Eastbourne News, March 2025, Issue 10

MARCH 2025 | ISSUE 10
YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR EASTBOURNE, WILLINGDON, MEADS AND SURROUNDING AREAS
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2 NEWS
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
WELCOME
Asylum Centre plans scrapped just days after announcement
ANOTHER bumper issue is coming
your way this month as we’ve
crammed in as much local news and
information as possible.
In this issue, we welcome the
Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce into
the publication which supports a huge
amount of businesses in the town.
It’s an important link-up for us as this
newspaper is also here to support local
businesses and can act as an important
voice piece to their customers. We
look forward to attending many
of their events over the coming
months and years.
Congratulations are in order this
month as East Sussex Wildlife Rescue
Ambulance Service (WRAS) celebrates
a landmark anniversary. I’ve seen
first-hand the work the organisation
does throughout East Sussex and seen
the owner, Trevor, grow the charity
from strength to strength. You can read
about the 40-year history of WRAS on
pages 14 and 15.
Also, The Grand Hotel also celebrates
a huge anniversary this year. It’s
been 150 years since the incredible
building opened for business. Read
all about its interesting past in
Eastbourne on page 8.
I attended the recent Ukraine vigil
which took place at the memorial
to mark three years since Russia’s
invasion. Although we all wish these
vigils didn’t need to happen, it was
great to see the large Ukrainian
community we have in the area come
together. I met some lovely people who
bring together the communities across
East Sussex to support them in all kinds
of ways. Their dedication is admirable.
Paul Gibson
Group Editor
THE TEAM
PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR
paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS
viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER
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PLANS by the Home Office to
house hundreds of Asylum seekers
in a former private hospital in
Eastbourne have been pulled,
following appeals by local
councillors and residents.
The Esperance Hospital in
Hartington Place was earmarked
by the Home Office to be
converted into a 125-bedroom
accommodation centre.
An announcement last month
saw the launch of a petition, which
was signed by 5,000 residents, and
calls by councillors and the local MP
who say the site is not suitable for
such a project.
Opposition Leader, Councillor
Robert Smart (Conservative),
pictured above, welcomed the
decision, describing the proposal as
‘reckless’ and deeply damaging to
Eastbourne’s future.
He said: “The Home Office has
finally seen sense and abandoned its
reckless plan to convert the former
Esperance Hospital into a 125-bed
asylum seeker accommodation
centre. This proposal showed
an appalling disregard for the
future of Eastbourne.
“It was always clear that Esperance
House was entirely unsuitable. It sits
in a neighbourhood largely made up
of elderly and vulnerable residents,
right next to the heart of Eastbourne’s
tourism and hospitality sector.”
Josh Babarinde, Member of
Parliament for Eastbourne, wrote to
the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper
urging the Home Office to ‘reconsider’
the proposals, amid concerns raised
by authorities including Eastbourne
Borough Council and East Sussex
County Council. The Home Office
cited Mr Babarinde’s letter in their
negotiations on the use of the site.
Josh said: “After making extensive
representations directly to the
Home Office and via the media, I am
pleased that the Home Office finally
accepted mine and our local councils’
arguments that the proposed
Campaign to save Day Centre loses battle
A DECISION to close the Linden
Court Day Centre in Eastbourne has
been described as ‘the darkest day
in East Sussex history’.
Conservative councillors on East
Sussex County Council’s Cabinet have
today (25th February) voted to close
services at Linden Court Day Centre
for people with learning disabilities in
Eastbourne from June 2025.
The future of Linden Court, located
on the Birch Road Industrial Estate
opposite Tesco Extra on Lottbridge
Drove, has hung in the balance since
County Councillors first consulted on
its proposed closure last autumn.
Residents with learning
disabilities and their carers,
alongside Eastbourne MP Josh
Babarinde and Liberal Democrat
County Councillors, have been
campaigning against the closure
of Linden Court, through protests,
speaking out at council meetings,
writing to councillors and
lobbying in the media.
Mr Babarinde has also repeatedly
Cllr Robert Smart outside the old Esperance Hospital
MP Josh Babarinde with campaigners for Linden Court
raised this issue in Parliament, urging
the Government to properly fund
the County Council so that essential
services like Linden Court can
continue to operate.
Liberal Democrat Opposition
Leader David Tutt proposed using
funding in reserves to keep the
service but the proposal was rejected.
85% of consultation respondents
disagreed or strongly disagreed with
the proposal to cut Linden Court.
Councillors on the Cabinet
unanimously voted to close the
service with Councillor Tutt
describing the move as ‘the darkest
day in East Sussex history’.
Eastbourne’s Lib Dem MP Josh
Babarinde said: “Having just sat in the
public gallery of the cabinet meeting
with local families, we are devastated
that Conservative-run East Sussex
County Council has voted to close
Linden Court Day Centre for people
Esperance House scheme was
not appropriate.
“Eastbourne is a compassionate
and inclusive town and we do play
our part - but mass accommodation
schemes like the one that was
proposed are not the way, as national
charities have also said.
“It really is time for this Government
to clear up the mess of the last one,
where Channel crossings were
allowed to spiral out of control. They
need to double down on tackling
dangerous small boat crossings,
and on processing people much
more quickly to get on top of this
for all involved”
In a statement, Stephen Holt, Leader
of Eastbourne Borough Council,
said: “As Leader of Eastbourne
Borough Council, I made very clear
to the Home Office that this site was
inappropriate, and this is a result of
our continued representations. I am
very grateful to our partners who
joined us, particularly Sussex Police,
East Sussex County Council and our
local MP for their support. This is the
right decision for our town.”
with learning disabilities, forcing
them to Bexhill for care — if they can
even get there.
“It is appalling that the County
Council have ignored sincere
testimonies from those whose lives
will be profoundly impacted by this
decision, including Timothy and his
family, who have all relied on Linden
Court for 23 years.
“We will be escalating this to the
Local Government Ombudsman
for review, and will keep fighting
especially given that the risks they
council have identified have been
comely ignored.”
At the same time, East Sussex
County Council abandoned its plans
to close day services at Milton Grange
in Eastbourne.
Milton Grange provides care
for local people with dementia
and serves as a critical respite for
family carers.
Campaigners objected to plans
to close the day service drawn up
last autumn, with hundreds of
residents signing a petition to save
Milton Grange. This followed similar
attempts to close the service in 2018.
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without express permission of the editor.
Aldi wants to build new store next to new development
RESIDENTS are being urged to
have their say about plans for a
new Aldi store on land at Polegate.
A consultation event took place
recently and highlighted the
company’s vision for the site off
Eastbourne Road (A2270).
It says it will be investing £5m into
the development and will create
up to 40 new full-time jobs for the
area. There will also be a car park
with 118 spaces, including electric
car charging bays.
The site falls close to the
development which will eventually
see 700 homes built, next to
the busy A2270.
A spokesperson for the company
said: “Aldi is keen to consult with the
community ahead of submission so
that we can hear your views firsthand,
and take those into account as
we finalise our proposals.
“We will report the outcome
of this consultation in a
Statement of Community
Involvement submitted with
the planning application and
encourage you to participate and
provide your thoughts.

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4 NEWS
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Hospice funding crisis
forces caregivers to rely
on legacy donations
EVERY year, hospices care for
300,000 people and support
60,000 family members, carers
and friends, free of charge
across the country.
A campaign has highlighted the
difficulties faced by six hospices
across Sussex as they find it
increasingly difficult to fund care, as
government support only goes a third
of the way to ensuring patients get the
help they deserve.
A TV campaign recently aired
and featured stories from hospices
and highlighted the breadth of care
and how the sector supports both
the patient and their loved ones, in
hospices and in the community.
143 hospices across England,
Wales and Scotland have signed
up to the campaign and it has been
implemented by Hospice UK.
Six Sussex-based hospices, St
Catherine’s Hospice, St Wilfrid’s
Hospice, St Barnabas House,
children’s hospice Chestnut Tree
House, Martlets and St Michael’s
Hospice joined together for the
“This is Hospice Care” national
collaboration between 143 hospices
across England, Scotland and Wales,
brought together by Hospice UK.
They all claim they are facing
‘unprecedented financial challenges’.
The campaign aimed to raise
awareness of hospice services,
shift public perceptions of hospice
care and educate people about
the importance of gifts in Wills in
providing sustainable income for
hospice charities.
For St Wilfrid’s Hospice in
Eastbourne, gifts in wills pay for the
care of one in three patients.
CEO Colin Twomey said: “Gifts in
wills are crucial to our survival and
growth. Our care is free at the point
of use. But, while we receive some
government funding, more than
70% of the money we need to provide
this vital care each year comes from
generous donors.
“Hospice care is everything
you’d expect, and everything you
wouldn’t. At St Wilfrid’s we enable
people across Eastbourne, Seaford,
Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield (and
all points between) to live well at
the end of life.
“This might mean offering
expert medical and nursing
care to ease a person’s pain and
symptoms at home, in local
care homes, or at the hospice. It
might also mean supporting their
spiritual needs, providing them
with the tools they need to stay
mobile, or helping them with the
practicalities of living with an illness.
And it means looking after their
families and carers, before and
after someone dies.
“All of these services are vital, and
it would be devastating to have to
reduce our care to patients. Which
is why we hope local people will be
inspired by the campaign to leave a
gift in their will to their local hospice
and make sure we can be here for
many years to come.”
Karen Clarke, CEO of St Michael’s
Hospice said, “We were thrilled to be
part of this important campaign that
highlights the critical work hospices
do and the lasting impact that gifts in
Wills can have.”
Jo Brand, who’s brother was
supported by the Hospice said; “My
lovely brother Bill died at St Michael’s
Hospice in 2021, and it proved to be a
welcome sanctuary for us as a family
at the end of his life.
“I’m so grateful for the kindness
and care shown to us by the hospice
staff and that’s why I’m delighted to
be supporting such an important
cause. Legacy gifts, no matter how
small, make a huge difference — so
I’d encourage you all to consider
supporting your local hospice.”
Men arrested as
drugs factory raided
POLICE have discovered a
cannabis factory during a
raid at a premises in Maple
Road in Eastbourne.
Officers investigating the supply of
Class B drugs executed the warrant
on Wednesday, 19 February. The
Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU)
attended and discovered cannabis
plants. Three suspects were arrested.
Two have been charged.
Eljohn Majika, 22, of no fixed
address, was charged with cultivating
cannabis plants.
Klevis Kurtie, 22, of no fixed
address, was also charged with
cultivating cannabis plants.
Both men appeared before Brighton
Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 20
February and have been remanded in
custody to appear at crown court for
sentencing on 20 March.
A 29-year-old man, from
Eastbourne, was arrested on
suspicion of production of class B
drugs and has been released on police
bail, while enquiries continue.
If you suspect or are aware of any
properties where cannabis may be
cultivated, Sussex Police encourage
you to report it. You can do so online,
by calling 101, or anonymously via
Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or
through their website.
Car ploughs into wall
outside shopping centre
EMERGENCY crews rushed to
the scene of an incident recently
after a vehicle crashed into a
house in Eastbourne.
The car hit the house on Tideswell
Road, next to the exit of The Beacon
car park, the female driver was not
hurt in the collision.
The Toyota C-HR was destroyed
in the crash which was the scene of
a similar incident in August 2024,
when an Audi e-tron GT hit the wall of
the same house.
A newly installed bollard along the
path were flattened and torn out of the
ground in the crash.
The car hit the wooden boards which
were protecting the damage from the
previous incident in August.
A nearby neighbour suggested it is
the ninth time a car has collided with
the same home, since around 2009.
Eastbourne’s MP, Josh Babarinde
believes a lack of action at the site
is putting residents in danger. He
said: “It is completely unacceptable
and shameful that East Sussex
County Council has failed to act after
repeated calls to implement better
safety measures”
“Residents, businesses, and
pedestrians should not have to
live in fear of another crash. I am
demanding an urgent meeting with
East Sussex County Council and all
affected stakeholders to ensure they
finally take responsibility and put the
necessary safety measures in place.
“How many more accidents will it
take for East Sussex County Council to
listen and take decisive action?”

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6 NEWS
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Yuliia Lapova and Olena Holt perform a traditional song at the event
Mariia Savvinova, Chair of the
Association of Ukrainians in
Great Britain Eastbourne Branch
Vigil held to mark three years
since Russia invaded Ukraine
PHOTOS: ANDY BUTLER
MEMBERS of the Ukrainian
community and supporters
gathered in Eastbourne to mark
three years since the start of the
war in their country.
The town’s Mayor, Councillor
Candy Vaughan, laid flowers at
the memorial alongside MP Josh
Babarinde who joined Ukrainians
who fled their country and have built
lives in the UK.
The event started at Banker’s
Corner where a crowd heard from
speakers about the invasion and the
support they are receiving from the
UK and local people who continue
to raise funds and equipment
for the frontline.
There was then a procession which
led attendees to the war memorial
where flowers and wreaths were laid
to remember those who are currently
fighting and those who have lost their
lives in the conflict.
Mariia Savvinova, Chair of the
Association of Ukrainians in Great
Britain Eastbourne Branch, told
Eastbourne News: “It was amazing to
be supported by the town’s Mayor
and MP at our vigil. We’ve had a
great amount of support from the
UK Government with housing and
Universal Credit, which we will
forever be grateful for.
“Most of the Ukrainians who came
here are now working and their
children are at local schools here and
living a normal life to a certain extent.
“However, their mental health is
not in a good place at the moment,
because we’re in the third year and
we’re still waiting for peace — it’s
very exhausting.”
Simon Rooksby, Chairman of
Computers for Charities (CfC), based
in Hailsham, has been supporting
Ukraine since the start of the war
by collecting and delivering aid
to the country.
He said: “We have supported the
association since 2023, primarily
providing a safe place for Children
& Adults adapting to UK culture. and
seeks to provide additional support
& resources to aid other local &
displaced people in the area through
its hub meeting place.
“CfC has operated since 1994, not
Simon Rooksby, Chairman
of Computers for Charities
just computers, but people and
organisations locally, nationally
and worldwide remain our priority.
Hence, when approached by the
Ukrainian Association, we were
happy to assist by sharing our
facilities for meetings and support for
almost two years now. Plus going into
Ukraine as well!”

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8 NEWS
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Programme of events
to mark Grand Hotel’s
150th Anniversary
THE Grand Hotel in Eastbourne
is embarking on a year-long
celebration for the hotel’s
150th anniversary.
Referred to by locals as “The White
Palace”, The Grand Hotel stands as
the UK’s only five-star seafront hotel
and this year marks 150 years since
the hotel was opened to the public.
Since its construction in 1875, The
Grand Hotel has stood as a prominent
symbol of luxury in Eastbourne.
Today, the history of the building is
present throughout, with original
photographs dating back to the early
years and room names — such as the
Devonshire and Debussy Suites —
honouring the building’s rich past.
Throughout the years, The
Grand has played host to countless
memorable moments — the hotel’s
old tennis court was once regularly
used by tennis legends Fred Perry
and Bunny Austin to prepare for
Wimbledon, before being replaced
with The Grand’s iconic outdoor
pool in May 1963.
From 1924 to 1939, the Grand Hotel
Orchestra performed live from the
Grand Hall every Sunday night as
part of the BBC’s popular “Grand
Hotel” program.
During World War II, when
Eastbourne faced air raids, The
Grand was converted into a military
headquarters. Aside from this period,
the hotel has continuously welcomed
guests since its opening. It was fully
restored to its original purpose in 1965
and still dominates the shoreline, in
all its grandeur, today.
Over the last 150 years the hotel has
also welcomed many famous faces.
One of the earliest guests was French
composer Claude Debussy in 1905.
Debussy stated that the hotel was a
‘peaceful and charming spot’.
He managed to complete his
greatest symphony, ‘Le Mer’, during
his two-month tenure at the hotel
overlooking the English Channel. In
honour of this connection, The Grand
has renamed his room, Room 200,
The Debussy Suite, and it remains a
popular room to this day.
Sir Ernest Shackleton was also
a visitor to The Grand in 1914 just
before his epic Antarctic expedition.
He even drew some plans on the back
of a hotel napkin in the bar. Charlie
Chaplin was another regular guest in
the 1960’s and would often visit the
hotel with his wife and children.
Many Royals have stayed at The
Grand since 1875, most of whom
visited The Duke of Devonshire
who owned large parts of
Eastbourne at the time.
More recently Her Royal Highness,
Queen Sofia of Spain made regular
visits to The Grand to visit her
children’s retired nanny.
Taking place from Friday 21st–
Monday 24th November 2025, a
three-day festival will bring to life
many of the personalities who have
stayed, or performed, at the hotel
throughout the years.
Set against a backdrop of the hotel’s
illustrious history, dating from the
reign of Queen Victoria through to
King Charles III, top-class performers
will evoke stars such as Enrico
Caruso, Dame Nellie Melba, John
McCormack, Anna Pavlova, Paul
Robeson, George Robey, Charlie
Chaplin, and many others, not
forgetting great composers such as Sir
Edward Elgar and Claude Debussy.
The festival programme includes
the following performances:
Friday 21st November — George
VI, Elizabeth II, Charles III — live
performances of Charlie Chaplin’s
most famous film scores, Yehudi
Menuhin’s violin and Peter Frankl’s
piano, as well as music from The
Grand Hotel’s Palm Court Trio.
Saturday 22nd November —
George V, Edward VIII — a musical
interpretation of Dame Clara Butt
singing one of Elgar’s Sea Pictures,
as well as live recitals of music
from tenor John McCormack,
Russian bass Feodor Chaliapin, Paul
Robeson, and more...
Sunday 23rd November —
Queen Victoria, Edward VII —
performances inspired by Caruso
and Tosti, as well as Nellie Melba
in the extended Love Duet from
Puccini’s La Boheme.
The Grand Hotel will be running a
number of other celebratory events
throughout the year. Details can be
found at www.grandeastbourne.com

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MARCH 2025 NEWS 9
What Devolution means for Sussex councils
IN a significant move towards
local empowerment, the UK
Government has initiated a public
consultation on a proposal to
establish a Mayoral Combined
County Authority (MCCA) for
East Sussex, West Sussex, and
Brighton & Hove.
This initiative aims to devolve
powers from Westminster to local
leadership, granting the region
greater autonomy over critical
areas such as transport, public
safety, health, environment,
housing, economic growth, skills,
and job creation.
The government’s English Devolution
White Paper, published in December
2024, outlines a comprehensive plan
to decentralise authority, ensuring
that every part of England benefits
from devolution. In response,
the leaders of East Sussex County
Council, West Sussex County Council,
and Brighton & Hove City Council
have collaboratively expressed
interest in forming an MCCA.
This proposed authority would
consist of an elected mayor and two
representatives from each constituent
council, collectively overseeing
strategic functions across the region.
The inaugural mayoral election is
slated for May 2026.
A pivotal aspect of the devolution
agenda is the reorganisation of
local government structures. The
current two-tier system of county
and district councils is set to be
replaced by unitary authorities,
each serving populations of at least
500,000. This restructuring aims to
streamline decision-making, reduce
administrative redundancies, and
enhance service delivery. In East
Sussex, discussions are underway to
determine the optimal configuration
for these new unitary councils, with
proposals expected to be submitted to
the government by September 2025.
The public consultation, launched
on 17 February 2025, invites residents,
businesses, and stakeholders to
provide feedback on the devolution
proposal. The consultation period
will remain open until 13 April 2025,
after which the government will
assess the responses to inform its
decision on establishing the MCCA.
This participatory approach ensures
that the voices of the 1.7 million
people residing in Sussex are heard
and considered in the decisionmaking
process.
Local leaders have expressed
a range of views regarding the
devolution plans. While some
councillors are optimistic about
the potential for increased local
control and improved public
services, others have raised concerns
about the pace of the proposed
changes and the potential for voter
confusion due to the restructuring
process. Critics argue that the
rapid implementation could lead
to administrative challenges and
question whether the new structures
will effectively address local needs.
These diverse perspectives highlight
the importance of the ongoing public
consultation in shaping the future
governance of the region.
IMPLICATIONS FOR
LOCAL ELECTIONS
As part of the transition to the new
governance structure, local elections
scheduled for May 2025 in East
Sussex have been postponed.
This postponement is intended to
facilitate the reorganisation process
and align electoral cycles with the
establishment of the new unitary
authorities and the election of the
Sussex mayor in May 2026.
While this move aims to ensure
a smooth transition, it has faced
criticism from various political figures
and parties who view it as potentially
undemocratic and disruptive to local
political engagement.
The Sussex devolution initiative is
part of a broader national effort to
reshape local governance in England.
The English Devolution Bill seeks to
grant more powers to local leaders,
streamline administrative structures,
and enhance the efficiency of
public services. Proponents argue
that such reforms will lead to
significant cost savings and more
responsive governance.
However, detractors caution that
the rapid pace of change could
undermine local democratic
accountability and lead to confusion
among residents.
As the consultation progresses, the
feedback gathered will be crucial
in determining the final structure
and powers of the proposed MCCA,
ensuring that the reforms align with
the needs and aspirations of the
Sussex community.
In conclusion, the proposed
devolution and reorganisation
of councils in Sussex represent
a transformative shift towards
localised governance. The success
of this initiative will largely depend
on active public participation
in the consultation process and
careful consideration of the diverse
perspectives presented by local
leaders and residents.
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10 NOTICEBOARD
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
BUSINESS LOCAL NETWORK
FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Hailsham, Eastbourne & Uckfield – all 10-12pm,
£10 per person. Come and enjoy our relaxed and
natural atmosphere. At BLN, we pride ourselves
on providing a warm and relaxed vibe with no
awkward elevator pitches. Conversations flow
naturally, allowing business owners to speak
freely and engage in meaningful dialogue,
brainstorm and problem-solve.
Uckfield: The Pamper Lounge, TN22 5AE,
Wednesdays: 12 Mar & 9 Apr. £10 —
TO BOOK: www.bit.ly/BLN-Uckfield
Hailsham: Abbots Wood Manor, BN27 3AL,
Tuesdays: 18 Mar & 15 Apr. £10 —
TO BOOK: www.bit.ly/BLN_Hailsham
Eastbourne: ortain Place, BN22 0AB,
Wednesdays: 26 Mar & 23 Apr. £10 —
TO BOOK: www.bit.ly/BLN-Eastbourne
BEXHILL
BEXHILL REMEMBERS 5 YEARS ON FROM
THE COVID PANDEMIC The Tree of Hope
(next to Bexhill War Memorial). 2pm, Sunday
9th March 2025. We are marking the Day of
Reflection with music, poems and speakers. All
Welcome. Organised by Lynn & Jim Langlands,
Brian Drayson and Kimmy Stanger. For info
jstanger2012@gmail.com
BEXHILL JUMBLE SALE. St. Michael’s Church Hall,
Glassenbury Drive Bexhill. Saturday 15 March,
10am-12 noon. Many bargains. Entrance 50p.
Contact (01424) 848603
BEXHILL STAMP & POSTCARD CLUB. St
Augustine’s Church Hall, Cooden Drive, Bexhill,
TN39 3AZ. Wednesday 26 March, 7.30pm. You
are invited to our next meeting. A fascinating talk
on stamp rarities held by the British Library. Have
a great social evening crowned by the sensational
‘sardine’ raffle. Contact (01424) 846177
CRAFT FAIR. St Barnabas Church, Sea Road,
Bexhill. TN40 1JG. Saturday 8 March, 10am to
2.30pm. Over 20+ local crafters selling beautiful
handmade items. FREE ENTRY. Contact: 07846
132261 or email: craftfairsaturday@gmail.com
BEXHILL FARMERS’ MARKET. Devonshire
Square, Bexhill-on-Sea. Every Friday, 9am-1pm.
The market offers a variety of local produce,
including handmade pies, fresh bread, meats,
game, smoked products, cheeses, fish, fruits,
vegetables, jams, chutneys, cinnamon buns,
brownies, plants, and flowers. On the second
Friday of each month, The French Delicatessen
provides a selection of cheeses.
EASTBOURNE
THE BEATLES AND SWINGING 60S NIGHT.
Eastbourne Borough Football Club, Priory Lane,
BN23 7QH. Friday 14 March, 7pm. Harmonize
Productions present a musical masterpiece.
Double charity fundraiser, benefitting Missing
Persons UK and Andy’s Man Club. The Beatles
and Swinging 60s Night will delight you with
high class nostalgia. Doors 6pm, starts at 7pm. £8
standard issue, £7 seniors/students/Veterans
EASTBOURNE WALKING NETBALL. Eastbourne
Sports Park, Cross Levels Way. Monday mornings
10am-11am. All ages welcome to join us. Walking
netball is great for low-impact fitness, fun and
mixing with like-minded friendly people. See our
Facebook page for more info or call Anne-Marie
07702 317728. £4.55 per session.
EASTBOURNE BOROUGH MARKET. Terminus
Road, Eastbourne, from Trinity Trees to Marks
& Spencer’s. Every Wednesday and Sunday,
9.30am-4.30pm. The market features a variety of
stalls offering fresh produce, baked goods, crafts,
and more.
PEVENSEY BAY CRAFT MARKET. St Wilfrid’s
Church Hall, Eastbourne Road, Pevensey Bay
Second Saturday of the month, 10am-12.30pm
A monthly craft market – Everyone welcome.
FREE entry. Refreshments available.
UPCOMING HAF EVENTS
Free Holiday Activities & Meals for Local
Children – HAF Programme. Did you know that
children eligible for free school meals can access
free activities and nutritious meals during school
holidays? Thanks to the Holiday Activities and
Food (HAF) Programme, families in your area can
enjoy a fantastic range of sessions, from sports and
creative workshops to outdoor adventures and fun
learning experiences. Local providers are offering
free spaces for eligible children this holiday break,
ensuring they stay active, engaged, and well-fed
while school is out.
Jungle Adventure Art & Yoga Camp, Eastbourne
(ages 5-11). West Rise School, Chaffinch Road,
Eastbourne, BN23 7SL. Over the course of six funfilled
days, children will embark on creative and
adventurous expeditions, exploring the wonders
of the jungle through engaging art projects and
relaxing yoga sessions. Register your interest:
https://bit.ly/EEQU-Jungle
Rascals Holiday Playscheme, Eastbourne
(ages 8-12). Brodrick Road, Eastbourne, East
Sussex, BN22 9RQ. Exciting holiday fun for
8–12-year-olds, featuring child-led activities such
as organised games, sports, creative play, arts
and crafts, free play, a bouncy castle, and more.
Register your interest: https://bit.ly/EEQU-Rascals
Free Fitness Class for Refugees (Ages 18+). St
Augustine’s Hall, Christ Church with St Philip,
Seaside, Eastbourne, BN22 7NN. Join us for this
Fitness session to learn some new exercises and
connect with like-minded people in the area,
all while improving your English. Register your
interest: https://bit.ly/EEQU-English
Wheelchair Tennis Session (all ages). 131
Fishermen’s Green Tennis Courts, Royal Parade,
Eastbourne, BN22 7LH. Weekly wheelchair
tennis session for all. Looking to cover the
basics and help people gain confidence/improve
their skill on the court! Register your interest:
https://bit.ly/EEQU-Tennis
Please note: Some of these events are Register
Your Interest sessions, meaning dates will only
be set if enough people sign up. For events with
confirmed dates, spaces are limited, so be sure to
book early! Let’s make this school holiday a time
to learn, play, and thrive!
To submit your listing for publication
on this page, visit: www.eastsussex.
news/community-noticeboard or
scan this QR Code.
The publishers cannot be responsible for any errors or omissions in this noticeboard.
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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MARCH 2025 NEWS 11
Schoolchildren to say farewell to Jenny the dog
HUNDREDS of children from
two Eastbourne schools are
remembering Jenny, a Golden
Retriever who supported
them during lessons for the
past seven years.
Jenny has been visiting them
on a weekly basis in term
time as a Canine Concern
‘Bark and Read’ Dog so that
children who need it can have
help with reading, by reading
stories just to her.
Jenny passed away at the
beginning of February -
her presence and calming
temperament which made such
a positive difference to the lives
of many children, will be so
greatly missed, according to her
owner Lis Korn.
Sylvia Berhane, DSL/Assistant
Headteacher at Ocklynge School
said: “From the moment she
walked through our doors,
Jenny had a way of making
everyone feel at ease. With her
gentle eyes, wagging tail, and
endless patience, she became
a source of joy and reassurance
for every child who had the
privilege of knowing her. She
listened without judgment, sat
quietly with those who needed a
friend, and greeted everyone as
if they were the most important
person in the world.
“For so many children, Jenny
was a calm presence, a reason
to smile, and a reminder that
kindness comes in many forms,
including four-legged ones.
She taught us about loyalty,
friendship, and the pure,
unconditional love that only a
dog can give. The children of
Ocklynge Junior School will
really miss her and they thank
Lis for all her commitment and
time, coming in to visit them.
Elena Birch from South Downs
Special School said: “Jenny was
an absolutely fantastic dog who
visited our school weekly. The
children loved seeing her and
were always filled with such joy
when they got to spend time
with her, from sniffing her coat,
to hugging her or reading her
stories and getting some cheeky
kisses! Jenny’s gentle and kind
demeanour meant that children
who were initially fearful of
interacting with a dog soon
calmed and began to make some
lovely bonds with Jenny. She will
be truly missed by everyone that
had the pleasure of meeting her!
Prior to visiting schools, Lis
also took her to visit care homes
and the homeless.
Clinic celebrates
top awards
A BUSINESSWOMAN from
Eastbourne has clinched two
awards for her town centre
aesthetics clinic.
Rebecca Francis, who runs the
Francis Clinic on Gildredge Road,
was the first paramedic to work in
Aesthetics on Harley Street prior to
starting the business.
The clinic she now runs
specialises in numerous beauty
treatments and has been
recognised nationally by clinching Medical Aesthetic
Clinic of the Year for London and the South East, and
Medical Aesthetic Clinic of the Year for Southern England
(GHP Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards).
Rebecca commented: “My team and I are thrilled with
these achievements, which highlight our commitment to
ethical and safe aesthetic treatments.”
Eastbourne Choral Society
concert for Easter
EASTBOURNE Choral Society
has announced an Easter concert
to be held at All Saints’ Church,
Grange Road, on Saturday
12th April at 7pm.
This concert will feature the choir’s
founder, the renowned Sussex
musician Elizabeth Muir Lewis
conducting Mozart’s much-loved
Requiem, while her successor
as the choir’s Musical Director,
John Hancorn, will conduct
Haydn’s Nelson Mass.
Elizabeth Muir Lewis is the widow
of the world-famous tenor Richard
Lewis, and is herself a well-known
1
32
and highly-respected musician,
singer, conductor and author.
Elizabeth has particularly requested
that she conduct Eastbourne
Choral Society in Mozart’s glorious
Requiem, one of the most enduringly
popular sacred choral works
amongst choirs, orchestras and
audiences alike. Her return to the
choir as guest conductor will be
warmly welcomed.
The choir was led by Elizabeth for
ten years from its founding in 1993,
and is now led by two professional
musicians, John Hancorn as
Musical Director, supported by
Nicholas Houghton, rehearsal
accompanist and organist.
Further details and tickets, visit:
eastbournechoralsociety.org.uk.
s a v e
single fares
for just
£1, £2 £3 or
find out more:
on buses
in East Sussex
eastsussex.gov.uk
/bus-fares

12 NEWS
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Trevor Weeks MBE with stepmother, Wendy and father, John at Buckingham Palace
Trevor examines a swan thought to have been shot from Eastbourne
Trevor co-ordinating the rescue of Swans at Hove Lagoon in 2005
Celebrating 40 Years of Wildlife
Rescue: The Journey of Trevor
Weeks MBE, and WRAS
THIS year, East Sussex Wildlife
Rescue & Ambulance Service
(WRAS) celebrates two
extraordinary milestones: 40 years
of founder Trevor Weeks’ tireless
dedication to wildlife conservation
and the 30th anniversary
of WRAS itself.
From its humble beginnings as
a volunteer effort to becoming an
award-winning charity, WRAS now
plays a vital role in supporting both
wildlife and the community.
FROM TEENAGE VOLUNTEER
TO WILDLIFE PIONEER
Trevor’s journey began at just 13
years old when he joined Eastbourne
Conservation Volunteers. His first
rescue mission, retrieving two oilcovered
guillemots from the beach at
Cow Gap, ignited a passion that would
shape his life.
Over the next decade, Trevor
honed his skills, learning from
established groups and individuals
while balancing his career as a
computer programmer.
In 1996, Trevor formalised his
efforts by founding WRAS after
being challenged by a local vet,
Robin Hooper, to address mounting
veterinary bills. A public meeting
in Hailsham led to the creation of a
voluntary group with a clear mission:
provide professional, ethical care for
injured wildlife.
DECADES OF GROWTH
AND IMPACT
Over the past 30 years, WRAS has
evolved significantly. Originally a
small operation run from homes and
gardens, the organisation faced the
challenge of inadequate facilities to
meet growing demand. In response,
WRAS opened its first independent
casualty centre in 2006, moving to a
Trevor with the Wartling Pink Swan
larger site in Whitesmith in 2008.
Today, the centre is equipped to
handle up to 450 animals at a time and
manages over 6,500 cases annually.
WRAS receives over 30,000 calls each
Trevor with Tom Heap from Animal 247 in 2008

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MARCH 2025 NEWS 13
Trevor rescuing newts on a
development site in Hailsham, 1991
Trevor Weeks assisting Gary Tredwell to treat
oiled birds at Sea Empress oil spill in 1996
Trevor with a Hedgehog at WRAS’s Casualty Centre
Oiled Guillemot in Eastbourne, February 2005
Hedgehog rescue in Alfriston, June 2012
Trevor and Tony rescuing an entangled albino stag near Mayfield
WRAS Trevor rescuing a Stag
year, many concerning sick, injured,
trapped, or orphaned wildlife that
require the expertise of WRAS’s
specialised team for safe rescue,
as improper handling can lead to
serious injury.
WRAS’s success is rooted in its
team of nine full-time staff and over
200 volunteers. These dedicated
individuals provide a wide range of
services, from feeding and cleaning
casualties to conducting complex
rescue operations. Despite this, the
charity’s resources are stretched thin,
with facilities often at capacity during
peak seasons. WRAS’s current centre
becomes full every summer and is
outdated, according to the charity.
It desperately needs to expand
and update its hospital facilities
to become more efficient and
cost-effective. Without raising
significantly more funds, WRAS is
struggling to secure its future and has
launched an Anniversary Appeal to
fund a modernised wildlife hospital
and rescue charity for the area.
Trevor’s unwavering commitment
has not been without personal
sacrifice. Over the years, he has faced
physical and emotional challenges,
including burnout and a diagnosis
of complex PTSD. Nevertheless,
Trevor has persevered, driven by his
mission to prevent suffering for both
wildlife and people.
Trevor said: “More individuals are
finding sick, injured, orphaned, and
dying wildlife due to the increasing
pressures of urban development
and habitat loss. At WRAS, we
work tirelessly to restore balance -
helping wildlife adapt and recover
while supporting people who
experience the emotional toll of
these encounters.
“By aiding injured animals,
addressing human-wildlife
challenges, and promoting local
biodiversity, we play a vital role in
sustaining both our community and
natural heritage. However, we cannot
do it without the support of the public
and local businesses. We are a vital
community service,”
To commemorate its 30th
anniversary, WRAS is calling on the
community to support its mission by
donating to its Anniversary Appeal.
Trevor will undertake an 80-mile
fundraising trek across East Sussex
in March over 11 days, starting from
Bewl Water on the Kent border and
travelling across East Sussex. The
trek will finish on Friday 28th March
on Eastbourne Seafront, where a
celebration event is being held at the
Cumberland Hotel.
The funds raised will go towards
building a state-of-the-art wildlife
hospital, ensuring WRAS can
continue its vital work for decades to
come. Other events in the pipeline
include a Founders Raffle and an
Unusual Quiz Night.
For more information or to
donate, scan the QR
code or visit: https://
wildlifeambulance.org/
anniversary-appeal-2025/
Cleaning out Hailsham
Common Pond late 1980s
Wartling Swan release in January 2015
Trevor searching for oiled seabirds

14 EASTBOURNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
@EdealSouthEast @EdealSouthEast @Edeal-Enterprise-Agency www.eastbournechamber.co.uk
Member spotlight:
Little Gate Farm
Introducing:
Pastures
New Partners
LITTLE Gate is a charity that
transforms the lives of people
with learning disabilities and
autism. They support adults,
helping them develop the skills
and confidence needed to secure
meaningful paid work.
The Charity was founded in 2013
by Claire and David Cordell. As
parents of a daughter with a learning
disability, they witnessed the stark
contrast in opportunities available
to her compared to her twin brother.
Recognising the urgent need for
better employment pathways,
they established Little Gate to help
bridge this gap.
Since then, Little Gate has grown its
services to include supported work
training, supported apprenticeships,
and supported employment. These
Tracey-Anne Cook and Jo Ashby
programmes provide tailored support
to individuals, enabling them to gain
workplace experience and transition
into paid employment.
The Chamber is thrilled to be
providing a placement to a Little
Gate student in the spring. Ahead
of this, the charity is providing
specialist training to ensure he is
given the best possible support and
opportunities at work.
If you are an employer and
interested in partnering with
Little Gate, or would like to
learn more about the different
programmes they offer.
Visit www.littlegate.org.uk or email
info@littlegate.org.uk
Willow Tree Financial
Services turns ten!
THIS month, Willow Tree
Financial Services is celebrating
a milestone — 10 years of guiding
clients towards financial clarity,
security, and peace of mind
A decade ago, Rachael Panteney
made the bold decision to create the
business she truly believed in—one
rooted in empathy, values, and
meaningful advice.
She stepped away from the
traditional style of financial advice
to build something different: a
space where clients are not just
numbers but people with dreams,
challenges, and stories.
Over the past 10 years, Willow
Tree has grown from a vision to
a thriving practice, supporting
countless clients with investments,
mortgages, and crucial insurance
policies that have made all the
difference during life’s unexpected
moments. But beyond the
numbers, it’s the relationships,
the trust, and the positive
impact on clients’ lives that truly
define this journey.
The team at Willow Tree Financial Services
None of this would have been
possible without the incredible
people who make Willow Tree what
it is today. From Rachael’s dedicated
team — Haylee, who has been there
since day one, and Cassie, who is
flourishing in her adviser role — to
the behind-the-scenes support for
marketing and paraplanning. And of
course, to the clients who have placed
their trust in Willow Tree, thank you
for being part of this story.
As we celebrate this milestone,
we’re filled with gratitude for the
past and excitement for the future.
Here’s to the next chapter of growth,
connection, and making a difference
— the Willow Tree Way.
Mark Beresford
CONSIDERING selling your B2B
business — or buying another one?
If so, read on...
I’m Mark Beresford. Over a period
of 24 years, I bought 26 companies.
During the same period, I didn’t buy
more than 200 others.
I merged many, sold several and
closed 3. The 200 businesses I didn’t
buy had one thing in common. I
can help you avoid following in
their footsteps.
Unlike many professional advisors,
at Pastures New, we’ve worked at
the coalface. We have the expertise
to help you understand the risks and
avoid common pitfalls when selling
your business.
Over 75% of advertised
businesses don’t sell.
Selling a business comes with risks,
including misleading valuations,
unsettling your customers, and
leaving staff feel abandoned.
Publicising the sale may alert
competitors seeking to poach your
clients and can make lenders uneasy.
Buyers will scrutinise your staff and
customer base, potentially harming
your reputation and creating
unforeseen challenges.
Sell your business with confidence.
Avoid high advisory costs and
talk to us first.
We offer:
• No obligation face-to-face
discovery meeting
• Expert advice on challenges and
common mistakes in business sales
• Taylor-made strategies to protect
your interests
• Advice you on the best ways to
value your business
• Help with identifying your
objectives — and achieving them
We act with discretion at every step
and are your dedicated conduit to
potential buyers.
If you want to make change
happen with a prospective buyer
or approach an acquisition target,
email me in strict confidence, details
below, to arrange a no obligation
introductory meeting.
LATEST: we are retained by a client
looking to acquire a B2B opportunity
onto which new income streams
will be added. an introducer’s fee
(payable on completion) of £10,000
is offered. ideally breaking even, the
business must be a manufacturing
or associated enterprise.
desired t/o £2-£5m.
Email: markcb57@outlook.com

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MARCH 2025 EASTBOURNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE 15
Challenges for Employers:
an update from Loch Associates
BY CHRISTINA EWBANK
BUSINESSPEOPLE face many
challenges — from the shock of
retirement to the rise in tribunal
cases, and now, prospective
challenges posed by the
Employment Rights Bill going
through Parliament. With this
in mind, I spoke to solicitors
Pam Loch and Vicky Regan of
Loch Associates Group, whose
unique offering in employment
law, HR, training, coaching and
wellbeing has supported owners
and managers through every
stage of business.
THINKING OF RETIRING?
BE READY!
Work often defines us, and retirement
can be a shock to the system. It can be
unnerving when you lose your status
and business contacts abruptly.
Retirement should be a time of
opportunities. Eastbourne Chamber
is working with Eastbourne
Rotary Club and Loch Associates
to create an ‘Emeritus Members
Club’ to keep members informed
and maintain links with business
contacts and friends.
The Emeritus Club will provide
valuable coaching from Loch
Associates to help members plan for
retirement and give them options for
continuing to contribute their skills
and expertise to the community. The
Chamber and Rotary will also provide
access to events so retired members
can retain important contacts.
EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL
CLAIMS ARE YOU AT RISK?
The Equality Act of 2010 exposed
businesses to the risk of claims for
sexual harassment, and possibly even
resultant personal injury entitlements,
arising from staff claims of bullying
and harassment.
Since the removal of fees from staff
making a tribunal claim, the number
of such claims has escalated. It is
possible to protect your business by
investing in Employment Tribunal
Insurance, which covers legal costs,
mediation and settlement awards. It’s
always best to avoid a tribunal, and the
insurance pays for training from Loch
Associates on managing bullying
and harassment.
In my 25 years at Mercedes-Benz,
I saw the number of grievances
rocket from hardly any, to becoming
an almost monthly-occurrence. I
represented the company at three
tribunals, which we won, but they
cost the company significantly in lost
business and disruption. Tribunals
can be imposing and scary, so it
would have been greatly beneficial to
have had ‘Loch Associates’ Witness
Training’ to boost confidence before
staff gave evidence.
Vicky Regan advised “The best
way to avoid tribunals is to nip
any problems in the bud”. Loch
Associates’ training shows your
managers how to handle staff
problems in a direct and professional
manner. This is particularly
important if you are faced with claims
involving bullying or harassment.
THE EMPLOYMENT
RIGHTS BILL
Introduced by the Labour
Government, this bill is currently
making its way through parliament.
We need to prepare for the potential
removal of the two-year continuity
service period, giving staff full
employment rights from their first
day of employment. Zero-hours
contracts may be scrapped, and the
‘three day waiting period’, where
the first three days of sick leave are
unpaid, will be removed.
Loch Associates provide expert
advice on how the Employment
Rights Bill affects your business, and
the changes you need to make to
accommodate this new legislation.
Today’s biggest staff
management challenges
In the workplace, it is important
mental health and neurodiversity
needs are managed sympathetically.
Burnout and lack of resilience can also
affect productivity, making careful
performance management essential.
Loch Associates provides a variety
of training modules in managing
employment issues and helping your
team in perform at their best.
Their Business Excellence Training
helps employees develop a range
of skills to work well as a team. The
training covers topics including
telephone communication for staff
more used to texts and emails and
managing teams working from home.
It also covers tricky subjects such as
office etiquette and how to bridge
inter-generational differences.
Vicky Regan and Pam Loch
are two of the Employment Law
specialists within Loch Associates
Group, which has a wide-ranging
practice covering strategic business
advice, immigration, corporate law,
litigation, family law, outsourced HR,
mediation and many other services
to help organisations to manage and
nurture their people.
To learn more about Loch
Associates Group’s training and
services, call 0203 667 5400 or visit
www.lochassociates.co.uk
Coming up: London
Philharmonic Orchestra
brings Beethoven &
Brahms to Eastbourne
CONGRESS THEATRE, SUNDAY 9TH MARCH, 15:00 — 17:00
FOR the composers of the Romantic era, music was about gazing into the human soul
and transforming raw passion into timeless beauty. Music doesn’t get much more
beautiful than Beethoven’s radiant Violin Concerto: a sunlit, soaring masterpiece in
which the soloist almost seems to take flight. There’s certainly nothing earthbound
about our soloist — the award-winning Korean violinist Hyeyoon Park has been
described as ‘a marvel’. Her performance is the big, warm heart of a concert that
opens with Schumann’s swashbuckling overture and ends with Brahms’s last
symphony – tragedy, tenderness and defiance, told straight from the heart.
‘And there was fine conducting, at once witty and tender, from Adam
Hickox.’ The Guardian
‘... Musicianship of the highest order ...’ The York Press on Hyeyoon Park
To book your tickets, head to www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
Adam Hickox, Beethoven & Brahms. Photo credit: Olivia Da Costa

16 REGULARS
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
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!
DIPLOCKS CAFÉ: THE 30-MINUTE
CHALLENGE & CULINARY WINS
AFTER a long day, one of those where
you barely get time to stop, the last
thing we fancied was cooking. Bellies
were rumbling, the sun was going
down — grabbing a supermarket meal
deal? Not tonight. Since we were
in the area, we thought we’d give
Diplocks Café a try.
I’d heard plenty of great things, loads
of glowing reviews, but at the end of the
day, it’s just a café, right? Well, that’s
what I assumed. I wasn’t expecting
anything out of the ordinary — just
a quick, no-fuss meal so we could
eat and get home.
First Impressions? — Inside, it’s bigger
than you’d think. Spacious, clean, and
well laid out — none of that cramming
tables together just to fit more people
in. Then we spotted the menu — and
suddenly, expectations started shifting.
Full English, omelettes, burgers, grills,
jacket potatoes, pizzas, even a Sunday
roast. They’ve thought of everything,
even catering for allergies. But what
really caught my eye?
The 30-minute fry-up challenge
plastered on the wall — a monster
breakfast for £25, and if you manage
to finish it solo, you get your money
back — of course, this is completely
unachievable, but I can imagine the
entertainment value of watching
someone attempt it!
On to the food — We ordered a couple
of pizzas — Bucharest (gammon,
mozzarella, winter salami, fresh sweet
jalapeños, chilli base, dried chillies) and
Meat-Za-Ball (Moroccan meatballs,
pepperoni, sweetcorn, ghost mix
pepper). Both 12.5” and only £9.99 each.
Also grabbed a garlic pizza with cheese
(£6.99) and a few milkshakes.
Now, I’ll be honest — I wasn’t expecting
much. How many times have you
ordered a pizza, thinking it’ll be decent,
only to be met with a soggy bottom?
Too many. But these? Spot on. Perfectly
cooked, great balance of toppings,
packed with flavour. You can tell they
actually care about what they’re serving,
rather than just throwing together
whatever’s easiest. And the garlic
pizza bread? Best I’ve had. No contest.
Proper garlicky, crisp, and just the right
amount of cheese — not overloaded, not
dry, just perfect.
Service? Couldn’t fault it — The staff
were brilliant — way more attentive than
you’d expect in a place like this. Friendly,
happy to have a chat, and nothing was
too much trouble. That kind of service
makes a real difference, especially when
you’re tired and hungry.
Extras? A nice surprise — They
had garlic sauce, BBQ sauce, and a
homemade chilli sauce that was next
level. You could tell it was properly
homemade — thick, full of flavour,
none of that thin, watery bottled stuff.
We also got a fresh Turkish salad, and
when I say fresh, I mean fresh — zingy,
vibrant, and the perfect contrast to the
richness of the pizzas.
They’ve thought of everything —
Doesn’t matter what you fancy, they’ve
got something for everyone. And it’s not
just about the food — they genuinely
look after people.
They offer free kids’ meals up
to age four (just pay for a drink)
and special OAP pricing, which I’ll
definitely be mentioning to my Nan!
You don’t see customer service like
this in many places, especially at
these prices. It’s clear they value their
customers, and that alone makes it
worth supporting.
Fancy a night in? No problem — One
thing I didn’t expect? How busy their
takeaway service was. While we were
eating, there were constant streams
of people coming in and out, picking
up their orders. And if you don’t fancy
leaving the house? They deliver!
So you can still enjoy all this fantastic
food from the comfort of your own home
— what’s better than that?
Coming back? Absolutely — I’m
definitely coming back. Nial was telling
me about some of his plans for the
future, and I can’t wait to see how this
place expands and grows. It’s clear
they’re onto something great here, and I
reckon this is just the beginning.
FINAL THOUGHTS? — Great food,
great service, great prices. You can’t ask
for much more than that.
Diplocks Café, 11 Diplocks Buildings,
Diplocks Way, Hailsham. BN27 3JF
Tel: 01323 370495
www.diplockscafe.co.uk
KNOW YOUR GARDEN
By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden
OPEN EVERY WED & SAT IN MARCH
For details, please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk
and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden
“MARCH brings breezes loud and shrill, stirs the dancing daffodil.” ― Sara Coleridge
WELCOME to this month of March,
which represents the transition period
between winter and spring. We can
expect both cold and warm periods
this month and we will joyfully notice
the reawakening of nature and the
blossoming of flowers and new life
bringing with them hope and the
prospect of fresh starts.
I always vow to plant more bulbs
and corms in March as they provide
reliable colour and will return year on
year-unless the squirrels find them that
is! So let us have a look at the different
species for planting right now.
Cyclamen corms should have been
planted in the autumn but, fear not,
there are all manner of tempting
pre-planted pots of cyclamen flowers
to be found in your local nursery right
now. Do check that these are the hardy
species before popping them into your
beds and border though, the larger
flowered types are generally tender.
You want Cyclamen coum, sometimes
referred to as the eastern cyclamen,
with its shades of pink white and lilac.
Hardy cyclamen are among the
longest-lived of garden plants. A
cyclamen corm will keep itself going for
more years than its owner is likely to
Cyclamen coum in the front
garden. Photo: John Glover
live. They will grow under trees-even
conifers, and they seed themselves
around so charmingly. This they do via
an unusual method involving twiddling a
kind of corkscrew or coil to project their
seeds from its capsule when ripe.
The seeds, however, are not flung far
and wide as you would imagine, but they
gently drop right onto the parent corm
which appears odd until one realises
that there are always ants, waiting in
the wings, ready to hurry off with the
seeds until not one is left.
Martagon lilies are excellent subjects
for naturalising and we have them
growing here in the Woodland Garden.
The bulbs can be planted either in the
autumn or the spring, but in our heavy
clay they do better in a spring planting.
They like to be grown in full sun and
a sunny woodland glade is perfect. The
Lilium martagon
true species grows from Europe to
Mongolia, but breeders now offer a
variety of different colours in addition
to the mauve, pink and purple species
Lilium martagon or its pure white form.
Personally, I really like the cultivar
‘Arabian Night’ which bears a mass
of bright orange flowers all mottled
and speckled with a deep mahogany,
I also love the deep crimson that is
‘Claude Shride’
These lilies are totally hardy and need
to be planted 50-20cms deep in groups
for best effect. The leaves are long, lance
shaped and hairy on their undersides. In
early summer the flowering spikes grow
to 1.5m or, when established, perhaps
a little more. The flowers can number
as many as 50 from a single bulb. They
are nodding or, as their common name
suggests ‘Turks Cap’.
Who likes Gladioli? These are divisive
plants; they go in and out of fashion
but I’m predicting that they are coming
back in for 2025. You heard it here first.
These plants definitely have the Wow
Factor, they are majestic both in the
garden and in a vase. There are so many
to choose from, here are a couple;
Gladiolus ‘Velvet Eyes’ is a sumptuous,
rich purple red overlaid with crimson
in the three central petals. Gorgeous
and adds a sense of luxury to your
colour palette.
Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus
works well as a more low key affair,
growing to 90cm with fine swordshaped
leaves and deep magenta,
funnel shaped flowers from late spring
to early summer.
We enjoy welcoming our visitors
to the Garden by creating cut flower
displays using home grown material.
Ranunculus are grown more and more
now for this very reason and now is the
time to get them in the ground.
Ranunculus range from hardy, low
growing perennials, useful in borders
or meadows, to buttercups that thrive
on the edge of ponds and streams. The
satin-like petals of the luxurious Persian
buttercups are ideal in containers, they
will do well in damp soil that gets the
sun for the majority of the day.
Ranunculus have in the past, been
difficult to grow organically as the old
cultivars suffer from mildew early in
the season. However, the breeders have
been busy, and I love the new series
called ‘Butterfly’. These look rather like
miniature magnolia flowers, each stem
bears around 12 flowers and they last
for ages in water. My favourites are
‘Theseus’, a peachy pink single variety,
and ‘Lycia’ which has an ethereal
quality to it. Find a sheltered spot
for them so that you can enjoy them
all summer long.
While we are on the subject, I
recommend finding a sheltered spot for
yourself as well. March winds blow!
There will be an extra opportunity
for you to come along for a visit to
Bates Green Garden in March. As well
as our usual Wednesday and Saturday
openings, we will be open on Sunday,
March 9th in aid of the fantastic
National Gardens Scheme. Please come
and support this worthwhile charity, we
will have Cancer Research UK providing
their usual high-quality refreshments in
the Barn too. I’ll see you there!
Enjoy your early spring gardens.

WIN WIN WIN
A FAMILY VIP WEEKEND PASS AND SEE TOP LIVE ACTS IN BRIGHTON
PRIZE WORTH
£360
THE WANTED 2.0
PIXIE LOTT
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS
FOODIES FESTIVAL will visit Preston Park, Brighton, from
3rd – 5th May across the Bank Holiday Weekend, serving up
a star-studded line-up of TV, celebrity and award-winning
chefs, and chart-topping music stars, including Pixie Lott,
Scouting For Girls and The Wanted 2.0 with Max George and
Siva Kaneswaren.
This VIP Weekend Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children),
worth £360, will get you fast-track entry, private bar with
waiter service, a glass of fizz, priority tickets to theatre
tickets, private toilets, refreshments and you’ll get to
see Pixie Lott perform some of her popular hit songs. See
how to enter the raffle at the bottom of this page.
Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the three-day event at Preston
Park in Brighton on 3rd, 4th and 5th May, will feature
live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs
drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake
Off and Great British Menu, plus many of the region’s most
highly acclaimed Michelin and award-winning chefs.
Early star announcements in the live theatres include: Great
British Bake Off winner, Matty Edgell, MasterChef champions,
Chariya Khattiyot, Tom Rhodes and Dhruv Baker,
MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Steven Edwards and
2024 finalist, Ritchie Stainsby, television personality and
Michelin starred chef, Atul Kochhar, and Channel 4 bread
expert, Jack Sturgess.
Highly acclaimed award-winning regional chefs, include:
Will Dennard and Jack Southern from Med, named Best
Local Restaurant in the South East, Head Chef, Peter
Dantanus, from Burnt Orange Restaurant, Head Chef Mark
Charker, from The Jolly Tanners, Chef-Patron Johnny Stanford,
from Tern in Worthing, Head Chef, Oscar Kirkpatrick,
from Riddle and Finns and Chef-Patron, Lee Parsons, from
The Parsons Table, Arundel.
SPECIAL OFFER:
BUY FIVE TICKETS
AND GET FIVE
ABSOLUTELY
FREE
SCAN THIS QR CODE TO ENTER
JUST £1 PER TICKET
Or, visit this URL to enter online:
https://raffall.com/regionalmediagroup
FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE SEE THE ABOVE URL.
CLOSING DATE 15TH APRIL AT MIDNIGHT. OVER 18S ONLY.
Headlining the music stage: Multi-platinum selling festival
favourites, Scouting For Girls, performing a set full of their
many top 40 hits. The Wanted 2.0 with Max George and Siva
Kaneswaren present the next chapter in the history of The
Wanted, one of Britain’s biggest-ever pop bands, achieving
over 20 million record sales worldwide and topping the
charts multiple times. And, Pixie Lott, who’s notched up 3
number 1 hits, secured four Brit nominations and won two
MTV EMA awards. Pixie has also judged The Voice Kids and
appeared as a guest judge on The X Factor.
Visitors will enjoy a jam-packed schedule in the interactive
live theatres. In the Chef’s Theatre, celebrities will create their
signature dishes and share new tips and tricks, whilst in the
Cake & Desserts Theatre, patisserie chefs and star bakers
whip up showstoppers and offer tempting sweet treats. In
the Kids Cookery School, Foodies SuperChefs make cooking
fun, helping younger guests to prepare delicious food which
they can take away and enjoy.
Masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre include tutored Champagne,
Beer, Cider, Cocktail and Wine-tasting with experts
including BBC and ITV presenters, Tom Surgey and Joe
Wadsack
Browse the latest food trends in the Shopping Village, meet
local producers in the Artisan Market and taste exotic and
unusual new dishes in the Feasting Tent – which features a
mouth-watering range of street food and delicacies from all
four corners of the globe.
See how to enter the raffle at the bottom of this page.
Preston Park, Brighton, 3rd, 4th, 5th May 2025.
Earlybird tickets from £6 (child) and £21 (adult).
Under 6 go free . foodiesfestival.com

18 YOUR MP
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
NEWS FROM YOUR LIBERAL DEMOCRAT MP
JOSH BABARINDE
A month full of achievements
DESPITE being the shortest month
of the year, February was perhaps
one of the busiest months so far
for me as Eastbourne’s MP. I’ve
been working hard to ensure local
voices are heard and that real
progress is made on key issues
affecting our town.
WE GOT THE HOME OFFICE
TO BACK DOWN FROM THEIR
ESPERANCE ASYLUM PLANS
Following the representations made
by myself, Eastbourne Borough
Council, East Sussex County Council
and our community, the Home Office
have confirmed that they are “to
walk away from Esperance House
and will not be pursuing this site” as
dispersal accommodation for people
seeking asylum.
The Home Office ultimately
accepted our arguments, that
the proposed scheme was
not appropriate.
Eastbourne is a compassionate
and inclusive town (although not
asylum-seeking, the story of how the
Babarinde family came from Nigeria
and was welcomed by our town in the
1960s is testament to that compassion
and inclusiveness) and we do play
our part — but mass accommodation
schemes, like the one that was
proposed, aren’t the way.
Even national charities helping
people who are seeking asylum, like
Asylum Matters, have described
mass accommodation schemes as
‘concerning’ for all involved.
It really is time for this Government
to clear up the mess of the last one,
where Channel crossings were
allowed to spiral out of control.
This Government needs to double
down on tackling dangerous small
boat crossings and on processing
people much more quickly, to get on
top of this for all involved.
Thank you to all those who have
helped pile the pressure on the Home
Office, with sensitivity, compassion
and humanity at heart. We are all
human beings at the end of the day.
Speaking out against proposed
Linden Court and Milton Grange cuts,
I joined local families at County Hall in
Lewes, on the 11th February, to speak
Josh speaking up at County Hall against the cuts
to services at Linden Court and Milton Grange
up against the Conservative-run East
Sussex County Council’s proposals
to cut services at Linden Court Day
Centre for people with learning
disabilities and Milton Grange Day
Centre for people with dementia.
At the meeting, I called on
Conservative councillors to protect
both Linden Court and Milton
Grange, following a proposal from
Liberal Democrat and Independent
councillors, to use £1.5m, which has
been saved from the cancellation of
this year’s County Council elections
to instead be redirected to fund these
essential services.
Despite our appeals, Conservative
councillors dishearteningly
voted down the proposal, by 26
votes to 22 votes.
It is a disgrace that the Conservativerun
East Sussex County Council have
once again failed to listen to local
residents and failed to take up a plan
that could have unlocked funding,
to protect services at Linden Court
and Milton Grange. If the cuts go
ahead, it will directly impact on
the most vulnerable members of
our community and their families,
who rely on these services for
support and respite.
I will keep fighting to the bitter end to
protect Linden Court, Milton Grange
and other services across Eastbourne.
HOSTED FIRST
‘COMMUNITY LIVING
ROOM’ ADVICE EVENT
One of my key campaigns in the
run-up to being elected, was to take
action on the Cost of Living Crisis.
Eastbourne has been at the forefront
of this crisis, being the first town to
declare a Cost-of-Living Emergency in
2022. The town is also home to one of
the busiest Foodbanks in the country,
more than 28,000 food parcels were
WIN WIN WIN
provided for families in crisis in the
Eastbourne area during 2023 and
residents were helped to manage over
£170,000 worth of debt.
I know that many in our
community are feeling the strain
of rising bills, I want to ensure that
no one in Eastbourne faces these
challenges alone.
The Community Living Room
provided a welcoming space for
Eastbourne folks to come together,
connect with my team, fantastic
local organisations and access
key information and support.
In attendance was Eastbourne
Foodbank, Customer First, Citizens
Advice and British Gas.
The event was a massive success, we
were able to support dozens of people.
Keep a close lookout for our next
events in the coming weeks/months.
As we move into Spring, there is
plenty to look forward to. To keep up
to date with my happenings across
Eastbourne and Westminster, feel
free to sign up to my Newsletter here
via my website at josh.org.uk/updates.
If I can help you with anything,
please email me on josh.babarinde.
mp@parliament.uk or call my office
on 01323 733030.
A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE IDEAL HOME SHOW 2025
The UK’s longest-running show will be returning to Kensington
this Spring for its 117th year.
The Ideal Home Show will feature the ‘Ideal Home, designed by
the experts’, an inspiring show home and gardens drawing on the
design expertise of a team of celebrity designers and architects.
The show features the latest in interior design trends and
inspiration, with a jam-packed programme of stage talks and live
demos by industry experts and TV personalities.
We have a pair of adult tickets to win by three lucky readers
for the show which kicks off on 21st March until 6th April at
London’s Olympia. See details on how to win at the end of the
article.
This year, you can step into the Ideal Home, designed by the
experts, the largest and most inspiring show home to date. Styled
in association with Good Homes Magazine, the Ideal Home Show
celebrity experts have highlighted the newest trends in home
and garden décor, featuring the latest products from top brands
to help add the perfect finishing touches to your living space.
Visit the Spring Clean area to explore a huge range of products
and solutions to declutter and reorganise your space. From
kitchen gadgets to wardrobe organisers and storage systems, the
Spring Clean section has it all.
You can also find your favourite cleaning celebrities and
influencers live on the Spring Clean Stage who will share their
top tips, tricks and hacks to keeping a spotless home.
Many famous faces from TV screens and beyond will be in attendance
to give live talks and demonstrations. You will hear valuable
advice from all your favourite celebrity guests on home design,
interior trends and more. The lineup will be revealed in full soon.
Visitors can also book a free 30-minute slot for an Expert Advice
session, where you can consult with specialists in a range of
home areas including interior design, gardening, landscaping
and architecture. Bring along your plans, blueprints or questions
for the experts to answer.
For a truly memorable Ideal Home Show experience, join the
hands-on craft workshops led by skilled artisans. The interactive
workshops cater to all skill levels, helping you to learn new
techniques and enhance your creativity.
Visitors can also enjoy the Eat & Drink Festival, where you can
sample, shop and taste flavours from around the world. Take a
walk around to discover the best produce, gadgets and meals all
under one roof.
To win a pair of tickets to the show, simply
answer the question below:
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE VENUE WHERE
THE IDEAL HOME SHOW IS HELD IN LONDON?
Email your answer with your full name, contact
number to: comps@eastbourne.news
Entries close on 15th March 2025 at 9pm. Three winners (3 pairs of tickets)
will be drawn at random and will be contacted via email or SMS by 9am
on 16th March. A code will be supplied for the ticket collection. The prize
does not include any travel or food expenses.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MARCH 2025 REGULARS 19
EASTBOURNE BID (BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT) with Luke Johnson, Operations Manager
EXPLORE THE WORLD AT VICTORIA PLACE
Looking for furniture or fashion? Visit:
British Heart Foundation: Find pre-loved
furniture while supporting a great cause,
Atlantica & Demelza: Browse for stylish
and sustainable fashion finds.
EXCITING changes are
coming to Eastbourne!
This year, Victoria
Place—located at
the seafront end of
Terminus Road—is
undergoing a
Luke Johnson transformation.
Thanks to the UK Government’s
Levelling Up Fund, this much-anticipated,
multi-million-pound investment will
create a vibrant public space for locals
and visitors to enjoy.
While renovations are underway, the
fantastic local businesses in Victoria
Place remain open as usual. Now is the
perfect time to show your love for these
independent shops, restaurants, and
cafes that make our town special. Your
support means the world to them, so let’s
celebrate this unique part of Eastbourne!
A TRADITIONAL HIGH
STREET EXPERIENCE
Victoria Place is a wonderful reminder
of what makes a traditional high street
special. Here, you’ll find a delightful mix
of independent retailers offering quality
products and excellent service.
Victoria Butchers is a classic butcher
offering high-quality meats and friendly
service. To The Rise, A sensational bakery
where you can pick up fresh bread and
delicious treats and Drop of the Ocean,
Not quite a candlestick maker, but you’ll
find an incredible range of eco-friendly
gifts and homewares!
If you love browsing for unique finds,
Victoria Place is the place to be. Check
out DMZ Retro Shop, A treasure trove
for vintage lovers. Eastbourne Antiques
Centre - Discover rare antiques and
timeless pieces, Mr Gifts Emporium,
A fantastic spot for quirky gifts and
keepsakes and The Beach Hut: Stocked
with coastal-inspired homeware
and accessories.
For those with a sweet tooth, a visit
to Ye Olde Fashioned Humbug Shop is a
must! Their incredible selection of sweets
and traditional rock will make you feel
like a kid again.
SAVING MONEY ON
YOUR DOMESTIC
BILLS IS EASIER
THAN YOU THINK
Just one phone call could save
you hundreds of pounds annually
on your gas and electric bills
Call 07377 584363
for more details
or email: toriley1970s@gmail.com
PAMPERING AND
COFFEE BREAKS
Before heading out for a meal, why
not treat yourself? True Nails offers
fantastic nail treatments to add a little
sparkle to your day.
For coffee lovers, Victoria Place
has no shortage of excellent spots:
Duke’s, Fresco, Sunbeam Coffee and
Victoria Coffee Lounge.
Looking for something cool and
refreshing? Try one of the delicious fruit
coolers available in the area!
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
AND MORE
Victoria Place is also home to convenient
stores and specialty shops that cater to
your daily needs: Best One: A go-to for
everyday essentials, Proudly African,
Bringing the vibrant flavours of the Afro-
Caribbean to Eastbourne, Terminus Road
Fruit & Veg, Fresh fruit, vegetables,
Turkish delight, and nuts galore, and
finally, Cake Box, Delicious colourful
cakes — with no eggs used!
TASTE THE WORLD IN
VICTORIA PLACE
One of the best things about Victoria
Place is its diverse and delicious food
scene. If you’re a food lover, you’ll be
spoiled for choice, as this area is home
to incredible award-winning and highly
reviewed restaurants representing
cuisines from around the globe.
These include: Tuk Tuk & Malayalama,
Athens & gr/EAT, Mr Hau’s Oriental
Express, Trattoria Anema e Core, Rostick
& Gianni’s, Toreros, Harleywood Diner,
Kessa Coffee House and The Belgian Café.
Of course, no seaside town is complete
without traditional British fish and chips!
Long-established favourites Qualisea
(celebrating 60 years in Eastbourne)
and Harry Ramsden’s serve up
some of the best.
There’s also a new restaurant due to
open — any day now — Bangers and Mash.
Upcoming Event: Spring Fest at
The Belgian Café
Mark your calendars! On March 20th,
The Belgian Café is launching Spring Fest,
a celebration of the new season with
live music, craft beers, and a fantastic
atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this
exciting event!
VICTORIA PLACE —
EXCLUSIVE UPDATES!
We are working really closely with the
businesses in the area to remind residents
that the street remains open, and with
Visit Eastbourne, we have developed
a website www.visiteastbourne.com/
victoria-place. This site will give you all
the details of the brilliant businesses as
well as special offers. Scan the QR code to
get quick access!
MORE INFORMATION
Your Eastbourne BID is funded by
town centre businesses to support and
promote our area. We’ve organised
events like the Little Chelsea Festive Fun
and Fireworks, funded Christmas lights,
and installed CCTV and planters
Don’t forget, the BID has launched
a monthly newsletter that promises
exclusive updates, hidden gems and
early access to special offers. It’s an
exciting way for residents and visitors
alike to stay connected to everything
happening in town, so please do sign up
by scanning the QR code.
Now is the time to rediscover Victoria
Place. Whether shopping, dining, or
enjoying a coffee, this area is ready to
welcome you. See you there!
A D V E R T I S E R P R O M O T I O N
FOUNDRY EASTBOURNE
ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP
FOUNDRY Eastbourne has announced
a partnership with Archer & Partners, a
collaboration that brings together two businesses
dedicated to supporting and strengthening the
local professional community.
This strategic alliance is built on shared values
of fostering growth, innovation, and connectivity,
creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs,
freelancers, and established businesses alike.
At FOUNDRY, we believe in more than just
providing workspace—we cultivate an environment
where businesses thrive. Our co-working lounge,
private offices, meeting rooms, and wellness suites
offer professionals a space tailored to their specific
needs, ensuring productivity and collaboration in
an inspiring setting. Our commitment to creating
a dynamic business community is at the heart of
everything we do.
Similarly, Archer & Partners has established itself
as a trusted name in the commercial and residential
property sector, helping businesses find the right
spaces to grow and succeed. Their expertise in
property solutions, combined with our passion
for fostering professional networks, makes this
partnership a natural fit. By working together,
FOUNDRY and Archer & Partners will offer an
integrated approach to supporting businesses—
whether it’s finding the perfect space or becoming
part of a vibrant co-working community.
This collaboration will enhance opportunities
for businesses looking for flexible workspaces,
professional networking, and strategic growth. By
Foundry partner with Archers & Partners
aligning our resources and expertise, we aim to
create an ecosystem where businesses don’t just
work but flourish.
We are excited about the future and look forward
to seeing the positive impact of this partnership.
Whether you’re looking for a dynamic co-working
environment at FOUNDRY or expert property
guidance from Archer & Partners, this collaboration
ensures that businesses in Eastbourne and beyond
have the support they need to succeed.
Visit foundryuk.com/eastbourne for more
information.

20 REGULARS
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Susan’s Romance
LAURIE’S POEM CORNER
MARCHING into March 2025 then already, and this year seems to be
going very quick, but at least the days are lighter for longer now.
My poem for this month is a topical and modern theme, with my tongue
placed firmly in my cheek, so may make you smile. My poem that is and
not my tongue in my cheek?
The poem then, is called “Coffee To Go” which features in my 14th and
very latest book Poetic Wisdom, only published November last year, so
still hot off the press.
The title obviously gives a clue this time, but not always with me, and
goes on to make some other “points or sayings” of today.
EASTBOURNE-BASED, Debut novelist,
is highlighting the plight of the relatives
of people who have dementia and warns
youngsters about the disastrous bladder
complications of Ketamine abuse,
in a new book.
Christopher Hall is devastated when his
beloved wife of over forty years doesn’t
recognise him and their children, Adam and
Meryl. Adding insult to injury, she develops a
romantic relationship with Joseph Connolly,
a resident in the Good Hope Nursing Home
where she is being looked after. Can this
romance be accepted as genuine or is it morally
despicable and unholy?
Adam swears that he will put a stop to
his mother’s affair and end his father’s
humiliation. Jack Connolly, on the other hand,
demands that his father, a widower, and Susan,
his newly found partner in love, should be
left alone to continue their liaison. He asks,
“When do the rights of those who lose their
faculties end and the wilful gratification of the
relatives take over?”
Dr Jay, in his first novel, which is also set
in Eastbourne, tells a captivating story in a
simple and endearing narrative style. The
incident at the traffic lights, the goings on
in the mysterious ‘green room’, the plot
of a conniving, greedy, ex-girlfriend, the
opportunism of a scheming ‘home-help’
and the woeful consequences of Ketamine
drug abuse set the stage for a climax that is as
dramatic as it is unexpected.
He told Eastbourne News: “Susan’s Romance
is dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of
relatives, nurses and other healthcare workers
who look after patients with Alzheimer’s
disease day and night under challenging
circumstances.
The book is available from Amazon as a
Kindle e-book or a paperback edition.
A coffee to take away please
For now we nearly all know,
That it is quite the latest trend
To get a drink for on the go
As that’s the slang for take outs,
Beside another saying can I get,
Seemingly coming from America
Along with others best we forget.
Now I agree on each to their own way
Because we’re different in how we act,
Although I’m not too sure, I will admit
On carrying coffee about, that’s a fact.
But of course, as I have previously said
I’m mostly happy on habits of other folks
Who wander about with coffee and phone,
Though must accept my observation jokes.
COFFEE TO GO
For it’s difficult to walk about two handed
And can be tricky and have many flaws,
Because if shopping with both hands full
How the heck do you open the doors?
Perhaps mobile phone need is a fashion
Like holding coffee and bottle of water,
And seems to be common practice now
For on that there’s no rhyme or quarter,
Along with latest saying of can I get?
When it always used to be I would like,
Or usually it was can I have please?
So on Americanisms” I take the Mike.
Though to put it all into a perspective
And allowing modern trends and flaws,
We coped without coffee and water bottles
Even won and survived, two world wars.
To purchase Laurie’s books, visit www.lauriewilkinson.com
ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge
WHICH DIRECTION TO AVOID
POTHOLES AND PUNCTURES?
Ian Hollidge warns of potholes
MOST of us want a simply easy life,
for cyclists that isn’t always a choice
however, we still jump on our bikes.
The pathway in reducing inflation to a
2% target maybe a bit financially bumpy,
is just another challenge for everyone,
but cyclists can cope as we do each time
we go for a ride.
Cyclists don’t think about stagflation
but the possible deflation of our robust
tyres and constantly concerned if we
have the right inflation.
As any girl guide or boy scout knows,
you have to be prepared to face life’s
difficulties and dangers, knowing
what to do and how to do it. Always
be prepared with a rubber patch. It
is certainly easier to repair a bicycle
puncture than one on a car, which often
requires an expensive call-out and/
or costly workshop charge. Bicycle
maintenance is a simple skill any
child can learn.
Avoiding all the highway defects
is something riders are used to each
time we take to two wheels as the
consequences can be dire.
Your average potholes are easy
to see and avoid, however, cracks,
bumps, ruts, crevices, loose material,
protruding or missing iron works are not
so easy posing a constant risk for those
on two wheels.
Remember to wear good cycling
glasses, shades in summer and clear
in winter. All this is great business
for wheel and tyre repair companies
as well as our local cycle shops. Most
cycle groups when we see a fellow
cyclist stop, we help with any repair by
the roadside, something often lost when
driving behind a windscreen, mostly
because of the difficulty in safely
stopping, drivers are human too.
The friendly wave as you cycle
past each other shows respect and
acknowledgement that you would help
a friend in need. I expect the same to
be true of motorcyclists, maybe it’s a
two-wheeled thing.
We know Romans built brilliant
roads to invade our lands and for
that we are grateful. What they and
generations of engineers did afterwards
on our local roads was not adequate
for the larger, heavier and increasing
volumes we now have.
Many are poorly designed, using
inadequate materials, weak supervision
to fit a budget available at that moment
in time. Maintenance afterwards is
something of a not on my desk problem
where somebody in the future needs
pick up the tab, usually needed for
something more important. I’d argue
there is nothing more important than
safe and smooth surfaces for us to all
to travel along.
Cyclists are part of the solution by
taking up less space, being lighter and
often using their bicycle as part of a
longer journey by public transport.
Motor only ways have been a success
in movement of people, goods and
services however each mile costs
£30 million on the flat and £300
million elevated.
A traffic-free new cycle route costs
only about £1million, the Bulverhythe
Link between Hastings and Bexhill was
considerably less. It’s not a question of
which is more important as obviously,
both are needed, it’s about fairness and
balance. If more journeys could be made
easier and safer by cycling locally it may
save traffic creating more potholes.
Recently Active Travel England
allocated £1.4 million to East Sussex
County Council. With 2000 miles of
roads, similar for public rights of way
with pavements, foot and cycle ways
taking up another approx 1500 miles -
that money will not go far.
Each year there is a shortfall in funding
which adds to an ever-growing backlog
of repairs and a continuous decline of
our highways, however we travel.
The only way to change this downward
direction of movement is each year
investing more to improve our highways
thus over time eliminating our backlog in
defects needing repairs.
Does anyone have any answers as to
how we do that?
Ian Hollidge & Bexhill Wheelers.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MARCH 2025 REGULARS 21
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22 SHOPPING
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Cruising The River Severn
on Edward Elgar
BY DAVID POWELL
BOARDING the charming Edward
Elgar, all vintage cream with
maroon trim, feels like walking
into an Agatha Christie novel.
There are no Art Deco interiors
or chandeliers, but it has a quirky
English atmosphere and its multitalented
crew of five couldn’t
be more friendly.
At just 88ft, with only 11 double
cabins, the 3-deck Edward Elgar was
purpose-built for English Holiday
Cruises to sail the River Severn and
Gloucester Sharpness Canal and has
been certified a four-star hotel boat
by Visit England.
There’s the cosy bar, a lounge that
doubles as a dining room and an
open deck for taking in the views as
you glide serenely through green
and pleasant Gloucestershire and
Worcestershire, and it’s a lovely place
to call home for a few days. Comfort
is a priority on board with quality
seating, mattresses and furnishings.
Tea and coffee is always available
and there’s homemade cake each
afternoon as well as unlimited house
wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks.
Every day, there’s a free excursion,
and at night, the crew will entertain
you with quizzes and singalongs —
and there’s also free wifi. An advanced
battery system means there is no
need to run generators at night,
ensuring the boat is perfectly quiet
at her mooring.
The cabins have twin beds and
en-suite shower rooms, with reduced
rates for single occupancy on every
cruise, and although they’re small
they’re beautifully kitted out.
We joined at The Boathouse, the
company’s canal-side HQ, near
Gloucester’s superbly restored
historic docks, where the Georgian
warehouses are now home to bars
and restaurants, with museums and
cathedral a short walk away. English
Holiday Cruises offer a secure parking
facility at the boathouse and after a
welcome lunch and drinks, we were
off on our adventures, sailing to
Frampton on Severn for a guided tour
of Berkeley Castle in the Cotswolds,
a 12th-century Norman keep with
a fabulous medieval kitchen and
glorious gardens.
Back on the boat, we enjoyed a
delicious home-cooked dinner on
the way to Purton along the world’s
first shipping canal, mooring for
the night within sight of the River
Severn, where it widens before
flowing into the sea.
Up bright and early I took a prebreakfast
walk to see Purton Hulks
Barge Graveyard on the river — a
surreal collection of old boats and
barges deliberately sunk to prevent
the river’s banks breaking. It was
fascinating to see how nature has
colonised these old wooden and even
concrete vessels.
I was definitely ready for breakfast
after my walk and tucked into a
full English, although there were
lighter offerings such as French
toast with cinnamon.
The dining room has picture
windows so we could watch the world
go by even when eating and during
breakfast, we sailed the canal towards
Slimbridge Wetland Centre for an
included tour to see the hundreds of
swans, ducks, geese –even flamingos.
There were taxis on hand to take us
to and from the centre, although
it was an easy walk from the boat,
and as well as wildfowl, there was
Scott House Museum, where World
Wildlife Fund founder Sir Peter Scott
lived when he set up the Wildfowl and
Wetlands Trust.
Back onboard we sailed for historic
Gloucester Docks and a visit that
most guests were eagerly looking
forward to — the late afternoon
Gloucester Brewery tour with gin
tasting included!
Next day we sailed along the
river to Upton-upon-Severn in
Worcestershire, arriving after lunch
to be taken by coach to Croome Court.
Now looked after by the National
Trust, the estate has a fascinating
history. The parkland was Lancelot
‘Capability’ Brown’s first major
landscape gardening project and
made his name. Started in 1750
it includes a lake with a Chinese
bridge and a grotto once lined with
semi-precious stones. Part of the
18th-century neo-Palladian house,
also designed by Brown with superb
interiors by architect Robert Adam,
is now open after restoration, but
our favourite part was the RAF
Defford museum.
The quirky displays in old RAF
buildings reveal how the place
was used for radar testing during
the Second World War and Cold
War operations.
That night we were moored in
Upton, so we had the chance to
explore the town’s pretty streets
of half-timbered and Georgian
buildings. Most famous is the Pepper
Pot — the remains of a church tower
— which is central to several music
festivals each year. After dinner we
enjoyed sloping off to Ye Olde Anchor
Inn, a ‘black and white’ half-timbered
pub with leaded windows, low
ceilings and beams.
Worcester the next day was a
revelation. The cathedral is one
of the finest in the country and
once so important that Richard the
Lionheart’s brother King John is
buried here. My cruise was over far
too soon and as I reflected on the
friendly atmosphere, new friends
made and the excellent food and
service I thought maybe next time the
full 6-night cruise!
English Holiday Cruises runs two,
three, five and six-night trips in
the Severn Vale.
All are round-trips from Gloucester
with the longer itineraries a mix of
stops along the River Severn and
Gloucester Sharpness Canal. And for
those who want to extend their stay in
this gorgeous region there are hotel
packages available.
For more information, visit:
www.englishholidaycruises.co.uk

Your local independent
property experts...
Residential Lettings Land New Homes
MEET
YOUR
FRIENDLY
TEAM
SMUGGLERS CLOSE - £750,000
Charming detached bungalow in a peaceful cul-de-sac in Alfriston,
moments from the High Street and prestigious Rathfinny Wine
Estate. Featuring a spacious lounge/dining area, stylish kitchen, two
double bedrooms, and a contemporary shower room. Beautiful
mature gardens, driveway, garage, and potential for extension.
Close to the South Downs and Alfriston’s amenities.
JORDANS LANE EAST - £415,000
A spacious 4-bedroom detached family house with a westerly rear
garden offering South Downs views. Features include a lounge,
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Located in a private road near amenities and the South Downs
National Park.
DAVID SHELTON
ANITA BAKER
LAPWING CLOSE - £325,000
A spacious 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, situated at
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offers a generous lounge/dining room with patio doors
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amenities just a short drive away.
ALBION ROAD - £290,000
A spacious 3-bedroom mid-terraced house, ideal for firsttime
buyers, located close to the town center and railway
station. Features include a through lounge/dining room with
an open fireplace, modern kitchen, bathroom/WC, and a
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The Beacon Shopping Centre and cinema are approximately
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VICTORIA CLOSE - £289,950
A tastefully presented 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalow,
located at the end of a small residential close. Features
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Downs views. Conveniently located near Polegate High
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FREE VALUATIONS FOR SELLING & RENTING
JOHN STEVENS
SAM BEALE
KNOLL CRESCENT - £240,000
This spacious two-bedroom semi-detached home in Knoll
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Featuring a dual-aspect lounge-dining room, kitchen, and
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HERON RIDGE - OIEO £250,000
Ideal for first-time buyers, this modern 2-bedroom backto-back
house is conveniently located near Polegate High
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SNOWDEN CLOSE - £195,000
This charming one-bedroom cluster house, ideal for
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SAMUEL TOWNSEND
48 HIGH STREET, POLEGATE, BN26 6AG
CALL 01323 483348 or visit archerandpartners.com

24 NEWS
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MARCH 2025 NEWS 25
Formula 1 action on the Goodwood hillclimb at the Festival of Speed. Photo credit: Jayson Fong
Sussex event announces
F1-themed event 2025
GOODWOOD announced details of
the Formula 1 World Championship
celebration taking place at the
Festival of Speed presented by
Mastercard, marking 75 years of
the series in what will be the event’s
biggest celebration.
Uniquely positioned within the
international motoring calendar to
celebrate Formula 1, the Festival
of Speed will bring together the
legendary cars, teams, drivers,
designers and famous faces that have
shaped motorsport as we know it.
As the inspiration for the 2025
Festival of Speed theme — ‘The
Winning Formula — Champions and
Challengers’ — the celebration of the
Formula 1 World Championship’s
75th anniversary will take centre stage.
Get giving event-goers extraordinary
access to the cars, drivers and teams
operating behind the scenes like never
before. Fans will have the opportunity
to watch firsthand as iconic Formula 1
cars start up before making their way
through the paddocks to take their
place on the Hill, all whilst rubbing
shoulders with teams and drivers.
Since its inaugural season in 1950,
the Formula 1 World Championship
has set new standards in speed,
technology and design. Showcasing
Formula 1 in its entirety by bringing
together the series’ past, present, and
future, the pivotal anniversary will
become the central celebration at this
year’s Festival of Speed, with Formula
1 set to dominate the event.
Welcoming over 80 significant cars
Nico Rosberg at the 2017 Festival of Speed. Photo credit: Dominic James
from Formula 1 history — making up
half of the motorsport content on the
Hill — the celebration will focus on
six key themes — Prologue, Pioneers,
Champions, Innovators, Underdogs
and Formula 1 Teams — in what will
be the largest collection of Formula 1
cars ever seen at Goodwood.
PROLOGUE
The Prologue class will offer a
glimpse into the origins of the
sport, to a time before Formula
1 existed. Beginning with the
Manufacturers’ World Championship
of 1925-27, and the European
Drivers’ Championship of the 1930s
(both organised by the AIACR,
forerunner to today’s FIA), this class
will showcase the groundbreaking
machines that predate the World
Championship as we know it, from
an era defined by bold innovation and
mechanical artistry.
Last year’s event brought together
an incredible line-up of cars and
drivers for Oracle Red Bull Racing’s
20th anniversary, with four-time
Formula 1 World Champion Max
Verstappen taking to the Hill in the
RB16B in which he claimed his first
world title in 2021.
The Festival of Speed is proud to
have welcomed legendary names
from the world of Formula 1,
including world champions
Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button,
Emerson Fittipaldi, Mika Häkkinen,
Sir Lewis Hamilton, Damon Hill,
Niki Lauda, Nigel Mansell, Kimi
Räikkönen, Nico Rosberg, Sir
Jackie Stewart, John Surtees, Max
Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, race
winners Rubens Barrichello, David
Coulthard, Sir Stirling Moss, Sergio
Pérez, Daniel Ricciardo, George
Russell and Mark Webber. Team
principals have included Ross Brawn,
Bernie Ecclestone, Christian
Horner, Claire Williams, Frank
Williams and Toto Wolff, alongside
designer Gordon Murray and Adrian
Newey. Over the years, the event
has also welcomed Derek Bell,
Martin Brudnle, Karun Chandhok,
Emanuele Pirro, Mick Schumacher,
Murray Walker, Desiré Wilson, Susie
Wolff. 2025 will serve as no exception,
bringing together Formula 1
legends from across the decades
for the biggest celebration of the
series to date.
The Duke of Richmond CBE DL,
said: “For over three decades, the
Festival of Speed has welcomed
some of Formula 1’s most
legendary drivers, teams and
cars, giving fans unprecedented
access to the sport they love. This
year is no exception, and the
team here at Goodwood is busy
with preparations for what is set
to be our biggest celebration of
Formula 1 — in fact, our biggest
celebration of anything ever! We’re
hugely excited to be showcasing
the past, present and future of a
championship which, over the
last 75 years, has established
itself as the absolute pinnacle of
world motorsport.”
Further details on the celebration,
including cars, drivers, teams and
balcony moments, will be made in
the coming months.
Customers can save on Festival of
Speed admission tickets during
our early bird window by visiting
www.Goodwood.com.

26 SPORT
MARCH 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne
Photo credit: Lydia Redman Photography
Borough returns to winning
ways with a hard-fought win
GEORGE Alexander scored his
seventh goal in three games to
give Borough a 1-0 win at The
ReachTV Stadium.
Both teams were reduced to ten men
inside the final twenty minutes, but the
Sports held on to maintain second spot
in the National League South.
Adam Murray made three changes
to the starting line-up which drew
with Hemel Hempstead on Saturday
— with club captain Brad Barry back
for his first start since mid-December.
Dom Odusanya and David Sesay
were also recalled.
It was the visitors who started
on the front foot, with their high
pressing putting Borough under
pressure early on.
However, they couldn’t turn that into
shots on goal — with Ben Brookes’ freekick
going just over the closest either
side came inside the first ten minutes.
As the half wore on, though, the
Sports looked to grow into the
game. Raphe Brown headed Yahaya
Bamba’s inviting cross just wide of
his own goal, before a corner routine
from the training round almost
paid off — but Alexander’s shot was
deflected wide.
Alexander then thought he should’ve
had a penalty when Maidstone
goalkeeper Alexis Andre Jr came
together with the forward, but referee
Ayrton Hussey waved play on.
After the half hour mark, Barry and
Courtney Clarke linked up well down
the right-hand side — the former
played into space on the byline. His
low ball across goal was deflected into
the path of Kai Innocent on the edge of
the area, but he fired high and wide.
In a closely fought game, clear cut
chances were hard to come by — with
only a last-ditch challenge from Reiss
Greenidge denying Alexander a
sight of goal after a good ball through
from Jason Adigun.
It was all to play for in the second
half — and the Sports had the better
of the opportunities, but without
really testing Andre Jr. Fast thinking
from Odusanya saw him play a quick
free-kick through to Bamba, but
his low cross was deflected behind
before Adigun’s corner was headed
towards his own goal by Greenidge
but Andre Jr saved.
The visitors then went close when
Brookes chipped a free kick into the
area from the left and picked out
Greenidge, who got in front of his
marker but headed just wide.
However, with twenty minutes to go,
the Sports broke the deadlock. After
Innocent won the ball in midfield,
Adigun had space to play it through
the Stones defence and into the
path of Alexander, who held off his
marker before firing past Andre Jr at
his near post for his 19th league goal
of the campaign.
Maidstone were then reduced
to ten men minutes later — Raphe
Brown shown a straight red card
for a challenge on Bamba in front
of the dugouts.
However, it was soon 10-a-side when
Clarke was shown a second yellow for
the Sports with thirteen minutes to go.
As time wore on, the Sports sat back
to defend their advantage — and
the visitors couldn’t break down a
resilient defence.
However, in the sixth of nine added
minutes, there was one last chance.
Bivesh Gurung floated a cross in to
the far post and picked out substitute
Shaquile Coulthirst, but his header
went straight at Joe Wright.
A big three points for the Sports,
who continue their unbeaten home
record, and keep up their promotion
ambitions with this win.
Major car brand continues
tennis tournament support
THE Lawn Tennis Association
(LTA) has announced a sponsor
has continued its support for this
year’s Eastbourne Tournament.
Lexus has agreed to an extension
to its partnership that will see
Lexus become the title partner
of the ATP and WTA grass court
events at both Nottingham and
Eastbourne (21-28 June).
Lexus and the LTA’s partnership
already includes events in Ilkley
and Birmingham, the British Open
Roehampton wheelchair tennis
and juniors event, and all LTA
Performance Competitions, together
with naming rights at the Lexus
Nottingham Tennis Centre and
sponsorship of the national Davis
Cup, Billie Jean King Cup and World
Team Cup teams.
Lexus is deepening its involvement
as well, taking on the naming
rights for all the LTA’s grass court
summer events outside of the HSBC
Championships at The Queen’s Club.
Supported by Lexus’s sponsorship,
British tennis has made significant
advances, with more professional
tournaments to support British
players and a consequent 87 per cent
increase in the number of British
players competing in the main draw
of these events.
The LTA has, with Lexus’s support,
also invested in staging higher level
tournaments meaning more ranking
points are available to players, and
has additionally upgraded facilities
at the National Tennis Centre,
Roehampton. This has improved
training conditions for young British
players, including those on the
Lexus Pro Scholarship Programme
and demonstrates the value of
the partnership.
Lexus is a Premium Event Partner
for the HSBC Championships and for
the first time this year will provide
the official transport service for all
the grass court tour events, providing
hybrid and battery electric vehicles
that will help the LTA reduce its
carbon footprint.
It is also a partner of the LTA
Awards, supported through its
national retailer network, celebrating
the work of grassroots coaches and
volunteers across Britain.
Lexus will also run a Best Seat in the
House campaign at the tournaments,
where fans, competition winners
and Lexus customers can enjoy a
money-can’t-buy VIP experience,
with seats closer to the tennis action
than ever before.
The LTA are confirming today
that the women’s events at
Birmingham and Ilkley will also
be upgraded to WTA “125” level
tournaments, offering more prize
money and ranking points for the
players taking part.
As part of this announcement,
the titles of all the LTA’s grass
court tournaments outside the
HSBC Championships will be
standardised to ‘Open’. The new
tournament names provide more
consistency across the Grass Court
Season, making them more easily
recognisable to fans globally.
The changes come into effect
this year as part of a new grass
court calendar that will maximise
visibility for tennis, and help promote
women’s tennis to a larger audience.
Chris Pollard, LTA Managing
Director — Commercial and
Operations, said: “We’re very
pleased to be extending our
partnership with Lexus, which
has demonstrated its significant
commitment to tennis over recent
years with support for British events
and our elite teams.
“This partnership will help support
our popular events at Nottingham
and Eastbourne and the Lexus hybrid
and electric vehicles mean that our
events will be more sustainable and
environmentally friendly. We look
forward to the road ahead in this
extended Lexus partnership.”

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