Gardens and glam in Eastbourne...

After standing empty for more than nine years, St Alban’s Church in Eastbourne is preparing for a long-awaited return to its historic de Jersey Clere building. The parish hopes to reopen the earthquake-affected church by 2026–27, breathing new life into a space that has been closed since seismic concerns following the Kaikōura earthquake.

The restoration project has sparked an enthusiastic response from parishioners and the wider Eastbourne community.

“It was no surprise that the parish is responding enthusiastically to an appeal for donations,” says Vicar’s Warden Stuart Mossman.

“But what has surprised and encouraged us is the way the community is rallying round to help. So many people who don’t come to church (yet!) tell us they’re delighted to see us present and active again, they want to help.”

That support has already translated into action. A recent clothing sale drew crowds and raised funds, with more than half the volunteers coming from outside the church. Now, six local gardeners, five of them not regular churchgoers, are opening their gardens for a fundraising Garden Tour this November. Others are pitching in by planting seedlings for sale, making music, serving teas and lunches, and even clipping tickets.

Priest-in-Charge Sue Brown says this is exactly what the parish envisioned: “We want to be a people and a place that’s open seven days a week, a church where everyone finds belonging, no matter who, what, or how they are. A church working in partnership with the community to connect people with each other and with God.”

The Garden Tour is the next big opportunity to get involved.

• Saturday 29 November

• Explore six stunning private gardens

• Packages available including lunch, hors d’oeuvre, wine and live music,

• Support St Alban’s earthquake strengthening

• Tickets $100

You can buy tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/eastbourne-garden-show - come and join us!