I do hope the Eastbourne Festival develops into something similar. OK it won't rival Brighton for a few years – but it doesn't need to; it will take place at a different time of the year, and could just be part of the solution to building community, developing the economy, attracting tourism, encouraging young, new talent, celebrating the established, and expanding the envelope of what this town is about.

In fact I challenge anyone to give a good reason not to support the concept of a cultural festival in Eastbourne.

I wasn't there but I'm told the EBM Live event at the Winter Garden was amazing – who would have thought that could be such a success? Well, actually quite a lot of us aren't that surprised. I for one have always believed this town has such potential to develop in ways other towns just don't have.

I wish the new committee that's going to run next years festival every success. Since not being on the council, I haven't had the chance to be involved in a big way, but it does seem to me that there's such opportunity to develop our music activities, pushing the boundaries in the theatres (we have so many after all), and enormous opportunities in literature, art, dance etc etc.

This town is not all about tribute bands like some seaside towns. Having spent a few months working outside town, I see even more how much Eastbourne has to offer. This 'brand' we have should be being developed and pushed forward into challenging new areas.

Vince 'Mr Bean' Cable
I hear Vince Cable was in town the other day to garner support for the libdems. They missed a trick by not getting him as leader; he's far more impressive than Calamity Clegg (or 'Cleggover' as he's now known).

A few weeks ago there was a poem doing the rounds in Westminster about Blair/Brown. It went like this..

At Downing Street upon the stair
I met a man who wasn't Blair.
He wasn't Blair again today
Oh how I wish he'd go away.
…

They think it was penned by a cabinet minister – but of course everyone's denying it.

On Radio 5 that day they had a competition for listeners to send others poems in about political leaders. There was a great one about Clegg/Cable…

That nice Mr Clegg
It has to be said,
Isn't as able
As Mr Vince Cable
…

There was also one about Cameron which wasn't complimentary, but I can't remember how it went…

Footy
Well done to the Borough. Also, great news that Micky Adams is back at the helm at Brighton. Next season looks great for both teams.
Hilary v Obama.

It can only be a matter of time before Hilary Clinton pulls out of the race for the Whitehouse. Not that I'm one to speak (I want John McCain to win), but it's obvious what should have happened.

There should have been a deal done where Hilary takes the lead and has Barack as her running mate / vice president, with a promise that Hilary would serve only one term, whereafter Barack takes over. That would have kept all the democrats happy, and would have been a dead cert winning ticket. Trouble is too many egos got in the way… so I hope they both lose.

Have a great week everyone

Ian Lucas