Eastbourne News, June 2026, Issue 25

JUNE 2026 | ISSUE 25

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2 NEWS

JUNE 2026

Latest local news, visit: eastbourne.news

WELCOME

NOW that was a fantastic day —

Mina and Marcus from Eastbourne

Carnival pulled off yet another

incredible event for the town.

Helped along by the scorching

weather, carnival fever hit the town

which brought thousands to the

town and residents to the streets

to the fantastic performances

throughout the day.

The Carnival is getting bigger and

better each year, thanks to all the

volunteers who help out to make

it happen and all the performers,

dancers, groups, charities and

businesses who took part.

I love this time of year in Eastbourne,

there’s so many events to attend and

the seafront can be like paradise,

especially in the weather we were

having over the late May Bank Holiday.

Just being on the train, heading to

the Carnival, there were so many

different nationalities travelling to the

town — it’s these moments when you

realise how important tourism is to the

businesses in Eastbourne.

In this edition, we report on the

survey that’s been announced to listen

to the views and opinions on the new

look Carpet Gardens. I stood there

recently to see how people we reacting

as they walked past and chatted to

passers by about it.

Now there’s colour in the gardens,

it’s giving us some hope that actually,

it was a good move. We knew it would

take time, and now, personally, I think

it’s looking pretty good.

The survey is for everyone to take

part in. If you are fond of how it looks,

they need to hear from you, if you

have some constructive comments and

feedback, then get in touch.

Paul Gibson, Group Editor

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Supporters and critics urged

to join Carpet Gardens survey

REPORT AND PHOTOS

BY PAUL GIBSON

RESIDENTS, visitors and businesses

are being urged to have their say

on the future of Eastbourne’s

controversial Carpet Gardens

after the council launched a

major public survey into the

landmark’s new look.

The town’s iconic seafront gardens

became the centre of heated debate

last year after Eastbourne Borough

Council replaced the traditional

colourful bedding displays which had

been a defining feature of the resort

for decades, with a more naturalistic

and sustainable planting scheme.

When the redesign was first

unveiled in 2025, many residents

criticised the stark contrast, with

some describing the new appearance

as sparse and underwhelming

compared to the vibrant floral

displays Eastbourne had long

been known for.

At the time, designers and council

leaders urged patience, explaining

that the planting would need time

to establish, with the full vision not

expected to become apparent for

up to 12 months.

Now, with the gardens beginning

to mature and pockets of colour

emerging across the site, the council

says the time has come for the public

to decide what should happen next.

An independent survey, launched

on Monday 18 May, is inviting

residents, visitors and local

businesses to share their views on

the future of the Carpet Gardens.

The consultation will run until

Sunday, August 31.

Eastbourne Borough Council leader

Stephen Holt told Eastbourne News:

“This survey is the chance for the

town to tell us what they think of the

new look Carpet Gardens. If you like

how it looks, tell us, if you don’t like

how it looks, you need to tell us too.

We will look at the results and figure

out the best way forward.”

Mr Holt stressed that the

consultation should not only

be dominated by critics of the

scheme, but also by those who

support the changes.

He said it was important that

everyone with an opinion took the

opportunity to respond, including

those who believe the new

approach is working.

The sustainable planting scheme

was introduced as a one-year

showcase designed to test whether a

different style of planting could offer

a more resilient, environmentally

friendly alternative to the traditional

bedding displays.

Council officials say the newer

design has been created to better

withstand Eastbourne’s challenging

seafront climate, including

increasingly wet winters, hotter

summers and dry spells, while also

improving biodiversity by using

pollinator-friendly plants that provide

nectar for insects and food for birds.

Unlike the traditional bedding

arrangements, which require

flowers to be replaced twice a year at

significant cost, the newer scheme

is intended to deliver year-round

interest with longer-lasting planting.

To help the public compare the

two approaches, one section of the

Carpet Gardens has remained in the

traditional summer bedding style.

Councillor Jim Murray, cabinet

member for Carbon Neutral 2030,

said: “The Carpet Gardens are one of

Eastbourne’s most well-loved spaces,

and we know people feel strongly

about how they should look.

“This survey is an important

opportunity for residents, visitors

and local businesses to tell us

what they think, having seen both

styles of planting on display, and

now the sustainable planting has

started to bed in.”

He added: “The sustainable

planting is designed to be more

resilient, better for wildlife and more

appropriate for the changing climate,

but we fully recognise the affection

many people have for the traditional

bedding displays.

“The views we receive through this

survey will help determine what

happens next, so I would really

encourage people to take part.”

However, the consultation has

already prompted criticism from

some residents, who argue the public

should have been asked for their

views before such a dramatic change

was made to one of the town’s bestknown

landmarks.

Others say the survey has come too

late, after the controversial and costly

redesign has already been in place

for nearly a year.

Paper copies of the survey are also

available from the Seafront Office

beside the Bandstand, Eastbourne

Borough Council offices in Grove

Road, and Qualisea Fish Restaurant

in Terminus Road.

The online survey can be

completed at the council’s website

at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.

uk/carpet-gardens

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4 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Voters back Lib Dems as

Reform secures seats

THE political landscape across

Eastbourne has been decided

following the East Sussex County

Council elections, with the Liberal

Democrats emerging as the

dominant force across the town.

Voters headed to the polls on

Thursday (May 7) to decide who

would represent them at County

Hall, with results showing significant

gains for the Liberal Democrats,

strong performances from

Reform UK, and isolated victories

for the Conservatives and an

independent candidate.

Of the 12 divisions, the Liberal

Democrats won seven seats,

Reform UK secured three, while

the Conservatives held one

and an independent candidate

claimed one division.

The Liberal Democrats took

convincing victories in Devonshire,

Hampden Park, Langney, Meads, Old

Town, St Anthony’s and Upperton.

In Devonshire, Stephen Holt was

elected with 1,520 votes, ahead of

Reform UK’s Chris Pettitt on 905. In

Hampden Park, Colin Swansborough

secured victory with 1,275 votes,

while Alan Shuttleworth won

Langney with 1,396 votes.

In Meads, Jack Morrell topped the

poll with 1,553 votes in one of the

town’s highest-profile contests, while

Peter Diplock secured a commanding

victory in Old Town with 2,461 votes,

one of the strongest individual

performances across Eastbourne.

Liberal Democrat Hugh Parker won

St Anthony’s with 1,472 votes,

and Kathy Ballard was elected in

Upperton with 1,820 votes.

Reform UK secured victories in

Sovereign, Pevensey & Stone Cross,

and Polegate & Watermill.

In Sovereign, Roy Peché

representing Reform UK was elected

with 1,617 votes, while Roger Lincoln,

also Reform, took Pevensey & Stone

Cross with 1,490 votes. Reform UK

candidate, Mickey Caira, secured

victory in Polegate & Watermill

with 1,466 votes, narrowly ahead

of independent Daniel Shing, who

polled strongly with 1,420 votes.

The Conservatives’ sole success

came in Ratton, where Colin

Belsey held the seat with 1,174

votes, narrowly beating Liberal

Democrat Jim Murray on 1,134,

with Reform UK’s David Alfred close

behind on 993 in one of the tightest

races of the night.

Meanwhile, Willingdon & South

Downs was won by independent

candidate Stephen Shing, who

secured 1,618 votes, ahead of Reform

UK’s Ben Smith on 1,180.

Turnout varied significantly across

the divisions, from 35 per cent in

Devonshire to 53 per cent in Meads,

with several wards recording turnout

above 50 per cent.

The results represent a major

political shift across Eastbourne

and the surrounding area, with the

Liberal Democrats now holding

the majority of county council

seats locally, while Reform UK

also made significant inroads into

the political map.

Across the county, the results mean

no single party holds a majority of the

50 divisions in East Sussex.

The overall results are:

• Reform UK — 22 members

• Liberal Democrats — 13 members

• Green Party — 11 members

• Conservative — 3 members

• Independent — 1 member

First Responders honoured

with King’s Award for

Voluntary Service

SOUTH East Coast Ambulance

Service (SECAmb) is congratulating

their Eastbourne Area Community

First Responders (CFRs) who

were recently recognised for

their outstanding contribution

to the local community with a

prestigious King’s Award.

The team received the King’s Award

for Voluntary Service — the highest

accolade a voluntary group can

receive in the UK — from the Lord

Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew

Blackman, during a special ceremony

held at the Grand Hotel Eastbourne

on Saturday, 2 May.

Having responded to circa 1,400

incidents over the last year, the

award recognised the dedication

and impact the team have within

their local community; through their

emergency response and life-saving

care as well as increasing public

education in skills that could one

day save a life.

The event brought together local

dignitaries, including Liberal

Democrat MP for Eastbourne, Josh

Babarinde OBE, and Councillor

Margaret Bannister, the Worshipful

the Mayor of Eastbourne, in

celebration of the remarkable

contribution made by the

Eastbourne Area CFRs.

Interim CEO, Jen Allan,

alongside members of the

community resilience team and

senior leaders from Polegate

Make Ready Centre represented

SECAmb to mark the occasion and

the award was accepted on behalf

of the team by Richard Bradford,

the team’s leader.

Reflecting on the team’s

achievement, Richard said:

“Receiving the King’s Award is

a tremendous achievement and

reflects the team’s unwavering

commitment to providing vital

emergency support when it matters

most. Their professionalism,

compassion and teamwork continue

to make a real difference to people

across the community every day.”

Operational Team Leader, Steph

Meech added: “The ceremony was

a proud and memorable occasion

for everyone involved, highlighting

the dedication and resilience of the

responders who volunteer their

time to help save lives and support

those in need.”

This well-deserved recognition

serves as an important reminder of

the incredible impact volunteers have

within local communities.

Toy gun recovered after

Sovereign Harbour

firearm scare

A SECTION of Sovereign Harbour

was cordoned off by police on

Sunday (10 May) after reports of

youths carrying a possible firearm

sparked a major response.

Officers were called to The

Hydneye, Eastbourne, at around

11am, following reports of an

altercation between a man

and a group of youths, one of

which was believed to be in

possession of a firearm.

Sussex Police officers attended and

located four boys, aged between 13

and 16, in the area, where they were

detained and searched.

During the incident, one of the

boys told officers he had thrown

the suspected weapon into bushes

at Sovereign Harbour, prompting

Car crashes into Age

Concern building

EMERGENCY services were called

after a car crashed into a building in

Eastbourne recently.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service

said crews were called on May 14,

to reports of a road traffic collision

involving a single vehicle in Kilburn

Terrace, Junction Road.

The vehicle is understood to

have struck the Age Concern

building on the road.

Firefighters attended the scene to

police to establish a cordon while

searches were carried out to

ensure public safety.

The item was later recovered and

found to be a plastic toy gun.

The boys were given words of advice

and released, with no arrests made.

make the area safe, while police were

also in attendance.

No injuries were reported.

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6 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Businesses and

residents protest

against bus lane plans

OPPOSITION to controversial bus

lane plans in Eastbourne have

intensified as business owners and

residents staged a public protest

against the scheme, including

proposals to remove a tree outside a

café to make way for the changes.

The demonstration took place

outside That Coffee Place on Station

Approach, on 15th May, where

campaigners gathered with placards

calling on East Sussex County Council

to rethink the plans.

The scheme, part of East Sussex

County Council’s Bus Service

Improvement Plan (BSIP), will see a

new eastbound bus lane introduced

along Station Parade, reducing

general traffic from two lanes to one.

While council leaders say the

changes will improve bus journey

times and reliability, many

local traders fear the opposite —

warning of worsening congestion,

safety concerns and damage to

independent businesses.

Hayley Chester, owner of That

Coffee Place, said local businesses

feel they have been ignored

throughout the process.

She told Eastbourne News: “Our

businesses, we’ve not been heard, our

views have not been taken on board.

“We are standing together today,

and we’re coming together as a

community, we don’t want this, and

they need to listen to us.

“They also want to cut down the

large tree outside the shop and take

half of the pavement out to use that

for the bus lane, so my shop will then

be closer to the road for starters,

and then it also stops my Uber Eats

and Just Eat drivers from stopping

as well, because it will be a nostopping

bus lane.

“I’ve been here since February 2024,

and as far as I’m aware, this was in

from 2023, but as a new business, I

wasn’t consulted.”

The backlash has been steadily

building in recent weeks, with shops

along Station Approach displaying

‘Stop the Bus Lane’ posters in their

windows in a show of opposition.

Denise Harwood, from the

Enterprise Shopping Centre, said the

plans risk causing major disruption

on a key route into the town centre.

She said: “Whilst we have no

objections to buses, this has been

sold as adding a bus lane. In reality,

it removes a lane of traffic from the

main artery into Eastbourne.”

She warned the knock-on

impact would be felt well beyond

Station Parade.

Denise added: “Our shopping centre

is full of independent businesses

that rely on customers visiting. The

whole town will be impacted by the

congestion this will cause.”

Concerns about the scheme are not

new. When the plans were approved

in December, representatives from

Your Eastbourne BID said 86 per

cent of surveyed businesses believed

the changes would negatively

affect trade, with many fearing

potential closures.

Despite this, councillors voted to

proceed, arguing the improvements

would benefit public transport

reliability along the A259 corridor.

Supporters of the scheme say

improved bus infrastructure is

essential to encourage public

transport use, reduce emissions and

improve journey times.

But critics argue the plans could

have the opposite effect, increasing

congestion, creating safety risks and

discouraging shoppers and visitors

from travelling into the town centre.

Campaigners say today’s protest

was intended to send a clear message

to decision-makers that businesses

and residents remain strongly

opposed to the scheme.

East Sussex County Council has

opened a consultation into the felling

of the tree which can be completed on

the ESCC website.

Famous tennis courts vandalised

ahead of tournament

THE leader of Eastbourne Borough

Council has condemned what he

described as an ‘outrageous act of

mindless vandalism’, after damage

was discovered at Devonshire

Park ahead of this year’s Lexus

Eastbourne Open.

Council staff arrived at the

internationally renowned tennis

venue on 15th May to continue

preparations for the prestigious

tournament, only to find extensive

damage to a number of the courts.

Councillor Stephen Holt said

the incident was a shocking act

of criminal damage which could

have jeopardised preparations for

one of the town’s biggest annual

sporting events.

He said: “This is an outrageous act of

mindless vandalism that shows total

disregard for our town, our residents,

and the global sporting event we are

proud to host each year.

“Devonshire Park is one of

Eastbourne’s greatest assets, and

the council’s dedicated team have

been working tirelessly to prepare

the courts for the international

tournament. For anyone to

deliberately sabotage that work is

utterly disgraceful.”

The council has confirmed it is

working closely with Sussex Police to

investigate the incident, with CCTV

footage from the site and surrounding

area now being reviewed.

Additional security measures

are also being introduced

following the damage.

Cllr Holt added: “We will do

everything possible to support the

police in identifying those responsible.

This is criminal damage that could

have disrupted a major sporting event.

“However, despite this setback, our

brilliant team at Devonshire Park are

working hard to ensure the courts are

handed over to the LTA in time, ready

for the world-class tennis we’re all

looking forward to.”

Anyone with information about

the incident is being urged to contact

Sussex Police, or report information

anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Latest local news, visit: eastbourne.news JUNE 2026 NEWS 7

Community-led £20m vision

unveiled for town’s future

A COMMUNITY-led plan which will

see up to £20 million invested in

Eastbourne over the next decade

has been officially unveiled.

The Eastbourne Neighbourhood

Board has launched its new Pride

in Place Regeneration Plan,

setting out a long-term vision for

the town based on feedback from

residents, businesses, charities and

community groups.

The plan, which was launched at

Hillbrow Health and Wellbeing,

outlines how government

funding could be used to improve

neighbourhoods, support local

businesses, boost opportunities for

young people and create cleaner,

greener public spaces.

Board members say the programme

is a once-in-a-generation opportunity

to deliver meaningful improvements

across the town while ensuring

local people remain at the centre of

decision-making.

The regeneration blueprint follows

months of consultation, including

public workshops, online surveys and

meetings held across Eastbourne’s

wards between October 2025

and January 2026.

Residents identified a number

of priorities, including tackling

anti-social behaviour, improving

community facilities, supporting local

shops and businesses, investing in

young people and enhancing parks,

green spaces and the seafront.

The plan is built around five key

themes: Investing in People and

Families, Community Wellbeing,

Economic Eastbourne, Experience

Eastbourne and Natural Eastbourne.

Among the projects already

proposed are community gardens,

active travel improvements, tree

planting schemes, youth facilities,

health and wellbeing programmes

and improvements to public spaces.

Richard Garland, Independent

Chair of the Eastbourne

Neighbourhood Board said: “This is

a plan created by Eastbourne people,

for Eastbourne people. We’ve listened

to hundreds of residents, and this

plan reflects what you told us matters

most. From the beginning, our vision

has been about people - every single

one of us who calls this town home.

Real regeneration doesn’t start with

buildings or infrastructure. It starts

with trust, and it starts with people

believing that their voice matters.”

“Eastbourne is showing exactly what

the Pride in Place programme is all

about - communities taking control

of their own future. This is longterm

investment in local people’s

priorities, shaped by their voices

and delivered through their ideas.

Eastbourne’s commitment to genuine

community participation, from wardlevel

funding to youth engagement,

sets a powerful example for

neighbourhoods across the country.”

The Board has also highlighted

plans to establish a Citizens’ Forum,

giving residents a direct voice in

funding decisions, alongside a

schools-led initiative designed to

ensure young people help shape

future investment.

Earlier this year, the Board

announced £10,000 for each of

Eastbourne’s nine wards to support

local ‘quick win’ projects such as

environmental improvements,

community events and upgrades

to public spaces.

The voluntary Eastbourne

Neighbourhood Board

was established as part of

the Government’s Plan for

Neighbourhoods programme and

operates independently, bringing

together local business leaders,

community representatives and

civic figures. Eastbourne Borough

Council acts as the accountable body

for the funding.

Board members say the launch

marks the beginning of a ten-year

programme aimed at improving the

quality of life across Eastbourne and

building greater pride in the town.

Josh Babarinde OBE, Member of

Parliament for Eastbourne, said:

“After fighting tooth and nail to

ensure that Eastbourne would be

included in this £20 million funding

programme since I was first elected as

our MP, I’m delighted that the cash is

now landing locally and that it will be

pumped into every corner of our town

to help meet residents’ big ambitions.

“As an Eastbourne lad born and

bred, I’ve been clear that this funding

must be directed by residents’

priorities and with local people

involved at every stage. That’s why

I’m proud that we’ve already allocated

£10,000 to each neighbourhood ward

of Eastbourne, putting power directly

in the hands of the people who know

their communities best. That’s why

I’m also proud that we’re pioneering a

Citizens’ Forum to give local residents

a direct say over where this funding

goes and what projects it supports for

the long-term.”

Residents can view the full

regeneration plan and find

out more about getting

involved through the We

Are Eastbourne website at

www.weareeastbourne.org.uk.

Man gets 13 years behind

bars for sex offences

A 44-YEAR-OLD Eastbourne man has

been jailed after being convicted of

rape and a series of sexual offences

involving a teenage girl.

Jamie Vile was sentenced at

Lewes Crown Court on Monday (18

May) after being found guilty of six

offences, including rape and sexual

activity with a child.

He was sentenced to 13 years’

imprisonment and made subject

to an indefinite Sexual Harm

Prevention Order.

The offences were committed

between 2023 and 2025 when

the victim was aged between 13

and 15 years old.

The offending first came to light in

August 2025 and Vile was arrested

on 10 August, 2025. He was charged

on 12 August, 2025, and appeared

before Brighton Magistrates’

Court the same day where he was

remanded in custody.

Vile denied the offences, and the

case proceeded to trial at Lewes

Crown Court on 4 February, 2026.

Following a trial lasting almost four

weeks before HHJ Van Der Zwart, the

jury returned guilty verdicts on six of

the 11 charges on 24 February, 2026.

These included three counts of sexual

activity with a child, one alternative

count of sexual activity with a child,

one count of causing / inciting a

child to engage in sexual activity and

one count of rape.

He was found not guilty of three

counts of rape, one alternative count

of sexual activity with a child, and one

offence of sexual activity with a child

relating to a second victim.

Vile appeared before the court on

Monday, 18 May to be sentenced.

The officer leading the

Jamie Vile

investigation, Detective Constable

Tania Snashall from the Sussex

Police Iris Team said: “It is down to

the bravery of the victim in this case

speaking out that the offending of this

man came to light.

“The fact he chose to deny the

offences throughout the investigation

and subjected the victim, as well

as witnesses, to giving evidence

in court speaks volumes of his

inability to accept responsibility for

what he had done.

“No sentence can ever reflect the

seriousness of the offending where

the defendant took advantage of

the young female who trusted and

looked up to him.

“I hope the victim and her family

can now begin the process of

rebuilding their lives and moving

forward from this.”

Police continue to encourage

anyone who has been the victim of

sexual offences to report it. Reports

can be made online or by calling 101.

In an emergency always call 999.

Victims will be listened to, supported

and treated with respect.

8 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Cadets shine at Armed Forces

Day drill competition

CADET units from across Eastbourne

gathered at Carter Barracks on

Latimer Road on 9th May for the

Armed Forces Day Cadets Drill and

Turnout Competition.

Taking part in the competition were

Eastbourne Junior Sea Cadets, No

10A Eastbourne Army Cadets, No 10B

Eastbourne Army Cadets, Eastbourne

Royal Marine Cadets, Eastbourne

Sea Cadets, 54A Eastbourne Royal

Air Force Cadets and 54B Eastbourne

Royal Air Force Cadets.

Competing for the prestigious

Steve Williams Shield, the cadets

demonstrated outstanding

commitment, discipline, teamwork

and professionalism throughout

the day, with judges commenting

on the exceptionally high standards

displayed by every unit involved.

A special mention must go to Robin

Funnell, supported throughout

by his wife Kay, whose hard work

and dedication in organising

the event ensured the day was a

tremendous success. Their continued

commitment to supporting veterans,

cadets and the wider Armed Forces

community in Eastbourne was greatly

appreciated by everyone involved.

The event was attended by military

veterans representing each of the

Armed Forces, who not only judged

the competition but also spent time

speaking with the cadets, sharing

stories and insights from their own

military experiences. Their presence

added a meaningful and inspiring

dimension to the day.

The competition results were

securely held by organiser Robin

Funnell of Eastbourne and District

Veterans CIC and will be officially

announced during Eastbourne Armed

Forces Day on Saturday 27 June at 5

Acre Field, adding further anticipation

to this year’s celebrations.

The Drill and Turnout Shield is

dedicated to the memory of Royal

Marine Steve Williams, who played a

major role in helping to restart Armed

Forces Day events in Eastbourne

following the pandemic. The shield

remains a fitting tribute to his legacy

and to the dedication and excellence

demonstrated by the cadets.

Looking ahead, the Eastbourne

branch of the Royal British Legion

and Eastbourne and District Veterans

CIC plan to continue working closely

with local cadet units through

informative talks and activities

designed to enhance understanding

of military life, history and service.

For more information and

updates, visit the Eastbourne and

District Veterans CIC website:

https://eastbourneanddistrict

veteranscic.org/

Mayor’s Charity Ball raises

record amount for good causes

This year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball has

been hailed a resounding success

after raising an impressive £11,500

for two local charities.

The total represents the highest

amount raised in at least the last

18 years, making the Ball, held in

March, a standout occasion in the

event’s long history.

Guests enjoyed an elegant evening

of entertainment, music and

fundraising at the Winter Garden,

with generous support from local

businesses and organisations helping

to make the night unforgettable.

The Mayor of Eastbourne,

New Gatwick Airport bus

route now in operation

STAFF from Metrobus visited

Eastbourne as part of a roadshow

promoting the new Route 500 bus

service linking Eastbourne with

Gatwick Airport.

The roadshow stopped in the town,

where members of the public were

Councillor Margaret Bannister, said:

“I am hugely grateful to everyone

who helped make the evening so

special. My sincere thanks go to our

main sponsor, GLL (Better), and to

Lightning Fibre for sponsoring the

prosecco reception.

“I would also like to thank Margaret

Watson for her wonderful harp music

during the drinks reception, Keith

Ridley for acting as MC, Don McPhee

for his invaluable help with the raffle

and fundraising on the night, Rewind

45 for keeping everyone entertained

on the dance floor, and Trafalgar

for providing such an excellent

able to speak with staff, pick up

timetables and find out more about

the new direct route.

Metrobus representatives answered

questions from residents about fares,

journey times and how the new

service will operate when it launches

venue and catering.

“Finally, thank you to everyone

who supported the Ball by attending,

donating raffle prizes or advertising

in the event programme. Your

generosity has helped us raise a

remarkable amount of money and it

is truly appreciated.”

All proceeds will go to the Mayor’s

chosen charities: Eastbourne

Street Pastors, a voluntary group

providing essential care and support

on the streets, and Forward Facing

which works tirelessly to help local

families affected by serious illness

or bereavement.

later this month.

The new Route 500 service connects

Eastbourne with Gatwick Airport

via Hailsham, Uckfield and East

Grinstead, providing what operators

describe as a more convenient

and sustainable alternative to

travelling by car.

The service has been introduced in

partnership with London Gatwick,

East Sussex County Council and West

Sussex County Council.

Route 500

officially launched

on May 9, 2026.

To view the times

and live map,

scan the QR Code.

MP slams

wastewater

discharge

SOUTHERN Water has confirmed

that a wastewater discharge off

the Eastbourne coast was caused

by contractor works being carried

out on equipment linked to last

year’s bio-bead incident.

The company provided the

explanation to Eastbourne MP

Josh Babarinde following the

latest incident, which took place

during the half-term holiday

period in May and sparked concern

among residents.

According to Southern Water,

the discharge occurred between

10.59am and 11.04am while

contractors were working on biobead

equipment at the Eastbourne

wastewater treatment works,

known locally as the “Poo Castle”.

The company said screened

wastewater was released via its long

sea outfall around four kilometres

offshore and not directly into the

designated bathing water area or

close to the shoreline.

Following the incident, Southern

Water notified the Environment

Agency, commissioned

independent water testing

by environmental specialists

Adler and Allan, and carried

out precautionary shoreline

inspections. Contractor works have

also been paused while further

investigations take place.

Mr Babarinde described

the discharge as ‘completely

unacceptable’, particularly

during a week when hundreds

of families were expected to visit

Eastbourne’s beaches.


Red Arrows, Typhoon

and new attractions

confirmed for Airbourne

AIRBOURNE organisers have

revealed an exciting line-up of

flying displays already confirmed

for this summer’s event, as visitors

are also offered a brand-new

premium viewing experience

and the chance to secure the

official souvenir programme

ahead of the show.

The UK’s biggest free airshow

returns to Eastbourne seafront from

August 13 to 16 and will once again

feature a packed programme of

military aircraft, historic warbirds

and breathtaking aerobatic displays.

Among the biggest attractions

confirmed so far are the RAF Red

Arrows, who will perform from

Friday to Sunday, alongside the everpopular

RAF Typhoon display team,

also appearing across all three days.

The Battle of Britain Memorial

Flight will return throughout the fourday

event, bringing its iconic Dakota,

Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft to

the Eastbourne skies from Thursday

through to Sunday.

Other crowd favourites already

announced include the Royal Navy

Black Cats helicopter solo display

Bumper turnout expected for

unique lighthouse challenge

Beachy Head Challenge. Photo Rupert Kirby

HUNDREDS of walkers are set to

descend on coastline this month for

the return of the popular Beachy

Head Lighthouse Challenge.

Organised annually by the

Eastbourne AM Rotary Club, the

team, Rich Goodwin’s spectacular

Jet Pitts, the Aerosuperbatics

WingWalkers, The Starlings

aerobatics team and the RAF

Tutor Display Team.

Several exciting new additions have

also been revealed for 2026.

French aerobatic pilot Mélanie

Astles will make her Airbourne debut

fundraising event has become a

firm favourite on the local calendar,

regularly attracting more than

1,000 participants from across

the UK and beyond.

This year’s challenge takes place on

Photo credit, Paul Gibson

in the Extra 330 aircraft, performing

on all four days of the event.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy

the sight and sound of the legendary

P-51 Mustang ‘Marinell’, another new

addition to this year’s programme.

Historic aviation enthusiasts will be

pleased to see the MiG-17 appearing

over the weekend, while the classic

Sunday, June 14, with participants

setting off from 4pm to tackle the

iconic coastal route.

Organiser Martin Wellings said: “I

really do urge you to book and take

part in what is a thrilling experience.

F-86 Sabre is scheduled to perform on

the opening day.

The Firebirds display team will

appear on Thursday and Friday,

while the Stampe Formation Team is

set to entertain crowds during the first

two days of the event.

More flying display announcements

are expected over the coming weeks

as organisers continue to build

what is shaping up to be one of the

strongest Airbourne programmes

in recent years.

As well as the action in the skies,

visitors will notice a significant

change on the ground this year.

The traditional Airbourne

grandstand, previously located

near the Western Lawns, has been

replaced with a new reserved seating

experience at the Bandstand.

The dedicated seating area will

occupy the middle balcony of the

Bandstand, placing spectators in the

heart of the flying display line with

views towards Eastbourne Pier and

the Wish Tower.

Organisers say the new

arrangement will allow visitors

to enjoy sensational views of

the displays while avoiding the

crowds. Ticket holders will be able

to come and go throughout the

day knowing their reserved seat is

waiting for them.

The secure seating area will be open

from 11.30am until 5.30pm each day

and is located close to toilets and

the Bandstand bar.

Adult tickets cost £37.50, while child

“It really is a unique event. For

those who have not completed the

Challenge before, it essentially

involves a marshalled walk to and

around the Beachy Head Lighthouse,

which is only possible on certain

tickets are available for £35.

Visitors can also now pre-order

the official Airbourne Souvenir

Programme, which returns with a

free limited-edition 2026 Airbourne

pin badge, subject to availability.

The glossy programme provides

an A-Z guide to all confirmed flying

displays, information about ground

attractions, military exhibits,

evening entertainment and an

event map, together with essential

visitor information.

One of the key benefits for

programme holders is access to daily

printed flying updates, allowing

visitors to pick up the latest timings

each morning of the event.

The souvenir programme is

available for £10 and has once again

been designed with support from

PRG Marketing Communications,

which sponsors the programme

design and Airbourne branding.

Airbourne continues to attract

hundreds of thousands of visitors to

Eastbourne each year and remains

one of the town’s most important

tourism events, generating a

significant boost for local businesses,

hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Eastbourne News is proud to

be sponsoring this year’s event

and supporting one of the

biggest highlights of the town’s

annual calendar.

For more information, including

reserved seating and souvenir

programme bookings, visit the

official Airbourne website.

days of the year.”

The arrival point is by the kiosk

at the foot of the Downs adjacent

to Bedes. From here participants

walk to the check-in area at

Whitbread Hollow before setting

off across the Downs to Cow

Gap, down the steps to the beach

and then over rocks, boulders,

sand and slippery seaweed to

the lighthouse.

On return, all participants receive

a certificate to authenticate that

they are one of a select group of

people who have undertaken the

Lighthouse Challenge.

Martin said: “We have grown in

numbers over the years and this

year we are expecting a bumper

turnout. More than 600 people have

already registered.”

There is a modest entry fee with all

proceeds used for local charitable

purposes, including donations for

the club’s regular beneficiaries, RNLI

(Eastbourne) and others.

For the first time this year a key

charity has been nominated to

receive a special donation, and this

will be St Wilfrid’s Hospice which

continues to provide wonderful care

to residents of Eastbourne, Hailsham,

Heathfield, Uckfield, Seaford and

everywhere in between.

Full information, including

the booking process via Ticket

Tailor, can be found at

www.eastbourneam.org

10 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Toploader brings fans

to their feet in sell-out

Bandstand homecoming

MORE than 900 music fans packed

Eastbourne Bandstand on Monday

as hometown favourites Toploader

returned for a triumphant sell-out

Bank Holiday performance.

The concert took place on what

was officially the hottest Bank

Holiday Monday on record, with

blazing sunshine adding to the

atmosphere as crowds gathered at

the seafront venue for the special

homecoming show.

Lead singer Joe Washbourn

delighted the audience by

acknowledging the band’s

Eastbourne roots, telling the crowd:

“It’s great to be back in Eastbourne —

where it all started.”

The chart-topping band treated fans

to a feel-good set packed with classic

Toploader favourites, a selection of

covers, and even a brand-new track

set to be released soon.

At one point during the

performance, Joe looked out at the

lively crowd in front of the stage and

joked that the dance area looked

“like a scene from TJ’s in 1994” — a

nod to the legendary Eastbourne

nightclub that prompted plenty of

cheers from fans.

The show reached its climax

with the band’s iconic hit Dancing

in the Moonlight, which brought

the entire crowd to its feet for a

euphoric finale.

Toploader, who formed in

Eastbourne before going on to

international success, have sold

millions of albums worldwide and

remain one of the town’s most

successful musical exports.

The band are due to perform in

Brighton on October 18, as part of

their latest UK tour.

Latest local news, visit: eastbourne.news JUNE 2026 11

A D V E R T I S E R P R O M O T I O N

Small Habits, Big Difference:

Protecting Your Hearing in Eastbourne

Family-founded, family-run

With clinics across Sussex, offering state-of-the-art,

medical-grade equipment and highly qualified hearing

specialists, you’re in good hands!

FROM the seafront to the South Downs,

staying connected to the sounds of life starts

with a few simple daily choices.

For many of us, hearing health is something

we only think about when a problem arises. Yet

hearing loss often develops so gradually that the

earliest signs, turning the television up a little

louder, asking people to repeat themselves, are

easy to dismiss.

Left unaddressed, even mild changes can

erode confidence and social engagement.

“Looking after your hearing does not require

dramatic lifestyle changes — just small, consistent

choices every day.”

The good news? Prevention is within reach.

Keeping headphone volume below 60% for

no more than 60 minutes at a stretch, wearing

protection during loud activities, staying

physically active to support blood flow to the

inner ear, and scheduling a regular hearing

check-up are habits anyone can build into

their routine.

Sussex Audiology Centre, a family-founded

independent practice with over 25 years serving

Sussex, offers free hearing assessments at

their Eastbourne clinic on Meads Street; no GP

referral needed.

Whether you want peace of mind or are

noticing the first signs of change, their HCPCregistered

audiologists are here to help.

Sussex Audiology Centre Eastbourne

3b Meads St, BN20 7QT · 01323 387098

Mamma Mia

14–19 July • Congress Theatre

Stepping Out

13–29 August • Devonshire Park

For Full Whats On Listings visit eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Box Office 01323 412000 • Follow:

12 NEWS

JUNE 2026


Elite Lunch Club raises £1k

for Royal British Legion

Supporters

gather for

SASBAH

annual

celebration

Eastbourne Elite lunch club raised £1000 for Eastbourne Royal British Legion

MEMBERS of Eastbourne’s Elite

Lunch Club have raised £1,000

for the Royal British Legion

during their April gathering at

The Langham Hotel.

Club members enjoyed a hearty

lunch with wine and great company,

while raising funds through a raffle,

auction and generous donations.

After the event, Lunch Club

Member, Martyn Smith presented

a cheque for £1,000 to Allan Leith,

Chairman of the Eastbourne Branch

of the Royal British Legion. Also

present was Neil Kirby, proprietor of

The Langham Hotel, who hosted the

successful event.

The Elite Lunch Club was

established in 2011 by Chairman

Peter Owen. What began with

just eight members has since

grown to more than 90 members,

mainly retired people who enjoy

good food, wine, company and

entertainment together.

Allan Leith from the Royal

British Legion expressed his

sincere gratitude for the donation,

highlighting how community support

plays a vital role in helping the charity

continue its important welfare and

support services for veterans, serving

personnel and their families.

The Royal British Legion thanked

everyone involved for their

generosity and continued support.

AROUND 100 supporters of a

disability charity gathered in

Eastbourne recently for its annual

celebration dinner.

The event, held at The View Hotel

on Eastbourne seafront, brought

together members of the SASBAH

community for an evening of

entertainment and appreciation.

SASBAH supports more than 1,000

people across Sussex affected by

spina bifida, hydrocephalus and

other disabilities.

Chairman Tim McDermott-Roe

thanked staff, volunteers and

supporters for the role they continue

to play in helping the charity

make a meaningful difference to

people’s lives.

A special moment during the

evening saw his wife, Christine,

presented with a SASBAH Star Award

by chief executive Rom Sanglaji in

recognition of her ongoing support

behind the scenes.

Rom said: “We are privileged to all

be involved in such a caring, friendly

Tim and Christine McDermott-Roe

and highly impactful charity.

“Tim and his fellow trustees

provide valuable support, and I

also know the amount of work and

commitment that Christine provides

in the background. That support

is invaluable.”

While the evening was not

intended as a fundraiser, it offered

an opportunity for members

of the charity’s wider family to

come together in a relaxed and

celebratory setting.

Entertainment was provided by

Helen Ward-Jackson, Steve Tropical

Roadshow and the Ohh La La’s.

The charity, which moved

into new offices in Church

Street, Old Town, Eastbourne,

around 18 months ago, is also

encouraging anyone interested

in volunteering to get in touch.

Contact: rom@sasbah.org.uk or

call Rom on 07779 038542.

Lighthouse Fostering is continuing its search

for compassionate new foster carers to join its

growing network of dedicated carers across

East Sussex, all supported from its new office in

Heathfield.

This reflects Lighthouse’s ongoing commitment to

strengthening support for foster carers throughout the

county and ensuring that vulnerable children can access

safe, stable, and nurturing homes close to their

communities.

For more than ten years, Lighthouse Fostering has

provided carers with dedicated 24/7 support, specialist

training, competitive financial packages, and an

experienced team that ensures no foster carer ever faces

challenges alone.

Our new East Sussex office means we now offer even

more local, hands-on support to the remarkable people

who open their homes and their hearts to children in

need.

Right now, children across East Sussex urgently need

caring foster families. If you have a spare bedroom and

the desire to make a real difference, you could help

transform a child’s future.

Whether you are ready to begin your fostering journey,

thinking of transferring agency or simply want to find

out more, Lighthouse Fostering is here to guide and

support you every step of the way.

For more details visit our website

lighthousefostering.co.uk or call us

on 01424 320036.

Latest local news, visit: eastbourne.news JUNE 2026 EASTBOURE CARNIVAL 2026 13

Thousands

line seafront as

spectacular carnival

draws huge crowds

PHOTOS BY PAUL GIBSON

THOUSANDS of residents and

visitors packed Eastbourne’s

seafront as the town’s annual

carnival returned in spectacular

style, with a parade so long

that it reportedly stretched for

more than a mile.

With glorious sunshine providing

the perfect backdrop, huge

crowds lined the streets to watch

the colourful procession make its

way from Fisherman’s Green to

the Wish Tower Slopes as part of

this year’s Lights, Camera, Action

themed celebration.

At one stage, the sheer scale of

the parade became clear as the

front of the procession reached

Eastbourne Pier while the tail end

had still not left the starting point at

Fisherman’s Green.

More than 50 groups took part in

the event, bringing music, dance,

elaborate costumes and high-energy

performances to the seafront, with

participants representing community

organisations, charities, schools

and businesses alongside visiting

performers from further afield.

A major highlight of the day was

a vibrant performance from the

Metronomes Steel Orchestra,

renowned for appearances

across the UK including the worldfamous

Notting Hill Carnival, who

brought a carnival atmosphere

to the seafront.

Almost 30 groups paused outside

The View Hotel, where the Mayor

of Eastbourne, Margaret Bannister,

judged their performances as crowds

gathered to cheer them on.

Co-organiser Mina O’Brien said the

event had exceeded expectations.

She told Eastbourne News: “It has

been a spectacular day — we couldn’t

have wished for better weather.

“Today is only possible due to all

the volunteers who give up their time

to help make this day so incredible.

We are so grateful and they do

an amazing job.”

International flavour was once

again added to the event with

the return of visiting groups

including performers linked to the

Dortmund Carnival, alongside a

host of entertainers helping turn

Eastbourne’s seafront into a giant

open-air party.

Celebrations continued into the

evening at the Wish Tower Slopes,

where live entertainment kept the

carnival spirit going long after the

parade had passed.

More than a hundred

photos can be viewed

and downloaded

by scanning the

QR code or visit

https://regionalmediagroupltd.

shootproof.com/gallery/

eastbournecarnival2026

14 EASTBOURE CARNIVAL 2026

JUNE 2026


Latest local news, visit: eastbourne.news JUNE 2026 EASTBOURE CARNIVAL 2026 15

16 REGULARS

JUNE 2026


KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

““The wise traveller is he who is perpetually surprised.” Vita Sackville-West

GARDEN REOPENS WED 25 JUNE 2026

For details, please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk

and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

AS Head Gardener at Bates Green

Garden, I am fortunate to spend my

days among plants, yet even for those

of us rooted in gardens there is always

something new to learn. A recent

holiday to the Greek island of Kythnos

reminded me of that very powerfully.

Kythnos has a rugged beauty: hillsides

silvered by light, stony paths edged

with wild flowers, and a planting palette

shaped by sun, wind and summer

drought. What struck me most was the

effortless harmony of airy umbels of

wild carrot, flashes of scarlet poppies,

aromatic herbs, bold thistles and the

shimmering movement of grasses. It

was a landscape both tough and delicate,

and I returned to Sussex thinking

many readers might enjoy creating

a small echo of that Greek hillside in

their own gardens.

The good news is that parts of south

east England are better suited to this

look than one might expect. We too

increasingly experience dry summers,

though our winters are much wetter

and colder than those of the Cyclades.

Success depends less on copying Greece

exactly and more on borrowing its spirit

while choosing plants that can tolerate

winter damp. Drainage is the first

consideration. If your soil is heavy clay,

create a raised mound and incorporate

generous quantities of grit, sharp sand

and organic matter. Mediterranean-style

plants dislike sitting in cold, wet soil, so

aim for a lean, free-draining root run in

full sun. A gravel mulch will reflect light,

suppress weeds and keep crowns dry

through winter.

Among the easiest plants to use are

Daucus carota (wild carrot), field poppies

such as Papaver rhoeas, and species of

Malva (mallow). These capture the loose,

spontaneous character of a Greek verge

or hillside. Wild carrot produces frothy

white flowerheads, poppies bring a burst

of red in early summer, and mallows

add saucer-shaped blooms in pink and

mauve. All prefer open, sunny conditions

and relatively poor soil; overfeeding

simply encourages floppy growth. Add

drought-tolerant grasses such as Stipa

tenuissima or Festuca glauca and

you immediately gain the soft, windstirred

texture so characteristic of

Mediterranean landscapes.

For stronger structure, thistles

and spurges are invaluable. Thistles

such as Eryngium or Cirsium provide

architecture and excellent nectar

for insects. Euphorbia characias is

especially useful because it has that

glaucous Mediterranean look yet

generally copes well with our climate

if grown in sharp drainage. The horned

poppy, Glaucium flavum, with its

blue-grey foliage and yellow flowers,

instantly suggests hot coasts and dry

banks. It needs very sharp drainage,

resents transplanting, and can be shortlived

in wet winters, but in the right spot

it is unforgettable.

Two plants on my Kythnos wish list

need more careful thought. Dittany,

Origanum dictamnus, is a delightful,

softly felted herb with pink flowers, best

in a pot or very sheltered raised bed. It

demands excellent drainage and dislikes

winter wet, so I would recommend it

only for a warm, sunny corner or for

gardeners prepared to overwinter it

under cover. Nerium oleander (oleander)

is iconic in Greece, but it is not reliably

hardy in most of inland Sussex. It can be

grown in a large container and moved to

shelter in severe weather, but I would

not suggest it for an open border here.

The secret, then, is thoughtful selection

and restraint. Choose plants that relish

sun, avoid rich feeding, and water only

until they are established. Cut back

grasses and spent stems in late winter

rather than autumn, and allow a few

plants to self-seed, because that natural

scattering is central to the effect. A

Greek-inspired border need not be formal

or crowded; it should feel open, resilient

and full of light. My holiday on Kythnos

was inspirational not because it offered

a planting scheme to copy exactly, but

because it showed how beauty can arise

from simplicity, toughness and a sense of

place. With careful soil preparation and

the right species, a little corner of south

east England can carry the memory of a

sunlit Greek hillside.

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Latest local news, visit: eastbourne.news JUNE 2026 REGULARS 17

SUSSEX POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER, KATY BOURNE OBE

SUSSEX FRAUD VICTIMS LOST £19MILLION

THROUGH INVESTMENT FRAUD LAST YEAR

HOW CAN YOU

KEEP YOUR

MONEY SAFE?

In 2025 across the

UK, there was a 31%

increase in reports

of investment fraud

Katy Bourne OBE compared to 2024,

with nearly 35,000 people becoming

victims and losing an average of

£25,000 each. The City of London Police

have said that £2.4 million is lost to

investment fraud every day — equivalent

to £1,675 every minute.

In Sussex, 662 victims of

investment fraud lost over £19 million

pounds last year.

Police Constable Bernadette Lawrie,

Sussex Police’s Financial Abuse

Safeguarding Officer said the force

had seen “a range of scams being

reported, from fraudulent bond

schemes and trading platforms to

bogus cryptocurrency opportunities.”

Fraudsters often use AI-manipulated

deepfakes on social media which

feature celebrities endorsing

investment schemes.

Victims have been cold-called

by fraudsters posing as reputable

investment companies or banks. They

report being convinced the calls were

genuine because the criminals had

details of existing transactions and

investments and personal details — some

of which they can harvest from people

oversharing on their social media posts.

Report Fraud is the new national

platform for reporting cybercrime

and fraud to police. They have issued

advice on spotting the warning signs of

investment fraud. These include: being

contacted out of the blue via ‘phone,

email or social media; being pressured

to respond quickly to a time limited

offer; and being promised unusually high

returns. If you can’t find the company

on the FCA register, you should be very

cautious and you should attempt to

verify the company’s identity, location

and regulatory status. If a celebrity

appears to be endorsing a scheme, you

can check on their official website or

search for reports of their image being

misused. It’s worth seeking independent

financial advice and signing up for

Report Fraud alerts.

One of my key responsibilities as Police

and Crime Commissioner is to ensure

there are quality-assured and accessible

services for victims of crime. For over

ten years now I have commissioned

Victim Support to provide multi-crime

support in Sussex, including dedicated

fraud caseworkers. Last year, our Sussex

Fraud Caseworkers received 1,269

referrals and supported 1,162 victims.

Many of these victims, who had already

experienced substantial financial losses,

were vulnerable to further fraud attacks

due to their mental and physical frailties

and adult social care issues.

Over the last year, our Fraud

Caseworkers were able to help many

of these victims and recover £125,000

from banking institutions — bringing the

total recovered for Sussex victims over

three years to £2.75 million pounds.

Sussex Police was a trailblazer in

tackling fraud and supporting potentially

vulnerable people. Operation Signature,

which is led by PC Bernie Lawrie, has

been adopted by police forces nationally

as the right way to recognise victims

of all types of fraud as victims of crime

and to provide preventative measures

to support and protect them from

further targeting.

Our Victim Support Fraud Peer

Support Pilot offers one-to-one, group

work and peer support to vulnerable

fraud victims who have experienced

relationship fraud across London,

Sussex and Kent. Relationship fraud

includes any fraud where a relationship

has developed for example: Romance

fraud; Carer fraud; Investment/Pension

fraud; Doorstep fraud; and Financial

abuse by relatives and partners. You can

email them: FraudPeerSupportPilot@

victimsupport.org.uk or call 0303

313 2955 or you can find out more

on my specialist website Safe:Space

Sussex in this section: https://www.

safespacesussex.org.uk/about-differenttypes-of-crime/fraud/

Finally, the East Sussex Fraud

Prevention Group has recently been

established, chaired by Sussex Police.

This means there is now a dedicated

fraud focus across East Sussex too,

building on existing work in West

Sussex and Brighton and Hove. With

criminals using AI tools, deepfake videos

and, with so much of our shopping and

banking and businesses conducted

online, we need all our agencies to

sharpen our awareness of potential

frauds and scams and we need to

encourage all victims to come forward

and report every incident.

Victims who are vulnerable or elderly

should report to Sussex Police by

calling 101. Otherwise, reports should

be made to Report Fraud: https://www.

reportfraud.police.uk/ or by calling

0300 123 2040.

Sussex Police have a useful page

on their website with links to several

organisations who can help: https://

www.sussex.police.uk/advice/adviceand-information/fa/fraud/usefulcontacts-for-fraud-cyber-crime-advice/

Applications for my current round of

Safer in Sussex Funding are now open.

One of the most satisfying parts of

my job is being able to provide modest

financial grants to community projects

where local people have ideas to

prevent crime or improve community

safety. The current round of my Safer

in Sussex Community Fund is now

open and can award grants of up to

£5,000 for projects that meet the

criteria. The closing date for applications

is 6 June 2026.

You can read more and apply here:

https://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/getinvolved/apply-for-funding/safer-insussex-community-fund/

or you can

email my team direct: pcc.funding@

sussex-pcc.gov.uk

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whatever your family needs

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affordable loans and safe savings. Authorised and regulated by the PRA and FCA.

18 REGULARS

JUNE 2026


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

SUMMER IN THE TOWN CENTRE

AT YOUR Eastbourne BID, we’ve been

planning this summer for a long time

— and I can honestly say it’s shaping

up to be one of the most exciting

programmes we’ve put together.

EASTBOURNE PRIDE: COMING

TO LITTLE CHELSEA

I’m genuinely thrilled about this one.

We’ve been working in close partnership

with Eastbourne Pride to bring their

fantastic event into the heart of the

town centre, and this year it lands

right in the middle of Little Chelsea.

On Saturday 13th June, from 12 noon

through to 7pm, the area will come alive

with live music, entertainment, stalls

and games.

Pride is always a brilliant occasion — full

of colour, community and real joy — and

having it embedded in our town centre

this year feels like a statement of intent

about the kind of place Eastbourne is and

wants to be. We’re proud to be part of it.

TENNIS IN THE TOWN

CENTRE RETURNS

If you were in the town centre last year

when we ran the tennis fanzone, you’ll

know how brilliant the atmosphere was.

Deckchairs out, big screen on, the smell

of good food drifting across from the

restaurants and bars — and all the action

from Centre Court at Eastbourne’s Lexus

International Tennis Competition action

playing out.

We’re delighted to be partnering with

the LTA again this year to bring it back,

and this time we’re doing it in the newly

pedestrianised Victoria Place, which

gives us even more space to work with.

From Monday 22nd June through to

Saturday 27th June, you can catch all the

Centre Court action on the big screen,

enjoy swingball, relax in the deckchairs,

and take full advantage of everything

the fantastic restaurants, bars and

shops around you have to offer. It’s a

great excuse to come into town and

make a day of it.

SUPPORTING LOCAL:

EASTBOURNE BOXING CLUB

Away from the BID’s own programme,

I always love using this column to

shine a light on what else is going on

in our community — and Eastbourne

Boxing Club are doing something well

worth your attention. They’re hosting

PROOF 1: 22-8-2025

their fourth live show of the year on

Saturday 23rd May, from 6:30pm at

Saint Elisabeth’s Church on Victoria

Drive. It’s an evening of amateur boxing

under England Boxing rules, with hot

food and a bar, and by all accounts

the atmosphere is always fantastic.

Whether you’re a boxing fan or just

looking for something a bit different to

do on a Saturday evening, it’s a great

community occasion. You can find

out more at eastbourneboxingclub.

co.uk or drop them a message at

eastbourneboxingclub@gmail.com.

A WORD FROM ONE OF

OUR PARTNERS: HART

READE SOLICITORS

Part of what makes Eastbourne’s

town centre tick is the quality of the

professional services businesses based

here — and Hart Reade Solicitors are a

fine example. This year they celebrate

an impressive 116 years of helping

individuals and businesses across East

Sussex with the legal moments that

matter most. Whether you’re buying a

home, writing a will, navigating a divorce

or resolving a dispute, their team brings

genuine clarity to what can often feel

like complex and daunting situations.

Their tagline — always approachable —

says it all. With offices in Eastbourne,

Hailsham and Polegate, expert legal

advice really has never been closer to

home. Find out more at hartreade.co.uk

or call 01323 727321.

A FULL SUMMER PROGRAMME

The Pride and tennis events are the

headlines, but the whole summer

calendar is packed. We have live music

in Victoria Place running throughout the

warmer months, the farmers market on

the first Saturday of every month, and

the antiques fair on the third weekend.

Both have become firm fixtures that

consistently draw great footfall into the

town centre.

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Latest local news, visit: eastbourne.news JUNE 2026 REGULARS 19

FRIENDS OF EASTBOURNE HOSPITAL

WHERE DO YOUR DONATIONS GO?

The Friends of Eastbourne Hospital raise

money each year in order to be able to

buy additional items and equipment for

the wards, staff and patients of the DGH

that East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is

not able to provide, for reasons of either

budget or necessity.

Whilst the Friends are always aiming

towards a Major Project each year, bids

for many other items are received on an

ad hoc basis for the Friends to consider.

Here are just some of the items that

we have been delighted to provide

Eastbourne DGH with over the last year.

For the Resuscitation Department of the

DGH, we were able to provide a new and

almost alarmingly lifelike mannikin. Steve

Rochester, Senior Resuscitation Officer,

had asked the Friends for this donation,

explaining that medical training relies

on having the latest, and most realistic

dummies in the department.

The Resus Dept, he said, believes that

the best medical training starts with

realistic simulation, which has many

levels of fidelity, but the best is to be able

to practise resuscitation skills on a lifelike

patient. The optimal way to improve

clinical confidence is through repetitive

practice in lifelike situations. Mannikins

that can be as close to a genuine human

patient as possible encourages ‘buy in’

from those undertaking the scenarios.

This buy in ultimately makes the

Donation of Digital Tables to Elderly Care

training more realistic and allows the

students an opportunity to practise skills

and procedures ‘in the moment’. Our

belief, Steve said, is ‘to train the way you

would treat the patient’.

Friends fundraising also recently

paid for a LUTS machine in the Urology

department. There are many advantages

to the patient of this machine, which is

portable and helps to provide a ‘one stop’

service. By using this new machine the

number of appointments needed are

much reduced as once a scan has been

done the problem is identified and a

treatment plan put in place. Previously an

ultrasound scan would have been needed

which would have required a further

appointment and delay in diagnosis. As

there are nine different treatment options

Donation of LUTS machines for Urology

depending on the exact circumstances,

the sooner these can be started the more

beneficial it is for the patient.

We were also delighted to be able

to donate to the Elderly Care Wards,

who had asked for what are essentially

two giant digital tables. We visited

the ward to see the equipment in use,

and were given demonstration after

demonstration of their uses: swirling

patterns, playing air hockey, listening

to music, doing puzzles, and many more

features besides.

These tables have been so gratefully

received by the department in the care of

elderly patients, including those suffering

with dementia. Puzzles to keep the brain

active, visual stimuli to keep the patient

engaged, music to soothe and relax — the

uses of these tables were endless, and we

were thrilled to see such an appreciative

and committed department at the

forefront of this critical care.

On a similarly televisual theme, we

were also approached by the team in

the Intermediate Care Ward for the

purchase of a giant TV screen in order

to aid with short term rehabilitation

and reablement. On receipt, this screen

was being put to regular use in order to

share exercise videos for patients on the

ward, enabling the team there to give

instruction to as many as 10-15 patients

in one group. The possibilities we were

told though, are numerous, and the ward

is now looking into interactive options

for the screen, to offer similar uses to the

digital tables mentioned above.

Donation of lifelike Mannikin for training

We have a summer of Open Gardens

ahead and would love to see as many of

you as possible at any of these events,

enjoying glorious gardens in the local

area, stopping for a drink and slice of

cake, or browsing the stalls which will

also be a feature of the day. Admission

is free, but any donation you make

or refreshment you purchase will

contribute to our ongoing fundraising,

and we thank you for it. Please do

see the details of the Open Gardens

and all other fundraising events here:

www.friendsdgh.org.uk/events.

Every donation you make really does

make a difference.

More can be read on this year’s

project at www.friendsdgh.org.uk/

fundraising/2026-special-project.

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20 EASTBOURNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE

JUNE 2026


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

Over 65 women turn out for

launch of inclusive ‘ChickBox

Couch to 5K’ Run Club on

Eastbourne seafront

Sunday (26th April) marked

the inspiring launch of a new

community-led female only Couch to

5K Run Club, designed to change the

way women experience running.

Organised by Female-only Personal

Training Gym ChickBox, and held

on Eastbourne seafront, the first

session welcomed more than 65

women, many completely new to

running, and some even arriving

with prams in tow.

ChickBox’s idea for the run club

began simply: to create a space

for women who don’t consider

themselves “runners”… yet.

With over a decade of coaching

women, the ChickBox team

recognised a common theme,

many women have a complicated

relationship with running. For some,

it feels intimidating; for others, it’s

something they’ve never quite had

the confidence to begin. But the

team also understands the powerful

impact running/daily movement can

have when introduced in the right

way, and for many of their members,

it is the perfect complement to

strength training.

Expecting a small group to start, the

ChickBox team were overwhelmed

by the turnout and the atmosphere

on the morning.

“The energy was incredible,” said

ChickBox founder Jo Sullivan. “To

see so many women come together,

supporting one another, moving at

their own pace, and simply giving it a

go, it was really special.”

Taking place during the London

Marathon weekend, the event felt

particularly meaningful, with women

of all fitness abilities coming together

in the sunshine to take their first steps

toward a shared goal.

The free 9-week programme

will now continue every Sunday

at 8:30am, guiding participants

through a structured, beginnerfriendly

progression toward a 5K

run on 28th June.

Each 45-minute session is

designed to be accessible,

supportive, and pressure-free,

focusing on building confidence,

consistency, and enjoyment.

“It’s not about pace or

performance,” Jo added. “It’s about

helping women of all ages to feel

good, move more, and realise they’re

capable of more than they think,

especially when doing it together

as a community.”

Women across Eastbourne and the

outskirts are invited to join at any

stage of the programme.

Event Details:

• What: ChickBox

Couch to 5K Run Club

• When: Sundays, 8:30am

(45-minute sessions)

• Where: Eastbourne

Seafront, Wish Tower

• Dates: 26th April — 28th June 2026

• Cost: Free

You can sign up via the website:

www.thechickbox.co.uk

Instagram: @thechickbox

Facebook: https://www.facebook.

com/thechickbox/

Celebrate 80

years with the

Chaseley Trust

This year marks 80 years

since the establishment

of the Chaseley Trust. The

trust is an Eastbourne based

charitable organisation that

provides specialist care and

rehabilitation for adults

with severe physical and

neurological disabilities.

Founded in 1946,

Chaseley first opened

its doors to servicemen

returning from the Second

World War with spinal

and brain injuries. At

a time when specialist

rehabilitation services were

still in their infancy, the

organisation was shaped

by the pioneering vision

of Dr Ludwig Guttmann,

whose revolutionary

approach transformed

the treatment and rehabilitation

of people living with neurological

and spinal injuries. His philosophy

was clear and enduring: disability

should never define the boundaries of

a person’s life.

Now, 80 years later, Chaseley Trust

continues to build on that remarkable

legacy. The independent charitable

organisation provides specialist

long-term nursing and rehabilitation

care within its 55-bed home for adults

aged 18 and over living with complex

neurological conditions.

To celebrate their 80th Birthday the

trust are hosting two special events.

The first being a Summer Fete on

Saturday 4th July 2026 from 12pm

to 4pm. A day filled with fun games,

stalls, tea and treats and for the first

time ever, a Dog Show!

Secondly is the chance to celebrate

their incredible milestone and the

return of Airbourne. Enjoy the perfect

view and escape the busy crowds in

their seafront gardens with afternoon

tea and drinks. All taking place

between the 13th-16th August 2026.

Visit their website for more details

www.chaseley.org.uk

From Tee to Green: Eastbourne Chamber

of Commerce Golf Day delivers big smiles!

THE Eastbourne Chamber

of Commerce Charity Golf

Day returned to the Royal

Eastbourne Golf Club on Friday

15th May, proudly sponsored by

Group 1 BMW & MINI.

With 19 teams taking part, the day

was filled with great golf, networking,

and plenty of fun. This year, the

Chamber was delighted to welcome

Swing Clean Golf, who were on hand

during registration and breakfast to

professionally clean players’ clubs

before tee-off, and again after the

round for anyone wanting their

clubs refreshed.

One of the highlights of the day

was the exciting £10,000 Hole-in-

One competition, kindly sponsored

by Mango Insurance. Golfers had

the chance to win an incredible

cash prize with one perfect shot,

adding even more excitement to

the event. Sadly, we didn’t have a

winner this year, but it wasn’t for the

lack of trying!

Congratulations to the winning

team members Adam Greenfield,

Rob Gietzen, Lee Henham and Scott

Hendrie from Horam Park Golf

Club. They kept their nerve and

sank the winning putts. Alongside

the golf, players enjoyed a variety of

competitions and the ever-popular

chance to win a wheelbarrow full of

booze. The day ended with a threecourse

dinner, a raffle and an auction

which raised a significant sum for this

year’s chosen charity Amaze.

Amaze is a truly AMAZING charity

that provides information, advice,

and support to families of children

and young people with special

educational needs and disabilities

across East Sussex.

The golf day forms part of the

Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce’s

wider programme of networking and

business events, designed to support

the local business community

and encourage collaboration

across East Sussex.

If you are interested in joining the

2027 Eastbourne Chamber Golf Day,

the event will take place on Friday

21st May. To enter a team, please

contact the Chamber via email at

info@eastbournechamber.co.uk

Latest local news, visit: eastbourne.news JUNE 2026 EASTBOURNE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE 21

The Spaces Between

the Brushstrokes:

Capturing the Unseen

We often judge a piece of art by its

technical brilliance, the precision

of a line or the depth of a glaze. But

what exists in the spaces between

those brushstrokes? Gallery@42

asked six diverse artists to look

past the physical and reveal the

one ‘unseen’ element they strive to

capture in every creation.

• Sue Branch (Landscape Artist):

“Beyond the brushwork, I strive

to capture the ‘wild’ energy of

the South Downs. Using the bold

palettes of the Fauvists, I aim to

translate the quiet beauty of our

county into a visual shout. It’s about

catching the ‘emotional eye’ and

creating a piece that feels as vibrant

as the landscape itself.”

• •Colin Knapp (Abstract Collages):

“While sometimes evident in the

titles, the one ‘unseen’ element

that conditions all of my work is

the influence of my background

in professional theatre and later as

a lecturer in drama. This applies

equally to the ideas and narratives

that inform my pictures and the

techniques I employ.”

• Lindy Dunbar (Figurative

Artist): “I aim to grasp the sense

of life, movement, character, and

individuality in the person I draw

or paint. This is my fascination

and challenge. If they are moving,

performing, or dancing, it is

a distinct advantage—though

certainly a tricky one to capture.”

• Pennie Cunliffe-Lister (Bespoke

Pet Portraitist): “I strive to

capture the unseen soul—that

adoring ‘spark of life’ defining

a pet’s character. My goal is to

immortalise the profound, silent

connection shared with their

owner, translating an individual

spirit onto canvas as a living,

cherished memory.”

• Ed Gouldstone (Architectural

Drawings & Mobiles): “I always

look for something that interests

me in a subject — it could be the

light, a repeating pattern, how

particular shapes interact, or

just the fall of a shadow. I try to

bring that out, focusing on both

the visual details and the overall

mood of the scene.”

• Natalie Holliday (Textile Artist):

“Beyond technical execution, I

strive to capture the ocean’s quiet

harmony through hand-woven

textiles. As threads move through

the loom, they echo the movement

of waves and reflections of sunlit

water, resulting in tactile fabrics

that carry a calm, natural balance.”

• Maxine Monaghan (Slow

Exposure Night Photographer):”

For me, it’s stillness. Technical skill

can capture the light, but I want the

viewer to feel that sudden, heavy

quiet that happens when nature

does something spectacular. It’s

that split second where my internal

monologue stops, my shoulders

drop, and I’m fully present in that

“vast and alive” moment. I try to

bottle that feeling of being small

but connected.”

Gallery@42 appreciates that

purchasing a work of art is a deeply

personal matter. It is more than

a transaction; it is the welcoming

of an artist’s spirit into your

own private space.

Because choosing the right piece is

such a significant decision, we offer a

unique “Try Before You Buy” service.

For a 50% refundable deposit, any

work may be trialled in your home to

see how the light, space, and energy

of the piece fit your environment.

This popular service ensures that

when you finally commit to a piece,

you do so with full confidence

and satisfaction.

Visit Gallery@ 42 South Street,

Eastbourne, BN21 4XB to discover

the piece that speaks to your heart.

Thursdays to Sundays 12-6pm:

Mondays to Wednesdays by

appointment only.

8 1 9 7 5 2 3 4 6

22 PUZZLES

JUNE 2026


PUZZLES

WORDSEARCH

Fabrics

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.

ACRYLIC

ANGORA

BAIZE

BOMBAZINE

BROCADE

CANVAS

CHINTZ

ERMINE

GAUZE

LACE

LEATHER

LINEN

MOIRE

NEEDLECORD

PLAID

SERGE

SILK

VOILE

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

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.

Check-box

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

A

CODEWORD

12 3 10 10 25 11 1 8 19 3 23 2 20 18

23 25 20 5 5 25 20

22 4 11 3 24 17 17 5 15 20 11 9 25 26

13 22 26 3 26 22 3

1 6 20 15 3 8 4 13 24 20 26 5 23

4 20 4 22 1 10 5 1 14

4 13 20 20 8 1 13 21 4 5 7 17 25

25 13 11 5 5 13 20 20

24 1 3 12 20 16 4

25 21 22 13 25 23

P E N I M R E P C A P C P

B L J Y J E E Z I A B T W

G C A O G H Q B L A C E B

V A C I I T N F Y Z I O O

W P O E D A C O R B M J E

Z B D Y W E L B C B M M A

M T E R W L S V A O P X S

C Q N S O G R Z I U D N X

I X S I E C I R Q U V W C

V F S H H N E A N G O R A

O S P A E C E L A K J R E

I V A Q V D I U D V L G P

L H Y S H N Z G I E R I J

E J V Y E E A U O E E U S

P T O N H Y R C S C A N L

26 20 20 16 22 24 20 11

13 1 10 11 3 23

H

1 20 4

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

A

24 1 3 18 7

1 1 17 17 22 4 4

8 13 5 11 5 25 10 13 8 11 3 9 26 20

5 24 26 20 20 26 1

11 20 21 1 24 17 15 5 11 11 7 3 23 10

M

M

H

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Across

1 Despise (6)

4 Women (6)

9 Alongside each other (7)

10 Shorten, curtail (7)

11 Lining of the stomach

of a ruminant used

as food (5)

12 Scarper (5)

14 Limited periods

of time (5)

15 Discontinue (5)

17 Bring dishonour

upon (5)

18 Casual tops (1-6)

20 Consider in detail (7)

21 Very frightened (6)

22 Niche or alcove (6)

Down

1 Scarcity (6)

2 Thin Mexican

pancake (8)

3 Relative magnitude (5)

5 Female stage

performer (7)

6 Decorated with

frosting (4)

CROSSWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

9

11

14

8

10

12 13

15 16

18 19

20

21 22

7 Shriek (6)

8 Ill-fated (4-7)

13 Member of one’s family (8)

14 Flat area in a series

of slopes (7)

15 Juicy fruit, such as

lemon, orange, etc (6)

16 Precious stones (6)

17 Platform (5)

19 Polynesian rain dance (4)

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 4

5 9 6 8

3 2 5 9

8 6 1 3 9

1 4 2 7 5

9 3 7 4

7 8 5 2

8 9

17

SOLUTIONS

1 8 2 3 7 4 6 9 5

7 6 4 8 9 5 1 3 2

9 3 5 2 6 1 8 7 4

6 9 1 4 2 7 5 8 3

2 7 3 5 8 9 4 6 1

4 5 8 6 1 3 9 2 7

3 2 6 1 4 8 7 5 9

5 4 7 9 3 6 2 1 8

8 1 9 7 5 2 3 4 6

8 9

SUDOKU

Z I G G U R A T J I N X E D

N U E O O U E

S C R I M P P O W E R F U L

H S L I L S I

A B E W I T C H M E L O N

C 1 E C S A G4

O A Q

C H E E T A H V C O Y P U

5 9 6 8

U H R O O H E E

M3 A2 I Z E K C H5 A9

G R I N

U V 8 S6 H1 U3N 9 A E C

L E E K S M E R M A I D Y

A A P P S C C

1 4 2 7 5

T H O R O U G H T R I F L E

O9 3 M L E E7 4 L A

R7 E V A M8 P 5W O R R2

Y I N G

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

CODEWORD

D E T E S T L A D I E S

E O C S C C C

A B R E A S T T E R

R T L A B R I D G E

T R I P E R E A

H L C S C R A M

L T E R M S E

C E A S E O L J

I R S S H A M E

T S H I R T S T T W

R U A E X A M I N E

U L C D G V L

S C A R E D R E C E S S

CROSSWORD

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Latest local news, visit: eastbourne.news JUNE 2026 23

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24 FEATURE

JUNE 2026


A night inside

East Sussex’s most

iconic landmark

BY VIKTORIA COWLEY

ONE hundred years ago, plans

were announced to build a brand

new town on the cliffs above the

Seven Sisters, one of the last truly

undeveloped stretches of coastline

on England’s south coast.

Thankfully, history had other ideas.

Author Rudyard Kipling joined

a campaign led by the Society of

Sussex Downsmen to protect the

land from development. Against the

odds, enough money was raised to

purchase the Crowlink Estate and

preserve the landscape forever.

Today, the Seven Sisters coastline

remains one of the most recognisable

and breathtaking locations in

southern England. Rolling chalk

cliffs, dramatic sea views and the vast

open landscapes of the South Downs

National Park continue to draw

visitors from across the world.

Standing proudly amongst it all

is Belle Tout Lighthouse. For most

of my life, Belle Tout has simply

always been there.

I’ve admired it from the winding

roads around Beachy Head, walked

around it countless times and stood

beneath it in every kind of weather

imaginable. Sometimes it appears

postcard-perfect under blue skies.

Other times it stands wrapped in mist

and sea spray like something from an

old maritime painting.

And yet, despite living only seven

miles away, I had never stepped

inside — until now.

FROM MARITIME HISTORY

TO PERSONAL DISCOVERY

As we turned off Beachy Head Road

and onto the private drive, a sign

reading ‘Access for Guests Only —

Belle Tout Lighthouse’, suddenly

made the whole experience feel

very real indeed.

The road climbs steeply uphill,

briefly obscuring the lighthouse

before curving sharply to the right.

And there it is — Belle Tout.

Standing proudly on the clifftop as

though greeting arriving guests with

quiet confidence.

Pulling into the gravelled courtyard

immediately felt exciting. This was

somewhere we’d known all our lives,

yet somehow had never properly

experienced for ourselves.

Owner, Ian, greeted us warmly

at the entrance and explained the

workings of the lighthouse, from

the quirks of the historic front door

lock to breakfast arrangements and,

of course, the jewel in Belle Tout’s

crown: The Lantern Room.

INSIDE THE LANTERN:

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Our room, The Beachy Head Room,

was calm, elegant and intentionally

understated, allowing the spectacular

views to take centre stage. From one

side, rolling South Downs countryside

stretched endlessly into the distance;

from the other, the English Channel

shimmered beneath dramatic skies.

The tea and coffee facilities were

exceptionally varied and beautifully

provisioned, while luxurious Temple

Spa toiletries added an indulgent

touch that elevated the experience

far beyond what many would expect

from a traditional B&B.

The television in each room is

conveniently set up to watch a

documentary called Build a New Life

in the Country, which was filmed in

2008 and featured the then owners

battle to renovate the building to what

it Is today. It was a good opportunity

to see the struggles they went through

to complete the project, in the hour

long programme.

Exploring the lighthouse itself

became part of the adventure.

Narrow spiralling staircases led to

cosy communal lounges filled with

books, board games and oversized

chairs overlooking the coastline,

before eventually narrowing further

towards the very top of the tower.

And then came the moment

everything builds towards — The

Lantern Room — quite simply, the

ballroom of the lighthouse.

A spectacular panoramic lounge

suspended high above the cliffs,

offering uninterrupted 360-degree

views across the South Downs, Seven

Sisters and English Channel.

The weather on our visit was far

from ideal, with heavy rain and

strong winds battering the coastline

throughout the day. Yet somehow,

the dramatic skies only enhanced the

experience. Sunlight pierced through

mottled storm clouds while seabirds

fought against fierce gusts sweeping

in from the Channel.

Inside, however, The Lantern

Room remained calm, warm and

strangely mesmerising.

As darkness fell, the atmosphere

shifted entirely. The room glowed

softly from within while reflections

bounced endlessly around the

circular windows. Thick blankets

encouraged guests to remain long

after nightfall had swallowed the

coastline outside.

From within Belle Tout’s warmth

and shelter, the experience served

as a powerful reminder of why this

lighthouse has stood watch over the

coastline for generations.

The following morning brought

mist, fierce winds and yet more

dramatic scenery.

Breakfast overlooking the South

Downs towards Birling Gap and East

Dean felt wonderfully peaceful as

walkers battled the weather outside

and birds glided unpredictably

through the air currents.

Modern life rarely gives us

uninterrupted horizons anymore.

Here, however, the landscape

encourages your mind to slow

down completely.

Belle Tout, which roughly

translates as ‘Beautiful Lookout’,

could not possibly be more

appropriately named.

Over the years, the lighthouse

has appeared in productions

including Quadrophenia, The

Life and Loves of a She-Devil, The

Living Daylights, Brighton Rock

and Top Gear, cementing its place

as one of the South East’s most

recognisable landmarks.

Yet despite its fame, Belle Tout

somehow still feels deeply personal.

On leaving, we realised we had

experienced something that would

remain with us forever.

We hadn’t simply visited Belle Tout

Lighthouse — we had lived inside it.

Prices to stay at this unique B&B

depends on the time of year and what

day of the week you choose to stay.

Prices start from £210 per night, it’s

a reasonable price to pay to stay in a

building which cannot be matched

elsewhere and will stay in your

memories for years to come.

To book and more information,

visit www.belletout.co.uk or

call 01323 423185


Camper Marmalade Festival

returns to Polegate

Polegate is gearing up for a vibrant

weekend of entertainment as the

Camper Marmalade Festival returns

to Bramley Bootfair Farm, Bay

Tree Lane, from 12–14 June. The

much‐loved family festival promises

three days of live music, camping,

food, and fun for all ages.

This year’s event features an

impressive programme including

camping, original live music, street

food, bars, a dedicated Kids Zone,

market traders, a lively cabaret

tent, a VIP area, and the brand new

Marmaduke Dog Show.

Music fans can look forward to

performances from acclaimed

original 80’s artists The Blow

Monkeys and China Crisis, bringing

classic hits and festival energy to

the main stage.

Fans of Actor, singer

and musician Phil

Daniels are in for a

special treat, Phil will

be at the festival on

Sunday for a meet &

greet, he will be signing memorabilia

and posing for personal photos.

Phil has starred in many films

and soaps but is best known for

his lead role in the hit British film

‘Quadrophenia’ He is also known for

his iconic appearance in Blur’s 90’s

smash hit ‘Parklife’

A host of local artists, tributes and

DJ’s support an already amazing

stage line-up.

A host of special guests will also

be appearing across the weekend,

including actor and Parklife star

Phil Daniels, DJ Nicki Donohoe,

actor Gary Webster, actress Jeanine

Nerissa Sothcott, and horror film

director Jonathan Sothcott.

To make the festival even more

accessible, organisers have

partnered with Stagecoach Southeast

to provide a free shuttle bus

service running between Polegate

Train Station and the festival site

throughout the weekend.

Special mention to Ashdown Radio,

breakfast show host is returning to

present the festival weekend

Tickets are available now at:

https://campermarmalade.

onlineticketseller.com

26 TRAVEL

JUNE 2026


Sunborn Gibraltar

The Sunborn — Gibraltar’s

five-star floating hotel

BY DAVID POWELL

At first glance, the sleek luxury

Sunborn superyacht, moored

in Gibraltar’s Ocean Village

Marina, looks poised to set sail

at any moment. Yet this five-star

floating hotel remains permanently

anchored, offering all the indulgence

and escapism of a cruise without

ever leaving port.

I recently spent a few days onboard

with my wife and enjoyed every

minute! After a quick transfer from

Gibraltar’s airport we were quickly

checked in and offered a welcome

drink of Cava or fruit juice before

being shown to our room.

Onboard Facilities:

The interiors of the Sunborn are

elegant and contemporary, with

polished surfaces, ambient lighting

and a subtle nautical design. Service

reflected the hotel’s 5-star status, with

friendly welcoming staff.

This super yacht offers around 190

rooms and suites, each designed

to maximise both comfort and its

unique waterfront setting. Entry-level

rooms are far from standard, offering

generous proportions, king-size

beds, marble bathrooms and large

windows that bring in natural light

and marina views.

Moving up through the categories,

guests will find a selection of

executive rooms and junior suites

that introduce additional space and

upgraded amenities. We stayed in

a Rock Suite, situated at the stern of

the ship. The suite was impressively

spacious, with a separate living area

and a large private balcony. Floor-toceiling

windows frame uninterrupted

views of the Marina and the Rock of

Gibraltar itself — an ever-present,

dramatic backdrop.

The bedroom was very comfortable,

centred around a large, luxurious

bed, while the bathroom was finished

to a high specification, complete

with marble detailing, a walk-in

shower and a deep bathtub perfect

for long, indulgent soaks. High-end

toiletries, plush robes and meticulous

housekeeping reinforced the

sense of luxury.

DINING

Dining on board was excellent. The

Barbary Restaurant, on the top deck,

serves as the yacht’s main dining and

breakfast venue, offering modern

European cuisine in an elegant

setting. The emphasis is on quality

ingredients and refined presentation

and large windows ensure that the

Marina remains part of the experience

with every meal.

An alternative venue, the Gastrobar,

where we had dinner the first

night, was casual, sociable, and

perfect, with a wide menu that

featured genuine classic dishes all in

a super setting.

Above deck, the relaxing, poolside

Aqua Bar is the social heart of the

yacht. By day, it offers a tranquil

setting for drinks under the

Mediterranean sun whilst by night,

it becomes a lively yet sophisticated

Out on deck poolside

venue, popular with both guests

and locals. The views are a constant

highlight, particularly at sunset.

SPA AND FITNESS

The Sunborn also features a boutique

spa and a well-equipped fitness

centre, ensuring that relaxation and

wellbeing are fully catered for. The

spa offers anti-ageing, purifying and

calming facial treatments plus relaxing

massages, wraps and day-long spa

rituals, with bespoke hair and makeup

packages also available.

GIBRALTAR

Beyond the luxury of the yacht lies

Gibraltar itself, a British Overseas

Territory, rich in history and

character. A self-governing territory

since 1713. Whilst it has its own

government and constitution, the

UK is responsible for its defence and

foreign affairs.

Chief among Gibraltar’s many

attractions are the World War

II tunnels, an extraordinary

network carved deep into the Rock.

Expanded during the war years,

they formed a hidden city capable

of sustaining thousands of troops,

complete with essential facilities

and strategic operations rooms.

Walking through these tunnels offers

a powerful insight into Gibraltar’s

wartime significance, with narrow

passageways opening into vast

chambers that echo with history. A

visit is highly recommended.

Gibraltar today is lively and

cosmopolitan, its streets lined

with cafés and shops that reflect a

blend of British and Mediterranean

influences. The famous Barbary

macaques roam freely along the

upper reaches of the Rock, adding

a distinctive and often entertaining

presence to the landscape.

From the vantage point of the

Sunborn, all of this comes together

seamlessly. The Marina provides

a lively yet refined setting, while

the Rock looms ever-present in

the background. Aircraft glide

dramatically in to land, adding

a touch of theatre to an already

unique environment.

CONCLUSION

The Sunborn offers 5-star hotel luxury

with the unmatched atmosphere

of a superyacht. It offers all the

comfort, service and attention to

detail expected; combined with the

atmosphere of life on the water.

Our days were spent exploring

Gibraltar’s rich history and

Main Street. This is the bustling,

pedestrianised heart of Gibraltar,

stretching 1.2 km from Casemates

Square to Southport Gates, famous for

tax-free shopping, numerous cafes,

pubs and historical sites. Returning

to the calm of the Sunborn after a

day exploring felt like a real treat and

ending the evening on deck or on

our balcony looking out across the

Marina was always a highlight.

The Sunborn Yacht may not

go anywhere but that’s exactly

why it works, relaxed and quietly

memorable. We can’t wait to

stay here again!

More information is available at

www.sunborngibraltar.com

www.visitgibraltar.gi

https://ww2tunnels.com

There is a video of the Rock Suite on

David’s YouTube channel

www.YouTube.com/yourholidaytv

Barbary Restaurant

Sunborn stern

The Spitfire Hall. Photo credit: WWII tunnels

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28 SPORT

JUNE 2026


Sport

Back-to-back title Heroes

Borough women make history

BY ANT SCOTT

EASTBOURNE Borough Women

completed a league and cup double

this season as they sealed back-toback

league titles.

It’s not just consecutive promotions

for The Sports, but also doing it

unbeaten, having not lost a league

game since October 2024.

That form has seen them rise up to

the fifth tier of Women’s football for

2026/27, taking their place alongside

the likes of Brentford and Millwall

Lionesses in the London & South East

Premier Division.

Chris Day’s side finished the season

four points clear of second-place

Saltdean United, having won 15 and

drawn three of their 18 league games,

scoring the most goals (65) whilst also

conceding the fewest goals (16).

It has been a full team effort for

Borough, with 15 different goal

scorers across the season, whilst

Molly Hil and Charlotte Gurr both

scored over 20 goals this season.

For Gurr, it has been a momentous

campaign which has seen the

Borough playmaker also represent

England in Futsal, including the

Futsal Women’s World Cup and

UEFA Qualifiers.

The Women wrapped up the

London & South East Division

One South title with a 4-1 win

over Montpelier Villa at Connect

Management Stadium.

However, they didn’t have things

their own way as they went into

half-time trailing courtesy of Chloe

Debaes’ effort.

But Day’s side responded — with

Gurr scoring a hat-trick before Megan

Griffiths completed the comeback

with a long-range strike late on to

wrap up the victory.

And they followed that league

success with cup glory after beating

Division One North champions

Hammersmith in the London & South

East League Trophy.

In sweltering conditions at Dorking

Wanderers’ Meadowbank Stadium,

Borough went behind courtesy of

Ashton Brackin’s early effort. But they

were soon level, with Hill scoring

a fine individual goal to equalise

before half-time.

With nothing to separate the teams

in the second period, the Final

went to penalties where Sophia

Moule made two great saves to give

Borough a 4-3 win.

Since forming just three years ago,

the Sports have now secured back-toback

promotions to compete in the

fifth tier next season.

Sarah Whiting wins a dream holiday

to Barbados in the Eastbourne

Borough Football Club competition

The club are full of good

news stories — having

chosen their winner for the

#BoroToBarbados competition.

Sarah Whiting, a loyal Eastbourne

Borough fan, has won a week-long allinclusive

holiday for two in Barbados

after entering the club’s ‘Boro to

Barbados’ competition.

All she had to do was post a photo

of herself wearing the Boro shirt on

social media. The prize came through

a new partnership with the Wyndham

Grand Barbados, Sam Lord’s Castle

All-Inclusive Resort.

It’s also all systems go as we

prepare our new exciting FanZone

to show all England games from

this summer’s FIFA World Cup. All

matches will be shown live on a big

screen outside, with hot and cold

refreshments available.

Finally, our new Padel Club

continues to grow. If you haven’t tried

it yet, then why not? Come and have a

go with friends or have some lessons

from our new instructors. You can

book now via the PlayTomic app.

Forces Veterans complete London

Marathon raising £14k for Hospice

The ‘Two Simons’ after running the London Marathon

Two local veterans, Simon Atkins

(ex-Navy) and Simon Coomber

(ex-Army), were among the 59,000

people who took on the 2026 London

Marathon, running 26.2 gruelling

miles and crossing the finish line

arm-in-arm together.

Their amazing efforts have

raised over £14,000 for St Wilfrid’s

Hospice in Eastbourne.

With six decades of public service

between them, the ‘Two Simons’

brought a touch of

friendly rivalry to the challenge.

The pair ran in support of St

Wilfrid’s Hospice, which provides

specialist end-of-life care to

people with life-limiting illnesses, as

well as vital support for their families.

They described running the London

Marathon as a ‘lifelong dream’, but

doing it for St

Wilfrid’s made it truly meaningful.

Their local pub, The Thoroughbred

Inn in Polegate, backed them every

step of the way,

raising more than £10,000. From

sweepstakes and coffee mornings to

raffles and quizzes,

the community rallied behind

them, with bands Hunky Dory and

Bad Mood Monkey

generously performing for free.

The pair said the support from

the pub had been ‘unbelievable’

adding: “We’d especially like to thank

Julie Whiting for her incredible

determination, she was the driving

force behind it all. Thanks to Julie,

we didn’t just meet our target, we

smashed it three times over. We’re

hugely grateful to her, to Henija,

Ruth and Paul Weisham, and to

everyone at The Thoroughbred for

getting behind us.

“There’s a fantastic community at

The Thoroughbred, and this effort

really showed it.

They made this happen, we

just did the run.”

The ex-Forces pair are still

welcoming donations until July.

Eastbourne News, June 2026, Issue 25

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