Eastbourne, Belle Vue Hotel c.1965

Photo ref: E5216

My late granny, Ivy Howell/Ellis's aunt, Catherine Emma Constance Smith was the proprietor of the Victoria Court Hotel in the 1930s and 40s we think. My granny, who lived in an Industrial school in Poole was collected by aunt Catherine to stay in the hotel during some school holidays. Apparently, Catherine wanted to adopt my granny but sadly, the authorities wouldn't allow it.

I was born in Eastbourne, Upperton Road Nursing Home. I have fond memories of being taken by my Father to the Devonshire swimming baths. This would have been between 1964 to 1967 I would have been 5 or 6 years old. Through the large wooden entrance doors. Paid sixpence or a shilling then decended the many flights of stairs down. I remember there were two pools. The attendants wore white tops & long white ...see more

My grandmother appears as a cooks assistant at a school at Fairlea Meads ,Chesterfield Road in Eastbourne. Sadly I cannot find any photos of the building.Any help would be greatly appreciated.

In 1977 we bought our first house in Hampden Park. I was working as a nurse at Eastbourne DGH in Kings Drive. I remember walking through the park at the start and end of my shifts. In the spring the park was carpeted with crocus's which was the most beautiful site. I hope they are still there today.