Santa's Christmas Message

To our VisitEastbourne fans… you’ve stuck by us all year round, so here’s our Christmas gift to all you good girls and boys – an exclusive interview with the man himself…  Santa Claus!

Santa, we are delighted you are taking time out of your busy pre-Christmas schedule to talk to us today.  You must be busy at your Christmas Cottage in Drusillas Park, how’s it all going?

Everything is going very merrily indeed. I have a lot of help from my elves and we are having a lovely time meeting all the boys and girls at Drusillas Park and finding out what they would like for Christmas. My Cottage is bursting with presents the elves have made, ready for delivery on Christmas Eve, and children can sit on my sleigh, which is parked just outside, to have their photo taken.

Have the people of Eastbourne been good this year?

Yes, Eastbourne has such a wonderful community spirit, I think you’ve all been amazing this year.  Your Santa Fun Run event for charity tickled me greatly, what fun I had jogging along!  And I loved your A to Z of Eastbourne, a great celebration of the town - it’s so important at Christmas time to celebrate what we have, and to help those in need.

Your team of reindeer must be getting ready for their big trip on Christmas Eve, how do you prepare them?

Like all animals, it is very important that I care for my reindeer properly to ensure they remain happy and healthy; after all they have a very important job to do!

I always make sure they are well fed and have plenty of fresh water, and during December I give them extra helpings of grass, moss, birch and willow leaves to help them through the long night on the 24th December.

My pre-flight checks involve a thorough look at their antlers and hooves! After Christmas male reindeers lose their antlers before new ones grow back again for next year. During the winter months, their hoof pads also shrink and tighten to help with the cold conditions…and reduce slipping on rooftops!

What other animals live near your main home at the North pole?

When I’m back home at the North Pole, I see a whole host of other wildlife, including polar bears, seals, whales, arctic foxes, arctic wolves and sometimes the beautiful snowy owl, like the two at Drusillas. I have to come to the zoo though to see penguins - they only live in the South Pole which lots of people don’t realise!

Do you have any special gifts for the people of Eastbourne?

Next year is going to be very special indeed as we have the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee events, a new Sunshine Carnival and a fabulous gift for everyone in July when the Olympic Torch Relay makes its way through the town. 

This once in a lifetime experience will be a wonderful celebration for the town and something to behold.  I think our children will remember this for years to come as something very special indeed.

How do you celebrate on Christmas Day?

Well delivering presents all around the world is quite exhausting, so I always have a little nap and feed the reindeer when I get home.  I’m usually refreshed by mid morning, so with a little Santa magic, I might take Mrs Claus to the free Christmas Day concert at Eastbourne Bandstand for some festive singing and dancing.

What festive gifts will you and Mrs Claus be getting each other this year?

I have some lovely ice skates for Mrs Claus this year so she can make the most of the real Ice Rink down by the beach at Fort Fun.  She’s quite a nifty skater, so she’ll enjoy practicing her bolero routine.

I’m hoping for panto tickets to see The Adventures of Robin Hood at the Devonshire Park Theatre – Robin needs some help battling that wicked Sheriff of Nottingham as he has gotten out of control again - I don’t think he’ll be getting any presents this year!

What happens after Christmas Day – do you get time to relax?

After Christmas, I like to return to my winter cottage at Drusillas and have a little rest before I start my journey back to the North Pole.  On the door of the cottage is a letter box, where boys and girls kindly send me their thank you notes for the gifts they have received. It is very heart-warming indeed.  

Thank you Santa for taking the time to talk to us, before we go - any special requests?

A mince pie or two and a carrot for Rudolph would be a lovely gift for me on Christmas Eve, however the most important thing is for you all to have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends, help those around you and celebrate your wonderful town of Eastbourne!

Thank you Santa, and a Merry Christmas from all at VisitEastbourne!

Visit Santa in his Christmas Cottage at Drusillas Park between now and 23 December or visit between 27 December and 2 January to find out “What Does Santa Do After Christmas?”.  Open from 10am to 5pm each day.

The 12 Days of Eastbourne Christmas!

Well to celebrate the start of the festive season we set our social media fans and followers a challenge to come up with an Eastbourne themed version of the 12 Days of Christmas! We had plenty of suggestions shared through facebook and twitter and have picked our favourites to compose the Eastbourne 12 Days of Christmas! I don't think we'll be competing for the Christmas no.1 any time soon but here it is, all in the name of a little festive fun!

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
The south east's leading art gall-er-eeeeee (submitted by Tracey Drake)

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea (submitted by Daphne Holmwood)
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
3 days at the Beer Festival (submitted by Toeknee Rose)
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
4 days of Airbourne (submitted by Bertie Bassett)
3 days at the Beer Festival
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
5 Roller Dolls roller derbying (submitted by @ConferenceEB)
4 days of Airbourne
3 days at the Beer Festival
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
6 days of tennis (submitted by @BertieBassett69)
5 Roller Dolls roller derbying
4 days of Airbourne
3 days at the Beer Festival
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Seven Sisters gleaming in the sunshine (submitted by Peter Honour)
6 days of tennis
5 Roller Dolls roller derbying
4 days of Airbourne
3 days at the Beer Festival
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
8 pints at The 8 Bells! (submitted by Toeknee Rose)
7 Sisters gleaming in the sunshine
6 days of tennis
5 Roller Dolls roller derbying
4 days of Airbourne
3 days at the Beer Festival
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
Nine reindeer in Little Chelsea (submitted by Joanna Huntley)
8 pints at The 8 Bells!
7 Sisters gleaming in the sunshine
6 days of tennis
5 Roller Dolls roller derbying
4 days of Airbourne
3 days at the Beer Festival
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
10 Ride 'n' Joy quadricycles on the seafront to the harbour and back (submitted by Joan Norris)
9 reindeer in Little Chelsea
8 pints at The 8 Bells!
7 Sisters gleaming in the sunshine
6 days of tennis
5 Roller Dolls roller derbying
4 days of Airbourne
3 days at the Beer Festival
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
11 players playing for Town, Utd, and Borough. (submitted by Toeknee Rose)
10 Ride 'n' Joy quadricycles on the seafront to the harbour and back
9 reindeer in Little Chelsea
8 pints at The 8 Bells!
7 Sisters gleaming in the sunshine
6 days of tennis
5 Roller Dolls roller derbying
4 days of Airbourne
3 days at the Beer Festival
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:
12 Sunday night proms at the Bandstand (submitted by Rosalind Ball)
11 players playing for Town, Utd, and Borough.
10 Ride 'n' Joy quadricycles to the harbour and back
9 reindeer in Little Chelsea
8 pints at The 8 Bells!
7 Sisters gleaming in the sunshine
6 days of tennis
5 Roller Dolls roller derbying
4 days of Airbourne
3 days at the Beer Festival
2 lighthouses, one on the land the other in the sea
And the south east’s leading art gall-er-eeeeee!

Emma

Top 10 Christmas Events in Eastbourne

There's just so much going on in Eastbourne this Christmas, you wont want to miss out! We've put together a top 10 guide to festivities in Eastbourne to help you. This list is by no means definitive so check VisitEastbourne.com for more festive themed events and activities that are sure to send a sprinkling of that magical Christmas feeling your way...

1. Little Christmas
Ho ho ho... Santa and his reindeers are on their way tomorrow night (Friday 9 December) for Little Christmas taking place in Little Chelsea (South Street and Grove Road, Eastbourne)! Browse a festive street market, enjoy late night shopping in the independent stores, galleries and boutiques, sing along with choirs and carol singers, munch on a hog roast and roasted chestnuts, and the kids will love the children's rides. Plus Art Attack legend Neil Buchanan will be making a special appearance at Viewpoint Art Gallery to launch his Hope Street collection.
5.30pm - late

2. Digital Christmas Carnival

Eastbourne’s award-winning Towner Contemporary Art Museum is getting ready for a bumper weekend of festivities with its first ever Christmas Carnival on Friday and Saturday night - 9 and 10 December! Towner’s exhibition halls will be transformed with popular culture, new technology and the thrill of the fairground coming together for a unique carnival event. Tickets are on sale now for Friday night's over 18s event and D GENERATE takes place on Saturday night for young people aged 14-19 and entry is free!

3. Christmas Concerts at Eastbourne Bandstand

Christmas isn't complete in Eastbourne without a visit to one of Eastbourne Bandstand's festive concerts. The free concerts on Christmas Day and Boxing Day are a longstanding tradition so come along and enjoy Eastbourne Silver Band on Christmas Day and the Ray Campbell Dance Band on Boxing Day. Plus the Ray Campbell Dance Band will also perform for a special new concert on New Year's Day!

4. Ice Skating

Make Eastbourne your winter wonderland and enjoy ice skating at Fort Fun's new ice skating rink with real ice, open until January.

5. The Adventures of Robin Hood

Oh no he didn't... get into the spirit of Christmas with a family trip to the pantomime at the Devonshire Park Theatre starring Eastenders' favourite John Altman aka Nick Cotton. On from 9 December - 15 January.

6. Christmas Magic

Eastbourne Arndale Centre will be waving its wand this Sunday, 11 December, for Christmas Magic - the perfect opportunity for Christmas shopping!

7. Enjoy your favourite Christmas movies!

Filmspot are bringing two Christmas classics to the International Lawn Tennis Centre on Saturday 17 December. Enjoy Muppets Christmas Carol in the afternoon and White Christmas in the evening. Tickets are on sale now.

8. Santa Special

Take the kids for a ride on the Santa Special at Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway from 17 - 18 December. Don't miss great playgrounds and scenic walking trails around the lake.

9. Christmas Creations

Make a Christmas card with a difference this Sunday, 11 December, at Towner. Drop-in to the free event with an artist helping you to put unusual designs together and you will even be able to transform your design into a digital card to email friends and family.

10. Santa's Christmas Cottage

Pop into Santa's Christmas Cottage at Drusillas Park and watch the elves hard at work making all the presents.

So, I hope that has got you feeling festive this Christmas! If you have any top tips for what else to check out this holiday season then leave us a comment...

Emma

Actor James Hyland on his love of Dickens and Eastbourne's Under Ground Theatre

The award winning actor, writer and director James Hyland comes to Eastbourne's Under Ground Theatre on 10th December in his one-man stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol – as told by Jacob Marley (deceased)”. 

We caught up with him to find out more...

What inspired you to tell this classic story from the viewpoint of Jacob Marley?

I’ve always wanted to present my own adaptation from an early age.  Having watched the story every year in films and on TV, I have a great love of the story, and so jumped at the chance to do a one man show.

I wanted to do a fresh take by removing the narrator which can be alienating and gives the feel of a work of fiction, and instead present it as a work of fact by utilising the character of Jacob Marley. 

Jacob is the other side of the coin of Scrooge, unlike Scrooge he didn’t get redemption and will be forever in chains throughout eternity.  By utilising Marley’s plight it gives the story another level of poignancy and when he tells the story, as well as experiencing your own emotions, you feel his response.  This dual empathy, gives it credibility and an emotionality that perhaps isn’t there for other shows.

The show has been a huge success and has been described by critics as “thrilling” and even “hypnotic”, what else can the audience expect from the show?

I’ve had such a fabulous response - so many positive things have been said about the show; ‘clever’,  ‘funny’, ‘powerful’, ‘breathtaking’, ‘astonishing’, and a ‘vibrant re-imagination of the classic’.

Adults and children will both enjoy the show, although a little scary in places, it’s also quite touching and emotionally uplifting.  In fact people are often surprised by their emotional response when they watch it.  Men especially are often moved by the plight of Tiny Tim, as he is fundamental to the story – in fact Tiny Tim and Scrooge are aligned.  Through Scrooge’s spiritual healing, he in turn is able to heal Tiny Tim physically. 

Dickens had such a strong message, about the importance of children, not just to your own immediate family but to society as a whole.  I have my own saying ‘Society is the child of man’ and I often find this is what Dickens is trying to say in much of his work.  It is so relevant to today, when you see the rioters on TV, we are all of society and we are just as responsible for these people as we are for our own children.

A one man show with such a physical performance must be challenging, how do you prepare before the tour?

As well as zumba, ballet and boxercise (boxers have to be seriously fit you know!) I am a keen marathon runner and completed the London Marathon in 2003 and 2010 for charities Torch, a hospital in Wales treating Muscular Distrophy; and Care for the Wild International which looks after animals in need across the globe.  The Beachy Head Marathon in Eastbourne certainly sounds like a good challenge, I’ll have to look into that one!

What made you choose Eastbourne and the Under Ground Theatre for your national tour?

Well I actually performed here in 2008 with my first Dickens adaption ‘Hard Times’, which I adapted and performed with two other actors, we played all of the parts so had lots of costume changes!

I really enjoyed the space, it was great and I felt a real connection with the audience, and met them after the performance – in fact I will be doing this again, for anyone who wants to ask me questions after the performance.

When did you first catch the acting bug, and how did you get into acting?

I’ve always loved story telling and any opportunity to dress up as a superhero, as a child I often wore red underpants over my jeans as Superman!  

At junior school I waited desperately for my chance to act in the school play, performed every year by the 4th years, however that year they decided to do a concert instead – I was so mortified I got all the pupils to sign a petition!

However I eventually got my first lead role in secondary school as Captain Stirrick – another story set in Victorian London!  I then performed every year, ending up at the National Youth Theatre, and landing a lead role at the Young Vic, before heading to the Rose Bruford Drama School.  My next role as feckless alcoholic Pete Polovsky took me to both the National Student Drama Festival and Edinburgh Festival, winning awards at both.

I’ve since won awards for my short films and more recently for writing the dialogue and taking the lead role in Tinie Tempah’s ‘Disappoint You’ video.  It’s quite controversial and doesn’t even feature Tinie.

You’re the brains behind the show’s production company Brother Wolf, do you have any advice for budding actors, directors and producers?

As Winston Churchill said ‘never give up’ - that’s it in a nutshell really!

For anyone who wants to work in story telling, whether it be TV, film, theatre, radio or any other form, never forget the importance of story telling.  It’s what makes us who we are.  Society is built on communication - never give up trying to be a part of it.

The greatest stories ever told are what makes us who we are today, from religious texts like the Bible and Qur’an to classic novels like Oliver Twist and Women In Love, its all about the human self.

The story of Scrooge is a huge family favourite at Christmas, what is your all time favourite festive film (or play)?

My favourite has to be A Christmas Carol (1984) featuring George C Scott – there is no better film adaption and it’s true to the book.  Despite the fact it was made for TV, it actually premiered in Leicester Square
for the Queen, it was so good!

I also love the story of Jesus, whether you believe or not, it is still the greatest story ever told - I adore the nativity.

Finally, if we were to buy you the best present ever this Christmas, what would it be?

Well I’d like to say world peace, as we all would, and of course as Dickens teaches.  However being utterly selfish, any form of chocolate is good!

Thanks James for taking time out to talk to us!
Tracey

James stars in “A Christmas Carol – As Told By Jacob Marley (Deceased)” at the Under Ground Theatre, Eastbourne on 10 December at 7.30pm, followed by an opportunity to talk to James.  Tickets £9/£8 from Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre or on the door. www.undergroundtheatre.org.uk

Cultural and Sporting Experiences in Eastbourne - new for 2012!

Hi! My name's Joel

I have been on the Tourism Development team since June 2011, but have been employed by the council for the last several summers in Events as part of Event Crew.

Tourism Development has provided some great challenges for me. I have been able to develop my project management and graphic design skills, as well as my office banter!

I am currently working on creating sporting and cultural packages, which will be available to book through VisitEastbourne.com with the aim of increasing both sports and cultural participation in the year of the 2012 Games as well as supporting the local economy.

The packages will involve local businesses combined with local accommodation and available to book as a package through VisitEastbourne.com. We've already spoken to partners including Spray Water Sports and Watercolour Walks (who are based at Coastguard Cottages - check out the amazing view for the painters!) and will be launching these early next year. Essentially the scheme will offer a great chance for us to work with local businesses to market Eastbourne and attract new audiences too.

If you are a local business offering a sporting or cultural experience and may be interested in working with us then drop us a tweet on twitter or leave us a comment with your contact details on this blog.

My job also involves helping Emma who is forever wanting to come up with fun and exciting competitions for the VisitEastbourne page on facebook. Currently we are running the 12 Days of Eastbourne Christmas Challenge, where fans can make up their own version of the song to be published online! It's not too late to join in, so become a fan and get involved!

Here in the Tourism Development think tank, we always welcome suggestions and feedback. If you have anything to say about the sports and cultural packages or have any ideas on competitions, feel free to send us a tweet or leave a comment.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Joel

Celebrate Eastbourne’s Photography Talent

We’re constantly amazed here in the office at the fabulous photography our local snappers have been posting to our VisitEastbourne group on Flickr. So much so, that we just had to display some of it on VisitEastbourne.com for all you guys to see!

So for those of you with a keen eye, keep a look out each week as we add a new photo to our home page in the top rotating image graphic. Each photographer is credited in the image caption and we’ll be posting their names on our Facebook and Twitter pages each week.

This week it’s the turn of ActivEastbourne who snapped Eastbourne town centre during last year’s snow on 3 December. As we fast approach the anniversary and with today’s chill in the air, surely another festive dollop could be on the way soon.

The shot also appears as a portrait version in the new 2012 Eastbourne Holiday Guide and feels extra special as the snow appears completely untouched like a blank canvas – how rare once the Christmas shoppers get going – so well done to ActivEastbourne for capturing the town centre at such a serene moment.

There’s lots more fabulous snowy pics to see of Eastbourne and the South Downs, so do take a look if you get time, or share some of your own (please note that for us to publish them you need to enable downloading).

In the meantime I shall get practicing with my own camera and check out Channel 5’s re-run of How to Take Stunning Pictures (Tuesday’s 7.30pm) for some top tips.

Tracey
Promotions Manager

Why visit Eastbourne? The complete A to Z!

Well who would have thought an A to Z Challenge to come up with reasons to visit Eastbourne would prove so popular? We certainly hoped it would get fans talking on our facebook page and hoped that it would attract new fans too but the fantastic results have surpassed all expectations! More than 90 VisitEastbourne fans took part sharing over 630 suggestions of reasons to visit our sunny south coast destination - wow!

It's been a tough job whittling down the suggestions to come up with a definitive A to Z but we've finally done it. So, here it is, a Visit Eastbourne A to Z - compiled by our fans!

• A… has to be AIRBOURNE! - Submitted by Daniel Jarvis
• B… Balls – the tennis variety! - Submitted by BJ Events Ltd
• C… Chelsea (of the Little variety), Culture, Carefully Clipped and Cultivated gardens and lawns, Crocuses in the Spring at Hampden Park - Submitted by Bertie Bassett
• D… Definitely Devonshire Park - the loveliest place in the world! - Submitted by Mike Linane
• E… Extreme - Proof that Eastbourne is so much more than a place to retire to! - Submitted by Tonya Coletta
• F… Fort Fun in Eastbourne, the family fun park, which provides outdoor and indoor fun for kids of all ages with thrilling rides - Submitted by Jeanette Bull
• G… Grand Hotel, glorious views and sunshine, Gildredge Park - Submitted by Joan Norris
• H… Horizons! From the striking Victorian pier tops, the gleaming promenade lights, the glistening sea in the sunshine, to the hills and dips of the outstanding Seven Sisters cliffs and the summit of Beachy Head. Eastbourne boasts a beautiful horizon. - Submitted by George O’Meara
• I… Ice cream Fusciardi’s - Submitted by Joanne Lancaster
• J… Jogging along the seafront. Not that I do. - Submitted by Andy Baker
• K… Kids playground - lots to do - Submitted by Sam Sweiry
• L… Lighthouses...Beachy Head and Belle Tout, both beautiful - Submitted by Andrew T. Love
• Plus special mention to Langham Hotel who sponsored the competition.
• M… Musicals as we have some great West End shows that come to the Congress. Can't wait for Sister Act next year - Submitted by Jenny Horridge
• N… National Park - The South Downs! Heaven! - Submitted by Courtney Fables
• O…Open air concerts at Eastbourne Bandstand - Submitted by Eastbourne Bandstand
• P… Pretty Pier - Submitted by Denise Forrester Deary
• Q… Quidditch World Cup - filmed for Harry Potter on the Downs! :-) - Submitted by Shirley Moth
• R… Redoubt Fortress - Submitted by Graham Ridley
• S… Sunshine, sea and smiles :) - Submitted by Joanne Bradshaw
• T… T is for TONIC! George V1 used to bring his family (the late Queen Mother and their daughters, our present Queen Elizabeth and the late Princess Margaret) to Eastbourne for holidays in the healthy sea air, so Eastbourne has the Royal seal of approval! - Submitted by Pamela J Keeley
• U… Unmissable season of events from Magnificent Motors to Eastbourne Beer Fest - Submitted by Jayne Howard
• V… Visit Eastbourne - a very good way to keep in touch with the town be it visitor or resident - Submitted by Daphne Holmwood
• W… Wedding licence on the Bandstand - Submitted by Rosalind Ball
• X… Xxxx's on postcards to loved ones - Submitted by Sheila Walkom
• Y… It has to be YOGA!! Eastbourne has two wonderful yoga studios, Yoga-Life studio and Natural Fitness Centre with packed time tables for classes everyday. So check them out. - Submitted by Lucy Newport
• Z… ZILLIONS of reasons to visit Eastbourne, ZERO reasons to stay away. - Submitted by Tonya Coletta

A special award goes to Graham Huntley for thinking outside the box and amusing us with his witty suggestions like:

Christmas Markets in Eastbourne (oh sorry, that’s NOel)! – suggested for L

Yellow ball that seems permanently in the sky over Eastbourne - suggested for Y

And another special award to Carters for somehow managing to come up with a Carters related reason for every letter of the alphabet!

But the overall winner goes to Joanne Bradshaw for Sunshine, sea and smiles :) - we thought this summed up Eastbourne perfectly!

The challenge was intended to drive traffic and raise the profile of the VisitEastbourne facebook page. The number of new fans increased by 300% over the course of the challenge compared to the previous month, with feedback on wall posts up by 381%.

Thanks to everyone who took part!

Emma

Promotions and E-Marketing Officer

A busy end to the 2011 conference season in Eastbourne!

This weekend was the last of the busy season of conferences this year at the Devonshire Park Centre; however what a grand finale!

The Mission Worship Conference, a three day event, was a sell out for them (it's been sold out since September and they have been coming to Eastbourne since 2003!) and a tremendous conference to be involved with. With 2,000 delegates flooding into the Congress Theatre and overflow in the Floral Hall, it really utilised the venue to its full potential this weekend. The delegates certainly kept the exhibitors and bookshop happy – yes, there was even room for that as well!

I know many of the delegates had come from all over the world and it is good to hear so many positive comments about the town as well as the venue. It really is an ‘all round experience’ for them coming to Eastbourne. Looking forward to seeing them all next year!

Gill

Conference Manager

Busy week for the Eastbourne Conference Sales Team

We have had a great week! We love what we do, so every week is a good week (well usually!) but this past week has been exceptional for the two of us in the Conference Sales Team. We have dealt with all the usual things such as answering enquiries about the Devonshire Park Centre, checking our diary for dates, putting several room hire proposals together and making quite a few sales calls but we've also done some extra things too!

It started with us attending a networking event at the York House Hotel on Tuesday. We met some great people, some we knew already as well as some new faces and managed to spread the word about the Eastbourne Conference Bureau and what we're all about.

Wednesday we were up early and on the 6.57 train to London for a day's training on 'Maximising Your Showrounds'. Between us we've done hundreds of showrounds and, due to our venue finding function, have also seen first hand how many of our Eastbourne venues do it. Therefore, we already have a fair amount of experience but felt there is always something new to learn. We had a great day as it confirmed that a lot of what we already do is best practice but we certainly picked up a lot of useful extra tips, so we felt completely invigorated and keen to put our new found skills into practice!

Thursday was the day of our first Tweetup, organised in partnership with our Visit Eastbourne and Convex Leisure colleagues. We had around 40 fellow tweeters come along to the Devonshire Park Centre and the room was absolutely buzzing with lots of Twitter talk, business deals being discussed as well as everyone just being social and getting to know each other better.

Then finally Friday was the day we got to put our new showround training into practice. We had spotted a potential client on Twitter, made contact, managed to generate interest in the Devonshire Park Centre as a possible venue for some of their events and Friday was the day they were coming to Eastbourne for the first time. It went really well and the training obviously paid off because they commented that it was one of the best showrounds they'd ever had. They said it was really well organised and before they left they asked us to check our diary for three potential dates in 2013, each for around 800 delegates! A great result!

Here's looking forward to this week now!

Jenny
Conference Sales

Thanks for your top tips at our first VisitEastbourne Tweetup!

Well last night we held our very first VisitEastbourne tweetup and I have to say, I think it went pretty well. If our sign-in sheet adds up correctly then it looks like we had 43 tweeps attend in total - fantastic! It was great to see some new faces and bring together a different network of people.

I have to thank Jenny @ConferenceEB for her help in arranging it and sorting out the venue, as well as Callum @ConvexLeisure who provided some delicious canapes and wine!

A board set up by @EastbourneCan asking what people would like to see in Eastbourne certainly seemed to attract quite a bit of interest and I'll be watching their blog with interest to see what comments they got.

Thanks for everyone's feedback on yesterday's tweetup - it's really useful to know what you thought and I think we'll definitely look to organise another VisitEastbourne tweetup in the new year.

Yesterday was also a chance for us to hear your top twitter tips. I'm forever reading different articles on good protocol for tweeting, best times to tweet, best tone to tweet etc. but it was really interesting to hear your twitter tips, which many of you posted at the event. So, here it is - a guide to twitter by Eastbourne tweeters...

@bamb_bamb - Tweet pics of your work but write about life

@eastsussexmusic - Make the story interesting and amusing (if you can)

@stephdoesrunnin - Tweet as if you're only talking to one person, others can be more likely to respond

@bournebreaks - Don't just try and sell!

@laptop_station - Retweet to help promote others, they will/should return the favour!

@David_Ruddle - Be consistent. Don't try and sell.

@Stella_Holman - Networking on twitter. Be interested in the other person.

@eccn_news - Have a sense of humour and always tweet like a human. (by the way, I can definitely vouch that @eccn_news had a great sense of humour!)

@121fs - Have a web browser favourites folder titled 'twitter'. Add in your links to twitter, bufferapp, Sky News, BBC News etc... Open all links early in the morning and load up your buffer app with stories to save you doing it during the day. Saves me hours!

@BlinkTankTweets - Create separate accounts for different sections of your business and follow relevant people.
@hey_tc - If you tweet a link always include a few of your own words.

And we have one more tip that we need claiming as the person forgot to label them with their twitter name!

Be yourself - even if you're a business, people will follow you anyway.

So there it is - a guide to twitter by you! Let me know what you think of these tips by sending us a tweet @VisitEastbourne and if you didn't contribute then tweet us your tip! Plus make sure you follow us to find out who has won the pair of tickets to Beyond the Barricade at the Congress Theatre on 9 December!

Thanks again to everyone for coming and here's to the next!

Emma

Promotions and E-Marketing Officer

The 2012 Eastbourne Holiday Guide

The marketing team are currently finalising the 2012 Eastbourne Holiday Guide. Copies of the new Guide will be available from mid-December and the team are excited about seeing the final printed Guide hot off the press!

The Guide is one of our most important marketing tools to promote Eastbourne as a tourist destination and the team have worked closely with the Eastbourne Hospitality Association to produce an attractive and well presented Guide.

This year the design is very confident for Eastbourne with oversized, bold typography and full sized A4 hero imagery. Many amateur and professional photographers who have posted beauty shots of the resort on Flickr have submitted some exciting and unique photography for the Guide, which gives potential visitors a different view of this stunning resort - the Sunniest Place in the UK! We are hoping our Guide will be an award winner in 2012 and are looking forward to hearing visitors thoughts on the design. We hope you enjoy this early preview!

Lisa
Marketing Manager

Youthwork the Conference in Eastbourne

Want to know what it's like to work on a conference here in Eastbourne? Read on...

Well I've just spent the weekend with 1,000 youth workers here at the Devonshire Park Centre in Eastbourne. They have been coming for quite a few years now, but each conference still seems to have its own particular aspect that reminds me that however many times you run an event, there is always something that crops up - a last minute room change or AV equipment need to be replaced… In some ways I am secretly pleased as it shows how good the staff are here, they constantly jump to assist and go that one step further, a real win with the Conference Organisers.

With the Congress Theatre packed with delegates having a good time (see our facebook page for pictures) – Scott Todd is a real hit with this crowd and the Floral Hall is packed with exhibitors and even a book shop! It confirms that conferences are still an important part of organisations and when bringing like-minded people together you can’t forget the buzz!

This year I heard quite a few of the delegates, in passing, mentioning how good the hotels are here and they particularly love the seafront walk before the conference in the morning. With plenty of delegates tweeting throughout the weekend too using the #ywc2011 hashtag, I'm now looking forward to 2012! The organisers have even updated their website with next year's dates already!

Gill

Conference Manager

The second half of our interview with Art Attack legend Neil Buchanan...

Yesterday we brought you the first half of our interview with Art Attack legend Neil Buchanan as he's coming to Eastbourne on Friday 9 December to launch his debut fine art collection at Viewpoint Art Gallery, 38 South Stree, at the Little Christmas event. Read the rest of our interview and discover what Neil's best ever art attack was!

So Neil, you’re coming to Eastbourne for one of our favourite Christmas events, Little Christmas – we want to know what your favourite Christmas song is?
Well my favourite Christmas song is exactly the same as my favourite Christmas movie – it’s White Christmas! We have a movie tradition in my family where every Christmas Eve we watch White Christmas.

Of course we can’t interview you and not mention Art Attack! I was a huge fan when I was younger and watched every week, as did many of our followers! What was your best ever art attack?
When Art Attack became very successful we got to travel far and wide to go massive art attacks! We went to New York, Austria, Barbados! When the producers called me and asked if I had any ideas for a Christmas special, I was like how about a surfing Santa in Barbados? They said ‘yeah, sounds great!’

But in the UK my favourite was the portrait of the Queen, which I did using a quarter of a million pounds in £10 notes that the Bank of England loaned to us and charged us £50 interest. I thought that was pretty good!

Have you ever done an Art Attack in Eastbourne?
Yeah, we did. It was right next to the Pier and we did something on the beach in pebbles, it was something with a nautical theme. I’m trying to think now… it might have been a fishing scene on the beach… it was either a fishing scene or a big picture of a fish.

It was great. Everywhere I went I had this mobile Winnebago where I could sit and shelter in the rain, have lunch and all that. It was when my daughter was in her first year at Eastbourne College and she came down and we had fish and chips from the Pier in the Winnebago.

I’m looking forward to the Little Chelsea Little Christmas event in a few weeks because I’ll actually have the chance to get out and wander round a bit. I’ve driven through so many times, it will make a change to actually have a look.

Christmas is a great time for kids to get creative – what’s your best tip for making Christmas cards and any other tips for hand made gifts?
They’re a lot cheaper! Seriously whatever you’re doing just remember it doesn’t need to be perfect, it just has to be made with love and whoever you’re giving it to should be able to recognise that.

Finally, if we were to buy you the best present ever this Christmas, what would it be?
I love questions that I’ve never been asked before because it makes me have to think! God, that’s hard! I want to say something gratuitous and not correct in a P.C. sort of way. I wanna say something for me!

I think the best Christmas present I have ever had is a game of Subbuteo table football. What I did is I found it under Mum and Dad’s bed and took it out and played with it and then wrapped it back up every day! This was over about two weeks before Christmas! I loved it so much.

When I was 13 I had this fantastic Subbuteo collection. I had a team of 32 that cost 10 shillings each, that’s about 50p today. It really was the best present ever but I sold the lot for £3 and bought a Black Sabbath album!

So you know what I’m going to say! I’d like Subbuteo back place and my present to you is a Black Sabbath album, slightly used and slightly worn…!

What happened when we caught up with Art Attack legend Neil Buchanan!

Art Attack was one of my favourite TV shows growing up and I watched avidly each week to see if there were any ideas I could somehow weave into my GCSE art work. You could imagine my delight when I was offered the chance to interview Art Attack legend Neil Buchanan to find out what he's been up to since the show finished and why we'll have the chance to meet him in person in Eastbourne next month as he visits Viewpoint Art Gallery, 38 South Street to launch his new series of paintings, Hope Street...

So Neil, you’re coming to Eastbourne on Friday 9th December to Viewpoint Art Gallery for the Little Christmas event – are you excited about your visit to Eastbourne?

I actually come down to Eastbourne an awful lot. My son’s at the College in his final year and my daughter went there too so I’m actually a regular! I know Eastbourne and I know Prezzo very well as I meet my son there for lunch!

And am I excited? Yes! I love it in Eastbourne, especially the twinkling lights on the seafront!

Tell us about Hope Street and how it came about…After 17 years of Art Attack, 20 series, 500 shows and 2,000 drawings of dogs, cats, sharks, footballs etc. I thought enough is enough. I’d said everything I had to say on telly and wanted to do something for myself. This is actually my very first fine art collection, my first grown up art. I had a blank canvas and I could do whatever I wanted.

With working in kids’ TV I decided to look at my own childhood and take a trip down memory lane as I’m very into nostalgia. I decided to paint childhood.

The paintings have two characters and I’m asked is it me? The answer is it’s whoever you want it to be. There are no faces; it’s from angles where you can’t see the face so it’s for you to decide. It depends on who you are and if you’ve had that memory yourself. I wanted to touch people’s imagination and tweak a reminder in them.

I felt when I was a kid there was a lot more hope and things were much simpler. So Hope Street is a state of mind, it’s not a place. I lived in an era when to me it was always summer, no one ever died, there was no divorce. I’m sure that wasn’t the actual case but to me, things were a lot simpler. You could climb a tree or have a conker fight without being sued.

Though, coincidentally I actually went to school on Hope Street. My school was on Hope Street but that’s just a coincidence!

The Hope Street collection is a nice place to be.

What is your favourite piece in Hope Street & why?
Ooh that’s a difficult one! Well as you know at the moment I’m touring galleries and although I get asked that, when I meet people I like to ask them what their favourite is and do my own market research!

I have a relationship with every single one of the paintings in the collection. I painted them very quickly because I was using acrylic, which is a quick drying medium so I had to work quickly.

Painting the collection was a passionate experience. I see different things in each picture and can’t pick a favourite. There are some I absolutely love but I hate one bit in it!

They are all labours of love. It took five months to do the whole collection, including research. I went back to Liverpool where I grew up; in fact, my mum still lives there, and took a week to wander round. I wanted the pictures to show situations I used to be in.

And art isn’t your only passion is it? Tell us about your band?
No, my first love was music! Music is what flows through my veins. Growing up in Liverpool, you either wanted to be a footballer or a popstar and I wanted to do both! But at the age of 14, I discovered the two g’s – guitars and girls and I pursued both!

I was in a band and we won the first ever Battle of the Bands in the UK, which I suppose in the old days was like the X Factor is now. We got a record deal and were playing in front of 20,000 people in huge American stadiums. But we were very young and got very ripped off. We were involved in a legal battle for two years and that’s when I went into telly.

But to cut a long story short, all of the band members have recently celebrated a big birthday! I’m not going to tell you what birthday it is but I’m sure you can work it out! We got back together for fun but it turned serious and we’ve made an album and in between the gallery tours, I’m on tour with the band!

The band’s called Marseille so if you fancy taking a look at the Art Attack guy with longer hair and wearing leather trousers then come along! Our tour dates are on our website at http://www.marseilleonline.co.uk/.

But one of the reasons for doing Hope Street is because I used to always get asked can I really draw or paint? You know if there was another guy doing it all then why didn’t they put him on the telly? So Hope Street proves yes, I can do it and people can go on the website and judge for themselves.

So that's it for the first half of our interview but come back later this week when we'll post the rest and let you in on Neil's favourite ever Art Attack as well as what he'd most like for Christmas!
Emma

It's a team effort!

Hello!

Welcome to our brand new VisitEastbourne blog! We're already talking to lots of you via twitter, our facebook page and of course our destination website VisitEastbourne.com, not to mention, seeing the wonderful pictures you've been posting in our flickr group, but we wanted to add another string to our bow. So here it is, our brand new blog, which is very much a work in progress!

The blog will be fed from all members of the VisitEastbourne tourism team to give you as much variety as possible so join us on our journey and look forward to news and posts covering all things destination Eastbourne! From the busy season of conferences to compiling the 2012 Eastbourne Holiday Guide, from responding to journalist alerts to helping TV and film companies to scout suitable locations, and from gathering information for VisitEastbourne.com to coming up with quirky new challenges and competitions - it's all in a day's work!

We love to hear from you too so feel free to leave your comments, we hope you enjoy!

The VisitEastbourne Team