Storms swept through Eastbourne on 10th March and produced spectacular sea conditions. The worst weather also coincided with the highest tides of the month and lead to the pier and parts of the promenade being closed for a while.
Luckily little damage was done overall and our contractors quickly removed accumulations of shingle that had been thrown up.
Inland there was some tree damage but owing to regular inspections few Council trees were affected. Quite a lot of advice was given to private householders who telephoned us in large numbers and at times stretched the Council's switchboard to its limits.
Wildlife in Bloom
Local schools converged on the Town Hall on 28th March to have their work judged in the 14th annual garden design competition. Hankham Primary, Willingdon Primary, Tollgate Community Junior and St John's Meads all took part.
The 'Wildlife' theme was interpreted in various ways and the judges, including the chairman, Mayor, Councillor Mrs. Mary Pooley, had a difficult job choosing a winner. After much deliberation Saint John's Meads CE Primary School was chosen and will have their design planted in a circular bed near Holywell later in June. The design's central theme is a swan with wings made of two open hands.
Tim Sorensen of the Eastbourne Education Business Partnership would like to thank the sponsors for their generous support. The sponsors this year are Gardening Matters, Wyevale Grounds Maintenance Ltd., St. Andrew's School Meads, The Weather Shop and Firebrand Design.
Sunrise Senior Living sponsor Willingdon Roundabout
The newest recruit to Eastbourne's thriving environmental sponsorship initiative is Sunrise Senior Living.
Sunrise have now completed construction of their assisted living accommodation that occupies the site of the former Willingdon Garden Centre. The grand opening took place on 27th March.
Willingdon Roundabout is recognised as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance and is home to many unusual chalk downland wild flowers. Sunrise's sponsorship will help ensure the special care taken to sensitively manage the meadow here continues.
The annual erection of a Christmas tree is also part of the three-year agreement.
