About the Eastbourne Civilian War Memorial Trust

We seek to establish a Peace Garden situated at the Wish Tower, Eastbourne in memory of the people killed and injured in the bombing raids on the town during the war of 1939-45 and in memory of the fortitude of residents during those years. The former Wish Tower Sun Lounge and Café was established in 1961 as a memorial to those who lost their lives, but due to structural problems this was demolished by Eastbourne Borough Council in 2012.  The Town has been without a visible memorial to the bombing victims ever since. 

The Council has now given planning permission for a Peace Garden to be built around the Wish Tower.

Latest News

23rd of May 2018

63 tons of crushed rock hs been compacted to provide the pathways, the turf has been laid for the lawns and planting is about to commence.

The formal opening of the Peace Garden will be at noon on Sunday 1st July when the Eastbourne Silver Band will play and a relative of one of those killed in a bombing raid will unveil the plaque with the names of the 180 residents killed in the bombing raids.

14th March 2018

A nine ton piece of glacial granite has been lifted into place in the Wish Tower moat. A steel plaque bearing the names of the 180 civilians who lost their lives in bombing will soon be mounted on a specially prepared surface.

 

The rock was sourced by Rob Coleman of specialists Brighton Rock from a quarry in the West Country.

Construction of new retaining walls in the surrounding Peace Garden is well under way, and new paths and lawned areas will follow.

The Trust still needs to raise thousands of pounds to complete the project, including total restocking of plants.

Illustrated talk

A fully illustrated talk on the Memorial and Peace Park has been compiled by Peter Pyemmont, one of the trustees. His talk traces the threats to  this section of the coast throughout history culminating in the German bombing raids of World War 2. He gives an explanation of the founding of the Memorial and Peace Park and will donate all proceeds to the charity. For further details phone 01323 738777.

The Professional Team of Supporters

Creating a memorial on such an historic and significant site has required professional skills and patience from architects Wendy and Tara Thomas, Bradford & Thomas LLP and Ecotects. Both Wendy and her daughter Tara spent their early years in Eastbourne and have given their services.

Chris Butler has carried out excavations on the site and has given his services as a tribute to two of his relatives killed in a bombing raid when their house at 33, Green Street received a direct hit.

Thanks to Garden Designer, Andrew Norwood. Andrew wanted to design a garden everyone could relate to and would be in sympathy with the historic situation. His vision was for a traditional garden rather than a commercial planting scheme, creating sitting spaces whilst making use of the walls which are of a suitable height. The choice of materials for the peace garden include Downland flints and Sussex bricks, materials used all over Eastbourne. 

Thanks also to Graphic Designer Nicholas Howells, Accountant George Message and to Julian and Emily Perrott of BarkWeb Ltd who have created and maintained the website.

(Pictured: Architects, Wendy and Tara Thomas and Garden Designer, Andrew Norwood) 

Special Thanks

In advance of the public appeal for funding, the trustees of the John Jackson Charitable Trust have pledged a most generous donation of £20,000. Our grateful thanks to the trustees, all local residents, Margaret Downey, Crispin Freeman and Andrew Leaper.

Also, special thanks to Chris Connelley, Specialist Adviser for Conservation, and Gareth Williams, Open Spaces Manager, from Eastbourne Borough Council who have been fantastic in assisting in this project. 

Latest News

We have now raised £55,000 which is sufficient for all the landscaping work and the monument. We will shortly be launching an appeal for £20,000 for the planting and maintenance of of the large garden areas. If you would like to donate please visit our Just Giving portal.

Recent Donations

With special thanks, we have kindly received the following donations;

Robin Boyle has most generously donated £10,000.

Caffyns have given in memory of the seven people killed on 6th June 1943 when the company's large garage at the junction of Seaside and Seaside Road was totally destroyed.

Mayo Wynne Baxter have made a gift in memory of the work of Charles Mayo who gave practical help and advice to many people who had lost their homes.

Roger and Philip Busby have made a donation to remember their father who was out whenever the bombs fell.

We would like to thank the Trustees who have up to now, covered all costs and expenses.