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In the News
Saxon Village (10.57 mins)
A Saxon village was recreated in the grounds of Gildredge Park over the Bank Holiday Weekend of May 4th – 6th 2013. Eastbourne, as its many place names show was once a busy Saxon community.
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Memorial Fly Past (1.10 mins)
A memorial service was held at Beachy Head on Sunday, April 28th 2013, for the 55,000 airmen of Bomber Command who lost their lives in the Second World War. Afterwards there was a fly past of many vintage aircraft.
Annual Peace Vigil
A Peace Vigil was held on the steps of the Town Hall at Noon, on New Year's Day. The Eastbourne Peace and Liberty Group hold this annual event and the message for this year was ‘Peace is a constant task.’
EASTBOURNE’S WATER MEADOWS (1 min)
For centuries the land in the centre of Eastbourne has been water meadows. As winter approaches the amount of water increases across the levels until it takes on the appearance of an inland sea. These shots were taken at the south end of Kings Drive, the land that has been designated for a massive housing development. In years to come, any development on the water meadows will increase the water table and thereby endanger all low-lying houses.
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Christmas Lights
This year has been amazing for the wonderful Christmas lights all over the town. Eastbourne Live set out to capture the best, no easy task for most were exceptional; in the end we chose this one in Ringwood Road, but it could have been one of any number they were all so good.
Save the DGH March (4.26 mins)
On Saturday, 15th September 2012, a huge crowd of people paraded from Eastbourne's Redoubt to the Wish Tower. It was a march to save the Eastbourne General Hospital from being downsized to what, as one speaker predicted, could finish up as a community hospital.
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Peace Camp at Cuckere Haven
As part of the 2012 Festival and inspired by the Olympic Truce, a Peace Camp at Cuckmere Haven was set up July for a four-night illuminated soundscape of love poetry. It was created and designed by Deborah Warner, Fiona Shaw, Mel Mercier and John Del’ Nero for Artichoke, one of the UK’s leading creative companies.
Walking along the dark coastal path towards the cliffs at two o'clock in the morning, you leave behind the familiar sounds and distractions of daily life. The field of softly glowing orange tents enfolds you in its gentle, whispering soundscape. Heartbeats and harmonious calls wash beneath words of the most deeply moving love poetry in our culture: Robert Graves’s Counting the Beats; Burns’s My Luve is Like a Red Red Rose; and the anonymous She Moved Through the Fair grew roots and branches in my heart as I lay listening on the night earth.
Rolling waves carried the echoes of Peace Camp out beyond the Sussex shore and its fruits will be borne in the lives of those who have visited and returned transformed. What will you do to illuminate the world with your love?
http://www.peacecamp2012.com/locations/cuckmere-haven.aspx
STROKE AWARENESS EVENT (15.30 mins)
On Saturday 17th September 2011, the Arlington Road and Lighthouse Medical Practices organised another informative and well-attended health event. A wide range of associations were at hand to advise on a variety of health issues and prevention.
We are listing below some of the contact details:
Freedom Leisure Centre, Hailsham 01323 846755
Stephanie Wadlow, health & fitness www.freedom-leisure.co.uk
The Stroke Association - www.stroke.org.uk Tel: 0303 3033 100
Eastbourne Citizens Advice Bureau 01323 417177 www.eastbournecab.co.uk
Age Concern Eastbourne 01323 638474 www.ageconcerneastbourne.co.uk
East Sussex Link – The County’s Local Involvement Network in Health &Social Care
Elizabeth Mackie 01323 514510 Link Manager www.thecountylink.net
Independent Living Services 01424 464890 & 0800 9174569
Lifeline 01323 644422 www.welbeing.org.uk
Community First Responders more info 01273 489444 www.secamb.nhs.uk
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Uncovering the Past in Grange Gardens 
On Friday, July 15th 2011, the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire visited the site of an exciting archaeological excavation in Grange Gardens, to uncover Eastbourne’s rich legacy of Roman, Saxon and Medieval history. This two-week dig has attracted 50 volunteers and is open to public gaze daily from 10am – 12noon and 2pm – 4pm with free-guided tours.
Day 1, July 15th 2011 (12.45 mins) > Click to View
Day 3, July 17th 2011 (3.48 mins) Click to View
Day 7, July 22nd 2011 (2.33 mins) > Click to View
Day 12, July 26th 2011 (7.50 mins) > Click to View
Final Day, July 31st 2011 (2.00 mins) > Click to View
Eastbourne Local Election 2011
Despite the national trend, Eastbourne Liberal Democrats will remain Eastbourne’s governing body for the next four years. The election reached its climax in the early hours of Friday morning after several recounts in key wards such as Old Town and Upperton. The count was held in the conference hall at Eastbourne’s Winter Garden.
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Eastbourne celebrates Royal Wedding (12.50 mins)
Thousands gathered at Princes Park on Friday, April 29th to watch the Royal Wedding on a big screen. It was a day baked in hot sunshine, spiced with picnics, lots of flags and an overall feeling of wellbeing for newly married couple.
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Opening of Eastbourne Festival 2011 (2.49 mins)
Brilliant sunny weather heralded the start of the three-week Eastbourne Festival covering the arts, music and dance, to be held across the whole of the town. In this short intro to the week, Eastbourne Live covered the events at the main stage in the precinct at Sussex Gardens, Terminus Road. More footage of the whole festival can be found in our ‘Events' section.
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The opening of the South Down's National Park (3.35 mins)
Eastbourne’s Mayor, Cllr. Carolyn Heaps, called it the gateway to the new South Downs National Park, when she officially opened the celebration on Saturday, April 2nd 2011. It has taken 60 years for the creation of this almost 1000 square miles of South Downs from Eastbourne to Winchester to become a National Park, with its new administration that has an annual budget of £11.4 million and 80 staff, it is now a living reality. See also in our 'Memories' section our sound recording of the opening of the South Down’s Way in July 1972.
Eastbourne’s Faith Forum 2010 (1Hr. 30Mins)
A question of faith was the theme of this year’s Faith Forum held to a packed audience at the Congress Theatre on Wednesday, November 24th. In the chair was BBC presenter Peter Owen-Jones, with a distinguished team of speakers; Malcolm Weisman OBE, MA, Abdel Rahim CHBIB MA, DPSI, Glen Scrivener, James Smith, Lynda Lindfield and Toby Lobi.
Blessing the Holy Well (Holywell) (12.11 Mins)
After years of disappearance, the Holy Well (or Holy Spring) under the cliffs at Holywell has been reopened and was celebrated by a blessing service on Monday, August 30th 2010.
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Report back from Westminster
Eastbourne’s new Member of Parliament, Stephen Lloyd, talks about his experiences as the newly elected member for the town.
Stephen's first week in office (5.50 mins) > Click to View
Stephen also talks about local issues (4.15 mins) > Click to View
What is it like inside the Houses of Parliament? (1.11 mins) > Click to View
Gulf Coast Oil Spillage (1.44 mins)
Zephyr Grayland has organised Swamp Aid at the Soverereign Habour this week end, in this interview she talks about the plight of the wild life and people of that region which continues to get more drastic as the situation gets worse, Zephyr outlines the current problems and its impact.
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Michael Fish celebrates UK's sunniest Resort (2.31 mins)
The UK’s sunniest place is on a mission to spread its record sunshine levels nationwide as it joins forces with weather presenter Michael Fish to launch a month long sunshine campaign to encourage visitors to the south east resort.
With GMTV confirming that Eastbourne is the sunniest place on mainland Britain in live weather reports from the Wish Tower beach earlier this month, throughout June Eastbourne will be sharing its sunshine with visitors across the UK as it launches brand new Sunshine Experience Packs promising British holidaymakers a taster of the East Sussex destination that is already popular with over four million visitors a year.
Eastbourne weather presenter Michael Fish said “Not only is Eastbourne my home town but it is also one of my favourite holiday destinations. The beauty of being sheltered by Beachy Head means that Eastbourne has a unique microclimate and really is sunny all year round. You could be just 20 minutes inland with clouds overhead but venture into Eastbourne, and you’ll be greeted by sunshine and clear skies. With hopes for a great summer, I’d encourage visitors to come and make the most of the resort’s brilliant sunshine record!”
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Sir Jim Lester (38 mins)
On his recent visit to Eastbourne, Sir Jim Lester, spoke to Eastbourne Live about his influential career and his long service both as a Member of Parliament and the Cabinet. During his term of office, he has visited numerous countries at their critical time of evolution. This interview is a fascinating record & insight into recent history, revealing the background to many of the events that have shaped our present world.
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Liberal Democrats win Eastbourne Parliamentary Election (18.48 Mins)
A tense, nail-biting contest, that seemed at first to favour the Conservatives and then changed to a surprise Liberal Democrat victory, was played out during the Parliamentary Election count at the Town Hall, on Thursday, 6th May 2010. We go behind the scenes, showing you every moment of this drama - from the time that the first postal votes are counted to the celebration speech at the end of the contest.
Liberal Democrats 24,658, Conservatives 21,223
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Flame of Hope
Arrival at Eastbourne (1.31 mins) > Click to View
Departure from Eastbourne (3.42 Mins) > Click to View
Leaf Hall Community Arts Centre (3.53 Mins)
There are wonderful things happening at the Leaf Hall and Gina Leonard talks about the many projects already taking place and also of the many more to come. Come and be part of this community centre. Here are the info contacts, if you want to know more: Gina Leonard – B.A.P.A. – 01323 649097 & 07833 763698
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Giants - eastbournegiants@myway.co. Sara Latimer 07505 582432
Tania Long - Fantasea - Art Exhibition & Performance Art
www.spanglefish.com/fantasea
StreetStyles4All - Robert Gregg 07983 339424 www.streetstyles4all.co.uk
Leaf Hall - www.leafhall.co.uk
Nick Clegg comes to Eastbourne (2.18 Mins)
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Sovereign Harbour Social Club celebrates its 2nd birthday (5 mins)
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Lord Lietenant of Sussex visits Sovereign Harbour (11.26 Mins)
The Lord Lieutenant, Peter Field, was the guest of the Sovereign Harbour Social Club, on Wednesday, February 3rd 2010. He spoke of his role appointed by The Queen to act on her behalf in East Sussex. The title was created in the reign of Henry VIII, and originally had a military function. As there was no full-time army, the Lord Lieutenant was charged with calling men of the county to arms when the need arose. Peter Field became Lord Lieutenant for East Sussex in August 2008.> Click to View
The Big Freeze hits Eastbourne
Boxing Day Celebration (6.41 mins)
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Morris Dancers at Bandstand Boxing Day Celebration (3.16 mins)
The Boxing Day celebration at Eastbourne's Bandstand was transformed by the arrival of the Morris Dancers, the first group came from nearby Wilmington.
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Eastbourne's Faiths Forum
Eastbourne’s first ever Inter Faith event took place at the Town Hall on Tuesday, 17th November 2009 as part of the National Inter Faith Week.
The essence of an inter faith or multi faith event is one of raising awareness and increasing understanding of the different faith communities in Eastbourne. In particular highlighting the contribution faith communities make to their neighbourhoods and society as a whole.
Introduction (2.18 mins) Click to View
Cllr Greg Szanto, Mayor of Eastbourne (8.47 mins) Click to View
Taleb Durgahee, Eastbourne Islamic Cultural Centre (10.26 mins)Click to View
Sue Crooks Paganism (11.08 mins) Click to View
Jean Whitehead, Christian Science (10.50 mins) Click to View
Sally Taylor, Judaism (10.21 mins) Click to View
John Markwick, Quaker Faith (10.58 mins) Click to View
Adrian Smith, Mormon Faith (12.50 mins) Click to View
High Sheriff visits Polegate
The office of High Sheriff was created well over a 1000 years ago, on Saturday, November 7th 2009, the High Sheriff made his first visit to the town of Polegate.
High Sheriff's town tour of Polegate (3.16 mins) Click to View
High Sheriff's reception St John's Church Hall (12.44 mins) > Click to View
Launch of the Rotary Club of Sovereign Harbour (23.10 Mins)
On the 28th July 2009, the Harvester restaurant on the waterfront at Sovereign Harbour was the venue for the launch of the latest Rotary International club. Amongst the guests was Cllr. David Elkin, County Councillor for Sovereign Ward together with representatives from other local Rotary clubs in Eastbourne.
Landmark Tank removed (3.46 mins)
The Centurion Mark III Tank located at the Redoubt Fortress on Eastbourne seafront was removed on Sunday 26 April.
The tank has been a familiar landmark on Royal Parade since 1988 when it was presented to the Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum by Prince Philip, Colonel-in-Chief to the Queen’s Royal Hussars. After 21 years of wear and tear from the seafront weather, the condition of the tank has deteriorated and cannot be repaired in its current location.
The Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars Regiment and the curator of the Redoubt Fortress have how agreed for the tank to begin a new lease of life in Arlington with a local military vehicle enthusiast, Phil Wooller, who will restore it.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said “It is unfortunate that the tank has fallen into disrepair but it is important that we remove the vehicle and ask residents what they would like to see in its place. Eastbourne is renowned for its beautiful seafront and glorious promenade and the people of the town now have the opportunity to give their views on a suitable replacement. 
The tank was originally used by the Hussars in Korea.
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Quadricycles arrive in Eastbourne (1.36 mins)
The latest attraction on Eastbourne seafront is the arrival of the American Quadricycle near Princes Park at the eastern end of the promenade.
Opening of the new Towner Gallery
Eastbourne’s new Tower Gallery, built at a cost of £8.6 million, was officially opened by broadcaster and writer David Dimbleby and with the Mayor, Cllr. Greg Szanto cutting the ribbon, on Saturday, April 4th 2009. This state-of-the-art building attached to the Congress Theatre will put Eastbourne firmly on the cultural map.
The Opening - Part One Click to View (6.29mins)
New Horizons - Part Two - Click to View (3.10mins)
Collection Connections - Part Three Click to View (2.18 mins)
First Floor - Part Four Click to View (2.13 mins)
Second Floor - Part Five Click to View (3.20 mins)
Celebrities - Part Six Click to View (3.30 mins)
Saving Sovereign Harbour’s Martello Tower (5.06 mins)
The rapidly diminishing space at Sovereign Harbour is causing concern to many locals. One area, designated ‘site one’ has as its centrepiece an early 19th century Martello Tower. One campaigner, who is trying to save this historic building and the site, is Cllr. Susan Morris.
Snow Magic before Christmas (3.36 mins)
It isn’t often that Eastbourne has snow, but on the rare occasion that this occurs
it transforms the town into a magic garden. These are scenes of Hampden Park, Willingdon and the Downs where the snow is an invitation to really have fun.
Eastbourne remembers the fallen (37.31 mins)
The annual Remembrance Sunday at the War Memorial was well attended despite the threat of rain. The fallen heroes of two World Wars and conflicts since and those still being fought, were remembered in the age-old traditional way, with the words ‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today.’ This sombre event was a reminder of how costly international aggression is. The men and women marched to the stirring music of the pipe band and the Mayor and Councillors paraded with other dignitaries. Afterwards, the people came forward to reverently place their crosses and remember loved ones that gave their lives in the cause of peace.
Open Day at GIC (4.25 mins)
It's open day at the Global Information Centre in Tidewell Road, Eastbourne, part of the nationwide ten day 'get online today' event.
The Wild West comes to Eastbourne (5.44 mins)
The Wild West may seem thousands of miles away from Eastbourne’s Terminus Road precinct but on Saturday, September 27th, genuine native Indians performed traditional music and song in all the splendour and regalia of their homeland. This was not just a re-enactment but a passionately felt glimpse into the South American culture with colourful costumes and authentic instruments.