Huge thanks and congratulations to all those who worked on Airbourne

Airbourne always delivers four full days of fun and action for all the family, but this year was as good as any I can remember.

To stage an event on this scale is always a challenge and this year, with the legacy of the rail strike on the Thursday and Friday, was bound to exacerbate the difficulties of travel in and out of town. 

And of course last year we were treated to the final ever Eastbourne display in the final flying year for the Vulcan. That was on the Saturday afternoon last year, and as a result we saw the busiest ever Airbourne day.

But even without the major attraction of the Vulcan we still had the red Arrows, the Typhoon, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, wonderful displays by other acrobatic planes and some superb shows on the ground across the Western Lawns and right up and down the seafront.

Huge thanks and congratulations to all those who worked so hard to make Airbourne 2016 the success it was. Blessed with beautiful weather this year, Eastbourne absolutely shone and I got to see the town as never before in my 40 odd years - from the heights of the rooftop at the View hotel!

I also had the privilege of attending the annual Chaseley Trust Airbourne Lunch on the Friday afternoon, which is always a wonderful affair. This extraordinary Eastbourne institution started in 1945 as a home for ex-servicemen with spinal injuries, and in recent years helps people from many different backgrounds, supporting those with brain injuries, strokes, loss of limbs and progressive conditions such as MS, MND and Parkinson's disease. Both short and long term rehabilitation is available, and holiday or outpatient therapy service is available.

Chaseley is one of the institutions in Eastbourne that the town should be rightly proud of. In its 70 year history it has had its ups and downs, but to those it serves it does a truly magnificent job and has my full support.  

Indeed if you have some spare time, they welcome volunteers who can help in all sorts of ways - fundraising events, helping to escort residents on outings and at events, sharing skills with residents, gardening, decorating, interior design and arts and crafts. Its's hugely rewarding and I know it will be warmly received. You can contact them on 01323 744200 or via my office on [email protected]