Winner of the AEGON International Guestblogger Competition!

By the winner of our AEGON International Guestblogger competition, Matthew Arnold, who will be reporting back on play on Wednesday 20 and the finals on Saturday 23 June. Congratulations Matthew, we're looking forward to reading your great blog entries next week!

What makes the AEGON International so special for me this year?

We are just days away from the biggest tennis tournament that Eastbourne has ever seen. It's a huge line-up that would be worthy of any capital in the world and yet it's crammed into the small but perfectly formed Devonshire park.

I love this tournament because of its contradictions. Wherever you are in the ground you are never more than a few feet from both a top class picnic and seeing the world’s elite battling it out.

Eastbourne always attracts virtually all of the top 20 women's players in the game. Wozniacki, Ivanovic and Zvonareva will all be turning heads on and off court. The question is, will Bartoli be able to defend her title against the powers of current Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova?

Gate-crashing the party, but in a good way, is the loveable rogue-ish men's tournament. This year we get to witness the best backhand in the game, yes Richard Gasquet taking on a field headed by the indomitable Marcos Baghdatis.

If that's not enough, you still have the legends, Rusedski, Hingis, Martinez and Philippoussis tearing up the Eastbourne grass. Let's hope the juniors will be watching and learning between their matches too.

There has never been such an action packed tournament and I can't wait to see who is left basking in the glow of glory and hopefully the traditional Eastbourne sun.

What makes the AEGON International so special for Jack Gracie this year?

Jack Gracie will be reporting back on play on Tuesday 19 June. Jack is a budding photographer so watch out for him and his camera on the day - we're looking forward to seeing some fab photos alongside his blog entry!

For me, this years AEGON International is special because it has the potential to be the first form of elite competition that I could cover as a journalist.

It is and has been for some time now, my dream to become a sport journalist. Travelling the world, watching the sport I love and getting to report what I love to thousands ofothers.

The AEGON International has the potential to be my first ever opportunity to experience what it is like to cover professional sport, something which the high calibre of player competing at Devonshire Park this year, guarantees.

Before now I have not had the chance to experience this and I would relish the chance to emulate the work I have read and watched from other journalists that have inspired me. The tournament could be a great chance for me to gain some valuable experience and really test what I have learnt so far.

At University I have recently been involved in a group research project in which are question was "What effect does hosting the AEGON International have on the town of Eastbourne". Because of this I am fully aware of benefits the competition brings with it and this is of course another reason that makes it special. Not only to me but the whole of the Eastbourne community.

But ultimately... the chance to watch the world's best doesn't come around very often and it is this in particular that makes this years tournament special to me.

What makes the AEGON International so special for me this year?

By Tommy Curran - who will be reporting back on play on Monday 18 June.

"Why the hell are you talking to me?" screamed a perturbed Janko Tipsarević to a stunned face in the crowd. It was the final of the AEGON International 2011 at Devonshire Park, and the bespectacled Serb was cracking under pressure.

A set down to Italian opponent Andreas Seppi, Tipsarević became frustrated when a line call went against him.

With the court festooned in semi-darkness and only a smattering of supporters still braving the autumn-like conditions, Tipsarević took umbrage at a comment hurled from the stands and questioned the alleged abuser.

This was sport at its most dramatic - raw human emotion laid bare for all to see. The strain of top-class sport taking its toll on a hitherto placid and sanguine individual.

Seppi eventually claimed a 7-6, 3-6, 5-3 victory in the rain-interrupted final, with his opponent forced to retire hurt in his second match of the day. But the drama and compelling nature of that see-saw final whet the appetite beautifully for first-class tennis in Eastbourne.

The 2012 International is, for me, the most eagerly anticipated tennis tournament the town has ever hosted - Seppi will return to defend his title, but will face strong competition from former Wimbledon semi-finalist Richard Gasquet and up-and-coming Australian teenager Bernard Tomic.

The list of female entrants, meanwhile, is enough to leave one salivating. Petra Kvitová, 2011 Wimbledon champion, will be hoping to go one better than last year when she finished as runner-up to France's Marion Bartoli, who will also be back to defend her crown.

Where better to start this stunning summer of sport than on the Sunshine Coast? Let's play.

AEGON International Guestbloggers

A month ago we were looking for local writing talent to guestblog at the prestigious AEGON International Tennis Championships. A pair of tickets were up for grabs each day from Sunday 17 to Thursday 21, with the best blogger entry from the week winning tickets to the singles men's and women's finals on Saturday 23 June. The runner-up won tickets to the semi-finals on Friday 22. We asked budding writers to send us a 250 word feature on what makes the AEGON International tennis championships so special for them this year - be it players, their love of tennis, the location or (hopefully) the weather!

So to introduce you to our first guestblogger, Steph Temple, here's her 250 word entry. Steph will be reporting back on play on Sunday 17 June.


What makes the Aegon International so special for me this year?

The smell of freshly cut grass, the appearance of manicured toe nails and the waft of sausages sizzling on the barbecue are all welcomed signs of summer. It would not be complete though, without lawn tennis and no, not Wimbledon. The Aegon International in Eastbourne is the perfect event for tennis lovers or for those of you who just fancy a day out with strawberries and Pimms, to banish the winter blues and mark in style, the beginning of a stupendous summer of world class sport.

This year’s Aegon International is the highlight of the sunshine coast’s events’ calendar. Every year people from all over the country and further afield, flock to our wonderful town, to watch in delight as their favourite tennis super-stars work their magic on the pristine grass courts at Devonshire Park.

For me, the Aegon International will be better than ever, the line-up of players includes famous names like Caroline Wozniacki and Richard Gasquet and that’s before you scroll down the legends list to see favourites like Greg Rusedski, Martina Hingis and Marcos Philippousis storm on to centre court. Sorry, I promise I won’t mention the word storm again, yes the weather has been atrocious but even if the sun does not shine, the thrill of watching world class tennis and the buzz around the town in a few weeks’ time will be enough to fill us all with a warm, fuzzy glow.

Thanks Steph, have fun on Sunday!

Lily

Jack Moule at Eastbourne Extreme

We were lucky enough to get the chance to speak to world no. 2 freestyle jet ski champion, Jack Moule. At just 17 years old Jack is preparing for this year’s AquaX championships at Eastbourne Extreme and looking forward to entertaining the crowds with his acrobatic flare and high speed tricks!

Tell us about when you first got into jet skiing and how it came about…I first got into jet skiing when I was 13 years old. My Dad had a jet ski and always loved watersports, so I decided to have a go and loved it.

Did you think it would ever be possible to become a professional jet ski freestyle champion, let alone no. 2 in the world?I probably didn't think it would be possible to become a professional jet skier in England as the weather is not always great and to be fair it doesn't have a huge following - people just don't know much about freestyle jet skiing. But I have been lucky enough to successfully promote jet skiing as a sport and show everyone what it’s about.

What is your favourite trick and why? My favourite trick at the moment is the no-handed barrel roll, where I take both my hands off the ski as it is rotating upside down in a corkscrew!

So, you’re coming to Eastbourne on Saturday 14th July for Eastbourne Extreme – are you excited about your visit to the town?Yes, of course, it’s always nice to visit different places and have the opportunity to talk to different people and Eastbourne sounds great, so I'm looking forward to it!!

Is there anything/anyone (other than you!) we should be looking out for at Extreme?Well hopefully there will be lots of people watching me do my freestyle show and apart from that my Dad is racing in the P1 AquaX Championship so I will definitely be cheering him on as he is a rookie!

If you weren’t jet skiing, what else would you be doing?If I wasn't jet skiing I think I would definitely still do something linked to sports, either football or golf or maybe even stunt work as I always like to be active.

So The World Finals are in the USA later this year, where you’re hoping to become world no. 1. What are your other plans for the future?Yep, I'm looking forward to going to the USA for The World Finals and am busy preparing for that. I also have some other jet ski shows and displays coming up, plus other opportunities that are coming my way....so watch this space!

Can we follow you on Twitter? If so, tell us why we should in 140 characters?Yes, of course you can follow me on Twitter @JackMoule as I’ll be tweeting during Eastbourne Extreme so people can hear what it’s like to get some air on a jet ski plus some other cool stuff...


So looks like Jack has got a busy year ahead of him - so thank you Jack for finding time in your hectic schedule to talk to us and best of luck for this years AquaX championships! We'll be cheering you on in Eastbourne!

Lily

Holding the Olympic Dream

Andrew Palmer (known to all as 'Palmer') is one of the 8,000 torch bearers carrying the Olympic flame through the streets of Britain from 19 May. We caught up with Palmer, who lives in Eastbourne, to find out more about his inspirational journey to becoming a torch bearer.

So Palmer, you’ve been given the prestigious job of carrying the Olympic torch, how excited were you to hear the news?
Yes when I got the email that I’d been nominated I was very shocked. My wife kept it a secret and I didn’t realise she had nominated me. Then when I got the news I had been picked out of 80,000 people I said “I’ve been picked!”. Since then I’ve also been nominated to be an Ambassador for Sport for 2012 – it was a shock!

We hear that you have done a fantastic job working with young people in sport, what have been your highlights?
I have been working with children and young adults for over 15 years on various projects, and often head hunted to collaborate and direct various programmes.

Ranging from helping single parent dads and lads with bridging gaps using sport as a tool to bond and from working with children with learning difficulties, to those with disabilities. I have worked in numerous schools in the Midlands, and was Manager of the Nottinghamshire Football Association Youth U18’s as well as coaching and scouting for Leicester City FC.

I feel that my main highlights have been coaching the Nottingham Schools Football Association and working as a Learning Mentor at Radford Primary school, organising for 14 children the trip of a lifetime to Liverpool FC to watch a game. Working with children/young adults and building confidence and self-esteem is fantastic so they can all be classed as highlights.

You’ve done some outstanding work in the community reducing gun & knife crime through sport, how should people get involved in helping their community?
For the last 30 years I was brought up in a house of 6, by my Mum in inner city Nottingham. I managed to not to get involved in crime, in fact I’ve never done drugs and I don’t drink. So when I was asked to work with young adults both boys and girls involved in gun and knife crime I took it in my stride.

Working with young adults on the project was tough at times, but once there is mutual respect then it gets easier. I think that the best way to get involved is those that can, should go about finding out what the young people want and help to put on those activities - at the same time getting involved, with the activity. The community must not put something on for short periods then let it stop. There must be some sort of sustainability and continuity. ”Todays children are tomorrows adults”.

You’ve been living in Eastbourne now for 2 years, what attracted you to the town? And how do you like to spend your time off?
What attracted me to Eastbourne was my wife had done some research and found out that it was along with Cornwall the hottest part of UK. Not only that we had heard that it was quite relaxed and we wanted to be by the sea. I like to spend the time off with my wife Carla and the kids. We have a 16 month old boy that I’m now showing my sporting prowess to.

Olympic year must be a very busy year for you, what is your latest project?
It is a busy year, my latest project that me and my wife have set up is a mentoring service for young adults trying to access a career in football. So those looking for a chance in semi pro, professional or even just a career in other areas of football.

We are now living in the era where most young people and children believe that you can be the next Rooney or next Lewis Hamilton or maybe a famous singer, just like that. Most Saturday nights children are with their Mums (or sometimes Dads) watching X Factor and these shows have given children a false sense that fame is easy.

We forget that children/young adults can get rejected and need a helping hand. So with this consultancy my aim is to help those that may have been released by clubs or those that need a pep talk to help them.

On 29 June you’ll be carrying the iconic torch relay through the streets of Nottingham, what are you doing to prepare for the special day?
I’m preparing by walking along Eastbourne beach gingerly hahaha, eating healthy as I always do and doing one arm press ups hahahaha - that torch might be heavy!

The torch comes to Eastbourne on 17 July, will you be cheering on the other torchbearers?
Yes of course I will be cheering the other torch bearers on. It’s an honour to be picked. So many people have fantastic stories to tell over coming so many obstacles in their lives. Supporting others makes them smile and lets them know they are deserving of being such a good human being. I will be out on the streets clapping and cheering them on. I think everyone in Eastbourne should get involved.

What sports will you be cheering on at the Olympics?
Well I love sports. I know that sports is one of the main vehicles that help adults and children learn. It can inspire people to do greatness, it can make a person with no legs walk and a blind person shoot an arrow. We mustn’t forget there’s the Paralympics as well so I will be watching both. I know that watching the 100 metres sprint is one of the favourite events (my mum comes from Jamaica same as Usain Bolt) but at the Olympics I like watching most of the sports.

Any advice you can give to budding sports men and women?
My advice to sports men and women is work hard, don’t be afraid to try and be confident. My motto is ‘Believe and you will Achieve’ oh yeh and stay off the drugs!

Finally, 2012 is a momentous year for Britain, what lasting legacy would you like to see from these fantastic celebrations?
The lasting legacy should be the continuity of sports, particularly at the grassroots. Quite often with these events people pour money into the start of the project but then when it finishes it fades away and all we are left with is memories of the games. There needs to be more from the government to help young adults in terms of job prospects and pathways into sport. Instil a belief structure that builds hope and unity.

Thank you to taking the time to talk to us Palmer. Good luck for the big day and we look forward to seeing you at the celebrations in Eastbourne on 17 July.

The Belgian Café

Meet Greg from The Belgian Café, the director manager (alongside his business partner Stephane) of this fabulous restaurant that has been in Eastbourne for well over a decade.

We spoke to Greg to find what it is that makes Eastbourne so special for him and even managed to get one of The Belgian Café’s famous recipes for Carbonade Flamande (Flemish beef and beer stew)!


How well would you say you know Eastbourne?
After seven years I would say that I know it fairly well, not perfectly but I’m getting there!

Tell us what you love most about the town?
It's a very laidback town - clean, peaceful and safe. There is a very good theatre with a lot going on and if you like traveling Gatwick airport is just next door, which opens a door to the whole world. Brighton and London are also nearby, so you don’t have to live with the stress and expenses – you can choose when you have it! You just have to spend a week in Eastbourne to see why it can be a nice place to live – and then you will just fall in love with the town. And what about the weather? It is after all the sunshine coast! Yes it is raining sometimes, but hey we are still in England! Compared to other places we are very lucky.
 

What Eastbourne secret or hidden gem would you share with a visitor?
For me it is on a sunny day walking from Princes Park towards the pier. Just before reaching it you can see it looking bright white with the sun shining on it, all the colours of the flowers just behind and Beachy Head in the background - it's just beautiful.

 

If you were a tourist for the day, what are your must visits and must dos in Eastbourne?
The beauty of Eastbourne is that it’s a town where you don't need to do a lot to feel good, just take a look at the sea and it makes your day. Otherwise the view from Beachy Head is just gorgeous and a must see.

Some quickfire questions…
Coast or countryside?
Coast

Sand or pebbles?
Sand

Summer or winter?
Both are good

Past or present?
Present



Carbonade Flamande

For 15 to 18 portions

In a large sauce pan you need:
1 block of butter
2 large onions sliced
4 cloves of garlic
10lb of diced beef
A handful of mixed herbs and bay leaf
Salt and pepper
About 2soup spoon of Dijon mustard
8 cooking apples slightly pre cook in a pan
About 800g of tomato purée
1 pint of plum sauce
4 soup spoon of Worcester sauce
6 dark beers

Put on a medium heat for about 3 hours and check it often so that the jus doesn’t reduce too much and keep an eye on the texture of the beef! Enjoy!

To book a table at The Belgian Café call Greg on 01323 729967 or email thebelgiancafe@yahoo.co.uk
The Belgian Café, 11-23 Grand Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 3YN.
Open Monday to Sunday – 11am till late