Hailsham News, September 2023, Issue 25

PUBLIC TOILETS TO CLOSE TO SAVE £30,000 A YEAR

Marie Ricketts told us: “I sat for three hours one morning, and two another afternoon, opposite

However, it just seems as if every government body is out there to ensure you leave your car at home. Obviously, I can totally understand we are in a climate emergency and we all need to reduce those short trips in the car just to buy some milk that we’ve all been guilty of in this modern convenient world.

Just this year, I’ve been fined twice for not paying the ULEZ charge and paid another fine for breaking the speed limit by a few miles an hour. All these fines would add up to more than I actually pay in annual road tax. Obviously, all the above are totally my fault and could have been avoided — but in my defence, you need about ten pairs of eyes to drive through London these days and missing a simple sign about the ULEZ charge is easy to miss.

On the upside, I’m not ashamed to admit, I was sent on a Speed Awareness Course on the back of my outrageous speeding conviction! Actually, it’s a very good course and I think it’s something all drivers should go through every decade — just to ensure we’re aware of the latest changes to the Highway Code and consequences of speeding. So, I’ve been trying to do what the Government are forcing us to do and utilise public transport. I was really surprised that I could travel from Hailsham to Eastbourne on the bus for £4 return, removing the need to pay more than that to park. Also, the new 28 bus to Brighton, every 30 minutes, from town is a godsend.

Remember, these bus services are all subsidised by the local authorities, so use it, or lose it!

Paul Gibson, Group Editor. editor@hailsham.news

READ ME, SHARE ME, THEN RECYCLE ME!

Hailsham News is a publication by Regional Media Group Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales number: 13746177. We have taken care to ensure that the information in this newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher, nor contributors can take responsibility for loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions. Hailsham News does not endorse the accuracy of the advertisements or the quality of the products/services being advertised.

COUNCILLORS have voted to close public toilets in Hailsham in a controversial decision recently. The lease on the building at 2 North Street expired last month and although the toilets have remained open for the time being, they are expected to close for good in the next few weeks.

Hailsham FM, which had two studios in the building, has now moved out to new premises which has left the building completely vacant.

It has been leased by Hailsham Town Council for the past ten years and is not only office space, but is also home to public toilets including disabled facilities. The building, known as ‘Cortlandt stable block’, costs the council almost £30,000 per year to operate which includes the contract to clean and maintain the toilets.

It was hoped rental payments for the office space would cover these costs. Council accounts show more than £245,000 has been spent on the building since Hailsham Town Council took over the premises in 2013 on repairs, cleaning and the toilets. The building has only generated £5,100 in income since 2017.

Information provided by businesses and community organisations are provided directly by their own representatives; please direct any queries or comments regarding content directly to the organisation. Any opinion or views expressed within this publication are solely those of the author. © 2023: No part of this newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole without express permission of the editor. CONTACT US

A petition was launched by Liberal Democrat Councillor Kelly-Marie Blundell in an attempt

to save the toilets. However, in a full council meeting in July, a vote was taken to not renew the lease on the building.

Councillor Blundell, who voted against the closure, argues the toilets are a well-used facility in the town and must be saved.

She told Hailsham News: “The closure of Hailsham public toilets is a disgrace. They have served all levels of the community, especially the elderly, disabled and parents with young children. The Lib Dems in Hailsham collected over 500 signatures against the closure but this was not enough to persuade independent and conservative councillors of the need for public toilets.

“Cost was cited as the reason for the decision but we had the budget this year to cover the toilets and allow us to find another location.

The closure will affect the most marginalised in society – the elderly, families and the disabled. Cafes in Hailsham don’t always have baby change or disabled access so it is these people who will suffer the most.”

In a sudden turn of events, Hailsham’s District Chamber of Commerce called for urgent meetings to be held between themselves, the

Sundays where’s other available toilets are longer When the building is closed, residents will have to rely on Wealden’s Community Toilet Scheme if

and cafés for example, to open up their toilets to non-paying customers, for an annual payment of

Costa in the High Street. There is also a disabled toilet on St. Mary’s Walk which is accessible with Town Mayor Cllr Paul Holbrook commented:

town centre was a strong ambition of the Town provided by Wealden District Council a decade or so ago, and we are proud to have provided clean, safe and spacious public conveniences that were

discretionary service, which means the Town Council has no statutory obligation to provide this facility. Consequently, because of financial restraints currently experienced by the Town Council and in order to ensure that our budget is spent where it is most needed, we have regrettably decided not to go ahead with the renewal of the lease for the North Street building due to associated costs.”

However, as we went to press, Wealden District Council told us it is trying to find a solution. In a statement to Hailsham News, a spokesperson told us: “The toilets on North Street in Hailsham were provided by Hailsham Town Council and we understand there are no plans to reverse the decision to close them. Wealden District Council is working closely with the town council on the potential for alternative provision of a public toilet in the town centre and in the meantime we operate a Community Toilet Scheme in Hailsham and the wider district in partnership with local businesses and organisations.”

The public toilet facility in North Street was opened to the public in August 2014 and comprises two cubicles, one of which is fully wheelchair accessible and includes babychanging facilities.

POPULAR HAILSHAM FARM’S FUTURE IN BALANCE IF NEW HOMES GO AHEAD

meeting.

Councillors on the committee asked for a wider cycle path to be made, changes to the access road and a large buffer zone between nearby homes. But, it did not object to the development.

The owners of Hook and Son are hoping more customers and neighbours will support them by writing to Wealden District Council to highlight that ‘farmland producing food for local people should not be fragmented and lost, but protected from development, Hook & Son is the main raw milk producer in the UK and it organically farms land on the Pevensey Levels, which is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest’.

Owner of the farm Steve Hook told Hailsham News: “We are a farm producing local food for local people, but it seems as if no one understands that. The national food chain is so sensitive and can collapse at any time, just like COVID and the Ukraine war proved. There doesn’t seem to be a plan B, and plan B should be local food infrastructure.

“It absolutely baffles me that an application for only nine homes nearby in 2020 was objected to, whilst this application for so many more homes doesn’t get the same treatment.”

He added: “There are strong principles at stake here. If this land

Owner of Hook and Son, Steve Hook

Shopping for home appliances?

We’re on your high street, online & here to help. With 100s of products on display and in stock at our stores in Bexhill and Hailsham, we offer same day and next day deliveries across East Sussex. Count on us for the latest prices, expert advice and 5-star service, plus your favourite brands. Here’s some great buys from Bosch & Neff.…

1400 Spin Washing Machine

1400 Spin Washing Machine

with 3D Hot Air

WORKIN’ AT THE CAR WASH — SCHOOLBOYS’ HOLIDAY ENTERPRISE

FOUR friends from Hailsham have their sights set on business stardom as they leave the computer games at home and make some cash by washing cars throughout the town.

Brothers Alfie and Archie, along with their best friends Lucas and Jack are all 12 years old and attend Hailsham Community College — but after school hours and weekends, they spend their time building their already successful business ‘Bubble Wubble Car Wash’.

In May, the group decided they didn’t want to sit in their bedrooms staring at computer screens, but wanted to get outside, earn some money and build a business that would allow them to become more independent and be able to buy the things they wanted.

A satisfied customer, Tom Chichester, recently expressed his feedback on Facebook by saying: “We have just had three of the most polite young lads knock on our door, offering a car wash service! They did such a good job and were unbelievably polite! When I asked what gave them the idea, they said they didn’t want to waste their summer holidays and wanted to raise some extra money for things they would like to buy.”

We caught up with the team whilst they cleaned Mr Chichester’s car for the third time over the last few months. He said: “Kids don’t really get a good press these days, so it’s great to support these boys in what they’re doing. They’ve been all around town with their trolley drumming up

stopped ringing for the boys who have now washed and cleaned more than 250 cars in Hailsham.

Alfie told Hailsham News: “We’ve had some lovely customers, some are coming back every

we’re very grateful.”

The boys were even happy to help out a passing resident who noticed what they were doing. The pensioner said they had difficulty cleaning

their windows, so the team stepped in and did it themselves.

Outside of the school holidays, the team plan to continue to offer their services in the evenings and weekends, in the hope they can build the business into something bigger.

Dirty car owners can email bubblewubblecarwash@gmail.com to put the Bubble Wubble team to work.

Friday 15 SEPt

the Jivebeats: 19.30-22.00

Saturday 16 SEPt

BN27 1BJ

Hailsham Memorial Institute

Open Morning: 10.00-15.00 Vicarage Field, BN27 1BJ

Children’s Lego Building: 12.00-15.00 Hailsham Memorial Institute

CSi Hellingly day 1: 11.00-16.00 Hellingly Country Park

Mayor’s Concert: 14.00-15.30 Hailsham Parish Church, BN27 1BJ

Greek Mythology, Monsters & Media 16.00 B12 Bar and Kitchen, BN27 1BJ

1984: 19.30-21.00

Sunday 17 SEPt

CSi Hellingly day 2: 11.00-16.00

Singalong – Frozen!: 14.00-17.00

a Feast of Flutes: 16.30-18.00

MOnday 18 SEPt

downland Poets: 14.30-16.30

Hailsham Pavilion, BN27 1AE

Hellingly Country Park

Hailsham Pavilion, BN27 1AE

Hellingly Church, BN27 4HA

Hailsham Parish Church (lounge)

Murder Mystery night: 19.00-22.00 Union Corner Hall, BN27 1NA

tuESday 19 SEPt

Check the website

WEdnESday 20 SEPt

an Evening of Folk Music : 19.30-22.00 Kings Head, South Rd, BN27 3NJ

tHurSday 21 SEPt

an Evening of Burlesque: 19.30 B12 Bar and Kitchen, BN27 1BJ

Hailsham theatres: 19.30-22.00

Friday 22 SEPt

Hailsham theatres: 19.30-22.00

Saturday 23 SEPt

nostalgia Fair: 11.00-16.00

Hailsham theatres: 19.30-22.00

Summerheath Hall, BN27 3DR

Summerheath Hall, BN27 3DR

Cattle Market Site, BN27 2AQ

Summerheath Hall, BN27 3DR

Journeys Festival of dance: 20.00-21.00 Vicarage Field, BN27 1BJ

Sunday 24 SEPt

art trail - Sat 9th to Sun 24th Sept Various venues

BLOOMIN’ MARVELLOUS! CHARITY BRIGHTENS UP TOWN CENTRE DESPITE FUNDING WORRIES

Tfinancial support. However, the adamant volunteers who run Environment Hailsham battled on and managed to generate some much-welcomed donations to ensure the town centre was decorated with some amazing floral baskets and planters. The displays which cost almost £10,000 a year to produce, (which includes buying the flowers, watering and transportation), are totally funded by donations to the charity. In previous years, Hailsham Town Council has donated a chunk of the money to ensure the town centre is attractive to shoppers and visitors. However, this funding was pulled following cuts to the council’s

January this year: “Environment Hailsham is sad to inform you that there will be no floral displays in the town centre this year. Our Sponsor the Town Council has withdrawn their support at short notice. So, we are looking for a new sponsor or to raise the £4,000 pounds needed.”

A huge funding campaign was launched and thanks to the generosity of local businesses and organisations, enough money was donated to ensure the work continued.

Richard Grocock who heads up Environment Hailsham told us: “We’re so happy we’ve been able to get the displays going again this year, but it has been a struggle. What we do is an all-year-round

effort as we plant during the winter, manage the gardens near Grovelands School and at the library. Then, after we’ve prepared all the flowers, they need watering twice a week.”

The team have thanked those businesses that have supplied donations this year, which include, Lightning Fibre, Hailsham Lions, Special Occasions, Sussex Independent Financial Advisors. Hailsham Voices also held a fundraiser for the project and a grant was obtained from N & P Recycling in Crayford, which will be used to maintain the polytunnels.

Environment Hailsham is always looking for volunteers to help bring more colour to Hailsham. Anyone interested can phone 01323 842931, or email environmenthailsham@btinternet.com.

actually had a hydraulic survey on the network. It was confirmed by officer Stacey Robins that this had not taken place and computer/ desktop modelling had been used instead. However, they confirmed they ‘need to do more’ and improvements would be delivered via the planning conditions.

Mr Robins warned the committee that refusing the application, which already has outline planning permission, on the basis of the failures of Southern Water, would be an expensive move, as that is not in the remit of the committee.

Councillor Gavin Blake-Coggins, who could not vote in debate as he is the ward member said: “Even now, we have blockages, spillages and we have raw sewage running down the streets. I’ve got 3,500 residents in my ward, and I’ve had about the same number of emails about this application. We were told two and half years ago there would be £22m of improvements on the sewage works – as far as I’m aware, that hasn’t happened.”

He added: “I’m keeping everything crossed that this committee makes an appropriate decision on behalf of the residents.”

Robins said: “I can tell you now, if this committee refuses this application on that basis, then it’ll go to appeal, and we will lose! That would be a very expensive mistake by this council.”

Councillor Draper, District Councillor for Chiddingly, East Hoathly and Waldron summarised the discussion by commenting: “We are between a rock and a hard place. Rightly or wrongly, this is a reserved matters application. Rightly or wrongly, at some stage, this is going to get built.”

A MAJOR application to build up to 220 properties on land off Mill Lane has been pushed back after major concerns over the local sewer system.

Reserved matters on the Mill Road development was being discussed by the committee last month, which was deferred from a previous meeting, whilst answers were sought by Southern Water.

Councillors wanted to know what studies were carried out on the

site to ensure the sewer system could cope with the new homes and when essential upgrades would be carried out. None of them were convinced by the answer presented to them by Southern Water.

The water authority reconfirmed “there is capacity at Hailsham South Wastewater Treatment Works, and reconfirmed, from modelling, there is no detriment caused by the first 50 units.”

Councillor Neil Cleaver asked planning officers if the system had

He added: “We have tried to get the best possible out come from Southern Water, we know they are a difficult beast to work with. It would be easy for us to stand up and say we’re going to refuse – but it will do us no good and will hit us hard in the pockets. We’re better off retaining the monies we may save by passing this for now, and allowing our officers to work with the developer, and do all the necessary hammering of Southern Water in making sure that when the 50 homes are built, all will be well, and any necessary improvement will be taken.”

Councillor Cleaver proposed the application should be refused which was supported by seven other councillors and was carried. The application can be viewed on the Wealden District Council website by searching for application WD/2022/1449/MRM.

PLANS FOR 220 HAILSHAM HOMES REFUSED OVER CONCERNS OF ‘UNFIT SYSTEM’

HAILSHAM FARMER SETS OUT ON ARCTIC CHALLENGE

Bodle Street Green Farmer, Mike Harding, has embarked on a rowing expedition through the Arctic circle. He set off on an eight-person rowing expedition through the Northwest Passage last month, the Arctic route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The team launched their boat, “Hermonie”, from Pond Inlet, Canada and will be on the move for about 6 -8 weeks to row through the Northwest Passage, ending at Tuktoyaktuk, navigating around icebergs, narwhals, and polar bears.

The search for the Northwest Passage began in the 15th century as Europeans sought a route to Asia for trade. Mike is a descendant of Sir John Franklin, who disappeared with the ships and crew of HMS Erebus and Terror while searching for a route through the passage in 1846-7.

WORRIES OVER HIGH NUMBER OF DEAD FISH AT COMMON POND

RESIDENTS have taken to social media to complain about rotting dead fish at the town’s ‘jewel in the crown’. We visited The Common Pond following the reports and discovered around 30 large dead fish at the landmark, all congregated to the east of the pond.

Many of the fish are rotting and there’s a strong smell. The fish are surrounded with slime, rubbish and covered in flies.

The discovery comes just a few weeks since water samples were taken from sites including the Common Pond, Marshfoot Lane, Hailsham Country Park and locations in Hellingly.

The results showed high e-coli levels at The Common

Pond, Lower Horsebridge Scout Hut and tests from the Country Park on Gleneagles Drive were ’too numerous to count (TNTC)’, according to Dr. Stephen Hall who carried out the tests.

As a result, the council agreed to place a message on its social media pages and website as a matter of urgency to discourage residents from swimming and fishing at The Common Pond and Gleneagles Country Park.

A spokesperson from Hailsham Town Council said: “In light of recent reports from residents concerning a number of dead fish sighted at the Common Pond, the Town Council’s Pond Warden has confirmed that the Environment Agency has been notified and subsequently visited the site to investigate.”

Now, in 2023, he is part of an international team of rowers that hope to be the first to make it through by rowboat. Mike has no experience of ocean rowing but spent seven years in the Royal Marines, where he spent time at sea and competed the arduous arctice warfare and survival course in Norway. The expedition’s progress can be tracked on its website, where biographies of the eight rowers and info on the research they are doing for the Big Blue Ocean Clean Up can also be found https://nwpexpedition.com

BOY FOUND WITH DRUGS AND WEAPON ARRESTED IN HELLINGLY

THE Sussex Police helicopter was called to search the Hellingly and Lower Horsebridge area last month after reports of a man with a knife locally.

Armed Police rushed to the area and searched North Hailsham and Hellingly before arresting a 16-year-old boy.

The report was made at 9:20 (2 August) after someone spotted the boy on New Road, Hellingly.

A Police spokesman has told Hailsham News: “A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Hellingly on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and possession of a class B drug, namely cannabis, with intent to supply. He remains in police custody at this time.”

Officers have thanked the public for their patience while this matter was dealt with.

From the Albany Fantasy Wallpaper Collection

PLUS

More information from: 18hours.org.uk

Programme subject to change

Compagnie Bilbobasso will also be performing on:

Friday 22 Sept 8pm at The Sidings, Newhaven

Sunday 24 Sept 8pm at De la Warr Pavilion, Bexhill PLUS 7pm – Corina Piatti Trio performance

© JC Chaudy

FIRE CREWS FROM KENT AND SUSSEX RESCUE HORSE STUCK IN RIVER

PHOTOS: DAN JESSUP

SPECIALIST crews from around Kent and Sussex were called to a farm in Hailsham to rescue a horse from a river.

The incident happened at the premises on Rickney Lane where crews spent many hours recusing the animal. The horse, named Dixie, got into trouble in a muddy river in a nearby field, and special vehicles from across East Sussex and Kent were

dispatched to the scene to help.

A spokesperson from East Sussex Fire and Rescue said: “We were called at 11:57 to reports of a horse in water at Downash, Hailsham.

“Two appliances were sent. Crews used mud paths, pumping equipment and a hose reel to rescue a horse that had found itself 50% submerged in muddy water.

“Once rescued, the horse was handed over to the veterinarian. Crews left the scene at 15:07.”

HORAM RAF VETERAN HONOURED BY RED 10 TO MARK HIS 102ND BIRTHDAY AND COLOURFUL CAREER

Jack Hemings AFC, former RAF Squadron Leader, and early pioneer of Mission Aviation Fellowship [MAF], the world’s largest humanitarian air service, celebrated turning 102 at Eastbourne Airbourne recently.

RAF Veteran Jack Hemmings, who flew Lockheed Hudson aircraft with 353 Squadron during WWII and received the Air Forces Cross, expressed his unwavering enthusiasm for aviation at a special visit to the airshow last month. He now lives in Horam, near Hailsham, with his wife Kate.

Jack, who has continued flying well into his centenary, performed aerobatics on his 100th

appeared above Eastbourne.

During their meeting, Jack shared memories from his extensive flying career, which includes performing the first British humanitarian survey of Central Africa in 1948, where Jack, alongside D-Day landings RAF Engineer Stuart King, flew a wooden Miles Gemini aircraft from Croydon to Nairobi.

Alongside him in MAF’s first Miles Gemini

aftermath of WWII.

The result of the pair’s pioneering sortie was the launch of Mission Aviation Fellowship [MAF], which has grown to become the world’s largest humanitarian air service.

Today, the charity operates 118 aircraft in more than 25 low-income countries to deliver aid, medical care and emergency evacuations in some of the world’s most isolated locations.

Due to hazy flying conditions on the day of the airshow, spectators at Eastbourne only witnessed a partial display by the Red Arrows, yet Jack was surprised by a special flyover at his Horam home the following day with a smoke salute from one of the Red Arrow pilots at around 19:20 on Saturday evening.

Jack said, “Watching the Red Arrows is not just a spectacle, but it’s the skill of the pilots that I

really admire. It’s just wonderful.”

He added: “When I first joined the RAF in 1940, I thought, ‘If I am going to fight in a war, I may as well do it sitting down!’ Getting into an aeroplane gives a sense of pleasant expectation — I’ve never got into one and regretted it. I love flying because it gives a feeling of detachment from all the problems in the world — and there are a lot of problems.

“During wartime, aircraft were used for destruction; but it has always been my desire that they be used for good. That is what MAF does today, it is more than a bright idea that stayed in someone’s head, it has grown exponentially to become the Good Samaritan of the air. Turning 102 doesn’t quite have the allure of 100, but it’s nice to have it behind me.”

Sqn Leader Graeme Muscat was impressed with Jack’s bravery, tenacity, and aviation history. He told the BBC: “The stories he came out with, they just melted my heart — because it’s aviation from an era that is just no longer here. When you hear stories like Jack’s you think — ‘how wonderful to fly in that era’. It’s really heartwarming.”

Jack with Red 10, Squadron Leader Graeme Muscat

MAF survey of eastern and central Africa in the Gemini ‘Mildmay Pathfinder’. Right: hand-drawn maps of Kenya survey.

Jack Hemmings

The team planning another important mission

HAILSHAM TO BRIGHTON BUS LINK BRINGS CITY CLOSER FOR WORK AND PLEASURE

BY PAUL GIBSON

ABRAND new bus route was announced recently allowing passengers easy access to Lewes and Brighton from Hailsham every 30 minutes.

The ‘Regency Route’ is operated by Brighton and Hove buses and starts from the North Street Tesco bus stop and continues through to 20 different stops all the way to Brighton’s Churchill Square. It can only be good news for businesses in Hailsham as an increased footfall has already been noticed just a few weeks since the service began.

The number 28 is a much-needed boost for the local economy as it opens up Hailsham to a brand new audience from Brighton, Lewes, Laughton and Ringmer. The service is being subsidised by East Sussex County Council with all fares being capped at £2 for a single trip and children are free. I decided to take the new route into Brighton for an evening out — this is way out of my comfort zone as I’m a ‘petrol head’ and always prefer to choose the comfort and convenience of my own car (see comment on page two).

However, the push to leave the car at home is ever-increasing and bus journeys to the main towns surrounding Hailsham have become much easier and much cheaper in recent days.

When researching the times of the buses leaving Hailsham, there’s a great deal of help online and via SMS to make sure you know when you can travel. A dedicated app from Brighton and Hove

communication difficult. Something told me this driver might be in the wrong job as we briefly sped away up North Street towards our destination.

I swept that experience aside to enjoy our surroundings from a completely different angle and noticed all seats have a free USB port to use which was certainly unexpected.

A short trip around some small housing areas I didn’t even know existed between here and Brighton, I was in the city centre in around 1 hour 20 minutes. Obviously, slower than taking the car, but when you take into account rush hour traffic and costs to park, then the benefits certainly outweigh the others.

After enjoying a few hoppy beverages in some of the local bars, I caught the 22:17 bus back to town. It was great to see the fact that the digital signs in Brighton all highlight Hailsham, rather than the other towns along the route. This can only be a coo for our town.

I spoke to Killian Callander who owns the popular Callanders Restaurant in the High Street who says he has seen a definite increase in footfall since the 28 route started.

MOVIES, SHOWS AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT THE HAILSHAM PAVILION

BARBIE

1-3 SEPTEMBER - 14:15

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a fullon existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken. The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken.

OPPENHEIMER

1-7 SEPT - 14:15 & 19:30

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan,  Oppenheimer is an epic thriller that thrusts audiences into the pulse-pounding paradox of the enigmatic man who must risk destroying the world in order to save it.

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY

8-11 SEPT - 14:15 & 10:30

Finding himself in a new era, Indy wrestles with fitting into a world that seems to have outgrown him. Indy must make sure an ancient artefact doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

SONS OF THE DESERT

12 SEPTEMBER - 19:30

Hailsham Festival presents arguably the funniest of Laurel and Hardy’s feature-length movies. Sons of the Desert is simply crammed with gags, most of which are as funny as anything you’re likely to see from 30s Hollywood.

GRAN TURISMO

15-17 SEPT - 10:30 & 19:30

Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the film is the ultimate wish fulfillment tale of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver.

SINGALONG - FROZEN

17 SEPTEMBER - 14:00

Hailsham FM and Hailsham Pavilion present the comedy-adventure and, with the fairy dust of sing-along added, you are guaranteed a great time. Come on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, the Snow Queen and put an end to her icy spell.

He said: “We’ve seen a new lunchtime trade coming into town using the new service so it’s fantastic news for us. Anybody anywhere along the route to get on a bus for £2, far cheaper than a taxi, get themselves into Hailsham and have dinner in any one of our lovely restaurants.”

He added: “Most of the stops are in housing estates and there’s no facilities there. There’s no shops, there’s no corner convenience shops, there’s no restaurants there’s no bars. Why not get the bus for two quid into Hailsham and have a night out? And then, your last bus is still after closing time!”

An interesting point to conclude — the bus operator likes to give interesting facts when you visit the app to search for your journey. I was informed that choosing the bus for this journey saved 6,716g of CO2 which is equivalent to keeping a fridge running for 245 days, charging a mobile phone 28,455 times or making 2,847 cups of tea. Makes you think, doesn’t it?

TO BOOK TICKETS CALL THE BOX OFFICE ON 01323 841414 E: info@hailshampavilion.co.uk W: hailshampavilion.co.uk

MY NAME IS ALFRED HITCHCOCK

18-19 SEPTEMBER - 19:30

2022 marks the hundred-year anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock’s first feature. But how does his vast body of work and legacy hold up in today’s society? Mark Cousins tackles this and looks at it with a new approach.

WEST SIDE STORY

22 SEPTEMBER - 14:00

The award-winning adaptation of the classic romantic tragedy “Romeo and Juliet”. The feuding families become two warring New York City gangs–the white Jets led by Riff and the Latino Sharks, led by Bernardo.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - AUTISM FRIENDLY

23 SEPTEMBER - 14:15

Autism Friendly screening. We aim to provide a comfortable, tolerant and flexible atmosphere in which you can enjoy coming to the movies with all the family.

...AND THIS IS MY FRIEND MR. LAUREL

9 SEPTEMBER - 19:30

Acclaimed actor, Jeffrey Holland (Hi de Hi, Masterchef, Pointless Celebrities) visits Hailsham to perform his one-man show’.

PIERS ADAMS AND LYNDY MAYLE – BAROQUE ALCHEMY

10 SEPTEMBER - 14:30

Ever since the explosion in popularity of synth-led bands and ‘new age’ music in the 1980s, recorder virtuoso Piers Adams has nurtured a vision to combine the simple beauty of the recorder – and the drama of baroque music – with the extraordinary, expansive sound-world of the electronic era.

THE VERY BEST OF TOMMY COOPER- JUST LIKE THAT!

1 OCTOBER - 14:30

This hilarious on e-man show written by Danny Taylor focuses on Tommy Cooper’s legendary comedy act, recapturing his trademark mayhem and misfiring magic.

ALL MATINEES SCREENINGS AND ALL DAY SUNDAY SCREENINGS - £6.50 / EVENING SCREENINGS - ADULTS - £9 CONCESSIONS - £7

A MATTER OF TASTE

THE ROEBUCK INN, LAUGHTON

Tof Laughton, The Roebuck Inn. So attractive from the roadside, and their billboard outside boasts freshly cooked food all day, so we decided to give it a whirl. Having jumped on the bus to Brighton from Hailsham, we hopped off halfway through. Stepping inside, the subdued lighting and quirky décor immediately caught my attention. The creative use of metal cogs and other machinery in the wall light fittings added a unique touch to the ambience. It was just starting to get dark outside, setting a perfect mood for a relaxing evening. I was surprised at how busy it already was. The air was bubbling pleasantly, and people were happy.

From the moment we stepped in, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff. The menus were presented to us in a timely manner, showcasing an attractive selection of classic pub dishes. From the ever-popular fish and chips to hearty sausages and mash, as well as tempting options like Gammon steak, haddock, tandoori chicken, and a delicious vegetarian spinach and sweet potato chickpea curry.

As I don’t suffer from any allergies or have any dietary preferences, I feel fortunate that the whole menu appeals to me, apart from a very select few items that I just don’t like. The foot of the menu states that any meal can be made gluten-free with a substitute if it’s not already flagged as such. The variety of options on their menu is impressive, especially for meat lovers. However, I couldn’t help but wonder if there could be more variety to cater to our vegetarian and vegan friends.

Back to us, we opted for a Spanish Burger with Manchego Cheese & Chorizo, for £16.50 and a selection of the Small Plates, there are nine to choose from and a selection of four Baos for a deal of three for £20, otherwise you simply choose them separately with their varying prices.

I’m assuming you can opt for a single Small Plate as a Starter and then select a Main as well, but I decided to have the Three Small Plates Deal — it was a tough decision to settle on just three dishes as there were so many tempting options to choose from. The final decision was the Salt & Chilli Squid as it’s always a firm favourite, which was served with a chilli dip, the Honey & Red Wine Chorizo bites and bread, and then selected the Crispy Pork Belly with Chilli & White Soy Dressing in a steamed chinese-style Bao bun. This combination would have cost £25 separately but the deal saved £5. We didn’t have to wait too long for our dishes to arrive, especially as it’s all freshly cooked. The burger looked great and we’re always a firm believer that if you serve a great burger you must, at the very least, make your own slaw. This slaw was excellent, made with red onion which made it crunchy, creamy and delicious.

The three Small Plates were served, the squid and Chorizo bites on separate plates and the Bao buns were served on a slate board — I dug in straight away.

The squid was lovely, cooked beautifully, with a great crunchy crispy coating, served with some lovely coriander and chilli garnish which not only made it look aesthetically pleasing but added a great taste as well, but together with the chilli dip was just lovely.

THE HAILSHAM CLUB

a small sandwich. On the menu it stated ‘A steamed Chinese style Bao bun’, but there were actually two! If I’m totally honest about the Bao bun, I didn’t feel it was necessary, and didn’t add a great deal to the dish as it was rather tasteless, I would have preferred the extra attention to have been spent on getting the pork as crispy as I hoped it was going to be. However, it tasted great, and ended up just eating the pork and leaving the bun — sorry!

Now to the Chorizo bites — the more ordinary-looking dish of the three. A small ramekin full of Chorizo with a generous amount of honey & red wine sauce. I was surprised at how delicious this was and if given the opportunity to enjoy this selection again I’d go in with the Chorizo first without hesitation.

My only comments to add would be to perhaps put the ramekin of Chorizo and bread on an oblong plate, which would add a touch of elegance and sophistication and creating a ‘wow factor’ to reel you in from first sight. The pork definitely did not need the Bao buns, simply served on its own perhaps with a few slices of apple or an apple sauce to give it an added sweetness would be sufficient for me. The pub can be contacted at 01323 811244 and tell them you saw them in Hailsham News. Enjoy.

THE HAILSHAM CLUB IS A PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB FOR THE OVER 18S ESTABLISHED IN 1920 AND CONVENIENTLY SITUATED IN THE CENTRE OF TOWN Bingo

Fresh Water Fishing Section

Wheel of Chance Entertainment

Themed Evenings

Darts Drinks Raffle Fundraisers

Snooker Tables

Meat Raffle Poker Snooker League Pool Table Quiz Night Sea Fishing Section Whist

WE ARE A VENUE FOR LOCAL GROUPS INCLUDING ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, PROBUS AND WI. OUR KITCHEN SERVES LIGHT LUNCHES FROM 11am TO 2pm ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAYS

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME, MEMBERSHIP FORMS AVAILABLE FROM THE BAR.

MEMBERSHIP ENROLMENT HELD ON 1st THURSDAY EACH MONTH. 43 Vicarage Field, Hailsham, BN27 1BG 01323 842468 hailshamclub@live.co.uk

Lasting Power of Attorney

Financial & Health & Welfare

General Power of Attorney

Will Writing - Printed on Velum and Bound

Legal Letter Drafting

Change of Name Deeds

Divorce and Financials

Family Law Issues

Separation Deeds Drafted

Prenuptial / Cohabitation Deeds

Drafted

Contracts, Disputes

Employment Law Issues

Consumer Issues

Negligence & Complaints

Small Claims

Help with Civil Court

We send anonymous members of the team to check out local

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

Welcome to the colour of September, one of the most beautiful months in the year. This month brings to fruition all the months of plotting and planning, weeding and pruning and allows us gardeners time to appreciate our plots or communal spaces. After the rain we have had, I am hoping for a good Autumn display this year.

Seed collecting is a relaxing pastime for this month. Keep an eye on your favourite plants and watch them carefully — always a joy to do. They will bear seed in a number of different ways, the seed on an ash tree for example hangs in winged clusters known as keys. These can be collected when they turn a light brown colour and sown straight away. Ash are currently under threat from dieback disease and so it would be beneficial for us to increase their UK population as much as we can.

Poppy seed is made in a handy pepperpot, all ready for sprinkling directly onto prepared soil. If the pod rattles when gently shaken, you will know the seed is ready. The exciting part is the unknown — if your poppy seed was a fancy cultivar, it will not be exactly the same next year but could be even better!

Euphorbia lathyris — the Caper Spurge bears excitingly explosive three-sided fruit that are said to resemble capers in appearance hence the common name. Do not eat them though — they are poisonous. This biennial is a beautiful and statuesque plant in a border and is said to give off a smell which repels moles. When their seed capsule ripens it explodes, scattering the seed over a considerable distance. The answer to this is to loosely tie a small paper bag over the seed head so that

Bates Green Garden, an RHS Partner Garden, is open every Wednesday until 25th October 2023. For details please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

substance called latex which can be irritating to the skin so always wear gloves when handling.

Another plant innovation is the seed pod borne on peas and beans. If you have been revelling in the heady scent of sweet peas this summer, then now is the time to stop deadheading a few of the very best plants. Allow the pods to turn brown and brittle on the plant and check them daily. They need to be fully ripe but intact. Collect them on a dry day putting straight into a paper bag. Once they are indoors, open the pods up, remove the seed and lay it out carefully on kitchen towel or newspaper to dry completely for a few days, label and then store in the fridge until sowing time.

Harvesting, storing and sowing your home-grown seed is a rewarding, environmentally friendly and interesting way to propagate your own plants or share them with friends. We are holding a Study Morning here at Bates Green Garden on this very subject and plan all manner of interesting seedy activities for our participants. Book here for an informative session with homemade cake and the chance to ask all your seed-related questions. Book at www.batesgreengarden.co.uk

I have a particular passion for succulents and have amassed quite a varied collection over the years. My favourites are glaucous Echeveria, elegant Aeoniums and the beautifully trailing Rhipsalis. All my windowsills are packed full both with succulents and pelargoniums and so the garden overflow must spend the cold months in my unheated glasshouse. This works well proving the plants in question are completely dry at the roots. That way, any sub — zero temperatures are not fatal. Last year, we had a wet autumn and then an unbelievably long cold snap which resulted in the sad loss of a large proportion of my glasshouse collection. This is where sharing plants comes into its own. If you have a cherished plant, then I would advise you to share it as widely as possible via seed or cuttings. Then, should tragedy occur, you will have the opportunity to grow the same plant again. I have also enjoyed visiting Plant Fairs and specialist nurseries — always a delight. We must learn through failure and so my September plan will be to start bringing in these cherished beauties so they will have a good chance of drying out before the cold weather commences. I do hope my glasshouse will miraculously expand in order to fit it all in!

Virginia Woolf wrote of this month” All the months are crude experiments out of which the perfect September is made.”

I hope you can all enjoy the natural world this month.

Keys on ash tree

Seed pods on Euphorbia

Greenhouse succulents

THIS IS WHY MOGGIES ARE THE CATS’ WHISKERS

BY KIM MAYO

MANY years ago when I was a student a group of us, young and carefree, rented a house north of Durban in South Africa for a peppercorn rent and lived the life of Riley.

We drank copiously, lived on soup and not much else and skipped as many journalism lectures as we possibly could to spend endless days on the beach.

There were six of us and life was great until one day a member of our group invited another student who had no accommodation to stay over for a ‘short while’.

She was a nightmare to put it bluntly, taking over the sofa, eating our food, and drinking any booze we had at every opportunity without contributing one iota to the running costs of our establishment which was largely funded by the largesse of our respective parents.

My friend Mark, the de facto leader of the pack, after a month, said he had had more than enough. “She has got to go” he whispered to me, fuelled considerably by vodka. “Yeah, she has,” I replied. “But how are we going to get rid of her? “She ignores every hint we drop that it is time for her to go.”

Salvation arrived from an unlikely source when we returned from yet another day at the beach to find a

was to become his favourite. We never discovered where he had come from but he swiftly made himself at home.

He and Mark swiftly became soul mates while the rest of us were treated with barely concealed disdain. One problem, though. Our unwelcome lodger also fell in love with the cat. A tug of war ensued over ownership until on one particular evening Mark launched a cunning plan, which worked a treat.

We were all lounging about drinking a brand of ‘vodka’ which was called Count Pushkin. The label also stated it had been ‘made in Poland’ when in fact it had been no closer to Krakow than we had. Our supplier was a dodgy geezer who brewed it illicitly in his nearby shed and knocked it out at a remarkably cheap price. Then Mark announced out of the blue to our unwelcome resident that she could stay if the cat was placed in the middle of the room and, when she called it, it responded by running to her, she could stay indefinitely.

However, if it failed to respond and when he called it and it came to him then she had to pack her bags and leave immediately. “OK, you are on,” she said and then purred “come here kitty, come here”, while patting her lap. The cat yawned and turned its back

eyes before he said “come here Pushkin” in tribute to the ‘vodka’ and the cat leapt onto his lap. Bet won and shortly afterwards she left much to our collective relief.

Pushkin, though, was here to stay and to say he ruled would be an understatement. He had a favourite chair, he got the best food. Basically, he was lord of the manor and we all loved him to bits.

Sadly, six months later, I left this Nirvana to begin working for a living and had no option but to bid both Pushkin and my mates a fond farewell. However, my love of felines continues to this day.

Since returning to England more than four decades ago I have owned several cats and loved them all

most cliches, that is true.

I lost both of my most recent cats in the last five years and was utterly heartbroken. Jimi, a beautiful ginger tomcat named after the world’s greatest rock guitarist died from heart failure, while Elmo, a feisty black and white character, had to be put down at the grand old age of 17 due to kidney and liver failure. But I have decided I will never own another cat for the simple reason I live in a first-floor flat and I don’t think it would be fair. Ultimately cats, unlike dogs, live by their own set of rules.

However, if you are in a position to adopt a moggy in need of a loving home please do so. They make for wonderful company despite their quirks.

THE KITCHEN DOCTOR

Covering Eastbourne to Hastings

FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR KITCHEN AGAIN TIRED OF LOOKING AT THE SAME RUN DOWN KITCHEN?

DON’T HAVE THE MONEY FOR A NEW ONE?

Then look no further - we can renew your doors and worktops to make it look like a new kitchen at the fraction of the cost of a new one.

Hundreds of doors, handles and worktops to choose from.

WE ALSO PROVIDE A FULL KITCHEN FITTING SERVICE.

IF YOU’VE ORDERED YOUR KITCHEN AND CAN’T FIND A FITTER, LOOK NO FURTHER.

WE CAN OFFER THE FULL FITTING SERVICE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY. WE CAN ALSO SUPPLY YOUR KITCHEN.

TO THE CORNICE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

AND A NO OBLIGATION

QUOTE, PLEASE CALL 07792 272495

LAURIE’S POEM CORNER

I write poems on a wide spectrum of topics, and across the board on the world and our lives in it, but probably one of the main subjects and widely felt concerns of people is their sleep, or more likely, a lack of it.

The failure to enjoy a satisfying night sleep is not only obviously tiring and debilitating but can lead to frustration, lack of concentration and even depression.

Sleep patterns are also widely discussed, complained about, and the theme of many advertisements, and offered cures etc. stretching from perfect beds and mattresses, to a variety of oral concoctions or techniques. I will offer here, and be very confident this will resonate with multitudes of people, in that a major and frequent cause of sleep problems is another person snoring? Not good that!

Now I’m going to state here that although I observe and write my poetry about issues and situations in our world, I draw back from making presumptuous and glib answers, although on occasions I may venture my opinion, or common advice, but safely behind my guard of “ poetic licence”.

Probably best if I retreat here and offer my poem “Sleep Perchance?” from my 4th book, that whilst extolling the joy of restful sleep, gives no great answers.

SLEEP PERCHANCE?

We all love and need our

Thus allow yourself to drift away And to slip into a world of dreams, Maybe to caress those hidden thoughts So all will not be as it seems. Then allow the visions of your deep To take you soaring to the moon, In a fluttering of warm sensations You awaken from much too soon.

So just relax and prepare to escape When laying down to sleep, For if you can lose yourself in peace Great councils you will keep.

www.lauriewilkinson.com

MR. JONES AT THE MOVIES

BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID

In the real world these days you can find a unique location with just three words. In the film world you can accurately spot this great western with three words also, and they would be Bicycle, Canyon and Freezeframe.

It features Paul Newman and Robert Redford and was directed by George Roy Hill, the same combination that later featured in the making of The Sting (reviewed here previously). It also stars Katherine Ross who had equal billing. Ross who had starred in The Graduate the year before, plays the enigmatic Etta Place.

One of the most interesting things about this well-crafted movie is that it is based closely on real characters. Butch Cassidy really did lead The Hole in the Wall gang at the end of the wild west era. Sundance was a feared sharpshooter whose lover was Etta Place. They did end up in South America in an attempt to lose the relentless possy and there was a big shoot out involving the Bolivian army.

I have to mention the song for which this film is perhaps most famous. Raindrops keep falling on my head, by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, won one of the films four Oscars.

And here’s an interesting snippet to finish with. In the real world, when the bodies of Butch and Sundance were exhumed for a DNA matching check, it wasn’t them, so perhaps there is more to that freezeframe than an artistic and dramatic choice.

SONS OF THE DESERT. LAUREL AND HARDY

As soon as you’ve watched the first scene of this comedy masterpiece you know that you are in for a treat. Only Laurel and Hardy could get so much humour out of the simple act of opening a door, walking into a room and sitting down, with not a word said.

I think what I like most about this film is that it depends one hundred percent on the quality of the writing and the skills and talents of the performers, and there is certainly no shortage in any of those fields.

This is widely regarded as Laurel and Hardy’s finest picture and I can see why. Every sequence is packed with comic detail, and it isn’t only the marvellous slapstick, there are also vast numbers of great one liners and short rallies of masterful comic strokes. Apparently, many of the scenes had to be re-shot several times because the cast and crew were constantly cracking up, especially when Charlie Chase was involved.

Sons of the Desert is being screened at the Hailsham Pavilion on Tuesday the 12th of September at 7.30pm as part of this year’s Hailsham Festival and it would be great to see you there.

You should also do your best to get to the related one man show, “and this is my friend, Mr Laurel”, by Jeffrey Holland (of “Hi Di Hi” fame) which will be performed at the same venue on September 9th.

Be

Hailsham House is proud to announce the opening of Beech House – a newly refurbished 32- bed care facility situated in the grounds of the home. Beech House boasts the latest automated care/ call-system for people with dementia and nursing care needs. We will be opening the first phase in July. The beautifully designed rooms, which are all en-suite, are decorated to the personal taste of each resident before they arrive. Beech House is also home to an on-site hair and beauty salon, a deluxe spa bathroom, relaxing communal areas and beautiful landscaped

Tel: 01323 442 050

Email: mgr.hailshamhouse@aurem-care.com

Web: salutemseniorliving.com/hailsham-house

The on-site wellbeing services and kitchenettes in each room provide the perfect blend of independent living with 24-hour support –an ideal way to transition if a little extra care is required. The rooms are well appointed, spacious and wonderfully light and airy. Many have direct garden access too. A beautifully fitted out café called Daphne’s’ is situated in the main communal area of Beech House creating a warm and friendly community atmosphere. Residents can relax, dine and socialise with friends,

family and the Hailsham team throughout the day.

The café was named after Daphne Marchant, a former resident of Hailsham House and the mother-in-law to John Godden, Director of Aurem Care. Although separate to the main home, there is easy access between Beech and Hailsham House. This allows the home to cater for couples with varying needs, allowing them to remain together and find the right package to suit them both. Each community at Hailsham House has its own unique and distinct feel. Hailsham House has always been highly regarded for its friendly, effective care. Beech House is surrounded by the most beautiful gardens which can be enjoyed all year round. The site also has an allotment where many residents enjoy spending time helping to grow and produce fresh fruit and vegetables some of which are donated to the local food banks.

If you would like to find out more about Beech House, or if you would like a guided tour of the home, please get in touch with Richard the Manager either by phone 01323 442050 or email mgr.hailshamhouse@aurem-care.com.

WHY JOIN A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE?

BY CHAMBER SECRETARY, VIKTORIA COWLEY

If you’re looking to establish valuable connections for your business, a Chamber of Commerce can be an excellent starting point. Chambers of Commerce provide a platform where entrepreneurs and professionals can network, collaborate, and access numerous opportunities for growth and success.

There’s already a well-established network of recommended and trusted businesses available to forge strong relationships with.

It’s also a great place to start if you ever need these services yourself. By communicating with them regularly, you can build great relationships.

To foster a sense of community and promote collaboration, certain businesses provide special discounts to their members when they utilise their services.

ADVOCATING FOR YOUR NEEDS — When issues arise within your local community, it can be beneficial to turn to already well-established businesses. They not only create local jobs but also have strong presence and influence.

The Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in enhancing the local business landscape and building stronger communities through advocacy, networking, and campaigns. They facilitate smooth communication channels between business owners and governing bodies.

FIGHTING FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES —

When the Chamber received a call during the month regarding Wealden District Council’s plan to shut the public toilets in North Street we were

asked if we could assist.

The town has an implemented Toilet Scheme whereby select independent shops and cafés offer their facilities for public use without requiring a purchase. However, it’s important to note this arrangement is discretionary and can be withdrawn at any time.

However, it is a requirement to provide accessible amenities to the public.

A united front for progress — By joining forces with local businesses and residents, we create a powerful collective voice that cannot be ignored. Together we can make a difference and bring about positive change.

During our Committee Meeting attended by Chamber’s President, Clive Soper and Mayor, Paul Holbrook, it was unanimously agreed that we should make every effort to assist.

Following additional discussions with Wealden District Council, a decision was reached to postpone the closure of the toilets.

Your support matters — Members of Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce play an integral role in shaping the future of our community. Your involvement allows us to amplify our efforts and achieve greater results.

MAKE NETWORKING WORK FOR YOU

We meet every first Thursday of the month for our Big Business Breakfast at B12 Bar & Kitchen where we’ve met for as long as I can remember (except just after Covid due to having a refit of their Marlow Suite).

I’ve spoken to many business owners inviting

them to our Breakfasts, but some are wary because they fear public speaking.

Different networking groups operate differently — some meet and brainstorm, some simply allow attendees to chat, whilst others feel the 60-second elevator pitch is the main purpose of the networking schedule.

There’s little value in networking, then chatting with someone you already know so use the time for free networking to make new connections. It’s important to note that other businesses are not always your next customers. You don’t network in the hope to make your next sale. It’s about the connections and, hopefully, recommendations.

Even for the most introverted, you get used to it, however, not everyone is particularly good at it. Here are a few tips on Elevator Pitches:

• Be brief and to the point: Keep in mind that no one will thank you for using up more than your given time (normally 60 seconds) as you’re only eating into someone else’s time and that will delay the rest of the meeting’s schedule, and people tend to switch off after a minute — believe me, they do!

• Speak clearly and concisely: Don’t waffle, stay focused.

• The slower you talk the less you need to say — think ballad rather than a rap.

• Introduction is key: Remember the few people who have never met you — if they don’t catch your name or business name you’ve lost them there and then.

• Appealing: Capture attention, keep attention, be memorable.

• Tailored: Why should the people in the room need your product or service?

• Project your voice: Speak to the whole room. If you’re sitting in the middle, move to the edge of the room so you don’t have your back to anyone, so you can talk to everyone.

• Confidence: Believe in yourself and your business!

• Make eye contact: People will automatically connect with you.

Here’s an example skeleton of a pitch: “Hi, I’m [your name] and my business is [your business name]. I’m a [whatever you do] and I help businesses [whatever problem you solve for other businesses]. Last week/month we [explain briefly what you did] and as a result [describe the outcome]. It was a real pleasure to work with [that business] and I cannot wait to help you in your business. That’s [your name & your business name again]. [Include a tagline if you have one]”

And this is what it sounds like for me: “I’m Viktoria Cowley and my business is PA Your Way. I’m a Virtual Assistant and I help businesses reclaim their time by giving me their timeconsuming admin tasks which means they can continue to work on their business — the bits that actually make them money! Last month, I improved a businesses’ website and SEO rankings and they reported back to me last week saying they’ve had a 50% increase in their enquiries. It was a real pleasure to work with them and I cannot wait to help you in your business. Grab my card if you haven’t got one already. That’s Viktoria Cowley, PA Your Way, Virtual Assistant — Adding more hours to your day.”

MONKSEY’S MUTTERINGS

PARK LIKE A PRINCESS

BY BRAD MONKS

When I was growing up we only had one car in our household, my dad was very proud of his Ford Cortina GT MkII in chocolate brown and how I wish I’d have kept it and tucked it away safely as it would be worth a fortune now.

Nowadays single car households are the minority and as I sit writing this my stepson has just passed his driving test today (well done Ollie on passing 1st time) so we are about to annoy the neighbours by adding another car to our family, although it has to be said that parking isn’t too much of a contentious issue on our road…yet!

I’m happy to say we always try to park sensibly although I often wonder why I bother as it seems that Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Andrea Bocelli all regularly park their cars in Hailsham, or maybe some people have just decided that they will abandon rather than park their cars.

I appreciate having bollards, double yellow lines and high kerbs are as much use as an ejector seat in a helicopter (yes, I know the Russian Kamov Ka-50 has an ejector seat!) seeing as the number of traffic wardens employed in the Hailsham area is less that one, that said surely there is a little bit of common sense that should prevail when a driver decides to park their car on double yellows slap bang on the corner of a turning off a main road and nearly cause an accident every 10 minutes?

When did it also become acceptable to park with

UPDATE FROM WEALDEN MP NUSRAT GHANI

support to Ukrainian families arriving to East Sussex and is currently home to over 720 guests. I continue working with volunteer groups in Mayfield and Hellingly and I’m immensely grateful for the kindness and hospitality of Wealden residents involved in local support. But I also appreciate that some Ukrainian families may now wish to move on into their own accommodation and I’m pleased that Wealden is being supported by over £418,000 from the Government’s £150 million fund to help Ukrainian guests find employment and long-term suitable independent accommodation.

the back of the car sticking out in the road so we all have to swerve around it, the only thing ‘parallel’ about their parking is the comparable brain cell count of the driver and that of a backward baboon after a frontal lobotomy.

I also have to wonder about the thought process of parking a Chelsea Tractor right opposite a T-Junction that not only makes it difficult to pull out of the junction but also forces oncoming cars into the middle of the road right opposite the junction, the nearest that 4x4 has seen to being off-road was when it parked on a grass verge on a rainy day.

In the spirit of fairness, it appears the thousands of pounds spent on parking restrictions on Hailsham’s High Street have helped a lot, the authorities have debated it for years and finally, they have actioned their words…an expensive load of bollards!

Until next time people!

www.verymagic.co.uk

period is upon us yet again, and we are heading into a new term and into the autumn. I hope that you had a lovely summer and enjoyed a break in the sunshine. Before Parliament resumes for another busy session, please allow me to reflect on just some of the Wealden successes and highlights of the past few months.

I’m thrilled that following the fantastic result of £1.3 million investment in 2021, Beacon Academy in Crowborough have been successful again in the latest round of the Condition Improvement Fund and awarded a further £1.5 million this year to support further upgrades to its fire alarm system. Previously, Hailsham Community College and St Mary’s School in Maynard’s Green were also successful in securing support from this fund, and I will continue campaigning for more funding for Wealden schools in need of this vital support.

Moreover, Wealden has led the way in providing

COULD YOU HELP A CHILD SHINE?

I also continue working with Sussex NHS leaders on improving the delivery of primary care and emergency services in Wealden, and opportunities for expansion of current provision. In addition to the meetings at the Minor Injuries Unit and Birthing Centre in Crowborough, I was pleased to meet with the League of Friends of Uckfield Community Hospital to ensure that the existing facilities, which are an excellent asset for local communities, are being used to their full potential.

Lastly, I recently convened a meeting with local farmers and representatives from the National Farmers’ Union to discuss all things farming and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our fantastic farmers whom we all depend on and who work all year round not only providing fresh produce of the highest quality, but also contributing a great deal to the community through job opportunities and education about food chain and security.

RECRUITING FOSTER CARERS NOW – EAST SUSSEX, KENT & MEDWAY

Lighthouse fostering is a small independent organisation that was started by foster carers.

We know foster carers choose to foster with us because we’re experts in safeguarding and caring for children and young people, we provide high quality foster placements in warm and caring families for as long as they need. As well as being honest and open in our work, we strive to achieve outstanding outcomes for our children and

young people.

We offer a full support package and competitive financial allowances and rewards. Our foster carers become skilled childcare professionals through our specialist training and we use therapeutic fostering methods to underpin positive parent-child relationships.

Our commitment is to remain a small independent

service where every individual is known, and where we can provide an exclusive family feel. We value our foster carers as fellow professionals and work alongside in every aspect of the fostering role.

Interested in finding out more about fostering?

Call 01227 250096 and talk to Emma today, or visit www.lighthousefostering.co.uk

THOUSANDS FLOCK TO AIRBOURNE FOR STUNNING DISPLAYS

PHOTOS: PAUL GIBSON

THE Eastbourne International Airshow, now in its 29th year, enjoyed huge crowds as hundreds of thousands of visitors packed the seafront for precision displays by the RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon, Team Raven and much more last month.

Saturday once again proved the most popular day with bumper crowds, as fans enjoyed displays from the likes of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor T1, Tigers Army Parachute Display Team, Rolls-Royce Mustang and Spitfire, Hawker Fury and Firefly.

Thursday saw a surprise visit from the Boultbee Spitfire, and on Friday the Chinook flew with a short display despite some stormy weather across the south coast.

Over the weekend the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight extended their display to fly the Lancaster and ‘Blackjack’ Typhoon in tandem, in an extra special performance for fans in Eastbourne. A beefed-up display from the Strikemaster, with not one but two jets, also provided a rare treat of the Strikemaster Pair in action, and the Norwegian Vampire took to the skies on Sunday.

Rich Goodwin proved to be a crowd favourite with his incredible aerobatics and newly added jet turbines giving his aircraft a turbo boost in what is the world’s only jet-powered Pitts Special biplane built over four years in a garden shed.

exceeding 2022 levels. Pre-bookable parking enabled car parks to run more efficiently with express entry lanes to reduce queues.

Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure, Accessibility & Community Safety said, “This has been an airshow to remember! Despite a windy Thursday and rain on Friday shortening or cancelling some displays, we were treated to a stunning weekend of blue skies and epic flying.

“Our thanks go to all of our sponsors, emergency services and volunteers who have so generously given up their time and resources to support the event. The work now continues to count in programme sales and donations from across the town.

“Thank you to all those who have donated or supported the event financially — from buying a programme to joining our supporters club — if we reach our targets then your support really will help to keep Airbourne flying into its 30th year!”

Thousands flock to the seafront to enjoy the sun and displays

RAF Falcon Display Team drop into the event

All eyes to the sky for the incredible displays

Another daring pass by the Red Arrows

Team Raven stun the crowds with their daring show

Your local independent property experts...

Residential Lettings Land New Homes

3D Virtual Property Tour | CHAIN FREE | Cul-De-Sac Location | Extremely Well Presented | Driveway Leading To Garage | Gas Central Heating | uPVC Double Glazing | Wet Room | Double Glazed Conservatory | Tastefully Landscaped Rear Garde. Located within an extremely popular residential area is this well presented two bedroom detached bungalow.Inside the bungalow is arranged with an entrance hall, lounge, kitchen, two bedrooms, a wet room. Of particular benefit is the extra space that the double glazed conservatory provides which is currently being used as a dining room which leads onto the very useful covered are of decking, an ideal out door entertaining area. There is also a well tended rear garden, front garden and driveway to a garage. To explore this wonderful opportunity please take a look at our 3D Virtual Tour online teamed up with our professional photography before calling us for an accompanied viewing. Council Tax Band C.

3D Virtual Tour | Corner Plot | End Of Cul-De-Sac | Conservatory | Secluded Plot | Driveway & Garage | Two Double Bedrooms | Blank Canvas | Gas Central Heating | CHAIN FREE | Nearby Bus Route | Nearby Countryside WalkS. Occupying a mature corner plot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac is this spacious, light and airy detached bungalow, presently a blank canvas reaching out to its new owner to roll up their sleeves, get stuck in and create their own perfect home. Inside it is arranged with an entrance hall, lounge, conservatory, inner hall, kitchen, two double bedrooms, bathroom and wc. The garden wraps around the entire bungalow and homes some mature oak trees (not protected) and other mature planting while to the front is a lawned garden area, long driveway and garage. To explore this wonderful opportunity please take a look at our 3d virtual tour teamed up with out professional photography before calling us for an accompanied viewing.

VALUATIONS FOR SELLING & RENTING

TILEHURST DRIVE - £325,000

3D Virtual Tour | Great Location | Lounge-Diner | Conservatory | Generous Garden | Utility Room | Three Bedrooms | Driveway & Garage | GCH | Walkable To Town | Walkable To Local Schools. Situated within Tilehurst Drive, North Hailsham is this well presented three bedroom semi-detached house complete with front and rear gardens, driveway and garage. Inside it is arranged with an entrance hall, lounge-dining room, conservatory, kitchen, utility room, wc, stairs to the first floor landing, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. To the rear is a generous sized garden while to the front is driveway parking, a front garden and a garage. To explore this wonderful opportunity please take a look at our 3D Virtual Tour Online teamed up with our professional photography before calling for an accompanied viewing. Council Tax Band C.

3D Virtual Tour | Nearly New House | Detached | Three Bedrooms | Ensuite Shower Room | Sunny Aspect Garden | Nearby Countryside Walks | Walkable To Amenities | Energy Efficient EPC: B | Driveway Parking | Remainder of Warranty. Situated within Millward Park is this immaculately presented nearly new three bedroomed detached house with a nicely landscaped sunny aspect rear garden. Inside it is arranged with an entrance hall, front aspect lounge, rear aspect kitchen-diner with patio doors into the garden, downstairs loo and a hall cupboard. Upstairs there are three bedrooms with the main having an ensuite shower room and a family bathroom. Off road driveway parking is provided along the side of the house. To explore this wonderful house please take a look at our 3D Virtual Tour online teamed up with our professional photography before calling us for an accompanied viewing.

HailshamClassifieds

We

SERVICES

NIC GRAY PA - Award-Winning

Virtual Assistant. Supporting businesses with their social media, email marketing, proofreading and transcribing. Saving you time on the tasks in your business you can’t, won’t or don’t want to do. Contact: 07495043408, nic@nicgraypa.com

Book your listing at: hailsham.news/classifieds

SERVICES

WANTED CASH PAID

Coins and coin collections

Stamp and stamp collections

Please call 07780 929684

ACTIVE DAYS MOBILITY

FROM

Book your listing by visiting: https://hailsham.news/classifieds

CAT THE DOG LADY - Professional, dog sitting and walking services in Hailsham, Eastbourne and surrounding areas. Services: Dog walking, Dog sitting, Drop in visits, Wedding chaperone. Phone: 07815 942122.

Instagram: cat_the_dog_lady_

Website: catthedoglady.org

Email: itiscatthedoglady@gmail.com

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR REQUIRED

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Office Administrator at a busy engineering company based in Lower Dicker.

As the ideal candidate, you will possess excellent administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritise effectively. You are proactive, detail orientated and can thrive in a busy and fast paced environment. Responsibilities include managing daily office operations, collating reports, maintaining records, and providing support to our team. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must, along with proficiency in MS Office and other related software.

If you meet these criteria, and are looking for a challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply today.

Benefits include private medical insurance, pension scheme and a competitive salary.

Salary £25,000. Working hours : 08:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday

For a full Job description please contact: nathalie.hayes@jlc-group.co.uk

Nabbscott Farm, Eastbourne Road, Lower Dicker, East Sussex, BN27 4BB www.jlc-group.co.uk. 0800 170 1515

Hailsham News has teamed up with Hailsham Town Football Club & Hailsham Town Youth FC to create a Girls only football team in the town to find the future England players.

Are you between 14-17, School years 9-12 and want to train and be part of Hailsham’s dedicated girls football team?

We are also looking for qualified coaches to join the team - support can be given can be given to acheive the necessary qualification.

Training is likely to begin this year, ready for the 2024 season, so get in touch now to register your interest.

Send your name and contact details to youth@hailshamtownfc.org.uk

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR HAILSHAM, HELLINGLY & SURROUNDING AREAS HailshamNews

HONDA HR-V NOW AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

THE HONDA HR-V ELEGANCE SPECIFICATION INCLUDES:

HONDA CONNECT WITH 9” TOUCH SCREEN

HEATED FRONT SEATS

FRONT AND REAR PARKING SENSORS

AIR DIFFUSION SYSTEM

REAR-VIEW CAMERA HONDA SENSING

Representative Example - Personal Contract Purchase - HR-V Elegance with Solid Paint

Duration On The Road Price*

36 Monthly Payments

Honda Deposit Contribution**

Customer Deposit

Amount of Credit

Option to Purchase Fee

Total Amount Payable

Final Payment inc Option Fee

Interest Rate Per Annum (Fixed)

APR Representative

Annual Contracted Mileage

Excess Mileage Charge

37 months £30,115.00 £239.00 £2,000.00 £5,981.05 £22,133.95 £10.00 £34,222.84 £17,637.91

6.68%

6.9% 10,000 miles £0.09

CONTACT YEOMANS HONDA TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE. THIS MODEL IS IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY.

HAILSHAM’S ACTIVE RUN CONFIRMED TO RETURN NEXT YEAR

HUNDREDS of runners took part in this year’s Hailsham

Active Run which was hailed as a success in May and now new dates have been announced to continue with the event. Next year’s event will take place on Sunday 19th May 2024, and the organisers have promised the next event will be bigger, even better and top the success of this year’s run where over 500 people participated in 10k, 5k, 3k or all-inclusive one-mile runs. The Town Council, which funded part of this year’s event, will be supporting the run next year by sponsoring the 5K race, subject to approval by members.

The Town Council will once again be partnering with Hailsham Active and specialist management company, Sport Systems, to organise and promote next year’s run.

Whilst the main sponsor of the run is Hailsham Town Council (subject to approval soon), sponsorship has also been raised from businesses in the community, funds which will go towards the event’s overall expenses. Sponsors include Lightning Fibre (one-

“In the mid-90s, the town hosted various fun runs but now, running

and town centre trade on the day.

Cllr Laxton added: “We will be advertising far and wide to spread the word about next year’s event, and the run will go ahead regardless of the weather. Applications will be open from next month so let’s do this together and help put Hailsham on the sporting map.”

Town councillor Karen Nicholls, accessibility lead for the event, commented: “We are encouraging all residents with any form of disability or special need to participate in the one-mile inclusive run especially, using any form of support that they require. There will be fully accessible facilities available and it’s so important to us to be fully inclusive as a community.”

Full details of individual races, entry fees and how to register will be available via www.hailshamrun.co.uk from

MEMORIAL MATCH IN MEMORY OF CRICKET CLUB’S FORMER VICE CHAIRMAN AND CAPTAIN

Hailsham Cricket Club recently celebrated the life of its dear friend and former vice chairman and captain Harry Gent who sadly passed away earlier in the summer.

In the most fitting way, a memorial match was planned and organised to be a major part of the club’s annual cricket week. Twentyfour players who knew, loved and shared many a great time with Harry participated in a brilliant game in the sunshine.

His son, Ollie, played in the match whilst players who no longer represent Hailsham, but who wanted to be part of the day, travelled from all over the UK to be involved.

There was also another dozen former players present in the Boundary Bar as the memories and stories of the great man were re-told throughout the day and evening. A great man whose legacy will have a large impact on the club and one that will never ever be forgotten.

The rest of cricket week was a huge success with victories over the three opponents they played. Sunday was Ostend Exiles, a team over from Belgium, Monday was a Rob Sharma XI and Tuesday was the twenty-sixth visit of Allestree to the club.

On Thursday, it organised a three-team inter-club tournament and Michael Tutt’s team came out on top after a captain’s bowl off.

CCC, Hailsham Town Council and Hailsham Active were in attendance to mark the special day.

To

Wednesday

SPORT

DEFEAT IN EIGHT-GOAL THRILLER

BY STUART FAIRWAY

GIBSON

Hailsham Town were beaten 5-3 at home on Saturday by Bosham in a game that went from the sublime to the ridiculous. Hailsham created the opening chance when Del Harding denied Will Gordon from close range barely 90 seconds in, with Will Ridgway heading over from the resulting corner, but Bosham fought back with a succession of early crosses which caused a few problems for a patched up Hailsham back line.

They could do little about the opener on 10 minutes - a fine cross headed in by Toby Hewett, but then two minutes later allowed Ollie Hawkins far too much room to rifle a second high into the net. It almost got worse on 15 with a cross deflected narrowly wide of the far post, before the Stringers pulled one back when Henry Thompson was sent flying in the box, allowing Will Ridgway the chance to pull one back from the spot.

Hailsham hopes of building on the goal however would be quickly dashed - from the restart, a clever pass finding Hawkins who fired in for Bosham to make it 3-1.

This goal did seem to fire Hailsham up, with Reece Styles seeing a shot blocked on 28, and

Gordon grazing the bar with a cross from the byline.

Ridgway and young midfielder Pete Wilder would also see efforts turned away, before, on 38, Harding was beaten again when Bosham failed to deal with a spell of possession in and around the box, allowing Henry Thompson the chance to fire home from the angle.

With half time imminent, Hailsham were again pegged back just as they looked to have brightened, Hewett scoring again from just outside the box with the final kick of the first half. After the break Hailsham started brightlyGordon shooting just over early on, before a free kick smashed against the Bosham bar on 50, and Styles saw another effort saved minutes later. Bosham though would extend their lead on 62 with a wonderful turn and finish from Toby Hewett to score a deserved hattrick, but Hailsham again responded, with a through ball finding Will Gordon to power home a deserved goal on 66. Thompson would see another effort smothered on 70, with Styles then heading wide on 72 as Hailsham pushed, leaving inevitable gaps which Bosham came close to exploiting on occasions - one shot tipped onto the bar, before, on 87, Charlie Kneath made a truly outstanding diving save, tipping a Marco Giambelardini

rocket over the top. Both sides battled well all afternoon, with the Stringers not recovering from a poor opening spell, whilst both ‘keepers made some fine saves in a game which could have easily seen further goals.

Next up for Hailsham is the tough Tuesday night game against Jarvis Brook at home (7.30), before

Storrington visit on Saturday 2nd September.

Stringers: Kneath, Little, McAndrew, Lusted, Ridgway, Wilder, Styles, Butler, Gordon, Thompson (c), Hobden.

Subs – all used: T Smith, Findon, Caicedo, Wright, Molyneux.

Attendance: 52

HARRIERS VISIT KENT RACE EVENT

Hailsham Harrier, Leanne Leakey visited her home town of East Peckham on Sunday July 30th to take part in the East Peckham 10K. She joined her sister Emma to run this beautiful road race, using the country lanes around the pretty Kent village, close to the river Medway. Cheered on by her sons Max and Zach, Lianne flew the Harriers flag to finish second place female with a new 10K personal best of 42:05.

On Friday August 4th eleven Harriers took part in The Rye Summer Classic Series, a popular series of three Friday evening events - now in its 17th year. The series features two 10K races - July 1st and August 4th, finishing with a season finalè 5K on

All events take place within the stunning Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, one of Britain’s most important conservation sites. These races are an out and back course on a traffic free road that takes runners through the nature reserve with stunning views of camber sands towards the finish.

‘a perfect opportunity for a new personal best’ and with near perfect weather conditions for the 168 runners, four Hailsham Harriers did just that.

Ross Brocklehurst stormed home to take the race win in 34:50, with Aislinn Darvell 38:27 running a new 10K personal best and placing second female overall,

whilst Men’s captain, Carl Barton, flew across the line in 39:31, just 8 seconds off his personal best 10K time.

Mark Bassett, returning to form, ran his fastest 10K since 2018 to finish with a new personal best of 43:37, with Gary Smith 46:44, Chris Little ran his fastest 10K finishing with a new PB in 47:13 with Katy Reed, 50:01, just a few seconds from her 10K personal best.

Steph Bassett produced a strong run finishing in 51:23 whilst Harriers club legend, Bill Fraser running 51:29, one of his quickest times at the Rye 10K since 2019. Victoria Little also ran to a new personal best of 51:50 and Katie Manley completed the Harriers team with a sterling performance, running 55:00, her quickest time since 2017, showing all her hard work of late coming to fruition.

Hailsham Harriers are currently preparing for their own 10K road race, The John Faulds Hellingly 10K, due to take place on Sunday 17th September. Entries can be made by visiting their website https://hailsham-harriers.org.uk or www.sportsystems.co.uk

PHOTO: PAUL

East Peckham 10K 23 — Harrier Lianne

Rye 10K Harriers 2023

Will Ridgway rises highest as Will Gordon watches on