SPOTLIGHT: A new lease of life for landmark
The landmark building which housed former department store T J Hughes sprang back into life this week as the venue for a host of community projects under one roof. Christian charity Living Life Eastbourne has been granted a one-year rolling lease and plans to use it extensively as a charity retail store, a warm space […]
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SPOTLIGHT: St Mary’s bell ringers – the hidden heroes of Royal mourning
WE have witnessed many ancient traditions and protocols in the past week following the death of the Queen. There has been the proclamation of accession to the Privy Council, sombre vigils by the coffin and the hearse inching through streets lined with thousands of people. The tolling of bells in churches around the country is […]
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SPOTLIGHT: How the Queen built her life on a foundation of faith
WHEN the Queen wrote a letter to the nation earlier this year to mark 70 years since her accession to the throne, many people highlighted her wish that Camilla should be known as Queen Consort when Charles became king. What fewer people might have noticed was that it was signed ‘Your Servant Elizabeth’. It is […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Historic proclamation of the new king
A large crowd gathered in the September sunshine today at Eastbourne Town Hall to hear the official proclamation of King Charles III. The road was closed as residents gathered at barriers in front of the town hall steps to hear the mayor read the proclamation. Councillor Pat Rodohan read the formal proclamation before pronouncing ‘God […]
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SPOTLIGHT: A fun-filled summer to remember
The long, hot school summer holidays end this week in a rush of sorting pencil cases, squeezing sun-kissed feet into new shoes and the shock of trying to leave the house before 8.30am. Early September can come as a mixture of regret and relief as the normal routine reasserts. For children who love the long […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Matthew 25 Mission in Eastbourne – where everybody knows your name
An enormous pan of beans is gently heating on a large stove. Next to it, gravy is coming to simmering point while a giant cauldron of potatoes bubbles away on a third gas ring. It’s Monday morning at the Matthew 25 Mission in Eastbourne and sausage, mash and onion gravy is on the menu for […]
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SPOTLIGHT: The life-giving shed at Hampden Park
Janet is wrestling with a skirt – and winning. Claire is positioning an extremely small washing line next to a tiny house. And three women sit chatting in another corner as they meticulously cut, align and realign pieces of glass to their satisfaction. They sit in a former shop unit, surrounded by teetering piles of […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Helping families stay in the town they love
The average house price in Eastbourne is edging towards £300,000, which makes property owning a distant dream for many families. The most recent government figures show a rise of nearly 15% in house prices in Eastbourne in the 12 months to April 2022. This takes the average price from £258,000 to nearly £296,000 – an […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Transforming lives with free computers
Chris Hunnisett is very clear about what he has achieved: “I have saved lives – I know I have.” The 51-year-old has worked voluntarily for many years refurbishing donated computers to give to people who cannot afford to buy one. But his project – Tubbs Computer Supplies – is at risk if he cannot attract […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Life on the ‘Grow Eastbourne’ allotment
A SMALL group of people sit on logs under the welcome shade of an old apple tree at the end of an allotment. There is banter and plans for a Friday evening get-together (‘bring beer!’) and it seems like a sociable break from a spot of planting, weeding and watering. The plot has flourishing potatoes […]
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