The Eastbourne Society - Caring for Heritage and Community

Update on Local Government Reorganisation

On 16th July the Eastbourne Reporter released details of a letter from the Secretary of State for Local Government  to East Sussex County Council announcing his decision to transfer 4 local Councils within the current Lewes District - over to Brighton & Hove. You can read Paul Bromley's article here.

Ocklynge Chapel move

We are moving our collections stored at the Town Hall to Ocklynge Chapel on Tuesday August 4th.

Our next Talk

Usually held on the Second Tuesday in the month. The next Talk is on September 8th with Anna Hoad from Beachy Head Ambassadors.

July
2026

New Bar/Restaurant is planned for the Tower House (former Heritage Centre)

A proposal has been put forward for the former Heritage Centre to be turned into a Lounge Bar and Restaurant by the owners of the nearby Bohemia Pub.

Planning Application 260253 for The Tower House at 2 Carlisle Road can be seen here.

May
2026

Council invites views on 
Carpet Gardens

Residents, visitors and businesses are being invited to have their say in a new survey about planting styles at the Carpet Gardens.

The ONLINE independent survey, launched today will run until Sunday, August 31.

In summer 2025, a new sustainable style of planting was introduced within the Carpet Gardens as a one‑year showcase. This was designed to create an attractive, year‑round display, and to better withstand the increasingly wet, hot and dry conditions experienced on the seafront, while also supporting wildlife.

Alongside the new planting, one section of the Carpet Gardens has remained in the traditional summer bedding style, allowing people to compare the two approaches side by side. The traditional scheme has been in place for many years, delivering displays in spring and summer but requiring plants to be replaced twice a year, at significant cost and with no real benefits for biodiversity.

The short survey can also be completed on paper. Copies are available from the 

  • Seafront Office beside the Bandstand, 
  • Eastbourne Borough Council offices at 1 Grove Rd 
  • Qualisea Fish Restaurant on Terminus Road.

Become A Member

Join or Renew HERE

January is membership renewal month.

Help make a better Eastbourne by joining a passionate community of 500 people dedicated to preserving Eastbourne’s unique charm. 

Find out what is happening in our town and with other get actively involved in local initiatives.

Support our mission ensuring Eastbourne has a bright and vibrant future.

65

Years

500+ 

Members

Trustees

Membership of The Eastbourne Society

Get Involved

Members are invited to get involved by giving feedback, volunteering or serving on the board of trustees. 

Articles of Association

Read our Constitution HERE

Give Feedback on Membership

Download a feedback form HERE

Volunteer

The Eastbourne Society is run by volunteers who support various projects and committees. Tell us what you are interested in by downloading and completing a Volunteering Form HERE

Trustee Nomination

Our AGM is held in April each year. Members can put themselves forward for election to join the Board of Trustees by downloading a Trustee Nomination Form HERE

Where to find us

Second Tuesday Monthly

On the Second Tuesday in the month we host a talk at 7.30pm in the Sussex Suite at The Cavendish Hotel Eastbourne. 

Visitors are welcome to come and join us as a Guest and can pay £5 on the door.

Last Friday 
Monthly

On the Last Friday in the month several Heritage Groups can be found displaying literature at The Gather Space in the Beacon Shopping Centre between 10am and 4pm. 

A Conservation Officer is available between 1pm and 3pm to answer questions

Registered Office

Our artefacts and archives are now in storage at the town hall. 

Trustees will be working on admin and archiving in the Town Hall but can be contacted here if you want to visit. 

In the meantime do keep up to date online via the website and via Facebook with future developments.

Legal 

  • Organisation: The Eastbourne Society
  • Registered Office: Ocklynge Chapel North,        3 Willingdon Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1TL
  • Contact: secretary@eastbournesociety.uk
  • Charity Number: 1142550
  • Company Number: 7335791
  • Regulator: Charity Commission & Companies House

Membership

  • Open to all Eastbourne residents
  • Annual membership fees: Individual £20; Joint £25; Under 25s £10
  • Monthly talks & Social Events
  • Free quality Quarterly Magazine called the Observer
  • Sign Up Here

Copyright © 2026 The Eastbourne Society. All rights reserved.

webmaster@eastbournesociety.uk

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