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The Eastbourne European Movement meets each month at the Hydro Hotel for a two course meal and a talk from an expert with a unique perspective of our relationship with Europe. Join us in June with Martin Hole, a Sussex farmer, landowner and Chamber member with a reputation as an excellent after dinner speaker.
We will hear how farming has been affected over the past few years by Europe, the policies introduced by our various Governments and our leaving the EU in December 2020.
Martin and Gundrada Hole run Montague Farm, a collection of 18th Century barns and courtyards on 700 acres of land on the western edge of the Pevensey Levels, with incredible views across the Levels to the sea.
The farm has been in Gundrada's family since 1942 when food production was critical to our war effort.
Now run by Martin, Gundrada and their daughter Romney, the family have 350 organic, grass fed Romney Marsh ewes and 50 Sussex cows supplying local butchers. They focus on nature conservation and protection of the East Sussex marshlands.
Martin says that livestock and farming is a risky business given rising costs, weather conditions, the risk of disease and the viability of the local abattoir. While he doesn't always agree with Government policy Martin explains that the introduction of Countryside Stewardship Grants has been helpful to nature friendly farms. However, they need clarity and stability from the Government's Sustainable Farming Incentive Scheme which was paused last year and is due to be relaunched this year.
Montague Farm is full of all forms of life from indigenous flowers and plants to spring nesting birds, migrating flocks and their happy and healthy organic livestock.
The family work closely with partners to defend the land including Defra and Natural England.
Romney and her parents have also diversified the farm to run an events business from their beautiful buildings for parties, weddings and corporate events.
They also arrange nature visits to see the many Lapwings, Teal and various Owls visiting the Pevensey wetlands from Scandinavia and Russia.
Join us later in the year to hear from the Ambassador of Sweden, plus various politicians, business people and academics.
Dinner Menu
Mains:
Lemon and herb chicken on a warm vegetable salad with crème fraîche sauce (gf)
or
Vegetarian - Stir fired oriental vegetable crêpes, dark soy dressing, deep fried rice noodle, coriander
Desserts:
Cherry délice with cherry compote and chocolate sorbet or
Fresh fruit salad with cream or ice cream
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Event Venue
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
