A community art installation made from more than 750 decorated pebbles has been unveiled by The Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Margaret Bannister.

The idea behind the collection in the St Wilfrid’s Hospice garden was to celebrate the stories, connections and experiences that matter most to local people, and pebbles were decorated in memory of loved ones, to mark special places or moments, or simply to share a meaningful message.

The installation is in the shape of a flower, with pebbles filling the inside of each petal. It is fully sustainable, with the majority of the pebbles being reclaimed from a retired water feature in the hospice garden.

Cllr Bannister said: “The Precious Pebbles Art Installation shows just how much the hospice is valued in the town and how much we need you and your support. And hopefully spreading the word will raise even more funds for you because I know you are really suffering at the moment, like so many other places are. Everybody’s been working together which is what should happen in a town like Eastbourne. Congratulations on doing this.”

Dr David Barclay, Medical Director at St Wilfrid’s, said: “For me this represents more of what the hospice does beyond clinical care. We’re part of the community, so we’ve reached out to all our community partners including neighbours in the school and many other people. Thank you also to Eastbourne Railway Club for donating the flowers that have made the installation so special.”

People are welcome to view the installation in the Living Well garden at the front of the hospice between 9am and 4pm daily.

St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides high-quality care and support for people across Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield (and all points between) with life-limiting illnesses.

Picture caption: The Precious Pebbles Art Installation has been unveiled by The Mayor of Eastbourne.