Hailsham News, March 2025, Issue 43

MARCH 2025 | ISSUE 43

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

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

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2 NEWS

MARCH 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham

WELCOME

ANOTHER bumper issue is coming

your way this month as we’ve

crammed in as much local news and

information as possible.

I’m extremely saddened to hear

about the passing of our dear former

town crier, Geoff Rowe. Geoff

was an extremely familiar face

around town and for 12 years was

seen and represented Hailsham at

hundreds of events.

Our thoughts go to Geoff’s family and

friends at this very difficult time. Read

more about Geoff on page 8.

Two lots of congratulations are due

this month as both East Sussex Wildlife

Rescue Ambulance Service (WRAS)

and Hailsham Youth Service both

celebrate landmark anniversaries.

Seeing the amount of people using

the new Youth Centre facilities in the

church on the junction of South Road

and Western Road is amazing.

Both organisations play a huge

part in the local area, and I’ve seen

first-hand the great deal of work and

dedication which is needed from the

people who run them.

You can read about the Youth Service

celebrations on page 12 and more

about the 40-year history of WRAS on

pages 14 and 15.

I attended the recent Ukraine vigil

which took place at the memorial

to mark three years since Russia’s

invasion. Although we all wish these

vigils didn’t need to happen, it was

great to see the large Ukrainian

community we have in Wealden come

together. I met some lovely people who

bring together the communities across

East Sussex to support them in all kinds

of ways. Their dedication is admirable.

Paul Gibson

Group Editor

THE TEAM

PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR

paul@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

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nor contributors can take responsibility for loss

or damage resulting from errors or omissions.

Hailsham News does not endorse the accuracy

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newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole

without express permission of the editor.

New privately funded medical

facility officially opens to patients

A COMPANY which has been

providing medical transport and

event cover from Hailsham has

officially opened a brand new

private clinic.

The Elite Medical Health & Urgent

Care Clinic has opened based on

North Street was opened by the town’s

Mayor and MP Nusrat Ghani recently,

where they were able to look around

the new clinic and services on offer.

The Clinic has been created to take

the pressure off local doctor services

HAILSHAM Town Football Club

could get a £15k boost for urgent

repairs following a fire which

destroyed a fence last year.

Subject to approval by Full

Council, the Town Council’s Assets

Management Committee has

agreed to allocate £15,000 from its

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

funds towards a replacement fence at

the Western Road Recreation Ground.

The decision came about as a result

of the arson attack at the Hailsham

Town Football Club last November,

which incurred an estimated £35,000

of damage to fencing, seats, trees and

equipment behind the grandstand.

Sports clubs based in Hailsham can

request funding for new or improved

facilities, activities or projects

from the Town Council’s 2025/26

grants budget.

by offering urgent care to patients

on a pay-as-you-go basis or on a

monthly payment plan.

Director Ben Callaway said: “We’re

delighted that we’re now officially

open in the heart of Hailsham and

we’ve had some excellent feedback

from the patients who have already

visited the clinic.

“Whether at our Hailsham-based

clinic or through home visits at your

preferred address, we are equipped

to assess and treat a range of minor

The Finance & Governance

Committee will consider all grant

applications, and the decision

on all applications will be

health complaints and injuries.

“Our clinic is fully registered with

the CQC, insured, and supported by

robust clinical governance, ensuring

a safe and effective service for

all our patients.”

Residents with health conditions

can benefit from same-day phone

or video consultations, face-toface

assessments, home visits

and a dedicated falls service all

across East Sussex.

MP for Sussex Weald, Nusrat Ghani

said: “I was pleased to join Hailsham

communities and Elite Medical team

in officially opening the new Health &

Council donation following

football ground fire

announced this Spring.

The deadline for grant aid

applications is 4pm on Monday

14th April 2025.

Do you live outside our delivery area? You can read

our digital edition online, or get Hailsham News

delivered to your door for only £1.85 per month

(within 5 mile radius of Hailsham). Scan the QR code

or visit eastsussex.news/hailsham to subscribe.

Urgent Care Clinic.

“Elite Medical have a long-standing

presence in Hailsham and across

East Sussex, supporting the NHS

with patient transport and providing

medical presence at major events.

This new clinic in the centre of

Hailsham is a great addition to

existing services in the area and it

will provide local patients with more

choice when requiring medical

assessment and treatment, as well as

create new job opportunities.”

More information can be found

by visiting: elitemedical.uk or

calling 0300 304 6260.

ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE

WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST

HOME VISITS & URGENT CARE SERVICE

Elite Health and Urgent Care Clinic is dedicated

to delivering affordable, premium

Advanced bookings or urgent

private healthcare.

on the day. Simply visit

elitemedical.uk or call

0300 304 6260

for more details.

We bring healthcare to your doorstep with

our home visit service, offering medical care

and assessments in the comfort of your own

home.

TELEPHONE OR VIDEO

CONSULTATIONS

For those who prefer remote

consultations, we provide both

telephone and video options,

ensuring you receive the medical

advice and support you need from

anywhere.

FACE-TO-FACE

ASSESSMENTS

Visit our clinic in Hailsham for

in-person consultations and

assessments by our experienced

medical professionals.

HOME VISIT SERVICE

We bring healthcare to your doorstep

with our home visit service, offering

medical care and assessments in the

comfort of your own home.

FALLS SERVICE

We provide specialised support for

patients who have experienced a fall,

ensuring rapid response and

appropriate care.

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4 NEWS

MARCH 2025


Skaters urged to give

ideas for new park

DESIGNERS of a new skate park in

Hailsham are asking for views and

comments from users to make sure

a new park is attractive to use.

As part of the Wealden Hub,

currently being built north of the

town, the developers will be holding

open sessions so they can gather

views from the people who are

likely to use it.

A spokesperson said: “Our goal

is to design a space that’s fun,

accessible, and meets the needs of the

whole community.

“Take a look at the initial designs and

share your thoughts and encourage

your children to join in too! The more

perspectives we have, the better the

final result will be.”

Various images and videos of

potential layouts have been put online

and will also be available to see at a

public consultation event on March 6.

It’ll take place at the Wealden

Council Offices in Vicarage Lane

between 4:15pm and 7:15pm.

The Wealden Hub is a ‘state-of

the-art’ leisure and sports facility,

creating a variety of new outdoor

sport and leisure facilities for local

communities. It’s being built north of

the Boship Roundabout in Hailsham.

Police tackle regular

anti-social incidents

at supermarket

Lorry fire causes A22

rush hour chaos

FIRE crews rushed to the scene of

a lorry fire recently which caused

long delays around Hailsham.

Nearby residents reported a

loud explosion at the Boship

Roundabout on the A22 during the

morning rush hour.

A spokesperson from East Sussex

Fire and Rescue said: “East Sussex

Fire and Rescue Service was called at

7.40am 12 MARCH 2025 to reports of a

trailer fire on the Hailsham bypass at

the Boship roundabout.

“Crews arrived and found a truck

well alight. They used breathing

apparatus and a jet to put the fire out.

The fire is being treated as accidental.

The road was closed and the police

were also in attendance.”

Popular hair salon

announces closure

A HIGH Street Hair Salon in

Hailsham has told its customers

it will not reopen, after closing its

doors last month.

LW Hair Salon posted the news on

a Facebook post saying the business

is no longer sustainable.

It said: “It is with great sadness we

have to announce that we have taken

the tough decision and closed our

doors with immediate effect.

“Following many years of hard

work, money and time, through

Covid, an economic crisis with

rising costs, increased overheads

and much more, we have found

our business dream diminished

amongst all these challenges and the

business is no longer sustainable.

“We feel we can no longer give

you the value and services we

would like and therefore after much

consideration, we have decided to let

go of our dream and close the doors

to our beautiful shop and business.

“I’m sure you can appreciate that

this has been an extremely difficult

time and decision for us and we

would like to apologise to you all but

also Thank you all for supporting

us and our business these past five

years. We have been so grateful for

our lovely, loyal clients.”

The post ended: “At the end of

the day all that matters is that you

tried your best.”

OFFICERS say they’ve been dealing

with ‘unacceptable’ behaviour

by youths at the Tesco store in

Hailsham recently.

The incidents have been taking

place in the hours just before and after

school hours, and Police have been

stepping in to help the store tackle

the youngsters.

A reader, who didn’t want to be

named, told Hailsham News: “I was at

the Tesco store yesterday (12 February)

around 4pm, and there were school

kids running everywhere, just out to

cause trouble. They were running

THE Town Council is making

further plans for a ‘grand

celebration’ in the town centre to

mark the 80th Anniversary of VE

Day — the end of World War Two in

Europe on 8th May 1945.

Taking place in Vicarage Field

from 9am to 2.30pm on Saturday

10th May, the aim of the event is

to recreate the elation and joy of

the street parties that marked the

original VE Day (Victory in Europe)

in 1945, and to bring the community

together in remembrance, reflection

and celebration.

The event will feature a market

selling locally sourced produce,

personalised gifts and accessories, as

well as food stands and activity stalls.

Live entertainment has been

arranged on the day, courtesy of

music acts Miss Peggy Rose and The

Jackettes. Local dance school Sjaan

Dance Academy will be in attendance

and an area will be created with

seating in Vicarage Field for people

in and out of the store, just mocking

security and staff.

“It doesn’t make it very nice for us

shoppers when all the staff and security

are just trying to deal with troublesome

kids — it’s not really their job!”

A Sussex Police spokesperson

said: “You may see us patrolling the

area and the store to keep youth

ASB to a minimum.

“Anti-social behaviour of any kind

will not be tolerated in our community.

If you see or hear something we need

to know about, please call us on 101

or report online.

Plans for VE Day

Commemorations

to dance to 1940s-style music. Pupils

from Grovelands Community

Primary School’s choir club and

Hailsham Community College will

also be providing entertainment

throughout the day. The 249

(Hailsham) Squadron Air Cadets and

Hailsham FM will also be attending.

Hailsham Parish Church will be

open to welcome visitors into the

church building from 11am to 1pm

on the day. Further entertainment

and activities will be arranged in

the coming weeks.

The Royal British Legion is

encouraging the raising of VE

Day flags at 9am on Thursday

8th May and, where possible, the

hosting parties of celebration

throughout the day in the streets,

at home, in gardens, churches,

villages, town halls and pubs

throughout the country.

Further details on the

entertainment line-up and activities

will be announced soon.

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6 NEWS

MARCH 2025


What Devolution means for Sussex councils

IN a significant move towards

local empowerment, the UK

Government has initiated a public

consultation on a proposal to

establish a Mayoral Combined

County Authority (MCCA) for

East Sussex, West Sussex, and

Brighton & Hove.

This initiative aims to devolve

powers from Westminster to local

leadership, granting the region

greater autonomy over critical

areas such as transport, public

safety, health, environment,

housing, economic growth, skills,

and job creation.

The government’s English Devolution

White Paper, published in December

2024, outlines a comprehensive plan

to decentralise authority, ensuring

that every part of England benefits

from devolution. In response,

the leaders of East Sussex County

Council, West Sussex County Council,

and Brighton & Hove City Council

have collaboratively expressed

interest in forming an MCCA.

This proposed authority would

consist of an elected mayor and two

representatives from each constituent

council, collectively overseeing

strategic functions across the region.

The inaugural mayoral election is

slated for May 2026.

A pivotal aspect of the devolution

agenda is the reorganisation of

local government structures. The

current two-tier system of county

and district councils is set to be

replaced by unitary authorities,

each serving populations of at least

500,000. This restructuring aims to

streamline decision-making, reduce

administrative redundancies, and

enhance service delivery. In East

Sussex, discussions are underway to

determine the optimal configuration

for these new unitary councils, with

proposals expected to be submitted to

the government by September 2025.

The public consultation, launched

on 17 MARCH 2025, invites residents,

businesses, and stakeholders to

provide feedback on the devolution

proposal. The consultation period

will remain open until 13 April 2025,

after which the government will

assess the responses to inform its

decision on establishing the MCCA.

This participatory approach ensures

that the voices of the 1.7 million

people residing in Sussex are heard

and considered in the decisionmaking

process.

Local leaders have expressed

a range of views regarding the

devolution plans. While some

councillors are optimistic about

the potential for increased local

control and improved public

services, others have raised concerns

about the pace of the proposed

changes and the potential for voter

confusion due to the restructuring

process. Critics argue that the

rapid implementation could lead

to administrative challenges and

question whether the new structures

will effectively address local needs.

These diverse perspectives highlight

the importance of the ongoing public

consultation in shaping the future

governance of the region.

IMPLICATIONS FOR

LOCAL ELECTIONS

As part of the transition to the new

governance structure, local elections

scheduled for May 2025 in East

Sussex have been postponed.

This postponement is intended to

facilitate the reorganisation process

and align electoral cycles with the

establishment of the new unitary

authorities and the election of the

Sussex mayor in May 2026.

While this move aims to ensure

a smooth transition, it has faced

criticism from various political figures

and parties who view it as potentially

undemocratic and disruptive to local

political engagement.

The Sussex devolution initiative is

part of a broader national effort to

reshape local governance in England.

The English Devolution Bill seeks to

grant more powers to local leaders,

streamline administrative structures,

and enhance the efficiency of

public services. Proponents argue

that such reforms will lead to

significant cost savings and more

responsive governance.

However, detractors caution that

the rapid pace of change could

undermine local democratic

accountability and lead to confusion

among residents.

As the consultation progresses, the

feedback gathered will be crucial

in determining the final structure

and powers of the proposed MCCA,

ensuring that the reforms align with

the needs and aspirations of the

Sussex community.

In conclusion, the proposed

devolution and reorganisation

of councils in Sussex represent

a transformative shift towards

localised governance. The success

of this initiative will largely depend

on active public participation

in the consultation process and

careful consideration of the diverse

perspectives presented by local

leaders and residents.

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8 NEWS

MARCH 2025


Residents mourn passing of former town crier

Geoff Rowe at a Christmas event at the Charles Hunt Centre in 2021

IT has been announced that former

town crier, mayor and councillor

Geoff Rowe has passed away, his

family have said.

Geoff was Hailsham’s longestserving

town crier who cried for

the town at hundreds of events for

12 years, before his retirement in

2021. He served as Town Mayor

from 2005-2006.

Geoff was also an Independent

Councillor for Hailsham, and more

recently was the President of the

Charles Hunt Centre and previously

the Chairman of the Hailsham

Bonfire Society.

A spokesperson from Hailsham

Bonfire Society said: “Geoff was an

avid member of HBS for many years

before becoming president, he also

supported the society financially. He

will be remembered by all at HBS who

knew him and by many members of

the Sussex Bonfire community. Our

thoughts and condolences go out to

Mary, family and friends.”

Mayor of Hailsham, Paul Holbrook

said: “We are all greatly upset by

the news that our friend has passed

away, and I know I speak for all my

colleagues at the Town Council, as

well as the wider community, when I

say that Geoff will be sorely missed.

“Having known Geoff for many

years, it goes without saying that he

was a popular and well-respected

member of the Town Council, having

served the community for a number

of years and caring passionately

about Hailsham and its residents.

He dedicated himself to the town

and thoroughly enjoyed all his

involvement in local affairs, which he

took very seriously.”

Pride event to take place this June

World

Thinking

Day

celebrated

A SCHEDULE of activities and

entertainment have been

announced for this year’s ‘Stand

Proud in Hailsham’ event, which

takes place at the White Hart

in Horsebridge in support of

Pride Month in June.

Project organisers The White Hart

and town councillors Mary Laxton

and Colin Mitchell will be hosting the

event with festival vibes on Saturday

28th June from noon until midnight.

The event is being held to bring

the whole community together

to celebrate equality, friendship,

diversity and inclusivity in Hailsham.

Featuring a variety of live

entertainment, the event will include

music from acts such as pop, rock and

indie band ‘Supersaurus’, soft rock

and upbeat blues singer ‘Moss Casa’

and cover band ‘Hot Parrots’.

The event will also feature drag

vocalist and comedian Fonda Cox

as the headline act, children’s

entertainer Awesome Alfie and DJ

Neil Povey kicking off proceedings

— playing an 80s music selection and

closing the event before midnight.

There will also be a Rainbow

Bingo session (hosted by Sam),

children’s facepainting (courtesy

of ‘Fayz’) and hot bar food available

from 1pm to 9pm (provided by

Sparkles By The Pond).

The Town Council is supporting

Stand Proud in Hailsham for the

second consecutive year by partfunding

the event. Other sponsors

include Stevens & Carter Estate

Agents and Victoria Lily Events.

Entry is free and children are invited

to attend the event from the start at

midday until the 7pm watershed.

More details about the event will

be announced in the coming weeks

as further plans are made. However,

an itinerary of entertainment and

activities has been confirmed:

• Midday-12.30pm | Event opening

and music by DJ Neil Povey

• 12.30pm-2.15pm | Live music with

The Hot Parrots

• 2.30pm-4.30pm |

Children’s entertainment

with Awesome Alfie

• 4.30pm-5.15pm |

Rainbow Bingo with Sam

• 5.30pm-7.15pm | Live music

with Supersaurus

• 7.15pm-8pm | 80s Mania

with DJ Neil Povey

• 8pm-9pm | Live

music with Moss Casa

• 9pm-10pm |

Performance by Fonda Cox

• 10pm-11pm | Live

music with Moss Casa

• 11pm-Midnight | Music

by DJ Neil Povey

Town councillor and co-organiser,

Mary Laxton said: “I am delighted

to again be part of the next Stand

Proud in Hailsham event this

summer. I’d encourage people from

Hailsham and beyond to mark the

date in their diary and go along to the

special event to celebrate diversity

and stand in solidarity with our

LGBT+ community, plus enjoy the

various food, drinks, activities and

entertainment available on the day!

“By hosting events such as

this, we are all underlining our

commitment to being an inclusive

town and we hope to see lots of

people joining in with all the fun as

we all come together to celebrate

Pride and equality.

“The sunshine brought out a

constant flow of visitors at last year’s

inaugural Stand Proud event at the

White Hart, averaging around 300

people on site at any one time. Our

hosts and all other invited guests were

so well received, and the free event

welcomed an audience from all walks

of life, including families with their

children earlier in the day, as well as

older adults and young people. We

were proud to provide a safe space for

all to feel welcome.

“This year, we are again setting

out to achieve a welcoming festival

vibe and I’m grateful to the Town

Council for its funding towards the

event, as well as other sponsors and

the White Hart team for helping us

to achieve our aim of an inclusive

people-oriented festival. We are

looking forward to doing it all again

this coming June.”

GIRLS from Girl Guide units

from across Weald Division,

stretching from Hailsham,

Heathfield and Uckfield and

surrounding areas, gathered

in town recently to celebrate

World Thinking Day.

The day of activities took girls

on a tour of the Girlguiding

five world centres, including

craft activities and dressing up

in traditional dress of the five

different countries.

World Thinking Day is

celebrated by all Girl Guides

and Girl Scouts Associations

across the world and celebrates

its Founders Day.

Girlguiding is for all girls and

allows a girls-only space for young

women to experience adventures,

face challenges and serve

the community.

Local units need volunteers

to help create these inspiring

opportunities for girls. They have

positions available for everyone

from helping for one-off occasions

like parking helpers or behind the

scenes opportunities.

If you would like to find out more,

email: girlguidinghailsham

district@gmail.com

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10 NEWS

MARCH 2025


Moving vigil held

to mark three

years since Russia

invaded Ukraine

PHOTOS: PAUL GIBSON

MEMBERS of the Ukrainian

community and supporters

gathered in Hailsham recently to

mark three years since the start of

the war in their country.

The town’s Mayor, Councillor Paul

Holbrook, along with Phyllida Fane

de Salis, Retired Deputy Lieutenant

of East Sussex, laid wreaths and the

War Memorial alongside people from

the local Ukrainian community and

supporters at a moving vigil.

The event was held to remember

those who are currently fighting and

those who have lost their lives in the

Ukraine conflict.

The event started with prayers

by Reverend Rory Graham which

was followed by a welcome by East

Sussex County Councillor, Steve

Murphy, who organised the event

alongside the Hailsham branch

of the Association of Ukrainians

in Great Britain.

The crowd then heard from a

number of Ukrainian nationals who

read poems and addressed the event

with their experiences of the conflict.

A minute silence was held at 7pm.

Simon Rooksby, Chairman of

Computers for Charities (CfC), based

in Hailsham, has been supporting

Ukraine since the start of the war

by collecting and delivering aid

to the country.

He said: “We have supported the

association since 2023, primarily

providing a safe place for Children

& Adults adapting to UK culture. and

seeks to provide additional support

& resources to aid other local &

displaced people in the area through

its hub meeting place.

“CfC has operated since 1994, not

just computers, but people and

organisations locally, nationally

and worldwide remain our priority.

Hence, when approached by the

Ukrainian Association, we were

happy to assist by sharing our

facilities for meetings and support for

almost two years now. Plus going into

Ukraine as well!”

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Free parking in 100+ space carpark opposite the shop.

12 NEWS

MARCH 2025


Youth Service

celebrates silver

anniversary in style

A SPECIAL celebration was

held recently to mark the

25th Anniversary of the

Hailsham Youth Service.

The Service has been funded

and managed by Hailsham Town

Council since February 2000

to provide young people in the

local area with opportunities

to develop social, physical and

emotional and awareness.

Since then, the service has had an

impact on the lives of thousands of

young people in Hailsham and the

surrounding area and has grown

from one operational base into

an expanded network of services

which operate throughout the

local community.

Town Mayor, Councillor Paul

Holbrook said: “The 25th anniversary

of the youth project marks over

two decades of hard work and solid

achievement of these aims.

“The development of the Town

Council’s youth projects since

2000 proves that there are ample

opportunities for developing

partnerships with other agencies

to provide innovative work with

individuals or groups of young people.

The event was a good opportunity

for people to see how successful the

introduction of this youth facility and

its continual expansion has been!”

Youth Service Manager, Andy Joyes

said: “It has been a pleasure to lead

and develop Hailsham Youth Service

from the very beginning — and

to work with such amazing youth

workers. Everyone’s positive attitude

and obvious enjoyment in working

with young people has ensured

that HYS has gone from strength to

strength since its launch.

“We have had great support

from the Town Council, which

has backed us all the way, and

the various projects we have

undertaken in partnership with

other youth agencies have been

particularly enjoyable too. We have

had a considerable impact on our

community by providing advice and

support, community engagement,

and working towards the

empowerment of our local youth.”

He added: “As we celebrate the

25th Anniversary milestone, I want

to extend my gratitude to the young

people, families, youth workers,

Town Council officers and volunteers

who all have a part to play in this

incredible journey. I hope that

young people will continue to enjoy

everything Hailsham Youth Service

has to offer in years to come.”

HYS currently operates various

club and activity sessions for

young people, including those

that are based at the Station Youth

Centre (the Service’s new base of

operations, incorporating ‘The

Underground’), as well as Hellingly

Youth Hub and Monday Youth Hub

sessions on weekdays.

Additional services include ‘On

Track Hailsham’ which caters

for young people with special

educational needs, Network@The

Station for 18-25s and the ‘Friday

Night Project’, which organises

a varied line-up of free and lowcost

recreational activities on

Friday evenings.

Regardless of background,

gender or culture, young people

can expect a safe, supportive, fun

and non-judgmental environment

at all of the Service centres and

through its various activities and

advisory services.

For more information on the

Hailsham Youth Service, visit

hailshamyouthservice.org or

call 01323 841702.

Youth Leader Andy Joyes thanks the

council and volunteers for their support

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham MARCH 2025 NEWS 13

Hospice funding crisis

forces caregivers to rely

on legacy donations

EVERY year, hospices care for

300,000 people and support

60,000 family members, carers

and friends, free of charge

across the country.

A campaign has highlighted the

difficulties faced by six hospices

across Sussex as they find it

increasingly difficult to fund care, as

government support only goes a third

of the way to ensuring patients get the

help they deserve.

A TV campaign recently aired

and featured stories from hospices

and highlighted the breadth of care

and how the sector supports both

the patient and their loved ones, in

hospices and in the community.

143 hospices across England,

Wales and Scotland have signed

up to the campaign and it has been

implemented by Hospice UK.

Six Sussex-based hospices, St

Catherine’s Hospice, St Wilfrid’s

Hospice, St Barnabas House,

children’s hospice Chestnut Tree

House, Martlets and St Michael’s

Hospice joined together for the

“This is Hospice Care” national

collaboration between 143 hospices

across England, Scotland and Wales,

brought together by Hospice UK.

They all claim they are facing

‘unprecedented financial challenges’.

The campaign aimed to raise

awareness of hospice services,

shift public perceptions of hospice

care and educate people about

the importance of gifts in Wills in

providing sustainable income for

hospice charities.

Karen Clarke, CEO of St Michael’s

Hospice said, “We were thrilled to be

part of this important campaign that

highlights the critical work hospices

do and the lasting impact that gifts in

Wills can have.”

Jo Brand, who’s brother was

supported by the Hospice said; “My

lovely brother Bill died at St Michael’s

Hospice in 2021, and it proved to be a

welcome sanctuary for us as a family

at the end of his life.

“I’m so grateful for the kindness

and care shown to us by the hospice

staff and that’s why I’m delighted to

be supporting such an important

cause. Legacy gifts, no matter how

small, make a huge difference – so

I’d encourage you all to consider

supporting your local hospice.”

For St Wilfrid’s Hospice in

Eastbourne, gifts in wills pay for the

care of one in three patients.

CEO Colin Twomey said: “Gifts in

wills are crucial to our survival and

growth. Our care is free at the point

of use. But, while we receive some

government funding, more than

70% of the money we need to provide

this vital care each year comes from

generous donors.

“Hospice care is everything

you’d expect, and everything you

wouldn’t. At St Wilfrid’s we enable

people across Eastbourne, Seaford,

Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield (and

all points between) to live well at

the end of life.

“This might mean offering expert

medical and nursing care to ease

a person’s pain and symptoms at

home, in local care homes, or at

the hospice. It might also mean

supporting their spiritual needs,

providing them with the tools they

need to stay mobile, or helping them

with the practicalities of living with

an illness. And it means looking after

their families and carers, before and

after someone dies.

“All of these services are vital, and

it would be devastating to have to

reduce our care to patients. Which

is why we hope local people will be

inspired by the campaign to leave a

gift in their will to their local hospice

and make sure we can be here for

many years to come.”

COME AND TRY THE BEST IN TOWN!

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Find us at 11 Dipocks Buildings , Diplocks

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Visit online at diplockscafe.co.uk

14 NEWS

MARCH 2025


Trevor Weeks MBE with stepmother, Wendy and father, John at Buckingham Palace

Trevor examines a swan thought to have been shot from Eastbourne

Trevor co-ordinating the rescue of Swans at Hove Lagoon in 2005

Celebrating 40 Years of Wildlife

Rescue: The Journey of Trevor

Weeks MBE, and WRAS

THIS year, East Sussex Wildlife

Rescue & Ambulance Service

(WRAS) celebrates two

extraordinary milestones: 40 years

of founder Trevor Weeks’ tireless

dedication to wildlife conservation

and the 30th anniversary

of WRAS itself.

From its humble beginnings as

a volunteer effort to becoming an

award-winning charity, WRAS now

plays a vital role in supporting both

wildlife and the community.

FROM TEENAGE VOLUNTEER

TO WILDLIFE PIONEER

Trevor’s journey began at just 13

years old when he joined Eastbourne

Conservation Volunteers. His first

rescue mission, retrieving two oilcovered

guillemots from the beach at

Cow Gap, ignited a passion that would

shape his life.

Over the next decade, Trevor

honed his skills, learning from

established groups and individuals

while balancing his career as a

computer programmer.

In 1996, Trevor formalised his

efforts by founding WRAS after

being challenged by a local vet,

Robin Hooper, to address mounting

veterinary bills. A public meeting

in Hailsham led to the creation of a

voluntary group with a clear mission:

provide professional, ethical care for

injured wildlife.

DECADES OF GROWTH

AND IMPACT

Over the past 30 years, WRAS has

evolved significantly. Originally a

small operation run from homes and

gardens, the organisation faced the

challenge of inadequate facilities to

meet growing demand. In response,

WRAS opened its first independent

casualty centre in 2006, moving to a

Trevor with the Wartling Pink Swan

larger site in Whitesmith in 2008.

Today, the centre is equipped to

handle up to 450 animals at a time and

manages over 6,500 cases annually.

WRAS receives over 30,000 calls each

Trevor with Tom Heap from Animal 247 in 2008

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham MARCH 2025 NEWS 15

Trevor rescuing newts on a

development site in Hailsham, 1991

Trevor Weeks assisting Gary Tredwell to treat

oiled birds at Sea Empress oil spill in 1996

Trevor with a Hedgehog at WRAS’s Casualty Centre

Oiled Guillemot in Eastbourne, February 2005

Hedgehog rescue in Alfriston, June 2012

Trevor and Tony rescuing an entangled albino stag near Mayfield

WRAS Trevor rescuing a Stag

year, many concerning sick, injured,

trapped, or orphaned wildlife that

require the expertise of WRAS’s

specialised team for safe rescue,

as improper handling can lead to

serious injury.

WRAS’s success is rooted in its

team of nine full-time staff and over

200 volunteers. These dedicated

individuals provide a wide range of

services, from feeding and cleaning

casualties to conducting complex

rescue operations. Despite this, the

charity’s resources are stretched thin,

with facilities often at capacity during

peak seasons. WRAS’s current centre

becomes full every summer and is

outdated, according to the charity.

It desperately needs to expand

and update its hospital facilities

to become more efficient and

cost-effective. Without raising

significantly more funds, WRAS is

struggling to secure its future and has

launched an Anniversary Appeal to

fund a modernised wildlife hospital

and rescue charity for the area.

Trevor’s unwavering commitment

has not been without personal

sacrifice. Over the years, he has faced

physical and emotional challenges,

including burnout and a diagnosis

of complex PTSD. Nevertheless,

Trevor has persevered, driven by his

mission to prevent suffering for both

wildlife and people.

Trevor said: “More individuals are

finding sick, injured, orphaned, and

dying wildlife due to the increasing

pressures of urban development

and habitat loss. At WRAS, we

work tirelessly to restore balance -

helping wildlife adapt and recover

while supporting people who

experience the emotional toll of

these encounters.

“By aiding injured animals,

addressing human-wildlife

challenges, and promoting local

biodiversity, we play a vital role in

sustaining both our community and

natural heritage. However, we cannot

do it without the support of the public

and local businesses. We are a vital

community service,”

To commemorate its 30th

anniversary, WRAS is calling on the

community to support its mission by

donating to its Anniversary Appeal.

Trevor will undertake an 80-mile

fundraising trek across East Sussex

in March over 11 days, starting from

Bewl Water on the Kent border and

travelling across East Sussex. The

trek will finish on Friday 28th March

on Eastbourne Seafront, where a

celebration event is being held at the

Cumberland Hotel.

The funds raised will go towards

building a state-of-the-art wildlife

hospital, ensuring WRAS can

continue its vital work for decades to

come. Other events in the pipeline

include a Founders Raffle and an

Unusual Quiz Night.

For more information or to

donate, scan the QR

code or visit: https://

wildlifeambulance.org/

anniversary-appeal-2025/

Cleaning out Hailsham

Common Pond late 1980s

Wartling Swan release in January 2015

Trevor searching for oiled seabirds

16 REGULARS

MARCH 2025


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!

DIPLOCKS CAFÉ: THE 30-MINUTE

CHALLENGE & CULINARY WINS

AFTER a long day, one of those where

you barely get time to stop, the last

thing we fancied was cooking. Bellies

were rumbling, the sun was going

down — grabbing a supermarket meal

deal? Not tonight. Since we were

in the area, we thought we’d give

Diplocks Café a try.

I’d heard plenty of great things, loads

of glowing reviews, but at the end of the

day, it’s just a café, right? Well, that’s

what I assumed. I wasn’t expecting

anything out of the ordinary — just

a quick, no-fuss meal so we could

eat and get home.

First Impressions? — Inside, it’s bigger

than you’d think. Spacious, clean, and

well laid out — none of that cramming

tables together just to fit more people

in. Then we spotted the menu — and

suddenly, expectations started shifting.

Full English, omelettes, burgers, grills,

jacket potatoes, pizzas, even a Sunday

roast. They’ve thought of everything,

even catering for allergies. But what

really caught my eye?

The 30-minute fry-up challenge

plastered on the wall — a monster

breakfast for £25, and if you manage

to finish it solo, you get your money

back — of course, this is completely

unachievable, but I can imagine the

entertainment value of watching

someone attempt it!

On to the food — We ordered a couple

of pizzas — Bucharest (gammon,

mozzarella, winter salami, fresh sweet

jalapeños, chilli base, dried chillies) and

Meat-Za-Ball (Moroccan meatballs,

pepperoni, sweetcorn, ghost mix

pepper). Both 12.5” and only £9.99 each.

Also grabbed a garlic pizza with cheese

(£6.99) and a few milkshakes.

Now, I’ll be honest — I wasn’t expecting

much. How many times have you

ordered a pizza, thinking it’ll be decent,

only to be met with a soggy bottom?

Too many. But these? Spot on. Perfectly

cooked, great balance of toppings,

packed with flavour. You can tell they

actually care about what they’re serving,

rather than just throwing together

whatever’s easiest. And the garlic

pizza bread? Best I’ve had. No contest.

Proper garlicky, crisp, and just the right

amount of cheese — not overloaded, not

dry, just perfect.

Service? Couldn’t fault it — The staff

were brilliant — way more attentive than

you’d expect in a place like this. Friendly,

happy to have a chat, and nothing was

too much trouble. That kind of service

makes a real difference, especially when

you’re tired and hungry.

Extras? A nice surprise — They

had garlic sauce, BBQ sauce, and a

homemade chilli sauce that was next

level. You could tell it was properly

homemade — thick, full of flavour,

none of that thin, watery bottled stuff.

We also got a fresh Turkish salad, and

when I say fresh, I mean fresh — zingy,

vibrant, and the perfect contrast to the

richness of the pizzas.

They’ve thought of everything —

Doesn’t matter what you fancy, they’ve

got something for everyone. And it’s not

just about the food — they genuinely

look after people.

They offer free kids’ meals up

to age four (just pay for a drink)

and special OAP pricing, which I’ll

definitely be mentioning to my Nan!

You don’t see customer service like

this in many places, especially at

these prices. It’s clear they value their

customers, and that alone makes it

worth supporting.

Fancy a night in? No problem — One

thing I didn’t expect? How busy their

takeaway service was. While we were

eating, there were constant streams

of people coming in and out, picking

up their orders. And if you don’t fancy

leaving the house? They deliver!

So you can still enjoy all this fantastic

food from the comfort of your own home

— what’s better than that?

Coming back? Absolutely — I’m

definitely coming back. Nial was telling

me about some of his plans for the

future, and I can’t wait to see how this

place expands and grows. It’s clear

they’re onto something great here, and I

reckon this is just the beginning.

FINAL THOUGHTS? — Great food,

great service, great prices. You can’t ask

for much more than that.

Diplocks Café, 11 Diplocks Buildings,

Diplocks Way, Hailsham. BN27 3JF

Tel: 01323 370495

www.diplockscafe.co.uk

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

OPEN EVERY WED & SAT IN MARCH

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

and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

“MARCH brings breezes loud and shrill, stirs the dancing daffodil.” ― Sara Coleridge

WELCOME to this month of March,

which represents the transition period

between winter and spring. We can

expect both cold and warm periods

this month and we will joyfully notice

the reawakening of nature and the

blossoming of flowers and new life

bringing with them hope and the

prospect of fresh starts.

I always vow to plant more bulbs

and corms in March as they provide

reliable colour and will return year on

year-unless the squirrels find them that

is! So let us have a look at the different

species for planting right now.

Cyclamen corms should have been

planted in the autumn but, fear not,

there are all manner of tempting

pre-planted pots of cyclamen flowers

to be found in your local nursery right

now. Do check that these are the hardy

species before popping them into your

beds and border though, the larger

flowered types are generally tender.

You want Cyclamen coum, sometimes

referred to as the eastern cyclamen,

with its shades of pink white and lilac.

Hardy cyclamen are among the

longest-lived of garden plants. A

cyclamen corm will keep itself going for

more years than its owner is likely to

Cyclamen coum in the front

garden. Photo: John Glover

live. They will grow under trees-even

conifers, and they seed themselves

around so charmingly. This they do via

an unusual method involving twiddling a

kind of corkscrew or coil to project their

seeds from its capsule when ripe.

The seeds, however, are not flung far

and wide as you would imagine, but they

gently drop right onto the parent corm

which appears odd until one realises

that there are always ants, waiting in

the wings, ready to hurry off with the

seeds until not one is left.

Martagon lilies are excellent subjects

for naturalising and we have them

growing here in the Woodland Garden.

The bulbs can be planted either in the

autumn or the spring, but in our heavy

clay they do better in a spring planting.

They like to be grown in full sun and

a sunny woodland glade is perfect. The

Lilium martagon

true species grows from Europe to

Mongolia, but breeders now offer a

variety of different colours in addition

to the mauve, pink and purple species

Lilium martagon or its pure white form.

Personally, I really like the cultivar

‘Arabian Night’ which bears a mass

of bright orange flowers all mottled

and speckled with a deep mahogany,

I also love the deep crimson that is

‘Claude Shride’

These lilies are totally hardy and need

to be planted 50-20cms deep in groups

for best effect. The leaves are long, lance

shaped and hairy on their undersides. In

early summer the flowering spikes grow

to 1.5m or, when established, perhaps

a little more. The flowers can number

as many as 50 from a single bulb. They

are nodding or, as their common name

suggests ‘Turks Cap’.

Who likes Gladioli? These are divisive

plants; they go in and out of fashion

but I’m predicting that they are coming

back in for 2025. You heard it here first.

These plants definitely have the Wow

Factor, they are majestic both in the

garden and in a vase. There are so many

to choose from, here are a couple;

Gladiolus ‘Velvet Eyes’ is a sumptuous,

rich purple red overlaid with crimson

in the three central petals. Gorgeous

and adds a sense of luxury to your

colour palette.

Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus

works well as a more low key affair,

growing to 90cm with fine swordshaped

leaves and deep magenta,

funnel shaped flowers from late spring

to early summer.

We enjoy welcoming our visitors

to the Garden by creating cut flower

displays using home grown material.

Ranunculus are grown more and more

now for this very reason and now is the

time to get them in the ground.

Ranunculus range from hardy, low

growing perennials, useful in borders

or meadows, to buttercups that thrive

on the edge of ponds and streams. The

satin-like petals of the luxurious Persian

buttercups are ideal in containers, they

will do well in damp soil that gets the

sun for the majority of the day.

Ranunculus have in the past, been

difficult to grow organically as the old

cultivars suffer from mildew early in

the season. However, the breeders have

been busy, and I love the new series

called ‘Butterfly’. These look rather like

miniature magnolia flowers, each stem

bears around 12 flowers and they last

for ages in water. My favourites are

‘Theseus’, a peachy pink single variety,

and ‘Lycia’ which has an ethereal

quality to it. Find a sheltered spot

for them so that you can enjoy them

all summer long.

While we are on the subject, I

recommend finding a sheltered spot for

yourself as well. March winds blow!

There will be an extra opportunity

for you to come along for a visit to

Bates Green Garden in March. As well

as our usual Wednesday and Saturday

openings, we will be open on Sunday,

March 9th in aid of the fantastic

National Gardens Scheme. Please come

and support this worthwhile charity, we

will have Cancer Research UK providing

their usual high-quality refreshments in

the Barn too. I’ll see you there!

Enjoy your early spring gardens.

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FOODIES FESTIVAL will visit Preston Park, Brighton, from

3rd – 5th May across the Bank Holiday Weekend, serving up

a star-studded line-up of TV, celebrity and award-winning

chefs, and chart-topping music stars, including Pixie Lott,

Scouting For Girls and The Wanted 2.0 with Max George and

Siva Kaneswaren.

This VIP Weekend Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children),

worth £360, will get you fast-track entry, private bar with

waiter service, a glass of fizz, priority tickets to theatre

tickets, private toilets, refreshments and you’ll get to

see Pixie Lott perform some of her popular hit songs. See

how to enter the raffle at the bottom of this page.

Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the three-day event at Preston

Park in Brighton on 3rd, 4th and 5th May, will feature

live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs

drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake

Off and Great British Menu, plus many of the region’s most

highly acclaimed Michelin and award-winning chefs.

Early star announcements in the live theatres include: Great

British Bake Off winner, Matty Edgell, MasterChef champions,

Chariya Khattiyot, Tom Rhodes and Dhruv Baker,

MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Steven Edwards and

2024 finalist, Ritchie Stainsby, television personality and

Michelin starred chef, Atul Kochhar, and Channel 4 bread

expert, Jack Sturgess.

Highly acclaimed award-winning regional chefs, include:

Will Dennard and Jack Southern from Med, named Best

Local Restaurant in the South East, Head Chef, Peter

Dantanus, from Burnt Orange Restaurant, Head Chef Mark

Charker, from The Jolly Tanners, Chef-Patron Johnny Stanford,

from Tern in Worthing, Head Chef, Oscar Kirkpatrick,

from Riddle and Finns and Chef-Patron, Lee Parsons, from

The Parsons Table, Arundel.

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CLOSING DATE 15TH APRIL AT MIDNIGHT. OVER 18S ONLY.

Headlining the music stage: Multi-platinum selling festival

favourites, Scouting For Girls, performing a set full of their

many top 40 hits. The Wanted 2.0 with Max George and Siva

Kaneswaren present the next chapter in the history of The

Wanted, one of Britain’s biggest-ever pop bands, achieving

over 20 million record sales worldwide and topping the

charts multiple times. And, Pixie Lott, who’s notched up 3

number 1 hits, secured four Brit nominations and won two

MTV EMA awards. Pixie has also judged The Voice Kids and

appeared as a guest judge on The X Factor.

Visitors will enjoy a jam-packed schedule in the interactive

live theatres. In the Chef’s Theatre, celebrities will create their

signature dishes and share new tips and tricks, whilst in the

Cake & Desserts Theatre, patisserie chefs and star bakers

whip up showstoppers and offer tempting sweet treats. In

the Kids Cookery School, Foodies SuperChefs make cooking

fun, helping younger guests to prepare delicious food which

they can take away and enjoy.

Masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre include tutored Champagne,

Beer, Cider, Cocktail and Wine-tasting with experts

including BBC and ITV presenters, Tom Surgey and Joe

Wadsack

Browse the latest food trends in the Shopping Village, meet

local producers in the Artisan Market and taste exotic and

unusual new dishes in the Feasting Tent – which features a

mouth-watering range of street food and delicacies from all

four corners of the globe.

See how to enter the raffle at the bottom of this page.

Preston Park, Brighton, 3rd, 4th, 5th May 2025.

Earlybird tickets from £6 (child) and £21 (adult).

Under 6 go free . foodiesfestival.com

18

MARCH 2025


WIN WIN WIN

A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE IDEAL HOME SHOW 2025

The UK’s longest-running show will be returning to Kensington

this Spring for its 117th year.

The Ideal Home Show will feature the ‘Ideal Home, designed by

the experts’, an inspiring show home and gardens drawing on the

design expertise of a team of celebrity designers and architects.

The show features the latest in interior design trends and

inspiration, with a jam-packed programme of stage talks and live

demos by industry experts and TV personalities.

We have a pair of adult tickets to win by three lucky readers

for the show which kicks off on 21st March until 6th April at

London’s Olympia. See details on how to win at the end of the

article.

This year, you can step into the Ideal Home, designed by the

experts, the largest and most inspiring show home to date. Styled

in association with Good Homes Magazine, the Ideal Home Show

celebrity experts have highlighted the newest trends in home

and garden décor, featuring the latest products from top brands

to help add the perfect finishing touches to your living space.

Visit the Spring Clean area to explore a huge range of products

and solutions to declutter and reorganise your space. From

kitchen gadgets to wardrobe organisers and storage systems, the

Spring Clean section has it all.

You can also find your favourite cleaning celebrities and

influencers live on the Spring Clean Stage who will share their

top tips, tricks and hacks to keeping a spotless home.

Many famous faces from TV screens and beyond will be in attendance

to give live talks and demonstrations. You will hear valuable

advice from all your favourite celebrity guests on home design,

interior trends and more. The lineup will be revealed in full soon.

Visitors can also book a free 30-minute slot for an Expert Advice

session, where you can consult with specialists in a range of

home areas including interior design, gardening, landscaping

and architecture. Bring along your plans, blueprints or questions

for the experts to answer.

For a truly memorable Ideal Home Show experience, join the

hands-on craft workshops led by skilled artisans. The interactive

workshops cater to all skill levels, helping you to learn new

techniques and enhance your creativity.

Visitors can also enjoy the Eat & Drink Festival, where you can

sample, shop and taste flavours from around the world. Take a

walk around to discover the best produce, gadgets and meals all

under one roof.

To win a pair of tickets to the show, simply

answer the question below:

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE VENUE WHERE

THE IDEAL HOME SHOW IS HELD IN LONDON?

Email your answer with your full name, contact

number to: comps@hailsham.news

Entries close on 15th March 2025 at 9pm. Three winners (3 pairs of tickets)

will be drawn at random and will be contacted via email or SMS by 9am

on 16th March. A code will be supplied for the ticket collection. The prize

does not include any travel or food expenses.

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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham MARCH 2025 REGULARS 19

HAILSHAM ACTIVE with Steve Wennington

ONE BIG STEP FORWARD FOR OUR SPORTS

TEAMS AND HAILSHAM TOWN COUNCIL

THOSE of you

who follow these

articles know we

have campaigned

for better support

for our sports

teams and

their facilities.

Well, last month

we asked the

council to consider

Steve Wennington a proposal to

waive charges for our children playing

organised sports on recreation grounds

(as is the case at Hellingly).

Fortunately, your local councillors (on

the Assets team), voted to support our

proposition, much to the relief of our

local junior football teams.

This is the first step in recognising

the value of our community, grassroots

sports teams, and indeed any sport

or recreation activity organised

by volunteers for the benefit

of our community.

Often when an organisation is kept at

‘arm’s length’ from a decision-making

body, the discussion becomes about

‘the cost’ of supporting the organisation

without understanding the real

community benefits, including financial.

Our campaign (Hailsham Active and

indeed Hailsham Forward), has been

to highlight the benefits of sport and

recreation space to our community and

try and get our local councillors to focus

on the bigger picture.

A couple of new councillors have

certainly been proactive with this and

we are very grateful for their positive

intervention and action.

They have seen what our junior

football clubs bring to the town. It is not

just about success on the football field

(although there is great talent, boys

and girls), it is the social interaction of

parents, friends and grandparents.

It is the linking of the business

community that often keep these

struggling clubs alive with donations

and indeed upkeep of facilities (far

better than the council can ever

hope to achieve).

We still have a way to go in our

process, because stage one is for

council(s) to recognise they can and

should support clubs whenever and

1

32

however they can.

Stage two is to share a vision

of opportunity.

Will Wealden hand over the Maurice

Thornton Recreation Ground to

Hailsham Town Council?

The situation is fairly ridiculous (unless

you are a bureaucrat or solicitor, in which

case, ‘fill your boots’ as they say!).

The current situation is that Wealden

owns the Maurice Thornton Recreation

ground. It sub-let it to Hailsham Town

Council for a nominal rent (Circa £1000

pa I believe), which is crazy, as Hailsham

Town Council is also responsible for

the upkeep. Hailsham Town Council,

then sub-lets it further to Hailsham

United football club.

Five years ago, we found out that the

lease from Wealden DC to Hailsham

TC had 17 years left to run. For those

not involved in sport, that may seem

like a good period of time. The reality

is that for any major grants from the

Lottery of Sport England, they need to

see a lease of at least 30 years. The fact

that neither Hailsham Town Council

or WDC appeared not to be aware of

this fact probably says an awful lot

about their view/knowledge on local

s a v e

sport at that time.

Initially, we set about trying to extend

the lease to at least 50 years and got

approval from Wealden about 4 years

ago. Since then, it has been locked in

a legal dispute. We suggested a very

simple community-based solution.

Why don’t Wealden, hand over the land

to Hailsham Town Council?

Thus removing an onerous

administration burden from Wealden

and Hailsham (at great cost to the

council tax payer..). After all, if the land

is to remain a recreation ground in

perpetuity, it has no value. In fact, lets

protect the land and hand it over ‘Fields

in Trust’ which does exactly that, it

protects it in perpetuity as a recreation

ground for the community.

To be fair to Hailsham Town Council

they have adopted this principle for

Western road rec and the country

park, so the precedent is set, well

done Hailsham TC.

Also, four years ago, the then leader

of Wealden, assured me the land could

be transferred. (I double checked

with him recently and he is still of

the same opinion)

Unfortunately for me, my persistence

in chasing down this simple solution has

single fares

for just

eastsussex.gov.uk

/bus-fares

landed me in trouble with the Wealden

executive team. In fact, I am no longer

allowed to contact any member of

Wealden, with the exception of one

person in the senior management team.

Now, I want to make it very clear,

the vast majority of people working for

Wealden give us massive support (they

love our town as much as we do) and

indeed, provide us with very useful and

positive information.

We do hope the elected leaders of

Wealden will be able to direct their

officers in an appropriate manner for the

long-term protection of our community

and in particular, The Maurice Thornton

Playing Fields. Any local (Hailsham)

Wealden District Councilor that wants to

contact me on this, please do.

BACK TO THE POSITIVE

Netball in Hailsham? There are two

amazing netball projects that have

started this year.

Juniors — primary school years 3-6.

Join Sharon Champion and her team on

Tuesday evenings 5pm-6.30pm at the

James West Centre.

14 year-old to any age, Bloom Netball,

fun and games on a Monday evening at

HCC 6.30pm–9pm.

£1, £2 £3 or

find out more:

on buses

in East Sussex

20 COMMERCE UPDATE

MARCH 2025


HAILSHAM AND DISTRICT

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE

BIG BUSINESS BREAKFAST

— THURSDAY 6 MARCH

START your day with inspiring

talks, fresh connections, and

valuable business insights. The

Big Business Breakfast is a mustattend

event for local professionals

looking to expand their network

and grow their businesses.

Date: Thursday, 6 March

Time: 7:30am

Location: Wellshurst Golf &

Country Club, North Street,

Hailsham, BN27 4EE

This event promises excellent

networking opportunities, a

delicious breakfast, and engaging

presentations. It’s the perfect

occasion to meet fellow local business

owners, share ideas, and make lasting

connections. The event is free to

attend, but registration is required, so

be sure to book your spot early.

BOOK NOW: bit.ly/HDCC-Meetings

SPECIAL GUEST

SPEAKERS AT THE BIG

BUSINESS BREAKFAST

At this month’s Big Business Breakfast,

we are excited to welcome Chantel

Lass and Nicola Walters, Head of

Planning Policy, Economy & Climate

Change at Wealden District Council.

They will share valuable insights

on local economic development,

the planning policies that impact

businesses, and sustainability

initiatives that can help you stay ahead

of the curve. Their knowledge and

expertise are sure to be invaluable for

any local business looking to expand

and thrive in a changing environment.

A special thank you to:

• Clive Soper – President

• Andrew Rannie – Vice President

• Viktoria Cowley – Secretary

• Lucy Fenner – Treasurer

• Ryley Warwick –

Social Media Manager

• James Golding – Website Manager

• Sam Beale – Events Manager

• Roy Smith – Feature

Speaker Manager

• Donna St-Claire – Charity

Liaison Officer

• Mark Hallett –

Committee Member

• Colin Slaughter –

Committee Member

Their continued dedication plays an

instrumental role in the Chamber’s

ongoing success, and we’re excited to

see how they will continue to shape

the future of Hailsham businesses.

Thank you all for your hard work

and commitment!

ANNUAL GENERAL

MEETING - 19 MARCH 2025

Don’t miss your chance to attend

the Hailsham & District Chamber of

Commerce Annual General Meeting.

This is an opportunity to reflect on

the Chamber’s achievements over the

past year and look forward to exciting

developments in the coming months.

Date: Wednesday, 19 March

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Wellshurst

Golf & Country Club

The AGM will feature a special

presentation from the committee,

offering insights into upcoming

initiatives and how you can get

involved in shaping the future of

the Chamber. Your participation

and feedback are crucial to the

ongoing success of our local

business community.

REGISTER NOW: https://

hailshamchamber.co.uk/blog/joinus-at-our-agm-2025/

THERE’S STILL TIME!

Hailsham & District areas and would

like to contribute your expertise,

ideas, or passion for supporting

local businesses, this is your

opportunity to get involved! Your

voice and involvement can make a

real difference.

For more details:

bit.ly/HDCC-AGM25

2024-2025 CHAMBER

AWARDS – CAST

YOUR VOTES!

The Chamber Awards are back, and

we’re recognising those businesses

and individuals who have gone above

and beyond to make a difference in

our community. Categories include:

• Top Contributor 2024-2025

• Top 60 Seconds 2024-2025

• Top Newcomer 2024-2025

• Unwavering

Commitment 2024-2025

• Small Business Award 2024-2025

• Large Business Award 2024-2025

• Outstanding Young

Achiever 2024-2025

• Community Champion 2024-2025

Voting is now open, and we encourage

all Chamber members to have their

say in celebrating the best in our local

business community. You can cast

your votes here. A special thanks to

Henners Vineyard and ArtChocolat for

generously sponsoring the awards.

VOTE NOW: bit.ly/HDCC-AGM-Vote

CHAMBER EVENTS:

FIT HUB BOWL OFF

at the Fit Hub’s Bowl Off! Whether

you’re a seasoned bowler or just want

to join in the fun, this event is a great

way to connect with fellow Chamber

members in a relaxed setting. It’s all

about fostering community spirit and

strengthening business relationships

in an enjoyable atmosphere.

Date: Wednesday, 5 March

Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Hailsham Freedom Leisure

With limited spaces available,

be sure to secure your spot early.

This event is expected to be a

popular one, and we look forward

to seeing as many members as

possible on the lanes.

MORE DETAILS: bit.ly/

HDCC-Fit-Hub-Bowling

NEW MEMBERS:

WELCOME TO MANLEY

BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

We are pleased to

welcome Manley

Bookkeeping Services

to the Chamber.

Founded by Melanie

Essex, the company provides expert

bookkeeping and accounting services

to small businesses and sole traders

throughout East Sussex. We look

forward to the fresh ideas and energy

they will bring to our community.

2025 BIG BUSINESS

BREAKFAST DATES

Be sure to add the following dates to

your calendar for the upcoming Big

Business Breakfast events:

• Thursday, 3 April

• Thursday, 1 May

• Thursday, 5 June

These breakfasts are the perfect

opportunity to meet new contacts,

discuss business opportunities, and

stay informed on local developments.

We encourage all members to attend

and make the most of these valuable

networking opportunities.

MAXIMISE YOUR

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Make sure you’re getting the most

out of your Chamber membership.

If you have marketing content or an

upcoming event, let us know! You

can email your content to ryley@

hailshamchamber.co.uk, and we’ll

help promote it across our social

media platforms to give your business

an extra boost.

STAY IN THE LOOP WITH US!

Stay updated with all the latest

Chamber news, events, and

networking opportunities by signing

up for our newsletter. You’ll receive

important business insights, member

spotlights, and more directly to your

inbox. If you’re already subscribed but

aren’t receiving updates, check your

junk folder! And feel free to forward

this to someone who might benefit

from signing up as well.

SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/HDCC-Subscribe

THANK YOU TO OUR

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

AHEAD OF THE AGM

As we approach the upcoming

Hailsham & District Chamber of

Commerce AGM, we’d like to take

a moment to express our sincere

thanks for the unwavering support

of our current Committee Members.

Their dedication and hard work are

vital to the success of the Chamber,

and we’re incredibly grateful for

everything they do to support the local

business community.

Think you could add something

unique to the committee? If you’re

in business and live or work in the

Join us for a fun and informal evening

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham MARCH 2025 REGULARS 21

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22 REGULARS

MARCH 2025


Susan’s Romance

EASTBOURNE-BASED, Debut novelist,

is highlighting the plight of the relatives

of people who have dementia and warns

youngsters about the disastrous bladder

complications of Ketamine abuse,

in a new book.

Christopher Hall is devastated when his

beloved wife of over forty years doesn’t

recognise him and their children, Adam and

Meryl. Adding insult to injury, she develops a

romantic relationship with Joseph Connolly,

a resident in the Good Hope Nursing Home

where she is being looked after. Can this

romance be accepted as genuine or is it morally

despicable and unholy?

Adam swears that he will put a stop to

his mother’s affair and end his father’s

humiliation. Jack Connolly, on the other hand,

demands that his father, a widower, and Susan,

his newly found partner in love, should be

left alone to continue their liaison. He asks,

“When do the rights of those who lose their

faculties end and the wilful gratification of the

relatives take over?”

Dr Jay, in his first novel, which is also set

in Eastbourne, tells a captivating story in a

simple and endearing narrative style. The

incident at the traffic lights, the goings on

in the mysterious ‘green room’, the plot

of a conniving, greedy, ex-girlfriend, the

opportunism of a scheming ‘home-help’

and the woeful consequences of Ketamine

drug abuse set the stage for a climax that is as

dramatic as it is unexpected.

He told Eastbourne News: “Susan’s Romance

is dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of

relatives, nurses and other healthcare workers

who look after patients with Alzheimer’s

disease day and night under challenging

circumstances.

The book is available from Amazon as a

Kindle e-book or a paperback edition.

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LAURIE’S POEM CORNER

MARCHING into March 2025 then already, and this year seems to be

going very quick, but at least the days are lighter for longer now.

My poem for this month is a topical and modern theme, with my tongue

placed firmly in my cheek, so may make you smile. My poem that is and

not my tongue in my cheek?

The poem then, is called “Coffee To Go” which features in my 14th and

very latest book Poetic Wisdom, only published November last year, so

still hot off the press.

The title obviously gives a clue this time, but not always with me, and

goes on to make some other “points or sayings” of today.

A coffee to take away please

For now we nearly all know,

That it is quite the latest trend

To get a drink for on the go

As that’s the slang for take outs,

Beside another saying can I get,

Seemingly coming from America

Along with others best we forget.

Now I agree on each to their own way

Because we’re different in how we act,

Although I’m not too sure, I will admit

On carrying coffee about, that’s a fact.

But of course, as I have previously said

I’m mostly happy on habits of other folks

Who wander about with coffee and phone,

Though must accept my observation jokes.

COFFEE TO GO

For it’s difficult to walk about two handed

And can be tricky and have many flaws,

Because if shopping with both hands full

How the heck do you open the doors?

Perhaps mobile phone need is a fashion

Like holding coffee and bottle of water,

And seems to be common practice now

For on that there’s no rhyme or quarter,

Along with latest saying of can I get?

When it always used to be I would like,

Or usually it was can I have please?

So on Americanisms” I take the Mike.

Though to put it all into a perspective

And allowing modern trends and flaws,

We coped without coffee and water bottles

Even won and survived, two world wars.

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

Call 07377 584363

for more details

or email: toriley1970s@gmail.com

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as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicles and 0 trailers. Owners or occupiers of land

(including buildings) near the operating centres who believe that their use or enjoyment of

that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner

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this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the

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available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-to-making-representations-objections-and-complaints-goods-vehicle-operator-licensing

PUBLISHED ON 28 FEBRUARY 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham MARCH 2025 SPORT 23

Hellingly RFC Dominate in

Convincing Win Over Crawley 2s

BY IAN HANNAFORD

ON a drizzly afternoon at

Crawley Rugby Club, Hellingly

RFC delivered a commanding

performance, securing a 57-5

victory in ideal rugby conditions.

Hellingly set the tone early, racing

to a 14-0 lead thanks to a well-worked

try from the forwards, finished

by Cornish, with Kirky adding the

extras. Billy Wigman extended the

lead with a try to the left of the posts,

pushing the score to 19-0.

Wigman struck again, this time,

capitalising on a ruck steal at

halfway, sprinting clear to dot down

under the posts. Kirky’s conversion

made it 26-0. From the resulting kickoff,

Hellingly’s quick hands created

space for Jack Hopkins to finish

under the sticks, another successful

conversion bringing it to 33-0.

Crawley 2s showed resilience,

responding with a well-worked

try on the wing to get on the

scoreboard at 33-5. However,

Hellingly quickly regained control

as Craig Benson powered through

the defence for a close-range score,

converted by Kirky 40-5.

The visitors continued their

dominance, with slick offloading five

metres out setting up Jack Hopkins

for his second try on the wing

45-5. Converted by Kirky to 47-5.

Wigman added another, slipping

through Crawley 2s’ defence to

score near the posts 52-5. The final

try came from Matt Bennet Tomlin,

who dotted down under the posts,

with Kirky’s reliable boot sealing a

comprehensive 59-5 triumph.

A clinical performance from

Hellingly, showcasing sharp

attacking play and solid defensive

work. Crawley 2s battled hard, but

the visitors’ speed and precision

proved too much on the day.

Hellingly v Crowborough 2’s |

Saturday 1st March 2025, 3 pm Kick

Off. The fight for the place at the

top of the table.

HELLINGLY RFC NEEDS YOU!

Are you looking for a new challenge?

Do you thrive in a team-first

environment with a drive to win?

Our family-focused rugby club is

looking for passionate, dedicated

players like YOU!

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HELLINGLY RFC MINIS

Hellingly Rugby Club are looking for

new players to join our exciting new

minis section. Currently recruiting

age groups six- and seven-year-olds,

but all players are welcome, both boys

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24 TRAVEL

MARCH 2025


Cruising The River Severn

on Edward Elgar

BY DAVID POWELL

BOARDING the charming Edward

Elgar, all vintage cream with

maroon trim, feels like walking

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There are no Art Deco interiors

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English atmosphere and its multitalented

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purpose-built for English Holiday

Cruises to sail the River Severn and

Gloucester Sharpness Canal and has

been certified a four-star hotel boat

by Visit England.

There’s the cosy bar, a lounge that

doubles as a dining room and an

open deck for taking in the views as

you glide serenely through green

and pleasant Gloucestershire and

Worcestershire, and it’s a lovely place

to call home for a few days. Comfort

is a priority on board with quality

seating, mattresses and furnishings.

Tea and coffee is always available

and there’s homemade cake each

afternoon as well as unlimited house

wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks.

Every day, there’s a free excursion,

and at night, the crew will entertain

you with quizzes and singalongs —

and there’s also free wifi. An advanced

battery system means there is no

need to run generators at night,

ensuring the boat is perfectly quiet

at her mooring.

The cabins have twin beds and

en-suite shower rooms, with reduced

rates for single occupancy on every

cruise, and although they’re small

they’re beautifully kitted out.

We joined at The Boathouse, the

company’s canal-side HQ, near

Gloucester’s superbly restored

historic docks, where the Georgian

warehouses are now home to bars

and restaurants, with museums and

cathedral a short walk away. English

Holiday Cruises offer a secure parking

facility at the boathouse and after a

welcome lunch and drinks, we were

off on our adventures, sailing to

Frampton on Severn for a guided tour

of Berkeley Castle in the Cotswolds,

a 12th-century Norman keep with

a fabulous medieval kitchen and

glorious gardens.

Back on the boat, we enjoyed a

delicious home-cooked dinner on

the way to Purton along the world’s

first shipping canal, mooring for

the night within sight of the River

Severn, where it widens before

flowing into the sea.

Up bright and early I took a prebreakfast

walk to see Purton Hulks

Barge Graveyard on the river — a

surreal collection of old boats and

barges deliberately sunk to prevent

the river’s banks breaking. It was

fascinating to see how nature has

colonised these old wooden and even

concrete vessels.

I was definitely ready for breakfast

after my walk and tucked into a

full English, although there were

lighter offerings such as French

toast with cinnamon.

The dining room has picture

windows so we could watch the world

go by even when eating and during

breakfast, we sailed the canal towards

Slimbridge Wetland Centre for an

included tour to see the hundreds of

swans, ducks, geese –even flamingos.

There were taxis on hand to take us

to and from the centre, although

it was an easy walk from the boat,

and as well as wildfowl, there was

Scott House Museum, where World

Wildlife Fund founder Sir Peter Scott

lived when he set up the Wildfowl and

Wetlands Trust.

Back onboard we sailed for historic

Gloucester Docks and a visit that

most guests were eagerly looking

forward to — the late afternoon

Gloucester Brewery tour with gin

tasting included!

Next day we sailed along the

river to Upton-upon-Severn in

Worcestershire, arriving after lunch

to be taken by coach to Croome Court.

Now looked after by the National

Trust, the estate has a fascinating

history. The parkland was Lancelot

‘Capability’ Brown’s first major

landscape gardening project and

made his name. Started in 1750

it includes a lake with a Chinese

bridge and a grotto once lined with

semi-precious stones. Part of the

18th-century neo-Palladian house,

also designed by Brown with superb

interiors by architect Robert Adam,

is now open after restoration, but

our favourite part was the RAF

Defford museum.

The quirky displays in old RAF

buildings reveal how the place

was used for radar testing during

the Second World War and Cold

War operations.

That night we were moored in

Upton, so we had the chance to

explore the town’s pretty streets

of half-timbered and Georgian

buildings. Most famous is the Pepper

Pot — the remains of a church tower

— which is central to several music

festivals each year. After dinner we

enjoyed sloping off to Ye Olde Anchor

Inn, a ‘black and white’ half-timbered

pub with leaded windows, low

ceilings and beams.

Worcester the next day was a

revelation. The cathedral is one

of the finest in the country and

once so important that Richard the

Lionheart’s brother King John is

buried here. My cruise was over far

too soon and as I reflected on the

friendly atmosphere, new friends

made and the excellent food and

service I thought maybe next time the

full 6-night cruise!

English Holiday Cruises runs two,

three, five and six-night trips in

the Severn Vale.

All are round-trips from Gloucester

with the longer itineraries a mix of

stops along the River Severn and

Gloucester Sharpness Canal. And for

those who want to extend their stay in

this gorgeous region there are hotel

packages available.

For more information, visit:

www.englishholidaycruises.co.uk

Your local independent

property experts...

Residential Lettings Land New Homes

MEET YOUR

FRIENDLY

TEAM

POOLE FARMHOUSE - £600,000

This Grade II Listed four-bedroom home blends period charm with

modern comfort, set within stunning gardens near Hailsham. It

features a grand sitting room, dining room, snug, and study, along

with a spacious kitchen. Upstairs, four bedrooms and a stylish

bathroom await. The gardens include a workshop, stores, and

ample parking. Viewing recommended.

CAMERON CLOSE - £465,000

This beautifully presented detached family home offers spacious

accommodation, including a modern kitchen, utility room, and

four bedrooms. The master bedroom features an en-suite. With a

double garage, off-road parking, and well-kept gardens, it’s perfectly

located near Grovelands School and town center. Viewing is

advised to appreciate its full potential.

JOHN STEVENS

SAM BEALE

NORTH HEALTH CLOSE - £415,000

This well-presented four-bedroom family home is nestled

in a quiet cul-de-sac off Battle Road. It features a spacious

kitchen-breakfast room, utility room, and a generous

lounge-diner leading to a southerly aspect garden. Upstairs

are four bedrooms and a family bathroom. With a driveway,

garage, and convenient bus links, it’s ideally located near

schools, supermarkets, and Hailsham’s High Street. The

property offers comfort, space, and easy access to local

amenities, making it a great family home. Viewing is highly

recommended.

HAWTHYLANDS CRESCENT - £425,000

This beautifully presented detached bungalow is located in

the desirable Hawthylands area. Offering spacious accommodation,

it features a large lounge/dining room, a modern

kitchen, two double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, and a

recently re-fitted bathroom. The rear garden is landscaped

with seating areas, lawns, and mature trees. With a garage,

off-road parking, and no onward chain, this turn-key home

is perfect for those seeking convenience and comfort in a

popular location. Viewing is highly recommended.

GUIDE PRICE £800,000

IRIS CLOSE - £499,995

This larger-than-average detached family home is located

in a popular development, within walking distance of local

schools, shops, and bus links. It offers a spacious kitchen/

breakfast room, two reception rooms, a master bedroom

with en-suite, and four bedrooms in total. Externally, there’s

off-road parking, a garage, and a well-maintained garden.

Ideal for family living, this home also includes a utility room,

WC, and a sunny patio area perfect for entertaining. Viewing

is highly recommended.

FREE VALUATIONS FOR SELLING & RENTING

SAMUEL TOWNSEND

NICK RUSSELL

LUCY BROWN

MILLAND ROAD - £350,000

This detached bungalow, offered with no onward chain, is

situated in a prime location. While in need of some cosmetic

updating, it provides great potential. The home features

three bedrooms, a spacious lounge/dining room, fitted

kitchen, and a conservatory. Externally, there’s off-road parking,

a garage, and a south-facing rear garden.

The property offers a bright, airy atmosphere with room to

personalize. Viewing is advised to appreciate its potential

and convenient location.

HARMERS HAY ROAD - £260,000

This well-presented mid-terrace home in the popular Harmers

Hay Development is perfect for first-time buyers. It offers

two double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, a spacious

lounge/dining room, and a fitted kitchen. The property also

features a bright entrance hall, a bathroom with a shower

over the bath, and a garage in a nearby block.

Externally, the front garden is a wildflower meadow, and the

rear garden is mainly laid to lawn with seating areas. Viewing

is advised.

WEST END - £235,000

This charming one-bedroom end-terraced home in Herstmonceux

offers a modern high-gloss kitchen, spacious

lounge with a log burner, and a double bedroom with a

contemporary bathroom. Outside, there’s a westerly-facing

courtyard garden and a private driveway with parking for

two vehicles. Conveniently located near local amenities,

this property is perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or

investors. With freehold ownership and vendor suited to

a chain-free sale, early viewing is recommended to avoid

disappointment.

LAURA STEVENS

47 HIGH STREET, HAILSHAM, BN27 1AN

CALL 01323 840444 or visit stevensandcarter.co.uk

26 SPORT

MARCH 2025


Will Gordon forces home for the Stringers in the 3-2 win against Ferring. Photo credit: Alan Hook

Semi final heartbreak but

quarter final delight

BY STUART FAIRWAY

HAILSHAM Town’s men’s team

started February with a difficult trip

to Southwater in the league, going

down 2-0 away to a team one place

above the Stringers in the Southern

Combination Division Two table.

The Stringers conceded twice in

the first half, with the prolific Ben

Lewis on target in West Sussex. The

following week’s home match against

Rustington was postponed with the

weather still having a big impact on

football across the county, but back

at The Beaconsfield on Saturday 15th,

Hailsham fought hard for a deserved

three points against a dogged and

determined Ferring.

After the Stringers had taken the

lead on 15 through Matt Fear, Ferring

levelled midway through the second

half courtesy of a Moses Pannell strike,

before Hailsham regained the lead

Celebrations for Harriers

BY HELEN O’SULLIVAN

IT was a night for celebrations

last month as twenty-seven

Harriers joined local-based

charity, The Wolo Foundation

at the View Hotel in Eastbourne

to recognise the achievements

of ninety-seven entrants who

successfully completed ‘The

Accumulator Challenge’.

Beginning on January 1st entrants,

either solo or in teams, chose to run,

swim, cycle, walk, or row a kilometre

extra every day, finishing on January

31st with 31 Kilometres. A total

distance of 497km. Organised by Paul

Henderson, Marcos Jarvis and localbased

charity, the Wolo Foundation,

all funds raised through the challenge

went towards supporting families

affected by Cancer in Sussex.

Hailsham Harriers returned to

Goodwood Motor Circuit recently

to take part in a Grand Prix running

Festival. Runners could choose a

variety of distances including an

Ultra marathon, Marathon, 20-miles,

Half Marathon, 10k or 5K. All races

are run entirely around the historic

motor circuit. Running for Hailsham

in the Half Marathon saw David

Woollard finish first in the V40 age

category in a time of 1:24:42, Ladies

Captain. Helen O’Sullivan ran

1:36:25 and Roberto Proietti finished

first in the V75 age category in a

time of 3:04:09.

In the 10K distance Gary Smith,

returning from injury ran 55:07

whilst Jo Davis, running alongside

her friend Tom Edwards, both

finished in 1:08:33.

On the same day, Sussex Athletics

hosted the fourth and final race in the

Saturday Cross Country league. This

race, although originally due to take

part in January, did not deter a big

turnout of over 500 junior and senior

runners. For Hailsham, Julie Chicken

flew the club’s black and red colours

as she took on the 5K undulating

when substitute Will Gordon squeezed

home from close range. 16-year-old

sub, Lewis Jordan, then levelled again

for Ferring, before Gordon raced onto

a fine through pass, shrugged off his

marker and drilled Hailsham into

a late lead three minutes from time

which they would hold onto.

The following week saw the

rearranged Sussex FA Intermediate

Cup Semi-Final, where a Hailsham

side hit hard by injuries, illness and

course through Stanmer Park in

Brighton, finishing in 34:06. Julie

has taken part in all four races held

across the season and has been the

only female Harrier to race both the

Championships and Masters cross

country events this year.

Finally, Hailsham’s Alice Denning

took part in the rescheduled Sussex

Downs Trail Run. With two routes

to choose from, a half marathon

and a 12.5km route, both events

started and finished at Plumpton

racecourse. With plenty of elevation

and a route which covers parts of

the South Downs Way, the scenic

views delighted the senses as Alice,

who took part in the trail-based

half marathon, crossed the finish

line to take the first-place female

podium position in a sensational

time of 1:45:34.

unavailability went down 2-0 to

visitors Rustington. The defending cup

holders took the lead early on through

Matthew Searle, but Hailsham

continued to battle, before Chris

Darwin’s second sealed the win to send

Rustington into the final to defend the

trophy they won last season against

Punnetts Town on 9th April.

Hailsham start March away to

Brighton Electricity (1st), and are

at home to JC Tackleway in the

Hastings Cup on the 4th, before

visiting Rustington in the League on

Saturday 8th. The month concludes

with a home game against St Francis

(15th), a trip to Ferring (22nd) and

finally the revisit of Rustington in the

League on Saturday 29th. Hailsham

have also strengthened their squad

for the run-in with the addition of

defender Alfie Headland, a strapping

defender with over 200 games under

his belt for Eastbourne United at the

tender age of 24.

The Stringers Women meanwhile

were only able to play one game in

February again due to the weather,

but it came in the quarter final of the

League Cup, where Hailsham cruised

into the Semi Final after thrashing

Woodingdean Wanderers 8-0. Geri

Burt scored three, Shantelle Omar

and Georgia Townsend both scored

two each, with Molly Peacock and an

own goal rounding off the scoring in a

comprehensive win.

The semi-final will see the Stringers

welcome Pagham on Sunday 16th

March, with league games against

Worthing Town Development

(2nd), Whitehawk (9th) and Mile

Oak (23rd) all at The Beaconsfield to

complete the month.

Cricket Club Update

BY ROB WILKINSON

WE would like to start by

thanking our loyal and valued

sponsors who have partnered

with the club and assisted us with

the targets and development we

have for the club.

We are proud to be a communitybased

club and value these

links with local businesses

extremely high.

We are always looking for new

partnerships to be made and have a

range of ways that local businesses

can partner up with the club and

both mutually benefit. Social media,

interactive board, signage around

the grounds, player, training and

playing clothing and covers are just

some of the ways that sponsorship

could take place in 2025. If

interested please get in touch with

the club at the details below.

We start our 2025 season on the

13th April and then the league

preparation gets going on the 19th.

We have a jam-packed schedule that

we are extremely excited about and

looking forward to.

Pre-season training has started for

the senior players and older juniors

outside and the younger juniors

start their indoor training in March.

No matter your age (4+),

experience or skills level, we

have a place for you at Hailsham

Cricket Club. Whether you are a sixyear-old

girl wanting to start a new

sport or a 34-year-old male looking

to find a new club after moving

house, we can deliver a level of

cricket for you.

For any details about getting

involved with Hailsham Cricket

Club at a playing, officiating,

spectating or sponsorship level

please contact us on Hailshamcc@

outlook.com / 07980146841 or

check out our socials.

A lifestyle

tailored

to you

Residents’ quality of life is at the

heart of everything we do, enabling

each individual to lead independent,

fulfilling lives.

If you’re considering a care home,

call 01323 886719 or visit

careuk.com/bowes-house

Trusted to care

Bowes House care home

Hailsham

Call us today on

01323 922 134

info@hydroguardroofing.co.uk

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Hailsham News, March 2025, Issue 43

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