Somewhat unfairly (the actual median age of residents is 45) the East Sussex coastal resort of Eastbourne is known as ‘God’s waiting room’ because of the high number of old people who live in Britain’s sunniest town.
Although Eastbourne’s reputation as a paradise for retirees may be overblown, it can’t be denied that the town is quieter and more sedate than the raucous youth culture pervading its coastal neighbours Brighton and Hastings. And now, according to the Times, Eastbourne’s elderly people are facing a new threat to their health and happiness alongside the inevitable aches and pains that accompany the autumn of life: their bowling club may have to close.
The historic seafront Parade Bowls Club is facing an astronomical 2,000 per cent increase in fees for its council-owned car park from £40 a year to £840 – a massive hike that the club calls ‘catastrophic’, and which it says it just cannot afford to pay.
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