The start of the Summer Meeting in Eastbourne is fast approaching, local resident and keen bridge player Ros Wolfarth has written an update to her blogs from last year about what to expect at this year's event:
Odd to say, but as I write this, to remind you to enter the Eastbourne Summer Meeting, I realise I need to remind myself!!! Carpe diem. That’s the great thing about Windows, I can have this up on screen at the same time as opening another one. Actually, I took the easy way, saw the Competitions link with phone number, and phoned Lovely Louise (01296 3172023 or email comps@ebu.co.uk); so much quicker, and l’ho fatto. That’s the Italian colloquial equivalent of I have seized the day, as my memory of the construction of the perfect tense in Latin has long gone. So I’m definitely going to be here. Thought I would give you a brief update / reminder of the positives of Eastbourne for a holiday.
UPDATES
The Winter Garden (pictured above) has a new fascia. It’s for the Turner Prize, which Eastbourne is hosting. Four shortlisted exhibits featuring at the Towner Gallery and the Big Reveal on 3rd December, live on the TV in the same spot where we play our bridge. So instead of looking like a derelict building that you wouldn’t want to take your granny into, it now looks ok, if a tad garish. I suspect it was done to match the Towner, which just a short walk away on the far side of the Devonshire Quarter.
At the Towner, there’s a Barbara Hepworth exhibition on until 3rd September. Really enjoyable exhibition of her paintings and sculptures. If you’re planning to holiday here the gallery is open daily except Mondays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For the interested, there’s also a permanent Ravilious Exhibition.
Easy walking distance to the north of the Winter Garden are a couple of decent restaurants opened in South Street. Effectively 2 blocks back and maybe a 5-minute stroll. They are an eclectic Turkish restaurant (Dem Shish), plus the Taj Indian Restaurant, which is getting rave reviews.
In Eastbourne we have no fewer than 129 grade II listed buildings, including the Bandstand, now back up and running as the council found the funds this year. It’s a part of our history. A great place to while away some free time beyond bridge, and let the familiar melodies wash over you.
Airbourne is back for 17th – 20th August inclusive. Last year was my first experience. It seemed that the world’s fastest (and noisiest!) planes were heading straight for me! I am selling tickets for balcony views. Well maybe not, but any flying fans who want to join in the fun can always ask! B.Y.O. ear defenders.
We’re planning to improve the in-house catering offerings over last year and yours truly has a follow up meeting to fine tune what we will offer you. More info will follow in the programme, on the website or by email. Last year’s info with ideas is still available to view via the Summer Meeting link.
Only 30 days to go so keep the entries coming in. We are ahead of bookings for last year and we were full on both Saturday & Sunday in 2022, so don’t miss out, and DON’T FORGET TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION!
By Ros Wolfarth