Virginia and I had a long weekend in Eastbourne. This resort on Britain's south coast seems to be a favourite resort for the elderly - Wallace Arnold coaches disgorged OAPs into hotels where they stayed sitting in chairs.

Mixed weather - some fine sunshine but also rain - we got wet and had to take refuge in a fish and chip place to have an early supper after seeing the pier. The pier was a little rundown but had a shop making and selling glass ornaments, I got Virginia a small glass elephant (admiring the skill of the young girl wrapping the glassware).

Enjoyed a museum of shops of yesteryear as well as the Science Park at the old Herstmonceux Observatory. Some marvellous machines to play with - one turned gears and wheels and conveyors using water power.

Bring your own sand

Eastbourne is not pier-less

Herstmonceux Science Park