Environmental drop-in centre opens in Eastbourne

Eastbourne Climate Coalition opened the Climate Emergency Hub – known as E-Hive – in the Beacon on November 1. The hub can be found in unit 45 next to Vodafone and is open seven days a week within normal shopping hours until December 13.

The hub is staffed by volunteers and hosts a range of workshops, displays and presentations, as well as being a space where people can drop in for a chat and find information about the many local groups working on various local environmental projects.

Andrew Durling, CEO of the Eastbourne Eco Action Network CIC, said: "We had an excellent, well-attended opening ceremony on the first day of the E-Hive, which is now buzzing with exciting and engaging events about all things environmental. Dealing with climate change involves all of us, so having a place in town like the E-Hive where everyone can drop in to find out how we can together discover how to build a more sustainable, resilient, planet-friendly community is so valuable. The many volunteers in the E-Hive project have been fantastically creative, and The Beacon staff have been immensely supportive".

Volunteer Evie Sier said: “We have had a great first week in the E-Hive, which has some informative displays, with lots of useful information and workshops about how we can reduce our impact on the planet. We all have to be mindful of what we wear and eat, and how we travel. The Climate Emergency Hub is just the place to visit to find out more, from lifestyle changes to campaigning for legislative changes. So come on down and say hi. We will be happy to see you and help you on your journey."

Oliver Sterno liaised with The Beacon to create the pop-up venue. He said: "At the end of this first week, it is clear from our records that our townspeople are interested in joining us and in encouraging us in our fight for gaining carbon neutrality in Eastbourne; also in campaigning for an improvement in how the government and big business support us. We are looking forward to a growing enthusiasm from our visitors over the coming days and weeks. Everyone is welcome!"