Hailsham News, December 2024, Issue 40

DECEMBER 2024 | ISSUE 40

YOUR LOCAL

NEWSPAPER IS

FREE

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR HAILSHAM, POLEGATE, HELLINGLY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT

CHRISTMAS SORTED

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

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DECEMBER 2024 | ISSUE 40

YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR HAILSHAM, POLEGATE, HELLINGLY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT

YOUR LOCAL

NEWSPAPER IS

FREE

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4 NEWS

DECEMBER 2024

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham

WELCOME

Well, there we have it. Almost

another year in the bag, done and

dusted in a blink of an eye.

In this issue, we take a look back at all

our editions from 2024 and highlight

the main stories we featured (page 14).

It’s incredible that the stories I wrote

almost a year ago seem like just a few

months ago. It’s simply scary how

quickly this year has gone — but we say

that every year, don’t we?

I promise I’ll finish my article off

with some happy Christmas wishes,

but I simply cannot help but feel a

little down about the future of our

amazing ‘little’ town.

My normal working week involves

being constantly bombarded with

residents reporting a lack of GPs, a lack

of dentists, traffic problems, potholes

and a decline in services we have also

expected from our authorities.

Just a week ago, Wealden Planners

gave the go-ahead for another 80

homes at Amberstone and discussed

the details of another 140 homes

at Horsebridge.

There’s a small part of me that has

sympathy for the planning committee,

as there just doesn’t seem to be

any reason the authority can refuse

these large developments without

the applicant going to appeal, which

will cost us, the taxpayers, to fight. In

most cases, the Secretary of State will

approve them anyway.

We are not alone — this is happening

all over the country, but we need

homes as the population grows.

Anyway, I think that’s my moaning

over for this year, which only leaves

me to wish all residents and our

advertisers all the best of the festive

season and thank you for all your

continued support.

Paul Gibson

Group Editor

THE TEAM

PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR

paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

LYLE ACOTT – ADVERTISING SALES

sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS

viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER

sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION

dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

CONTACT

ADVERTISING SALES — 01323 33 70 70

Arsonist attacks football club

whilst team were in training

AN arson attack at the Hailsham

Town Football Club is expected

to cost it around £35,000, it’s

been confirmed.

Players in the Under 14s team

were quickly evacuated during

the training session on the pitch at

the Hailsham Recreation Ground

after smoke was seen bellowing

from the bush line. The children

and staff rushed from the club,

leaving some belongings behind,

which were caught in the flames.

Police have launched an

investigation into the arson

attack, which happened around

7:10pm on 12 November, and

are appealing for anyone with

information to come forward.

Conifers were believed to have

been deliberately set alight near

the stand, causing around £35,000

of damage at the recreation

ground in Western Road.

Members of the public helped

to drag goalposts away from the

fire, which had subsequently been

damaged, costing the Football

Club thousands of pounds.

Two fire pumps from

Eastbourne attended the scene

and ran two hoses from Western

Road to put out the blaze.

A Police spokesperson said:

“The incident is being treated as

suspected deliberate ignition, and

our enquiries are ongoing.”

A spokesperson from the club

said: “We would like to thank

those who have got in touch

with us following the fire.

Significant damage has been

incurred to the hedge surrounding

the ground, the seated grandstand,

and the youth team goalposts.

We would like to sincerely thank

East Sussex Fire and Rescue, our

volunteers, youth team coaches,

parents and members of the public

who attempted to rescue equipment.

A parent has very kindly set

up a ‘GoFundMe’ page to help

rebuild, and we are in contact

Swimming Pool reopens after

extensive refurbishment

with the insurers to assist.”

A passer-by who spoke to Hailsham

News and didn’t want to be named

told us: “I was walking past the club

when I saw the players running

out, and then I saw the smoke and

fire coming from the bushes. It was

terrifying to see how quickly it took

hold. I then ran into the club with

other members of the public, and we

started dragging the club’s goalposts

away from the fire - it was crazy.”

PC Luke Ceschin said: “We believe

a number of people were in the area

at the time the fire started, and it is

fortunate that no one was injured.

If anyone has information to help

us with our investigation or has any

footage of the incident, including

dash cam footage from passing cars,

please contact police online or call

101, quoting serial 1235 of 12/11”.

A fundraiser has been launched to

try and raise some funds to replace

the damaged equipment. At the

time of going to press, more than

£2,700 has been raised. Donations

can be made at: www.gofundme.

com/f/help-htu-football-club

or simply scan the QR code.

Anyone with any

information is asked to

report it online or call 101,

quoting serial 1235 of 12/11.

Hailsham News is a publication by Regional

Media Group Ltd, a company registered in

England and Wales number: 13746177. We have

taken care to ensure that the information in this

newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher,

nor contributors can take responsibility for loss

or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

Hailsham News does not endorse the accuracy

of the advertisements or the quality of the

products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and

community organisations are provided directly

by their own representatives; please direct any

queries or comments regarding content directly

to the organisation. Any opinion or views

expressed within this publication are solely

those of the author. © 2024: No part of this

newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole

without express permission of the editor.

SWIMMERS can now

return to the town’s pool

as a major refurbishment

project has completed.

Freedom Leisure, the not-forprofit

leisure trust that manages

Hailsham Leisure Centre on behalf

of Wealden District Council, officially

opened the pool at a recent event.

Local residents & families gathered

to take part in the festivities, which

included tours of the newly renovated

pool area, swimming lesson

tasters, and a range of fun, familyfriendly

activities. The highlight of

the day came when the pool was

officially reopened by Hailsham

Councillor Jessika Hulbert with Town Mayor, Paul Holbrook

Town Mayor, Paul Holbrook and

Councillor Jessika Hulbert, who

cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Councillor Jessika Hulbert, Wealden

District Council’s chair said: “After

months of dedicated work and

improvements, it is exciting to be able

to welcome everyone back to enjoy

a refreshed swimming experience.

Wealden District Council is

committed to continue investing

in the districts three leisure

centres – Crowborough, Hailsham

and Uckfield – to make them

more accessible, inclusive and

energy efficient. Swimming is a

vital skill that enhances physical

fitness, improves cardiovascular

health and provides a full-body

workout. It also promotes mental

well-being and reduces stress.”

Christmas

at

Cocktails

Bloody Rustico £7.50

Vodka, Tomato Juice, Tabasco &

Lemon served over Ice

Winter Aperol Spritz £7.50

Aperol, Prosecco, topped with

Soda & Angostura Bitters

Campari Berries £7.50

Campari, Prosecco &

Cranberry Juice

HOT Boozy Chocolate £6.50

Brandy & Hot Chocolate

topped with Whipped Cream

HOT Babbo Natale £6.50

Amaretto Liqueur, Double Espresso &

Cream Liqueur topped with Whipped Cream

HOT Neapolitan Brandy Coffee Liqueur £6

Brandy & Double Espresso

topped with Whipped Cream

Starters

Zuppa di Campagna VG GF

Rich, smooth winter vegetable

soup served with pizza bread

Bruschetta Stracciata M

Baked homemade bread topped with fresh

vine tomatoes, stracciatella cheese & crispy

Parma ham

Arancini Dell’Orto V NP

White arancini fritters filled with smoked

cheese, peas & spring onions served on a bed of

homemade green pesto

Garlic Bread with Mozzarella & Red Onions V

Crocchette di Pesce e Patate F

Deep fried cod & potato fish cakes served with

garlic mayo

Main Dishes

Pizza Porchetta M

Porchetta (roast pork), mozzarella & smoked

cheese, roasted potatoes & caramelised onions

Pizza Boscaiola M

Sauteed porcini, fresh sausage, aubergines,

tomato sauce & mozzarella cheese

Pizza Pesto VG NP

Rustico green pesto base, mozzarella, sun blushed

tomatoes, roasted potatoes & fresh ricotta

Pasta Zucca & Porcini VG GF

Rigatoni pasta cooked in a light spicy butternut

squash & porcini sauce, topped with rocket

(Ham tortellini on request add £2 extra) M

Rigatoni Napule M GF

Rigatoni pasta in an authentic slow cooked beef

ragu topped with pecorino cheese

(Ham tortellini on request add £2 extra) M

Desserts

Panettone NP

Baked panettone slice, topped with vanilla ice

cream, drizzled with pistachio cream & sprinkles

Torta di Natale V VG GF

Vanilla cheesecake with a caramel topping

Chocolate & Caramel Tart VG GF

Served with a biscoff crumble

Rustico Tiramisu V NP

Hazelnut & mascarpone cream, coffee &

savoiardi biscuits

2 Courses

£17.95

3 Courses

£21.95

M = Meat V = Vegetarian VG = Vegan NP = Nuts Present

GF = Gluten Free GF = Gluten Free on request VG = Vegan on request

Please ask your server for any assistance with the allergens

Rustico Hailsham

The Perfect Place to Celebrate!

Whether you are searching for Christmas restaurants to host

your work do or want somewhere special to celebrate with

family, Rustico Hailsham provides the perfect place to indulge.

Gather friends, family and loved ones to enjoy our festive menu

filled with seasonal flavours and holiday cheer. Surrounded by

twinkling decorations, Rustico Hailsham offers everything you

need for a magical celebration.

This year, we’re serving holiday magic with new dishes like Pizza

Porchetta (Porchetta - roast pork, mozzarella & smoked cheese,

roasted potatoes & caramelised onions) and Pasta Zucca & Porcini

(Rigatoni pasta cooked in a light spicy butternut squash &

porcini sauce, topped with rocket). For dessert lovers, our Panettone

(Baked panettone slice, topped with vanilla ice cream,

drizzled with pistachio cream & sprinkles) is the perfect sweet

ending. And don’t forget to have yourself a merry little cocktail…

Our Bloody Rustico is going to be a big crowd-pleaser!

With a delicious Christmas set menu, including vegan, gluten free

and vegetarian options, we are certain everyone will find a

Christmas dish tailored to them.

Enjoy a treat with our 2 or 3-course Christmas Set Menu from just

£17.95. Whether it’s a festive work lunch or a Christmas catch-up

with friends, our restaurants can cater for small to large groups

and make your event sparkle. Tuck into our perfectly picked

seasonal favourites with a unique Rustico twist and make your

Christmas meal one to remember.

Our Christmas Menu will be available every day until

31 December 2024. We are closed only on 25 December.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook

@rustico.hailsham.

To make a booking please call the store

01323 576757 or send an email to:

hailsham@hellorustico.co.uk.

Visit: hellorustico.co.uk/hailsham.shtml

6 NEWS

DECEMBER 2024


80 homes on land close to

organic farm approved

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

WRITE to

the editor

by scanning

the QR code

here or visiting:

www.eastsussex.news/letters

LAND at Amberstone will see up

to 80 new homes built on it after

councillors gave the green light at

a planning committee meeting.

Wealden Planning South members

debated the application, to build the

homes on land south of the A271

at Amberstone, which received

almost 300 letters of objection

from the public. A majority were to

support Hook and Son, the nearby

organic farm, which claims the

business will be unviable if more

homes were approved.

Councillors argued that the land had

not been used for farming for ‘a few

years’ and they cannot control what

the landowner does with the land.

Head of Planning, Stacy Robins said:

“The facts are, there is no tenancy.

The land has not been worked for

some time and is not part of the farm.

You, as a collective of members in

the committee, must make a decision

on the planning application, the

short point, and it’s a blunt point, is

that Hook & Son do not control this

land. They never have, they haven’t

for all the time in which they have

worked that land.

There were also concerns about the

proximity of the homes to the nearby

water treatment works, but officers

told councillors that the number of

homes had been reduced from 100 to

80, and all the homes fall outside of

the official odour zone.

Joe Hook, from Hook & Son spoke at

the meeting and said: “We previously

stated our farm will struggle to

survive without this land, in addition

to the loss of the land at Longleys

Farm, we have crowdfunded nearly

£30,000 to help our cash flow, to buy

grass and organic milk to try and

maintain our production and well as

keeping our 20 staff employed.

Although we did survive this

summer, we cannot crowdfund

every year to cover these losses.

It does seem wrong that there

is such a proclivity in planning

policy for developing organic

land that produces food for local

people without any mitigation

for the damage it causes to our

business as a result.”

Councillor Neil Cleaver said: ”It’s

outside the development boundary.

We have not got a local plan, it hasn’t

been approved by the inspector

— it’s not even ready yet. We’re

waiting on the NPPF budget and the

confirmation of the MRN bid. So,

we cannot accept this application

because we are not ready. Why make

the Hailsham area even more of a

mess than what it is? It’s not right for

the residents.”

Councillors put forward a motion

for approval, in line with the officer’s

recommendation, which received

five votes, and five votes were made

against. The casting vote was made

by the Chair Councillor Gavin

Blake-Coggins who voted in favour of

the development.

Your Say Needed: A22 Active

Travel Consultation launched

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

WRITE to

the editor

by scanning

the QR code

here or visiting:

www.eastsussex.news/letters

Tree

donation

marks the

start of

Christmas at

Youth Centre

RESIDENTS and businesses are

being urged to have their say over

plans to improve ‘active travel’ in

the area in a new consultation.

The package of improvements

will enable active travel journeys

in and around Hailsham, Polegate

and Stone Cross.

The proposed measures are part of

the £46.5m programme of junction

improvements for the southern

section of the A22 which will help

reduce the current congestion and

provide for the anticipated transport

demands generated by new housing

and employment in the area.

The active travel plans include

Cuckoo Trail access improvements

in Hailsham, cycling schemes for

Polegate High Street and Dittons Road

in Stone Cross, the development of a

walking zone in Hailsham, and traffic

management, walking, wheeling

and cycling improvements along

Hempstead Lane.

The five-week consultation

period highlights the A22 junction

improvement scheme and

proposed complementary active

travel measures which would be

delivered through a combination

of Department for Transport Major

Road Network Funding and local

development contributions.

East Sussex County Councillor

Gerard Fox said: “In the run-up to this

consultation, I have impressed upon

officers the need for traffic calming

measures in and around Hempstead

Lane, in the lower sections of

Anglesey Avenue and at the fourway

mini-roundabout/junction

at Leap Cross.”

Councillor Claire Dowling, the

council’s lead member for transport

and environment said: “The

ambitious junction improvement

scheme for this section of the A22,

which is a major road in the county,

will help support the creation of jobs

and homes locally and countywide.

However, as well as improvements

to cut congestion and reduce journey

times, it is important we look at

measures to develop alternative

travel options in the local area.

The Active Travel proposals

will help improve the safety of

pedestrians and cyclists as well

as encourage people to consider

cycling, walking and wheeling

as alternatives to driving when

travelling near the A22.”

I encourage residents, businesses

and community organisations to take

part in the consultation and give their

views so we can ensure we identify

the proposals which best meet the

needs of local people.”

The consultation runs until Sunday,

8 December and residents are being

urged to view the consultation and

submit their views. To request a link

to the digital version or a printed

version, email: A22ActiveMeasures.

Consultation@eastsussex.gov.uk

A 13-FOOT Christmas tree was

recently donated to Hailsham’s

Youth Centre to officially mark

the start of the festive season.

The locally grown Nordman

Fir was donated to the centre by

local company Old Oak Christmas

Trees which sells trees from

its nearby farm.

The family-run farm delivered

the tree and it was then up to

youngsters who use the Youth

Centre, in South Road, to

decorate the tree themselves at

a later session.

MFC

Outdoor Stores

Here at MFC Outdoor Stores we have a huge range of fishing

supplies. From Fox and Korda to Drennan and Gardner to

Dynamite and Sticky plus many more.

We also have a large range of Air Rifles and Workwear,

STC Boots, Hiking Boots and Wellies

......

W W W . M F C O U T D O O R S T O R E S . C O M

Phone: 01323 846883 Email: info@mfcoutdoorstores.co.uk

9 Station Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2BE

Free parking in 100+ space carpark opposite the shop.

8 NEWS

DECEMBER 2024


Remembrance Day

marked with annual

parade and service

HUNDREDS of residents, veterans

and officials paid their respects last

month at the town’s war memorial

to remember those who died

for their country.

Reverend Peter Clark led the

ceremony which was attended

by council leaders, local groups,

veterans and representatives from

the armed forces.

A parade was led from the Vicarage

Field car park to the memorial and

two minutes silence was held after the

last post was played.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial

by many of the groups and

councillors in attendance.

The Chairman of the Royal British

Legion, Hailsham and District Branch

thanked the residents of Hailsham for

attending and supporting the Poppy

Appeal throughout the year.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham DECEMBER 2024 9

Get there

with Flexibus

A bookable

ride share service

for the price of a

standard bus

Book via the Ride Pingo app

or by phone:

01273 078203

eastsussex.gov.uk/

ESCCFlexiBus

Switch to the brand new local Full Fibre Broadband network for Hailsham.

Packages from £22 per month.

01323 380260

www.LightningFibre.co.uk

10 NEWS

DECEMBER 2024


Christmas officially arrives

at the Enterprise Centre

A BRAND new Christmas event has arrived

at Eastbourne’s Enterprise Shopping Centre

allowing shoppers to experience a magical

trip to the North Pole.

Santa’s magical flying Elevator takes on

a journey like no other to visit the big man

himself making the dreams of children young

and old come true.

Until 24th December, Guests will be arriving

and be greeted by one of Santa’s cheeky

Elves, who will hand out special passports

and help visitors find their unique Elf names

before they travel.

The Elves are happy to pose for photos and

take silly selfies with the little ones before

everyone is placed in the elevator, to take off

you are asked to hit the BIG red button which

will blast the elevator through the roof of the

shopping centre.

It takes a birds-eye view tour of Eastbourne,

even flying around the Lighthouse before

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

heading through the atmosphere up into space,

then it’s the final part of the journey to see the

beautiful snowy landscapes of the North Pole

and landing at Santa’s house, where he will be

ready to greet all his excited visitors.

Experience the magic of Christmas this

year in a whole new way, don’t miss out

on this incredible adventure, it’s a truly

unforgettable experience that is a must for

all the family.

The whole adventure is the perfect way to

take images and videos to capture your visit,

the experience is suitable for all ages and fully

accessible, even under 1’s can attend for free.

The Santa Experience is

sponsored by The 1912 Steak

& Seafood Restaurant at The

Lansdowne Hotel, Eastbourne.

For tickets, scan QR cocde or

visit: https://eastbournewinterwonderland.

onlineticketseller.com/

BUSINESS LOCAL NETWORK

FOR ENTREPRENEURS

HAILSHAM, EASTBOURNE & UCKFIELD – ALL

10-12PM, £10 PER PERSON. Come and enjoy our

relaxed and natural atmosphere. At BLN, we pride

ourselves on providing a warm and relaxed vibe with

no awkward elevator pitches. Conversations flow

naturally, allowing business owners to speak freely

and engage in meaningful dialogue, brainstorm and

problem-solve.

Uckfield: Hurstwood View, TN22 3FH,

Tuesdays: 10 Dec & 14 Jan 2025. £10 -

TO BOOK: www.bit.ly/BLN-Uckfield

Hailsham: Abbots Wood Manor, BN27 3AL,

Tuesdays: 17 Dec & 21 Jan 2025. £10 -

TO BOOK: www.bit.ly/BLN_Hailsham

Eastbourne: Mortain Place, BN22 0AB,

Wednesdays: 29 Jan 2025. £10 -

TO BOOK: www.bit.ly/BLN-Eastbourne

Christmas Business Collective – AKA, our Xmas

Gathering at Mortain Place on Friday 20 Dec, 2pm-

4pm. TO BOOK: www.bit.ly/BLN-Xmas2024

BEXHILL

GIRLGUIDING BEXHILL DIVISION’S CHRISTMAS

FAIR 2024. Guide Headquarters, 71 London Road,

Bexhill (Next to Aldi). Saturday 7 December, 10am

-12 noon. FREE hot drink. For more information email

us - girlguidingbexhilldivision@gmail.com. Find us on

Facebook - Girlguiding Bexhill Division. Registered

Charity Number 1018988. We look forward to

welcoming you!

TUESDAY GROUP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - BEXHILL.

Bexhill Youth & Community Centre, 10 Station Road,

TN40 1RE. Tuesday 10 December, 7pm-9pm. For

young people with SEND aged 14 to 25 in East Sussex.

Join us for your fix of fun activities, games, art and

food. Our Amazing Futures youth groups are a great

opportunity to meet people your age, in a space where

you can truly be yourself. . If you’d like to come along,

or have any questions, claire@amazesussex.org.uk or

call/text Claire on 07484 915 038. Sessions are free,

but spaces are limited so please get in touch to book a

spot. You must be registered with Amazing Futures to

attend – you can download a registration form here.

HOS FESTIVE TEEN VOLUNTEERING . All Saints

C of E Primary School, Bexhill-on-Sea. Monday 30

December, 9am–3pm. Volunteering opportunity for

Sidley teens aged 12–16 (priority for those on free

school meals). Help support a fun holiday session for

children aged 4–7, including games, music, creative

arts, and more. Volunteers receive free lunch,

refreshments, and a voucher as a thank-you. More

Info: https://eequ.org/experience/11195. Contact:

Zoe – fitandfabfamilies@gmail.com or Tanya/Jess –

heartofsidley@gmail.com.

BOXING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CLUB. 3b Brett

Drive, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 2JP. Monday 23

December, 11am-4pm. A non-contact boxing holiday

club for ages 5–15, featuring boxing fundamentals,

crafts, team games, healthy eating sessions, and

mental wellbeing workshops by “Believe in You.”

Free hot meals available for children on free school

meals. . Paid ticket: £15; free places for eligible families

through the HAF programme. More Info: Funded by

the DfE HAF programme and coordinated by East

Sussex County Council.

EASTBOURNE

PEVENSEY BAY LOCAL MARKET. St Wilfrid’s

Church Hall, Eastbourne Road, Pevensey Bay, BN24

6ER. Thursdays, 1pm: 5 Dec. Saturdays, 1pm: 7 Dec.

Indoor market selling locally made produce and crafts.

Refreshments available. Stall enquiries, Karen King

07789 231763.

HERON PARK SPORTS CAMP. Heron Park Primary

Academy, Eastbourne. Monday 23 December,

10am-4pm. A fun-filled holiday camp for ages 4–16,

offering a variety of sports including football, handball,

tennis, dodgeball, gymnastics, and dance. In bad

weather, indoor activities will be provided. The camp

includes a healthy lunch and fun sports tournaments

in the afternoon. FREE: Funded by East Sussex

County Council. . More Info: Visit https://eequ.org/

experience/2299

BREATHEASY SUPPORT GROUP & EXERCISE

CLASSES. The Breathe Centre, 142 Whitley Road,

Eastbourne. Weekly and monthly sessions (contact

for details). Pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance

exercise programmes 4 times weekly for people

with lung conditions and asthma, plus a monthly

support group and other activities: Tai Chi, Indoor

Bowls, an “I’m OK” Lunch Club, Disability Allotments

and Social Outings. Polegate, Eastbourne, Lewes,

Wealden. Contact: 07969 490379 or email

breatheeasyeastbourne@gmail.com

EASTBOURNE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP. The

Somerset Room, Kings Centre, 27 Edison Road, BN23

6PT. Wednesdays: 11 Dec 2024, 8 Jan 2025, 9.30am-

11.30am. For parents of children and young people

with SEND in East Sussex. Join us in person and meet

other parent carers in your area for a cuppa, cake and

chat. These groups are intended as a special space for

parent carers only; the parent groups and befriending

service also offer WhatsApp and virtual groups for

parents who can’t come to the in-person groups, for

example if you don’t have any childcare or are home

schooling. Plenty of car parking & refreshments

are provided. To find out more, email: kathy@

amazesussex.org.uk or call 07484 526707.

RASCALS HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEME. Brodrick Road,

Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 9RQ. Monday 23

December & Thursday 2 January, 8.30am-4.30pm.

Holiday fun for HAF scheme children aged 8–12 years.

While 1:1 care is not available, the team can meet with

parents to discuss individual needs. FREE: Funded

by East Sussex County Council. More Info: eequ.org/

experience/3008

HAILSHAM

STEVE’S HMI POKER CLUB. Hailsham Memorial

Institute, Western Road, BN27 3DN. Now EVERY

Tuesday, 7.15pm-close. . HMI Membership/day rates

apply; £2/day, full membership £38, renewal £28. Join

Steve’s WhatsApp Chat for more details: https://bit.ly/

HMI-Poker-Club.

CUCKOO TRAIL HEALTH WALKS. The Conservation

Volunteers. Horam, Hellingly, Hailsham, Polegate – All

walks start at 10:30am. Improve your health and

wellbeing with gentle, friendly outdoor walks along

the Cuckoo Trail. Walk locations rotate weekly:. 2nd

Tues: Horam – old station platform (TN21 0HL). 3rd

Tues: Hellingly – Station Rd car park (BN27 4EU). 4th

Tues: Hailsham – South Rd car park (BN27 2AU). 5th

Tues: (if applicable): Polegate – in front of the station.

No booking required, all walks are FREE, just show up

for a friendly stroll. Contact Becky for details: rebecca.

lewis@tcv.org.uk / 07483 045706.

HAILSHAM PARENT SUPPORT GROUP. Hailsham

East Community Centre, Vega Close, BN27 2JZ.

Tuesdays: 17 Dec 2024, 28 Jan 2025, 9.45am-

11.45am. Join us in person and meet other parent

carers in your area for a cuppa, cake and chat. These

groups are intended as a special space for parent

carers only; the parent group and befriending service

also offer WhatsApp and virtual groups for parents

who can’t come to the in-person groups, for example

if you don’t have any childcare. This group will

sometimes have an emphasis on children or young

people with a neurodevelopmental condition, such as

ASC, ADHD or dyslexia. Refreshments are provided

and there is free parking in Orion Close. To find out

more, email zoel@amazesussex.org.uk or call Zoe on

07485 345908.

To submit your listing for publication

on this page, visit: www.eastsussex.

news/community-noticeboard or

scan this QR Code.

The publishers cannot be responsible for any errors or omissions in this noticeboard.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham DECEMBER 2024 NEWS 11

A Sparkling

Tribute to Charity

HAILSHAM is a fantastic place to see some

incredible Christmas lights — here’s our

guide to the displays you should see this

December which are put on to raise vital

money for charity.

HAWTHYLANDS CHRISTMAS

LIGHT DISPLAY

A Hailsham favourite, the Hawthylands

Christmas Light Display is the creation of Karon

Lymington Crouch, who transforms her front

garden at 46 Hawthylands Road into a stunning

spectacle. Visitors can enjoy the lights from

4–9pm each evening and are encouraged to

donate to a charity of their choice. In 2023, her

display raised £750 each for St Wilfred’s Hospice

and St Michael’s Hospice.

ST WILFRID’S GREEN

Raising money for the Beachy Head Chaplaincy,

Tim and Helen will be lighting up their

266mm x 160mm

property in St. Wilfrid’s Green in aid of the

cause. The lights will be on every day in

December from dusk to 10pm. Carol singers

will be visiting the home on Wednesday 18th

December at 7:30pm.

LINDFIELD DRIVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

For Geoff, the journey through illness has

been made easier thanks to the incredible

team at Pevensey Ward. To show his gratitude,

Geoff has decorated his house with twinkling

Christmas lights, bringing festive cheer to the

neighbourhood. With your help, funds can be

raised to give the staff a special gift as a thank

you for their care.

BUTTS FIELD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Kirsty Lloyd, in Butts Field, has become another

Hailsham Christmas tradition. This year, Kirsty

is raising funds for the Baby Bank, providing

essential items for families in need across

Hailsham, Polegate, Eastbourne and beyond.

HAILSHAM PARISH CHURCH

CHRISTMAS PLANS

The true heart of Hailsham, Hailsham Parish

Church invites all to join in their warm and

festive Christmas celebrations. The traditional

Christmas Eve Christingle service will take

place on 24 December at 3pm, 4.30pm, and

6pm—a family-friendly way to begin the

season’s celebrations.

www.hailshamjewellers.co.uk

WE’LL BUY YOUR

UNWANTED GOLD

AND SILVER

No amount too small - any condition

36 High Street,

BN27 1BB

(01323) 841898

Turn your unwanted, old or broken jewellery into cash

or exchange it for something new!

Please note:

ID will be

required

We are you local, family owned jewellers with over

35 Years experience

No Appointment necessary - call in for an

instant settlement

We can pay Cash, BACS or Cheque

Christmas Recycling and Rubbish Collection Dates

Usual collection day: Revised collection day:

Wednesday 25 Dec Friday 27 Dec

Thursday 26 Dec Saturday 28 Dec

Friday 27 Dec Monday 30 Dec

Monday 30 Dec Tuesday 31 Dec

Tuesday 31 Dec Thursday 2 Jan

Wednesday 1 Jan Friday 3 Jan

Thursday 2 Jan Saturday 4 Jan

Friday 3 Jan Monday 6 Jan

Monday 6 Jan Tuesday 7 Jan

Tuesday 7 Jan Wednesday 8 Jan

Wednesday 8 Jan Thursday 9 Jan

Thursday 9 Jan Friday 10 Jan

Friday 10 Jan Saturday 11 Jan

Collections resume on your usual collection day,

from Monday 13 January 2025

Garden Waste collections are suspended from

Wednesday 25 December 2024 and resume on your

usual collection day, from Wednesday 8 January 2025.

Please ensure that the bins are put out at the edge of your

property by 7am on the day of collection. Please take

them in as soon as possible after collection.

Extra recycling can be placed out in non-black plastic

bags next to the recycling bin for collection (except for

glass which should only be placed into the recycling bin).

All your festive wrapping paper and cards (except foil/

glitter) can be placed in the recycling bin.

Recycle your real tree in your Garden Waste Bin or

take it to your local Household Waste Recycling Site.

Check your collection days online:

www.wealden.gov.uk

Wealden

Weekly

Keeping you informed

Sign up to Wealden Weekly and receive

weekly emails about your collections.

Visit: www.wealden.gov.uk/wealden-weekly

or scan the QR code to easily subscribe.

12 NEWS

DECEMBER 2024


Academy merger ‘declined’ by

Department for Education

OFFICIALS have refused the

application by STEP Academy

Trust following its merging of two

schools in Hailsham.

In a recent meeting, the Department

for Education (DfE) Regional

Director, alongside the South East

Advisory Board, declined the trust’s

amalgamation of Burfield and

Phoenix schools in the town.

The Trust has said it will continue

to work with East Sussex County

Council’s Planning Committee and

will resubmit another application

to be considered.

In a letter to parents, Executive

Director of Primary Education at

STEP Academy Trust said: “As the

amalgamation process does not

allow for a pause when clarification

is sought, the original application

was declined. However, STEP is

following the recommendation of the

Board to engage again with ESCC’s

planning department. Thereafter,

it will be necessary to resubmit an

application so that the DfE can move

this matter forwards.”

East Sussex County Councillor,

Gerard Fox said: “I’ve worked with

residents in Sandbanks, Oaklands

and Ingrams Way and engaged

with many concerned parents on

this issue now for two years. I’ve

been grateful for the support of Cllr

Standley, the Cabinet Member for

Education, in seeking to resolve

these problems in the best interests

of our residents, parents and school

children. I’m relieved to see common

sense prevail. However, the Trust’s

response in saying that they will bring

the merger application back seems a

bit tone deaf.“

Councillor Bob Standley, Cabinet

Lead Member for Education at

East Sussex County Council said:

“I have noted and welcomed the

decision of the Advisory Board to

decline the proposed merger of

Phoenix and Burfield Academies.

The County Council did not

support the proposal.”

Two hundred pupils were moved

out of the troubled academy in

Oaklands Way in 2023 due to safety

fears and a ‘major programme of

intrusive works’ was to take place

during the summer holidays.

The pupils were sent to Phoenix

Academy instead and never

returned to Burfield.

Then, in March this year,

the Academies’ application to

East Sussex County Council to

withdraw the planning condition of

supplying a ‘kiss and drop’ area for

parents, as it says the current area

is unsafe for children, was refused

by councillors.

The school located in Oaklands

Way in Hailsham was taken over by

the STEP Academy in 2017 and was

commissioned by East Sussex County

Council the year before.

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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham DECEMBER 2024 NEWS 13

The Film award throphies

Emily Isaacs with Simon Dales,

winner Best documentary

Ollie and Dids Robinson-Sivyer

Sussex International Film

Festival concludes at Pavilion

FOR three days last month,

Hailsham’s iconic Pavilion

held the second Sussex

International Film Festival.

The Festival, which was open

to the general public who could

view all the shortlisted films, was

a blend of classic films with a

connection to Sussex. Projects were

submitted by film professionals from

across the globe.

This year, the festival included the

World Premier of a Christmas short

called The Midnight Elves which was

made by local film company Shining

Knight Productions.

This film was written by festival

director, Gareth Jones, last Christmas

when he was introducing the movie

Elf to the Pavilion film club.

Halfway through, two ten-yearold

boys, Mason and Adam, walked

in and sat directly in front of him

dressed as… Elves. This was too good

an opportunity to miss and the film

was quickly written, filmed and edited

with the help of Shaun and Victoria

South, who also appear in it with

their son Chris, and Paul Gibson, who

provided and operated the drone.

Technical Director, Cameraman

and editor Paul Simmons brought his

daughter along to play the girl whose

house the elves visited and his son

to help out behind the scenes with

Ruth China-Roberts,

Theatre General Manager, Paul

Nunney, was so impressed that he

offered to screen The Midnight Elves

Judge Richard Todman presenting an award to Roland Dunn, in the absence of the winner

before both the main screenings on

Christmas Eve this year.

Oscar Winner, Chris Dickens,

judged this year’s competition. Chris

won his Oscar for editing the hugely

successful SlumDog Millionaire.

As an ex-student of Hailsham

Community College, Chris was

delighted to help out. He was

joined on the judging panel by local

filmmakers Simon Woodgate and

Richard Todman.

THE HAILSHAM CLUB

THE HAILSHAM CLUB IS A PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB FOR THE OVER 18S

ESTABLISHED IN 1920 AND CONVENIENTLY SITUATED IN THE CENTRE OF TOWN

Bingo

Fresh Water Fishing

Section

Wheel of Chance

Entertainment

Themed Evenings

Darts

Drinks Raffle

Fundraisers

Snooker Tables

Meat Raffle

Poker

Snooker League

Quiz Night

Sea Fishing

Section

Whist

WE ARE A VENUE FOR LOCAL GROUPS

INCLUDING ROYAL BRITISH LEGION,

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43 Vicarage Field, Hailsham, BN27 1BG 01323 842468 hailshamclub@live.co.uk

14 NEWS

DECEMBER 2024


That was the 2024 news that was

A roundup of the local news from your favourite community newspaper.

JANUARY 2024

We started the year with

residents calling for urgent

action to be taken on the local

postal system after some

waited more than three weeks

for deliveries.

It was announced the

Recreation Ground is Western

Road will benefit from a

number of improvements

including new gym

equipment which has recently

been installed.

Residents were relieved

to learn that plans to build

a residential care home on

the historic market site were

withdrawn by the planners.

They were submitted 12

months previously.

FEBRUARY 2024

There were concerns

from Hellingly residents

as continuous flooding

in the village expanded

into more gardens and

surrounding homes.

Sadness as two popular

restaurants closed their

doors for the last time in the

town. Both B12 Bar & Kitchen

and The Spot announced

they will be both vacating

their premises.

Hailsham Town Council

also announced that a deal

was being done to purchase

the former church to expand

the town’s Youth Service.

This has recently opened

with much praise.

MARCH 2024

Residents, officials and

Ukrainian nationals

gathered at the town’s

memorial to mark the second

anniversary of the Ukraine

war. A moving ceremony

took place organised by East

Sussex Ukraine Support.

It was announced that

two banks in Hailsham

would be delaying their

closure until later in the

year. This was again delayed

following the Banking Hub

announcement in October.

News was also welcomed

this month as a local charity

announced it will be opening

a dedicated ‘Community

Shed’ facility.

APRIL 2024

A six-year campaign by

a local councillor almost

ended with the arrival of a

brand new toilet block in

Vicarage Field designed to be

fully accessible.

An application to close

the ‘kiss and drop’ area of

Burfield Academy was turned

down by councillors despite

the school saying it was

unsafe to operate.

Freedom Leisure was

celebrating a £70k cash

boost from Sport England

to improve the facilities for

users. The works, which

are now complete, include

making the centre more

energy efficient.

MAY 2024

Concerns were raised after

a huge increase of Goose

droppings around the

Common Pond sparking

health concerns. The council

launched a campaign to

encourage visitors to stop

feeding the birds.

There were early

celebrations as a local farm

won its battle to reduce the

number of homes being

planned for nearby grazing

land. There were fears

it would close if the 180

homes were built.

The troublesome road

surface repairs on Diplocks

Way were eventually

completed following

years of neglect.

JUNE 2024

Thousands of runners and

residents flocked to the town

to join in with the town’s

second Hailsham Active

Run. Almost 800 runners

took part in the event which

returned in 2023.

Plans were revealed this

month to merge the troubled

Burfield Academy with

Pheonix Academy leaving

parents with worries over

the school’s future. The

plans were eventually

refused last month.

Developers looking to

build homes on land off

Battle Road lodged an

appeal after plans for the 180

homes were refused.

JULY 2024

There was a plea from

local wildlife rescue

charity (WRAS) after it

announced it was dealing

with an unprecedented

number animal casualties

putting the group under

extreme pressure.

The new Youth Centre,

which the Town Council

purchased earlier in the year,

opened its doors with a ‘new

fresh approach’. The centre

was officially opened by MP

Nus Ghani in September.

We also published photos

of the town’s inaugural

Pride event which was

held at the White Hart pub

in Horsebridge.

AUGUST 2024

Sadness as the town said

goodbye to the legendary

Terry Tozer, who had recently

celebrated his second year

as Hailsham’s Town Crier.

He lost his short battle with

Cancer in July.

It was announced Hailsham

was to receive £1m of

additional funding to tackle

potholes in the town. Several

areas, including London

Road, were highlighted

for improvements.

An appeal to build 124

homes on land off the Boship

Roundabout was refused,

bringing relief to nearby

residents who opposed

the development.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Thousands of residents

responded to an appeal to save

the Herstmonceux Science

Centre after it announced

it would have to leave its

current home in 2026.

Villagers in Hellingly gather

to protest over the loss of a row

of established trees thanks to

a nearby planning application.

The Town Council

announced it would be

removing a large number of

fish from the Common Pond

over concerns of the water

quality and after the discovery

of a number of dead fish.

OCTOBER 2024

There was joy as Hailsham

was selected to receive a

dedicated Banking Hub which

would replace the closure of

two banks in the High Street.

A £13m sports hub,

currently being developed by

Wealden District Council in

Horsebridge, was awarded

£3.5m by the Premier

League to increase its

offerings to users.

Concerns were raised by

residents after new Labour

announced it is to remove

the Winter Fuel Allowance,

leaving millions of pensioners

across the country in the

cold this winter.

NOVEMBER 2024

The inaugural Hailsham Hero

Awards took place celebrating

the work of local volunteers

and charity workers and their

dedication to the town.

Shoppers were able to

use the new toilet facilities

in Vicarage Field following

months of delays due to the

installation of utilities and a

dispute over land.

A long fight by the Hook and

Son farm was lost as planners

gave the go-ahead for the

development off Battle Road,

leaving the organic farm with

fears for its future.

16 REGULARS

DECEMBER 2024


A MATTER OF TASTE

We send anonymous members of the team to check out local pubs, cafes and restaurants to give you an honest review.

These visits are not pre-arranged, and the venues do not know they are reviewing the food and drink!

HEARTY BRITISH FOOD WITH A WELCOMING

ATMOSPHERE AT CALLENDERS

If you’re looking for a dining experience

that combines hearty British comfort

food with exceptional service,

Callenders Restaurant in Hailsham

delivers a taste of home-cooked

perfection with a touch of sophistication.

We’d been over the road to watch the

switching on of the Christmas lights at

the Grenadier Pub and, feeling the nip

in the air, we decided to dive across

the road to eat.

Callenders is the epitome of hearty,

home-cooked British dining, offering

an experience that satisfies the soul

and tantalises the taste buds. From

the moment you walk through the

door, you’re greeted by a warm and

inviting atmosphere, matched by

excellent service. This local gem is a

haven for those who crave traditional

English cuisine, refined with thoughtful

preparation and high-quality ingredients.

Killian, the culinary mastermind behind

Callenders Restaurant, has crafted a

menu that seamlessly marries traditional

British comfort food with creative,

modern touches. Choosing what to order

was no easy feat; instead of the usual

one or two standout options, I found

myself drawn to at least five dishes, each

sounding more appealing than the last.

Garlic Mushroom Sizzler

Tempura Prawns starter

Ultimately, the brisk weather outside

swayed my decision, steering me

toward something hearty and warming

— perfect for the cosy dining experience

Callenders offers.

We began our meal with two stellar

starters: the Salt ‘n’ Pepper Prawns

(£7.95) and the Garlic Mushroom Sizzler

from the Specials Board. The prawns

were a standout — plump and juicy,

encased in a light and crispy tempura

crust. The accompanying sweet chilli

dip provided the perfect balance of

sweetness and spice, while the fresh side

salad added a welcome crunch.

Chorizo and Venison Shank

Steamed steak and kidney pudding

Equally impressive was the Garlic

Mushroom Sizzler, served sizzling in

a charming cast iron skillet. The rich,

garlicky sauce was simply divine, and

the accompanying bread and butter were

ideal for mopping up every last drop.

For mains, we opted for the Chorizo

& Rioja Venison Shank (£18.95) and

the Steak & Kidney Pudding from the

Specials Board. The venison shank

was nothing short of spectacular. The

meat was tender and fell off the bone,

infused with the smoky, slightly spicy

undertones of chorizo. The Rioja-based

gravy was rich and velvety, perfectly

complementing the dish and the sautéed

potatoes it was served with.

The Steak & Kidney Pudding was

equally satisfying — a classic winter

warmer done exceptionally well. The

pudding’s pastry was soft yet sturdy,

packed to the brim with succulent steak

and kidney. Served alongside creamy

mashed potatoes and vibrant seasonal

vegetables, it was the kind of dish that

felt like a warm hug on a cold evening.

The menu at Callenders offers a wide

variety of dishes, ensuring there’s

something for everyone. Starters

include tempting options like Smooth

Chicken Liver Pâté (£5.95), Whitebait

with Tartare Mayo (£5.95), and Crispy

Crumbed Brie (£5.95). For mains,

the Char-Grill Menu features classics

like a 6oz Beef Burger (£12.95), Beef

Fillet Steak (£15.95–£25.95), and a

mighty 20oz T-bone Steak (£29.95).

Other options include Mac ‘n’ Cheese

(£12.95), Apricot-Stuffed Roast Pork

Belly (£16.95), and Parma-Wrapped

Roast Chicken (£16.95). Impressively,

every dish can be made gluten-free upon

request, showcasing the restaurant’s

commitment to accommodating

dietary preferences.

Though we were too full to indulge

in dessert, the offerings were hard to

resist. The menu features indulgent

options like Caramel Profiteroles with

Hot Chocolate Sauce (£6.95), Raspberry

& White Chocolate Crème Brûlée (£6.50),

Steamed Treacle Sponge with Custard

(£7.95), and Hazelnut & Chocolate

Mousse (£5.95).

What sets Callenders apart is not just

the quality of the food but the care and

thought that goes into every aspect of

the dining experience. The restaurant

emphasises locally sourced ingredients,

from Sussex cheeses to fresh vegetables,

ensuring every dish is as fresh and

mouthwatering as possible.

The relaxed and friendly ambience

only enhances the experience, making it

an ideal spot for anything from a casual

dinner to a special occasion.

Callenders is currently taking orders

for Christmas. Check out their Christmas

Menu on their website. The menu is

available throughout December, Tuesday

to Sunday (not Christmas Day) for just

£32 per person (subject to a £10 deposit)

Callenders Restaurant,

80 & 82 Upper High Street,

Hailsham, BN27 1AU

www.callendersrestaurant.co.uk

01323 842400

Recycle your

Christmas tree

for charity

If you live in BN8, BN20, BN21, BN22, BN23,

BN24, BN25, BN26, BN27, TN21, TN22 we

can collect your real Christmas tree in return

for a donation to St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

stwhospice.org/trees 01323 434200

With thanks to our kind sponsors

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham DECEMBER 2024 REGULARS 17

HAILSHAM ACTIVE with Steve Wennington

HAILSHAM ACTIVE SUMMARY

OF SUCCESSES AND FAILURES

Our aims are quite simple – to help

existing clubs improve through grants

communication with others.

To help new clubs set up – grants,

advice, support, links with the

sporting community.

To influence our decision-makers at

public body level, schools/councils to

create more low-cost opportunities

to share facilities with sports/

recreation clubs

To influence our public bodies to

plan and fight for more facilities/

recreation grounds.

In the main, our message seems

understood, especially by those who

directly benefit, grassroots sports.

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL

We also notice a strong desire to help

from those who understand the local

grassroots community, i.e. the parish

councils who tend to have one football/

cricket/bowls team. Where a personal

contact is likely between parish

councillors and local sports clubs and as

such, the needs for the local teams are

acted upon very positively (especially

when CIL money is readily available

from all our local housing developments).

As examples — the Parish councils

Steve Wennington

of Horam, Hellingly, Herstmonceux,

Westham and Stone Cross have all

welcomed our input and advice this

year with many projects started or in

the process of positive development for

their respective communities (paths/

mugas/lighting/new recreation areas/

parking/drainage).

SCHOOLS

We have also been able to resurrect

our work with HCC and local primary

schools with pupils from HCC going

to local primary schools to help

with sport/PE.

We have also worked hard using

our grants expert (Annette Buswell),

to help with the new hockey pitch at

HCC (although majority of funding is

via WDC, with significant help from

The School, Hailsham Town Council,

Hailsham Hockey Club).

Our work with Surgeries has ‘stuttered’

along. Everyone at the surgeries is very

supportive of our ideals for more exercise

opportunities for their ‘clients/patients’,

they just don’t have the time or resources

to promote it. Now there’s a catch-22 for

you all to ponder! ‘Save Our Surgeries’

campaign will require effort from those

who need it to ‘Self Refer’.

NEW CLUB SUPPORT

Although often far from ideal, we have

been able to find grounds and venues

for new clubs to start their campaigns,

such as the local ladies’ boxing club and

the new junior basketball club (which

excitingly will be starting in December

at the James West Centre on a Tuesday

evening – 5pm – 6.30pm).

We have else helped clubs raise money

(some through WDC funds, thank you)

and other grant opportunities via our link

with stepupsports.

We also have local sports clubs sharing

facilities, particularly at Western Road

erc and Horsebridge Rec, welcoming new

clubs where we can, because our costs

are already covered.

Setting up from scratch is very hard

when it is not public policy to support

these ventures in the voluntary sector.

In fact, if it wasn’t for our existing

clubs, supporting new ventures,

many would not be able to start. It is

generosity of spirit, time and often

money from those setting up clubs that

gives them a chance.

It is therefore vital we get this message

across to the larger public bodies who

run our town and district councils,

where, to be fair, the local interaction

with one or two teams is not the norm

and who therefore don’t have the ear of

the decision-makers.

Maurice Thornton Playing Fields

A prime example of ‘blocking progress

and innovation’ is the Maurice Thornton

Playing fields. Home to a great skate

park, a refurbished play area and

Hailsham United football club.

It is an area that is identified by

the football association as needing

‘help and support’.

It is also capable of delivering that help

itself with a massive team of voluntary

coaches and local businesses willing to

help. (No cost to WDC)

It is in an area that will definitely

be eligible for grants to go along with

the local support.

But it has a roadblock to maximum

success. The large public body that

ultimately own this land (WDC). We

have tried to explain the benefits

(as mentioned earlier) of other local

recreation grounds where they have

long-term support from the parish

councils and protected/simple leases that

allow for grant applications. But Wealden

are sticking to the ‘It’s not our Policy’

line, when asked to hand over the lease

to Hailsham Town Council

I spoke to ex-leaders of Wealden on

these points and they say it can be done!

They also say the current ‘two layers

of bureaucracy’ WDC and Hailsham TC

and like ‘death to plans’ that will get

lost in the system.

Our Christmas plea — Wealden, please

change your mind, we can help unlock a

goldmine of talent.. and it won’t cost you/

council tax payers a penny.

Finally, to end the year on a positive

note, We want to thank everyone

involved with sports and recreation in

this town and surrounding areas for the

amazing work you do.

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18 NEWS

DECEMBER 2024


Hospice fears for

future as rising

care costs outweigh

government funding

HOSPICES across the country are

facing serious financial challenges,

and St Wilfrid’s Hospice in

Eastbourne is no different.

Their recently published Impact

Report for the 2023-24 financial

year shows that costs of patient

care rose by around £2,000 a

day, while government funding

has not kept pace.

It is a situation that hospice

CEO, Colin Twomey, describes as

unsustainable.

He said: “We are in the midst of a

widespread crisis. Hospices are a vital

service for our healthcare system,

yet government funding has not kept

pace with rapidly rising costs.

The hospice is clear that there are

currently no plans to close services,

as has been seen at other hospices

across the country. For the moment

they are able to use their reserves to

make up the shortfall.”

There are worries that the reserves

can only get the Hospice so far. Colin

added: “As Chief Executive, I’m

charged with thinking about how we

spend our money and what we can

afford. In the new budget, I expect we

will face another difficult year. I never

want to be in a position to have to

close part of our service, but these are

the stark decisions I may face if the

gap in our funding doesn’t close soon.

Speaking with one voice, combining

our expertise, we will be stronger

together. This harmony will go

a long way towards pooling our

resources, allowing us to work more

efficiently together.”

Alongside other hospices in

Sussex, St Wilfrid’s has embarked

on a new partnership, the Sussex

Hospice Alliance. The alliance sees

six hospice organisations working in

partnership with the NHS to create

the best outcome for people at the

St Wilfrid’s Hospice CEO Colin chats to a carer at the Living Well hub drop in

end of their lives.

The support of the local community

continues to be invaluable to the

hospice, providing over 70% of its

funding. The hospice is appealing

to local people to continue their

generous support and help protect

the hospice for future generations.

Colin concluded: “We really

couldn’t do what we do without our

local community. I know that many

people are also facing financial

pressures, especially in the run-up to

Christmas. But we need your support

now more than ever. Whether

you can make a one-off or regular

donation, leave a gift in your will, host

a fundraiser, or take part in an event,

your support will help us weather this

ongoing storm and ensure St Wilfrid’s

is here for everyone who needs us.”

St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides

high-quality care and support for

people across Eastbourne, Seaford,

Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield

(and all points between) with lifelimiting

illnesses. Their expert teams

support the physical, emotional,

psychological, spiritual and

practical needs of patients, and their

families and carers.

You can find out more about the

hospice at www.stwhospice.org

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

We are now closed until Wednesday 26th February 2025 when we

will then be open on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 22nd October.

For details, please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk

and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

‘A bare tree standswith roots on both ends in December days.’ — Kiran Bantawa, ‘Bare Tree’ 2013

TREES are so beautiful all year round,

but one can particularly appreciate

their beauty when the leaves fall,

revealing the outline of bare stems that

form silhouettes in the sky.

Bates Green Garden is fortunately well

endowed with mature trees. This month,

I am going to pick out some of my

favourites for you to ponder during this

welcome quiet time of the year.

English Oak — Quercus robur. The

iconic Bates Green Garden oak situated

in the Woodland Garden is much

admired, and rightly so. Originally part

of a hedge, it has a relatively slender

trunk considering the breadth of its

magnificent branches; these spreading

limbs preside over the whole Garden,

providing welcome shade to the

woodlanders planted underneath. In the

photo, we have a carpet of Cyclamen

hederifolium that Carolyn planted

many years after receiving a few corms

from her mother.

Oak trees support and nurture a

greater diversity of wildlife than any

other native tree, and this specimen

reflects that. Nut hatches regularly

nest in the nest box on the trunk,

treecreepers are sometimes seen

searching for bark-dwelling insects, and

Cyclamen hederifolium. Photo John Glover

the Jays come along to feast on the

many acorns in autumn.

Oak flowers are consumed by many

insects, including the caterpillars of

the purple hairstreak butterfly and

dark crimson underwing moth. Their

pollen is adored by bees, including, of

course, the oak-mining bee, which feeds

exclusively on oak pollen.

It is said that there are more oaks in

England than any other woodland tree.

Their distinctive shape makes them

easy to spot in the landscape, and they

live for a very long time, over 1,000

years. Consequently, there is a lot of

folklore surrounding oaks; they rightly

symbolise strength and endurance. My

favourite fact is that they are a haven

for 2,300 wildlife species, providing

spaces to eat, shelter and breed. The

oak also supports 108 different types of

fungi, 57 of which depend entirely on

the oak tree for their existence.

A towering Scots Pine — Pinus

sylvestris dominates the Front Garden.

When I was a student here in 2002, the

tree was right at the edge of the large

pond, creating beautiful reflections on

a still day. Carolyn removed the pond

in 2006 to create her stunning and

jewel-like Winter Garden, and now,

this massive tree resides in the Wild

Garden. The tree has not moved, but

the Garden has!

This conifer is the only native pine

tree in the UK, and it can grow up to

35m. It bears the most beautiful scaly

orange-brown bark, which develops

plates and fissures most attractively

with age. The needle-like blue/green

leaves are present all year round and

look particularly striking in the snow.

I wonder if we will get a sprinkling

or two this year?

Scots Pines have traditionally

been planted around farmsteads as

windbreaks, which could indeed have

been the case here. The high resin

content of the sap means that the

wood is slow to decay. The tall, straight,

flexible trunks are ideal for masts, and

the wood was also used in planking

boats. There used to be a superstition

about not felling pine trees for shipbuilding

when the moon was waning.

People believed that the tidal influence

of the moon affected the resin content

of the wood. And they were right! We

now know that the moon’s gravity does

indeed affect sap flow in plants to a

certain extent.

Scots pines bear both male and female

flowers on the same tree, and the female

ones eventually form pine cones. We

gardeners usually collect these to form

displays in and around the Garden, or

we dry them to use as firelighters. This

year, our pine cones will be on public

display at the Friends of Hellingly

Church Christmas Tree Festival. This is a

festive event from Friday, 6th December

to Sunday, 8th. Christine and Emma

Tee are busy foraging in the Garden for

suitable organic materials to decorate

our tree. Do come along and see the

results of their endeavours and you can

admire our Garden Tree over a glass

of mulled wine.

Carolyn McCutchan started designing

and planting her garden here in 1968,

and the first tree she planted was the

elegant Silver Birch — Betula pendula,

which she placed in what is now the

Woodland Garden. This is such a pretty

tree, reaching up to 30m in height

and forming a very light canopy with

delicate drooping branches. It is the pale

bark that can really be appreciated at

this time of the year, which sheds layers

like tissue paper and becomes black and

rugged at the base.

This tree, with its light, open canopy,

is a great choice for a garden, providing

the perfect conditions for grasses,

mosses, wood anemones and violets

to grow underneath. It supports more

than 300 insect species, including the

caterpillars of many moths and certain

very attractive fungi associated with it,

notably fly agaric and the birch milk cap,

both of which can be seen in the autumn

months here in Beatons Wood.

The birch symbolises renewal and

purification. The Celts used bundles

of birch twigs to drive out the spirits

of the old year. These trees regularly

shed fairly large twigs once they are

mature, so why not bundle some up to

make a birch besom or broom and then

purify your garden for the year ahead

whilst gathering leaves for leaf mould

at the same time?

Don’t go too crazy gardening in

December, though; this is the time for

hibernation, cosying up and dreaming of

your 2025 garden when everything will

work out perfectly for a change!

I wish you all a peaceful festive season.


PUZZLES

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Animals

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ANSWERS

ACROSS

1 Keep under restraint (6)

5 Sudden (6)

8 Recurring at intervals (8)

9 Spike (4)

10 Sarcastic doubter of

sincerity and merit (5)

11 Calculate (6)

13 Bashful (3)

14 Filled pastry crust (3)

15 Exclamation of surprise (3)

16 Mixed up dose is bogus (6)

18 Tinseltown trophy (5)

21 Uncontrolled (4)

22 One on the payroll (8)

23 Put in (6)

24 Shoe reinforcement (6)

DOWN

2 Very hard mineral (5)

3 Competence (7)

4 Au naturel (4)

5 Shuffled cue cards are bewitched (8)

6 Memento of a saint (5)

7 Small flute (7)

12 Adversary (8)

13 Pad (7)

15 Kind of beach breeze (7)

17 Immoderate (5)

19 Sports complex (5)

20 Small blemish (4)

ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

LIGHTING THE WAY IN

DARKER EVENINGS

Bexhill After Dark bikes parading around the Town. Next year’s

event will be on Saturday 25th January. It will be great to see

everyone bicycles, buggies, strollers or mobility scooters all lit up.

AS days get darker, we need to be

brighter to see where we go or be seen.

Cycling like a Ninja, hidden from others,

is not the best survival advice. The first

bicycles had a candle, then an oil lamp,

progressing to large Ever Ready batteries.

Now, most used lights are Light

Emitting Diode or LED. These are 90%

more efficient than old incandescent light

bulbs. Many think they are too white and

bright when directly shining in your eyes,

something I agree with. However, they

last longer and give a clear view of where

you are going.

Riders need to see what is about them,

but please consider if your lighting is for

you to see, or for others to see you! Lights

should be bright enough for you to see but

not too bright to dazzle or blind others.

Positioning is vital, always point your

front light in the right direction - far in

front or if to the left towards the kerb.

As with motor vehicles, they shouldn’t

dazzle oncoming traffic. Rear red lights

shouldn’t be obscured by baggage or

saddle and are best on the centre or

offside of your frame.

In urban areas with street lamps, front

lights need to be white and between

50-200 lumens to light up the road ahead.

Rear lights are always red but only

20-100 lumens. However, if you are riding

on rural unlit roads, it would be best to

have more light looking forward covering

a further distance with a wider spread.

Recommended is 200 - 600 lumens.

To flash or not to flash, that’s the

question? Some prefer to be flashers; the

correct term is Day Flash Mode and you

are certainly more noticeable.

Flashing was made legal on bicycles by

a 2005 amendment Regulation with the

length of flash time frequency being 1-4hz

or between one or four flashes per second.

UK laws are clear about lights on bikes,

they must be used between the hours of

sunset and sunrise, white at the front and

a red rear. Flashing lights were made legal

in the UK, but not in all countries in 2005.

It’s personal preference.

However, the research found the

flashing light was far superior on a

straight road, allowing the detection of

the rider up to three times the distance

of a steady light. This equated to 82m

sooner on average.

Should you light up during

daylight hours?

The European Union mandated Daytime

Running Lights on all motor vehicles

manufactured after 2011. Although we

left the EU, we sensibly follow this for UK

vehicles. Oddly, motorcycles or bicycles

are not required to have DRL, which

seems strange as a large vehicle one

would have thought is more easily seen

than a smaller bike.

Draw your own conclusion as to why;

my advice would be for two-wheel riders

to be seen at all times, day or night, by

lighting up permanently or if a bicycle

light is on and flashing during the day.

For those who have lived in Countries

where street lamps are not the norm,

you soon get to understand how your

night eyes kick in.

Sometimes, too much light means you

see less. Cycling at night in urban areas

can mean street lamps provide enough

light, and motor vehicles with powerful

lights dazzle cyclists, meaning they can’t

see beyond their headlights.

One frustration from drivers is some

cyclists still ride at night illegally with no

lights. Lights are now very cheap and

easy to buy, mainly using lithium-ion

batteries, similar to those used in car fobs.

January’s feature will be about what

accessories and extras you can add to

your pride and joy.

Seasons greetings to all. Whether

your bike is old or new, enjoy the ride

and stay bright.

20 COMMERCE UPDATE

DECEMBER 2024


HAILSHAM AND DISTRICT

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE

HDCC CHRISTMAS PARTY

THE Hailsham & District Chamber

of Commerce is counting down

to our Christmas Party on

13th December 2024 — and it

won’t be the same without you!

If you haven’t signed up yet,

now’s the time!

It’ll take place at the Wellshurst

Golf Course on 13th December 2024.

There will be welcome Prosecco, a

two-course meal & festive treat, all

finished with an evening disco.

Looking for a memorable Christmas

celebration for your team? This is it!

Join us for an evening of good food,

great company, and dancing. Dress

to impress and make this a night your

business will remember.

Tickets are still available! Reserve

yours at https://hailshamchamber.

co.uk/meetings-events/#christmas

Members: £37.50 (up to 2 tickets),

Additional guests: £42.50 each. Let’s

make this Christmas unforgettable!

Jingle All the Way to Hailsham’s

Christmas Bash!

HDCC BIG BREAKFAST

JOIN Us for the Hailsham Chamber

Big Business Breakfast!

Our next Chamber breakfast will

be held on Thursday, 5th December,

from 7:30 am onwards at the

Wellshurst Golf Club.

Special Guests will be Ace

Corporate Fitness, and Christmas

Jumpers must be worn.

Introducing the Hailsham

Chamber Fit Hub—an exciting new

initiative where local professionals

can connect, recharge, and build

a stronger community together,

all through fitness-focused events.

Each month, we’ll bring you

new opportunities to network

in a dynamic, supportive, and

healthy environment.

Join us at our big business

breakfast this December,

where Ace Corporate Fitness

will inspire us with their talk

on the benefits of staying active

and connected. Whether you’re

looking to build connections,

find new ways to support your

wellness, or simply meet likeminded

professionals, the

Fit Hub has something

for everyone.


Update from MP

Nusrat Ghani

AS we approach the end of another busy

year, please allow me to reflect on some of

the local successes and work that has been

done to support our communities.

I am hugely grateful to the voters of Sussex

Weald for returning me to Parliament in July.

I continue building on my strong record of

delivery and I am pleased that we’ve had some

great news for several local organisations

receiving Government support. Amongst

others, these included: Beacon Academy

in Crowborough and Uplands Academy in

Wadhurst benefitting from multi-millionpound

funding for building upgrades; the

1st Horam Scouts receiving over £27,500 for

improvements to their facilities; investment

of over £70,000 to help Hailsham swimming

pool improve its energy efficiency; and

over £297,000 for a new Community and

Health Centre in Mayfield and Five Ashes.

Improvements to water infrastructure are

also taking place across the constituency,

including in Halland, Hellingly, Wadhurst,

Rotherfield, Heathfield and Punnets Town,

as well as the £30 million upgrades at Bewl

Water reservoir.

It’s also been a year of huge success for

TeamGB and I’m incredibly proud that Sussex

Weald has its own Olympic Gold Medallist

Emily Craig from Mark Cross, who began

her career at Bewl Bridge Rowing Club. I was

pleased to meet Emily to congratulate her

in person, and I continue working with our

organisations including Hailsham Active and

Horam GAP project on boosting accessible

sports facilities in the area.

There are many ongoing projects which

I will continue progressing next year

including work with: Southern Water to

prevent flooding and sewage overspills;

Sussex Police on tackling rural crime and

enhancing road safety; Ashdown Forest

CEO and Conservators; our local charities

including Rotherfield St Martin, Care for the

Carers and Wealden Works in Heathfield;

and the National Farmers’ Union and our

fantastic local farmers.

It has been a busy year with lots of

wonderful news and wins locally, but there is

more to be done. Please be assured that I will

continue to work hard in 2025 to campaign

for more resources for Sussex Weald and

to ensure that your concerns are heard in

Westminster. This year, my office helped

over 10,000 residents and I continue to hold

weekly surgeries to provide advice and

representation. If you need my assistance,

please email me at nusrat.ghani.mp@

parliament.uk or visit my website www.

nusghani.org.uk for more information.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a

Happy New Year.

LAURIE’S POEM CORNER

DECEMBER then, and so just where has that year gone? Not too sure

but gone it has, so we are now into December and those dark days and

weeks. Still we have Christmas to look forward to, but I’m already

hearing more and more people saying that with rising costs etc they are

dreading it. Dark and dire days then, so step forward a poet with a lifting

and positive poem.

This poem featured in my 7th book , “Life Presented in Verse”, so written

in 2019 with all the emerging Covid scares and deprivations, leading to

fear and apprehensions for the future, but we are mostly still here, and

perhaps the poem helped with that.

I am sure it will now, because it describes how a single voice, drop of water, or indeed a grain of sand

can achieve much when grouped or formed together, Surely now we can do that, so I hope this poem

can inspire and elevate you to perhaps even a little glow in December dark...

A grain of sand, or a drop in the ocean

May be enough to cause commotion,

If brought together in one large amount

They can be big enough to make it count.

Because small or singles can be ignored

However many times they implored,

To get their point and views across

So are left staring at another loss.

For at most times in this cynical world

The tiny voice is lost until unfurled,

With the back up of a loud vast choir

That lift their voices so much higher,

And get all those points of view heard

With a collective singing of the word.

Just like the raging waters of a flood,

Which can harm both flesh and blood.

A GRAIN OF SAND

So be very wary of the seemingly small

Who could in years grow very tall,

And that little dog when just a pup

May really scare you when it grows up.

Thus one single grain of that fine sand

May have the ability to form a band,

Of determined people raising a voice

Into a storm that removes your choice.

Thus have a care before ignoring those

With a message and simple clothes,

As they may have the ability to dress

In uniform with others to bring distress,

That you may find very hard to take

When realising your big mistake,

In not seeing strength and mighty hand

Of drops of water and grains of sand!

To purchase Laurie’s books, visit www.lauriewilkinson.com

Hellingly Church Flyer A4.qxp_Layout 1 05/11/2024 10:50 Page 1

Christmas Tree

Festival

at Hellingly Church

Friday 6th, Saturday 7th

and Sunday 8th December

NEXT ISSUE

READER NOTICE

Due to Christmas and New Year holidays,

the January edition of your favourite community

newspaper will be available from

Monday 5th January

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

to all our readers and supporters.

Church open on Friday

and Saturday between

10am and 5pm

and on Sunday between

12:30pm and 4:30pm

Refreshments

Available

Free Admission

Donations

Welcome

22 MOTORING

DECEMBER 2024


Reinvention of iconic

Renault 5 hits showrooms

with electric power

THE Renault 5 E-Tech 100%

electric, a modern reinvention of

the iconic original designed to bring

some sparkle to the world of small

electric vehicles, will be priced

from only £22,995 OTR when order

books open in January.

Available in three trim levels from

launch — evolution, techno, and

iconic five — and with a choice of two

powertrains — 120hp urban range

and 150hp comfort range — the

Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric is fun

to drive and fun to be around, with its

heart-winning design and innovative

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touches such as the novel bonnetmounted

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Reno, the helpful avatar.

The Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric

is filled with the latest technology,

from its built-in Google services

with EV-optimised navigation to its

bi-directional functionality including

vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities. With

a choice of two battery sizes and a heatpump

as standard, it offers a driving

range of up to 248 miles and can

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100% electric is agile and exciting to

drive, thanks to its optimised chassis

and weight of only 1,449 kg. Yet despite

its city-friendly proportions, the five

door Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric

offers comfortable seating for five

as well as a practical 326-litre boot,

complete with dedicated storage for

charging cables.

The smiles continue in the interior

of Renault 5, where denim upholstery,

made from recycled materials, adds

to the fun nature of the cabin on

techno models, while the iconic five

trim level introduces a blaze of colour

with seats in heather yellow bearing a

large printed ‘5’.

This high-spec vintage design

continues with the two-tier padded

dashboard, while the cabin is brought

fully up to date with its dual horizontal

screens — a central 10.1-inch

multimedia display, powered by the

award-winning OpenR Link system

with Google built-in, plus a colour,

digital instrument panel facing the

driver (7-inch on evolution, 10-inch on

techno and iconic five).

A choice of body colours are

available from launch, two of which

— Pop Yellow! and Pop Green! — are

reminiscent of iconic shades that

were present in the 1970s catalogue,

with an intense sparkle-effect. Other

shades are available including Arctic

White and Diamond Black, while

Midnight Blue can be found as a twotone

option with the Diamond Black

roof from techno trim. The two-tone

option with the contrasting Diamond

Black roof can be chosen on techno

and iconic five. All models in the

range wear 18-inch diamond cut alloy

wheels as standard.

Up to 25 advanced driver safety

assistance systems are available,

many on a par with the best in the

segment above, including rear

occupant safe exit alert, active

driver assist combining adaptive

cruise control with Stop & Go and

lane centring assist, as well as blind

spot monitoring and hands-free

parking. A new feature — My Safety

Shield — allows drivers to activate

their preferred advanced driver

safety assistance systems at the

touch of a button.

Already a multi-award winner

ahead of its official launch and having

amassed several maximum five-star

reviews from the automotive media,

the Renault 5 E-Tech 100% electric

will be available to order in January

2025 priced from £22,995 OTR.

Demonstrators will be available

for test drive from March, with the

first customer deliveries expected

shortly afterwards.

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Charming 1930s detached home on favoured London Road, offering

character and potential. Full planning approval granted for rear

and first-floor extensions. Arranged over three floors, with spacious

reception rooms, a kitchen, utility room, and downstairs WC. Three

bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a large loft bedroom. Ample

parking, garage, and mature garden. Walkable to amenities.

JOHN STEVENS

SAM BEALE

ILEX GREEN - £295,000

This well-presented, refurbished two-bedroom

semi-detached bungalow in Harmers Hay offers spacious

living with a south-west facing garden.

The property features built-in wardrobes, oak interior doors,

and a reconfigured shower room. A new combi boiler and radiators

provide modern comfort, while uPVC double glazing

ensures energy efficiency. The bungalow includes a garage

en bloc and roadside parking. Located near the Cuckoo Trail,

community bus route, and local amenities. Explore via 3D

Virtual Tour before booking a viewing.

HERONS WAY - £250,000

This well-presented 45x20 ft Linden Lissett Cottage is set on

a mature plot within the award-winning Deanland Wood

Park, offering chain-free, later-life living.

The property features a driveway, garage, study, utility room,

and ensuite bathroom. On-site amenities include a shop,

Inn, bowls club, and social hall. With GCH and Council Tax

Band A, this home offers a peaceful retreat with woodland

walks. Monthly pitch fee of approximately £267. View via 3D

Virtual Tour before booking a viewing.

GUIDE PRICE £800,000

STEPHENSON CLOSE - £475,000

This immaculate four-bedroom home, located on a desirable

corner plot in a peaceful cul-de-sac, offers direct access

to nearby greenspace and countryside walks.

Inside, there are three receptions, a spacious kitchen-dining

room, and a ground-floor WC. The main bedroom features

an ensuite, with three additional double bedrooms and a

family bathroom upstairs. Outside, enjoy a pretty, low-maintenance

garden, a driveway, and a garage. Explore the home

via 3D Virtual Tour before booking a viewing.

FREE VALUATIONS FOR SELLING & RENTING

SAMUEL TOWNSEND

NICK RUSSELL

LUCY BROWN

CHEVRON VERT - £525,000

This charming 1920s detached home, available for the first

time in over 50 years, offers four bedrooms, extended living

accommodation, and mature gardens.

In need of some modernization, it features a dual-aspect

lounge, dining room, mezzanine studio, and a recently

refitted kitchen. Upstairs, a master bedroom with en-suite

and two additional bedrooms are present. The property

also includes off-road parking, a garage, and a rear access

entrance. Explore the potential of this family home via the

3D Virtual Tour.

ROBIN HOOD - £445,000

This beautifully presented period double-fronted home sits

on a generous plot, offering two receptions, a utility room,

and two bathrooms.

The dual-aspect lounge features a log-burning stove and

opens to the rear garden. Upstairs, four bedrooms are

serviced by a refitted bathroom. The property includes a

driveway, garage, and large gardens. Located near shops,

schools, and bus links, it’s ideal for family living. Explore the

home through our 3D Virtual Tour.

LONDON ROAD - £360,000

This charming 1930s-built three-bedroom semi-detached

home offers a blend of character and modern comfort. The

extended rear provides a spacious living-dining-kitchen

area, leading to a large southerly garden with patio.

Upstairs are three bedrooms and a contemporary bathroom.

Features include gas central heating, modern glazing, a

driveway, and garage. Located near bus routes and within

walking distance to schools, this property is perfect for

family living.

LAURA STEVENS

47 HIGH STREET, HAILSHAM, BN27 1AN

CALL 01323 840444 or visit stevensandcarter.co.uk

24 SPORT

DECEMBER 2024


Cricket Club takes

time to celebrate

Tennis Club Drawn

Doubles Finals

Ladies’ Doubles finalists Mary Srey, Narun

Chea, Georgia Lee and Tammy Roxburgh

Ladies’ doubles winners

Narun Chea and Mary Srey

BY ROB WILKINSON

HAILSHAM Cricket Club hosted its

annual Dinner and Dance recently

at Wellshurst Golf Club.

A wonderful evening was had by

all as we celebrated the successes

of the 2024 season and honoured

those who excelled.

We welcomed 101 members to the

sit-down dinner and awards, with a

further 17 attending the dance and

drinks later in the evening.

The club proudly won nine trophies

across various competitions and

teams this year, and it was lovely to

see everyone looking smart in their

club ties and formal attire to celebrate

these successes.

The big three awards were handed

out to the following members and

they deserve special congratulations:

Molly Crosbie — Roses Player of the

Season ; Jason Tibble — Players’ Player

of the Season ; Hollie Young — Club

Person of the Year

DJ Leepy provided fantastic

entertainment, ensuring the

evening was full of energy and

enjoyment. A great night to

remember for the club and the perfect

way to seal off 2024.

We look forward to the battle and

challenge of the 2025 season with

preparation already in full swing for

the new season.

If you like what you see and

would be interested in joining

the club as a player, official

or sponsor then please get in

contact with us 07980146841 /

Hailshamcc@outlook.com.

Men’s Doubles winners David

Harding and Andy Leckie

Men’s doubles finalists Andy Leckie,

David Harding, Nigel Ives and Johan Jooste

Walking Football Club’s offer

wide range of health benefits

WALKING Football is gaining

popularity across communities

across Sussex, attracting people

looking for a way to stay active

while enjoying the camaraderie

of team sports.

With a slower pace and reduced

physical intensity, it offers numerous

health benefits for people of all ages,

particularly older adults.

One of the biggest advantages of

walking football is its suitability for

individuals who may struggle with

high-impact sports. The slower pace

reduces the risk of injury, making it

accessible to people recovering from

surgeries, managing chronic health

conditions, or looking to ease back

into an active lifestyle.

Tom Hargreaves, 67, a Walking

Football Club member said: “Walking

football has helped me keep moving

despite my knee surgery a few years

back. It’s a brilliant way to stay fit

without overdoing it. I’ve noticed a

big improvement in my flexibility and

stamina since joining.”

Walking football offers a full-body

workout that strengthens muscles,

improves balance, and enhances

cardiovascular health. According to a

study conducted by the University of

East Anglia, participants saw marked

improvements in heart health, blood

pressure levels, and overall mobility

after only 12 weeks of playing.

Beyond physical health, walking

football has been lauded for its impact

on mental wellbeing. Engaging in

regular exercise releases endorphins,

which combat stress and improve

mood. For many players, the sense

of community and support is just as

valuable as the exercise itself.

Another member, Margaret

Thomas, 62, said: “I was feeling a

bit isolated after retiring. Walking

football gave me a chance to

socialise and meet new people.

The friendships I’ve made on the

pitch mean as much to me as the

fitness gains.”

Walking football clubs are known

for fostering inclusivity, welcoming

players of varying skill levels and

fitness abilities. The sport provides a

safe space for older adults to engage

in friendly competition without

feeling intimidated by the fast-paced

nature of conventional football.

With its proven physical and mental

health benefits, walking football

is more than just a sport — it’s a

way of promoting active aging and

strengthening community bonds,

one step at a time.

Local team, Eastbourne Borough,

has a successful group which is

open for all to join. Visit www.

eastbourneboroughwalking

footballclub.com.

Mixed Doubles finalists Matt Dean, Narun

Chea, YanLing Wei and Johan Jooste

HAILSHAM Tennis Club’s Drawn

Doubles Finals have now taken

place. This is the tournament for

which contestants enter their

names and partners are chosen by

random ballot, which can make for

some interesting pairings.

In the Ladies Doubles, Hailsham’s

ladies’ team captain, Georgia Lee,

was drawn with Tammy Roxburgh,

and they came through two rounds

to be in the final. There they met

former ladies’ team captain, Narun

Chea and her partner Mary Srey,

who had progressed to the final

without playing a match, due to

various circumstances.

The first set started evenly, but

Narun and Mary made the vital break

of serve to go on and win 6-3. In the

second set it was easier going as they

won the set and the title 6-1.

In the Men’s Doubles final, last

year’s winner Johan Jooste was

partnering a previous winner Nigel

Ives against Club Chairman David

Harding and Andy Leckie. Johan

and Nigel found their experienced

opponents difficult to beat, and lost

the first set 6-3. In the second set the

Mixed Doubles winners

YanLing Wei and Johan Jooste

younger players came through to

win 6-0, meaning the final was to be

decided on a championship tie-break

(first to 10, two ahead). David and

Andy rallied, and a close match was

decided in their favour by 11-9.

In the Mixed Doubles final, Narun

appeared again, this time partnered

with Matt Dean. Johan was there too,

with YanLing Wei as his partner.

In the first set, Johan and YanLing

proved too strong for Narun and

Matt, winning 6-0, and the second set

followed a similar pattern, although

this time Narun and Matt did win

one game. Johan and YanLing

came through to be crowned as

champions, 6-0, 6-1.

Club President Graham Landon

was there to officiate, and he thanked

all the winners and runners-up, as

well as organiser Chris Witt who had

been instrumental in keeping the

tournament on schedule. Graham

was particularly pleased that there

would be some new names on the

honours boards this year.

You can follow the activities at

Hailsham Tennis Club on Facebook

and on Instagram.

Not being able to

raise your arm could

be a sign of a stroke

Face or arm or speech,

at the first sign,

it’s time to call 999

26 SPORT

DECEMBER 2024


Sport

Hailsham Hockey

Club Round Up

More wins for

Stringers in November

BY STUART FAIRWAY

HAILSHAM Town FC’s November

is certainly a month that will not be

forgotten in a hurry.

On the pitch at least, it has been a

successful one, with three wins from

four matches for the men’s first team,

and two wins from three games for

the women that has seen the Stringers

go second in the table.

The men began the month with a 4-2

win at home to an ill-tempered Capel

side who finished the game with just

nine players on the pitch. Connor

Townsend smashed a hattrick,

including two from the penalty spot,

with Mitch Ford also on target with a

fine finish from the angle.

The following week saw the

Stringers make the 60 mile trip

westwards to Bosham on the

Hampshire border, with a 2-0 win

thanks to goals from Robin Deen and

substitute Josh Silva-Carvahlo.

It is a testament to the determination

of the club’s volunteers that the

match on Saturday 16th November

went ahead - just four days after

the senseless arson attack that saw

significant damage caused to the

Mervyn Walker stand and the hedge

surrounding the ground.

Unfortunately, despite a large crowd

of mostly home supporters, on the

pitch it was TD Shipley would be

celebrating, with two first-half goals

Geri Burt adds another to her tally as the Stringers

are held by Burgess Hill. Photo Credit Andrew Hazelden

seeing the Stringers beaten for the

first time in seven games.

Finishing the month with another

away trip, Hailsham bounced back

with a 4-3 win against Upper Beeding

in the gusty wins and swirling rain of

Storm Bert. Hailsham trailed 3-1 at

the interval, despite a goal from new

signing Billy Oliver, but came back

strongly after the interval, with Mitch

Ford, Fraser Cox and Will Ridgway on

target in a 4-3 win.

The Women meanwhile began

the month with a 1-1 draw at

home to Burgess Hill Town, with

Geri Burt scoring for Hailsham,

before recording two excellent

away victories.

First Woodingdean Wanderers (10th

November) were beaten 6-0 by the

Stringers, with a Geri Burt hattrick,

an own goal, and efforts from Laura

Stew and Kirsten Bryant, before a 3-0

away win against Brighton Seagals

the following week. Geri Burt, Leanne

Hawkins and Kirsten Bryant were

all on target for Hailsham, who start

December with home games on the

1st (Woodingdean Wanderers) and

the 8th (The View).

Leading goal scorer, Sue Cable

BY MICHELLE PAGE

WITH Hailsham Hockey Club

having to relocate for the first half

of the season due to its pitch being

deemed unplayable, home fixtures

have taken place at various venues

across the county.

Despite this, its first teams have seen

some strong progress. Both the men’s

and women’s 1st teams have only had

one lost after nine games.

It’s a story of what could have

been with both teams dropping

their points with several draws. The

men are sitting 5th but just 5 points

separate them from current leaders

South Saxons. Meanwhile, the

women are 4th with East Grinstead

currently sitting top.

The women’s 2nd and 3rd teams

are having challenging seasons

and will be looking to turn things

around in the remaining games to

avoid relegation. The women’s 2nds

season highlight being a draw against

league leaders Brighton and Hove

who were yet to drop points. This

shows that points are possible in

what is a highly competitive league.

The men’s 2s are having a strong

season, whist they are currently

sixth they sit just one win away

from second spot.

Hailsham’s junior development

team are up against it having a

comparatively young squad. The

team can take heart from recent

results with scorelines being much

more competitive, demonstrating

the progress the team is making each

week. Mixed hockey has had a busy

and successful start to the season with

entry into a new league and England

Hockey cup action.

Current top goal scorers for

this season are Jamie Hayes on 9,

Flo Pietzsch 7 and Sue Cable on 6

(pictured). A special mention should

go to women’s 2nd team keeper Julie

Abson who returns to club fixturespa

this week having represented

England Hockey in the Masters O65

World Cup in New Zealand. Julie

and the England team return as

World Cup winners.

The club are excited to be returning

home to its newly resurfaced pitch

in January at Hailsham Community

College. The club continues to

welcome members across all

sections of the club.

See www.hailshamhockey.co.uk for

more information.

Harriers pound the Crowborough 10k

THE Crowborough 10K formed the

twelfth and final race within the

Sussex Grand Prix league, a series

of twelve races whereby Sussex

clubs compete against each other

for team and individual prizes.

Hailsham Harriers recorded their

largest turnout at this event in the club’s

forty-year history and their biggest

turnout across this years’ race series.

The challenging, undulating two-lap

Crowborough course, organised by

Crowborough Runners and events

team, Nice Work, takes runners from

Beacon Academy Primary, around

the pretty surrounding lanes of

Crowborough with an opportunity to

get the feet wet through Palesgate Ford,

before returning and finishing back

at the Academy.

Crowborough 10K 2024 Team

259 runners took part in the 10K event

with thirty-seven Harriers running to

score points, many of whom also ran

course personal bests on the day.

First Harrier home saw Chris

Doherty take second place overall

in 36:38, followed by Adam Davies

43:09 and Oliver Paterson 44:07. First

female Harrier home saw Claire Keith

cross the line in 44:16, followed by

Graham Woolley 44:47, Maria Smith

44:50, Graham Purdye 46:13, Chris

Little 46:16, Katy Reed 46:19, Leeland

Pavey 48:10, Simon Haddon 48:47,

Tracy Erridge 48:48, Abi Morris 50:32,

Gary Smith 50:47, Tom Bilton 50:47,

Arthur Collins 51:03, Helen O’Sullivan

51:15, Tina Macenhill 53:05, Andy

Ruffell 53:10, Lee Williams 53:40, Ros

Daintree 58:04, Victoria Little 58:10,

Shaun Webster 58:07, Louise Williams

58:43, Kevin Morris 59:54, Peter Daws

1:00:03, Lady Frances Delves 1:00:37,

Claire Hope 1:02:14, Andrea Gilkes

1:02:48, Cathy Gilling 1:03:08, Louisa

Geer 1:04:21, Kirstie Groves 1:05:18,

Jayne Morris 1:05:28, Ros Thomson

1:07:43, Julie Lewis-Clements

1:09:18, Jo Davis 1:09:54, and Roberto

Proietti 1:35:00

Claire Keith, Katy Reed and Maria

Smith were the proud winners of their

respective age categories and also

received the trophy for first ladies team

across the line with Seaford Striders

winning the Men’s team prize.

Hailsham Harriers welcomed their

newest recruit, Jo Davis, to the club a

few weeks prior to the event and this

race represented her debut race in

Harriers colours.

As results from the league of races

continue to be verified, Hailsham

Harriers wait to hear whether they

have won the Sussex Grand Prix

champions open team title for the

second consecutive year which will

result in their ninth success at this title.

Hailsham Harriers train locally

and welcome both junior and senior

runners of all abilities.

www.hailsham-harriers.org.co.uk

Expert

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If you’re considering a care home,

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Hailsham

Your local property people

All of us here at Charles Century are delighted to

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Whether you’re buying or selling, our dedicated

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Say hello to the Charles Century Hailsham team

Chris Weller

Trevor Mepham

Trish Murphy

Charles Johnson

Having built up an estate agent

in Crowborough over the last 10

years, Chris founded Charles

Century Estate Agents.

His local Sussex property

knowledge is second to none, as

is his determination to provide

the very best property services.

Trevor is a highly experienced

estate agent with 25 years of

expertise and a thorough

knowledge of the East Sussex

property market.

He is passionate about delivering

outstanding customer service

from beginning to end.

Trish has a background in the

financial sector, giving her

valuable insight into its influence

on the property market.

This expertise enables her to

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advice throughout the

decision-making process.

Charles has a real passion for

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Or call us for a chat

01323 302226

1 The Quintins, Hailsham BN27 1DP hailsham@charlescentury.co.uk

Also in Crowborough

01892 280435

2 The Broadway, Crowborough TN6 1DF

crow@charlescentury.co.uk

www.charlescentury.co.uk

Hailsham News, December 2024, Issue 40

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