If anything can show how our community can pull together in times of need, the last month or so has been the perfect example. The situation in Ukraine has brought our community together like never before with some amazing displays of generosity and selflessness. I attended many of the events featured in this month’s issue and have seen first-hand how the people of Hailsham are doing everything they can to help.
I’m so proud to be part of this incredible community. See the centre pages of all the amazing things that have been happening to raise money and awareness in Hailsham.
We have a great story in this issue which shows a fine example of ‘people power.’ I was invited along to a small protest in Hellingly recently as residents were simply fed up with construction traffic using the village as a short cut. I’m pleased to report we managed to resolve the situation with the transport company. See page 5 for the full story.
As that yellow thing in the sky starts to make a more regular appearance, I’ve also noticed the dramatic increase in events planned for this summer - how long have we been waiting for this to happen? As well as Hailsham’s official Jubilee celebra tions in June, you’ll see from our events page, it’s jam-packed with things to do in the coming months.
Finally, and yes, finally, there’s some big news to report on page 14. I’ll leave you to find that and have a read, but all I’ll say for now is… It’s been an absolute pleasure and the last seven months have been incredible.
Signing off for now… Paul
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Managing Editor: Paul Gibson editor@hailsham.news
Editor: Chris Dabbs chris.dabbs@hailsham.news
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Hailsham News is a publication by Regional Media Group Ltd. A Company registered in England and Wales. No: 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. 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 option or views expressed within this publication are solely those of the author.
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Residents from throughout the area descended on Polegate to witness two abnormal loads pass through the town.
Almost 24 hours later than planned, the transformers, which were being moved from Shoreham Port to Ninfield, brought the area to a standstill as the main Polegate Junction and High Street were closed to allow the two vehicles to pass.
The delivery is crucial for the UK electricity market. The Ninfield substation helps to bring power to thousands of homes and businesses across the region. It also serves as a key asset for the electrical connection between England and France, ensuring the UK has access to a broad and stable energy supply. Amidst rising energy prices,
keeping the power grid in the best possible condition is more important than ever.
A police escort accompanied the convoy, which weighed more than 300 tonnes, on its journey which included the construction of temporary bridges to support the equipment’s weight and temporary closure of a section of the A27 between Ashcombe roundabout and Southerham roundabout. The load carefully made its way along Polegate High Street before negotiating the mini roundabout with the junction of Hailsham Road. It then made its way to the A259 towards Little Common and Bexhill. It eventually arrived at its final location around 5pm on Sunday evening.
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2Healthcare scheme, which assisted patients needing transport to doctors’ surgeries in the Hailsham area and Wealden district.
Barry’s funeral was held at the Wealden Crematorium last month.
Town Clerk John Harrison offered his condolences on behalf of Hailsham Town Council: “Barry was a popular and well-respected town councillor, having served the community well and caring passionately about Hailsham and its residents. We are all greatly upset by the news that our friend has passed away.”
A former Town Councillor has sadly passed away at the age of 83.
Barry Marlowe, who lived in Sussex for over 30 years, was a well-respected and active member of the local community, having been elected on to the Town Council in May 2011 and serving as a member until 2015.
Representing what was then the Hailsham Central & North Ward, Barry served on various Town Council committees, including the Council Projects & Assets Committee and Planning & Development Committee.
Barry was also a local councillor for Wealden District Council, having been elected in 2011 to represent the same
Hailsham ward and in 2015, the Uckfield Ridgewood Ward.
As a town councillor, Barry helped many local residents with several diverse issues, including planning, housing, benefits, parking and perhaps most notably, public transport – of which he was extremely passionate and was responsible for many local initiatives to enable Hailsham residents greater access to bus and rail services.
As ‘oversight councillor’ for transport links, Barry was founder and Chairman of the Wealden Bus Alliance (originally the Hailsham Bus Alliance), founding member of the Hailsham Quality Bus Partnership and director of the Access-
A Police Detective, who was based in Hailsham, has been dismissed without notice after having an allegation of breaching standards of professional behaviour proven against her.
interest to remove the officer from service without delay.
“I know I speak for all my colleagues at the Town Council, as well as the wider community when I say that Barry will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Town Mayor & Chairman of Hailsham Town Council, Paul Holbrook commented: “I can only add to the many wonderful messages which have already circulated about Barry – this is such a huge loss for everyone who knew him. As a town councillor for many years, he worked tirelessly on behalf of the community that he was proud to represent and contributed significantly to the various Council committees on which he served during his term in office.”
Detective Constable Karen Colbran, 52, based at Eastbourne, was found guilty of fraud in respect of dishonestly claiming a single occupancy discount on council tax when she was not the sole occupier of her property. This followed an investigation and prosecution by Wealden District Council.
She pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury in February following a three-day trial. She was given a 12-month Community Order and ordered to pay fines and costs totalling £1,800.
DC Colbran was the subject of an accelerated misconduct hearing chaired by the Chief Constable at Sussex Police Headquarters, Lewes, on Friday 18 March.
An accelerated misconduct hearing is held when there is incontrovertible evidence and it is in the public
She faced an allegation of breaching standards of professional behaviour in respect of Discreditable Conduct in relation to being convicted of a criminal offence. The allegation against DC Colbran was found to be proven by Chief Constable Jo Shiner, with a decision that she is dismissed.
CC Jo Shiner said: “We expect our officers to act with the utmost integrity, and in accordance with the force’s values, the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Professional Behaviour.
“The actions of this officer fell short of that and in accordance with the College of Policing guidance, she has been dismissed without notice.”
Residents in Hellingly have taken to the streets and won a battle to halt local construction traffic destroying the village roads and putting lives at risk.
Campaigners finally had enough of the constant lorries taking a shortcut via Station Road and Church Road en route to local building sites operated by Jenners. They say the lorries are putting local schoolchildren in danger and damaging the roads and homes in the village.
They carried out protests in two locations, the first outside of the site of the Old Nursery, and the second in the village at Church Road, where HGVs were stopped and asked why they were not using the main A267 route to the sites.
Residents fear the Victorian built bridge, part of the Hellingly Village’s ancient heritage could be destroyed by the weight and level of traffic passing through.
Hellingly resident of 40 years Gill Riches, said: “Station and Church Road residents have experienced a huge increase in volume and speed of traffic with much of the road and verges destroyed as convoys of lorries plough through the village leaving devastation in their wake.”
Traffic calming measures are in place including single track passing points, along with a 20 mph speed limit, but residents say it is not policed.
Villager Nicola Phillips, said: “Villagers are literally taking their lives into their hands every day when they walk their children to the village school, go for a run or take their dog for a walk, in fear of being mown down or sworn at or abused. It’s horrendous.“
Jessica Daley, a young Mum whose two small children attend Hellingly Village School believes it’s only a matter of time until there’s a serious accident. She commented: “The lorries charge down the road sometimes up to
12 of them in a row. I can’t bear to think what would happen if they hit a child. Taking my children to school is quite literally taking our lives into our hands. Sometimes I get home and just cry, it’s terrifying.”
During the protests on 25th March, the group held placards and told the developers the issues they have with a megaphone. On one occasion during the morning, one of the HGVs stopped to throw abuse at the protesters.
Michael Hix, Chair of Governors at Hellingly School said: “We understand and share the local community’s fears about traffic, especially heavy lorries, using Station Road. We have made contact with local councils, including the County Council, our MP and others regarding our concerns about the increased traffic, heavy goods vehicles and the risk to our pupils and families. Station Road is not designed for heavy lorries and we have argued further, effective improvements are needed to keep our pupils and families safe.”
Just hours after the protests, there was good news, when Lance Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Gallagher Group which operates the trucks promised he would make immediate changes.
He told Hailsham News: “We were emailed by our client’s buyer earlier today, asking us to update our aggregate delivery order/tickets, instructing drivers they must turn right on exiting the site and they cannot travel down Church Road or Station Road.”
He added: “We are also investigating the reported behaviour of one of our drivers as we have four-way cameras that would have recorded the events with sound. Any inappropriate behaviour will lead to disciplinary proceedings.”
Hailsham News also contacted Councillor David White who said: “I am delighted with the action taken by local residents. Hellingly Parish Council has for some months been complaining to Wealden Planners about the condition of Park Road and the abuse by contractors visiting the Jenner’s development site in Park Road that continue to use the local roads through the Village in contravention of the terms of the site travel plan.”
He added: “One of the Parish Councillors has recently provided photographic evidence of offending HGVs that we have forwarded to Wealden. With the added action being taken by the residents perhaps enforcement action will be now taken.”
Sometimes I get home and just cry, it’s terrifying.
“
Grovelands Community Primary School took part in a fantastic day of active fitness sessions with Kickboxing Champion, Jessica Fleischer.
Jessica and her Sports Activator colleague Leon, inspired pupils from Reception to Year 6 with a series of sponsored energetic activities, raising valuable funds for new sports equipment.
She also delivered a lively online assembly, sharing her experience and advice on how to “dream big and never give up”, hopefully inspiring a new generation of champions.
Jessica is the current WRSA (World Ring Sports Association) two times English kickboxing champion, in the ‘Bantamweight’ and the ‘Super Bantamweight’ weight categories, after winning both titles in 2019.
A cheque for £500 was presented to local cause Waterweek recently to assist with the group’s efforts to clean up local streams and rivers.
The cash from the Police Property Act Fund was presented by Tom Lewis from the Wealden Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Charlotte Still from Waterweek said: “We are thrilled and very grateful to have received this funding which we hope will cover all of our costs for Waterweek2022streaming, an event that is for the community and the natural environment in Hailsham.”
MP for Wealden Nus Ghani has raised concerns over the large amount of homes that the local authority is expected to build. She has updated residents on what is happening to tackle the problem...
“When and where new homes are built is always a controversial subject. I receive a lot of correspondence on planning in Wealden, and I recognise the level of frustration at the current housing targets for Wealden.
I fully acknowledge that we do need more homes, and a level of development in Wealden is inevitable. I see the need for affordable homes pop up daily in my casework.
However, I am concerned about the unachievably high numbers for Wealden and about the data behind the current methods used for the housing need calculations.
Having lobbied the Department of Housing since 2015, I have had meetings with many Housing Ministers over the years and a huge amount of work is going on behind the scenes to address the current situation. I continue working with Wealden District Council and the Department of Housing and last month I led a parliamentary debate to raise the matter with the Minister.
I stressed that the current numbers for Wealden are absurdly high, they are based on outdated population projections, ignore the environmental constraints on the area and are not accompanied by any meaningful delivery of infrastructure such as road and rail upgrades, nor the adequate provision of health and dental care, sewerage and
broadband.
It is unfair that Wealden has to shoulder local needs elsewhere in East Sussex because neighbouring authorities are not delivering their fair share. I urged the Minister to review why, considering that Wealden Council builds more homes than its neighbouring councils, we are not being prioritised for any Government funding to support the delivery of adequate infrastructure.
I am pleased that the Minister has committed to continuing working with me and Wealden Council and confirmed that calls for making housing targets advisory, not mandatory were being “heard loud and clear” by the Department.
Please remember that social media posts and emails to your MP do not count as objections in a formal Council consultation and that I have no jurisdiction over individual planning applications or what local Councillors approve or dismiss on local planning.
But, please be assured, that I am supporting Wealden District Council where I can, to address the unfair housing numbers currently imposed on Wealden by the Government and I will continue to support the Council on this matter and in producing a local plan.
I continue to work hard to ensure that your concerns are heard in Westminster. If you are a Wealden resident and require my assistance, please email nusrat.ghani.mp@parliament.uk.”
original introduction and demonstra tion with Hailsham Youth Service, we have been extremely impressed with what Andy and the team are doing by creating this safe space, and extreme ly honoured to be asked to be part of this.”
Andy Joyes, Youth Service Manager at Hailsham Town Council commented: “Any youth worker will tell you that they strive to carry out activity and monitoring of young people attend ing centres in a safe environment for everyone concerned. I’m sure the young people attending our venues will appreciate the benefits of the search pole in continuing to ensure that we maintain safe places for young people.
“Similar weapon detection equipment is already being used by an increasing number of other youth centres across the country, and the installation of such technology for use at Hailsham Youth Service’s centres is welcomed and should help young people to be come more aware of knife crime.”
The new ‘Search Pole’, which includes two wands and can be used at Hailsham Youth Service’s various venue locations, is a high-tech, discrete
41,000 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument in England and Wales.
Whilst the police take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally
such offences from happening in the first place.
Tom Lacey of My Group Solutions, the company which provided the weapon detection technology said: “Since our
“Of course, we want as many young people as possible to understand that carrying a knife or other weapon is a serious matter. Our youth clubs and centres are very popular with local young people and we’re delighted to be able to benefit from having the new security system in place.
A 56-year-old man has, sadly, died following a road traffic collision on the A22 near the Cophall Roundabout at
Emergency services were called at 3.30pm on Sunday, March 20 to a collision involving two motorcycles.
The man riding one of the motorcycles was taken to hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident, and have appealed for any witnesses to email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk and quote Operation Tavistock.
Is this the most dangerous alleyway in Hailsham?
Parents fear for their children’s safety during the school run. If one of these fences fell down it could seriously injure, or even kill, a child trapped underneath.
The problem is finding out who the fences belong to. Looking over the fences into Forest View reveal only cul-de-sacs and not actually adjoining property so who’s going to replace a damaged fence they don’t own?
I can only hope the authorities can look into this before something terrible happens.
Sarah H.Residents are being urged to volunteer their time to crack down on speeders in the Village. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Cllr Harding at the Parish Council.
Hailsham Town Council has commenced work to replace all of its dog-waste bins with dual-purpose bins which can be used for both general litter and dog waste.
The decision to remove the dogwaste bins is part of the Town Council’s aim to improve the effectiveness of individual bins through a program of removal and replacement, as well as a significant cost-cutting exercise.
Wealden Planners have given the thumbs up for the first phase of a 400 home development in Hailsham. Outline planning permission for the development to the east of Ersham Road was given in March 2020. Councillors heard the reserved matters application for 128 homes on the West part of the site on March 24 and permission was granted.
Rescue crews were called to a property in Hailsham to help a man who had become trapped on a garage roof.
Firefighters from Eastbourne, Battle and Hastings attended the property on Lansdowne Way.
One person was removed from the roof using a basket stretcher.
The Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service reported it rescued five very young fox cubs which were disturbed during local building works.
The charity was called by Highcroft Vets in Hailsham who looked after the cubs. It appeared they were recently fed and healthy.
Rescue crews contacted the contractors and gained entry to the site where they were found and watched as the cubs were collected by their Mother just 30 minutes later.
Police are looking to identify the owner of two dogs who may have killed a sheep in Herstmonceux on Thursday (March 17).
Officers received a report of a farmer coming across a pair of dogs eating a ewe in a field in Lower Road at 5.30am, which, sadly, died at the scene. The ewe’s lambs have since died as a result.
One dog was described as a large, black, aggressive Collie/German shepherd, while the second was a black and white collie-type dog.
They both made off towards Green Lane when approached by the farmer. Anybody who recognises the dogs or has any information which could help identify their owner can contact Police online or by calling 101, quoting serial 47220047666.
Residents took to social media recently after youths were seen to be shooting birds with a catapult.
Police were called to South Road after reports of a group of people ‘firing missiles’ at birds and leaving them to die.
This was not an isolated incident as
other residents reported attacks on their properties with ball bearings. A homeowner in Swan Road said a ball bearing went ‘crashing through’ her conservatory roof last month.
Anyone who has any relevant information about these incidents are being urged to contact Police on 101.
Be Covid-aware: You are encouraged to check with the individual organisations prior to setting out.
UKRAINE AWARENESS
Ukraine Tattoo Charity Day Sunday 3 April from 10am. Ashlea Dyson from Firefly Tattoo Co in Hailsham and Yan Spencer from Holy Cow. Tattoos in Eastbourne have come together to raise money to support the Ukrainian crisis. People can have a Sunflower tattoo, in a choice of two sizes for £50 or £100 with 100% of the proceeds being donated to Unicef. Visit and pay here:justgiving.com/sunflowertattoo
The Sjaan Dance Academy is offering free spaces in their dance classes for refugees from age 2 to adult. If you are a host family and think this might be beneficial, please get in touch with Sjaan on 07964 573560, http://www.ballethailsham.co.uk/ email: sjaandanceacademy@gmail. com or on Facebook: @sjaandanceacademy
‘HAILSHAM LEGO® CLUB INSTRUCTIONS NOT REQUIRED’
This is a newly formed Lego-based enthusiasts and entertainment club based in East Sussex. A fun and friendly group of people who enjoy building and playing with Lego. To find out more search for their Facebook page facebook.com/groups/instructnotreq
Are you holding a charity or non-profit event? Then submit your details online at https://bit.ly/HN-Events for a free listing.
Hailsham District Chamber of Commerce Monthly Breakfast Networking
Meeting – Thursday 7 April & Thursday
5 May at 7am, B12 Bar & kitchen, 12 High Street, BN27 1BJ – Members £12, Non Members/Guests £15. Register and pay at: hailshamchamberofcommerce. co.uk/next-meeting. Membership
Enrolment/Renewal £90 per business –due April 2022.
Bizzybirds is a networking group for women in the East Sussex area Coffee, chat, advice, growth, support, help and more! Meet like-minded women in business. Tell us about your business and make new connections. £8. Booking via PayPal to jane@bizzybirds. co.uk. Please do let us know you are coming. We look forward to meeting you. Thursday 21 April 10-1200 at B12 Bar & Kitchen, 12 High Street, BN27 1BJ
EASTER EVENTS
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare are holding an Easter Animal Trail by way of a code-cracking challenge. Booking is essential at raystede.org. Choose from 6, 7, 13 & 14 April.
Freedom Leisure Easter Fayre, Sat 9 April 9am-12pm - Lots of Stalls + Craft Stalls.
Sunflowers Easter Extravaganza with Fun Dog Show. Hellingly Community Hub, The Drive, Hellingly. BN27 4EB. Saturday 16 April, 11-3pm Stalls and Sunflowers’ first Dog show at 11.45am; Easter Egg Hunt 2pm.
Hailsham FM Family Easter Tea Quiz
Sunday 17 April James West Community Centre. Come and join Hailsham FM & Environment Hailsham. Tickets £4-£7. Hailsham FM is a Community Radio station serving the town of Hailsham and the surrounding villages, broadcasting on 95.9FM.
WEALDEN WOMBLES
The team will be in Hailsham Town Centre on Saturday 9 April 10am2pm conducting a public awareness campaign for The Great Spring Clean – Volunteers required to attend. They will be asking people to pledge to pick one bag of litter during April – (special guest appearance from some very famous litter pickers). Sunday 10th April 9am, 2-hour Big Spring Clean litter pick around the Town Centre. All welcome. Suitable for children and dogs. Bags, pickers & gloves supplied. Meet at Waitrose/Charles Hunt car park. See ‘Wealden Wombles’ Facebook page for more info.
GROVELANDS SCHOOL RACE NIGHT
Saturday 7 May – 7pm (doors open
6.30pm). Licensed Bar, snacks available, over 18s only. Tickets £4, to book: pta-events.co.uk/frogs. Email: frogs@ grovelands.esussex.sch.uk. Call: 01323
700 444. Facebook: @grovelandsfrogspage
HAILSHAM COMMUNITY HUB
Upcycling Workshop Wednesday 6 & 13 April, 1pm-3pm. Hair slides, bangles & brooches – make unique costume jewellery – get creative and let your imagination flow. All materials supplied. Booking Essential. 01323 400548, hailsham@sussexcommunity.org.uk, FB: hailshamcommunityhub
HAILSHAM HMI
Saturday 8 April – HMI Race Night supporting Hailsham Cricket Club – first race at 7.45pm. Hailsham Cricket Club will be raising funds for their new training facility. Come and help raise funds for this project that will be so valuable and the community of Hailsham.
HAILSHAM FRIENDS CLUB
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month (7 & 21 March), St. Wilfrid’s Hall, South Road, Hailsham Friends Club are a non-profit organisation that provides an environment for people to meet up, find friends and activities that they do not normally have the opportunity to do. Organising activities such as lunch groups, day trips, breakfast groups,
coffee mornings, BBQ’s and even 5-day holidays. Membership is free and open to anyone who lives on their own or live with someone they care for.
HAILSHAM YOUTH SERVICE
Opening times: Afternoons: 3.15-5pm (Monday-Friday, Yrs 7-8). Evenings: 6.45-9pm (Monday-Friday Yrs 9-12).
Hellingly Youth Hub is a new club established in association with Hellingly Parish Council. Taking place at the Hellingly Community Hub, the club is open to young people in school years 6-11.
Opening Times: Early evenings: 5.30pm7pm (Wednesdays - Yrs 6-8) | Late evenings: 7.30pm-9pm (Wednesdays - Yrs 9-11). Monday Youth Club takes place at the James West Community Centre, is open to school years 6-11. Opening Times: Early evenings: 6.15pm-7.30pm (Mondays - Yrs 6-8) | Late evenings: 7.45pm-9pm (Mondays - Yrs 9-11).
Are you a local community group or charity and wish to benefit from sharing experiences and ideas with other local groups? The next forum meeting will take place on Tuesday 10 May, 6-8pm at the Hailsham Parish Church lounge.
views on ways to improve our town for everyone.”
“It’s a shame that we were unable to hold the Annual Town Meetings last year and the one before due to the pandemic and restrictions in placedisappointing for all of us. But, subject to there being no reinstating of restrictions before then, we’re delighted to be able to bring the meeting to residents this year!”
Following the request for new youth facility suggestions for the town and a successful grant application from the Government’s Safer Streets scheme, two new youth shelters will be installed in Hailsham soon.
about and it rains, or if they want somewhere safe to sit down for a chat.
Hailsham Town Council invites residents to attend its Annual Town Meeting which takes place at the Civic Community Hall in Vicarage Lane on Wednesday 27th April.
The main part of the meeting will start at 7.30pm and will be chaired by the Town Mayor and Chairman, Councillor Paul Holbrook.
Those who attend will be given the opportunity to discuss matters applicable to the parish of Hailsham and ask relevant questions, subject to the provisions of Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972. The subject of the questions can properly cover any issue of public concern affecting residents of the parish.
Prior to the main residents’ meeting there will be an opportunity for you to
view information stands from local groups and talk to representatives of those organisations from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
“It’s been another very busy year where we have been taking forward a number of projects, including improvements to existing services and helping the local community tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and the many challenges it has brought about for us,” said Town Clerk, John Harrison.
“Our Annual Town Meeting offers a great opportunity to provide a clear update on the significant community projects that we have been working on to take the town forward. Furthermore, this important meeting gives all residents an opportunity to tell us what you would like to see over the coming year and put forward your
Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook said: “It is the responsibility of all of us to help ensure that the town continues to be a pleasant place to live, work and visit, so I encourage you to come along and put forward your comments and suggestions. Your town councillors will be there to listen, help and answer any questions relating to our services and projects.”
A full Agenda for the evening will be available on the Town Council website and public notice-boards in Market Street and Vicarage Field prior to the meeting.
To ask a question in advance, please write to: John Harrison (Town Clerk), Inglenook, Market Street, Hailsham, BN27 2AE. The deadline for submission of questions is Friday 22nd April. Residents can also turn up and ask questions on the night.
Hailsham’s young people will benefit from having youth shelters built at two locations in the town - the first on the Western Road Recreation Ground and the second at the skate park adjacent to the Maurice Thornton Playing Field.
The Town Council’s Youth Service Manager, Andy Joyes, is pleased that the application for Safer Streets grant funding was successful and keen to see two new youth shelters installed at different points in the town, so users of the facilities have somewhere to go if they’re out and
Andy said: “I’m delighted that support from Safer Streets has been received to enable us to provide two youth shelters for our young people. The need for one or more shelters in the town was certainly on the young people’s wish list.”
“Discussions about the need for youth shelters began some time ago, triggering support from the Town Council, local community, police and youth workers as a way of tackling antisocial behaviour. The new shelter facilities are a way of getting young people off the streets and providing them with a safe, accessible meeting area.”
Hailsham Town Council has made changes to the way in which it distributes its newsletter to residents.
‘The Town Crier’, which is currently published three times a year (February, June and October) and includes articles of interest to residents such as information on the Town Council’s activities, service updates, upcoming community projects, town events and councillor contact details, is now distributed to a small number of public outlets for display/collection by residents, as opposed to being delivered to households in the town.
The newsletter is currently available from the following collection points: Hailsham Town Council Offices Market Street, Hailsham Post Office (10 High Street), Hailsham Library, Western Road, James West Community Centre, Brunel Drive, Hailsham East Community Centre, Vega Close. Additional locations may be added in the future subject to approval, including doctors’ surgeries and supermarkets.
Organisers of the Hailsham Street Market are encouraging local small businesses to give trading at the market a try, whether they are experienced traders or a firsttime, budding entrepreneur who would like to sell their wares to new customers.
The regular market, organised by the Town Council, takes place in Vicarage Field on Saturdays from 8.30am to 1.30pm, and items on sale include selling locally produced items such as food, as well as unique gifts, crafts, confectionery and more.
Some of the local producers operating at the new market already sell goods in other local markets in the southeast.
The continuation of the Hailsham Street Market, which was launched in August 2013, is just one of many projects being carried out by the Town Council’s Communities Com-
mittee, aimed at improving retail opportunities locally and increasing footfall within the town.
Furthermore, the Communities Committee agreed some time ago to reduce the cost of having a market stall from £25 to £15 for traders, in order to increase pitch take-up at the markets.
“I’m delighted that Hailsham Street Market continues to operate,” said Deputy Town Clerk & Business Enterprise Manager, Mickey Caira. “The acquisition of new stallholders is our main aim for 2022, and part of our work in terms of helping with local economic recovery, we are keen to support local businesses and new traders the chance to sell their goods in the town centre at our street
market.”
“By supporting local producers, growers, suppliers and offering them the opportunity to sell locally - markets are an ideal way of showcasing the diverse range of products available in Hailsham and, as well as calling out for new traders to benefit from selling at the market, I’d encourage shoppers to come down to Vicarage Field on Saturdays and support independent trade.”
Pitch hire for the street market costs £15 per market. To book a stall call 01323 841702, email nikita. clarke-cox@hailsham-tc.gov.uk or visit hailshamstreetmarket.org for more information and to access the market trader application forms.
Residents can still access the publication online as a downloadable Portable Document Format file via the Hailsham Town Council website (https://www. hailsham-tc.gov.uk), and are invited to subscribe to receive a link to the latest newsletter when as and when it is published.
To subscribe, send an email to enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk with ‘SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER’ typed in the subject bar. Those who subscribe will be able to unsubscribe at any time by contacting the Town Council.
Bookings from residents and local community groups are being taken for the hire of the James West Community Centre, which is located off Brunel Drive in the north of the town.
Community groups, businesses and other hirers are able to use the James West Community Centre for community events, sports, business meetings, memorial services and other events, as well as private function hire.
The Town Council has recently reinstated bookings for use of the hall for children’s parties and private functions, following the easing of restrictions announced by the Government.
The Centre consists of an 18m x 11.7m hall, able to accommodate an audience of around 200 seated, in addition to two meeting rooms. The facility also includes a modern kitchen, storerooms, toilets, changing rooms and a P.A. system.
For further information or to make a booking, contact Hailsham Town Council on 01323 841702 or by email.
Local traders encouraged to pitch up at Street Market
Residents newsletter available online and to collect
Are you a local author or artist and want to appear on this page? If so, just email editor@hailsham.news.
draws upon his own experience as a once-serving police officer to see how the husband and wife characters he has created would tackle the dire situation and emerge alive and saved from the situation.
With the Covid-19 pandemic still fresh in all our minds, there’s an awful lot of questions to be answered in this highly tense thriller ‘Dysfunction’ from new author from Hailsham, Guy Robin.
In the main, what if a pandemic hadn’t been controlled and that it continued to rage across the United Kingdom? What consequences may occur if the restrictions became stricter? How would two tourists on a Scottish island cope, being trapped in the middle of it all? That they are now having to fend for themselves and fight to survive.
Things get darker and uglier for the main characters, retired police officer Peter and his spouse Helen, as this tense thriller gains pace and vigour. It really is a matter of survival against all the odds and the author
Set at the time of a global pandemic, where the Government of the UK are implementing increasingly severe and draconian restrictions and lockdowns.
‘Dysfunction’ by Guy Robin tells the story of a retired police officer, Peter, and his wife Helen, seeking a short holiday on a remote Scottish island. They are caught up in a total lockdown and curfew.
Peter is a cautious, somewhat paranoid individual, who becomes increasingly resourceful, as the story unfolds. Helen is less worldly-wise and views some of Peter’s decisions as unduly pessimistic. We follow their journey to survive, away from civilisation, without any real clue as to what is happening in the rest of the country.
April is a significantly nostalgic and proud month for me now as only eight years ago the first of my ten books was published. Laurie Wilkinson writes...
Their adventures become increasingly tense and precarious, as they make discoveries about their environment and interact with locals. The cast of local characters help to change Peter’s rather blinkered mindset and assist in the creation of a bonded group of survivors. The tension continues to build to a final bloody battle to survive, where all of Peter’s cautious planning is put to the test.
Author , Guy Robin said: “The novel is my first. I was stuck at home during the actual lockdown, I just wrote a fiction about what might happen in a pandemic, if the restrictions had been more severe. I set the story from the perspective of a couple on holiday in Scotland; it follows their journey to survive and discover more about themselves.”
‘Dysfunction’ by Guy Robin was released last month and is available from Waterstones and on Amazon as both paperback and e-book.
Woman’s Work’- Quilts and their stories by Mandy Shaw and friends is an inspirational new exhibition, celebrating the work of women over the last century at Gallery North, Hailsham.
It’s a rare opportunity to see a mix of contemporary textiles, antique quilts and other interesting items. The gallery is
That was supposed to be it, a book to leave as a legacy, but yet somehow nine more books have followed, with the second published only six months later in October 2014, the year of my first book “Poetic Views of Life”. My first book, and the other nine, have sold well and beyond my initially moderate targets, so an extremely satisfying fact, as my publisher informed me at the start that only a small, meagre percentage of all books published would not even sell a hundred in their whole lifetime.
Yes, a lifetime, and all of mine have surpassed that so I guess it’s a recognition of my going beyond “wildest dreams” success. and as all above my costs donates towards the charity Help for Heroes, I am a very happy and fulfilled poet.
Several poems included in my first book were written when I had a writing spree in the late 1990’s, and some others have had great success. Two poems were published in The Daily Mail, more recently two have been read out on national radio, and another reached Great Britain finals and subsequently published with other national finalists. Not too bad for a first book I’d say, and my poem included here, is also from that first book.
displaying over 30 quilts, some dating from as early as the 1920’s, each telling a tale of its own. They depict some heartwarming images and designs that would appeal to all ages.
Mandy Shaw has lived in Hailsham all her life and has become a truly unstoppable force in the sewing world.
There is a teardrop on the table From the whispers of the past, For all the dreams and plans That somehow did not last. Despite all, you’ve emerged now Out from those mists of time, Saw the rivers that contained you And the hills you could not climb.
So you made your way regardless Of the pitfalls and the traps, And settled in your castle With scarce a dip or lapse.
Maybe your destiny is different From what you’d hoped it would be, But looking back from now At that time you could not see Without the gift of foresight
Just how everything would end. So thoughts of could’ve, should have Are now just scars to mend. Of course it could be different From how it’s all turned out, Knowing then just what would happen We would succeed without a doubt. But life never is that simple When the answers can be seen, So we would make new errors After the old ones we redeem.
The mother of four, who attended Battle Road School, has become one of Britain’s most accomplished sewing and quilt designers. She embarked upon starting her own company ‘Dandelion Designs’ in 2004, which she runs from the bottom of her garden. Her ethos is that sewing should
be inclusive to all and that everyone should feel that they, too, can have a go at creating something they will love and cherish.
Mandy is inviting residents to view the collection she has brought together with her friends until 9th April at Gallery North in Hailsham.
The Maltese Falcon, directed by John Houston (who also wrote the screenplay) and starring the legendary Humphrey Bogart, was one of the four films for which the term “Film Noir” was later to be coined by the critic Nino Frank.
It does have all the elements that you would expect. A cynical anti-hero in Bogart who, by the end of the movie, I thoroughly disliked. Themes of false love, greed and betrayal and the stark style of lighting and shooting for which Film Noir is so well known.
The storyline is built around the search for the bird of the title. A bejewelled golden statuette made by the Knights
Templar that went missing hundreds of years before.
It involves bribery, lies and a number of murders. Tightly plotted and with terse, lean dialogue it garnered three Oscar nominations (Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Actor in a Supporting Role) although it didn’t win any of them.
It certainly gripped me, partly because I was intrigued to see just how unpleasant Bogart’s character could be. The answer is, very.
I was also drawn in by the performance of Sydney Greenstreet as Kasper Gutman. He was (allegedly…) the inspiration behind one of the villains in the “Star Wars” saga. Once
you’ve seen the film, you’ll probably work it out. Greenstreet was a wellknown stage actor of the time, but this was his first screen role. The Oscar nomination says it all.
The Maltese Falcon is the second offering of the Film Club at the Hailsham Pavilion and will be screened early in May. You don’t have to be a member,
but it’s cheaper if you are!
And now to Uncharted.
I didn’t think I’d get to use the word “romp” when reviewing a film made in the 2020s, but a romp is what this is.
Starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, both of whom have a great time giving the audience a great time, this gold-seeking adventure couldn’t be more different to The Maltese Falcon.
I didn’t take in that it’s based on a PlayStation game, to which there are nods in some of the graphics, and I imagined the two stars sitting around one day by some Hollywood pool chatting about films that they would have liked to have been in.
The list would be: Pirates of the Caribbean, Peter Pan, The Goonies and anything Bond, replacing Daniel Craig. Tom Holland, who is listed as an executive producer for Uncharted, then jumps up and says, “Great, I’ve got just the thing”, and “Uncharted” is born.
The opening sequence could almost have been the start of a Bond epic and the action is literally non-stop, laced with a wry sense of humour that kept me amused throughout.
One question. Did Tom Holland take a tip from Brando in The Godfather and make use of some dentist’s cotton wool?
You can feed your inner child with this between April 15th to the 18th. You know where…
I love supporting and promoting local independent businesses, that’s why I’ve featured almost 30 local traders on this page over the past seven months,
writes Viktoria Cowley
It’s massively important to continue to promote local businesses. These are the businesses that are owned and operated by our neighbours, our friends, our townspeople.
Local businesses are more accountable to their local communities, they support and donate more money to not-for-profit organisations, local schools, charities and local causes. Supporting local businesses is vital for the environment because they’ll undoubtedly have a smaller carbon footprint than larger companies.
Local businesses will often buy from local businesses, which keeps your money local. Local businesses employ local people and rate customer service higher.
Have you ever heard the term: “People buy from people”? It’s true! When was the last time you went into a local shop and, from a casual conversation with the owner or shop assistant, ended up buying that item you were eyeing up five minutes ago? Being in local business sells!
Social media has really come into
CALLENDARS: For over 10 years, Killian and his team at Callendars continue to serve regulars and new visitors to the restaurant in the High Street. Relaxed casual dining, showcasing the best of locally sourced and grown produce. Enjoy a bottle of wine or a cold draught beer as you sample their menu of fantastic British food. A comprehensive menu and specials board make use of the best of local fresh fish and meats. A good vegetarian choice and gluten free options too. 80-82 High Street, BN27 1AU.
The Owls Nest Personalised Gifts: If you’re looking for something special for your someone special then take a look at this small independent local business based in the Gleneagles area of Hailsham. Business owner, Louise Tiernan, makes laser engraved personalised gifts and can even make bespoke items to order.
Items for Easter now being showcased online at owlsnestgifts.co.uk
Focus Medical Eye Centre: Anthony and Amanda Bahadur, owners of independently owned optometrists have been looking after Hailsham’s residents’ eyes since 2014 but the business has been a main stay on our High Street for over 30 years. Believing that no two people’s eyes are the same so why should the glasses you use on a daily basis be the same? Focus Medical Eye Centre offer Bespoke Dispensing Solutions that ensure your frames are personalised to you, likening it to “a fully tailored suit”. 18 High Street, BN27 1BJ
Relax Therapy: Relax Therapy owner, Liz Newman, is a Massage & Skin Care Therapist based in the Gleneagles area of Hailsham. Liz offers her clients a range of holistic beauty treatments and complementary therapies bespoke to their individual needs. Using natural REN Clean Skincare products together with her extensive training and expertise in a beautifully tranquil treatment room provides the perfect environment to ensure you come away feeling relaxed and invigorated. For more information: relaxtherapy.co.uk
its own in the last 10 years in that, word of mouth has never been so valuable, and complaints and discord has never been so vocal. This ‘chalk and cheese’ approach – as handy as the positives are, can be just as damaging in the negatives. I think this is why local independent businesses feel they have to work twice as hard to make sure the positives outweigh the negatives.
And if, in the unlikely event you need to return the item, you can speak to an actual person! In this fast-paced world of being virtual and automated, we still feel the need to communicate with real people.
Similarly, it’s just as important – if not more important – to support
Community Markets and Local Produce & Farmers’ Markets.
They get up at the crack of dawn on the day they trade from the market, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. They’re so much more than just a place to sell produce. They offer important benefits to farmers, buyers, and communities right across the UK. Farmers’ Markets provide venues for communities to socialise and help educate people to make healthier food choices – they bring people together and create a place to allow the most socially diverse group of people to come together around the experiences of food, shopping, music and conversation. Farmers’ Markets are attractive outlets for locally grown flowers, ornamen-
You Raise Me Up Support Centre & Coffee Shop:
The charity is one of the only national charities who offer financial and emotional support to families who have, sadly, lost a child between the ages of 16 and 25. Its coffee shop bustles with people who have become friends rather than customers.
Events include a 2-day Mental Health First Aid for Adults course (5-6 April); Charity Golf Day (27 May); and Skydive (10 June). 58b High Street, Polegate, BN26 6AD. FB: @youraisemeupcharity
George Street: Do you remember the plants in a jar? The retro space-hogging, dust-collecting glass vase has taken on many guises over the years. Terrariums are much more compact and asthestically pleasing nowadays. Kim at Sweethearts Party Boutique offered her take on the traditional pot plants by making Plant Balloons for Mother’s Day. Colourful flowers and plants encased in a balloon, made sure that Mothers all over Hailsham were spoiled.
St Mary’s Walk: The Pumpkin Patch has been busy lately, selling material and ribbons to make flags and awareness ribbons for the Ukrainian cause. They’re also getting ready for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
St Mary’s Walk is the picturesque, paved walkway linking the High Street and the North Street car park built on the early 1990s. Voted ‘Best Independent Local Store in the South East of England 2021’ by readers of The Craft Business Magazine.
High Street: Camera Centre, based at 53 High Street, is open again. Initially just Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings 10am-1pm. Robert Girling, Camera Centre owner, thanks Hailsham residents for their support over the last few weeks after he recovered from a hip operation.
tals, edible crops and even extend out to other handmade products. These markets tend to serve as the primary outlet for smaller and part-time operations or as a complementary outlet for mediumand large-size growers who want to expand their sales.
When you go shopping, please remember to support your locals!
I’d love to know whether the businesses have had any feedback as a result of being featured on this page.
If you’d like to promote your business here in the future, you can get in touch with me on viktoria@hailsham.news or fill in the form here: https://bit.ly/HN-Shop-Promote
I hope all mothers had a wonderful Mother’s Day. I know all the florists worked their socks off to make sure all mothers in Hailsham had a fabulous day, writes Viktoria.
This got me wondering where the concept of Mother’s Day came from and, according to History.com the official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honouring the sacrifices mothers made for their children.
Another spring holiday enjoyed by many is Easter which falls on Sunday 17 April this year, and is unusually at the end of the two-week holiday.
This is due to Easter being a ‘movable feast’ which is always held on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25 as it’s on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon (the first full moon after the Spring Equinox).
There are lots of Easter events happening in and around Hailsham and lots of goodies to choose from in our local independent stores. Have a great month.
Hailsham News is delighted to announce the expansion of its parent company further into East Sussex.
Following the successful launch of the newspaper in October 2021, the business will be expanding into nearby Bexhill to publish a community newspaper for the seaside town.
The current Editor, Paul Gibson, will be changing roles to head up the publication which will see the first edition published in July this year.
This is a major expansion of Regional Media Group Ltd, the publisher of Hailsham News, which will welcome Chris Dabbs into the Editorial team and will take over the daily editing role from Paul.
Chris brings a wealth of journalistic experience from his work at the BBC, ITV and national and local radio stations. He also has a great deal of knowledge of Hailsham and has been in the area since buying a house from plans in the Gleneagles area.
Chris commented: “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Paul for all of his hard work in setting up Hailsham News. He’s done such a great job in making sure that your paper has all the best news from
the community, councils and sports teams.”
He added: “I’ll be continuing to do the same (hopefully!) and I’m also going to bring some new ideas to the paper along with some great content on the website.”
Bexhill-on-Sea is a thriving, developing town with more than 40,000 residents and an extremely close community, which is craving a dedicated news publication.
Director of Regional Media Group Ltd, Paul Gibson said: “We’re really excited about this new expansion
of the company and I’m personally really looking forward to getting involved with the Bexhill community and launching its first free newspaper in the coming months.”
He added: “It’s never easy handing over a much-loved project to someone else, but I have great confidence in Chris with his new role. His experience and professionalism will ensure Hailsham continues to get its monthly dose of news and information.”
Bexhill Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the news of the launch of Bexhill News as a ‘Fresh voice for Bexhill and the surrounding area.’
Chairman, Howard Martin said: “With a distinct local independent identity,
Bexhill News is already attracting substantial interest from a younger more engaged group of business entrepreneurs who are looking for fast reliable updates on local events and happenings.”
He added: “Bexhill News is about more than just news, its about how Bexhill is moving forward and building a new positive future for the town. Bexhill Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to working with the Bexhill News team and helping them to deliver media content of all kinds that reflects where our town is going, not constantly harking back to where it has been!”
Chris is contactable by emailing chris.dabbs@hailsham.news
It’s back for 2022 - and host John McCutchan is hoping this year’s Arlington Bluebell Walk will attract up to 28,000 visitors.
It is open daily from 10am until 5pm between April 13 and May 19 with 23 different charities providing refreshments each day.
The Bluebell Walk has traditionally been incredibly popular and this is the first time for three years - since Lockdown - that everything will be back to normal.
John McCutchan said: “I am so pleased that the Bluebell Walk will be open fully for 2022.
“It gives me such great pleasure to welcome the public who love to come and see our beautiful bluebells.
“It has been a difficult time for everyone, and now I am very optimistic of a
very high turnout for 2022.
“It is also very pleasing to be able to welcome so many different local charities, who will benefit from money spent on food, drink and the entrance fee.”
John has kept incredibly busy during Lockdown, making a series of improvements to Bates Green Farm, which is in Arlington, near to both Hailsham and Polegate.
He said: “The farm is looking lovely, and I can’t wait to welcome the public back through our gates again.”
Unlike last year, there is no need to pre-book, you can just turn up; on the day.
Go to Arlington Bluebell Walk and Garden website for prices and more information at https://www.bluebellwalk.co.uk/
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Spring is now well and truly here so there’s no reason not to visit the town’s Street Market each and every Saturday.
Shopping locally couldn’t be any more important as by doing so, you make a very real and visible contribution to your local economy and it means a great deal to the many diverse independent retailers in the town.
The Hailsham Street Market takes place every Saturday throughout the year in Vicarage Field between 8:30am1:30pm and hosts a range of local suppliers from food and drink, to crafts, gifts, clothing and much more.
Organisers of the Hailsham Street Market are now encouraging local small businesses to give trading at the market a try, whether they are experienced traders or even first-time, budding entrepreneurs who would like to sell their wares to new customers. Hailsham Town Council has reduced the cost of a stall from £25 to £15 for
To make a booking call 01323 841702, email: nikita.clarke-cox@hailsham-tc.gov.uk
Here are five very good reasons why you should head into Hailsham for your weekly shop…
l Make the most of Wealden District Council’s free car parking close to the High Street
l Discover something really special such as hand-made gifts, you may even pick up an Easter treat!
l Buying locally is good for the environment too, as you can find seasonal produce, grown in close proximity to our town and local Sussex specialities not available elsewhere
l Visit a local café, restaurant or bar on the High Street and take the opportunity to catch up with friends and family for brunch, lunch or supper and relax after your shopping experience
l Shopping in Hailsham boosts our local economy, supports independent businesses and provides jobs
Demolition is underway to tear down the iconic Horseshoe Pub in Windmill Hill, Herstmonceux.
These drone images show the dramatic view from above whilst machinery pulls down the structure to make way for new homes and a brand new pub.
The original Horseshoe Inn was believed to have been built in the 1820s, but this was demolished in about 1964 and the ‘new’ Horseshoe Inn was constructed around it. It
was extended and altered over time.
Richard Goldsmith from Hailsham Historical Society said: “I believe the original building was supposed to have been incorporated into the new one, but I understand that only the original cellar and one wall remained (I cant definitely establish that). “
He added: “There were some beams also rescued from the old building, but most of the beams in the new building were fibreglass.”
In a recent meeting, Chair of Herstmonceux Parish Council, Jenny Alder, commented: “We look forward to being able to refurbish Posey Green with our landscaping plans as soon as we are able to. The plans are to build the houses first and then the new pub to be built afterwards.”
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More than £5,000 was donated by friends, families and customers of B12 and Bucklers as the team organised a 25-mile walk.
Around 20 staff and friends of the business took part in the sponsored walk which saw them leave the town centre on a misty Sunday morning, to Hellingly, back through Hailsham towards Eastbourne before stopping at the Pier for some well-deserved lunch.
Supported by many motorists along the way beeping their horns, the team started a JustGiving page to raise funds for the Ukraine effort.
By the time they set out on the trek, the total amount was more than £3,000 which increased by an extra £1,500 by the end of the day, thanks to the effort by the walkers promoting their progress via social media.
From Eastbourne, the team set off from the Pier along the seafront, down Lottbridge Drove to join the Cuckoo Trail back towards Hailsham.
The walk took a total of around eight hours to complete and was finished off with a well-deserved beverage at B12 in the High Street, whilst some minor first aid took place to ensure the walkers could at least get home.
Owner of Bucklers Group who organised the walk, Melvyn Funnell-Strange said: “I couldn’t believe the generosity of our customers, families and friends. Raising £5,200 was far more than we ever expected.”
He added: “The walk was exhausting, but we’re thrilled to be able to do something to raise this vital money.”
Councillors and members of the community attended a small service in Hailsham Town Centre, an act of remembrance held to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine who have lost everything following the Russian invasion.
A short service included a minute’s silence and the laying of wreaths on behalf of the Town Council and residents of Hailsham.
Councillor Holbrook said: “The Remembrance Service was an opportunity and a time for us to reflect and show our empathy and solidarity
to the people of Ukraine. I and my colleagues at the Town Council are saddened and appalled by the ongoing situation in Ukraine.”
A street collection also took place and visits to local businesses raised more than £2,000 for the cause, which was banked at the town’s Post Office.
Pictured: Above, Charlotte Brazier from Sunflowers lays flowers at the Memorial. Below: Mayor Paul Holbrook lays a wreath on behalf of Hailsham Town Council.
To mark a full month since the conflict began, Hailsham residents took part in a candlelit vigil at the War Memorial to remember those who have died in the Ukraine War.
Steve Murphy, County Councillor for Hailsham Market Division organised the gathering which saw around 50 residents attend. Mayor Paul Holbrook updated visitors on recent efforts in the town to raise money which was followed by a speech by Lubka Leszniwskyj, a Hailsham resident with Ukrainian
family background.
Lubka started a Facebook page when the conflict began which soon had more than 500 members and has been the centre of many other fundraising and support activities.
A prayer was led by Reverend David Bourne from the Hailsham Parish Church. A minute’s silence was then held to remember the dead and then a minute’s applause to support those still fighting.
An appeal was launched at the start of the conflict to ensure a truck of medical equipment and essential items left for Poland.
Rainbow Wishes, based in Pevensey Bay, secured an 18-tonne lorry, which was filled with donations of supplies and was driven to western Poland to help hundreds of orphans who have landed in the region due to the Ukraine war.
The group needed to raise £8,000 for defibrillators, glucose monitors and various other high-value medical equipment, and to set up a hub in Poland. Other items wanted are First Aid kits, batteries, torches (ideally head torches), foil blankets, thermal socks, military gloves, boots and vests.
A JustGiving page was set up which has raised more than £2,000, but a great deal more needs to be raised to
ensure the mission is completed.
A spokesperson from the group said:
“There are currently 300 orphans in the village of Nowa Ruda in Western Poland. They have arrived with the clothes on their back and a small rucksack. The lorry will drive within three miles of the Ukraine border to help take medical equipment and essential items to these unfortunate people this Friday.”
The truck set off on 17th March from the St. Luke’s Parish Centre on 17th
March and the group has been posting regular updates of its progress on its Facebook page.
A number of local volunteers turned up to ensure all the donated goods were loaded onto the lorry to ensure it met its deadline to set off.
A spokesperson for Rainbow Wishes said:” It was a long, tiring journey and provided the biggest emotional roller coaster to us all. Our visit to the village which has taken in women and children was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.”
“Since leaving, talks have continued with them and plans have already begun for how we can continue to help not just them but other villages in the same position.”
Anyone who can volunteer their time to help, or donate equipment or money should visit https://www.facebook. com/Rainbowwishesofficial
Controversial proposals for major road improvements on the A22 Hailsham Bypass and Diplocks Way have moved onto the next stage to secure funding.
Plans have been drawn up to develop three junctions on the A22, Boship, Hempstead Lane and Eagles roundabout and have been approved by Councillor Claire Dowling of East Sussex County Council.
They will now be submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) and move on to a ‘detailed design’ stage. A bid to secure £29.2m from central Government will also be prepared. The remaining £5.2m is hoped to come from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions.
It’s all parts of a Major Road Network (MRN) package of junction improvements. These particular proposed works were ranked among the top 10 priorities for the South East in 2019.
The plans are to increase the number of lanes and traffic lights with crossings at the Boship Roundabout, a roundabout at the Hempstead Lane junction of the A22 and develop the Eagles roundabout with a dedicated lane to turn left onto the Bypass from South Road.
In addition to these plans, a scheme to improve the busy town junctions of Diplocks Way and Ersham Road have gone into the plan. This is great news for drivers enduring long queues at rush hour on the South Road stretch
from the A22.
Cllr Claire Dowling, the county council’s lead member for transport and environment, said: “This A22/A2290 is a busy and important route, but in need of improvement to cut congestion, reduce journey times and improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
“The raft of measures proposed will also ensure the area thrives as well as support new home and job growth in the county.”
Gerard Fox, County Councillor for Hailsham New Town said: “I’m pleased that over 700 residents fed back to the consultation. It’s important that we get this right. This is an important project to improve local connectivity and provide the infrastructure to support our local economy. We are all hopeful that it will gain favour with the Department for Transport.”
Councillor Fox added: “I am particularly keen to see it executed in a manner which supports, enhances and complements existing local walking and cycling initiatives. I have also asked East Sussex officers to give careful attention to any traffic calming measures which may be necessary from the creation of a new roundabout in the vicinity of Hempstead Lane and Anglesey Avenue.”
All the proposals were put out for public consultation in August last year and later extended an extra few weeks to gather more responses.
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SATURDAY 7TH MAY, 2022
Having spent many hours at my laptop sending out emails and marketing VeryMagic, I then decided to have a break. As I sat down with a freshly brewed cuppa I flicked on the TV to watch Loose Women.
No one was more surprised than me to find out it was a lunchtime TV chat show program, I thought it was a documentary about women with low standards.
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DOORS OPEN 6:30PM, RACING FROM 7PM
As my disappointment peaked, then so did my interest in the number of adverts that offered me the opportunity to ‘adopt’ a lemur, a snow leopard and even a donkey in Africa. I watched in amazement as I contemplated the various options offered to me over the course of a few ad breaks.
Each option of the adoptable beast had its positive and negative points. I rejected the penguins and the bottle-nose dolphin for obvious reasons (no pond in my garden) but was rather enamoured by the rhino. Maybe this was due to the reminiscing of a less-than-attractive motor mechanic I knew many years ago, whose hourly rate was extremely expensive. We used to call him Rhino… not because of his size, but
mainly because he was ugly and charged a lot.
Now, I’m wondering if adopting a rhino is the right thing. Will my closeboard garden fencing be strong enough? Do they make a lot of noise at night? Will Wealden District Council or Biffa take away bins of rhino poo? There are so many questions and maybe I should have researched this before launching into adopting a rhino, that said at £5 per month it does seem to be a bargain.
I’m hoping that Pets R Us will have a lead strong enough and I wonder if Tesco will have anywhere I can tie up a rhino whilst I pop in for a some turnips (I assume they eat turnips, do they?).
Am I allowed to take him into The Quintins and would Callenders Restaurant give him a bowl of water and let me leave him outside whilst I pop in for dinner?
Maybe £5 a month isn’t such a good deal as I think it’ll cost me a lot more than that in carpet cleaner, if only Loose Women had been more risqué then I wouldn’t be the adoptive father of a 2.7 tonne Unicorn.
Until next time people!
A community-led organisation that aims to reduce waste and carbon footprints via reusing and recycling household items has opened a refurbished shop in Hailsham.
Furniture Now has moved from its old premises next to Tesco in North Street to one of the largest shops in the High Street, opposite the town’s Post Office. The new store is considerably bigger than the former premises, which means they are able to stock a much wider variety of high-quality, low-cost new and used household furniture and appliances, from sofas and dining sets to washing machines and freezers.
The charity continues to grow its range of new and second-hand furniture, electrical appliances and homeware items and the new store not only comes with a beneficial size but also with history, as the premises has listed building status. Building works began at the end of last year and they have only used local suppliers throughout the whole renovation process.
It was opened recently by Member of Parliament for Wealden, Nusrat Ghani and Mayor Paul Holbrook. Councillor Holbrook said: “Thank you to Michael and his dedicated team for such a warm welcome. Everyone at the Now! charity has worked so hard to acquire and renovate the new shop at 9 High Street and to get the newly revamped
premises looking so beautiful.”
Councillor Holbrook added: “There is a need for low-cost furniture to help people in the area who can’t always afford new items. The Now! charity, through their chain of Furniture Now! stores in Hailsham, Lewes and East bourne, recycle furniture, appliances and other household items donated to them by residents who no longer have a use for them. I’m very impressed by the range of items in stock and thor oughly endorse the work and services of the charity.”
Michael Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of the Now! charity commented: “This project marks a new chapter for Furniture Now! and is a property which embraces the vision for how we wish our offering to be viewed – a central location, easily accessible, with a wide range of low-cost, high-quality furni ture and electricals.”
“It has been a great experience to restore the listed building to its former glory and being able to breathe new life into a historical building is a won derful achievement.”
“Coinciding with this project, we are launching our Sustainable Communities Grant fund. This is a new addition which shall utilise profits generated by Furniture Now! and redistribute these monies via grants to support valuable local projects.”
sation has been mapped over the past four years, and we are achieving the simple and effective operating structure we have strived for. The greater Furniture Now! performs in its services, the more we can reinvest back into our communities for the benefit of local people and increase our social value.”
Plans are underway for a string of events to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Hailsham this June.
Preparations by Hailsham News, in partnership with the Town Council, include an official beacon lighting event, town centre shopping event and a family fun day for the extended bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2-5 June 2022.
On Saturday 4th June in particular, the Town Council is organising a ‘Hailsham Jubilee Day’ shopping event similar to the ‘Celebrate Hailsham Day’ events organised in recent years, whereby as many town centre shops, eateries and service providers are invited to participate by offering special discounts and promotions on their goods and services on the day.
The Town Council is inviting town centre businesses to take part in the Hailsham Jubilee Day and consider offering one or more special discounts or promotions on their products or services on the day.
To promote this shopping event, the Town Council will advertise participating businesses’ individual offers and promotions on a regular basis until 4th June on their website, social media
pages and public noticeboards, as well as via the local press.
As part of the Town Council’s support package, the town Council will also produce a poster for each business, detailing their individual offer, which can be displayed on their premises or shop window. Individual social media posts will be published for each participating business, highlighting their promotions and/or discounts. There will be no cost at all for any businesses taking part in Hailsham Jubilee Day.
Deputy Town Clerk & Business Enterprise Manager, Mickey Caira said: “Hailsham Jubilee Day will take place in the town centre on Saturday 4th June where there will be entertainment, food, drink and market stalls in
the town centre, as well a rich mix of special offers and promotions we hope, from town centre shops, eateries and service providers.”
He added: “I urge as many of our town centre businesses to participate in the shopping day scheme, in order to attract increased footfall in the town centre on the day and complement other scheduled events taking place over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend as a whole. Summer 2022 will be an exciting time for Hailsham, and on behalf of the Town Council, I’m delighted that we have been able to finance the cost of organising the celebrations, so ably being carried out by Hailsham News with our staff and Council member support. This year, as we’ll be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we’re aiming to do something bigger and better than ever before.”
To take part, please email nikita. clarke-cox@hailsham-tc.gov.uk by Friday 29th April, including details of your intended offer/promotion to customers. Alternatively, call 01323 841702 for further details.
17,000 MORE THAN ANY OTHER LOCAL PUBLICATION - FACT!
According to CVC Audit, a publication which is consciously picked up has an average readership of 1.7 readers per copy
If you printed 17,000 business cards, it would cost around £160, that’s three times the cost of an advert in this newspaper!
As Summer approaches it can sometimes feel like we’re coming out of hibernation as we peel off the layers of woollies and emerge blinking into the sunlight. The arrival of longer, warmer days can also make us dream of holidays, shorts and flipflops, yet such pleasant thoughts can be tinted with some anxiety over how much weight we may have gained while squirrelled away in our homes as Winter storms battered the window panes.
If you’ve been wondering how to kick start your fitness regime but the thought of a treadmill or cross-trainer makes you want to dive back under the duvet with a bag of jam doughnuts, then don’t panic. When you look at fitness as being a lifestyle choice rather than a part-time hobby or 30-day challenge, your mindset changes and you start to develop behaviours that will improve many areas of your life.
ing solar panels on an average-sized home is around £5,000. The impact on your energy bills will depend on the system size, electricity use, whether you’re at home during the day using the energy you’re producing, whereabouts in the UK you live, and other factors. But based on Energy Saving Trust estimates, a typical household with a 3.5 kilowatt-peak system can save between £170 and £440 per year on energy bills.
Plus, under the revamped Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, you can still be paid for any unused
to the tune of up to £110 per year. In the current energy
enough sunlight to power solar panels. It actually gets
hard for solar panels to work. Solar panels use light to
1. Don’t change too quickly
panels as it can serve as a cooling mechanism, making melt with residue heat from the panel, although a heavy snowfall will prevent the panel from working to its full potential, in which case you’ll need to lightly brush it away.
If you’re considering switching to renewable energy, solar panels are well worth further investigation. You can find out more about the SEG scheme from the www.gov.uk website, and the Energy Savings Trust has a comprehensive guide for solar energy via www. energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solar-panels/.
Don’t try to do too much too soon, you may just be setting yourself up for failure. Better to make small, incremental changes to your routine and gradually build up by choosing a couple of new healthy habits and practising them daily, such as drinking more water or getting an extra hour’s sleep.
2. Find something you love doing
Consistency is key if you want to get fit. This means you need to find activities you love doing so you return to them again and again. If you love socialising with others, think about trying a team sport or doing a group fitness class like Zumba. If you’re working out for the mental health benefits, try activities that will help you relax, such as yoga or Pilates.
3. Move every day
You have more than 600 muscles in your body that need to be worked on a regular basis to stay functional. By moving, you are strengthening your muscles, which improves stability, balance, and coordination. That doesn’t mean a 5k run every day or bench-pressing your own bodyweight. Simple movements like a short walk around the block or 15 minutes of stretching exercises will do the trick.
4. Get outside more
With the approach of Summer there’s no excuse for staying indoors. It’s always more pleasant to exercise in the fresh air plus being out in nature has brilliant health, fitness and mind-boosting benefits.
5. Focus on the psychological benefits too
Concentrate on how you feel rather than how you look. This might mean being less out of breath when you climb stairs, sleeping better, or being more alert. Fitness is not always only about building muscle tone. Your age or current level of fitness doesn’t even come into it, because you’ll find that even small changes can deliver big results.
Getting fit for Summer need not involve gut-busting, no-pain-no-gain routines. Follow these simple steps and although you might not see the melt fat off in one week, they will help ease you into a healthier lifestyle. Of course, it will also help you get fitter and slimmer too.
Here are five easy strategies to get you into the fitness habit...
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only one who expressed an interest. It was seconded and votes in the room unanimously voted in Clive as the new 2022 Chair. Clive left a vacancy of Vice Chair, a position he had held for the last
Clive started his post with an emotional speech by thanking Mark for being the Chair for the past two years in what has proven to be the most challenging two years local businesses has seen and how proud he was to serve as his Vice Chair for that time.
Clive then led the votes for setting up the Committee for 2022 and the following was agreed by way of votes in the room:
Vice Chairs: Andrew Rannie; Fred Treasurer: Liz Kelly. Police Colin Slaughter. Events: Sam Committee Members: Peter Willson; Mark Hallett, Robert Barker, Rachel Stone
were served, and the atmosphere was itself was also seeing some changes was seen but it was barely noticeable since the return to Chamber’s old stomping ground at B12 Bar & Kitchen was welcomed by all.
Last year’s AGM was held virtually on Zoom due to Covid-19; the last face-toface AGM was at B12 in March 2020, a
of the world, the meetings were all while business was solitary and home-
Community Hub.
Mark Hallett stepped down as Chair, having served for the past two years and handed the agenda over to Vice Chair, Andrew Rannie.
Andrew asked for a vote for the in
The Membership Fee was discussed, and it was proposed increasing to £90, which was unanimously agreed. There was a suggestion that there should be a concession either to Annual Membership or the Breakfast Networking meetings for charities which would encourage more non-profits and charities to join the Chamber and take advantage of the Chamber’s benefits. This will be a discussion for our first Committee Meeting.
The Chamber then took a break to join the Candlelit vigil for the people of Ukraine at 7.30pm at the Town Centre Memorial.
After reconvening, Clive welcomed our Guest Speaker for the evening, former Eastbourne MP, Stephen Lloyd, (below) who spoke passionately about
The old saying that ‘No one ever found time they only made it ‘ is so true. It’s a fact. There are only ever going to be 168 hours in a week.
Rachel Stone from IQ4Business explains how to make the most impact in that time...
There will always be too much to do and not enough time to do it in, especially since the wonders of technology have provided us all with so much to do!
Social media was never part of the ‘to do’ list ‘ as recently as five years ago and now it is a joyful, additional, time consuming and essential activity required in the running of a successful business.
How does a successful person manage to get through with fewer traumas and more effectiveness?
The secret is making sure that they have time integrity. Awareness is the first important step to getting more done. Knowing what you do with your time but more significantly what the impact is on your business is a sure way to improve your time management.
Stephen Covey has a great way of looking at it. Most people are not careful enough about understanding the significant difference between something being important and something being urgent.
He writes about this in his excellent book ‘Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” in his ‘Important/ Urgent Matrix’.
Important things have a high con sequence and a long-term impact, but they are not bound by a time constraint. An example of this is building good relationships with people in your target market.
Urgent things are those which are bound by a time frame which has become quite short-term. An example of this is when a deadline has to be met for flyers to go out before a planned event. Not getting them out on time would mean that people would not know about the event etc. The timing is key.
Another way of looking at how to use your time more effectively is to be very aware of the effort your activity is taking compared to the impact the activity has on the achievement of your goals.
Ideally you would like to focus on the low effort but high impact stuff and avoid the high effort but low impact things where possible. Sometimes, though, investing high effort on a high impact activity pays dividends. It’s all about awareness and discernment. Think about the last time you consciously noticed the impact of what you do with your time....
A truly effective leader maximises the skills involved in managing himself or herself first and then can inspire others to do the same. How effective are you?
IQ4 Business are a team of Business Coaches who will help you master all the areas you need to create a profitable business that can work without you, using a proven coaching framework.
Visit https://iq4business.actioncoach.co.uk/
If you’ve ever thought of networking but not yet made it, no matter what job or background you come from, why not join the Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce. You’ll be welcomed into an already established diverse group of professionals who enjoy monthly business networking meetings as well as occasional social events which support other local businesses.
Temperatures are not the only thing heating up this springtime - buyer enquiries are up 16% compared to last year, average prices have jumped yet another 1.7% the past month, the biggest jump since the mid-noughties!
Did you know that in 2022 you are twice as likely to sell your property in your first week of marketing compared to 2019? There has been almost twice as many people looking than selling in recent months, according to Rightmove, the biggest mismatch of supply and demand ever!
However, we could be coming into that short period where that just may change - Spring!
As you would expect we can sell your home whatever the season, but Spring is often considered one of the best times – I wonder if this has to do with gardens bursting into life, better weather, especially with longer daylight hours to view, or a period of reflec-
tion after a long Winter on what we need or want. A period of the year that we “spring” into action (sorry I couldn’t resist).
It could be all of these reasons, or several I haven’t mentioned, who knows? All I can tell you is that Spring is traditionally a busy time for the property industry which is why it is often referred to as the ‘Spring Bounce’.
What do buyers want at the moment? Well, it seems there is a ‘race for space’. Many of our buyers come from larger, higher density towns and crave openness.
They get to sell their existing homes in their often more expensive locations and find larger or more rural places to live with more of the all-important outdoor space, further potential and easy access to miles of rolling countryside.
As well as this, with many working from home or real
ising the distance between their nearest and dearest, enquiries for properties with an Annexe, or Annexe potential, are ‘through the roof’.
It’s a space completely separate from the main home, versatile in use and makes the perfect room for parents to move in, thus increasing their overall budget. If they come too and have their own property to sell, or even just to have that home and office separation rather than converting a bedroom or dining space.
Hopefully this year those homeowners that were not quite ready to take advantage of last year’s rush will bite the bullet, taking advantage of the hottest market in the last 17 years – why wouldn’t you? With potentially more properties coming onto the market than previous months, creating even more people actively looking - never has it been a better
Offers in Excess of £225,000
We love gems like this one! Roll your sleeves up, grab the paint brushes and get the creative juices flowing! Last decorated 1975, this great bungalow is calling out for its new owners to realise its amazing potential and get it turned into your own dream home!
Situated in the far corner of the Cul-De-Sac with front and rear gardens, nearby roadside parking and a garage enbloc. Inside it is arranged with an entrance hall through to the rear aspect lounge and kitchen. Also from the hall is two double bedrooms, bathroom and wc.
To explore this wonderful opportunity please take a look through our 3D Virtual Tour online teamed up with our professional photography before calling us for an accompanied viewing.
Offers in Excess of £595,000
property to a high specification located within a highly sought after residential area of Hailsham.
The property is set back from the road offering a peaceful and private home with access via a private drive and secure gated entrance which can be controlled via a mobile.
This fantastic property offers everything you would expect from a quality home and more besides.
which opens into a spacious dining room, both overlooking the rear garden with doors leading to the utility room and integral garage.
Upstairs the master bedroom provides a real sense of space with an elevated ceiling and access to a mezzanine level which could be used as a snug or home office, extremely useful for anyone needing a space to work from home.
There is also underfloor heating downstairs
tem/Mobile App.
The care and attention to design can be seen in the luxury bathrooms and the way the property flows, ideal for the way modern families live. Outside there is a large rear garden which has been extended by the current owners and to the front a block paved driveway with room for up to five cars. A viewing is essential to appreciate the quality that this property offers.
High Street, Hailsham, BN27 1AN Tel: 01323 840444 www.stevensandcarter.co.uk
I feel the need to put this straight before I start this month’s car review, as it’s likely to take a slightly different angle from my normal writings.
Since 2001, I’ve been reviewing anything from a 50cc moped to a £300,000 Maybach limousine and driven pretty much anything that has a wheel attached. I’m not boasting, it’s just laying the foundations that I understand that reviews are totally subjective.
People have always asked what I think about a particular car if they’re thinking of buying one, and certainly, over the past five years, I’ve said exactly what the headline of this article reads: “There’s no such thing as a bad car”. Gone are the days of manufacturers pushing out any old rubbish for us to buy and expect to put up with poorly built vehicles. The consumer has way more rights these days for that to happen.
Cars are exciting nowadays, they’re feats of engineering and full of pioneering technology to make driving a fun thing to do... well, that’s what I believed before getting behind the wheel of this latest offering from our friends across the Channel.
I introduce you to the Citroen C3 ‘Saint James’ PureTech 83, a car that has drained the pleasure of driving from my soul over the past week.
Citroen has teamed up with the famed French fashion house Saint James, in what I’m thinking is an attempt to get this car off the forecourts and onto customers’ driveways.
The designer has, according to Citroen, made the C3 stand out from other hatchbacks on the market. A limited run of cars with a number of colour options and a velour style interior a 1981 Austin Allegro would be jealous of.
When the C3 was delivered to my home last month, I was led into a false sense of security when the driver told me ‘it was a lovely drive down from Coventry.’ My hopes were raised by this statement and from the first glance, it looked like it would be a thrifty town runabout, full of inspiration and character.
After twenty minutes, I soon realised I’d had more exciting episodes of gout.
I simply can’t understand how, in 2022, a manufacturer can produce a clutch and gearbox with so much movement in it - my knees were up to my chin before the thing went anywhere and I can say the left hand side of my body has had a complete workout, simply by pushing the gear lever in what seems to be about half a mile between gears.
If this wasn’t enough to make you realise why you’ve just spent £16,755 of your hard-earned cash on it, you’re surrounded by cheap plastic moulding around the cabin, which after only 750 miles, had
scratches around the door handle, I’m assuming from a previous motoring journalist frantically trying to get out of it.
This is the cheapest of the range of cars, with the ‘83’ in its title boasting 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol, 83bhp under the bonnet, a power output which fills you with fear if having to pull out of a busy junction, or consider an overtake.
It is fitted with a five-speed gearbox, which at 70mph revs at 3,500 rpm, putting the tiny engine under massive stress. Why it doesn’t have a sixth gear is beyond me.
There’s a more powerful PureTech 110 engine available with 109bhp and 205Nm of torque. It comes with a sixspeed automatic gearbox and is priced at £19,295.
A 7-inch infotainment system runs all the usual facilities in the car, such as sat-nav, audio and car settings etc. What is annoying is that to reduce cluttered switches on the console, the heating and fan controls can only be used by navigating through the menus on the screen, therefore taking your eyes off the road, just to adjust the temperature.
The seats are very quirky, featuring a grey, cloth/velour feel about them, but it makes me wonder how these will fair with age.
All this negativity is hurting my positive outlook on life, so let’s actually take a look at some of the things I like about the C3.
Erm, oh, the seats are actually very comfortable on any journey. A convenient armrest for the driver makes the C3 typically Citroen, as the manufacturer has always been famous for its comfy seats and
soft suspension. I wouldn’t say the C3’s ride was particularly soft, but it’s not offensive in any way.
Well, that sums up that small section of my likes of the car (oh yes, the wheels are quite pretty), so let’s think about what you could be driving for the same money.
A brand new Ford Fiesta is almost the same money and we all know how famous and popular they are! The Peugeot 208 (which is in fact made by the same group) is the same price as the top-end C3 and is a far better car in my opinion.
I don’t like writing negative car reviews, and I never write the review until I’ve spent the full week with the car, as it can sometimes take a while to get used to a different model. However, on this occasion, it’s simply not a vehicle I can rate, as I said before, I’m not just slating it for no reason. I drive a 12-year-old MINI, so it’s not as if I drive around in luxury on a regular basis - but come on Citroen - play the game!
Base price: £16,755
Model as tested: C3 Saint James PureTech 83 Manual
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
Power: 83 bhp
Torque: 118Nm
0-60mph: 11.9 seconds
MPG: 51.4 mpg average
Emissions: 123 g/km
Hailsham Boxing Club has received a grant of £4950 from the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund.
The Fund provides grants up to £5,000 to local organisations and projects that deliver a lasting and positive impact on the local community.
Sam Buchanan, who accepted the grant award on behalf of Hailsham Boxing Club, explains how the funding will help reduce crime and improve community safety in Hailsham: He said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant from the Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund, which will enable Hailsham Boxing Club to make the necessary
building and equipment upgrades plus train our coaches to achieve accreditation with England Boxing. This accreditation will help keep our members engaged, encourage new members and is a qualification we can offer to our volunteer coaches who give up their time to coach so we can provide free training to the children and teens. This funding will support the Boxing Club with our community outreach projects which includes a pilot programme delivering Maths and English lessons to members requiring this additional support.”
Commending Hailsham Boxing on its successful bid Mrs Bourne said: “As PCC I have a statutory responsibility
for commissioning county-wide community safety and crime prevention programmes.
“The Hailsham Boxing Club is a great example of an innovative local project that aims to make our communities safer.
“Since launching the Safer in Sussex Fund in December 2013, nearly £1.5 million has been allocated to support over 300 crime reduction and community safety initiatives.
“This money makes a real difference to local people and neighbourhoods. The high numbers of bids each time shows organisations and community groups are committed to keeping Sussex a safe place in which to live.”
With the season rapidly coming to a conclusion, the East Sussex Football League looks set for an exciting finish in several divisions.
In the Premier, Crowhurst are top but only have one game remaining, whilst second placed Battle Town, the only other side who can catch them, still have four to play, knowing that if they win all of their remaining games, the title will be theirs. At the bottom of the Premier, Wadhurst United will definitely finish bottom, but could still have an impact in the title race as they go to Battle in the final game of the season. Premier Division sides Rye Town and Punnetts Town also play in the Robertsbridge Charity Intermediate Cup final on 19th April at Little Common FC.
In Division One, Bexhill Amateur Athletic top the table at the time of writing, with Sidley United Reserves also on 31 points in second place. Bexhill has a game in hand on Sidley, but incredibly, sides as far down as 5th place could still take the trophy thanks to games in hand. Sedlescombe Rangers Reserves are certain to finish bottom of the table, but still have the Hastings FA Junior Cup Final to look forward to at The Pilot Field, home of Hastings United, on 20th April.
Westfield Thirds have won Division Two, winning 13 of their 16 games
throughout the season, and could still take a double, with the Hastings FA Lower Division Cup Final against Crowhurst Reserves still to come at the Pilot Field on 6th April. Little Common Reserves finished in second place, with Sandhurst in third. These two meet on Wednesday 30th March in the Robertsbridge Charity Junior Cup Final at Little Common FC. The bottom three is made up of local sides - Herstmonceux finishing at the foot of the table, with Hooe and Catsfield just above them.
Division Three is also complete with league winners AFC Hollington also having Cup Final action to look forward to, against Hailsham-based Welcroft Park Rangers in the ESFL Division Two & Three Cup Final (again at Hastings United) on Tuesday 12th April. Welcroft finished in a very creditable third place in the table, behind second-placed Ninfield but comfortably above fourth-placed Icklesham Casuals. Bexhill AAC Reserves were bottom.
Division Four was won by Ticehurst, two points clear of second-placed Sovereign Saints Reserves. Battle Town Thirds were at the foot of the table, whilst Sovereign Saints Reserves also won the ESFL Division Four & Five Cup, beating Westfield Thirds 3-2 at the Pilot Field on the 23rd of March.
Division Five will go to the final day - leaders Westfield Thirds are on 32 points, but Crowhurst Reserves will overtake them if they beat thirdplaced Hampden Park on the 9th of April. If Hampden Park wins that game, they would be champions on goal difference - Welcroft Park Rangers Reserves will finish fifth of the eight teams in the division, playing their final game at The Beaconsfield against Herstmonceux Reserves on Saturday 2nd April (2.30pm).
After a two year break, Sunday morning saw blue skies and sunshine for the 38th Hastings Half marathon.
Organised by the Hastings Lions Club, the popular Hastings Half marathon is well known for its undulating course and fantastic crowd support which certainly didn’t disappoint the 2000 runners who took part.
Alongside the Half marathon, this year also saw the event host a Mini Mile race for children aged 7-16 years.
Hailsham based club, Hailsham Harriers produced a strong turnout at the event with 36 members running the 13.1 mile distance and 10 finishing with new half marathon personal bests.
Winner of the Eastbourne Half Marathon three weeks ago, Ross Brocklehurst continued his fine streak of running, bursting across the line to a new personal best of 1:15:38, first Harrier home, placing 7th overall and 2nd in age.
It was another strong performance from Graham Woolley as he finished in 1:29:33, followed by Los Burrett in 1:29:51, Superwoman Lianne Leakey racing to a personal best in 1:29:57, Carl Barton 1:30:32, Club Secretary Tom Price 1:37:36 and Hailsham’s newest member, Dan Shipton, gaining his second personal best in three weeks of 1:38:17.
Ladies captain Helen O’Sullivan also secured a new personal best, racing to the line in 1:39:00. Ted Baldwin had a sensational run, knocking five minutes off to finish with a personal best of 1:42:28 with Lisa Goldsmith 1:43:12, Paul Henderson 1:43:31, Men’s Vice Captain, Simon Haddon 1:43:50 and Tom Bilton 1:44:29.
Jenny Katsoni finished in 1:49:00, Audrey Haddon 1:49:21 and Chris Little ran to a personal best of 1:49:35 pushed on by fellow teammate Michael Husarz in 1:49:36. Gary Smith crossed the line in 1:54:06, Dave Coulson 1:53:07, whilst Max Williams 1:55:31, Peter Burtenshaw 1:56:37, Hannah Deubert-Chapman
1:56:43 and Victoria Little 2:01:06 all finished with new personal bests. Frances Delves took home first in age as she crossed the line in 2:01:45. Sam Neame produced another determined run to finish in 2:03:05, Katy Reed
2:12:15, Darren Gillett 2:17:27, Wendy Quinn 2:22:37, Michelle Hollands 2:25:25, Norman Harris 2:28:37, Julie Lewis-Clements 2:29:00, Don Currie 2:31:33, Ros Thomson 2:34:11 and Els Ruffell 2:49:25.
Hailsham Harriers is congratulating all the overall winners, James Baker from Chichester Runners and Rachael Mulvey from HY Runners along with a huge thank you to all the marshals, organisers and supporters.
Hailsham Town’s Under 11 side has been presented with their trophy as one of the winners of the Crowborough & District Youth Football League Autumn Shields. The young footballers are pictured with their very proud coaches Paul Crosbie and Stuart Skan.
Paul Crosbie said; “The boys have been magnificent so far this season, culminating in winning the autumn trophy including an unbeaten run of 11 games, developing as a squad and playing some great football along the way.”
Hailsham Town has reached the semi-finals of the SCFL Division One Cup after a 2-1 victory in an end to end game against Godalming Town at The Beaconsfield.
On a day when all gate receipts were donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal, the Stringers began brightly and took the lead on 12 minutes when Jake Barker prodded home from a very well struck Rhys Taylor corner.
After the early goal, both sides threw everything into the game, with Hailsham seeing the majority of the chances on goal as Adrian Giles in the Godalming goal twice found himself caught out of position against the lively Stringers front four of Mafu, Barker, Connor Townsend and Taylor. At the other end, the visitors saw a few efforts which Wester Young did well to hold before Hailsham headed into the interval ahead.
It was almost two minutes after the break - Barker again sent through on
goal, only to hit the post after taking the ball around Giles, with Mafu then seeing his shot from the rebound blocked. Godalming enjoyed slightly more of the second half possession but failed to translate this into genuine chances, with Hailsham holding firm and putting in a fine performance.
Charlie Playford would then come close for Hailsham on 79 after springing the offside trap, with Giles quickly out to deny him, before a chance at the other end saw Young quickly off his line to smother a one on one opportunity. With a lengthy period of injury time, however, the biggest twists were yet to come.
First, a Godalming free kick worked into the box saw a close-range effort hit the post before Cameron Edwin rammed the loose ball home for an equaliser.
Hailsham though didn’t give up, and within 60 seconds of the restart, won a free kick on halfway. With penalties looming, Harry Simmons looked to
flight the ball long into the area - only for Giles to misjudge the flight of the ball, sending Stringers players and supporters alike into wild celebrations as the ball sailed into the net. Stunned, Godalming attempted a comeback but could do nothing in the remainder of the added period, with Hailsham deservedly earning the win.
A big crowd of 105, helped by a healthy away contingent from Godalming, raised a brilliant £367.50 for the DEC Appeal through gate receipts alone, with a further £105 in donations from both sets of supporters, and rounding up from Stringers officers raising a grand total of £500.
The Stringers will play Epsom & Ewell in the Semi-Final, date TBC.
Stringers: Young, Guest, Simmons, S Pout (Honey), Thomsett (Fox), C Townsend, J Pout, Mafu (S Townsend), Playford, Taylor, Barker. Unused; Lovick. Attendance: 105
Picture credit Andrew Hazelden
The local Hockey season is drawing to a close with only a couple of league games left to be played in April.
The ladies 1s found March to be a tougher month with results not going their way. They played four games losing three and winning one. This has left the fourth in South East Division 1 West. Susie Smith and Nat Hayes have continued their scoring ways picking up three goals each.
Courtney Webb and Mimi Wilton scored one each.
Ladies 2 have had a much better month with three wins and a loss.
Celia Hoad has top-scored with three goals. Sharon Clay and Toni Bray have each added two. Other scorers were Lacie Watterson, Ciara Buckley, Karrie Agnew, Michelle Evers, Lyndsey Pengilley, Jackie Baxter and Molly Bartlett. This leaves them third in South East Women’s Division 2 Martlets.
Ladies 3 have had three wins (including a walkover) and a loss to the runaway league leaders. This leaves them second in South East Women’s Division 4 Martlets. An amazing position as this is this team’s first year. Team captain Rachel Forss scored two goals with Claire Hanson, Breeanne Begg, Charlotte Forss, and Alison Headey each adding a goal each.
Men’s 1s tough run of fixtures has continued. They have lost three games and continue to struggle in their league. They now sit 11th in
South East Men’s Division 1 West. The goalscorers have been Alex Smith with three and Jamie Hayes with one. Men’s 2s have also continued to struggle but have won one of their four games. Freddie Cable added seven brilliantly scoring six goals in one match. Yousif Maroki added two goals with Dan White, Sam Rham and Captain John Bartlett each scoring once. This leaves them lying tenth in South East Men’s Division 2 Martlets.
Hailsham’s junior side the Millers have only played one game this month which they unfortunately lost.
In addition, Hailsham Hockey Club junior’s proudly represented Sussex recently. Freddie Cable and Finn Rham played for the Under 15 boys in Oxford against Surrey and Oxford.
Sophie Cable played for Under 15 girls away in Oxford against Surrey and Oxford. Connor Agnew played for Under 13 boys away in London against London North and Oxford.
Hailsham Cricket Club has been able to complete a full winter training program at Hailsham Community College after two years of disruptions.
Everyone from the youngest juniors through to the ladies (pictured) and men had sessions throughout the week which were well attended.
The Club saw over a hundred juniors ranging from 4–15-year-old boys and girls, including 16 new members. Also, over sixty senior players attend with eight new men and six new ladies putting in a huge amount of time and effort ahead of the 2022 campaign.
The campaign kick starts on the 16th April for the senior teams with the ladies starting on the 24th. The Juniors all start in early May with the club running competitive teams at U10, U11, U12, X2 U14, U11 girls and U15 girls.
Rob Wilkinson from Hailsham Cricket Club said: “We have everything crossed that 2022 will be a restriction-free season for both the cricket on the turf and the social side off the pitch. We have several important social dates coming up at the club with our annual ground force day on the 2nd April, this day is so important as we try and prepare the ground ahead of the season.”
He added: “Painting, cleaning erecting the nets, work on the wicket and a general tidy up are on the agenda, if anyone can spare an hour or two between 8-2pm, then your service would be massively appreciated. On the 9th our friends at the HMI Club are running a horse race night with our new net facility the chosen project they are raising money for. Then on the 22nd April Cliff Marsh is running our first ever quiz night at the Boundary Bar, teams of 4 are welcome to attend, £10 to enter a team with all money going to the club’s chosen charity of the year which is The Ronald McDonald House Charity.”