Latest News from Eastbourne Borough Council

Local Lottery distributes over £20,000 to deserving groups in Eastbourne

Eastbourne Local Lottery continues to make a positive impact in the town, sharing more than £20,000 among a wide array of local good causes.

The money is from this year’s Community Fund – a pot of money gathered from Eastbourne Local Lottery ticket sales where a specific cause is not selected.

These grants will top up the income raised from individual ticket sales for many of the charities and organisations signed up to the local lottery.

Councillor Daniel Butcher, Cabinet Member for Finance, said, “Eastbourne Local Lottery has been a fantastic way for residents to support their community while having a chance to win prizes. Every ticket sold makes a difference, and it’s heartening to see how the Community Fund continues to provide a vital boost to so many deserving groups. It’s a testament to the community spirit here in Eastbourne.”

Among the recipients are The JPK Project and SASBAH (Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus), two organisations that work closely together in Old Town. The JPK Project offers supported living and a community café for people with learning disabilities, while SASBAH provides expert advice and support for individuals with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Also receiving funds is Muma Nurture, a UK charity that provides specialist support for those affected by infertility, baby loss, and perinatal mental health challenges. They offer a safe space for healing through counselling, workshops and advocacy.

Additionally, Eastbourne Bird Aid, a wildlife rescue centre and sanctuary that specialises in caring for gulls and also provides valuable volunteering opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, is a happy beneficiary.

Since its launch, Eastbourne Local Lottery has raised £333,000 for local causes, with 60p of every £1 spent on tickets going directly back into the community. This year alone, it has amassed more than £45,000 for local groups.

For more information on playing the Eastbourne Local Lottery or to register a good cause, visit www.eastbournelocallottery.co.uk.

Eastbourne Mayor supports array of community events

The Mayor of Eastbourne has kicked off her term in office with a busy first two months, supporting local good causes, taking part in events and commemorating an important part of Eastbourne’s history.

Councillor Margaret Bannister, who was elected Mayor in late May, recently opened two popular summer events – the Summer Fayre at Hampden Park Community Centre and the 95th Eastbourne Open Bowls Tournament at Gildredge Park Bowls Club, a competition that brings together local players and visitors to the town. She also presented awards and trophies to the tournament winners.

A strong supporter of the arts, the Mayor attended the Eastbourne Concert Orchestra’s Summer Concert at Eastbourne Town Hall, where she was joined by the Mayor of Seaford, Councillor Maggie Wearmouth. The Mayor of Eastbourne, who is President of the Eastbourne Silver Band, was also a guest at the band’s 75th Anniversary Concert (pictured) which raised funds for two local charities, St Wilfrid’s Hospice and Children with Cancer Fund based in Polegate.

She also helped judge the winning entry for the Eastbourne Business Partnership Junior Engineers Challenge and enjoyed meeting all the year two participants from local schools.

On July 18, the Mayor took part in a commemoration of Inspector Arthur Walls at Ocklynge Cemetery. Inspector Walls, of the Eastbourne Borough Police, was killed in the line of duty on October 9, 1912, while investigating a burglary. The Friends of Ocklynge Cemetery arranged for his headstone to be cleaned and restored thanks to grants from several organisations.

Councillor Bannister said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my first two months as Mayor, it has been an absolute pleasure to see our community’s vibrant spirit on full display. From celebrating the talent of our young engineers and musicians to honouring the sacrifice of Inspector Walls, each event has shown the incredible strength and character of Eastbourne. I am particularly proud of the generosity shown at the Eastbourne Silver Band’s anniversary concert, raising vital funds for local charities.”

Her Biz: Women’s Startup Programme

Are you thinking about setting up a new business? Her Biz, the ‘virtual’ Women’s Start Up programme is returning to support aspiring female entrepreneurs in East Sussex and Kent.

Her Biz is designed specifically to encourage more women to start a business, why not, turn your idea into a reality..

This inspiring programme has been specifically created to help encourage women to set up a new business. From refining your business idea to marketing and managing your finances, we can help you to prepare to successfully start your business.

The programme consists of 3 x 3 hour sessions over Zoom, each from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Dates: Friday 10, 17 and 24 October.

Closing date to apply: Monday 6 October.

Find out more and sign up at https://lets-do-business-group.cademy.io/her-biz-oct25

BREAKTHROUGH 3.0 Sessions

Backed by East Sussex County Council and the South East Business Hub, this free leadership development programme is designed for women leading change in business, charity or the public sector.

With mentoring, peer learning and flexible support, it’s already helped dozens of participants grow confidence, sharpen priorities and take bold next steps.

Whether you’re building something new, leading change, or figuring out what’s next, you’ll be supported by people who get it — and who know what it takes to lead well.

Join a welcoming space where women in business and leadership come together to:

– Share challenges and questions
– Learn from the experience of others
– Build confidence and clarity in your next steps

You don’t need to run your own business to join – whether you lead a team, a department or an organisation, this programme is for women who want to grow their visibility, confidence and impact

If you or someone in your network could benefit, now’s the time to get involved.

Find out more at www.alwayspossible.co.uk/breakthrough-3-0/