IT’S that time of year when people will be buying their Christmas cards to send.
Some may have already bought theirs.
Well, a Sussex charity with strong links to Eastbourne has produced local cards of scenes around Sussex.
They include Eastbourne’s Bandstand, the beautiful Mid Sussex village of Hurstpierpoint, Eastbourne’s Christmas Day swim, Snowmen on the Railway Land at Lewes and Brighton skaters at the Royal Pavilion.
They are the work of the very talented Lyndsey Smith.
Lewes-based artist Lyndsey Smith’s colourful depictions of Sussex scenes have become very popular as Christmas cards to raise money for local charity SASBAH (the Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus).
The humorous way in which Lyndsey adds well-known Sussex characters into her watercolour paintings has become a trademark of her style.
Celebrities and historical figures associated with Lewes feature on one card of skaters on Pells Pool in Lewes. So Raymond Briggs and his Snowman, Marilyn Monroe (rumoured to have had lunch at the Shelley’s Hotel), actor Mark Williams, Ann of Cleves, Guy Fawkes and others mingle on the frozen pool.
Other iconic scenes include skating at Brighton Pavilion, a Christmas swim on Eastbourne seafront, Castle Gate in Lewes and Eastbourne Bandstand.
Lyndsey has been working with SASBAH for a number of years and the funds raised via card sales form a vital part of the small charity’s annual fundraising, with almost £15,000 raised through Cards for Good Causes last year.
Rom Sanglaji, CEO at SASBAH, said: “We are very grateful to Lyndsey for her amazing work.
“The cards really capture the beauty of Sussex and funds raised this year will make a real difference to our charity.”
With at least 70p in every pound going back to the charity, buying charity Christmas cards is one of the easiest ways to support worthwhile charities this festive season.
To order these cards, email rom@sasbah.org.uk
They cost £4 for a pack of ten.
Smaller or bigger orders are also welcomed.
SASBAH is based at Gun Hill, Chiddingly, and supports families across Sussex.