Hello Everyone,

Quite a shortish Bulletin this time as the main news is that we have been successful in our bid to the Neighbourhood Board for funding towards a water tank in Manor Gardens and for the exterior decoration of The Hermitage! The exterior decoration of The Hermitage will not only preserve it’s fragile fabric, (it is nearly 250 years old!), but keep it in beautiful condition as befits such a rare architectural gem. We are so lucky to have it: so much Georgian architecture was lost when Eastbourne was first developed, we must preserve any remaining. We are given permission by EBC (Eastbourne Borough Council), who own The Hermitage, to use it free of charge in return for us maintaining it; we receive no financial assistance from EBC for doing this. The installation of the water tank for the watering of the flower beds in Manor Gardens will reduce the back breaking work for the volunteers doing the watering and ensure the survival of all of our beautiful plants in the borders in the dry weather. Access to water for watering in the Gardens was capped off some time ago, so the tank is the solution to the ‘access to water’ problem. Once we have bought the water tank, lockable tap etc., to support us EBC is helping us to install the tank and will keep it filled with water for us, as water resources allow, which we appreciate very much. 

Even though the funding from the Neighbourhood Board is very welcome and appreciated, we will need to top the grant up from our own funds; we think that the water tank, tap etc. will be just about covered, but there will be a shortfall for the decoration of The Hermitage. Could you spare £5, £10 or more towards this to get this vital work done? We must work to preserve The Hermitage as it is not only precious to us but also to the whole town as part of our collective architectural heritage. If you can donate, which can be done by bank transfer, just contact me (Annie) on annemggp@outlook.com for more information and thank you. 

The next opening of The Hermitage for cuppa (£2) and cake (£2) is on Saturday, 30th May from 2pm. Come and support us there and enjoy a delicious cuppa and cake in the tranquil surroundings of The Hermitage and Formal Garden: bring your friends and family! All proceeds will go towards The Hermitage upkeep and of course you can donate at this time too. Cash only please. 

Other news: 

Gardening matters: The new contract EBC has with Glendale (EBC gardening contractors) is continuing to have ‘teething troubles’, but things are settling down. We have been asked by EBC to allow time for this process and when we have chased up on issues like green waste collection, rubbish collection, etc there has been a prompt and appropriate response. The active volunteers in the Gardens and Park are monitoring the situation and report issues for chasing up. We have very good relations with our contact at EBC on these matters and no doubt things will generally improve soon. 

Outstanding Maintenance Work: 

At the last inspection of the Gardens and Park undertaken by two of the Friends’ Steering Group members and EBC officials, of the outstanding work identified at that time hardly any of the promised work has been done. This has been addressed with these EBC officials and assurances have been given that this issue will be attended to promptly. 

Fundraising ideas: 

As already mentioned, we receive no regular external funding so we are constantly thinking of raising funds. When the Friends restored The Hermitage thatch for example that was thousands of pounds: the exterior decorating will well exceed £1,500. Plants alone for the flower borders (which we have to buy as required by EBC to prevent spread of plant disease) and the insurance for the safety of the gardening volunteers (a necessary requirement by EBC) amounts to hundreds of pounds. On top of our regular fundraising activities (last Saturday of the month opening of The Hermitage, Manor House event, etc) we are thinking of talks, musical recitals, a treasure hunt, etc to raise these funds to maintain the Gardens and Park, in collaboration with EBC, in the way that we do and wish to continue to do so. Do you have any other fundraising ideas? Would you like to help organise an event? You would be joining an established team and you would be made very welcome! Contact me (Annie) on annemggp@outlook.com if you would like more information, or in fact if you would like to get involved with the Friends of Manor Gardens and Gildredge Park volunteers in any other way. If you use and love the Gardens and Park as we do, come and join us! 

Well, that’s all for this time. Thank you for your continuing support in the work of the Friends in keeping The Hermitage, Gardens and Park beautiful for us all to enjoy! 

With very best wishes, 

Annie, On behalf of the Steering Group, Friends of Manor Gardens and Gildredge Park.     

  

Useful Contacts. Of the many queries I get from the Friends and others I am often asked how to get in touch, so here is the list of contacts: 

Website: www.friendsofmanorgardensandgidredgepark.co.uk 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofmanorgardensandgildredgepark 

General enquiries: gill.morris518@btinternet.com 

Membership: gill.morris518@btinternet.com 

Volunteering: gill.morris518@btinternet.com 

Heritage: rodpizzey@btinternet.com