The Mayor of Eastbourne from May 2005 to May 2006 was Councillor Graham Marsden.
Ward: Upperton
Party: Conservative
Archived Biography from May 2005
Background: Born in Kent on the Isle of Sheppey. Completed his formal education in that area prior to doing National Service in the Royal Air Force. Married to Kay since 1961, they have one son, James, who is married to Laurie. They also live in Eastbourne.
Education: Studied at London and Loughborough Universities before qualifying as a teacher in 1961. Completed a further degree at Sussex University in 1974 and followed that with a Master’s Degree in Education Policy and Decision Making in the early eighties.
Career: Began his teaching career at a large comprehensive school in Harlow, Essex, before moving to an independent school in Dover, Kent in 1963 where he took on the role of both Departmental Head and Boarding Housemaster. Left Dover in 1968 to take up a post at Eastbourne Grammar School for Boys. When comprehensive reorganisation took place in Eastbourne in 1979, he chose to join the Cavendish School which was being established at Eldon Road. He was closely involved in the development of the new comprehensive school, becoming Deputy Head in 1984. He retired from that post in the summer of 1998 having thoroughly enjoyed teaching as a career.
Terms of Office: Elected to Council in 1991, he has been returned as an Upperton Councillor in successive elections to date. Became Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group in 1993 and succeeded to the Group Leadership in 1999. He served as Leader of the Borough Council between May 2000 and May 2002, and regained that position again in 2004.
Political Interests: When he first joined the Council he served on the Housing and Environment Committees and continues to have particular interests in waste management and coastal protection. Was a member of the Policy and Resources Committee until the introduction of the Cabinet system of which, until now, he has been Chairman. He has represented Eastbourne on the Local Government Association, East Sussex Strategic Partnership and South East England Regional Assembly as well as other bodies in order to represent local interests.
Leisure Interests: When he has the time, he enjoys playing golf and is a member of the Royal Eastbourne Golf Club. He is also a member of the Royal Air Force Association and counts gardening and travelling – particularly in France – as spare time interests. For the last 16 months, one of his greatest interests has been to be able to enjoy playing with his granddaughter, Melissa.
This page is an archived biography of a previous Mayor of Eastbourne. To find out more about Eastbourne's current Mayor please browse our web pages or contact the Mayor's Office.
