Eastbourne's South Downs campaign group celebrates one hundred years since saving Crowlink Valley
The Friends of the South Downs organisation are celebrating one hundred years since one campaign saved Seven Sisters Country Park in Eastbourne.
One hundred years ago the organisation launched a campaign to raise the funds necessary to purchase 475 acres of downland which was destined for development. The land, which was previously known as Crowlink Valley is now part of the Seven Sisters Country Park.
David Taylor, a trustee with the Friends of the South Downs said: “This year marks the centenary of the successful campaign, launched by the Society of Sussex Downsmen in September 1926, to save the Crowlink Valley from development. Had the campaign been unsuccessful, the Seven Sisters would almost certainly look very different today.”
The campaign raised nearly £170,000 (£1.4 million today), most of the money came from William Charles Campbell, a wealthy philanthropist.
David added: “Our Society president back in 1926 was Arthur Beckett, a prominent newspaper man who was the founder and publisher of the Sussex County Magazine, the forerunner of Sussex Life.
“When it became apparent that 475 acres of chalk downland at Crowlink was destined for development, Arthur Beckett wrote an article for the Eastbourne Gazette. The article triggered contributions from local residents including William Charles Campbell, a businessman who made substantial donations to the campaign.
“The Sarsen Stone at Flagstaff Point on the Seven Sisters was erected in honour of this gentleman, and the Society of Sussex Downsmen."
A monument commemorating this remarkable event lies on Flagstaff point, atop the Seven Sisters.
To commemorate this event the Friends of South Downs have organised a walk on Thursday, September 24, that will be 3.4 miles long.