Police called in over saucy postcards in Eastbourne

9:00am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News By Bill Gardner

Police called in over saucy postcards in Eastbourne Police called in over saucy postcards in Eastbourne

Police were called to a sunny seaside pier - because the postcards on sale were too saucy.

Baffled gift shop owner Ian Donald was shocked when an officer turned up at his store and accused him of peddling pornography next to his sticks of rock and candy floss.

An outraged caller had complained Mr Donald was selling obscene images that were damaging the image of Eastbourne.

But the shop owner insisted his cheeky postcards were “just part of the English seaside”.

Mr Donald has been selling the cards for more than 20 years without complaint and could not believe his eyes when a uniformed policeman visited his Gifts @ Eastbourne Pier shop.

He said: “The officer told me he was investigating a report that I had been selling obscene images.

“I asked him if he was having a laugh.

“To be fair when he saw the postcards he did see the funny side and told me I was doing nothing wrong.

“Postcards like this are part of the English seaside. They are not obscene, they are just cheeky humour.”

Mr Donald said in recent weeks he had noticed that someone kept turning the cards over so people were unable to see them.

The police officer told Mr Donald someone had rung Eastbourne Borough Council to complain about the postcards, some of which show bare breasts and bottoms.

Council staff contacted Trading Standards, who told the police obscene images were on sale at Eastbourne Pier.

The complaint to the council came from Ashley Steinschauer, an assistant minister at the Elim Family Church in Eastbourne.

He told The Argus: “I was shocked to see the postcard on sale right outside the shop.

“I spoke to some elderly residents in Eastbourne and their worry is that the postcards are not cartoons anymore. They are real women and that’s a huge difference.

“In Brighton I could understand it, but not here in Eastbourne. It’s damag- ing the image of the town and making it look sleazy.

“How far down the line does it go and where does it stop? I think it shows a real shift in morality and it’s got to stop.”

But Mr Donald said Mr Steinschauer was in a tiny minority.

He said: “I sell 600 of these every year and I’m not going to stop now. You’ll see ruder sights on the beach every day.

“We get loads of elderly people buying them, although they do tend to turn them face down when they come to the counter because they are a bit embarrassed.”

Neil Stanley, the council’s lead member for tourism, said: “Visitors to East- bourne expect wholesome good fun and the saucy postcard is a vital part of our seaside heritage.”

What do you think? Write to the letters editor, email letters@theargus.co.uk or leave a comment below.

Comments(58)

Nathan_Adler says...
9:06am Wed 19 Sep 12

Some people really need to get a life.........or get laid.

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CharlotteP says...
9:08am Wed 19 Sep 12

Ashley Steinschauer, assistant minister at the Elim Family Church in Eastbourne - you REALLY need to get a life - stick to staying inside your church if you are offended by such things - get a grip man!

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steve28 says...
9:15am Wed 19 Sep 12

What is wrong with this man, get a life and stop wasting valuable police time.

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Crystal Ball says...
9:20am Wed 19 Sep 12

So the country is going down the toilet, Police are being murdered and there is a sense of general dissatisfaction but some person has taken the time to call the Police about a postcard at a seaside stall? Grief.

This same person is probably the type who calls 999 to ask how to replace the batteries in a remote control or that a bus was late.

Report this post »

Spanners says...
9:33am Wed 19 Sep 12

"Mr Donald said Mr Steinschauer was in a tiny minority"

This sentance just needs the word "minded" to put added in after the word "tiny"

Report this post »

Spanners says...
9:34am Wed 19 Sep 12

oops, and word "added" removed from mine !

Report this post »

peebee9 says...
9:38am Wed 19 Sep 12

Can't get across to Eastbourne at the moment, so can we see some examples to make-up our own minds.

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plantwoman says...
9:40am Wed 19 Sep 12

Spanners wrote:
oops, and word "added" removed from mine !
...and perhaps correct your spelling of sentence!

Report this post »

Old Ladys Gin says...
10:08am Wed 19 Sep 12

'damag - ing'
Have a read before printing please Argus.

Report this post »

funkyyoyo says...
10:37am Wed 19 Sep 12

id like to complain too!! the 3rd page of the sun newspaper appears to have a topless female!!! iam so offended!!....not!!! get a life

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rolivan says...
11:16am Wed 19 Sep 12

Mr Steinschauer should be more concerned about the Paedophiles that work within the Church. He wouldn' t have any spare time to visit Eastbourne Pier then.

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Goldenwight says...
11:19am Wed 19 Sep 12

I'm a little confused. Is this supposed to be a news article, or is it an advertisement for a shop?

There have been several articles published here recently which just about qualify for the former description but are basically space fillers giving free publicity to local traders. If I got a job at a local shop (which I won't name) but which sells telescopes, would it merit a mention in the paper that I once met Neil Armstrong? Because my boss would really love a bit of free publicity,

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mustaphaLeeko says...
11:44am Wed 19 Sep 12

Maybe he is jealous that people find saucy postcards much more interesting and enjoyable than religion? If I am ever in Eastbourne I shall buy a shed load of the postcards! lol!

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davyboy says...
11:55am Wed 19 Sep 12

poor mr donald. these are on sale in a seaside town, so that is what i would expect to see. this church minister would have a coronary if he went to blackpool!!! get a life, and stop interfering in other peoples'.

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olebut says...
12:02pm Wed 19 Sep 12

OH so its alright to sell them in Brighton damned cheek!

Some people do really need to get a life and a sense of humour

Report this post »

Fight_Back says...
12:08pm Wed 19 Sep 12

A good - another religious zealot trying to dictate how people should live !

Report this post »

JoePara says...
12:20pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Right so it's alright in Brighton, is it, thanks very much. Seems this person needs more to do in life. Sad.....!!

Report this post »

JoePara says...
12:20pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Right so it's alright in Brighton, is it, thanks very much. Seems this person needs more to do in life. Sad.....!!

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Brian L says...
12:28pm Wed 19 Sep 12

I can see a postcard of old VWs.

I don't like that, lowers the tone of things...

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Nitrous_McBread says...
1:00pm Wed 19 Sep 12

I've had a look at Mr. Steinschauer's Facebook page. Surprisingly, he's a young guy, not the Victorian throwback I'd assumed.

Depressingly though, all his interests and activities seem to revolve around burying himself in his scatalogical so-called holy book. Nothing political; nothing trying to make life better for his fellow human beings in any practical way. He's a fan of that gold-bedecked charlatan televangelist Benny Hinn... you get the idea.

Perhaps this holier-than-thou supernaturalist loser does not possess a bottom. I do. It's natural and beautiful, and even - to a discerning handful - rather sexy, and if Mr. Donald would like a picture of it on a postcard I would be more than happy to oblige.

Report this post »

MuammarQaddafi says...
1:01pm Wed 19 Sep 12

If Mr Steinschauer really wants to live in a saucy-postcard-free area, Afghanistan beckons.

Report this post »

Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit says...
1:23pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Totally agree with the sentiment of the comments above. Well done, Mr Steinschauer, whatever your other failings as a modern member of society you've managed to get all the Argus comment-ers to agree on something! That's no mean feat I can tell you!

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Minion says...
1:42pm Wed 19 Sep 12

human beings have bums and boobs. There's no point in trying to deny it, the world already knows.
It's natural, and nature (or God- if your religious) gave them to us for a good reason. Teaching people (especially the young) to be ashamed of being human is psychologically damaging. Children grow up feeling ashamed of their body shape, body hair, body fat, boobs, bums, genitalia, bodily functions- burping, ****, pooing, peeing.
why should we all pretend that we're not human beings? what is so offensive about it?

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Minion says...
1:45pm Wed 19 Sep 12

your* was meant to be you're*

also why is the word f4rt1ng so offensive that it needs to be replaced with stars?

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RickH says...
2:00pm Wed 19 Sep 12

"In Brighton I could understand it, but not here in Eastbourne." says Mr Steinschauer. That makes me glad that I live in Brighton and your in Eastbourne, says me.

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puddingandpi says...
2:12pm Wed 19 Sep 12

I knew - I absolutely *knew* - it would be some religious freak. Why can't they just keep it to themselves, why do they have to impinge on other people? Whatever they do in the privacy of their own home is up to them, but to ram it down other people's throats is just not acceptable.
.
I'm glad I live in Brighton too!

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Eastbourne-Guy says...
2:51pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Poor Mr McDonald, indeed. We know how he feels, having received a similar complaint about a slightly revealing image on the forum at www.EastbourneGuide.
com

An individual complained stating that the posting of such images was illegal. We were unable to find any evidence that a 'not very revealing' beach photo - perfectly suited to the beach area, was illegal at all.

The discussion on the forum is here:
www.eastbourneguide.
com/message-board-fo
rum.html?ref=137

You cant please everyone, unfortunately. There will always be someone who complains...

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JoeBlow says...
2:54pm Wed 19 Sep 12

rolivan wrote:
Mr Steinschauer should be more concerned about the Paedophiles that work within the Church. He wouldn' t have any spare time to visit Eastbourne Pier then.
Get a life.

Report this post »

rolivan says...
4:04pm Wed 19 Sep 12

JoeBlow wrote:
rolivan wrote:
Mr Steinschauer should be more concerned about the Paedophiles that work within the Church. He wouldn' t have any spare time to visit Eastbourne Pier then.
Get a life.
I have a lovely life thanks just been out in my 1Acre of garden to do some strimming and have just come in for a cuppa and thought I would have a read.You obviously think it is ok for the Clergy to violate young children.

Report this post »

Poccypoc says...
4:10pm Wed 19 Sep 12

This minister needs to sort out child abuse in the church instead of this kind of thing.

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Sussex jim says...
5:21pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Eastbourne-Guy wrote:
Poor Mr McDonald, indeed. We know how he feels, having received a similar complaint about a slightly revealing image on the forum at www.EastbourneGuide.

com

An individual complained stating that the posting of such images was illegal. We were unable to find any evidence that a 'not very revealing' beach photo - perfectly suited to the beach area, was illegal at all.

The discussion on the forum is here:
www.eastbourneguide.

com/message-board-fo

rum.html?ref=137

You cant please everyone, unfortunately. There will always be someone who complains...
Hang on a minute- his surname is Donald. He does not sell over-hyped hamburgers; he sells seaside postcards!
But there is no such thing as bad publicity: Mr.Donald, can you supply me with a postcard of Kate's tits?

Report this post »

AGT999 says...
6:11pm Wed 19 Sep 12

I am amazed that this was even resourced, it's about time the police stood up to these silly people and said 'no' to these ridiculous complaints

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bluemonday says...
6:29pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Crystal Ball wrote:
So the country is going down the toilet, Police are being murdered and there is a sense of general dissatisfaction but some person has taken the time to call the Police about a postcard at a seaside stall? Grief. This same person is probably the type who calls 999 to ask how to replace the batteries in a remote control or that a bus was late.
this was done beforethe oor police ladies ere murdered,and don't go on about people wasting police time,in brighton they seem to respond to the slightest thing with 3 patrol cars,i know,i've seen it

Report this post »

bluemonday says...
6:31pm Wed 19 Sep 12

bluemonday wrote:
Crystal Ball wrote: So the country is going down the toilet, Police are being murdered and there is a sense of general dissatisfaction but some person has taken the time to call the Police about a postcard at a seaside stall? Grief. This same person is probably the type who calls 999 to ask how to replace the batteries in a remote control or that a bus was late.
this was done beforethe oor police ladies ere murdered,and don't go on about people wasting police time,in brighton they seem to respond to the slightest thing with 3 patrol cars,i know,i've seen it
sorry,missed the w and the p,**** computer

Report this post »

sbiscorrupt says...
6:39pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Mr Donald should feel priviliged that he got a police visit...

If he'd rung up to report a burglary he'd probably have just been given a crime number...!

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Telscombe Cliffy says...
7:19pm Wed 19 Sep 12

We keep hearing how the police are suffering cuts in numbers. This sort of report will surely do no good to keep police jobs as it indicates there are still too many officers- if they are 'investigating' this sort of complaint. Just what the majority of taxpayers don't want to see at the moment.

Report this post »

Somethingsarejustwrong says...
7:40pm Wed 19 Sep 12

As per usual its the nutcase minority trying to impose their nonsensical views on the intelligent, broad minded majority. How stupid are the latter group in allowing the former to have a voice?

And couldn't agree more with Rolivan's perceptive comment. All we need now is Alyn Southwick to join the thread.

Report this post »

Ballroom Blitz says...
7:55pm Wed 19 Sep 12

One word: IDIOT.

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boblat says...
8:29pm Wed 19 Sep 12

OH! Please just FOOK ORFE!!!!

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leobrighton says...
8:34pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Why isn't this person being prosecuted for wasting police time and causing distress to innocent people? Who is he to judge what is acceptable in Eastbourne? Its about time we stopped tolerating these people and clamped down on their unacceptable anti social behaviour.

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Maxwell's Ghost says...
11:40pm Wed 19 Sep 12

Jesus only covers his front bits, even his bum was on display on the crucifix.

Report this post »

John Steed says...
6:09am Thu 20 Sep 12

according to the report trading standards reported the matter to the police stating obscene matter was on sale, have they not got the sense to go and look first the only person who comes out of his laughing is "The Victim" who no doubt within a week wil lbe able to claim "Naughty post cards as featured in the press locally and world wide and no doubt on national TV" talk about him who laughs last, well Mr Ian Donald will probally not ever stop laughing at this one, probally all the way to the bank
mean an effigy of Ashley Steinschauer should be paraded on the 6th october 2012, then burnt on the eastbourne bonfire as an "Enemy of Common Sense"

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lordenglandofsussex says...
8:03am Thu 20 Sep 12

Maxwell's Ghost wrote:
Jesus only covers his front bits, even his bum was on display on the crucifix.
Firstly, there is nothing wrong with these post cards and the idiot should have been cautioned for wasting police time.

Maxwell's Ghost:

You did the joke about Christians now we would like to see your joke about Muslims and their prophet. We are waiting!

Report this post »

mallowplant says...
9:34am Thu 20 Sep 12

---if God had meant us to run around without clothes we'd have been born stark naked -----

Report this post »

greeg2 says...
10:31am Thu 20 Sep 12

RickH wrote:
"In Brighton I could understand it, but not here in Eastbourne." says Mr Steinschauer. That makes me glad that I live in Brighton and your in Eastbourne, says me.
We welcome junkies and hookers but not postcard haters,suppose that's your motto.There's a lot more manacing people in Brighton than this guy would ever be.This guy's got a right to be a twit !

Report this post »

peterpepper says...
1:02pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Although in Mr Steinschauer defence at least he didn't burn down the pier a kill people because he was "Offended".

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atillathehunny says...
3:07pm Thu 20 Sep 12

So Mr Steinschauer, you're offended. As far as I know, no one has ever died from being offended. If I want anyone to uphold my morality, I'll let you know.

Report this post »

The Heretic says...
5:15pm Thu 20 Sep 12

Mr Steinschauer - If thine eyes offend thee, pluck them out - or failing that, at least stop wasting police time.

Mr Donald - Nice bit of free publicity. The way things are at the moment, all our businesses need every advantage they can get. Good luck to you !!

Report this post »

Maxwell's Ghost says...
10:10pm Thu 20 Sep 12

lordenglandofsussex it wasn't a joke. It is fact. Perhaps you should get yourself along to church as it's clearly a long time since you saw an image of Christ. Also perhaps you should educate yourself about crucifixions in generql which as you may not know were not just for Jesus or Easter.
Climb back into your cave...did you know that Jesus was placed in a cave after his cricifixion and he rose three days later.
I thought I would help you with your education as you are one of the most stupid people posting on this site.
Get in a library or get yourself along to church.

Report this post »

tonybee says...
2:15am Fri 21 Sep 12

Sig heil Herr Steinschauer !
Ve vill only the postcards zell in
Eastbourne ! Pox on der politzei

The religious input is interesting
but totally unbelievable - would u listen to
somebody who wears frocks & has a ready supply of choirboys ?

Report this post »

MalcolmBoura says...
8:53am Fri 21 Sep 12

Photos such as these are already censored on much of the Internet thanks to the completely unaccountable corporations running much of it. Facebook for example.
Thanks largely to the MP Claire Perry that censorship is about to be extended to home Internet connections. No parliamentary debate, no law, no protection for freedom of expression, just bully ISPs into doing their dirty work for them. The excuse is protection of children, which is needed, but if that was really the reason they would have been a lot more careful to get it right, and to not harm children by getting it wrong!

Report this post »

hubby says...
9:28pm Fri 21 Sep 12

Beyond belief!
Over 15 years ago I called police to a burglary in progress in Saltdean at the house of an elderly lady.I had descriptions a car registration number and a car make and colour.
They turned up the next day.
Nothing changes.

Report this post »

Flippin Burghers says...
9:58pm Sat 22 Sep 12

Mr Steinschauer: what an @rse.

Report this post »

Somethingsarejustwrong says...
6:42pm Sun 23 Sep 12

hubby wrote:
Beyond belief!
Over 15 years ago I called police to a burglary in progress in Saltdean at the house of an elderly lady.I had descriptions a car registration number and a car make and colour.
They turned up the next day.
Nothing changes.
You live in Spain now, why not post on the local sites there where your knowledge may be more up to date and relevant. Listening to you Is like having a geriatric great aunt reciting her distant recollections!

Report this post »

F in L says...
3:00pm Mon 24 Sep 12

JoeBlow wrote:
rolivan wrote:
Mr Steinschauer should be more concerned about the Paedophiles that work within the Church. He wouldn' t have any spare time to visit Eastbourne Pier then.
Get a life.
Or become a Teacher in Eastbourne.......

Report this post »

F in L says...
11:28am Tue 25 Sep 12

Some people do not like the way these postcards tend to use double entendre's, such as when Harry Carpenter at the Oxford-Cambridge boat race 1977 (the most famous of all?)
"Ah, isn't that nice? The wife of the Cambridge President is kissing the cox of the Oxford crew."

I could not avoid just slipping it in.

Report this post »

F in L says...
11:34am Tue 25 Sep 12

Maxwell's Ghost wrote:
lordenglandofsussex it wasn't a joke. It is fact. Perhaps you should get yourself along to church as it's clearly a long time since you saw an image of Christ. Also perhaps you should educate yourself about crucifixions in generql which as you may not know were not just for Jesus or Easter.
Climb back into your cave...did you know that Jesus was placed in a cave after his cricifixion and he rose three days later.
I thought I would help you with your education as you are one of the most stupid people posting on this site.
Get in a library or get yourself along to church.
Where is generql and how many crucifixions took place there?

Why was he placed in a cave after cricifixion, is that more or less painful than crucifixion.

What were you saying about educating yourself?

Report this post »

Flippin Burghers says...
1:43pm Tue 25 Sep 12

Benny Hill, where are you when your country needs you?

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