Bandstand Kicks Off Festive Holidays with Christmas Day Spectacular

Eastbourne’s iconic Bandstand will provide a Christmas Day highlight for residents and visitors as the traditional free concert returns for a triple bill over the festive period.

With more than 4,000 festive fans expected, the seafront venue will provide yuletide entertainment on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day – all completely free of charge.

A long standing tradition, the concerts date back to 1935 and have grown in popularity ever since, along with a customary Boxing Day dip in the sea for the brave bunch of hardy swimmers!

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “These concerts have such a great atmosphere and are very popular as a pre-dinner delight for both residents and visitors alike.  With many hotels packed out with festive guests, these concerts are an important part of the Christmas package in Eastbourne and it is a delight to see so many join us in our beautiful resort for their festive break.”

Christmas Day sees the return of the Eastbourne Silver Band with traditional carols and classic Christmas songs in a pre-Christmas dinner treat.

The Ray Campbell Dance Band provide a refreshing alternative to the TV repeats on Boxing Day with a lively round up of festive hits and dancing, along with mulled wine to warm up the revellers.

For the third year running, the Bandstand will see a third concert in its festive calendar with The Ray Campbell Dance Band returning on New Years Day for some celebratory hits and a conga around the Bandstand, to welcome in the new year.

Concerts run from 10.45am to 12.15pm on Christmas Day, and from 11am to 12.30pm on both Boxing Day and New Years Day.  Entry is free.

For more information visit the Bandstand website or telephone 01323 410611.  For information on Christmas events and festive breaks visit the VisitEastbourne website. 

Airbourne Wins Best Free Airshow for Second Year Running

Airscene fans have voted Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow as the best free airshow in the country for the second time running in a recent poll by one of the UK’s leading airshow websites.



Vulcan at Airbourne 2012 (c. Graham Huntley)



Voted by visitors to Airscene.co.uk, the four day free airshow beat rival Bournemouth hands down, achieving nearly double the number of votes to win Best Free Airshow 2012 in the Airscene Awards.

Despite being nominated only as a free airshow, Airbourne still received 57% more votes than Duxford, the winner of the Best Airshow category, making Airbourne the most popular airshow in the UK.





Lynx at Airbourne 2012 (c. Graham Huntley)



Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “2012 was such an amazing year for Airbourne, from the spectacular Vulcan to the once-in-a-lifetime firework finale and Olympic closing ceremony celebration.  Thank you to everyone at Airscene who voted for us, this award is the icing on the cake from a momentous year and we look forward to providing a spectacular show for fans in 2013.”

Airbourne visitors were treated to Eastbourne’s first ever Vulcan display in 2012 attracting the show’s biggest ever audience on Saturday.  Many fans enjoyed a rare close-up glimpse of the jet in a flying hold over Beachy Head, before its display along the seafront to thousands. 

The Blades at Airbourne 2012 (c. Graham Huntley)

Social media forums were inundated with photos, video and comments following the display, with over 5,000 video views and a viral reach of 57,000 for Airbourne’s facebook page.

For fans who missed the show, exclusive photos and cockpit footage are still available to view online, including the Jet Provost display and the Royal Navy Raiders Parachute jump.  Fans can also share their own photos and video on the Airbourne Facebook page.

Airbourne returns in 2013 from Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 August, for more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.

For news updates, competitions, exclusive footage and airshow fun visit www.facebook.com/airbourneeastbourne or follow on twitter at www.twitter.com/EB_Airshow.

VisitEastbourne’s trip to the Enchanted Zoo

This weekend just passed saw the grand opening of the Drusillas Park Winter Wonderland Illuminations and VE were invited to take a peek!

Having visited Drusillas many times before I was really excited in anticipation to see what new additions had been added for this festive season this year. There certainly was no denying that on paper the new attractions sounded to be quite something. From hugging a Husky, festive winter warmer treats for the stomach and the pinnacle of the show; the Winter Wonderland Illuminations.

After touring the zoo itself and seeing all the incredible and different animals up close and personal, some extra close such as the Lemurs through the walk around Lemurland it was time to head for what we had come for…the Winter Wonderland arena. Going around the park we had sneak peaks of what was in store however when we set eyes upon the full display, Wow – we were blown away! A giant Santa’s grotto arena with giant reindeer and sleigh, Father & Mrs Christmas greeting little ones with surprises wrapped in paper! Not forgetting the jovial Santa’s little helper, the elf! It really was magical and like we had been transported to Lapland. Whilst waiting for the main display of the lights, we took full opportunity to grab something to eat in Explorers Restaurant. It was simply delightful, the food was delicious and the staff extremely pleasant and always very willing to help and extra friendly with the children.

Father&Mrs Christmas with his helpful elf

After we headed for the illuminations, there was just enough time to grab some delectable delights from Station Buffet including Mince Pies, Cinnamon coated Donuts and what would be required to keep us warm during the show – Mulled Wine!! Mmm



The Incredible Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park



Before we knew it the day had gone so fast and it was time to head over to the illuminations site. What happened next was simply magical. The whole atmosphere changed and it was one of the most festive experiences of my life. Christmas carols played to a packed out crowd of people as the winter lights started twinkling and glistening. Polar Bears and Penguins started glistening in the crystal black sky and the enchanted mystical icy river started to flow through the ice-capped kingdom. It was amazing and from this we could see easily why it’s creator, Paul Toole has been called ‘King of the Lights.’ All these fantastic lights were carefully choreographed to music and the extra special large screen of The Muppets gave the kids something to chuckle along to! Looking around, the looks on the faces of the children was something extra special and filled everyone with warmth. Their amazement at seeing such an experience was just pure wonder and something that I’m sure will have filled not only us, but them too with Christmas spirit. The only thing it left us wanting was a return visit and the moment when Father Christmas comes and squeezes himself down the chimney whilst Prancer, Rudolf & Co munch on the carrots left by the bed!

Twinkling Polar Bears & Penguins



A trip to Drusillas Park this Christmas is a must! Everything is epic and so perfectly thought out from start to finish. It’s Christmassy enough that even the biggest Scrooge would love it! If you would like to win a family ticket to Drusillas this Christmas, simply visit the VisitEastbourne Competition website here.

Located just off the A27, Drusillas Park is open from 10:00am until 5:00pm daily, with the exception of 24th, 25th and 26th December.  For further details please telephone (01323) 874100 or visit the website at www.drusillas.co.uk

Eastbourne Celebrates With a Month of Festive Fun Events

Eastbourne will be full of festive fun this December with a month long Christmas events programme of shopping events, free concerts and a winter wonderland of theme park illuminations at Drusillas Park, designed by the ‘King of Christmas Lights’.

Featuring real reindeer, huskies, street markets, cookie decorating, an outdoor town centre performance stage and a wide selection of Santa’s Grotto’s, Eastbourne will celebrate in style, culminating in a free Christmas Day concert at the iconic seafront bandstand.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “This is our busiest programme of Christmas events ever and it is fantastic to see so many businesses working together to put on such a fantastic show for the local community and the many visitors who celebrate their Christmas in the town.”

Kicking off the month long celebration, the Enterprise Shopping Centre open their weekend Santa’s Grotto on 1 December with a Christmas gift fair and complimentary mulled wine, along with the chance to return on 15 December to meet the lovable real reindeer. 

Real Reindeer at Enterprise Shopping centre

Santa takes up weekend residence at Sharnfold Farm from 1 December, and at Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre, make lanterns, garlands and Christmas decorations in A Touch of Frost, suitable for children and adults alike.

For craft fans, head to the Redoubt fortress 1 – 2 December to make Victorian inspired Christmas decorations, part of the Eastbourne Christmas Artist Open Houses event taking place across the town.

Nearby Drusillas Park opens up Santa’s Christmas Cottage with the chance to hug a husky and view their brand new Winter Wonderland Illuminations from 1 December – 6 January with over 60,000 lights designed by Channel 4’s ‘King of Christmas Lights’ Paul Toole, in an animal themed display and synchronised to festive music.

Winter Wonderland Illuminations at Drusillas Park

Over 400 Santa’s hit the seafront on 2 December in the annual Santa Fun Run, jingling all the way in a 3 mile jog raising money for charity, and on 4 - 5 and 7 - 8 December, the Russian State Ballet and Opera House bring their magical production of Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty to the Congress Theatre.

The weekly Christmas street market continues in Eastbourne town centre every Wednesday from 5 December, and on 6 December, new event Meads Magic in the heart of Meads village celebrates with Santa’s grotto, shopping, Christmas cookie decorating and more.  In the town centre, Centre Stage - a brand new outdoor stage featuring live entertainment from 3pm begins, along with mall entertainment in the Arndale Shopping Centre and late night shopping every Thursday until Christmas.

Little Chelsea Christmas

Little Christmas returns to the heart of Little Chelsea on 7 December with fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, real reindeer, treasure trails, hog roast and live music, and in the heart of Eastbourne’s Historic Old Town, HOT Christmas festivities on 8 December include street market, jugglers, choirs, Santa and Christmas crafts.

Over 2,000 primary school children from across East Sussex perform the Great Big Christmas Sing 11 – 13 December at the Congress Theatre, in a fun retelling of the nativity featuring Dinkey the amusing teenage donkey and a frantic Joseph, who late on Christmas Eve has forgotten to buy his present for Mary.

From 13 December to 13 January, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the traditional and highly acclaimed Eastbourne pantomime, starring Bernie Nolan at the Devonshire Park Theatre, this year’s spectacular performance features a fun filled jaunt through the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty.

Santa opens up his grotto at Knockhatch Adventure Park from 15 December each weekend with soft play, quad-a-pillar rides and farm, and at the Congress Theatre on 18 December join Christmas with the Rat Pack and experience the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin at the famous Sands hotel, featuring seasonal classics such as White Christmas and Baby It’s Cold Outside.

Give the kids a treat the weekend before Christmas and join the Santa Special at Eastbourne Miniature Steam Railway 22 – 23 December with train rides to Santa’s Grotto and festive drinks and mince pies for mums and dads.

On Christmas Day the iconic seafront Bandstand welcomes thousands of festive fans for a pre-dinner treat in a free Christmas Day Bandstand concert, featuring carols and traditional yuletide hits.  The first in a triple bill of festive concerts which continue on Boxing Day and New Years Day, the second of which is followed by a Boxing Day Walking Tour at 12.30 and 2.30pm by local tour guide Harry Pope, featuring historical and amusing anecdotes along the way.

Christmas Conga at The Bandstand

Towner, contemporary art museum, celebrate the winter season with their brand new Bon hiver exhibition, running from 1 December until 3 March, including star of the Tate Turbine Hall, Olafur Eliasson, and his installation ‘The Forked Forest Path’.

For more information on all Christmas events, plus opening times and prices, telephone 0871 663 0031 or visit www.visiteastbourne.com.

49 Shopping Days till Christmas!!

We’re in Christmas mode already here in the office and getting really excited about the return of our favourite time of year.   From plans to wear the worst Christmas jumpers at our office party – bobble knit reindeer woolly here we come!!  – to news of Eastbourne’s brand new festive event – Eastbourne Christmas HoHo - we're in for a real treat.

This year local businesses have got together to put on 3 weeks of shopping events all around the town with something pretty much every day and we can’t wait to get shopping!

If you attended Little Chelsea Christmas last year, then you’ll know Eastbourne really can do Christmas as the streets were packed with families, shoppers, stalls and rides.  Well, if that got you in the festive spirit then there’s even more to come this year, as Little Chelsea puts on a show once again on 7 Dec featuring Santa’s Grotto, hog roast, live music, fairground rides, treasure trails and the chance to meet real reindeer.

If you love reindeer then you’ll get a second chance to meet these adorable animals at Eastbourne Enterprise Shopping Centre on 15 Dec, just one of many weekend events at this fantastic collection of independent shops, and then there’s a whole host of entertainment to be had in the mall at Eastbourne Arndale Centre and a new Eastbourne Centre Stage outdoor performance area in the precinct.

However its Meads and Old Town who have really pushed the boat out this year with the launch of their brand new events – Meads Magic on 6 Dec – from Santa’s Grotto and carol singing to Christmas cookie decorating, plus late night shopping, mulled wine and mince pies – yum!  Or HOT Christmas in Old Town on 8 Dec with kids choirs, jugglers, Santa and street market featuring crafts, cards, wreaths and fresh produce.

Plus of course there’s always the chance to stock up on stocking fillers and Christmas food every Wednesday at Eastbourne Street Market, plus a special Sunday market on 9 Dec and late night shopping in the town centre till 9pm on Thursdays.

We think this will be a Christmas to remember and I for one will be out there supporting our retailers at this fantastic celebration of festive shopping – bring it on Santa, hope you’ve got a bigger sack this year!!

Eastbourne Christmas HoHo runs from 1 - 23 Dec with the following events: 

Enterprise Centre 1 (gift fair), 8, 9, 15 (reindeer), 16, 22, 23 Dec

Eastbourne Street Market every Wednesday plus Sunday 9 Dec (9.30am - 3pm)

Late Night Shopping every Thursday (until 9pm)

Eastbourne Centre Stage live performances every Thursday (3-8pm)

Arndale Christmas entertainment 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 20, 22 Dec

Meads Magic 6 Dec (3.30 - 7pm)

Little Chelsea Christmas 7 Dec (5.30 - 10pm)

HOT (Historic Old Town) Christmas 8 Dec (2.30 - 6.30pm)

For latest news on Eastbourne Christmas HoHo visit their facebook page.

More Festive Fun
For a full list of all Christmas events in Eastbourne including shopping, theatre, local attraction festivities and the return of the free Christmas concerts at the Bandstand visit our listing at VisitEastbourne  

Happy shopping festive fans!!

Tracey

Since my last update I’ve been collecting medals like an Olympic cyclist!!!

In the last six weeks, I’ve completed three superb half marathons - Maidenhead, Bristol and Cardiff.  I’ve found these mass participation races very rewarding and they’ve provided much needed motivation for those long weekend runs. To help build up my mileage I’ve been tagging some extra miles onto these runs – not easy when you’ve got your heart set on a celebratory pint.

For my last two long runs I’ve been accompanied by Diana Johnson (Pictured - Sarah’s mum) – a true inspiration.  Diana and Grahams vast running experience has helped with my own discipline and have been a great influence on my running, between them many marathons and hundreds of half marathons.  Among the many nuggets, my favourite has to be the Johnson family mantra of ‘start slow and taper down’.  Always make me smile and insights like that ensure that running remains fun without unnecessary pressure.  That and Graham’s (Sarah’s Dad) never ending supply of running socks - for some reason, I keep forgetting to pack them!   For the final stages of the Eastbourne Marathon it will be the Johnson grit and determination which I’ll be storing in the back of my mind and unleashing when I need to dig deep.

So we’re in the final countdown before the starter’s gun. 

Conditions may be variable but I’m looking forward to taking in the sights of Beachy Head and finishing with a smile on my face. 

Wish us all luck

….now where did I put those socks?

Allan and Diana Johnson

Eastbourne’s Frightful Family Half Term Fun

From The Big Draw to one of the biggest spook-fests on the south coast at Drusillas Park, there is plenty to keep the little horrors happy this half term at VisitEastbourne.com.

Launching with a weekend of creative fun at Towner, The Big Draw embraces the world’s biggest celebration of drawing with a free event on 27 - 28 October, centring around the campfire with youngsters invited to create their own Towner Tale in a variety of story making zones.

The return of Shriek Week from 27 October to 4 November at nearby Drusillas Park conjures up some spook-tacular fun.  Visit Winifred the Witch, as she plays hide and seek in her creepy cobwebbed Haunted Cottage and meet some mini monsters at Creepy Crawlies day on 28 October from hissing cockroaches and giant millipedes to large fanged tarantulas.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “It is fantastic to see so much going on this half term for kids, and a great chance for Mums and Dads to enjoy a bit of seasonal fun too.  With some great special offers on accommodation and attractions at VisitEastbourne.com, this is the perfect place to take a break, explore the national park and enjoy some late Autumn sunshine.”

The half term week kicks off with the Beachy Head Marathon on 27 October, one of the UK’s biggest off-road sporting spectaculars and a great opportunity to explore the stunning national park route. 

Also on 27 October, Princes Park’s brand new Pistachios in the Park café offers some theatrical fun with Wendy the Sneezing Witch, for an hour of stories and spooky silliness, followed by a free Diddi Dance class on 30 October and a guest appearance by Monkey Music on 2 November.

Knockhatch Adventure Park brings more Halloween fun with face painting, a ghost hunt and guess the weight of the pumpkin, to name but a few, and at Sharnfold Farm, get prepared for a fright-fest with a Wicked Witch Hunt and pumpkin carving, with both attractions running events from 27 – 31 October.

For historic fun, complete the Halloween trail at the Redoubt Napoleonic Fortress & Military Museum with a prize for every child at the end, or nearby Herstmonceux features a beautiful 15^th century moated castle in Elizabethan gardens and parkland, the perfect setting for the Treasures by the Moat antiques fair on 28 October.

Head to the South Downs, explore the Seven Sisters Country Park and follow the Gruffalo’s Child on 29 October through the woods to meet a scary mouse and some of the other animals living in Friston Forest.  Organised by Sussex Wildlife Trust, children can take part in hands on activities around a camp fire, or join the Autumn Camp on 30 October to find out how to light a fire, cook your own food and build a shelter.

For a rainy day escape, hop on the magic carpet for a Disney double bill of The Jungle Book Kids and Aladdin Jr at Devonshire Park Theatre from 31 October – 3 November, featuring high energy productions of two of Disney’s best loved classics.

For genuine haunts, head to Michelham Priory, from TV’s Most Haunted, for Hallowe’en fun on 31 October with Punch & Judy, stories, drama, arts and crafts, face painting and spooky trails through the house and gardens.  Pevensey Castle is also a must for ghost hunters with dark dungeons and a resident ghost – ‘the Pale Lady of Pevensey’.

VisitEastbourne.com offers a range of half term special offers on accommodation and downloadable vouchers for discounted entry to attractions all year round, including 2 for 1’s and kids go free.

For a full round up of Halloween and half term events or to download special offer vouchers, visit www.visiteastbourne.com.

One week to go...

It's come around so quick but somehow there's now under a week to go until the Beachy Head Marathon. Richard gives us an update on how his last minute preparation is progressing.

 

Over the last couple of weeks things have picked up distance wise and with the weather getting wetter the off road running has had to take a back seat and the tarmac has been pounded.

 

The longest I had previously run was 16m back in 2010 and that was a flat 16m where I ended up really struggling the last 4 miles with runners knee problems. On that day I decided that 10k was enough with the Hastings Half Marathon once a year to be my long run. But since I decided that I wanted to do a marathon I had the mental barrier of not running well after 12 or 13miles.

 

So with that in my mind I went out plugged into my ipod, music going and ran comfortably for 15miles. Got home with no problem and even managed to better my half marathon PB by a minute. Another 7.5 miles midweek followed by a 10k at race pace on the Friday night on my own, again dropping my PB by 45 seconds to 41.43. Doesn't sound like a lot but I was over the moon.

 

Sunday morning was to be the run into the unknown. I arranged to meet a friend of mine who has recently completed his first marathon in Loch Ness (asked if he was seeing Nessie by the end of the race he replied "I was seeing Jesus by the end!"). I ran 6.5 miles to meet him in Ashburnham, did the 6.4 mile off road loop I've done before, managing to get soaked and muddy, before leaving him and running the 6.5 miles home. Total of 19.4 miles and the best thing was I didn't feel dead on my feet after running for the furthest Ive ever run and for the longest time I've run.

 

With just a week to go I am feeling confident and trying to ward off a snotty nose I may have caught from my 5 month old son.

 

Once race day rolls around I'm hoping for very little wind and overcast skies and to get to the end in one piece with a decent time. But till then I'm just eating and resting for the week!

14 days, 20 hours, 5 minutes, 46 seconds...45...43

Here we are then another week has somehow flown by and that can only mean one thing, another week closer to M-Day (marathon day!)

So far this week has progressed very nicely with the usual clear up operation of beer festival taking place whilst our focus turns attention to the next main event on the Eastbourne calendar...The Beachy Head Marathon.

With this there was the sudden realisation that it really isn't long and if I'm honest, I better pull my finger out with doing a couple more runs! Here in the office the transition from beer to trainer has gone very smoothly. No sooner were the kegs empty than the advertising banners and volunteers being enlisted. The hunt however still remains for the elusive final few, urgently need volunteers to help steward the big day. If you or someone you know can help then please do get in touch on 01323 415442 or email julie.paul@eastbourne.gov.uk.

This week also saw the 'presentation' of the official Garmin running watch that I shall be wearing on the big day for distance and elevation measuring. However when I first saw it my first thoughts were not of being the next Mo Farah, instead more Spiderman with the size of this thing! Joking aside I have test run with it once since and I must say it has been a real training aid. From telling me minute detail about where I'm easing off too much or burning too much energy.

If you want any further information or would like to share your stories then do please get in touch with myself at matt.kuchta@eastbourne.gov.uk

All the best,
M

Press Release - Free pint for marathon runners!

''The Tiger Inn in East Dean is offering runners who complete the Beachy Head Marathon this year a free pint of beer from the Beachy Head  Brewery on presentation of their medal. 

The Beachy Head Marathon, which this year takes place on Saturday 27 October, is one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK.   The race starts at 9.00 from the St Bede’s School site at the western end of the seafront at the foot of the South Downs walking trail. The 26 mile route takes the 1750 runners across the stunning landscape and challenging terrain of the South Downs countryside.  Spectators will be able to watch from a variety of viewing points as the course covers the villages of Jevington, Alfriston and Litlington, plus Friston Forest, the Cuckmere Valley, Seven Sisters, Birling Gap and Beachy Head.

The Tiger is ideally located for spectators to stop for a drink or something to eat.  The pub even serves breakfast seven days a week to non-residents.  It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and serves delicious classic British dishes, plus a variety of drinks including beers from the award-winning Beachy Head Brewery.''

Allen Grant is a step closer

With the final couple weeks of training ticking away, Allen gives us the latest update.

Just got back today from my last long training run which was Chester marathon on Sunday. The race was flat and the weather was great, but I am a little sore today. Although I have not been training much it went well, so hopefully I will be able to beat my personal best at Beachy Head this year.

This week leading up to the race I have been cutting down on the proteins and increasing my carbs with plenty of wholemeal bread and pasta and making sure I drink plenty of water. Training has been reduced to a 13 mile LSD (Long, Slow, Distance) run on Sunday around 1/2-1 min slower than race pace, 5 miles easy pace midweek and 3 miles slow in race kit on Friday, rest on Saturday ( walking round Chester Zoo) and plenty of sleep.

I will be back training in a day or two when my legs recover.

Keep going Allen and the rest of our runners, it's the final push!

Richard Devine keeps those legs running!

Getting Lost and Hitting ‘That’ Hill

Having decided that going x-country was the way forward for my training I set off after work into the unknown of Crowhurst and Filsham marshes in St Leonards. I hadn’t been out there for 20 years and with it being the end of the summer it is all overgrown so trying to remember a route to run was a task in itself. Fortunately I met a friend running on the other side of a river going the other way who gave me some rough directions. With these fresh in the memory I managed to find my way to Crowhurst and then came to a crossroads at the end of a bridleway. I don’t know if you know much about the countryside, but they aren’t big on signposting. Luck came my way again when a cyclist pointed me in the right direction. I managed to get lost coming back also, missing a turning in some woods and ended up doing an extra mile back to the car. Lovely summers evening for a run.

‘That’ hill is the sight, I along with everyone on 27^th October will see at the start of the marathon. I decided to have a go at that start and some of the hills along the seven sisters. After getting lost a few times earlier in the week I made my mind up that I would just out and back in as straight a line as possible.

‘That’ hill is terrible but what I didn’t realise is that there are a few more of those along the way. On the 5 miles out I felt good, going past Belle Tout Lighthouse and through Birling Gap. Then I turned around and came back and realised that I had been pushed along by the wind! Going back up to Belle Tout was too much and I had to walk for 100m. Walking some of the hills is not out of the question on the day.

2 steps forward, 1 step back...

This week has been full of it's ups and downs for my training for the goal of the Beachy Head Marathon.

Every week there are some good stuff that happens and there are the bad bits. This week however seemed to be the exception with a couple of very nasty bits but not equally matched by the highs!

The week got off to a somewhat painful start as some how my two year old niece managed to crack my nose and give me a beautiful black eye. This I could put up with however it is the consequences of the broken nose that cause the most trouble as the surgeon reckons the chipped bone was obstructing the canals in my nose making breathing whilst running just that extra bit harder!

Anyway, I picked myself up after that setback as I knew training must continue at all costs and and well for a crack of dawn run with my friend around Whitbread, Beachy Head and the surrounding areas. This was the high point of the weeks training as we beat our personal best times for the circuit - happy days! :)

Just as I thought I was over the weekend troubles of the nose, a ride out on the horses on Wednesday evening went and threw yet another spanner in the works. It was a beautiful evening with the sun slowly setting and getting a final gallop in before returning home. Just as everything was perfect...the nightmare struck as my friends horse suddenly bolts off and gallops off in the process throwing her from the horse, to which she landed very awkwardly and painfully on her back...This left my friend and I looking after 3 horses, our injured friend and competing with the ever diminishing light.

Cutting a long story short the resulting outcome was myself running about 8miles up and down hills in horse riding boots (blistered like never before and a slightly twisted ankle) and an overall finish with a ride out in the air ambulance for her and the long walk home for us! All the running has now left my feet shot to pieces however, in the words of Queen, the show must go on! But also recovery is vital and premature training would only further exacerbate the injuries, so, rest it is for a couple of days!

Eastbourne's best kept secret's...revealed!

Here's something a little bit different now. Yesterday on our VisitEastbourne facebook page - www.facebook.com/visiteastbourne we asked our fans to share with us some of what they feel are the towns hidden gems.

In no particular order and with some readers thoughts!:

• Holywell Tea Rooms
• The Holy Well, fresh spring water near the sugar loaf. (The Sugar Loaf is a massive piece of chalk at the top of the cliff behind St Bedes. The well is at the foot of the cliffs below and you can drink out of it. It's a lovely walk.)
• The chalk cliffs are spectacular but hardly a secret.
• Neates, Urban Ground & The cafe at Towner are all amazing little gems to eat in!
• Holywell tea chalet, it's a lovely little sun trap and fab food too!
• Sovereign Harbour Beach near the harbour Entrance!!!! Beautiful view up there.
• ''Having gone to a charity BBQ at Lions Farm on Saturday, I would say to people when another event is held there go and enjoy the experience of the animals and lakes, we were amazed.''
• Sevenoaks Park where Langney Area Panel have installed 3 public BBQs
• One of the best kept secret's must be the bunker opposite the Beachy Head pub.

So if you've got some free time, then go and check some of these fantastic places out for yourself! Also if you've got some ideas of your own then share them in the comments below. :)

Richard keeps on pounding the hills.

Here Richard guides us through a return to the fantastic benefits of cross-country running.

After pounding the concrete streets and increasing my mileage for a couple of weeks I have run into a few problems with my IT Band, the dreaded Runners Knee! Having had it before I knew what to do so a few days rest and plenty of stretching and decided to take myself x-country running as that has always helped and seeing as the marathon is off road a good excuse to get out and about the beautiful Sussex countryside. I decided to go on a 10k loop in Ashburnham that I have walked from fellow runner Nick Browns 1066 Country Walks book.

A side note, In Chris McDougals book Born To Run a theory for the ability of Taramuhara Indian runners, along side their diet, technique and need to run, it was suggested that enjoying running was the key. Running with a smile when you are 60 miles into a 100 mile race.

With that theory I went out to run the hills of Ashburnham in Battle whilst listening to comedy. If I could be amused whilst running then I wouldn't be thinking about the pain in my legs whilst pounding up hills.

Thanks to Kevin Bridges, Jim Jefferies and Billy Connolly I flew round a 10k loop in the country side of Battle without thinking how long I was out for (including being chased by some playful cattle). I don't think I looked at my watch once until I finished.

One week closer

Times ticking at the Beachy Head Marathon is drawing ever closer.

It is now becoming ever clearer that every day that goes by, is yet another day closer to those 26 miles of arduous endurance! With the amount of work on the go never getting less, fitting in these longer 15-18mile runs is proving challenging to say the least. I aim to run roughly every other day with a 'rest' day in between however the success rate at this method is less than impressive! 

This aside the runs that I'm going on now do feel a lot more steady and controlled with a really purpose to not stopping and walking up the steep hills. Partly down to Indi my Springer spaniel and her limitless amounts of energy to charge up even the steepest of incline. Generally after spotting a pheasant or some other game strutting elegantly along.

The times also come when I'm asking myself is it time for some new specialist trainers to last the testing terrain. The answer to this is probably very simple...yes! However the choice on the market is lost with me. All these different brands competing for 'The Ultimate' running shoe. I feel I'd have more chance of getting a good shoe if I just did a lucky dip. Also the garble that some salespeople come out with just goes straight over my head and I end up judging the shoe on its aesthetic values! A really good website to help with all things running related I've found is The Running bug.

Anyway back to sorting out some more bits and pieces, more to come tomorrow...

VisitEastbourne's own training blog!

VisitEastbourne's own is running the Beachy Head marathon also, so here's an update with an insider view!

Less than two months to go till 'D-day' and somehow it's crept up quietly and the pressure and nerves are starting to mount! From the moment I accepted the challenge of running the marathon from a colleague back in April, I have been looking forward to my date with destiny and th undulating hills. I can't deny that over the summer with all the busy events and happenings in Eastbourne, my training has, well, been rather remiss. To be honest - non existent would be more of a factually correct statement! Never mind I'm generally quite a fit person and swimming many times a week so hopefully with a little more effort on pounding the hills, I should be in some form of reasonable fitness to tackle those stunning Seven Sisters.

With a large portion of event's successfully finished for now, my attention can start to return to turning over the miles. I have been very fortunate to have an awesome friend who knows exactly how to train for these types of ‘crazy'ness’ and the best way to approach it. This has meant alternate days going for early morning runs around Whitbread or down at Sovereign Harbour. Applied with a lot of flexing and stretching – I’ll admit I’m not the most flexible of people! After these I can definitely feel the burn, but as they say 'No pain, no gain', I keep persevering. Needless to say that progressively each run I do becomes easier and I'm starting to increase the mileage.

All this being juggled with the fun of the office in the day, some pre/post event's work here and there, seven swimming sessions throughout the course of the week and looking after a few horses and dogs just for good measure! I sure do look forward to that moment of pure relaxation when my head touches the soft pillow at the end of the day, however the pleasure and happiness each day brings me is like nothing else and I really do look forward to each and every next day to start it all over again.

Introducing Allan Lambert!

It's time to introduce you to our final Beachy Head Marathon lucky competition winner - Allan Lambert. On the 27th October, Allan, along with Michael, Richard and Allen will set out on the arduous 26 mile course across the South Downs. Here's Allan's first blog entry of his training day 1.

So I've signed up for the Beachy Head Marathon on 27^th October. The countdown to the starting gun has begun and I’ve started to crank up the miles.  

A little about me; I'm nearer forty than thirty, dad to my heroes Hannah and Thomas and work for a well known group of UK holiday companies. In my spare time you can find me ‘running slowly’ with my significant other Sarah and training our 1 year old energetic black Labrador, Griff.  I’m a big fan of holidaying in the UK. From coastline to sunshine (yes, really) we really do have some of best places to visit and explore. 

So am I serious runner?  No. As a former rugby player you could say I’m build for comfort rather than speed!  However, I do give it a good go. What I enjoy most about running is it takes me to parts of the UK I wouldn’t necessary visit. That fact mixed together with an enjoyable run, a finishers’ medal and rewarding post run pint and I couldn’t be happier.

I have completed a handful of marathons. Emphasis on completed... Sub six hours and I've had a good day at the office.  Of course I’d like a stunning personal best to impress friends and family but for now I’m more than happy to get around with a smile on my face.

Allan, Sarah and Griff the Lab.

Still going strong

Richard Devine, one of our Beachy Head Marathon competition winners, has again written a fantastic piece about how his training is progressing.

10 weeks to go and I’m feeling motivated. I had just finished reading Scott Jurek’s book 'Eat and Run' and decided to go out for a run with no watch to tell me how long, how far and at what pace I was running. Running for the fun of it.

I set out once the early evening had cooled and headed out towards the countryside where I hadn’t run before with only a vague idea of which where I was headed for. Still plugged into my iPod though, don’t need to hear myself struggling up hills!

Quite liberating to run and have no idea whether I should go faster to keep to a pace or how far I had gone. Ran comfortably for what turned out to be about an hour and a quarter and did just over 9 miles of undulating country lanes and their grassy verges (can’t help but map it afterwards). No dogs to try and trip me over this time but there was a tractor that had parked itself across the road but I saw that one from a distance and managed to sidestep it like Mo Farah striding out of the pack and sprinting away.

Think I will need to hit a few more hills and stay out longer over the next few weeks to be sure I’m ready, already planning new routes to make runs longer, the clock is ticking.

Allen Grant's First day training blog

My first day training for the Beachy Head Marathon would consist of a good nights sleep the day before so that when I wake up at 07.00 I am refreshed.

For my breakfast I would have porridge with syrup and raisins to give me sustained energy for my run and drink a cup of tea at home and 500ml of water before I started.

The run would be 10 miles at a slow pace at which you can hold a conversation.

Starting at Butts Brow and heading towards Beachy Head Golf club then through to Beachy Head past Bell Tout lighthouse and onto Birling Gap where I would head back along the Beachy Head road and turn and go up through Cornish farm to Warren hill across the road and head back past the golf club to Butts Brow.

At the end of my run I would drink another 500ml of isotonic sports drink whilst cooling down with a slow walk of 100 metres and stretching then I would normally have an energy bar or banana when I got home.

If I am running on my own I would always let someone know where I am running, how long I would be (REMEMBER SAFETY AT ALL TIMES) and carry my mobile with me or better still run with a group.

Be happy in your running.

Allen Grant

Day 1 of Training

Read Day 1 of Training by Richard Devine - who was one of the lucky winners of our Beachy Head Marathon blogging competition and will be taking part in the marathon on 27 October.

So on a hot Sunday morning I fill up my water bottle, set my Garmin, plug in my iPod and off out the door. Keeping it easy on the flat for the first mile before hitting a couple of inclines to wake the legs up. Already working my way through the water as the sun is beating down and there isnt much cover on the route I had planned so half the water is going over my head. After 2.5 miles i hit another hill, steeper than the first and try to keep the same pace as on the flat knowing I have a downhill section to recover.

Next comes a long undulating road, normally boring but this morning thankfully I have stand up comedy from Kevin Bridges in my ears to pass the time. Once I make it onto the seafront I know I only have a couple of miles to go but that is almost curtailed by a stray dog. Having to hurdle after 4 miles isnt ideal!

As I am coming to the end of my run finishing off my now warm water I pass my girlfriend and our 9 week old son enjoying a stroll on the seafront, just the incentive I need to quicken the pace for the last quarter of a mile.  6.2miles in 48 mins, wonder how long I could keep that pace for, only time will tell and the ice cream on the way home makes it worthwhile.

Beachy Head Marathon Competition Winners

Back in July we offered the exclusive opportunity to win some of the last few places to Beachy Head Marathon - one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK.

For a chance to win entrants had to simply write their 'first day training' blog entry in no more than 250 words.

I am pleased to announce that we have selected our lucky winners - Michael Plummer, Richard Devine, Allen Grant and Allan Lambert who will be taking part in the 26 mile cross country course on 27 October.

Here's our first blog entry from competition winner, Michael Plummer:

First Day Training

Today it starts, new event, new countdown, but for a change an autumn event. This is going to be different though, off road running, out of the comfort zone, unlike the seafront courses I have been used to. But like all other half’s or full’s training they start the same way, first few runs will let me flush out all the niggles and see what possible injuries might come back. Hoping I can stick to the routine, build up the miles gradually, vary the routes and make sure to keep the right hydration. it will be great to complete a 26 this year after missing out on Brighton, my biggest concern is thinking about the varied inclines so will need to put in a lot more hill training. Ok so am not ready to go barefoot for that distance yet but will need to mix some of those runs to strengthen the ankles. I have the new app that will hopefully track my pace better, to see any gradual changes, let hope it works. New trail shoes do feel lighter than the old ones, must make sure there is enough room for toe movement; I am fed up with loosing nails after each marathon. So much to consider and include over the next 12 weeks but am excited, being part of a famous event. God almost forgot the most important part of training, need to create some new playlist, well no turning back now.

Sue O'Hara on her Olympic Torch Relay

I was lucky enough to get to talk to Sue O’Hara a little while after her inspiring torch relay leg (and also appearing live on Daybreak in the morning!)

Firstly big congratulations to you Sue, I hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed your Olympic experience. So, who nominated you to carry the torch through Eastbourne?

Vicki Jago nominated me, she has been a friend of the family for 26 years and she didn't tell me she was going to do it.

Sue with her Olympic Torch - Graham Huntley.

What was your first reaction when you heard that you had been chosen to carry the Olympic Torch?

The first I knew of it was May or June time in 2011 when Vicki told me she had nominated me. My first reaction was, I can’t run! Then I received an email telling me Vicki had nominated me, then didn't hear anything till the end of November when I was told I was chosen to carry the flame, but I wasn’t allowed to tell anybody.

Please can you tell us more about The Tuesday O’Hara fund?

The Tuesday O'Hara Fund was set up in 2007 after my daughter lost her four year battle with Leukaemia. As we found on our journey with Tuesday they are the forgotten age group and need help and support both financially and with special treats, like laptops, games consoles, holidays or a day out somewhere with loved ones. We are also using some of the money to facilitate a room in the Eastbourne DGH so it has a ‘home from home’ feel. I also found there was no support I could go and talk to, as in other parents going through same thing, so now I am quite happy for any parent to come and have a chat any time.

What are the aims of the charity and what will the money go towards?

The aims of the charity are to keep helping as many young adults as we can and when the Pevensey Ward at the DGH is built we hope to be more involved with that in anyway possible.

Great seat to watch the torch relay in Eastbourne - Graham Huntley.

Tell us more about the fun activities and events you run in order to raise money?

We have some fun events all through the year, the next one being on September 22nd which is our Hastings to Eastbourne Pier to Pier walk. Last year was a great success we had 69 people aged from 7 - 60 all showing their support for the charity. We hold quiz nights, danceathons, Halloween nights, fete stalls, we had a float in the carnival, treasure hunt, boxing day dip, people have scaled buildings and jumped out of planes had their heads shaved and legs waxed all for a great cause.

Who helped and supported you through these events?

My late husband Frank was a great organiser and all events would be like military precision movements and we have a great team working with us who all give up their free time to volunteer at the events. So a big thank you to; Vicki Jago, Jon Clarke, Paul Relf, Lynda & Colin Cannings, Mary Flynn Shirley Moth and all the others who help out.

Do you live in Eastbourne, if so how long how you lived in the town? (If not, where? Do you live nearby?)

I was born in Eastbourne and moved away for nine years when I was 17, but missed it so came back and been here now for 30 years.



Sue lighting her Olympic torch - Graham Huntley.



How have you been preparing for the big day? Are you nervous?I tried to prepare to carry the torch… I started running and dieting, but alas they didn't last when I found out I would only have to carry it 0.3 of a mile! I didn't realise the enormity of it all until the week before the 17th of July, when I was having trouble sleeping, (which usually is not a problem for me). I was getting anxious of the unknown and trying to research what it was going to be like by joining the torch bearer’s page on Facebook. On the Monday and the Tuesday morning before I had to be there I was in another world, we got up and went to Daybreak TV on the beach for 6am and I was interviewed live on TV by Gethin Jones – a great way to start the day. Then Carole Brains was holding a garden party for us so I was due to attend that and give a radio interview before I went to meet the other torch bearers.

What was it like running with the torch through your hometown of Eastbourne?
It was an amazing day, I had my daughter Tuesday's trainers on and all the other torch bearers were lovely. It is an experience I will remember and talk about for the rest of my life, I felt so over whelmed by the support from the Eastbourne people on the street where I ran - seeing family and friends and strangers just wanting to have their photo taken with me! It was a once in a lifetime event and I felt privileged to be chosen as one of the 8000. 2012 will be a year I will never forget.

Finally, 2012 is a momentous year for Britain, what lasting legacy would you like to see from these fantastic celebrations?The whole country has had much to celebrate so far this year and Eastbourne has done as much celebrating as the rest of the country. It was great to see the town so alive, I would like to see Eastbourne people come together and have many more events for us all to enjoy.

All photos by Graham Huntley.