05/09/2026
We are just taking a moment to communicate a change on the Steering Group, Annie and John Walker are stepping down and their spot has been taken up by Cherry Norman and Jose Carballude both from the "Weeders".
We'd like to sincerely thank Annie and John for all their dedication and hard work over the past decade, they will remain members and we hope to see them at the Friends events and generally at Gardens and Park.
Here is a statement in their own words:
We have been part of the Friends of Manor Gardens and Gildredge Park for more than ten years and have both served on the Steering Group, John most recently as Chair. They have now reluctantly decided to step down owing to John’s recent health issues.
During their time, John and Annie have fostered very good links with Eastbourne Council; they were instrumental in the inception and being involved with ‘Friends Together’, the umbrella group for all the ‘Friends of’ groups across the town (of which the Friends of Manor Gardens and Gildredge Park is a part of), at which Council representatives also attend. The promotion of the Friends via the website and social media for events etc has been developed by John. Anne has promoted the heritage side by producing a leaflet, providing files of archive images and doing Guided Walks in the Gardens, but their main achievement has been getting involved in the saving of The Hermitage. Some years ago, when The Hermitage was in such a state of disrepair and neglect, by forging the present arrangement with the owners, Eastbourne Borough Council, and securing the use of The Hermitage free for the Friends in return for its care, (in collaboration with the Council), the future of The Hermitage has been protected. The Hermitage (a grade II listed building) has become the base and ‘mascot’ for the Friends and is now open to the public regularly.
John and Anne have thoroughly enjoyed their time with the Friends of Manor Gardens and Gildredge Park and will continue to be enthusiastic supporters, knowing that the very able people who have replaced them will do a wonderful job!
