Welcome to the Eastbourne branch
The Eastbourne Branch of the English-Speaking Union was founded in 1988 by our President Mrs Jane Laycock, now Mrs Jane Mitchell, who was Chairman at the time, with around 40 to 50 members. Our first speaker was Lady Susana Walton, widow of Sir William Walton. We currently have seven events a year, one of which is an annual literary lunch.
Our current membership is around 70 and my main objective is to recruit younger members in the foreseeable future. The main purpose of our branch is to support the educational and overall charitable aims of the ESU. As well as fundraising, we also work with local schools to hold heats in the vicinity for the UK Public Speaking Competition.
Sarah Carr