Community spirit and civic tradition were on full display as residents, community groups and councillors gathered for Seaford Town Council’s 2026 Annual Town Forum.

Seaford Town Council welcomed residents, community groups and councillors to its Annual Town Forum on Thursday 30 April at Cross Way Church, providing an opportunity to reflect on the past year, share future priorities and celebrate those making a difference across the town.

Ahead of the formal proceedings, attendees enjoyed refreshments and networking while exploring stalls hosted by recipients of the Council’s 2025–2026 grant funding. Organisations including Family Support Work, Rhapsody Artist Development, Seaford Bonfire Society, Seahaven Community Events Committee, Seahaven Poets and Bishopstone Table Tennis Club highlighted the real impact of local investment on community wellbeing and engagement.

The evening opened with a warm welcome from the Mayor of Seaford, Councillor Maggie Wearmouth, who greeted attendees and set the tone for the event. As part of the welcome, the Mayor introduced newly appointed Deputy Town Crier and Deputy Serjeant at Mace, Ben Robinson, marking his first official engagement in the role. Delivering his inaugural town cry, Ben brought a sense of tradition and occasion to the Forum before inviting the Mayor and Town Clerk to formally begin proceedings.

The Forum, which also fulfils the Council’s statutory Annual Town Meeting, reinforced Seaford Town Council’s commitment to transparency, accountability and community engagement. During the evening, the Council reflected on key developments over the past year and outlined future priorities within its 2025–2027 Strategy Programme, including economic development, wellbeing, asset management, engagement, governance and climate action. Updates were also shared regarding ongoing discussions around local government reorganisation and potential asset transfers.

The Mayor also took the opportunity to highlight her chosen charity, Family Support Work. CEO Martin Auton-Lloyd spoke about the organisation’s vital work supporting children and families across Sussex, after which the Mayor presented a donation of £2,986 raised during her mayoral year.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Civic Awards, recognising individuals and organisations who have made a significant and lasting contribution to Seaford. Honourees included dedicated volunteers, charity leaders and community champions working across areas such as youth services, environmental initiatives and local heritage.

Highly Commended Certificates:

  • Liz Morgan-Jones, in recognition of her dedicated service to local charities and churches, making a meaningful and lasting contribution to the community.
  • Jackie Frost for her valuable contributions to planning, tourism, and environmental awareness, helping to enhance and promote the local area.
  • Melanie Locke for her valuable contributions to planning, tourism, and environmental awareness, helping to enhance and promote the local area.
  • Jayne and Fred Bass for services to the local community, working tirelessly in a number of activities and services in the community.
  • Ruth Rose, in recognition of outstanding service to the local community. Working tirelessly across a wide range of activities and initiatives to support others.

Mayor’s Awards:

  • Jason Savin, Youth Services Manager at the Mercread Youth Centre for his exceptional commitment to the young people of Seaford and his active involvement across numerous community groups.
  • Sussex Contemporary Illustrators & Printmakers (SCIP), for their tireless efforts to work with and inspire the community in the making of the lanterns for the Seaford Christmas Magic lantern parade.
  • Val and Brian Percival from Cycling without Age and Seaford Community Garden Trees for Seaford, for their instrumental role in supporting local groups and encouraging meaningful community engagement that has positively impacted countless lives.
  • Margery Diamand of Trees for Seaford, in recognition of her outstanding dedication over many years, Margery has organised and inspired a committed team of volunteers to plant and care for hundreds of trees across the town.

Don Mabey Award:

  • Jazz Turner, for her personal sailing achievements and raising disability awareness (accepted by her father, Chris Turner).

The Mayor of Seaford (2025-2026), Councillor Maggie Wearmouth said: “One of the pleasures and privileges of being Mayor of Seaford is finding out more about local residents who are going "above and beyond" in terms of personal achievement or public service- and being able to recognise their effort and to say thank you. 

This year is no exception. I have thoroughly enjoyed receiving public nominations for awards at all levels as it has helped me recognise even more hard-working and generous people in the town. I was impressed by the wide range of interest and subjects - from gardening and environmental protection to youth support, from charity fund raising to church duties. 

My time as mayor is nearly at an end. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me this year and very best wishes to my successor."

All presentations, the draft minutes and photographs from the evening can be found on the Annual Town Meeting page of the Town Council’s website, here - https://www.seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk/the-town/annual-town-meeting/