The Big Dig is taking place across Eastbourne this summer to reveal more of our town’s beginnings and I’m looking forward to getting involved. Organised by the council’s heritage team and open to all residents and I hope it will find out more about our history.
This year, the organisers are also asking us to dig test pits in our own gardens. I’ve got a head start on that!
Last summer, Nick and I (mainly Nick!) ‘found’ the garden of our new home under years of growth. As well as a full set of clothes – weird - we unearthed a stash of Eastbourne engraved bricks. Not enough to build a wall but who knew there was once a brick factory in our town?
More with an eye on the future, diggers are already on site at the DGH, as part of an archaeological survey ahead of the construction of our new day surgery unit. This unit represents the first wave of transformation towards our new hospital - something again confirmed by the government last week.
Planning permission and government funding is already in place; most importantly, this new state-of-the-art facility will deliver almost 8,500 operations per annum. This is mission critical to powering through the COVID-inspired backlog and very good news for patients.
And to continue the building theme, while admiring the giant replica cake on display at Towner, Chairman and former BBC host, David Dimbleby recounted to me how he had dug the first sod at this new, purpose-built gallery. It was great to see so many people there.
Towner celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and hosting the Turner prize is a fitting recognition. Going forwards, Towner has an important role in delivering our £20 million government-funded levelling up project to create new employment, opportunity, and prosperity. The work it is leading at Black Robin will see it transformed from disused dairy farm to a top visitor destination and place of skills training.
Finally a big shout out to Ditzy Media and to all who took part in Eastbourne’s Carnival. It was a riot of colour, sound and spectacle.
