after
serving a suspension.
It was Salisbury who had the first
effort of the afternoon, with Joe
Wright saving low to his left to deny
Callum Watts, before the Sports had
efforts themselves with Brayden
Johnson and then Alfie Pavey going
close — the latter not getting enough
on his shot to really test Lincoln after a
great ball in from Michael Klass.
The visitors then had what would
prove to be their best chance of the
contest on 16 minutes. Noah Coppin
got down the left hand side and his
cross picked out Ronan Silva, but
he headed wide when well placed
at the far post.
As the half wore on, Borough’s
pressure increased. Camron Gbadebo
— making his home debut — lifted
the ball forwards and picked out
Pavey, who brought it down well but
Lincoln was on hand to claw away his
goal-bound effort.
The Whites’ goalkeeper was then
off his line well to save at the feet of
George Alexander from a tight angle,
before space opened up for Klass to
get a shot away after Pavey nodded a
ball into his path, but the midfielder
couldn’t connect.
Pierce Bird’s cross then picked out
Pavey, and he headed it across to the
feet of Alexander, but he couldn’t get
a clean shot away as the half neared
its end. The duo linked up again in
stoppage time, but the latter had
his shot from close range blocked
Photos: Lydia Redman Photography
by Sido Jombati.
The Sports continued to press
forwards after the break, and only a
spectacular save from Lincoln denied
Pavey from breaking the deadlock
with a swerving effort 30 yards out.
Pavey was proving to be a thorn
in the Salisbury defence, seeing his
looping header go just over onto the
roof of the net after good work from
Courtney Clarke, before Borough
went even closer on the hour mark.
Johnson threaded the ball through
to Klass on the edge of the area, and
he skipped past the challenge of two
defenders before looking set to fire
past Lincoln, who could only stand
and watch as the ball cannoned
back off the post.
Bamba replaced Johnson with 25
minutes to go and almost had an
instant impact. His deflected shot
looped into the path of Alexander,
but he couldn’t turn the ball on target
before the winger showed great feet
to break into the area, but had his low
drive turned around the post by the
diving Lincoln.
Jack Clarke came on for his first
minutes of the season with twelve
minutes to go as the Sports kept
pushing forwards, but the Salisbury
defence sat back and frustrated the
home crowd who had to settle for one
point where on another day Borough
could’ve had all three.
Eastbourne faces Hellingly in thrilling battle
BY COACH MATT PYSDEN
EASTBOURNE 1st XV made the
short journey to Hellingly in
what would prove to be a battle
of two styles.
After a fantastic win against
Lewes recenly, Eastbourne had to
make 10 changes to the squad due
to injuries and the only part of the
team not affected was the everreliable
second row.
The Eastbourne coaching team felt
this was the week to release all of the
young guns together for the first time
and give them a real litmus test away
from home against a powerful and
direct Hellingly side.
Eastbourne stuck to their fast-paced
slick handling structure that they have
slowly been building on all season.
This proved to catch Hellingly cold
from the outset and force them to give
away multiple penalties.
Photo credit: Andy Pelling
Eastbourne failed to get over the
line, after turning down three penalty
kicks to go for the corner in the hope
of scoring a try. However, Hellingly
proved strong in defence and had
some effective turnovers.
Finally, Eastbourne made the
pressure and Possession tell with a
score on debut for their new 18-yearold
scrum Half Harry “To easy”
Gibson, from Waga Waga in Australia!
The versatile and reliable 18-year-old
fly half, Spike Gleave playing out of
position and taking responsibility
for the kicking duties, kicked
the conversion.
Hellingly had a short spell of
dominance and scored a well-worked
try in the corner after some powerful
and telling runs.
The continued fast pace and fitness
now causing the home side real
problems, Eastbourne’s 19-year
centre Ben Perrott, who is the glue in
Eastbourne’s midfield, crossed for
Eastbourne’s second with Spike Gleave
converting for the extras.
In the final minute of the first half
and Eastbourne under pressure in
their own 22, Spike Gleave opting to
attack and ignore touch to end the half,
attacked very sharply down the lefthand
side to release “French” Jeremy
on another powerful run, then some
slick handling between Jeremy and
Ollie Horley saw Spike score from a
superb long range attack and kick the
extras to end a superb half of rugby.
5-21 to Eastbourne.
A rejuvenated Hellingly started
strong in the second half and managed
to gain the advantage in the scrum on
a few occasions. Which led to them
playing their direct ‘one out’ hard lines
rugby very well. Eastbourne, a little
complaisant had to soak up an awful
lot of attack.
Eastbourne managed to get an attack
that eventually led to a penalty.
Hellingly responded, once again
with direct runs and good possession
to score a try.
Eastbourne now finding their gears
again and their superior fitness really
telling. This put the home side under
pressure for Eastbourne to force
another penalty and Spike capping
off a great kicking display to make the
score a comfortable 27-12. With the
last 10 minutes a bit stop start. It ended
with a last solid run of possession from
Hellingly, to take the final score and
end the game 19-27 to Eastbourne.
This was a very important win for
Eastbourne, as they showed real
strength in depth of there squad,
against a very tough opponent.
This was optimised by 18-yearold
Dylan Viles in the centre who
repelled everything that came
down his channel -pictured here-.
Eastbourne started the game with 7
18/19 year olds on the pitch and the
future looks bright.
With the nomads (2nd team) winning
once again and fantastic numbers at
training every week. Eastbourne are
set for an exciting run-in for the end of
the season for both sides. Hopefully a
few seasons ahead as well.