Motcombe Pool Community Reconnects Through The ‘Listening Project'

Members of the Motcombe Pool community gathered last month to share stories as part of a ‘Listening Project’ recorded by East Sussex College, Eastbourne Media student, Ella Mountain.

In March, East Sussex College Media students supported a Listening Project at Motcombe Pool in Eastbourne, as a Community Interest Company (CIC) were striving to get the pool reopened to the public following its closure in 2020 during the COVID pandemic.

Ella Mountain, Eastbourne Media student, had the opportunity to return to Motcombe Pool in October for the Community Engagement weekend (21-22 October) to support the ‘Listening Project’ once again.

Friends’ connections were rekindled, and new contacts were formed. A Community Interest Company (CIC) historian, Warwick P Davies, presented a graphic version of ‘The Story of Motcombe Baths’. The CIC provided visitors with an update on the regeneration plans and the opportunity to consult the team about the Pool rejuvenation project proposals and progress. It was an incredible opportunity for connections to be made and stories revisited.

Speaking on her experience working with the Motcombe Pool Project, Ella said, “Since joining the Motcombe pool project I’ve been researching, interviewing and editing non-stop. It has been inspiring seeing how much love people have for the pool and speaking to specialists from varying fields about their hopes and plans for Motcombe’s future. Taking part in this has allowed me to further develop my skills in many areas and my tutors have always been there and ready to help. It has been a wonderful experience and I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Helen Nichols, Chair of Motcombe Community Pool CIC and Governor of East Sussex College, said, “Ella adopted her role with the CIC at the beginning of term with verve. Being thoughtful and conscientious and an excellent communicator, already she has established herself as a committed team member. She is focussed on the task ahead with plans and collecting of material for the Motcombe Hour Live-On-Air on 17th November for Eastbourne Youth Radio.”

In January 2023 the Motcombe Pool CIC site stated, “Following its designation in 2022 as an Asset of Community Value the team have been working on proposals that aim to establish a forward-looking and sustainable future for the buildings and the pool, that is to bring both the building and pool itself back to life. Plans have now been initiated to enable part of the building to be reopened as a community space for committee meetings, community projects and fundraising events.”

East Sussex College will continue to follow and support the project on its journey towards rejuvenation of Motcombe Pool. Residents who want to share their story and support the project can contact Helen Nichols, Chair of the CIC at helen.nichols@eleuk.com.