Published 11 february 2026
From a darker slice of Eastbourne’s past to the long-awaited return of the Sovereign Centre pool — plus an early date for the diary.
History, with a darker edge
Local historian Kevin Gordon is giving a talk and book signing at Waterstones, centred on his latest book Eastbourne Murders and Misdemeanours — a look at some of the town’s lesser-known stories.
Thursday 19 February
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Free — just turn up
If you’d like a flavour beforehand, his Quirky Sussex History site has a whole section dedicated to Eastbourne:
https://sussexhistory.net/category/eastbourne/
Back with a splash
The Sovereign Centre has quietly been working behind the scenes, with improvements underway at the Leisure Pool — including colourful new water-play features for little ones.
The latest update suggests a reopening on Saturday 14 February.
You can read their full update here:
https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/eastbourne/the-sovereign-centre/news
Town disruptions: Terminus Road works
Work is continuing on the next phase of the town-centre improvements, with plans to pedestrianise part of Terminus Road (between Bankers’ Corner and Marks & Spencer).
The aim is a more walkable stretch — new surfaces, trees and planters, extra seating, and cycle parking — building on the work already completed nearer the station.
There’s a weekly drop-in if you want to understand future plans or ask questions.
Site office: 25a Langney Road (next to Marley’s)
Wednesdays, 1pm–3pm
You can also read more about the plans here:
https://live.eastsussexhighways.com/highway-schemes/eastbourne-town-centre-phase-2
One for the diary: Eastbourne Carnival
One that’s easy to miss if you blink — plans are already in motion for this year’s Eastbourne Carnival.
The theme has been announced as Lights, camera, action! and it will take place along the seafront on Saturday 23 May 2026 — earlier in the year than many people realise.
If you’d like to keep an eye on plans, timings, or how to get involved, updates are being shared on their website:
https://www.eastbournecarnival.com/
Looking ahead
This is just the beginning. Over time, I’d love this to grow into a proper home for local updates, useful information, and community life — one issue at a time.
If you have an event, project, or notice a small local change, your're always welcome to send it my way - names are never included without permission.
And, if you know someone local who'd enjoy this, feel free to pass it on.
Until next time,
From Eastbourne