This week has been one of loss with the passing of longstanding Meads councillor and my friend Barry Taylor.
Barry was passionate about Eastbourne and a long-serving and faithful public servant but more than any of this, he was a husband, dad and grandad first.
Father’s Day this Sunday in bereavement will be especially poignant for his family and for many who will be remembering their dads. I do know though how much the tributes already expressed by so many about Barry have been appreciated by them.
I lost my dad some long time ago now, on New Year’s Eve, 1999, the eve of the millennium, a huge night across the globe but memorable for me for different reasons. I was just 28 then. I still miss him. So, a big shout out to all the dads in Eastbourne & Willingdon this weekend and the men who take up mentoring roles in charities like Band of Brothers too.
This week saw a major event in parliament showcasing Sussex with the launch of the new Sussex Wine Tourism Growth Plan with The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was on hand to lend his support.
Sussex Modern as part of a UK Community Renewal Fund wine and cultural tourism project is delivering the plan designed to secure Sussex’s place as the UK’s leading wine destination with a global reputation.
It is obvious how this plan will lead to more visitors to Eastbourne and I warmly welcome it as it complements our natural and cultural attractions.
Vineyards from across Sussex exhibited at the event with tasting of their world-famous wines. It was a top-quality event championing the very best Sussex can offer and backed by government investment through the renewal fund.
Towner and the Turner prize was profiled at the event too. This highlights again the huge potential for us this year to energise our visitor economy and the one in four jobs in our town that relies on it.
And Eastbourne really does have it all. Many people might not know, but we even have our own vineyard nestled into the downland at Compton Coome. Still perhaps one of our best-kept secrets, you can nonetheless buy a bottle at Chapman Wine Merchants in Meads Street!
