Eastbourne News, May 2025, Issue 12

MAY 2025 | ISSUE 12

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR EASTBOURNE, WILLINGDON, MEADS AND SURROUNDING AREAS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT

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2 NEWS

MAY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne

WELCOME

THERE’S nothing quite like this time

of year when the sun is out (most of

the time), and we can start to enjoy

walks and cycling once again and

look forward to an array of events

over the coming months.

In particular, this month will see

the Eastbourne Carnival take place

along the seafront, which promises

to be something not to miss.

I’ve been speaking to Mina, who

successfully runs the Carnival, over

the last few weeks.

The amount of work she puts into

making sure this key event happens

for the town is absolutely incredible,

so please do support it wherever

you can, whether it be volunteering,

taking part, or just watching the

procession and donating to the

charities and groups that take part.

We have great news in this issue

that the roadworks on Grand

Parade will not cause disruption to

the Carnival. It’s so important that

Council bosses listen to the people

and recognise how important the

Carnival, Airbourne and Pride are to

the town — and they have. They have

confirmed the road will be fully open

for these events, which is great news.

As Eastbourne News approaches

its first anniversary, we’re

delighted to announce we will be

the Media Partner for Eastbourne

Bonfire this year.

This is another event that brings

thousands of people to the town

from right across Sussex and it’s a

tradition that needs to be supported

by local businesses and residents.

We’re delighted to be a partner

and will publish regular details of

the event as well as a full report

and photos when it happens

later in the year.

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

sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION

dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

CONTACT

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Emergency Hub opened doors

following tragic flat fire

RESIDENTS who were

displaced following a fire in

Eastbourne last month were

supported with the launch of a

dedicated emergency hub.

In response to the fire at Farnol

House on Upperton Road, where a

man in his 70s lost his life on Saturday

13th April, a collaboration between

the Salvation Army, Eastbourne

Foodbank, Citizens Advice, Age

Concern and Eastbourne Borough

Council saw the opening of the hub,

which supported residents who

cannot return to their properties

following the blaze.

The Farnol House Emergency

Hub was set up at the Salvation

Army Citadel in Langney Road and

opened for the 44 residents who

have been affected.

It offered hot drinks, meals, clothing

supplies and toiletries along with

advice and support.

The Salvation Army offered the hot

drinks and snacks service throughout

the day and a hot evening meal was

served exclusively for Farnol House

residents from 5:00–5:30pm, ahead of

their regular meal service.

Clothing donations were

coordinated by Eastbourne

Foodbank, the Salvation Army and

Age Concern supplied clothing,

including underwear, along with

essential toiletries.

In addition, displaced residents

were able to get housing and benefits

support by MP Josh Babarinde’s

Fire crews tackle blaze

in former nightclub

POLICE arrested a man

on suspicion of arson

following a fire at a former

nightclub in Eastbourne.

Emergency services were called

to reports of a large fire on the top

floor of a building in Terminus

Road, Eastbourne at around

11.10pm on 31st March.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

Farnol House Emergency Hub

casework team and Citizens Advice.

Dave Lockerman from Stonewater

which manages the property told

Eastbourne News: “Our continuing

priority is the comfort and care of the

44 customers who have had to leave

brought the fire under control, while

police officers conducted enquiries

around the circumstances.

A 24-year-old man from Eastbourne

was arrested a short while later on

suspicion of committing arson.

To report any information

concerning this incident, contact

police online or by calling 101 quoting

reference 1454 of 31/01.

their homes and our teams have been

working round the clock to get them

settled in alternative accommodation.

“Around a quarter of residents

are being looked after by family

or friends, and the majority have

been placed in local hotels while we

assess their individual needs on a

longer-term basis.

“Where there’s a hotel restaurant

available, breakfast and dinner are

included in their bookings. Where

that’s not possible, customers

are given vouchers, cash or

reimbursement. This arrangement

extends to clothing, toiletries and

other personal items too, to cover

initial needs. Our charity arm,

the Longleigh Foundation, is also

offering customers up to £500 in

immediate financial support.

“Once we have confirmation

that the building is safe and we’re

given full access, our surveyors

will be able to assess the likely

work required. The degree of fire,

smoke and water damage will vary

in different areas. Some floors will

be more badly affected than others.

When surveys are complete, we’ll

work out a repair schedule and

planned timescale, which will give

us a better idea of when customers

will be able to return. Meanwhile,

we’re keeping customers regularly

updated and making sure they’re as

comfortable as possible while away

from their home.”

MP Josh Babarinde, who was key

in setting up the collaboration,

said: “Following the tragic fire in

Farnol House, I brought together

several incredible organisations to

coordinate emergency support. I’m

proud to announce the launch of

the Farnol House Emergency Hub

at the Salvation Army Citadel on

141 Langney Road.

“I want to thank ALL the other

amazing local organisations who

have offered their support. It makes

me so proud to be an Eastbournian.

Eastbourne News is a publication by Regional

Media Group Ltd, a company registered in

England and Wales number: 13746177. We have

taken care to ensure that the information in this

newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher,

nor contributors can take responsibility for loss

or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

Eastbourne News does not endorse the

accuracy of the advertisements or the quality of

the products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and

community organisations are provided directly

by their own representatives; please direct any

queries or comments regarding content directly

to the organisation. Any opinion or views

expressed within this publication are solely

those of the author. © 2025: No part of this

newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole

without express permission of the editor.

Boy charged on suspicion of stabbing

A 13-year-old boy has

appeared in court, charged

with causing grievous bodily

harm in Eastbourne.

Police were called to an incident on

board the number 1 bus service in

Cornfield Road in the town at about

7.40pm on Saturday 5 April.

A teenage boy was approached

by other teenage boys and was

assaulted, near to the Co-op store.

He sustained an injury consistent

with a stabbing, and attended

hospital. The injury was not

life-threatening and he has since

been discharged.

Police initially arrested a 13-yearold

boy on suspicion of attempted

robbery and on suspicion of causing

grievous bodily harm.

He was bailed for further enquiries

following questioning, but we can

now confirm he has been charged

with these offences, and has also

been charged with attempting to

pervert the course of justice and

with possession of a bladed article in

a public place.

Sussex Police also confirmed that

two further arrests were made. A

14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old

boy have been arrested for offences

including attempted robbery and

causing grievous bodily harm.

Both children have been released

from custody on police bail with

strict conditions.

As Eastbourne News was going to

press, the 13-year-old boy was due to

appear at Brighton Youth Court.

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4 NEWS

MAY 2025


Relief as key events recognised as

pedestrianisation works continue

AS Eastbourne enters the busiest

time of year for hotels and shops,

there is relief as East Sussex County

Council tells Eastbourne News that

the roadworks on Grand Parade

will be lifted for events.

Works to pedestrianise the top of

Terminus Road, known as Victoria

Place, have seen the closure of the

road between Grand Parade and

Seaside Road, and there were worries

the town would suffer as thousands

of people attend large events such

as the forthcoming Eastbourne

Carnival this month.

Alongside local businesses,

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde

called for an immediate suspension

and summer pause in the works as

delays in the project would cause

unacceptable problems to the busy

summer season.

The Victoria Place Stakeholder

Group, which includes the MP,

traders from Victoria Place, the

Leader of Eastbourne Borough

Council, the Eastbourne Chamber

of Commerce, and Your Eastbourne

Business Improvement District

wrote to East Sussex County Council

demanding a temporary pause to

the works, following delays by its

contractor Balfour Beatty.

This demand is a result of concerns

that extended disruption to the area

risks severely harming businesses

during their most critical trading

period of the year.

It also follows the acceptance from

East Sussex County Council that

the scheme ‘has been slower than

anticipated’ and that ‘the construction

of the scheme should have been

further advanced by now’, the MP

says. The works are scheduled to

finish in December.

The group’s call for a delay comes

amid the Government granting a

3-month extension to ‘Levelling Up’

projects like the pedestrianisation of

Victoria Place.

Eastbourne’s MP Josh Babarinde

said: “While I fully support the

ambition to improve our town

centre, East Sussex County Council’s

shambolic delays in the summer

would be unacceptable and

harmful to our town.

“As a result, I am standing with

local traders in calling for East Sussex

County Council to suspend works

over the summer without delay,

and to resume construction after

the busy season.”

Local trader Katerina Tutt, of

Qualisea, said: “After several years of

setbacks, this is the final nail in the

coffin. Despite repeated promises

from the County Council, the works

are already behind schedule. Had

we known the true impact, we would

never have agreed to this. This is

down to the total mismanagement of

East Sussex County Council. And we

won’t allow it as traders to continue”.

An East Sussex County Council

spokesperson said: “The scheme to

pedestrianise Victoria Place is part of

an important improvement project to

create a vibrant and attractive town

centre, which will encourage more

people to visit Eastbourne and bring a

welcome boost to the local economy.

“We appreciate the disruption

these works are causing and are

aware of the concerns raised by local

traders. Our contractors are doing

everything they can to minimise

the disruption as much as possible

and ensure access to businesses is

maintained throughout.

“The project team will be meeting

with local businesses to discuss

the project schedule and how local

traders can be best supported

during the works.

“Whilst we understand the concerns

about work continuing through

the summer season, pausing the

project until September would incur

significant costs and delay the final

completion date of the scheme.

“To help traffic move around the

area during the spring and summer,

from Friday, 25 April, one lane will

be reopened on Grand Parade,

replacing the full road closure, with

traffic controlled by two-way traffic

signals. The road will be fully opened

for key events such as Airbourne,

Pride and Carnival.

“The works are expected

to be completed on

schedule in December.”

Enterprising future revealed

for troubled Castle estate

The Castle’s beauty currently hidden due to the works

BY PAUL GIBSON

BOSSES at Queen’s University

and Bader College, the owners

of Herstmonceux Castle, have

shown plans to make the historic

building and gardens a key visitor

attraction for Sussex.

At an exclusive VIP event recently,

ambitious plans were presented

after the castle was forced to close

in 2023, due to safety concerns, after

structural issues were found. More

than £3m is currently being spent on

major renovations to the front (south)

of the building.

The castle was built in 1441 and

was renovated in the 1920s, and it’s

those renovations that have caused

many of the problems, according to

structural engineers who presented

an update at the event.

The VIP event which took place on 25 April

Contractors have used state-ofthe-art

3D modelling to identify

what repairs are needed whilst

strict archaeological recordings

took place during the works. Special

conditions had to be created to

allow workers to use ‘lime water

mortar’, which will only set in

certain temperatures. This gave

the team many challenges whilst

the renovations took place over the

winter months.

Engineers tackled structural

concerns with the gatehouse and

parapets, cracking to the towers,

decay of stone and brickwork,

damp and defective windows and

roofs. It is hoped the repairs will be

completed in October.

The information event saw

presentations from castle staff and

contractors who will head up the

plans, which include a new farm

shop, accommodation, cafe, retreats,

new membership options, longer

opening and land renovation.

There were encouraging signs over

the future of the Observatory Science

Centre, which was told last year its

lease would not be extended past

2026. Thousands of residents have

appealed to the owners to keep the

attraction open.

After the event, bosses exclusively

told Eastbounre News: “We are in

advanced discussions on an extension

to the lease of the Observatory

Science Centre.”

The University, which runs Bader

College, made the urgent decision to

return its students to Ontario, after

parts of the building were found

to be unsafe. There are now plans

to welcome students back from

not only Canada, but also other

parts of the world.

Community volunteering will

also be a big part of the future of the

estate, according to Dean Pascall,

the director of the estate. With plans

to return much of the surrounding

land to its former glory, Dean

says getting the local community

involved and allowing volunteers

to develop their skills would be a

positive move forward.

MP for Bexhill and Battle, Kieran

Mullan, who attended the event,

told Eastbourne News: “Queen’s

University has got such an important

local asset for the community, and

they’ve got really exciting plans.

I think local people will be really

pleased with what they are getting

involved with.

“It is obviously a huge investment

for the castle, and that’s unusual

nowadays. I think it really

demonstrates the commitment

that the university has to the castle,

because these things are not cheap.”

Concluding the event, Mr Pascoe

told visitors: “Whether you’re a local

leader, businessperson, donor or

neighbour, we invite you to join us on

this journey from today.”

Drs. Alfred and Isabel Bader

purchased the castle and donated it to

Queen’s University 1993.

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6 NEWS

MAY 2025


Commissioner lends

support for roadworker

abuse campaign

Volunteer cadets

expose illegal vape

and alcohol sales

A construction company says

two cases of abuse against its

roadworkers have progressed

towards prosecution.

Hailsham Roadways, based on the

A22 Bypass, says its staff often receive

abuse from motorists when carrying

out their daily work, which it says is

‘heartbreaking’.

Sussex Police & Crime

Commissioner, Katy Bourne visited

a working site recently to see how

workers are fixing local potholes

and has supported a campaign to

prosecute offenders.

The company has reported that

since January 2025, 48 members of

staff have been victims of abuse,

ranging from verbal assaults to

physical and dangerous violence.

During the meeting, the team

discussed with the Sussex Police &

Crime Commissioner the distressing

impact of abuse on workers and

how they work with the police to

report the crimes.

Katy Bourne said: “We know

that delays on our roads can cause

frustration but it is completely

unacceptable for road workers to

face abuse for simply doing their jobs

Katy Bourne visited roadwork site recently

and improving the conditions of our

busy road networks.

“Last year, I was delighted to launch

a campaign with waste management

company Veolia called SiteKind

which focused on a similar matter of

abuse towards their workforce.

“The campaign has led to much

better engagement for their staff with

Sussex Police and some great results,

with less incidents of abuse. I now

look forward to Roadways having

the same success and an improved

partnership-working approach with

Sussex Police to achieve this.

Whether it’s road workers, refuse

collectors, retail staff or emergency

service staff — no one should feel

unsafe at work.”

A representative from Roadways

said: “Highway workers are not just

part of the scenery on our roads—they

are dedicated to making travel safer

and smoother for everyone.

“These skilled professionals work

tirelessly in challenging conditions

to repair, maintain, and improve our

roads. Their efforts reduce accidents,

prevent damage to vehicles, and

ensure journeys are efficient and

secure. By respecting their work

zones and understanding their

vital role, we can all contribute to a

safer environment.

POLICE Cadets have visited a

number of premises across

Eastbourne to carry out ‘test

purchases’ of vapes and alcohol, in

which almost half of traders failed.

The Multi-agency Operation,

to tackle underaged selling and

prohibited items, saw the cadets

visit the shops alongside Trading

Standards Officers and a Trading

Standards South East funded

vape/tobacco dog.

The operation resulted in 5 out

of 12 failing the test by selling vape

products to underage individuals.

Inspections took place at three

premises and resulted in the

discovery of illicit cigarettes being

found with the help of the dog.

A quantity of alcohol from various

supermarkets was also seized during

the day along with suspected stolen

laundry products.

Details of all premises tested,

whether they passed or failed, will be

managed by Trading Standards which

will investigate their licenses and take

necessary action.

Any stores found to be holding

counterfeit or suspected stolen items

will be investigated by Police.

Residents can report any

information about potential underage

selling of restricted products to police

online, or by reporting anonymously

to CrimeStoppers.

Waste site booking

system agreed despite

residents’ opposition

RESIDENTS wanting to use

Eastbourne’s Household Waste

and Recycling site will have to

book a slot to visit, the county

council has agreed.

Cllr Claire Dowling, the council’s

Lead Member for Transport and

Environment made the decision at a

recent meeting — despite thousands

of people opposing the plans.

The council says the new booking

system for all of the county’s waste

sites will improve queues, deter

business and trade waste which

should not be disposed at the

taxpayer’s expense, and ensure only

East Sussex residents get to use the

facilities without charge. No date

has been fixed yet for the scheme to

be implemented.

The decision came despite a big

public response to the council’s

consultation. Of the more than 5,000

who replied, 91 per cent responded

negatively. Officers admitted that

72 percent, or 4,352, responded

“extremely negatively”. There was

more public response about the

Crowborough site than the others.

But in recommending, Cllr Dowling

should agree to the new scheme,

officers said that in other areas of the

country where people had opposed

to booking systems, they had soon

become accustomed to it. More than

50 per cent of councils now operate

some kind of booking system for their

sites, they added.

Officers also insisted that a

Government report in 2023 showed

there was no evidence of a rise in

fly-tipping linked to the introduction

of booking systems. Neither Kent nor

West Sussex had seen an increase in

fly tipping when they introduced their

booking systems, they added.

Calls for maternity services

to return to DGH

EASTBOURNE MP, Josh Babarinde,

has called for Ministers in the

House of Commons to stage a

return of full maternity services

back to Eastbourne District

General Hospital.

Eastbourne DGH’s maternity

department was stripped of its

consulted-led unit in 2013 after East

Sussex NHS Trust opted to single-site

these services at The Conquest in

Hastings, 20 miles away.

The DGH retains a high-quality

Midwifery Unit that facilitates

the least complex births, which

Mr Babarinde and local activists

campaigned to re-open after resource

shortages led it to close for births for

most of last year.

Babarinde, born in the DGH

himself, also called for an

acceleration in the Labour

Government’s plans to rebuild the

DGH, which currently wouldn’t

be set to be completed until

2041 following delays under the

Conservative Government.

This follows hospital bosses

warning that “...the age and standard

of current hospital buildings presents

MP Josh Babarinde at the DGH

challenges for the consistent

delivery of safe, effective, responsive

and efficient care…” and a repairs

backlog for the hospital trust

of £460 million.

Josh Babarinde MP said: “As an

Eastbourne lad, born and bred, I

know how important the DGH is to

our town and what it would mean

for families and local growth if full

maternity services were returned.

“We’re one of the fastest growing

resorts in the UK, we’re one of the

largest towns without a full maternity

unit, and I’m ambitious about making

the case to bring these services

back — even if it takes decades

of campaigning.

“I was proud to invite DGH

campaigner Liz Walke, who I’ve

known since I was a child, to

Parliament for the debate and to pay

tribute to her longstanding hospital

activism on the official record.”

8 EVENTS

MAY 2025


COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

BEXHILL

CANCER CONVERSATIONS WITH NADINE SEARLE

The Community Room at Asda, Battle Road, St

Leonards, TN37 7AA. Every 3rd Thursday of the

month, 10:30-12:30: 15 May, 19 June, 17 July.

Have you been diagnosed with cancer? Are you

filled with panic and fear? Has someone you love

and care for got cancer? Join me for a cuppa and

relax. I will provide a safe space for you to ask

questions, discuss feelings and raise concerns.

You will be heard, understood and offered

compassion and resources to help you. FREE TO

ATTEND. For more info: 07856 169186 or email

nadine@calmerself.co.uk

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

Christchurch Methodist Church, Springfield Road,

Bexhill (100 yards from Bexhill Hospital). Sat 24

& Mon 26 May, 10:00am — 4:00pm and Sunday

25 May 2:00 — 4:00. Celebrate the 35th year of

the Festival of Flowers over the Bank Holiday

weekend! Enjoy stunning floral displays, music, light

refreshments, stalls, and competitions. For more

information: www.christchurchmethodist.org

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION (BEXHILL &

HASTINGS) — PUBLIC SEMINAR

St. Peter’s Community Centre, Church Street, Bexhill,

TN40 2HE. Saturday 26 April, 1:45pm — 4:30pm.

Join us for a thought-provoking seminar on ‘The

Environment, Capitalism, Peace, and Justice’.

Local UNA Chair Sheila Kesby states, “In order to

secure sustainable solutions to all global problems,

including climate change, we have to halt all kinds

of warfare.” For more information, contact Sheila

Kesby: 07765 915173 / s.kesby339@btinternet.com

BEXHILL GARDENING CLUB SPRING FAIR

St. Martha’s Church Hall, Cooden Sea Road, TN39

4SL. Saturday 10th May, 9:00am — 12 noon. Free

entry — all welcome! Enjoy a lovely morning with

plants for sale, crafts from local artists, bric-a-brac,

homemade cakes, tombola, and refreshments.

1

32

For more information: www.lchs.co.uk. Contact:

yvonnestradwick@hotmail.co.uk / 07866 238466

LITTLE COMMON COMMUNITY

CENTRE PLANT SALE

Little Common Community Centre, Shepherds

Close, TN39 4SQ (next to the primary school).Friday

16 May, 8:30am — 11:00am. Browse a beautiful

selection of locally grown plants, all nurtured by

dedicated volunteers. For more details, call the

Centre on 01424 842371

BEXHILL STAMP & POSTCARD CLUB

St Augustine’s Church Hall, Cooden Drive, Bexhill,

TN39 3AZ. Wednesday 28 May, 7.30pm. Join us

for an engaging evening featuring displays and

talks from visiting members of the Eastbourne

Club. Enjoy refreshments and “the raffle” during our

halfway break.

EASTBOURNE

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.

MEN’S WALK AND TALK

Every Thursday, 7pm, Meet at Eastbourne Pier.

Open for anyone who wants to get a little more

active or let off some steam. You’re more than

welcome down any Thursday night for the walk

from the Pier to the Harbour, and return to the pier.

Just turn up, or look up ‘The Proper Blokes Club’ on

Facebook for more information.

VE DAY 80 COMMEMORATIONS

Eastbourne Bandstand & Bonfire Beach. Thursday 8

May, 8:45pm — 9:45pm. Join us as we commemorate

the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with

a special evening of music and ceremony. The event

features a performance by the Eastbourne Silver

Band, followed by a torchlit procession led by Stix

Drummers from the bandstand to Bonfire Beach,

where a beacon will be lit to the sound of traditional

Scottish pipes. This simultaneous beacon-lighting

across the country will mark this historic occasion.

A collection will be held on the night, with funds

raised going to the Royal British Legion.

CHILDREN WITH CANCER FUND: RUN TO RUN —

FUN RUN FOR A GREAT CAUSE

Cuckoo Trail, School Lane entrance, Polegate

Saturday 31st May: Mini Mile: 10:30am; 10k:

11:00am; 5k: 11:15am. Join us for a fun run along the

Cuckoo Trail and support families facing childhood

cancer! Whether you’re a keen runner, walker, or

just up for a stroll, we’d LOVE for you to be part of

this event. With various distances to choose from,

including a mini mile for families, 5k, and 10k, there’s

something for everyone — and tickets start from

just £5! Medals for all finishers. All funds raised will

support over 140 families affected by childhood

cancer across East Sussex, Brighton, and Hove..

BOOK NOW: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/children-withcancer-fund-run-to-run-tickets-1041885647017

SATURDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Mortain Place Care Home, 93 Pevensey Bay Road,

Eastbourne, BN23 6JF. Saturday 7 June, from

1:30pm. Enjoy an afternoon of fantastic live music

from talented local performers at our community

music festival, proudly sponsored by PJ Skips.

Everyone welcome — come and soak up the sounds!

To find out more, call our friendly team: 01323

465150

EASTBOURNE CARNIVAL MARKET

Terminus Road, Eastbourne Town Centre. Saturday

24 May 2025, 10:00am — 7:00pm. Come and

experience a taste of the world at the Eastbourne

Carnival Market! Fantastic street food and drink

stalls, plus a host of unique gifts from around the

world! If you would like to be a Carnival Market

Trader, please visit: www.eastbournecarnival.com/

VE DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Mortain Place Care Home, 93 Pevensey Bay Road,

Eastbourne, BN23 6JF. Thu 8 May, from 11:00am.

Join us for a nostalgic street party with delicious

cream tea, picnic treats and local live entertainment.

1940s fancy dress is encouraged — with a prize for

the best dressed! Bring family and friends for a truly

lovely day. To find out more, call our friendly team:

01323 465150

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.

HAILSHAM

NETWORKING BRUNCH FOR PROFESSIONALS

Abbots Wood Manor, 116 London Road, BN27 3AL.

First Friday of the Month, 10:00am — 11:30am,

2 May & 6 June. Join us for a delicious brunch

and the opportunity to connect with other local

professionals in a welcoming and relaxed setting —

all welcome! For more info: 01323 576100 | Richard.

hollands@hamberleycarehomes.co.uk

VE DAY CELEBRATION PARTY

Bowes House Care Home, 25 Battle Road, Hailsham.

Wednesday 7 May, 11:00am — 1:00pm Join us for a

fabulous VE Day celebration as we mark 80 years of

Victory in Europe! Enjoy the amazing D Day Dollies

Singers, light refreshments, and military jeeps

to set the scene. This event is open to the whole

community, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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.

offer extended until 31 December 2025

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

Join us for

our next

event

Bowes House care home,

Hailsham

Dementia

networking lunch

Monday 19th May 2025

12 noon - 1.30pm

Join us for the chance to meet a range of

service providers supporting those living in the

community with dementia, and their families.

Enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch and the

opportunity to meet our friendly team.

Trusted to care.

To book please call

01323 315137 or email

lisa.phillips@careuk.com

10 NEWS

MAY 2025


Discussions held over

A259 safety concerns

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor, visit:

www.eastsussex.news/letters

AN urgent meeting was held

recently with Highways bosses

over concerns of numerous

accidents on the A259 coast

road, which runs from

Pevensey to Bexhill.

The meeting, organised by MP

Kieran Mullan, involved National

Highways, East Sussex County

Council, Sussex Police, local

councillors and Hooe community

representatives.

The meeting was called following

a spate of serious accidents on

the A259, at the end of last year,

including a fatality.

The MP wanted to establish the

cause of the accidents and discuss

whether more could be done to

improve road safety along the route.

As well as the tragic consequences

for those involved in the accidents,

an emergency road closure of the

A259 results in hours of gridlock on

adjacent local roads.

Sussex Police and National

Highways (who manage the A259)

explained that following the

fatality near the Custom Café, they

carried out analysis of recent crash

data to establish whether road

layout, speeding or other factors

relating to the road played a part in

the accidents.

Police only have access to crash data

relating to fatal or injurious accidents,

data on other incidents, which the

emergency services don’t attend, are

dealt with by insurance companies

and is not available to them.

A vehicle speed analysis concluded

that speeding was not an issue at this

section of road as average speeds

were 46mph and the highest 15% of

speeds were 53mph.

Sussex Police and National

Highways explained that twenty

thousand vehicles use the road each

day and, over the last 10 years, there

have been 29 collisions on the stretch

of the A259 between Little Common

and Pevensey roundabout which

resulted in serious injury or death.

Speeding was identified as the cause

of one of those accidents. Other

causes were medical incidents,

drink/drug driving and driver error.

Therefore, from a policing point of

view, road safety on the A259 is not

considered a major concern.

Four of the recent accidents

happened at the junctions to Hooe

village which is used as an alternative

route to Battle. East Sussex County

Council who maintain the adjacent

roads also carried out analysis of

the cause of those accidents in

conjunction with National Highways

and the police. This concluded

that driver error was the cause of

those accidents.

Councillors and community

representatives from Hooe village,

shared the lived experience of local

residents who continually raise their

concerns to them about the safety

of the A259. They also discussed the

challenges on the remaining road

network when the A259 is closed.

The villagers in Hooe often find

themselves trapped in as does the

community at Normans Bay and

Cooden when their roads are used

as unofficial diversion routes.

HGVs diverting along these villages

routes cause extensive damage

to local roads.

Given community concerns and the

increasing volume of traffic using the

A259 through Little Common, Kieran

asked National Highways and East

Sussex County Council to consider

whether junction improvements or

engineering solutions could help the

driver experience and improve road

safety. National Highways confirmed

that they are about to commence a

whole route study of the A259 and A27

in East Sussex to obtain more data on

road safety and driver behaviour.

A similar study had been carried out

on the A21 between Lamberhurst and

Hastings and has resulted in speed

limit changes, road engineering

improvements and other measures

which are already showing

improvements in road safety.

Depending on the results from the

A259 study, funding for road safety

improvements would be sought from

the Department of Transport.

Kieran asked that he and councillors

are kept informed of the progress of

this study and confirmed he would

be supportive of any funding bids to

improve road safety.

Following the meeting Kieran

said: “It was very helpful to talk to

Sussex Police, National Highways

and East Sussex County Council

about the growing local concerns for

safety on the A259. I am encouraged

that a whole route study of the

A259 and A27 is being carried out

this financial year. This is a key

transport route for the constituency

and is vital to the local economy.

With more expected housing

growth, I am concerned about its

resilience and safety. East Sussex is

poorly served by decent transport

infrastructure. Ultimately, if this area

is expected to take more housing,

we must also have a stronger and

safer transport infrastructure

to support it.”

Plans to improve Exceat bridge criticised

as costs could spiral to £21m

COUNCILLORS have slammed

plans to make the Exceat bridge a

two-lane road after they were given

the green light recently.

East Sussex County Council’s

cabinet members approved the

reallocation of over £11 million

from the council’s Bus Service

Improvement Plan (BSIP) to support

the replacement of the Bridge.

The project will see the current

single-lane bridge, which carries

the A259 between Seaford and

Eastbourne, upgraded to a

two-way crossing.

However, the plans have not been

without controversy. Some councillors

voiced concerns over the escalating

costs, suggesting the scheme should

be scrapped altogether.

Cllr Carolyn Lambert, County

Councillor for Seaford South, said:

“Having already spent nearly £5

million with no clear output at all,

Exceat Bridge over the river Cuckmere near Seaford

East Sussex County Council are now

saying that the overall cost will double

to at least £21.8 million — and that’s

if there are no further overruns.

Residents deserve answers.

“I also have real concerns about the

knock on effect on traffic volumes in

Seaford itself. Making it easier and

faster to drive through Exceat will

undoubtedly encourage more drivers

to use it as an alternative to the A27 —

especially when there is disruption

— which will only add to existing

pinch points in the town like the mini

roundabout outside the train station.

I am very worried that this has not

been properly thought through.

Responding to the criticism, Cllr

Claire Dowling, the county council’s

lead member for transport and

environment, said: “This section

of the A259 between Seaford and

Eastbourne is an extremely important

part of our road network. More than

11,000 vehicles use the route per day

on average, with as many as 1,000 an

hour in peak times. As well as being a

major pinch point the bridge is ageing

and needs to be replaced.

“The increased costs and

affordability of the offline two-lane

replacement bridge should have

come as no surprise to councillors

as the information was shared with

them at the beginning of March when

Cabinet papers were published.

“At the time, concerns centred

around the move away from the

preferred two-lane option and the

extensive length of time, 22 weeks,

the road would need to be closed

for to construct the replacement

one-lane bridge.

“The cost of the two-lane bridge has

risen by more than £10million due the

significant increases in construction

costs and inflation exacerbated

by the time taken to secure

planning permission, lengthy land

negotiations and the costs associated

with Compulsory Purchase Orders,

and the cost of meeting design

requirements in a national park. A

public inquiry related to the CPOs is

due to start on May 13th.”

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MAY 2025 11

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12 NEWS

MAY 2025


Lonely Fox Cub

seeks comfort

in teddy

THIS little traumatised fox cub was taken to East

Sussex Wildlife Rescue (WRAS) recently after being

rescued alongside a sibling.

Both cubs were in poor health, with one suffering

from chest wounds and trauma; both were believed

to be orphaned.

Sadly, the sibling did not survive, leaving this

little boy alone.

Unfortunately, WRAS did not have any other cubs of

a suitable size to pair him with, so he was placed in an

incubator to cozy up with a teddy bear.

Trevor Weeks from WRAS commented: “When

caring for cubs, it is crucial to keep them with others

to prevent domestication, as well as to ensure they are

matched with cubs of similar size to avoid bullying, which

is common in nature where the weakest or smallest often

do not survive.

“Each year, WRAS receives fox cubs that are sick,

injured, or orphaned, often due to mothers being hit

by vehicles, attacks from dogs and cats as cubs begin to

emerge from dens, or even persecution at times.”

According to the Fox Project, the most recent scientific

research shows that the fox population has declined by

41% since 1995.

This fox cub won’t be alone for long, as WRAS

collaborates closely with other rescues throughout the

Southeast to help ensure that cubs find suitable groups

when they are on their own.

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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MAY 2025 NEWS 13

Eastbourne Carnival set

to ‘Celebrate the World’

EASTBOURNE Carnival is getting

ready to take over the seafront

with over 60 entrants ready to

put on a spectacular parade on

Saturday 24th May 2025.

The theme for this year is

‘Celebrations of the World’, featuring

members of the local community, and

entrants from other local towns and

cities celebrating festivals and events

from across the globe.

Also attending this year are

members of Dortmund Carnival,

bringing their Carnival Prince &

Princess and over 40 members of their

band to Eastbourne.

The popular Bolivian & Latin

Carnival groups also return to put on a

show for our residents and visitors.

The Carnival will officially start

around midday with a small Town

Centre gathering at Bankers Corner

— with costumes by the awardwinning

and renowned Sunshine

International Arts, members of Stix

Drummers, Cherry Dance and the

Mayor of Eastbourne.

The main Carnival Parade sets off

at 2pm from Fisherman’s Green and

will parade down towards the Wish

Tower Slopes.

Spectators are encouraged to get to

the route around 2pm to ensure they

do not miss the 60+ entrants as they

make their way to The View Hotel for

their main performance.

A Street Party will be held after the

main parade from approximately

4:30pm in Bankers Corner after the

Carnival finishes with DJs playing an

range of Music, including Soca.

Organiser Mina O’Brien, said: “This

year promises to be a great parade

full of celebration and representing

cultures and festivals near and far. We

are delighted and thankful to have had

the support this year from Lightning

Fibre for our Creative Workshops, Arts

Council England and Chalk Cliff Trust.

“We are thankful to all our Sponsors,

including our Platinum and Gold

Sponsors The Best of Eastbourne,

Seahaven FM, Media Attention, The

View Hotel, Bourne Free, Custard,

Eastbourne Borough Market, Mativus,

Elite Medical, and to all that have

contributed to the event.

“We are also grateful to our partners

and volunteers who are supporting

the event this year. Carnival really is

a great example of the community

coming together.”

For updates leading up to the

Carnival, please follow our

Facebook, Instagram and

TikTok channels.

Don’t forget to bring

change to the Carnival

or donate on the day via

our QR Code — as funds

raised go to participating

charities and non-profit

entrants and go towards

the 2026 Carnival.

Visit eastbournecarnival.com for more information.

14 EASTBOURNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE

MAY 2025


@EdealSouthEast @EdealSouthEast @Edeal-Enterprise-Agency www.eastbournechamber.co.uk

Bees Homes’ celebrates

8 years of award-winning

customer service

Fibre Fest – All Things Textile

is back for its seventh year

at the Enterprise Shopping

Centre, Eastbourne, on

Saturday, 17th May!

WHEN it comes to selling a unique

or character-filled home, clients

of Bees Homes Property Limited

consistently say one thing: they

make the difference. Based in

Sussex, this boutique estate agency

has earned a reputation over the

last 8 years for delivering a service

that goes far beyond the norm —

and clients are quick to share what

truly sets them apart.

The first thing sellers notice is the

personal, hands-on approach.

From the initial meeting to final

completion, clients deal directly with

senior team members who genuinely

care about the outcome. “It never felt

like a transaction,” one homeowner

commented. “They understood our

home and made us feel like partners,

not just clients.”

Another standout is their bespoke

marketing strategy. Clients are

frequently amazed by how their

homes are presented — with

magazine-quality photography,

drone footage, and thoughtful

descriptions that tell the story of the

property. “We were blown away by

how beautifully they captured our

home,” said one client. “The attention

to detail was incredible, and it helped

us attract the right buyers fast.”

Clients also highlight

communication and trust as

defining aspects of the Bees Homes

experience. Regular updates, honest

advice, and a calm, reassuring

presence throughout the process

make sellers feel confident and in

control. “They were always one step

ahead, solving problems before they

became issues,” said another.

It’s no surprise that many clients

return to Bees Homes or recommend

them to others. Their award-winning

service is built on knowledge,

creativity and care, making them the

natural choice for those looking to sell

something special.

As one client put it: “Bees Homes

didn’t just sell our house — they

understood it, loved it, and found

someone who did too.”

WHETHER you’re passionate about spinning, weaving, felting, textile art,

knitting, or simply curious about the world of textiles, this is the event for

you. Expect an exciting day packed with suppliers, makers, workshops,

and demonstrations, celebrating the incredible diversity of textile crafts’.

Discover more at www.facebook.com/SussexCraftandDesignFair

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MAY 2025 EASTBOURNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE 15

Eastbourne Bonfire: Burning for the Community

YOU may know the Bonfire

Society from their spectacular

torch lit procession along the

seafront each October — but

did you know it’s entirely selffunded

and run by volunteers who

work year-round?

Eastbourne Bonfire Society is part

of a proud tradition of Bonfire Night

celebrations held across Sussex

from September to December.

This year’s free event is on 4th

October will fill the seafront with

flames, a giant bonfire, and beachside

fireworks, drawing thousands

of visitors—despite receiving no

public funding.

Behind the scenes, volunteers craft

3,500 torches, handmake costumes,

and a construct a massive effigy or

“tab” which is burnt at the bonfire

site, while also handling logistics,

permissions, and fundraising. As

Bonfire Chair Liz Shaw explains:

“We’re a hardworking team of

volunteers who work year-round to

prepare for the bonfire. As well as

our bonfire and the other free events

we put on, there’s some 20 plus

bonfires across Sussex that we get

invited to visit.”

To fund their spectacular Bonfire

Night, EBS – whose motto is

‘Burning for the Community’ - hosts

events throughout the year. Their

next is a VE Day 80th anniversary

commemoration on 8th May,

featuring Eastbourne Silver Band

and a torchlit procession led by

Liz Shaw, Chair of

Eastbourne Bonfire Society

Stix drummers, ending with a

memorial beacon-lighting by the

lifeboat museum.

EBS also organises the popular and

free, two-day Eastbourne Steampunk

Festival and a range of fundraisers—

from quizzes and bingo to dances.

As Liz Shaw notes: “Next year is

the 25th anniversary of the Bonfire

Society reforming. We’ve come a

long way, but it’s always going to

be hard work. A lot of people don’t

realise we aren’t funded by the

Council. We raise all our own money

through our events and donations,

which is a growing

challenge in the current

economic climate.”

To support EBS, scan

the QR code to donate.

Visit eastbournebonfiresociety.com

to learn more and get involved.

© 2024 Philip Menace Packer (EBS QR)

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16 NEWS

MAY 2025


Car dealership praised

for helping to save lives

A well-known Eastbourne charity that helps

save the lives of those in crisis has thanked a

local car dealership for its support.

Eastbourne Motoring Centre has delivered

a second vehicle to the Beachy Head Search

and Rescue team, in its ongoing support of the

chaplaincy’s work.

For the past seven years, the EMC-sponsored

Suzuki Vitara search and rescue vehicle.has

been a crucial asset in the efforts to reach

and assist individuals who arrive at Beachy

Head in crisis.

Gerry Howitt, the chaplaincy’s CEO,

said: “On behalf of the entire Beachy Head

Chaplaincy Search and Rescue team, I want

to express our deepest gratitude for your

generous sponsorship of this vehicle. EMC’s

support has been absolutely invaluable to our

life-saving work.

“It has enabled us to respond swiftly and

effectively, providing vital support to those in

their darkest moments.”

Ms Howitt said that during this time, the

chaplains’ team had used the Suzuki Vitara

vehicle to intervene and offer assistance

to 1,415 people.

She said: “This number represents 1,415

individuals who have found hope in their

most desperate times, 1,415 families, friends

and colleagues who have been spared

immeasurable grief.

“Your contribution has played a direct role in

From left: EMC CEO Mark Lambird, chaplaincy CEO

Gerry Howitt, chaplain and team supervisor Glenn

Eccleston, chaplain Steve Monico and Daniel Neill, sales

manager Eastbourne Suzuki

these outcomes, and for that, we are profoundly

thankful. Your commitment to the Beachy Head

community and your willingness to support our

mission truly make a difference.

“We are blessed that you chose to partner and

support our work and we very much appreciate

your ongoing dedication to helping us to save

lives at Beachy Head.Thank you again for your

incredible support,”

Eastbourne Motoring Centre is a corporate

member of the Rotary Club of Eastbourne, of

which its founder, David Lambird, is a member.

His son, Mark, is now the company’s CEO.

David commented: “EMC are proud to

be associated with the Rotary Club and the

chaplaincy. We would encourage all businesses

in Eastbourne to join rotary and support our

vitally important services.”

For more information on the work or

membership of the Rotary Club of Eastbourne,

visit www.eastbournerotary.org.uk

Tips to protect hedgehogs

ahead of awareness week

HEDGEHOGS4HAILSHAM is a community

group working towards helping the people

of Hailsham and the surroundings to

create a hedgehog-friendly environment to

support the recovery of wildlife.

Like the British Hedgehog Preservation

Society, hedghogs4hailsham are asking

residents in Hailsham and surrounding areas

to ‘give hedgehogs the edge’ this year.

Gardens could be the new nature reserves,

especially if we make sure they are connected

to each other. They can replace some of the

natural habitats that we are destroying.

These wildlife-friendly tips help to give

hedgehogs the edge: Let the edges grow wild!

Log piles, leaf heaps, and wild edges attract

natural food and offer shelter for hedgehogs.

Always carefully check for wildlife before

mowing, strimming or tidying wild areas.

Add Hedgehog highways. These 13cm x

13cm square gaps in the base of boundary

walls and fences ensure hedgehogs can

access vital habitat. Once made, log them on

the Big Hedgehog Map. This is important,

enclosed fences are trapping hedgehogs with

insufficient food and access to mates.

Make ponds safe! Ponds are great for

wildlife, but, ensure there are escape routes —

add sloping edges, ramps or half-submerged

rocks so hedgehogs can scramble out.

Look out for litter! Litter is very harmful to

wildlife, and while it’s hopefully not an issue in

your own garden, it’s likely to be in the wider

environment. Contact landowners where

litter is a problem; remember to point out the

danger to wildlife.

Water is vital for all wildlife and can be

scarce, especially during hot spells. Make sure

there are always clean shallow bowls of water

available for hedgehogs — add a few pebbles

for bees and butterflies to perch on so they can

safely drink too.

Stop using poisons and pesticides that

could directly harm wildlife and destroy

the food chain.

Netting can become entangled in hedgehog

spines: make sure sports nets are put away and

garden netting is raised 30cm off the ground so

hedgehogs can safely pass under.

If you find a hedgehog in need of help

contact www.wildlifeambulance.org or

www.help4hedgehogs.com

in Herstmonceux.

If you spot a hedgehog or put a

highway in your fence just log it on

www.bighedgehogmap.org. Let’s make

our towns and villages prickle with

Hogs on the map!

Private GP services including medical

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New private GP clinic

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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MAY 2025 REGULARS 17

EASTBOURNE BID (BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT) with Luke Johnson, Operations Manager

BUZZING WITH NEW BEGINNINGS —

A WORD FROM YOUR EASTBOURNE BID

Meanwhile, over on Grove Road, board

games are taking centre stage at The

Dice Box. With more than 500 games to

choose from, this new board game café

is fast becoming a social hub. They’ve

AS we slowly edge towards the

sunshine and promise of summer, it

feels like the perfect time to shine a light

on some fresh and exciting additions to

our town centre.

One of my favourite

parts of this role is

seeing new businesses

open their doors in

Eastbourne and this

past quarter has been

particularly vibrant.

got food, drinks, and a welcoming space

where anyone — total newbie or tabletop

veteran — can roll the dice and join in.

Keep an eye out for their regular social

gaming nights every other Thursday.

It’s the perfect excuse to unplug and

connect with friends old and new.

Now, a quick update on our town

centre stats—because they’re worth

celebrating. Each quarter, Your

Eastbourne BID carries out a shop

occupancy survey, and as of now,

Luke Johnson Let’s dive in, shall we? Turkuaz has five-star reviews The Dice Box – roll-up and join in

we’re proud to report that Eastbourne’s

First up, foodies, you’re in for a treat!

There’s a wave of new restaurants

bringing their own flavour to the town.

If you’ve visited Eastbourne recently,

you may have spotted Turkuaz, a

traditional Turkish restaurant that’s

already gathering a loyal following. With

five-star reviews praising their delicious

dishes and standout service, it’s a place

where attention to detail really matters.

Whether you’re after a special moussaka

or a flavourful mezze platter, Turkuaz is

making its mark.

Bangers & Mash is bringing a hearty

slice of Britain to our plates. Officially

opened in mid-April, this café-restaurant

focuses on the classics — think traditional

English breakfasts, satisfying sandwiches,

omelettes, and of course, sausages and

mash! Owner Georgios Mouratidis puts it

simply: “Whether you’re joining us for a

delightful breakfast to start your day or

for a satisfying lunch, we promise delicious

dishes and a cosy atmosphere.” Sounds like

the perfect pitstop, whether you’re a local

or just visiting.

In Little Chelsea, there’s something for

those with a competitive streak too. The

Darts Den has opened on South Street.

They’ve got a clever ‘try before you buy’

setup, so you can test out darts in one

of their three lanes. Want to bring the

gang? They’ve got private room hire

with auto-scoring systems that take care

of the math while you focus on your

aim. With the recent success of young

dart champion Luke Littler, who knows

— maybe Eastbourne’s next big talent is

just warming up right here!

occupancy rate is sitting just below 94%.

That’s significantly above the national

average of 86%, and a real testament

to the strength and resilience of our

local business community. So to all the

new faces in town — welcome! We’re so

glad you’re here.

Speaking of familiar faces, The Belgian

Café has reopened after a refurbishment,

just in time for the warmer months.

Situated on the corner of Terminus Road

and Grand Parade in Victoria Place, it’s

a long-standing favourite for many.

Their updated space is ready to welcome

guests with all the old favourites:

seafood platters, oysters, and daily

specials. Plus, they’re serving up themed

evenings—from fondue to seafood

and wine pairings.

The Belgian Café is also home to

something rather special: their own

microbrewery. Add in live music

from local performers and a menu of

handcrafted cocktails, and you’ve got

the perfect summer hangout.

Last but definitely not least, let me tell

you about The Collaborative Canvas.

Nestled in the Enterprise Shopping

Centre, this Community Interest

Company is all about art and wellbeing.

They offer workshops in water-based

media where the only requirement is a

willingness to have a go. No experience

necessary! It’s a calm, welcoming space

where people of all ages can create,

connect, and find a little artistic joy.

They also do incredible work with

young people through Arts Award — a

programme that helps 11 to 25-year-olds

explore their creativity while earning

an accredited qualification. Whether

it’s one-to-one sessions or small group

tutorials, it’s inspiring to see how art can

make such a positive impact.

So, whether you’re in the mood for

great food, a game night, a bit of healthy

competition, or a mindful art session,

Eastbourne is buzzing with new reasons

to get out and explore. Let’s continue

supporting our local businesses!

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18 REGULARS

MAY 2025


FRIENDS OF EASTBOURNE HOSPITAL

£1M FUNDRAISING TARGET IN SIGHT

WITH May marking an almost-midway

point in this year’s fundraising for our

major project, we’re happy to report

on a number of very successful events

whose totals take us ever closer to

our £1 million target, going towards

essential equipment in the new Sussex

Surgical Centre at the DGH.

In February, we held a sell-out dining

event at the Thai Marina as part of our

Dine Around the World progamme. One

of our most consistently popular events,

these evenings focus on the cuisine from

different parts of the world.

Following Thailand in February, we move

to the flavours of India at The Ganges

restaurant in May, and we will then be

heading for home with a traditional fish

and chips supper at Eastbourne’s Trident

restaurant in September. These dinners

are open to everyone, although tend to

sell out very quickly, so do please keep an

eye on the events page of our website and

let us know if ever you would like us to

reserve you a place.

We have also hosted the first of our

three annual quiz nights, with the second

and third due in July and November

respectively. Again, an established

favourite on the Friends calendar, these

nights are popular and good fun. Then,

for the first time in partnership with

Eastbourne’s Hydro Hotel, we welcomed

members and supporters of the Friends

Catheterisation Dummy Donation

for a three-course lunch followed by a

talk on Twentieth Century British Art,

at the start of April. We were blessed

with beautiful sunshine, which given the

wonderful location of the venue, gave the

event an extra special sparkle.

If you are reading this article prior to

May 11, and are a fan of good old grassroots

football, then do consider coming

along to a fundraising match which the

Eastbourne DGH team will be playing

against the Hastings Conquest team, at

the Eastbourne United ground at 6.30pm.

In theory, the game is a ‘friendly’ but so

fierce is the rivalry between these two

teams that neither give it anything less

than their absolute all. There will be a

great atmosphere on the day, admission

is free, and we are behind the DGH boys

(in their kit sponsored by the Friends of

Eastbourne Hospital) all the way!

June marks the start of our Open

Garden season, which is a key fundraiser

for the Friends. This year we will be

opening seven beautiful gardens across

the region, for all to wander, admire and

enjoy, with plenty of stalls, a raffle and

refreshments at each venue too. More

details will follow in June’s paper.

Artists in the community may like to

know that entries for our 20th Annual

Art Exhibition, which will be staged at

the end of October, are now open. Spread

the word to any artists you know who

would be interested in exhibiting, and

find out more by visiting our events page

Hydro — lunch and art talk

and downloading the details. This year,

being the twentieth consecutive year of

the exhibition, is set to be a significant

celebration of the event.

Whilst our major focus this year is

the £1 million pounds we are donating

to the new Sussex Surgical Centre at

the DGH, we have received plenty of

smaller bids from the departments of

the DGH asking for our help too. Some

of our most recent donations include a

number of catheterisation dummies for

the essential training of staff in Urology,

and a LUCAS chest compressor in the

operating theatres which will enable

chest compressions to be performed

mechanically in the event of this

requirement during any procedure. We

are also delighted to hear that the new

Nuclear Medicine Gamma Camera, for

which we fundraised £500,000 as our

major project last year, is now almost

ready for installation. The new Gamma

Camera will aid in the better detection,

diagnosis and treatment of cancer at the

DGH, and we thank all who helped us

reach this incredible target in 2024.

As always, our call to the community

is both to support our fundraising in

any way which appeals, but also, if

circumstances allow, to offer your own

time and commitment in a volunteering

role. Without volunteers, the Friends of

Eastbourne Hospital could not raise the

significant amounts it does for the DGH.

Opportunities exist within the hospital,

either in roles serving customers in

our shops and café or on our sandwich

trolley, or at some of our external events,

such as the art exhibition or the seasonal

fair we stage later in the year. Please do

visit our website at www.friendsdgh.org.

uk, or get in touch with the Friends Office

on 01323 749503 / esh-tr.friendsdgh@

nhs.net, with any queries on events,

fundraising, or volunteering.

FALCONRY

PHOTOGRAPHY

WORKSHOPS

IN THE HEART OF EAST SUSSEX

EVERY 2ND

WEDNESDAY

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01323 442323 / 01323 442949

Budding or experienced photographers

are being offered the opportunity to

take part in a new series of workshops

designed to develop skills and spend time

with some stunning birds of prey.

Set within the stunning grounds of

Herstmonceux Castle and Gardens, the

workshops, in association with East

Sussex Falconry, allows photographers to

learn, or practice their skills through a

series of exercises to secure some

breathtaking photographs with our

experienced Photographer and Falconer.

For only £135 per photographer, the

full-day experience will take place on

Monday, 21st July, with a maximum

group size of ten people.

For more information, please call

07970 245934 or scan the QR code.

IDEAL

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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MAY 2025 PUZZLES 19

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PUZZLES

WORDSEARCH

Things That Go Round

Can you find all the listed words hidden in the grid below?

They may run either forwards or backwards, horizontally,

vertically or diagonally, but always in a straight line.

ARMATURE

CAROUSEL

CLOCK HANDS

COMET

FAN BELT

MILLSTONE

MOON

PLANET

RECORD

ROLLER

ROTOR

SPACE STATION

TORNADO

TURNTABLE

WHEEL

WHIRLPOOL

WHISK

YO-YO

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

G T L E B N A F U L D W T

E R A E C O M E T R L R O

O Y O Y S O Y R O L L E R

L N B T K M T C A C L N N

M E H A S U E J A B Y O A

P I I U I R D R A W A I D

X H L H H R O T O R B T O

S W X L W U N R M X E A T

E X A N S R T A Y T N T H

N M W E U T T E A V F S L

T N L T W U O P N X B E E

I G N E R K A N R A S C E

N A S E S E Y D E Y L A H

L S D N A H K C O L C P W

H X W H I R L P O O L S J

CODEWORD

Each letter of the alphabet has a different number. Substitute numbers

for letters to make words that will complete the puzzle. The letters at

the side and the check-box below the grid may help you keep track.

20 18 6 3 2 23 11 6 11 7 2 19

25 23 16 7 11 15 16 7 18 11

17 7 15 5 2 25 23 16 2 18 13 23

13 4 11 14 23 16 8

19 6 7 2 10 23 16 13 8 7 1 13 19 13

26 19 9 22 10 19

11 10 15 7 25 20 25 10 2 13 10 19 11 19

M A N

12 23 6 23 11

15 25 6 26 7 20 13 15 13 16 25 18 13 22

26 9 8 25 11 15

12 8 25 19 26 19 21 10 25 9 7 9 2 13

7 9 7 13 16 20 13

16 13 16 7 2 15 11 10 9 13 13 10

2 11 19 24 18 13 25 10 2 15

20 11 10 6 13 20 13 25 15 23 15 26

Check-box

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

M

N

A

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Across

1 Idly play a guitar (5)

5 Endorse (4)

7 Dissimilar (6)

8 Applauds (5)

9 Bruise (9)

10 Shortened forename of

US president Lincoln (3)

11 Extended by pulling

and stretching (9)

15 Cause extensive

destruction or

ruin utterly (9)

19 Occupied a chair (3)

20 Walkways (9)

21 Bring together (5)

22 Quality of being

extremely careful

and thorough (6)

23 Walking-stick (4)

24 Level betting (5)

Down

1 Marked by friendly

companionship

with others (6)

2 Peruser of text (6)

3 Brawny tissue (6)

4 Recognisable (8)

CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6

8

10

13 14

7

9

11 12

15 16 17 18

20

22

23 24

5 Animal product used as

a furniture polish (7)

6 Irregular in shape

or outline (7)

12 Lassitude (8)

13 Plant with waxy, brightly

coloured flowers (7)

14 Grazing land (7)

16 Guarantee (6)

17 Have a lofty goal (6)

18 Determines the direction

of travel (6)

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Place a number (from 1 to 9 inclusive) into each square in

such a way that every digit appears once in each horizontal

row, each vertical column and each box of nine squares.

1 7

6 8 9 5

9 3 7 4

9 5 8 6 3

4 2

3 9 4 2 6

3 2 8 7

1 6 4 8

8 5

21

SOLUTIONS

19

2 4 8 7 9 1 5 6 3

1 5 7 6 3 4 2 9 8

9 3 6 2 5 8 4 7 1

8 1 3 9 4 2 6 5 7

4 6 5 1 7 3 9 8 2

7 2 9 5 8 6 3 1 4

5 9 2 3 1 7 8 4 6

6 7 4 8 2 9 1 3 5

3 8 1 4 6 5 7 2 9

8 5

SUDOKU

M P C J U D I C I O U S

A D R O I T R O P I

K O T Q U A D R U P E D

E V I W D R L

S C O U N D R E L O B E S E

H S 1 G X 7 N S

I N T O A M A N U E N S I S

6 8 9 5

F D C D I

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A P E X

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F

4

L A S H S Y N A G

2

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3 9 4 2 6

R E R O U T I N G E E N

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E A N U T

M1 I N C E6 M E4A T D8

T H

© Puzzle Press Ltd (www.puzzlepress.co.uk)

CODEWORD

S T R U M D B A C K

O E U N L I K E R

C L A P S S E O

I D C O N T U S I O N

A B E L I W K

L R E L O N G A T E D

B P E C X D

D E V A S T A T E A S

G S H N S A T

F O O T P A T H S P E

N U R U N I T E

I R I G O U R R R

C A N E Y E V E N S

CROSSWORD

G T L E B N A F U L D W T

E R A E C O M E T R L R O

O Y O Y S O Y R O L L E R

L N B T K M T C A C L N N

M E H A S U E J A B Y O A

P I I U I R D R A W A I D

X H L H H R O T O R B T O

S W X L W U N R M X E A T

E X A N S R T A Y T N T H

N M W E U T T E A V F S L

T N L T W U O P N X B E E

I G N E R K A N R A S C E

N A S E S E Y D E Y L A H

L S D N A H K C O L C P W

H X W H I R L P O O L S J

WORDSEARCH

20 YOUR MP

MAY 2025


NEWS FROM YOUR LIBERAL DEMOCRAT MP

JOSH BABARINDE

Eastbourne springs into action!

FOLLOWING a town-wide

campaign, I was delighted to join

residents for the grand reopening

of the Fun Pool at the Sovereign

Centre to mark the Spring period!

On behalf of our town, I had the

honour of reactivating the wave

machine — the same one that brought

me so much joy as a child! It was

amazing to see and hear the cheers

of children and families enjoying

the pool once again. This victory was

a team effort.

Thank you to the council for

listening and negotiating a deal

with the new operator to keep

the pool open.

Thank you to GLL/Better for

working round the clock to bring the

pool back into action, and who —

together with EBC — will be investing

£1m in the Sovereign Centre.

Thank you to Mr Speaker for

allowing me to raise the Sovereign

Centre in the House of Commons

five times to help fight our

community’s cause!

However, the biggest thank you

goes to local residents, whose

passionate campaigning helped

protect this much-loved facility.

Our community’s passion and

persistence helped preserve this

vital community asset, even as over

160 council-run pools across the

UK have closed since 2015 due to

funding pressures.

As the BBC put it, this was a

“blueprint” for how communities

can turn difficult situations into

positive outcomes — one that

others should follow.

Our seafront is also looking more

vibrant than ever. The Big Wheel is

now up at the Redoubt, adding a new

perspective and attraction East of

the Pier. There’s much more to look

forward to this summer.

The Eastbourne Carnival

is just around the corner on

Saturday 24th May — let’s make it a

day to remember!

And of course, Airbourne returns

from 14th–17th August, with the Red

Arrows expected across all four days.

TACKLING ANTI-SOCIAL

BEHAVIOUR AND CRIME

As summer approaches, we often see

a rise in anti-social behaviour. I’ve

been working closely with Sussex

Police, Eastbourne Borough Council

and other local organisations with the

aim of cracking down on anti-social

behaviour and crime across our town.

I recently joined local PCSOs on a

walkabout in Hampden Park, and

it was heartening to meet several

residents who told me how pleased

they were to see officers ‘on the beat’.

Community policing is a local,

proactive, and collaborative approach

which focuses on preventing crime

rather than just simply reacting to it.

Police numbers have been stretched

to breaking point after years of

cuts by the previous Conservative

Government. In too many

neighbourhoods, the familiar “bobby

on the beat” has become a distant

memory. This is often because Safer

Neighbourhood Team officers are

regularly redeployed to emergency

response teams to plug gaps.

I want to see more officers on the

beat, not stuck behind desks or just

on a hamster wheel of emergency

responses. I’m also calling for more

investment in PCSOs, who often act

as the eyes and ears on the street, but

who too often lack the recognition

or resources they deserve. Over the

last decade, PCSO numbers have

been cut by 4,500.

I’ve recently written to the Chief

Constable of Sussex Police, Jo Shiner,

urging her to move more operations

from their Hammonds Drive base

on an industrial estate to their Town

Centre Hub on Grove Road, whose

building now has extra capacity

for potential additional police

personnel due to the departure of

DWP operations from the building.

This would bolster their town centre

policing presence, a current hotspot.

As someone who’s spent years

supporting young people out of crime

in my career before becoming our

town’s MP, I’ve seen the impact that

well-funded youth services can have.

The loss of youth centres and support

groups has left a dangerous gap.

These spaces help young people build

the pro-social values — teamwork,

communication, empathy — that

steer them away from the margins

and towards positive futures.

I’ll keep campaigning for more

investment in crime prevention,

and for the policing presence

our town deserves.

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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MAY 2025 TRAVEL 21

Normandy’s D-Day Beaches

visited on poignant anniversary

BY DAVID POWELL

ON June 6th, 1944, the largest

amphibious invasion in history

changed the course of World

War II. Codenamed Operation

Overlord, the D-Day landings saw

more than 156,000 Allied troops

storm the beaches of Normandy

to liberate Western Europe from

Nazi occupation. Visiting the D-Day

landing sites in Normandy had

been on my list of places to visit for

some time. From the windswept

beaches to the meticulous

museums and memorials, every

corner of Normandy tells a story.

My journey began at Sword

Beach, where British troops came

ashore at dawn. Despite facing

stubborn resistance, they pushed

forward, linking up with Free French

commandos and paratroopers from

the 6th Airborne Division. As I’m

standing on the beach it’s hard to

picture the chaos of that morning.

The first Allied action of D-Day

happened just after midnight,

when glider troops landed near

Pegasus Bridge in a bold, silent raid.

Capturing the bridge intact was vital

to prevent German reinforcements

from reaching the beaches. The

Pegasus Memorial is one of the most

moving and memorable sites I visited.

The original bridge stands preserved

beside the museum, along with a fullsized

Horsa glider that you can climb

up into, and personal accounts from

the men who landed there.

A little further along the coast

is Gold Beach, where British

forces landed to secure the vital

port town of Bayeux. The nearby

village of Arromanches-les-Bains

became the site of one of the war’s

greatest engineering feats, the

Mulberry Harbour, an artificial

port constructed in record time

to supply Allied troops. Parts of

it still rests in the surf. The D-Day

Museum and the Arromanches

360 Circular Cinema brought the

ingenuity of the operation to life, with

panoramic footage and first-hand

testimony to honour the heroism of

the Allied troops.

Canadian forces came ashore at

Juno Beach, and despite facing some

of the most intense resistance they

secured key positions advancing

further inland than any other D-Day

Omaha Beach memorial

unit by nightfall. The Juno Beach

Centre is beautifully presented and

the museum sits right on the beach,

where young Canadian soldiers

landed under heavy fire.

Omaha Beach, assigned to

American forces, stretches for six

miles and was fiercely defended

by German troops. As waves of

American soldiers landed under

relentless fire, casualties mounted

earning Omaha its grim nickname

of ‘Bloody Omaha’. Today the site is

marked by the Normandy American

Cemetery and Memorial where 9,387

white crosses and Stars of David

overlook the sea. The Cemetery is

breath taking in its scale and emotion,

and its rows of white crosses a stark

reminder of the cost of freedom.

Sainte-Mère-Église church with a snagged

paratrooper on the chruch steeple

To the west of Omaha lies

Utah Beach also assigned to

the Americans. Despite strong

currents that pushed the landing

crafts off course the assault here

was relatively successful. The

Utah Landing Museum is built on

the sand dunes and houses rare

artifacts and a restored B-26 Bomber.

Nearby is the famous village of

Sainte-Mère-Église …

A visit to Sainte-Mère-Église,

one of the first towns liberated on

D-Day, is highly recommended. The

story of John Steele, the American

paratrooper who dangled from the

church steeple after his parachute

snagged, is legendary. The Airborne

Museum nearby is first class,

especially for understanding the

airborne landings that began the

invasion. It’s immersive, emotive,

and packed with authentic artifacts.

Travelling with Leger Holidays:

Expert Insight and Comfort — To

experience all of the D-Day landing

sites without the hassle of navigating

narrow country roads, I joined

the D-Day Landings in Normandy

coach tour with Leger Holidays.

Travelling by luxury coach, with

two professional drivers, Tim

and Caroline, allowed me to relax

and absorb each location without

worrying about logistics. I was

also able to book the front seats of

the coach (at an extra charge) for

myself and my two companions,

my daughter Claire and grandson

Dylan aged 12. Our battlefield

guide, Ben, was not only incredibly

knowledgeable but passionate,

weaving personal stories into the

broader history in a way that brought

everything to life.

We stayed at the Carline Hotel in

Caen, a central and very comfortable

base for our daily excursions. It had

a friendly atmosphere and after a

long day of site visits it was a welcome

place to rest and chat with fellow

travellers. The hotel restaurant was

available for breakfast and dinner.

There was also a diner next door and

a MacDonalds a few blocks away.

To conclude, as I walked along the

beaches, through cemeteries, and

across fields still marked by bunkers

and craters, the scale of the operation

and the courage of those involved

became clear. It wasn’t just a history

lesson, I found myself imagining

the young soldiers landing on these

shores, uncertain of what the next

hours would bring.

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22 REGULARS

MAY 2025


ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

TO TRAVEL, IS TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL!

EASTER’S over, and now’s the time to

think about your Summer Holidays.

Where could your journey take you?

A new adventure to tick off the list

could be John O’Goats to Land’s end,

maybe? London to Paris via the Avenue

Verte or part of that route is ideal for us

who live in Sussex.

Along the journey, you may need to

consider using some form of transport

other than your bicycle. Do you use

your car? Try a bus, train, boat or

plane? If you are going across to France,

you will need something which floats

and the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry is

good at taking bicycles, as are our UK

rail networks.

Rail and Sail, then cycle anywhere

on arrival, are wonderful options to

embrace sustainable transport. Over

50% of petrol costs are taxes; hence,

travelling by bicycle is the best way to

keep more of your money for food at the

end of a cycle trip. Probably why you

see so many happy cyclists.

The easiest way to carry a bike is one

which folds. In East Sussex, we have

many excellent shops providing a choice

of machines with one near our Cuckoo

Trail in Heathfield, Cycle Revival. They

have been trading for over 40 years

locally, being a Brompton dealer as well,

of course, other makes are available.

Let’s face it, when you want to go

away seeking different food, culture,

experiences meeting interesting new

people, should you leave your trusted

bike behind or take it with you, just in

case? If you want to take your bicycle,

which is your best transport option?

Most cyclists own a motor vehicle,

and car racks for bicycles can be bought

very reasonably from local suppliers

and fit easily.

Travelling with your trusted bicycle,

helping to make short local journeys

cheaper and easier, is one way to

enjoy your break.

Railways are fast, cheap, and often

reach places difficult to get to by car

or even worse, no place to park once

arrived. Even then, providing and

managing parking spaces is expensive.

This makes our railway network the

best choice for a longer journey with

your bike and no worry on arrival as to

how to travel that last mile.

To escape from or arrive into Sussex

we are lucky to have Newhaven as our

port with easy access to Dieppe and

wider Europe. The ideal loop would be

Newhaven — Dieppe — Calais – Dover,

travelling through Kent, France and

Sussex, what a tour that would be.

Train, Bus, Boat or Plane, car or

motorhome, taking what you want

should be easy. Personal experience

of using our train network has been

positive, with staff welcoming travellers

and their trusty two-wheeled machines.

Using our public bus network is not

so easy, as space is limited and seats

are not so adaptable with many stops.

However, small group transport with

a mini-bus and roof rack for bicycles is

perfect when exploring remote areas.

Usually, there is no charge for taking a

conventional bicycle on a train if there is

space. A folding bike is by far the best,

as operators accept it as basic luggage

no fee. If you go by Eurostar with a nonfolding

bike, there is a fee which gets

higher nearer departure time, return fees

can be up to £120.

If you travel by ferry across the

water rather than train in tunnel, as a

passenger normally bikes can be free

or a small charge, which to me seems

the best option.

Next Month will include details about

Cycling UK’s Bike Week events during

9th to 15th June.

Happy Wheeling. Ian Hollidge &

Bexhill Wheelers.

LAURIE’S POEM CORNER

Into May we go, and all those things we can now do

outdoors, but I’ll move quickly on to concentrate on this

month’s poem. It is entitled “People Places”. I wrote it in

about 2014, and it goes all the way back to my second book.

The poem suggests that we don’t forget or miss out on

seeing old friends, acquaintances and places, as life rarely

remains the same, so enjoy who and what you have in your

life while you have them.

As this is one of my deeper poems, perhaps you may have

your own interpretation of it which is of course fantastic.

People and places from your past

Are no longer there, or the same.

So will make you notice more

The years you couldn’t tame.

PEOPLE PLACES

People known from distant days

Maybe won’t still be around.

So you must indulge old friends

Before you too run aground.

People known from distant days

Maybe won’t still be around.

So you must indulge old friends

Before you too run aground.

Places where you knew each stone

Will now soon lose you in a trice,

And even finding a familiar part

Will still make you look twice,

Because memories will play tricks

On what you thought you knew,

And many a place or person now

Seems different from your view.

So going back where you’ve been

May not be for the very best,

As these places may disturb you

If they’ve not survived times test.

But people are somewhat different

Always worth a nostalgic greet,

For though they may have changed

It will be good for you to meet,

And share those long gone times

Where you both ran alongside,

Each other with your experiences

From which you should not hide.

To purchase Laurie’s books, visit www.lauriewilkinson.com

Your local independent

property experts...

Residential Lettings Land New Homes

MEET

YOUR

FRIENDLY

TEAM

WESTFIELD CLOSE £350,000-£365,000

Situated in a quiet close near Polegate High Street, this extended

semi-detached bungalow offers a superb 20’ kitchen/diner, two bedrooms,

a lovely living room, a beautiful 90’ westerly garden, ample

parking, and a garage/workshop. Close to shops, transport links, and

The Cuckoo Trail. Viewing highly recommended.

CROFT CLOSE £300,000–£310,000

A well-presented 2-bedroom semi-detached bungalow situated at

the end of a quiet close, featuring a bay fronted living room, modern

kitchen, and a most pleasant 65’ rear garden with lovely South

Downs views. Benefits include gas central heating, double glazing,

off-road parking, and no onward chain.

DAVID SHELTON

ANITA BAKER

HIGH STREET, PEVENSEY, £365,000

A beautifully presented three-bedroom semi-detached

home set in the heart of historic Pevensey. Offering a bright

lounge, stylish kitchen-diner, and charming conservatory,

this property blends comfort and character perfectly. The

level, low-maintenance rear garden backs onto the stunning

Pevensey Levels, providing uninterrupted views. There are

three good-sized bedrooms, a modern family bathroom,

and convenient roadside parking with a communal car park

nearby. Close to village amenities, the castle, and countryside

walks, this is a true hidden gem.

GRAMPIAN CLOSE, £395,000

A 4-bedroomed detached family house located at the end of

a small drive situated in a popular residential area. The property

requires modernisation and provides a 25′ lounge/diner

with patio doors to the rear garden, a good size kitchen,

downstairs cloakroom/wc, an en suite shower room to the

master bedroom and there is a further family bathroom/wc.

Outside is a pleasant rear garden with many mature trees

and shrubs, and situated to the front of the property, is a

double garage having an electric door. NO ONGOING CHAIN.

BROOKSIDE, £330,000 - £340,000

A spacious three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, ideally

positioned within walking distance of Polegate High Street

and the mainline railway station. Features include a modern

kitchen, living room with access to a westerly facing rear

garden, and a bathroom with separate shower cubicle. Additional

benefits are gas central heating, double glazing, solar

panels, driveway parking, and a useful 16’ x 8’ outhouse/

store. Close to shops, medical centres, bus services, and

access to The Cuckoo Trail for countryside walks.

FREE VALUATIONS FOR SELLING & RENTING

JOHN STEVENS

SAM BEALE

COURTLAND ROAD, £489,950

An extended 3-bedroomed detached bungalow having

beautifully presented and stylish living accommodation.

A particular feature is the extended lounge/dining room

having full width patio doors to the delightful westerly

rear garden. There is a tastefully fitted kitchen with ample

worksurfaces and also includes integrated appliances. All

three bedrooms are of double size and bedroom two has an

en suite shower room/wc making an ideal a guest room and

there is useful side store, garage and off road parking.

BERNHARD GARDENS - £340,000

A well-positioned three-bedroom semi-detached family

home overlooking Polegate Memorial Recreational Ground

with stunning South Downs views. The bright double-aspect

lounge/dining room opens onto a pleasant rear garden

with a good-sized patio. Further features include a modern

kitchen, bathroom, fitted wardrobes to two bedrooms, gas

central heating, double glazing, and a nearby garage. Conveniently

located within walking distance of Polegate High

Street, schools, transport links, and countryside walks, this

home offers an ideal blend of comfort and lifestyle.

VICTORIA DRIVE, £375,000

A spacious four-bedroom semi-detached family home,

ideally located opposite Ocklynge Junior School and within

walking distance of several other schools. The accommodation

features a lounge with doors to a south-westerly rear

garden, separate dining room, kitchen with oven and hob,

utility with WC, modern bathroom, and a spacious loft room.

Additional benefits include gas central heating, double

glazing, an enclosed front garden, driveway parking, and

a pleasant rear garden. Close to shops, bus services, and

recreation areas.

SAMUEL TOWNSEND

48 HIGH STREET, POLEGATE, BN26 6AG

CALL 01323 483348 or visit archerandpartners.com

24 MOTORING

MAY 2025


Sussex roads announced as

electric vehicle-friendly

THE South Downs ‘road trip’ has

been crowned the best in the UK

for electric vehicle (EV) drivers,

according to a new study.

The route, which starts in

Eastbourne, travels through Lewes,

Brighton, Arundel and Petworth,

before finishing in Chichester, is at

the top of the list when it comes the

best drives of EV owners.

With road trips remaining a popular

travel choice for UK drivers, Evans

Halshaw has conducted a new study

that looks at the best road trips across

the UK based on a number of metrics.

These include the number of EV

charging locations nearby, charging

density (charging points per km), the

number of full charges required to

complete the route, accommodation

options with parking and nearby

attractions along the journey.

The South Downs route stands out

for having the highest number of EV

charging locations, with 250 spots

located within two miles of the route -

more than any of the other road trips

analysed. Whether starting, stopping

or simply taking in the views, drivers

have easy access to charge points

throughout the trip.

When looking at charging points

per kilometre, the South Downs again

leads the way, with an impressive 1.39

charging stations per km, ensuring

that drivers never have to go far for a

top-up. This means EV drivers rarely

need to detour or wait to plug in,

making it one of the smoothest routes

to navigate behind the wheel of an

electric vehicle.

At 112 miles, this road trip is among

the most manageable in terms of

distance, requiring just 0.36 full

charges to complete. Combined with

its exceptional charging availability,

South Downs is an ideal low-stress

option for EV drivers planning a

seamless day or weekend journey.

A successful road trip isn’t just

about the drive, but also about

where you stay along the way. With

211 nearby places offering parking,

the third highest of all routes

featured, accommodation is also

easy to come by.

Brighton and Hove alone accounts

for more than 100 of these options,

making it ideal for an overnight stop.

South Downs offers plenty to see

along the way, ranking second overall

for nearby attractions with 1,155

points of interest. The route starts

in sunny Eastbourne and winds

through the cultural hub of Brighton

and Hove, which is home to 668

attractions alone. You’ll then end at

the tranquil Chichester Harbour, a

haven for wildlife and sailing.

Rob Miller, Group Vice President at

Evans Halshaw, said: “Evans Halshaw

has completed this study and found

these great routes for EV owners

to enjoy across the UK, which have

stunning sights to see, places to stay

and attractions to visit.

“There are plenty of EV charging

locations available throughout

these road trips too, so you’ll only

need a tiny bit of route planning,

when driving along any of these

spectacular routes.”

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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/eastbourne MAY 2025 MOTORING 25

From Sussex to

Birmingham and back

on one charge (almost)

Audi’s transition to electric power continues with the launch of the stunning new A6 e-tron

Avant. Editor Paul Gibson decided to take the motorway mile-eater from home in Sussex to the

land of Cadbury’s chocolate — Birmingham. He writes…

RANGE anxiety is a huge thing

— it’s always the first question

anyone asks when you spark

up a conversation about

electric vehicles. The lack of a

decent charging infrastructure

across the UK and concerns

over their charging speeds are

always a concern.

That’s something Audi is trying to

eliminate with the launch of the allnew

A6 E-Tron Avant — with claims of

a range of just under 400 miles, there

was only one thing to do during my

test drive and put that fact to the test.

I picked up the A6 from Caffyns

Audi in Eastbourne with a full

charge of course and was introduced

to the mind-boggling amount of

technology behind the wheels which

was overpowering at first, but the

longer you spent in the car, you

quickly begin to learn what does

what, and it becomes an incredibly

intuitive experience.

The A6 Avant has been the go-to for

premium estate buyers who need

space, sophistication and subtlety

— and now, in full electric guise, it

promises all that and more, with a

cutting-edge drivetrain, generous

equipment and up to 270kW of power.

Visually, the A6 e-tron Avant makes

a strong statement and not just for

an estate car. While many EVs lean

into futuristic curves and chunky

silhouettes, the A6 e-tron Avant

keeps things sleek, elegant and

distinctly Audi.

Audi’s new Premium Platform

Electric (PPE), shared with Porsche,

allows for a long wheelbase and

short overhangs, contributing to a

planted, modern look.

It’s a design that merges familiarity

with progressiveness, which is

exactly what long-time Audi buyers

will appreciate.

The 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit

remains a highlight, especially when

combined with the augmented reality

head-up display, which overlays

navigation prompts directly onto your

line of sight. Everything is crisp, quick

to respond and logically laid out.

More importantly for estate buyers,

there’s ample space. Rear legroom is

generous thanks to the flat floor and

stretched wheelbase, and the boot

offers 545 litres with the seats up, 60

shy of the combustion A6 Avant. Fold

the seats down and that figure climbs

to 1,680 litres. There’s also a small

‘frunk’ under the bonnet for charging

cables and other bits and bobs.

Under the skin, the A6 e-tron Avant

Launch Edition Performance delivers

a healthy 270kW (362bhp) from its

dual-motor setup, with 0-62mph in

just under 5.5 seconds.

Quattro all-wheel drive is standard,

naturally, and gives the A6 e-tron a

sense of composure on wet or uneven

roads. Air suspension (also standard

on the Launch Edition) adds a layer

of magic-carpet comfort, soaking up

bumps without becoming wallowy.

It’s not a B-road bruiser in the mould

of the RS6, but it can certainly

hustle when needed and does so

with eerie silence.

Regenerative braking is adjustable

via steering wheel paddles, allowing

for one-pedal driving in traffic. It’s

smoothly calibrated and doesn’t

feel grabby, which is a common

complaint in some rival systems.

So, I can feel you’re eager to know

how my 340-mile trip panned

out! Well, I wasn’t going to be

irresponsible enough to see how far

I could drain the battery on the A6,

especially as most of the journey is

motorway — the last thing I wanted

was to be sitting waiting for recovery

to get me home.

I arrived at my overnight stop

in south Birmingham with 40%

remaining battery, so I knew I’d

certainly need a top-up on the return

journey, but there was something

going through my mind that I could

actually complete the journey on

a single charge.

It’s the motorway speeds that kill the

range. All the time you’re happy to sit

behind an HGV, or National Express

Coach on the inside lane, taking

advantage of clean air, the range

almost increases, as this is ultimately

the most economical speed to drive

at — for any car.

As soon as you get the right foot

down a bit and progress your

journey, this is when you start seeing

the numbers disappear on the

dashboard, so unless I wanted it to

take almost a full day to get home, a

recharge was certainly needed.

This is certainly not a criticism of

the A6 — this is true of any car, EV

or any combustion engine. But, I

do think I could have gotten back to

the M25 circular without another

charge for sure.

Being the responsible driver I am,

I found Morrisons in Birmingham

which offered a 50kw charger, so

around 45 minutes topped the battery

up to 80% at a cost of just over £30.

Crucially, the A6 e-tron supports

ultra-fast 270kW DC charging,

meaning a 10-80% top-up can take

just 25 minutes when plugged into a

sufficiently powerful charger. On a

standard 11kW home wallbox, a full

charge takes around ten hours.

I finished the trip with 30%

remaining charge, which means the

whole journey used a whole charge

plus 10% for a 340-mile journey,

which I think is pretty incredible. A

much better experience than some

of my other EV long journeys I’ve

done in the past.

Being a Launch Edition, this A6

e-tron Avant is loaded. Standard

kit includes adaptive cruise

with lane guidance, 360-degree

cameras, a Bang & Olufsen sound

system, four-zone climate control

and heated everything. The only

real extras are aesthetic or niche

convenience features — most

buyers won’t feel the need to

tick many boxes.

The Launch Edition starts from

just over £77,000, which puts it in

competition with the BMW i5 Touring

and the Mercedes EQE Estate. But,

given the performance, tech, and

premium feel on offer, it feels like a

fair deal, especially if you’re moving

from an existing high-spec A6 Avant.

The Audi A6 e-tron Avant Launch

Edition is a significant moment for

the electric car market, and for Audi.

It’s proof that EVs don’t need to be

SUVs or futuristic bubbles. They can

be practical, understated, stylish and

genuinely desirable estate cars.

www.caffyns.co.uk/audi/

26 SPORT

MAY 2025


Regatta

promises

family fun and

club rivalry

THE Eastbourne Rowing Club

annual regatta gets underway

this month as more than 200

competitors from across the south

coast take to the seas.

Ten clubs from the Coast Amateur

Rowing Association (CARA) will take

part in the 2km course on Saturday,

May 10. It takes rowers from the Start/

Finish line at Fisherman’s Green to

Eastbourne Pier and back.

There are 26 races planned across

multiple disciplines from single

sculls through to coxed four events,

and multiple abilities from juniors,

novices, seniors, 40s+, 50s+ events

for men and women.

Gary Hammond, chairman of

Eastbourne Rowing Club, encouraged

residents and holiday-makers to pop

along and watch the regatta.

He said: “It’s a fantastic spectacle to

see a dozen boats lined up on the start

line, cheered on by their respective

clubs,” Gary said. “Weather

permitting, the first race starts at

9.30am and the final race takes

place at 3pm. It’s great fun for both

competitors and spectators.”

The Beacon’s General Manager,

one of the event sponsors, Mark

Powell said he would be cheering

from the seafront promenade. He

commented: “The competitors take

the races seriously, but they also

enjoy the whole regatta experience.

There should be a great buzz around

this part of the seafront and I

encourage people to pop along and

watch the races.”

The trophy presentations to race

winners will run from 3.30pm. BBQ

food and refreshments are provided

throughout the day.

Eastbourne Rowing Club

coaches members in all rowing

disciplines, from complete novices

to experienced rowers, in junior

through to senior age groups. It uses

training plans and the camaraderie

and support of fellow members

to build confidence and provide

life skills that can be employed

away from the club, and skills that

will bring enjoyment on the water

throughout its members’ lives.

More information on the

club is available at

secretary@eastbournerc.co.uk

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28 SPORT

MAY 2025


Sport

Sports conclude

campaign with

comfortable win

REPORT BY ANTHONY SCOTT

EASTBOURNE Borough will have

to make do with a place in the

National League South play-offs,

despite a comfortable win over

Weston-super-Mare.

That comes after Truro City beat St

Albans to seal the title, with Borough

finishing third in the table — just one

point off the Cornwall side.

Kai Innocent, Jack Clarke and

Camron Gbadebo got the goals as

the Sports wrapped up a 3-0 win in

front of a 2,754 strong crowd at The

ReachTV Stadium.

Adam Murray made one change

to the starting line up which won at

Salisbury on Bank Holiday Monday,

with Jason Adigun replacing Michael

Klass, whilst Moussa Diarra returned

to the subs bench following suspension

and Siya Ligendza was called

up to the squad.

The Sports started on the front foot,

but without really creating an opening

early on. However, they were given a

boost when Weston were reduced to

ten men after twelve minutes.

Gbadebo headed a ball forward and

over the top of the Weston defence

for Alfie Pavey to latch onto, before

the striker was pulled down by Emlyn

Lewis on the edge of the area — with

the visiting skipper shown a straight

red card with Pavey through on goal.

It wasn’t necessarily a good thing for

Borough — who have struggled against

ten men in recent weeks — but not

on this occasion.

The Sports looked dangerous on the

front foot, but good defending denied

Pavey from turning home Yahaya

Bamba’s low ball in before Clarke had a

low effort saved by Max Harris.

Bamba then forced the Weston

keeper into a great save low to his

right from the edge of the area, before

the Sports couldn’t turn home a loose

ball from the resulting corner — both

Brad Barry and Gbadebo unable to

hit the target.

Weston sat deeper to keep the Sports

at bay, and it took something special

to get the breakthrough on the half

hour mark. Jayden Davis’ ball in wasn’t

really cleared and the ball came out to

Kai Innocent, and his strike from 25

Photo: Lydia Redman Photography

yards swerved beyond Harris and into

the top corner.

Just six minutes later, it was 2-0.

Freddie Carter lifted the ball in from

the left and picked out the run of

the unmarked Clarke, who nipped

in at the far post to volley in his first

goal of the season.

However, it wasn’t all one-way traffic,

and the visitors missed a golden chance

to get back into the game when Louis

Britton pounced on a ball over the

top and got round the advancing Joe

Wright, but he couldn’t find the target

with the goal open.

Borough started the second half

straight on the offensive, with Innocent

firing a low effort wide before Bamba

had a shot from a tight angle saved,

and the loose ball fell to Adigun but

his follow-up was blocked on the

line by Sam Avery.

Carter then saw a header loop off the

bar from Clarke’s corner, before Harris

produced a cracking save to keep out

Davis after good work from Bamba.

The Sports’ pressure was relentless,

and they added a third on the hour

mark. Pavey kept Adigun’s diagonal

ball alive on the right and he picked out

Gbadebo, who wrestled off his marker

to send a bullet header past Harris

from six yards out.

Pavey and then Davis went close

shortly after as Borough kept on the

front foot, before the latter cut inside

onto his right foot but was just off target

as he searched for the far corner.

Murray then rang the changes as the

game wore on, with all five substitutes

coming on to get minutes before the

final whistle came — with Borough

preserving a season-long unbeaten

league record at The ReachTV

Stadium in 2024/25.

Sovereign Centre fun

pool reopens

Cycle speedway team

seeks new racers

Sovereign Centre team at the launch

FAMILIES are once again

able to enjoy the fun pool at

Eastbourne’s Sovereign Centre

as it recently reopened after a

nine-month closure.

GLL, the largest UK-based

charitable social enterprise delivering

leisure, health and community

services, took over the running of the

centre on 1st April.

The company promises a £1m

investment in the centre over the

coming years after it was closed in

2024 by Eastbourne Borough Council,

due to rising operating costs.

GLL says there will be a number

of changes to the centre such as

programmes and customer-facing

areas over the next few months,

and it hopes to encourage more

residents to come back.

THE Hellingly Lions Cycle

Speedway team is looking

for enthusiastic riders to join

its successful team ahead

of a busy season.

Training sessions are held every

Thursday at 6:30pm at the Lower

Dicker Recreation Ground, near

Hailsham. There is no cost involved

with bikes to riders who want to

race against other teams from

around the UK.

Home fixtures over the next

few months include races against

Hethersett on 8 June, Ipswich

on 15 June, Kesgrave on 6 July,

Great Blackenham on 13 July

and Norwich on 10th August.

Matches start at 2pm.

All equipment is available free of

charge. For more information,

call 07774 092469

Eastbourne News, May 2025, Issue 12

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