Hailsham News, April 2025, Issue 44

APRIL 2025 | ISSUE 44

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

APRIL 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham

WELCOME

IT IS a pleasure to bring you yet

another packed edition of your

free hyperlocal newspaper, which

we work so hard to produce for

you every month.

We receive a large number of

emails and contacts from readers

who express what a free local

newspaper means to them, and it’s

always nice to hear your feedback

on articles and those who send us

information to report on.

We are very grateful for the

support the local authorities

have given us for all three of our

newspaper titles.

It is an extremely testing time

for those councils, with such huge

changes on the horizon. Who knows

what the next few years will bring?

As we move towards the summer

period, I’m excited to look ahead to

a full diary of events, which I will

bring to you when they happen in

this newspaper. But do always let us

know if you’re holding an event in

the area. Just use the contact details

below to get in touch with me.

It’s these small and large events

that keep the community spirit in

the town alive. They bring together

so many people from all walks of life

and probably keep us going through

the dark winter months.

Also, we always like to hear

readers’ views on the stories we print

in this newspaper. Letters to the

editor are a great way to let everyone

know your opinions on the issues

that matter to you. You can email

letters@eastbourne.news, and it

could appear in next month’s paper.

Paul Gibson

Group Editor

THE TEAM

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VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS

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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. © 2025: No part of this

newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole

without express permission of the editor.

Boy convicted of manslaughter

after fatal stabbing

A BOY who fatally stabbed a man

in Hailsham has been convicted

of manslaughter.

The 17-year-old, from Hellingly, was

charged with the murder of 20-yearold

Billy Ripley who died after an

altercation in August 2024.

But, following a trial at Lewes Crown

Court which concluded on Friday, 28

March, a jury found him not guilty of

murder but guilty of manslaughter.

An investigation was launched

after emergency services were called

to Vicarage Field in Hailsham, at

around 6.20pm on Thursday, 29

August, 2024, to reports of a man

having been stabbed.

Billy was found lying on the

floor in an alleyway, just past The

Hailsham Club, with a single stab

wound to his chest.

Despite the best efforts of

paramedics and officers, he was sadly

confirmed deceased at the scene.

Witnesses described seeing the

victim sitting on a bench by the war

memorial in Hailsham town centre,

when the suspect appeared across

the road. Words were exchanged

between the victim and suspect, who

were known to each other, before

they entered the alleyway near

the churchyard.

COUNCILLORS are appealing

to vandals to stop destroying

property and equipment in

the town as it’s putting even

more pressure on already

stretched budgets.

The new toilet block in Vicarage

Field had to be closed recently due

to vital equipment for disabled users

was destroyed. The building has

also been constantly targeted with

graffiti since it was installed just

over a year ago.

Vandals also destroyed practice

cricket nets on the Western Road

Recreation Ground which has made

them useable until they are fixed,

which is a burden local clubs and

councils simply cannot afford.

In Hellingly, the Parish Council

has also appealed for the vandalism

to stop as equipment in the

country park is being set on fire or

destroyed with paint.

Parish Clerk, Jenny Hoodless

said: “The cost of repairing the

furniture and other items comes

out of residents’ council tax, so

whoever is doing this, your parents

will have to pay the increased

council tax charges!”

Photographs show a seating

area vandalised with paint and

litter thrown across the bench and

Flowers laid next to the war memorial. Inset: Billy Ripley

nearby area despite being metres

from a rubbish bin.

In February, another park

bench was set on fire which Police

are investigating.

Jenny added after the incident:

“Unfortunately, last night, a fire

was deliberately set at the Cricket

Pavilion bench. This is extremely

disappointing and deeply concerning,

as it poses a serious safety risk.

“Our grounds team works

incredibly hard to keep the park

CCTV showed an altercation

took place between the victim

and the suspect at the entrance to

Hailsham Parish Church.

Billy then reappeared and called

out that he had been stabbed

before collapsing.

CCTV showed the suspect making

off from the scene.

Initial enquiries were carried out

and a suspect was quickly identified

and located at a property in Hailsham.

The suspect was subsequently

charged with murder.

Following the verdict, the 17-yearold

boy has been remanded in

custody to face sentencing on 23 May.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark

Cullimore, of Sussex and Surrey

Police’s Major Crime Team, said:

“Billy lost his life in the most tragic

circumstances and our thoughts

remain, as they have throughout

this investigation, with his family

and loved ones.

“I would like to commend the

members of the public who were

first on the scene and the initial

responders from the emergency

services who tried to save Billy.”

beautiful for everyone to enjoy,

and it’s disheartening that a small

minority do not respect this.”

Bus stops in Hailsham are also a

target for mindless graffiti. The stop

in Battle Road, which has recently

been transferred to Hailsham Town

Council is an example of the pointless

scribbles left by vandals.

Commenting on the damage caused

to the new toilet faclitliies, Councillor

Colin Mitchell said: “These people are

deliberately damaging a new facility

Detective Chief

Inspector Jim

Loader, Sussex

Police’s lead

for knife crime

and serious

violence, said:

“This tragic incident

is a stark reminder of the

devastating impact of knife crime.

“Sussex Police, along with

our partners, are committed to

combating knife crime every day. We

engage with young people to educate

them about the dangers early on,

work with those already in contact

with authorities to guide them away

from crime and take enforcement

action against offenders.

“Sussex remains a safe place, with

knife crime rates well below the

national average. However, even

one knife on the streets is too many.

Please, do not carry a weapon. It

endangers you and others. It’s simply

not worth the risk.”

If you have any concerns around

knife crime or those who may be

carrying knives in public, please

contact police online or via 101. You

can also contact Crimestoppers

anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

The ‘vandalism must stop’ say councillors

Mindless vandalism ultimately costs local taxpayers

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

To write to the editor, visit:

www.eastsussex.news/letters

Vandals destroyed practice cricket nets which

will cost clubs hundreds of pounds to replace

Paint-damaged park furniture

behind closed doors and depriving

residents and visitors of a basic

human comfort.

“Damaging the changing places

pod and toilet is particularly nasty

because the potential users are

less able to manage without such

facilities. It is simply mindless

and ultimately costs the taxpaying

residents of Hailsham.”

Anyone who witnesses any local

vandalism or has any information are

being urged to contact the Police.

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4 NEWS

APRIL 2025


Traffic chaos

expected during

two months of

roadworks

MOTORISTS will experience

delays across Hailsham over the

next eight weeks as a series of long

roadworks begin.

Throughout April and May,

electricity works to supply cables to

new homes in Station Road will see a

number of temporary traffic lights on

the main routes throughout the town.

Contractors set up lights on Western

Road, which are expected to cause

delays on South Road during peak

times until 5 April.

Workers are then expected to

move to the junction of Station

Road and North Street from 11 April

until 17 April.

Temporary traffic lights will also

be set up on South Road as part of the

works from 14 April until 4 May.

Hailsham’s Alfie makes

waves in the ring

15-YEAR-OLD Alfie Manning, a

young boxer from Hailsham,

has shown determination, skill

and perseverance over the past

year to achieve an incredible

line-up of titles.

Alfie has trained at the Hailsham

Boxing Club under the watchful eye

of ex-champion Sam Buchanan, and

has gone on to win two Southern

Counties Championships in two

different weight categories,

The Club entered Alfie into

the National Development

Championships in the junior category

under 57kg, and he has truly made

his mark. He has been named ‘Best

Boxer’ in Sussex.

He has taken part in fifteen

bouts, with thirteen wins and

seven stoppages. He also clinched

a Silver medal in the Open Class

Elite Championship, facing

an opponent with 40 bouts of

experience in the final.

His trainer, Sam Buchanan said:

“There’s an old saying passed down

through generations of boxing

wisdom. A coach’s father once told

him ‘If you ever have a boy that’s got

heart, you can do the rest’.

“For a small club that has only been

part of England Boxing for just over

a year, this level of success is nothing

short of remarkable. It’s a testament

to the dedication of the coaching

team and the hard work of the young

athletes who train there.

“Alfie Manning is on an incredible

journey, and his name is one to

remember — he is destined for great

things in the boxing world.

“At our club, we thrive on giving

children opportunities, and the

progress they make speaks volumes

about the passion and commitment

of our coaching team.

“A huge thank you to everyone who

supports us! Your encouragement

makes all the difference.”

Former town

crier funeral

to take place

Traffic chaos as

tractor sheds load

Council

approves

emergency

funds

THE funeral of Geoff Rowe, ex-

Mayor and Town Crier is to take

place this month.

Mourners will say goodbye to

popular Geoff at a ceremony at

St. Mary’s Church which will be

followed by a gathering at the

Charles Hunt Centre.

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.

THERE was huge congestion across

the area on Monday (31st March)

following a daytime accident on a

local main road.

A large tractor tipped over whilst

attached to a large trailer of hay bales

whilst on the A22 at Polegate. The

heavy 24-plate tractor was upended

on its own trailer following the crash.

Around 40 bales were thrown across

two lanes of the dual carriageway

junction from Cophall Roundabout.

The accident which happened

around 1pm caused extensive

delays to motorists across Polegate,

Hailsham and Stone Cross.

The road was closed for several

hours whilst emergency crews

cleaned up the scene.

A spokesperson from East Sussex

Fire and Rescue said: “We were called

on 31 March just after 1pm, to reports

of a tractor where its trailer carrying

hay had overturned, just off Cophall

Roundabout, Polegate, Eastbound.

One fire engine was in attendance

from Eastbourne. Crews carried out

scene safety and Sussex Police were in

attendance for traffic management.

There were no reports

of any injuries.

Crews left the scene at 1.53pm,

handing over to Sussex Police.

TWO groups in Hailsham

have received vital funds

following damage caused to

their properties.

Hailsham Town Football Club

will receive £15,000 to fund new

fencing and repairs to its grandstand

following a fire last year.

The Town Council approved

the cash which will be

taken from the Community

Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The decision came about as a result

of the arson attack at the Hailsham

Town Football Club in November,

where around £35,000 of damage to

fencing, seats, trees and equipment

behind the grandstand was caused.

In addition, the charity Furniture

Now, located on the high street

received £500 of emergency

funding after thieves broke into

their premises.

The store was broken into

in late December, resulting in

considerable damage to the safe,

till, two internal fire doors and an

external fire door.

Furniture Now provides furniture

and household goods at minimal

cost alongside a discount policy

for those on low income, for

those in the local community

who experience poverty

and disadvantage.

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6 NEWS

APRIL 2025


DfE Aapproves

Academy Merger

Support group

honoured with

King’s Award

OFFICIALS have approved

the application by STEP

Academy Trust to merge two

schools in Hailsham.

Following a long campaign by

parents and local councillors against

the STEP Academy Trust’s plans

to merge Burfield and Phoenix

Academy, bosses now plan to

complete the merger by September,

following the thumbs-up from the

Department for Education (DfE).

In a letter to parents, Regional

Director for the STEP Academy

Trust, Alun Evans said: “The

decision to merge two academies

is one which STEP and the DfE take

incredibly seriously.

“We appreciate the rigorous

scrutiny from the DfE, as well as the

time they have invested in visiting the

sites and discussing the matter with

planning professionals, in order to

make a fully informed decision.

“We would also like to thank our

parent and carer community for

their patience and understanding

throughout this process, and we hope

that the clarity now provided by the

outcome allows all to move forward.

“We will be communicating further

details with you as soon as possible,

which will include engagement as

to the new name for the academy

as well as any requirements as

mandated by the DfE.”

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 last 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.

In November, 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 then resubmitted another

application to be considered, which

has been approved.

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.

Pair of town criers appointed

to represent town

A NEW Town Crier, along with a

deputy, have been appointed to

appear at events in Hailsham and

make important announcements

as part of the historical role.

Hailsham Town Council has

announced the appointment of

Bruce Pont as the new Town Crier,

following a rigorous interview and

audition process.

Bruce, a sound engineer, audio

consultant and voice-over artist by

trade, was selected by a recruitment

panel made up of town councillors

and staff, who assessed each of

the five candidates’ suitability for

the prestigious role. As part of the

comprehensive interview process,

candidates were tasked with

delivering their own traditional ‘cry’

outside the James West Community

Centre in Brunel Drive.

The recruitment panel also agreed

to appoint radio presenter and travel

agent Chris Giles as Deputy Town

Crier, who will work alongside Bruce

and provide cover when necessary.

The role of Town Crier was, since

medieval times, one of the most

important ways of spreading news

and local bylaws, royal proclamations,

Chris Giles

market days, holidays and community

events were all pronounced by a

bellman or town crier.

Today, the role is a ceremonial one

and Hailsham’s new town crier will

assist by opening major town events,

introducing guest dignitaries to the

town and introducing an element of

pageantry to special occasions.

Though the office is purely

ceremonial, the presence of a Town

Crier has been a fixture at many

of Hailsham’s community events

including Christmas Lights Switchon,

specialist markets, summer fairs

and visits from dignitaries.

Newly appointed Town Crier,

Bruce Pont commented: “I am

delighted to take on the responsibility

as Hailsham’s Town Crier and I

am excited to look into new ways

Bruce Pont

to maintain the town’s excellent

reputation both for residents and

visitors. I also look forward to

promoting the town’s rich heritage

and history as a true market town and

promoting the many good reasons

why Hailsham is a fantastic place to

work, live, shop and visit!”

Deputy Town Crier Chris Giles

commented: “I’m grateful to have

been selected to support Bruce and

deputise for him. Taking up this

honorary role and working with

Bruce to carry out ceremonial duties

will go a long way in helping to retain

a slice of Hailsham’s heritage, a town

of which I am very extremely proud.

As a lifelong resident of East Sussex,

with over 20 years in Hailsham, I have

a deep connection to the town, its

people, and its history.”

MANKIND, a dedicated support

group for men, was presented with

the prestigious King’s Award for

Voluntary Service by HM Lord-

Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew

Blackman recently.

This esteemed award is the

highest recognition given to local

voluntary groups in the UK and is the

equivalent of an MBE.

Founded in January 2020 by

Ian Pickard and Paul Roskilly,

ManKind, which holds weekly

meetings in Eastbourne, Hailsham

and Heathfield, has been a beacon

of hope for men seeking mental

health support or simply a nonjudgmental

ear.

Since its inception, the group has

provided assistance to over 550 men,

offering a safe space for those in need.

The award ceremony was hosted by

St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne,

with many of ManKind’s supporters,

friends, and family in attendance.

The event celebrated the group’s

remarkable contributions to the

community and their unwavering

commitment to supporting

men’s mental health.

Man with weapon arrested

at cannabis farm

POLICE have said a man was

arrested for the procession of a

weapon in a public place following

the discovery of a cannabis farm

in Hailsham recently.

Two officers on foot patrol in

Hailsham discovered a cannabis

factory at an address in Arlington

Road East. They entered the address,

and a large quantity of cannabis

plants were located growing inside.

Three men were quickly

apprehended at the scene. A 25-yearold

man, of no fixed address, was

arrested on suspicion of cultivation

of cannabis and possession of

a weapon in a private place. A

second man, aged 26, of no fixed

address, was arrested on suspicion

of cultivation of cannabis. A third

man, aged 67, from Hailsham, was

arrested on suspicion of cultivation

of cannabis, possession of cannabis

and possession of a weapon in

a private place.

All three men have since been

released on conditional bail, and

police enquiries are ongoing.

If you have information to report

in connection with the investigation,

you can do this online, or by calling

101 quoting reference 288 of 09/03.

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8 NEWS

APRIL 2025


Banking Hub team

Hailsham Post Office

Banking Hub aims to

revitalise High Street

amid bank closures

FOLLOWING the closure of two

more banks in Hailsham last

month, a new Banking Hub

has opened to plug the gap in

services in the town.

Lloyds and Halifax banks both shut

their doors for the last time recently

blaming a change in ‘customer habits’

and leaving many customers without

face-to-face services in the town.

Due to the ongoing closures across

the UK, a new service has been

introduced to allow customers from

all banks to speak to staff and benefit

from normal daily banking services

over the counter.

Hailsham Town Council has

opened the Banking Hub at its

High Street Post Office with a daily

schedule of five banks each having

a representative in the store on

each of the days.

It is the first banking hub to open

in East Sussex, bringing the total

number of hubs open across the

country to 130.

New staff members have been

employed to deal with the inspected

increased footfall in the branch and a

dedicated counter has been set aside

for the services. A private area is also

available for those who wish to talk to

a member of their bank in person.

Steph Stephens, the new manager

at the Post Office has a long history of

working with local residents at a bank

which also closed its branch, and is

excited to be back in business.

She told Hailsham News: “Over the

years I have become very familiar

with customers in Hailsham, so

I’m looking forward to welcoming

them to the Hub.

“I have a great team on board

with more joining us as we offer so

many more services now, I expect

the branch to get much busier with

our new set-up, we’re ready to

welcome residents.”

The High Street Post Office is a

temporary location for the Hub, until

a permanent branch can be found in

the town centre.

In recent years, the UK has

witnessed a steady decline in

the number of high street bank

branches, leaving many communities

without direct access to essential

banking services.

This wave of closures, driven by

the rise of digital banking and costcutting

measures by major banks,

has resulted in a growing financial

gap for vulnerable customers, small

businesses, and older residents who

rely on in-person services.

Banking Hubs are a collaborative

initiative between major UK

banks and organisations such as

LINK and the Post Office, aimed

at providing essential banking

services where traditional branches

have disappeared.

According to data from UK Finance,

thousands of bank branches have

closed across the UK since 2015,

with closures accelerating in the

past few years. Branches have been

disappearing from both urban and

rural areas, but it is smaller towns,

coastal communities, and rural

villages that have borne the brunt.

Just recently, Santander announced

it was closing almost a hundred

branches across the UK with five

in East Sussex - Bexhill, Seaford,

Uckfield, Crowborough and

East Grinstead.

Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access

UK: “I’m delighted to announce

that we have opened the temporary

banking hub in Hailsham. We’re

very grateful that the Post Office has

provided us with this temporary

space, and we are looking forward to

sharing positive news about the hub’s

permanent location soon.”

Councillor Mary Laxton, Chair

of the Post Office Sub-Committee,

said: “We are delighted that an

interim Banking Hub has now been

established in Hailsham, which will

complement the provision of our

local post office.

“The fact that such an essential

service is now being delivered

locally is excellent news for many

residents and will be highly beneficial

to our community.

“Since June 2015, around 6,000 bank

branches have closed throughout

the UK and many banks tell us that

changes in customer behaviour have

been the driving force and principal

Banking Hub counter

reason for this. An increasing

number of people bank online and

consequently make far fewer visits to

branches. Whilst we fully understand

the considerable uptake in the use

of online banking in recent years,

there are still people, particularly

the elderly, who like to visit their

branches and bank in person.”

“This is where the Hailsham

Banking Hub can help considerably.

Add to that the town centre Post

Office, where the Banking Hub will be

housed until such time as permanent

premises are found.

“The Town Council’s Post Office

Sub-Committee has worked hard

to deliver banking services that are

accessible to individual and business

banking customers. The fact that

we were awarded the franchise for a

Banking Hub here in Hailsham is a

victory for our town. It is a testament

to the huge amount of work carried

out by the Post Office Sub-Committee,

including the drafting of business

plans and numerous interviews

Banking Hub Private room

along the way. We have invested a

considerable amount of time towards

the whole process from day one.”

The Hailsham Banking Hub

operates from 9am to 5pm

Monday to Friday (including lunch

times). The community banking

representation rota is Barclays on

Mondays, Lloyds on Tuesdays,

NatWest on Wednesdays, and

HSBC on Thursdays and Fridays for

Halifax customers.

Normal over-the-counter banking

services are available on all days.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham APRIL 2025 ADVERTORIAL 9

A D V E R T I S E R P R O M O T I O N

Falconry Photography

Workshops launched

for bird of prey lovers

BUDDING photographers are

being offered the chance to dust off

their cameras after a long winter

and take part in a new series of

workshops designed to develop

their skills and spend time with

some stunning raptors.

Set within the stunning

grounds of Herstmonceux Castle

and Gardens, the Falconry

Photography Workshops are a rare

opportunity to get up close and

personal with birds of prey and

capture some incredible images

at the same time.

These workshops, in association

with East Sussex Falconry,

allow photographers to learn,

or practice their skills through

a series of exercises with the

assistance of an experienced

Photographer and Falconer.

Attendees will be able to capture

both posed/static images and shots

of flying owls, falcons and hawks

in a variety of settings within the

ancient woodland.

The group of no more than ten

attendees will be guided through

each set-up, with advice and support

if needed on camera settings, use of

equipment and best positions to get

some amazing images.

The course is designed for

beginners as tuition through

each section of the day will be

given, but more experienced

photographers are welcome.

Get those batteries charged

and storage cards at the ready, as

you’ll be sure to shoot hundreds

of images at this exciting and

educational experience which is a

perfect gift or a day out to practice

photography techniques in a

controlled environment.

ON THE DAY

On arrival, following a briefing, there

will be a short introduction to the

birds and some time will be set aside

to get the cameras warmed up with

some static images.

You’ll then be introduced to a Harris

Hawk Cedar, who loves nothing but

leading you through the woods on a

Forest Walk whilst he darts between

the trees and swoops down, making

the perfect shot if you’re quick!

Bramble, the Long-Eared Barn Owl

will then slow the pace a little as she

silently glides through the glades or

sits perfectly for a rest on a nearby

branch in the sunlight.

After a break for lunch and to

compare the morning’s work, it will be

time for the pair of stunning Yellow-

Billed Kites to take to the skies as they

soar around waiting for the Falconer to

offer up some food on his fist. Capture

them as they speed in from a distance

and grab the food in a flash.

The day will end with a challenge

to see if you have the skill to capture

Neo, the Lanner Falcon, as he stoops

from a height towards the Lure - a

prize is given to the photographer

who can secure a successful

photo of the stoop!

OTHER WORKSHOPS

Although the first workshop is

designed for beginner photographers,

interested residents can express their

interest on other dates which will soon

be announced for more advanced

photographers and keen youngsters

under 18 years old.

If you cannot attend on the date

below but would like to know about

future dates, just visit the website and

sign up for updates.

For only £135 per person, you can

attend on Sunday 11th May, 2025.

Be quick as workshops are limited

to 10 attendees.

ATTENDEE

REQUIREMENTS

Participants should bring a Digital

SLR-style camera, preferably with

manual controls.

Be over 18 years old and able

to attend as an individual.

Spectators/ guests cannot be

accommodated at this time.

If available, a lens with a zoom

of 200mm minimum is best,

but not essential

Tripods are not necessary

during the workshop, but you may

want to bring a monopod if you

have a heavy lens.

Ability to walk through forest and

woodland for a whole day.

CONTACT AND BOOK

Book your place by scanning

the QR Code, or visiting

www.sussexairimaging.co.uk/

falconry-photographic-workshops/

Alternatively, for more information

you can call 01273 950311.

10 NOTICEBOARD

APRIL 2025


COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

BUSINESS LOCAL NETWORK

FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Hailsham, Eastbourne & Uckfield — all 10-12pm,

£10 per person. Looking to grow your business

in a relaxed, natural setting? No forced pitches,

no pressure—just genuine conversations, fresh

ideas, and valuable connections. At BLN,

networking feels effortless!

Uckfield — The Pamper Lounge (TN22 5AE)

Wed 9 Apr & 14 May

Hailsham — Abbots Wood Manor (BN27 3AL)

Tue 15 Apr & 20 May

Eastbourne — Mortain Place (BN22 0AB) Wed

23 Apr & 28 May

Ready to join the conversation?

Book your spot now! For more information and

to book: https://bit.ly/BLN-CNB-April

BEXHILL

BEXHILL STAMP & POSTCARD CLUB

St Augustine’s church Hall, Cooden Drive,

Bexhill, TN39 3AZ. Wednesday 23 April,

7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join the

conversation on collecting and admire the

themed displays created by our members for the

Goode Cup. Refreshments accompany our tariff

busting raffle.

LITTLE COMMON ROYAL BRITISH

LEGION WOMENS SECTION

The Poppy Club, Meads Avenue, Little Common

Saturday 26th April, 10am-12noon. Spring Fair.

Stalls include Books, Cakes, Plants, Clothes and

much more. All Welcome.

BEXHILL FARMERS’ MARKET

Devonshire Square, Bexhill-on-Sea. Every Friday,

9am-1pm. The market offers a variety of local

produce, including handmade pies, fresh bread,

meats, game, smoked products, cheeses, fish,

fruits, vegetables, jams, chutneys, cinnamon

buns, brownies, plants, and flowers. On the

second Friday of each month, The French

Delicatessen provides a selection of cheeses.

EASTBOURNE

CALMER SELF: A WORKSHOP ON

MANAGING STRESS, ANXIETY & LIFE

CHANGES

Mortain Place Care Home, 93 Pevensey Bay

Road, BN23 6JF. Monday 14th April — Choose

either the 3pm or 6pm Workshop. Join Nadine

for an informal workshop on letting go of

stress, anxiety, and worry. Topics will include

anticipatory grief, adjusting to change and

loss, navigating life-changing illnesses, and

any other concerns you may have. Running

time: 1–2 hours. Free to attend. Free parking

& refreshments. For more information and to

book your place, contact Nadine on nadine@

calmerself.co.uk or 07856 169186. Website:

www.calmerself.co.uk

EASTBOURNE WALKING NETBALL

Eastbourne Sports Park, Cross Levels Way.

Monday mornings 10am11am. All ages welcome

to join us. Walking netball is great for low-impact

fitness, fun and mixing with like-minded friendly

people. See our Facebook page for more info

or call Anne-Marie 07702 317728. £4.55 per

session.

EASTBOURNE BOROUGH MARKET

Terminus Road, Eastbourne, from Trinity Trees

to Marks & Spencer’s. Every Wednesday and

Sunday, 9.30am-4.30pm. The market features

a variety of stalls offering fresh produce, baked

goods, crafts, and more.

PEVENSEY BAY CRAFT MARKET

St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, Eastbourne Road,

Pevensey Bay. Second Saturday of the month,

10am-12.30pm. A monthly craft market —

Everyone welcome. FREE entry. Refreshments

available.

EAST DEAN & FRISTON ART GROUP

East Dean & Friston Village Hall, Village Green

Lane, BN20 0DR. Saturday 3 May 2025,

2pm–5pm; Sunday 4 & Monday 5 May 2025,

10am–4pm. Our annual Art Show showcasing

a wide range of original artwork, including

landscapes, figures, still life, birds, animals, and

abstract, all at affordable prices. Free entry &

free car parking, Café with homemade cakes. For

more information visit: www.eastdeanart.org.uk

HAILSHAM

HAILSHAM TOWN COUNCIL ANNUAL

MEETING

Hailsham Civic Community Hall in Vicarage Lane

Wednesday 7th May from 6:30pm. Residents

are invited to attend its Annual Town (Electors’)

Meeting. The main part of the meeting will

start at 7.30pm and will be chaired by the

Town Mayor and Chairman, Cllr Paul Holbrook.

Those who attend will be given the opportunity

to discuss matters applicable to the parish of

Hailsham and ask relevant questions, subject

to the provisions of Schedule 12 of the Local

Government Act 1972. The subject of the

questions can properly cover any issue of public

concern affecting residents of the parish. Prior

to the main residents’ meeting there will be an

opportunity for you to view information stands

from local groups and talk to representatives

of those organisations from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Confirmed attendees will be announced soon.

MILTON HIDE ALBUM RELEASE

Three top class folk acts take to the Hailsham

Pavilion stage for our first Folk Night. With

original interpretations of traditional folk,

lively story-based contemporary songs and

spellbinding songs of Ingushetia, be prepared

for an unforgettable evening from The

Kimberleys, Milton Hide and Daria Kulesh.

Milton Hide releases their long-awaited third

album, Bungaroosh, at this event. Jim Tipler and

Jo Church from East Sussex, weave eloquent,

well-crafted story-based songs. “Eclectic in style,

sound and subject matter. Delightfully engaging

and distinctly moreish. There’s political comment

and dark undercurrent, so subtle and easy is

the music that you don’t realise the stiletto has

arrived until it’s slid in. A very welcome addition

to the contemporary roots’ scene” — RnR

Magazine. www.miltonhide.com

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.

Lightning Fast,

Rock Solid

Full Fibre

Broadband

All 24 month

packages now

£20

per month for the

first 3 payments*

Switch to Hailsham’s local

internet service provider!

Packages from 300Mbps.

01323 380260

www.LightningFibre.co.uk

*The first 3 payments for all 2 year packages are priced at £20 per month. T&C’s Apply. Offer Ends 31st October 2025

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham APRIL 2025 NEWS 11

Dancing on Ice Star Michaela

Strachan visits School Zoo

PHOTOS: PAUL GIBSON

BEDE’S Senior School, based

in Upper Dicker, welcomed

renowned wildlife presenter,

conservationist and most

recent runner-up of Dancing on

Ice, Michaela Strachan, as the

latest speaker in their Pyemont

Lecture series.

With a remarkable 30-year career

in television, Michaela shared her

incredible journey, captivating

pupils, parents and staff in an evening

of conversation with Headmaster, Mr

Peter Goodyer.

She shared stories of her passion

for wildlife conservation and her

extensive experiences in the world of

television broadcasting.

Best known for her nature and

wildlife programmes, including

the long-running BBC series

‘Springwatch’, ‘Autumnwatch’

and ‘Winterwatch’, Michaela has

become a beloved figure in British

broadcasting, bringing nature into

homes across the nation.

Michaela spoke about her career

journey — beginning on the stage,

studying musical theatre at the Arts

Educational College in London and

performing in the West End.

However, her career took a

fascinating turn to television, where

she became a familiar face on iconic

children’s programmes of the 1980s,

such as The Wide Awake Club and The

Really Wild Show.

Her recent projects, including

impactful documentaries like

Ice Age and Swimming in Sewage,

demonstrate her unwavering

commitment to raising awareness

about critical environmental issues.

Adding to her already busy

schedule, Michaela has also just

finished as runner-up in the latest

series of Dancing on Ice.

A highlight of the visit was

Michaela’s time spent in Bede’s Senior

School’s own zoo. Accompanied by

pupils, BTEC Animal Management

teachers and the zookeeping team,

she learned about the diverse range

of over 70 species of mammal, reptile,

amphibian and bird housed within

the school’s facility. She even met

three Grandidier’s Vontsiras, a littleknown

species of mongoose with just

a thousand remaining in the world.

Headmaster at Bede’s Senior School,

Peter Goodyer, said: “Micheala’s

visit was truly inspiring. Her passion

for wildlife and her dedication to

conservation resonated deeply with

our community. We are incredibly

grateful for her time and for sharing

her invaluable experiences.

“The collection we hold in the

zoo forms the cornerstone on

which the Sixth Form BTEC Animal

Management course is built, as

well as the location for one of the

school’s most popular activities: the

Zoological Society.

“This truly unique facility provides

an invaluable teaching resource,

which enables pupils to learn and

to pursue their interests, and which

allows them to participate in national

and international programmes for

the benefit of wildlife.”

The 820-pupil school is one of

the few in the UK to have a zoo

on site with its own zookeeper

and a specialist team of

assistants and pupils training in

animal management.

1

32

offer extended until 31 December 2025

s a v e

single fares

for just

£1, £2 £3 or

find out more:

on buses

in East Sussex

eastsussex.gov.uk

/bus-fares

12 INTERVIEW

APRIL 2025


Craig Revel Horwood:

My new show is strictly

about the music!

HE’S known and loved by millions

for getting to the point and as part

of his UK tour, Strictly star, Craig

Revel Horwood, he promises

to do just that.

His show, called Revelations, is

coming to the Congress Theatre

in Eastbourne on 17th April, when

the audience will get to learn

about the ‘real Craig’ in his most

personal tour yet.

Craig turned 60 in January and has

become a national treasure — he

started out in musical theatre, where

his first ever job was West Side Story

and took singing lessons as a kid, in

his native Australia.

Music was in his life throughout his

schooling. He said: “It just seemed to

be a very natural journey for me to go

into musicals. I just loved performing

in musicals until I was 30. People don’t

really know me as a singer because

I’ve been in the background doing

it, I suppose.”

Other areas of his life took over.

He became one of the UK’s best

and most influential directors and

choreographers, winning Laurence

Olivier Award nominations for Spend

Spend Spend and My One and Only. He

directed the opening ceremonies of

the 2002 Commonwealth Games in

Manchester and was invited to join

the judging panel for BBC’s Strictly

Come Dancing in 2004. As of 2025, he’s

Strictly’s only original judge.

Strictly made him a household name

as a stringent rule-follower who has

dished out more low scores of ‘1’ than

any other judge.

Becoming famous for catchphrases

and unique locutions — from chahchah-chah

to fab-u-lous — Craig has

outlasted everyone.

Yet there are many more strings

to his diamante-encrusted bow, and

singing is foremost among them.

So when the opportunity arose last

year to record an album of songs

with the UK’s leading musical

theatre record label, Westway, he

jumped at the chance.

“I thought: ‘Come on, you’re 60. Do

it.’ My mum’s always told me to get an

album together, and do something. So

I thought: ‘Yeah, I’ll do it.’ I grew up in

the era before things were recorded

— so there are no recordings of my

earlier performances in theatre. No

one had mobile phones and all of that

malarkey back then. Now everything

is recorded, no matter what you do,

I walk out the hotel room, and it’s

recorded by someone.”

Craig went into the studio and

recorded Revelations — Songs Boys

Don’t Sing. It was a stunning collection

of tunes that showcased a marvellous,

emotive, pitch-perfect voice. His

interpretations of such songs as

Memory showed a discombobulating

degree of warmth and empathy,

Don’t Rain On My Parade cast him as

the ultimate razzle-dazzle showman,

while As Long As He Needs Me, became

a song that took on new meaning with

Craig’s thoughtful tenderness.

Just like the Great British public,

who gave the singer his first chart hit,

Craig was thrilled. “Singing is such a

liberating experience. Each song on

the album means something to me.

You know, the first ever musical that

my mum went to see with the kids was

Jesus Christ Superstar, so I’ve recorded I

Don’t Know How To Love Him.

“Waltzing Matilda is in there

because I was born in Australia

and when we grew up it was like a

national anthem.”

Craig’s show will be about much

more than his favourite songs, of

course. He’ll also tell stories about the

part they’ve played in his life — and,

yes, spoiler alert, there’ll be plenty of

tales about Stories, from the other side

of the dancefloor.

“I want to talk about the songs that

I love and the reasons they are still

with me and in my life. I know I’ve

written three autobiographies, but my

autobiographies were always about

how I got Strictly. This show, for me,

is strictly about music and my passion

and love for it.

“That’s what drives my life and it’s

just so nice to be able to get up there

and sing and entertain people really

because that’s what I was born to do.”

Many of the songs will be familiar

to Craig’s fans — and will have a

special place in their heart, just as

they do in Craig’s.

“I wanted to do Memory, from Cats,

because I was in that show, but I’d

never get to sing that song because

I’d obviously never get the part of

Grizabella. It’s the same with I Don’t

Know How To Love Him, from Oliver!

It just goes without saying, you know,

that I’ll never play Nancy.

“So the record, and the tour, gives

me an opportunity to sing songs

that I know and love. The show

will be about my love for the music

and how it’s affected my life. It’ll be

about relationships, too, because we

all go through the same emotions

in relationships.

“I’ll be talking about that, and

heartbreak, and where it can lead.

You know, Adele has proved proved

how much emotion heartbreak can

evoke, not just for singers, but for the

audience, too.”

Craig will be joined on stage

by the super talented musician,

Ben Goddard, who fans will

recall from their double-act on

Celebrity Gogglebox. He can’t wait

to hang out with one of his best

mates, and is expecting plenty of

laughter along the way.

“The tour will be the opportunity

to have a good time along with Ben,

who I love. I’ve worked with him

quite a lot, either directing with him

or we did a one-man show together,

which was hilarious.

“For me, this is about the real Craig

Revel Horwood, not the judge Craig

Revel Horwood. It’s about my life

before I became a judge, and then

my life after being a judge, because

that, of course, is the only thing that

I’m famous for.”

Now it’s time to hit the road - Craig

will be completing a huge tour with

and can hardly wait. He’s more

than happy to temporarily ditch

the comfort of his judge’s chair on

Strictly, or the comfort of a West End

theatre, as he heads into the regions.

“The reason I love touring is that it

takes me to the people and I get to see

the country. It’s about that as much as

meeting people and learning because,

you know, in certain areas, you’ll get

different audiences.

“Every city and town has a

wonderful theatre and we’ll be

visiting those gems and thinking, you

know, wow. I’m going to 53 theatres

around the country in three months,

you know, it’s pretty full on. But it’s

great, it’s fantastic, and there’s some

places I’ve been before that I can’t

wait to return to, and those places

I’ve never been.

It’s going to be great. I’m looking

forward to it.”

With that, it’s time to call it a wrap.

Craig Revel Horwood has become

part of the national discourse with

his humorous role on Strictly, but, as

importantly, he’s been responsible

for some of the nation’s best work in

musical theatre.

Now it’s time for him to step out of

the shadow and take centre stage.

It’s time to hear him sing like never

before. And it’s time to hear Craig

Revel Horwood’s very own, very

personal Revelations.

Tickets for the show on

17 April can be booked at

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk


Hailsham charity

announces MP as patron

A HAILSHAM-based charity which

sends medical equipment across

the globe has received new support

as the MP for Sussex Weald

becomes its Patron.

Medi Tech Trust, a small charity of

five trustees, four permanent staff

and about 25 volunteers, started as

a project to raise funds for a laser

machine in Eastbourne Hospital over

twenty years ago.

Since then, the charity has supplied

over £1 million worth of equipment

to East Sussex hospitals and related

medical services, and has also grown

into a hugely important resource,

collecting unwanted medical

equipment which is then distributed

to low-income countries, with

accompanying training programmes

enabling local doctors and health

staff to use it.

Nusrat Ghani visited the charity

recently and is delighted to be able to

support its work after being invited

by the Trustees to become the

charity’s Patron.

Nusrat said: “I’m proud to be

supporting Medi Tech Trust

volunteers and Trustees as a

Patron. Medi Tech Trust is a unique

MediTech team

Hailsham-based charity, carrying

out important work enabling the

community to recycle unused and

unwanted medical supplies; by

donating equipment to hospitals and

surgeries both in East Sussex and

globally; and providing vital training

to surgeons overseas.

“They are making a huge

contribution to the welfare of many

patients across the world, and I

look forward to continuing working

with the charity as its Patron and

supporting their fantastic work.”

By promoting medical recycling,

Medi Tech Trust is contributing

to the welfare of many patients

across the world including in

Africa and Asia, supplying medical

equipment that would otherwise be

unavailable to them.

One of the most recent projects

of the charity has been delivering

medical supplies including fracture

boots to Ukraine.

Medi Tech Trust is one of only two

charities in the UK carrying out this

work. For its local as well as worldreaching

work, Medi Tech Trust

was received The Queen’s Award for

Voluntary Service in 2021.

For more about Medi Tech Trust or

the volunteering opportunities it

offers, visit www.meditechtrust.org.

Care home completes

£400,000 refurbishment

The Mayor of Hailsham, councillor Paul Hopgood, and resident

Biddy Burgum, cut the ribbon at the newly refurbished care home

A local care home is celebrating

after the completion of its

£400,000 refurbishment.

In honour of the refurbishment at

Care UK’s Bowes House, on Battle

Road being officially complete, the

local community was invited to join

residents and their relatives for a

special open day celebration.

The premium refurbishment

has introduced major upgrades to

the home’s nursing and dementia

suites, including brand-new servery

areas specially designed to enhance

the dining experience of residents.

The home’s café has also been

transformed, complete with a new

cosy snug area with a fireplace, TV

and comfy seating.

The special launch event saw

guests enjoy tours of the home

and entertainment from acoustic

rock and blues guitarist and singer

Stuart Bligh, alongside sampling the

Head Chef’s delicious canapés and

home baked treats.

Natasha King, Home Manager at

Bowes House, said: “Our celebration

to mark the completion of our

refurbishment was a huge success.

We have a splendid building,

and it was the ultimate way to

commemorate such an important

milestone for Bowes House.

“We feel very fortunate and are

delighted with our new and improved

home, and I’m so proud of the team

who have worked wholeheartedly

to create a stunning, warm and

welcoming environment here for

residents and their families.

“Every element of the refurb has

been carefully considered to create

and enhance this high-quality,

premium care facility, and it was

great to see everyone having a good

time at our re-launch party. It was

certainly a memorable day!”

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Find us at 11 Dipocks Buildings , Diplocks

Way, Diplocks Industrial Estate, Hailsham,

BN27 3JF

Visit online at diplockscafe.co.uk

14 NEWS

APRIL 2025


Wildlife rescuer completes

East Sussex charity trek

A CHARITY worker has completed

almost a one-hundred-mile walk

across the county to celebrate its

landmark anniversary.

Trevor Weeks MBE, from East

Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance

Service (WRAS) set off from Bewl

Water at the start of March and

finished the trek on Eastbourne

seafront ahead of a special

celebration at the Cumberland Hotel.

The route zigzagged across East

Sussex to mark special locations

where interesting rescues

had taken place.

It’s all to raise money for the charity

which celebrated its 30th anniversary

last month. Trevor has been working

in wildlife rescue for 40 years.

Trevor continued to carry out

his normal daily duties whilst

doing the walk, such as organising

volunteers and rescues, whilst

pounding the pavements.

Trevor told Hailsham News: “It’s

been a crazy month so far. We’ve had

two deer rescues this week and a seal

rescue in St. Leonards, on top of the

normal daily running of the charity,

so it’s just been a lot more manic than

we’ve expected.

“We’re already getting baby birds

Trevor Weeks at Common Pond

coming in and already have a group of

five fox cubs in. Everybody’s working

their socks off at the moment and

we’re not even in the busy season.”

Trevor set up WRAS 40-years ago

from Hailsham, so the Common

Pond in the town, has a special

place in his heart.

He added: “I used to be one of the

Wardens here many, many years

ago when I was a youngster. The

Hailsham Common Pond is a special

place for me, I’ve spent a lot of time

here over the years and it’s really nice

to see that the council have invested

in the pond. It’s so much better than it

used to be and they are trying to take

care of it and look after it on a fairly

limited budget.”

The walk took Trevor through

Mayfield, Heathfield, Uckfield,

Framfield, Lewes, Newhaven,

Arlington, Hailsham and

finally, Eastbourne.

During the trip, he stopped to record

videos about key rescues that stood

out in each town across his 40-year

background in wildlife rescue.

At the Hailsham section of the trip,

Trevor explained about the many

rescues of swans, geese and gulls

at the town’s Common Pond, and

as he moved through the town, he

spoke about a number of rescues of a

Duck and her chicks that had nested

in The Grove, and how everyone

worked together to get them back

to nearby water.

As he reached Coopers Way, he

talked about how, in 1992, a number

of newts were displaced due to

the building of new homes and he

had to work with Natural England

to rescue them.

As Trevor reached Robin Post

Lane, he was called by his team

WRAS volunteers at the Cumberland Hotel event

asking for help to rescue a deer near

Heathfield, so he was picked up by

the Wildlife Ambulance where he

rescued the deer, then continued with

his walk after.

As he passed through Abbots Wood,

Trevor explained how he’s rescued

animals such as badgers, tawny

owls, deer and then was invited to

meet the team at the Asda petrol

station at the Polegate Services who

donated £1,000.

At the evening event at the

Cumberland to celebrate his

completion of the walk, he presented

some key stories to an audience of

how he became involved in rescues

and how he has built WRAS to

become the second largest wildlife

hospital in the southeast.

The audience also heard from

Asda at Polegate donates £1,000

Daryl Farmer, a volunteer at WRAS

who rowed the Atlantic in 2016 in

aid of the hospital. He spoke about

the challenges he faced during the

3,000-mile trip which took 96 days

and raised thousands of pounds

in the process.

At the time of going to press, almost

£3,000 had been raised on the back of

his walk. Visit wildlifeambulance.org

to donate to the cause.

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Restaurant opens its doors

for dine-in Thai experience

As a family-run gem, we pride

ourselves on creating not just a

meal, but an experience — one

that’s full of love, laughter, and

unforgettable flavours.

Our takeaway service has been a

hit, and now, with our dining area

opening on April 9th, we’re so excited

to invite you to sit down, relax, and

enjoy your favourite dishes in the

comfort of our newly set-up space!

NESTLED in the heart of Hailsham,

we’re thrilled to finally welcome

you into our dining space

after running as a takeaway

since November.

Get ready to experience the rich,

bold flavours of North-eastern

Thailand, served with a side of heartwarming

hospitality.

Our kitchen is led by a culinary

maestro from Nong Khai from

Thailand, who’s been perfecting her

craft for over 20 years.

From the hustle and bustle of

Eastbourne to the legendary street

markets of London, she’s now

bringing her delicious magic to your

table right here in Hailsham.

A DELICIOUS ADVENTURE

Each dish we serve is like a postcard

from the streets of Nong Khai.

Packed with bold, zesty flavours,

every bite takes you closer to the

mystic Mekong River. From the tangy

kick of Som Tum (papaya salad) to the

savoury goodness of Laab (minced

meat salad), smoky Grilled Fish,

and of course, the heart-warming

hug of Pad Thai — we’ve got your

taste buds covered.

Portions? They’re just like family

dinners at home — generous and

served with plenty of love!

Whether you’re in the mood for a

light snack or a feast that’ll fill you up

(and leave you smiling), we’ve got the

right portion for you.

GET READY FOR THE

FUN SIDE OF THAI

We’re all about tradition, but we’re not

afraid to mix it up a little. Every dish

tells the story of home cooking, but

with a playful twist that’ll make your

dining experience unforgettable.

From the spice to the sweet, from

the humble beginnings to the perfect

finishing touch, our food will make

you feel right at home while you enjoy

something truly special.

Come hungry. Leave happy. And

don’t forget to join us on April 9th

to enjoy your favourites in our

new dining area!

COCKTAILS

At Thai Nong Khai, we believe

cocktails should be an experience.

Inspired by Thailand’s rich flavours,

our handcrafted cocktails infuse

fresh herbs, tropical fruits, and exotic

spices with world-class spirits to

create something truly unique.

From smoky Mekhong rum to zesty

Thai basil tequila infusion. Whether

you crave something refreshing,

spicy or sweet, your perfect Thai

escape starts here!

Give us a call to book a table or

order your takeaway today on 01323

573761, or visit hainongkhai.co.uk.

Authenic North-eastern Thai Food in the Heart of Hailsham

New Restaurant and Takeaway

NOW OPEN at 2 High Street

Our brand-new restaurant is now open to dine in at our intimate

location on the High Street in Hailsham near bankers corner.

Opening from 8th April, we will be taking bookings from

customers who want to enjoy tasty, authentic Thai food, cooked

to order with an extensive menu taking you on an exciting

Thai food journey.

Telephone: 01323 573761

Book or order food online at thainongkhai.co.uk

16 NEWS

APRIL 2025


Conservatives announced candidates

for Sussex Mayor elections

TIM Loughton, the Conservative

MP for East Worthing & Shoreham

between 1997 and 2024, has

thrown his hat into the ring to be

the Conservative candidate for the

new Mayor of Sussex.

Campaigning under the banner

of ‘Rooted in Sussex, Rooting for

Sussex’, Tim is fighting his campaign

on six key policy areas:

• Taking control of our own

finances: Sussex revenues for

Sussex infrastructure

• Making Sussex a place where

young people can learn well, earn

well and afford to make their

homes closer to home

• Fewer roadworks and more

roads that work

• A joined-up Sussex Skills

programme to Get Sussex Working

and attract inward investment

• More visible police officers

pursuing criminals rather than

Political Correctness

• Valuing our farmers against

Labour’s attacks and protecting

our rich Downland and

coastal environment

The first Mayor of Sussex will be

elected in May 2026. The role will

Tim Laughton

have powers over the economy,

infrastructure, transport, inward

investment, housing and skills and will

take over the functions of the Police

and Crime Commissioner.

For half of his 27 years in

Parliament, Tim served on the

Conservative frontbench, most

notably as Minister for Children and

Young People. For 10 years he was

Deputy Chairman and Chairman of

the influential Home Affairs Select

Committee and chaired All Party

Parliamentary Groups in a wide

range of areas.

Tim launched his campaign with

a video emphasising his roots and

lifelong attachments across the whole

of Sussex. He was born in Eastbourne,

attended The Pells and Priory Schools

in Lewes, grew up and was married in

Alfriston and has lived in West Sussex

and represented a West Sussex

constituency for the last 30 years. His

call to arms to be the Conservative

candidate in the upcoming campaign

is summed up as ‘Rooted in Sussex,

Rooting for Sussex.’

Tim commented: “I have the

experience, skills and record of

public service nationally and locally

to be that strong voice for the County

that I love, and which has been

my home for all my life. This job

will mean competing with metro

mayors in other parts of the country

predominantly led by former Labour

MPs and it needs someone with

extensive experience of navigating

Government, ministers’ offices and

national agencies, as I have for 30

years. This Labour Government

has declared war on so many of

the communities that form the

backbone of Sussex — farmers,

pensioners, small businesses, young

entrepreneurs, the hospitality

industry to name a few.

“We need to be united to fight back.

My roots and experience mean I can

represent and unite all of Sussex,

young and old, east and west, urban

and rural, downland and coastal. This

is the only position that really fires me

up to stay in frontline politics and I

am raring to get back to the campaign

trail and fight for Sussex at the top

table and for Conservative values in

our communities.”

Katy Bourne, the

current Sussex

Police and Crime

Commissioner has

also announced

she will be

standing in the

elections next

year.

Katy Bourne

She said: “I will be seeking to ensure

that, under a mayoral model of

police governance, the unique local

identity and character of our police

force is preserved and the public’s

voice in policing will continue to

be strongly articulated across all of

Sussex, including our rural towns

and villages. To this end, I will be

seeking nomination for Mayoral

candidacy in due course.

“My office is already in dialogue

with the Home Office and the

Ministry of Housing, Communities

and Local Government and we fully

expect to be working in collaboration

with our local authorities as the

devolution process moves forward.”

Former MP for

Hastings and Rye,

Sally-Ann Hart will

also be standing

as part of the

party’s line-up.

She said:

“Devolution must

benefit every

part of Sussex. A

Sally-Ann Hart

strong, decisive and unapologetic

Conservative mayor, with a clear

plan for uniting the county, can

make this work. We need someone

who understands, nurtures and

develops the unique strengths, and

understands and addresses the

challenges, of each part of Sussex,

and who is willing to stand up for

residents and businesses.

“It means fighting for investment in

the places that have been historically

overlooked, ensuring that no town

or village is left behind. If chosen as

the Conservative mayoral candidate,

I will ensure this new Combined

Authority delivers real benefits for

all of Sussex based on practical,

community-focused leadership.

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Bluebell Walk set to open

ancient woodland to visitors

THIS month sees the reopening

of the stunning Arlington

Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail

for the 52nd year.

Open daily from April 4 until

May 8, almost 30 charities will

be raising money by taking over

the running of the food and drink

operation each day.

The amount raised by charities


Caring for your

loved ones for

almost a decade

RIGHT at Home Eastbourne & Bexhill

opened its doors to clients in 2016, when

it first started delivering home care, also

known as domiciliary care, in Eastbourne

and the surrounding areas.

Since then, the team has grown to over 90

CareGivers and a permanent management

team of six, operating out of their office

in Eastbourne.

Over the years, the company has swelled from

one room to a suite of offices, and the travel

kettle has been replaced with two enormous

tea urns. On any given day, a steady stream

of carers pop in, be it for induction training,

refresher training, team meetings, menopause

support groups, or new applicants being

welcomed for interviews.

Prospective clients and their next of kin

might also come in for a chat. Children, dogs

and even the odd cat visit make sure there is

never a dull moment.

The company offers a wide range of services

that are tailored to the needs and wishes of

each individual. A fundamental aspect of

high-quality home care is a commitment to

ongoing learning.

As well as in-depth face-to-face training, staff

are offered diplomas in social care, with all

office staff holding a Level 5 or Level 4 Diploma

in Adult Health and Social Care. Targeted

training such as Buccal, PEG and nutritional

passed £1 million last year, and for

owner, John McCutchan, that was an

important milestone.

John said: “This year we will be

opening a week earlier than we

did in 2024, and we look forward

to welcoming as many people as

possible again this year.

“We are delighted to welcome two

new charities - Children’s Respite

Trust and Chestnut Tree House

Children’s Hospice - and none of

this would be possible without the

support of our marvellous local

charities. I would like to thank each

and every one of them.”

The Bluebell Walk is a delightful

circular walk with a chance to enjoy

five farm trails, where visitors can

see Pygmy Goats and their kids,

support is given on a regular basis, and staff

are given the opportunity to attend the Virtual

Dementia Tour bus.

If any client needs additional specialised care,

further training is sourced on demand. Working

with other care professionals builds valuable

relationships in the community, benefits

clients, their next of kins and carers alike.

The company takes great pride in being

the highest-rated home care provider in the

Eastbourne area according to independent

client review site homecare.co.uk, and it has

also received a 5* WorkBuzz Employer Award

for two years running.

Social care has its challenges, but

communication, teamwork and a good sense

of humour help.

For Valentine’s Day, the team raised £170 in

a matter of days for BHF, and for Easter this

year is holding another fundraiser for the

EDAA (Eastbourne Dementia Action Alliance).

Whether anyone dares to dress up as a chicken

in the office remains to be seen, but you can

keep an eye out for eggstra news on Facebook.

To discuss your needs, contact us on

01323 414 658 or visit our wesbite,

www.rightathome.co.uk/eastbourne-and-bexhill

Kingfisher captured by Paul Gibson at the lake

Kerry Hill Sheep and their lambs

along the route.

During a rest, visitors can view last

year’s winning images of the annual

Photographic competition, visit the

plant stall run in aid of Arlington

Village Church, the Book Room run

by Driving for the Disabled and the

Sundries Stall run by Hailsham Old

Pavilion Society.

Each year John and his team try to

make changes to make the visitor

experience even more enjoyable.

For 2025, there is a new efficient

and improved system to serve hot

food and drinks. There is also a new

Farm Walks map with new and

improved signage.

John said: “It is such a privilege

to host this five-week event. I did

think back in February that the

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cold weather was holding back

the bluebells but the weather has

improved since them, so I’m hopeful

they will appear shortly.

“Every Tuesday and Friday, I report

on how nature is dealing with the

bluebells by updating the home page

of our website at bluebellwalk.co.uk.

“Please come and visit, you will be

assured of a warm welcome and, I am

sure, a very enjoyable time.”

There are 18 mobility scooters

available free of charge and the walk

is suitable for wheelchairs. During the

Bluebell Walk, Bates Green Garden

on the site is also open every day.

For more information, go to

www.bluebellwalk.co.uk, or

visit during the opening hours at

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18 NEWS

APRIL 2025


Running event

expected to bring

thousands to town

FOR its third year, the Hailsham

Community Run will pound the

local roads with keen runners

and will probably be the

biggest and best yet.

Taking place on Sunday 18th

May, organisers are confident

this year’s event will top the

success of the previous run, where

772 people participated in and

completed the 10k, 5k, 3k or allinclusive

1-mile races.

There are four routes on offer for

all abilities, a 1 mile, 3k, 5k and 10k

which have been supported by local

businesses to ensure the community

event can go ahead.

1-Mile Route

Hailsham Active 1 Mile

1

Town councillors Mary Laxton

and Karen Nicholls are organising

the event again this year, working

alongside Sports Systems Ltd which is

providing the technical systems.

The Town Council’s funding

allocation of £6,000 for the 3K race

will go towards the purchase of

medals, as well as the provision of

licences, event planning expenses

and other associated costs.

Other sponsors of this year’s

event include Stevens & Carter,

sponsoring the inflatable start line

and Diplocks Cafe which is providing

water stations.

Again, Roland Dunn Sales &

1

3k Route

¯32 m

Hailsham Active 3k

3

1

Lettings will be gifting water bottles to

all runners and Miss Walls Food will

be providing a selection of cakes and

cookies at the finish line.

Neil Povey DJ and MC will be

playing songs in ‘The Beehive’

stage on the day (sponsored by

Lightning Fibre).

Hailsham United Junior Football

Club will be recruiting the 100

marshals needed for the event and

Hailsham Coffee (formerly AJ Bakes)

will be providing marshals with a

breakfast bap and hot drinks.

Hailsham High Street will be closed

from 9am to 1pm on the day.

Mary Laxton said “Don’t forget to

50 m

200 ft

Map Data © OpenStreetMap Contributors

2

5k-10k Route

1

mark the date of the next Hailsham

Community Run in your diaries.

You can register on the website, so

be sure to book your place well in

advance as we closed entries early

last May due to the overwhelming

popularity of the event.

“Hailsham High Street was full

to capacity last year with around

2,000 people, including competitors

and supporters. The atmosphere

was electric, and I was impressed

with how many local clubs and

community groups participated to

raise funds for their chosen cause.

“Let’s not forget, the Hailsham

Community Run is the second largest

public town event in Hailsham —

and the fastest growing event in the

running calendar in East Sussex.

We pride ourselves on being fully

inclusive and family-friendly at this

event, which has grown from humble

beginnings but grown in popularity

since Hailsham its inauguration. Active 5k Let’s make

2025’s run a record-breaking event!”

Hailsham Community Run

3

4

300 m

500 ft

2

organisers are committed to

being as inclusive as possible at its

annual event and welcome runners

with health issues, disabilities or

accessibility needs. To create an even

more inclusive running culture for

this year’s running event, the brandnew

toilets located in Vicarage Field

will be available for the public to use.

In addition to the two modular

toilets, the facility includes a

Changing Places unit complete with

an electronic hoist, shower toilet

and wash basin, all of which are

totally accessible.

The 1-mile run involves two laps

via Vicarage Lane and the running

category is open to all ages and

abilities (including both visible and

hidden disabilities) and any aids

required will be provided to enable

maximum participation in the event.

Town councillor Karen Nicholls,

accessibility lead for the event,

commented: “We are encouraging all

residents with any form of disability

or special need to participate in the

1-mile inclusive run especially, using

any form of support that they require.

There will be fully accessible facilities

available and it’s so important to us to

be fully inclusive as a community.”

Registration for participants open

via www.hailshamcommunityrun.

co.uk. The target number of

participants in the run this

year is 1,000.

1-Mile Race: Start time — 10am —

Sponsored by Alinker and Colston

• 3k Race: Start time — 9.30am

— sponsored by Hailsham Town

Council • 5k Race: Start time —

10.30am — Sponsored by The Royal

Indian • 10k Race: Start time —

10.30am — Sponsored by Hallmark

Glazed Extensions.

300 m

500 ft

Map Data © OpenStreetMap Contributors

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

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

OPEN EVERY WED & SAT UNTIL 22 OCT

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

and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

O my delicious April, never cease, to weep and smile at once! — Alfred Austin, Savonarola: A Tragedy, 1881

The month of April is traditionally a

time for showers and sunshine, the

ideal combination for our plants and,

therefore, time to get weeding! I also

think this is an apt month to consider

what lies ahead and how we can make

the most of the precious resource that

is rainwater.

Our mains tap water in the UK is of

good quality, but plants don’t need

perfectly clean water. As gardeners, we

can help to avoid hosepipe bans in the

future by using our water resources

wisely. A significant amount of energy

and treatment are used to provide safe

water to our homes, so using stored

rainwater or grey water in your garden

also lowers your carbon emissions.

Rest assured, using mains water isn’t

ideal anyway. There are so many good

things that Nature provides within rain

and so consider the following:

Rain is beneficial to plants because

it provides them with pure, soft water,

free of the chemicals and salts found in

tap water, which can build up in the soil

and harm plant growth.

Rainwater has a natural pH of around

seven, which is the ideal pH for most

plants to thrive, and it also contains

nitrates, a crucial form of nitrogen for

Tulipa ‘Purple Prince’. Photo John Glover

plant growth, encouraging lush leafy

plants to thrive.

Rainwater helps flush out excess

salts and minerals that can build up

in the soil, especially in potted plants,

promoting healthy soil and plant growth.

It is, therefore, much better for your

houseplant collection than tap water.

In terms of feeding your plants, you

are actually giving them food as well as

water if you use rainwater. Rainwater

helps unlock and make available

micro-nutrients and minerals already

present in the soil, allowing plants to

readily absorb them.

So, now you know the benefits of

watering your precious plants with

collected rainwater, let us consider

when our plants really need it.

Houseplants require regular watering

indoors, but in a month or so, all your

houseplants can be carefully placed in a

New hedge. Photo John Glover

sheltered spot outside for their summer

holiday. Hopefully, they will receive

summer showers (rather than a deluge),

which will really improve their health

as rainwater washes away dust and

debris from plant leaves, clearing their

pores (stomata) and improving their

ability to take in CO2 and nutrients for

photosynthesis. Houseplants can get

incredibly dusty.

Plants need the most water in hot, dry

and windy weather, which is usually

when water companies are least able

to meet demand. Plants are most

vulnerable to shortages of water when

they are first planted and so keep a close

eye on your cherished purchases once

you have planted them in the ground or

in containers. This particularly applies

to bare-root woody stock that you put

in during the dormant season, which is

incredibly susceptible to a dry spring

and summer when their roots have not

yet established into the deeper, moister

layers of soil.

Check your newly planted shrubs,

trees, herbaceous perennials and

seedlings regularly. If your soil is in

good health and you regularly apply

organic material as a mulch, then your

established plants will need no further

watering. In fact, leaving them to search

for water for themselves will encourage

a good deep root system that is capable

of withstanding drought.

Annuals are plants that complete their

life cycle in one growing season. They

are generally easy to grow from seed

or can be bought as young plants from

nurseries and garden centres. These

will all need watering to be managed

carefully until their roots are established.

Your vegetable plot is the one area

where it is vital not to stint on irrigation.

Try to ensure that you have a water

butt installed on any nearby shed or

outbuilding, and consider that, even in

dry districts, 24,000 litres (5280 gallons

or 150 water butts) could be collected

from the roof each year.

Today, confidence in global climate

models has increased, and we now know

that extreme weather events are the

conditions most likely to be experienced

by the UK. The impact of these events,

such as flash flooding and periods of

drought, is likely to be compounded by

increased housing pressure, meaning

that gardens will become more critical

in providing services formerly delivered

by the natural environment — services

such as flood alleviation, carbon

sequestration and the provision of

habitats for wildlife — that will be lost

to development.

Water resources in the UK are

under pressure from climate change

and population growth. Gardeners

should, therefore, use mains water as

sparingly as they can. Let us all set

a good example to our neighbours,

fellow allotment holders, children and

grandchildren by cherishing the water

that Nature so kindly provides.

Enjoy your gardens in April.

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20 REGULARS

APRIL 2025


HAILSHAM ACTIVE with Steve Wennington

COMMUNITY EFFORT DRIVES SPORTS GROWTH

MY (VOLUNTARY) role as chair of

Hailsham Active is a very privileged

position. I have been able to get to

know many different sports clubs and

organisations across the town and

indeed further afield.

The common theme is the amazing

commitment and enthusiasm of coaches,

managers and supporters of these

clubs. Regularly making things happen

without the need of financial payment.

The rewards clearly come in watching

individuals and teams develop.

It is not just the players, coaches and

organisers of these sports clubs that

win; it is the big family around each club.

The mums and dads, friends and general

supporters all get to enjoy being part of

something special.

If you go outside the immediate scope

of the club, there are also great benefits

to our local businesses, schools and, of

course, the NHS (whilst sport does have

it injury costs, it is calculated that this

costs £1 for every £8 of benefit that

sport brings to the NHS).

I see our role as helping these clubs

and organisations not only survive but

thrive and grow. It is also about helping

new clubs get off the ground.

This is often about finding facilities

they can use and indeed afford

(Hailsham has a massive deficit of

playing fields, something Wealden

Steve Wennington

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has to report on, but sadly, doesn’t

have to act on).

The lack of facilities often kills off new

clubs wanting to set up. But, some are

determined to make things happen.

WHERE THE COUNCIL CAN’T

HELP, WE TRY AND FIND

SOLUTIONS ELSEWHERE

A really good example of this is at

Hellingly Sports Club at the Lower

Horsebridge recreation ground. I

have a very good knowledge of this

particular club as I played rugby there

for many years and had many roles

on the committee.

One of the wonderful things about the

club is not only the positive integration

of the various sports sections (Bowls,

Cricket, Rugby, American Flag Football

and Junior Soccer), but also the positive

interaction with Hellingly Parish Council,

which actively supports and promotes

what we do and see it a very positive

element to the community.

I should also mention business

support. Each section gets helped out

financially or with skills and services of

our local business community, mostly

through members who play for their

respective clubs, but sometimes those

with no direct link to the club.

This mix of people and skills across

private and state (Parish Council) are

currently looking at making further

enhancements to the ground with the

acquisition of part of the old fairground

site (Negotiated by the Parish Council).

By regular and positive conversations

with the council they recognised the

need for extra land and supported us

when it became available.

What this will mean is extra

parking (the A271 gets a bit clogged

on big match days, so this will help).

We also hope for some all-weather

training facilities.

Better drainage to the main recreation

ground so we can get more training

sessions and games here rather than

the very costly 3G facilities (often over

£100 per hour, even for children). We

also want to improve the clubhouse and

changing facilities. Finally, we want to

add a 1km x 2 metre wide footpath for

year-round use.

There is a similar approach at

Herstmonceux, where again, crucially,

the Parish Council is actively engaged

with the sports clubs and local

community. Indeed, opportunities exist

to incorporate the local primary school

with a path around the recreation

ground linking directly to the school.

When I meet up with the sports

clubs and Parish Councils, the sense

of community is overwhelmingly

positive, and it is something we try

to demonstrate to Wealden District

Council. With a positive attitude, they

could release a goldmine of talent across

the area (not just Hailsham).

If anyone has any ideas on how to

communicate this Wealden, I am all ears

(I am still on their naughty step with the

threat of further tariffs!).

A GREAT STORY FROM

HAILSHAM BOXING CLUB

I suspect many of you are aware of

the great work Sam Buchanan and

his team do at the boxing club. When I

last met Sam he told me about one

of the juniors who has been at the

club for about 18 months. It is fair

to say this lad was struggling at school.

It is also fair to say, Sam and his

team have recognised and nurtured

the potential of not only his boxing,

but also his schoolwork, which has

been directly and positively affected.

The young man in question is now

South of England Champion for his

age group and getting much better

results at school.

The power of sport is remarkable.

Sam being Sam, wants to help

more children find their way to a

positive future and has agreed to

support various children from our

local schools with a program of

boxing mixed with Maths and English

schoolwork (the catch — you have

to do the Maths and English to be

allowed to box).

It works.

Our next joint campaign is to help

fund a minibus for Sam to transport the

children to and from local schools. If

you can help with this campaign, please

contact me or Sam.

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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham APRIL 2025 COMMERCE UPDATE 21

HAILSHAM AND DISTRICT

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE

Hailsham Chamber of Commerce

welcomes new Committee

following successful AGM

THE Hailsham & District Chamber

of Commerce held its Annual

General Meeting last week at the

beautifully hosted Wellshurst Golf

Club — a fantastic evening filled

with networking, celebration, and

a renewed sense of purpose for

the year ahead.

The evening brought together

business owners and professionals

from across the region to reflect

on the past year’s achievements

and to set the stage for continued

growth and collaboration in 2025.

We were thrilled to see such strong

engagement from our members

and supporters.

A heartfelt thank you to Howden

Insurance for sponsoring the

evening, and to Henners Vineyard

and ArtChocolat for their generous

sponsorship of our Chamber

Awards. Your support truly made the

night memorable.

We’re pleased to announce the

newly elected Chamber committee,

as voted for on the night:

• President: Sam Beale

• Vice President: Clive Soper

• Secretary: Donna St-Claire

• Treasurer: Lucy Fenner

• Website Manager: James Golding

• Marketing

Manager: Ryley Warwick

• Charity Liaison Officer: Roy Smith

• Events Manager: Nic Gray

• Committee Members:

Mark Hallett, Colin

Slaughter, Andrew Rannie

We would like to express our sincere

appreciation to Viktoria Cowley for

her tireless work and dedication in the

role of Secretary over the past year.

Viktoria has been a vital part of the

Chamber’s operations, and we are

truly grateful for her commitment

and contributions.

The evening also celebrated local

excellence through the Chamber

Awards 2024–2025, recognising

individuals and businesses that have

gone above and beyond in their fields:

TOP CONTRIBUTOR

• Winner: Sam Beale —

Stevens and Carter

• Highly Commended: Ryley

Warwick — Studio W Media

TOP 45 SECONDS

• Winner: Ali Thompson —

The Dental Barn

• Highly Commended: Andrew

Rannie — Dawson Hart Solicitors

TOP NEWCOMER

• Winner: Lucy Fenner — Advanta

Chartered Accountants

• Highly Commended: Tyler Smith

— Luxe Auto Shine

UNWAVERING

COMMITMENT

• Winner: Donna St-

Clair — Design Lab

• Highly Commended: James

Golding — MB Web

SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

• Winner: Simon Grimley —

Grimley Flooring

• Highly Commended: John Bellamy

— Print Matters

LARGE BUSINESS AWARD

• Winner: Rob Reaks —

Lightning Fibre

• Highly Commended: Andrew

Rannie — Dawson Hart Solicitors

OUTSTANDING

YOUNG ACHIEVER

• Winner: Ryley Warwick

— Studio W Media

• Highly Commended: Tyler Smith

— Luxe Auto Shine

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

• Winner: Ben Pratt —

Hailsham Farmers Market

• Highly Commended: Laurie

Wilkinson — The Psychy Poet

Congratulations to all our award

winners and nominees. Your efforts

inspire us all and help strengthen

Hailsham’s reputation as a thriving,

collaborative, and innovative

business community.

We’re excited to see what the coming

year will bring, and with our new

committee in place, we look forward

to building on this momentum to

support, promote, and celebrate our

local businesses.

Here’s to another year of connection,

growth, and success!

Sam Beale says: “I am honoured

and excited to be elected as the

President of Hailsham & District

Chamber of Commerce.

“Some eight-odd years ago I joined the

chamber, and was soon encouraged

to join the committee if I wanted

to continue voicing my opinion,

something so many say I’m not shy

in doing — and I haven’t looked back!

In that time I have sat in on dozens

of meetings, eaten 100s of cooked

breakfasts, built a large professional

network and organised countless

events! My main aim of taking the role

was to help attract a younger and more

varied group of professionals, and

that we have achieved, now totalling

140 or so members.

“The chamber has been

instrumental in opening doors to

many opportunities and situations

that simply wouldn’t have been

there otherwise. Something I

underestimated when I joined was the

huge influence the chamber would

be towards my own personal and

professional development.

“It’s not by magic that our chamber

has grown into what we see now, it

is the continuous and unwavering

commitment of our committee and

our members, and I look forward to

building on the strong Foundation as

we move forward together.”

22 ADVERTORIAL

APRIL 2025


BY FAYE WAITE

LIFE shapes us in unique ways,

and our experiences — both joyful

and painfu — mould who we are.

But no matter what we’ve been

through, I truly believe we can

overcome anything.

I’m Faye, the founder of Find Flow

with Faye, and my journey to wellness

has been anything but conventional.

Raised by my incredible mum,

who was widowed while pregnant

with me, I grew up watching her

train in holistic therapies. She

began her journey in 2001, and

through her, I learned the power of

alternative healing.

When she met my stepdad, I gained

a father figure who took me in as

his own. Years later, when he was

diagnosed with terminal cancer, my


Incredible Journey to

Wellness and Empowerment

mum cared for him with unwavering

love. Losing him was devastating.

I had a breakdown, which led to

my diagnosis of high-functioning

autism—a revelation that finally

helped me understand myself.

Alongside my emotional struggles,

I battled endometriosis from a

young age. As a teenager, the

symptoms including intense pain,

vomiting, IBS, and even fainting were

dismissed as something to ‘control or

stress related.’

After surgery failed to help, I

turned to prescription painkillers

like Tramadol and Codeine. I felt lost

in a cycle of pain and medication,

disconnected from myself. Then,

a doctor suggested something

unexpected: hot yoga. That moment

changed my life.

Through hot yoga, I began to

reclaim my body, mind, and spirit.

The intense physical challenge,

the moving meditation, the ability

to sit with discomfort instead of

numbing it—this practice became

my sanctuary. Over the years,

I’ve explored countless therapies,

including CBT, hypnotherapy,

Bach flower remedies, functional

movement coaching, reiki, and more.

Yet, no matter what, I always come

back to yoga and meditation. These

practices remind me that healing

isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our emotional

and physical responses are deeply

interconnected, and true wellness

requires a holistic approach.

Today, as a mother to a toddler,

navigating a divorce and embracing

the next chapter of my life, I feel

stronger and more excited for

the future than ever. I’ve faced

challenges, but I’ve also found

resilience, community, and joy.

That’s why I created Find Flow with

Faye — to share what I’ve learned

and help others find their own path

to healing too.

A SPACE FOR EVERYONE

At Find Flow with Faye, I offer more

than just yoga — I create a space

for you to reconnect with yourself,

whether you’re overcoming physical

pain, navigating mental struggles, or

simply seeking balance.

To build resilience, strengthen both

body and mind, and release tension —

Hot Yoga 26+2 is for you.

To restore harmony in both mind

and body — 1-2-1 Reiki is for you.

To foster connection, self-reflection,

and emotional understanding —

Cacao Circles are for you.

No matter where you are on your

journey, you are not alone. Healing

is possible. Strength is already within

you. And together, we can find flow.

• Hot Yoga — Monday, Wednesday,

and Friday, 6:30-7:30 PM @ 19 St

Street at The Fame Academy

• Women’s Cacao Circle — First

Friday of the month, 8:00-9:30 PM

@ 19 St Street at The Fame Academy

• Cacao Workshops — Held

at Little Chelsea Health Shop

on Sundays (11 AM-1 PM) as

and when scheduled

• Booking — All sessions are

bookable via GymCatch, with the

link available on my website

Join me at FindFlowWithFaye.com

or email me at findflowwithfaye@

gmail.com and let’s move

forward—together.

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

Lanes Group Ltd

of

300 Lansdowne Road, Eccles, Manchester M30 9PJ,

is applying for a Goods Vehicle Operator Licence to use

Southern Water Hailsham North Treatment Works, Arrow Drive, Hailsham

BN27 1EJ as an Operating Centre for 20 vehicles.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who

believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make

written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill,

Leeds LS2 7UE stating their reasons, within 21days of this notice. Representors must

at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address

given at the top of this notice. A guide to Making Representations is available from

the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.

PUBLISHED ON 1 APRIL 2025

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CALL 01323 840444 or visit stevensandcarter.co.uk

24 SPORT

APRIL 2025


Hellingly Storms to Victory

in Rugby Showdown

BY IAN HANNAFORD

AN overcast Saturday at

Pulborough’s Club saw Hellingly

face off against Pulborough II in a

tightly contested fixture.

Pulborough came out of the blocks

quickly, forcing an early turnover

off the kick-off and putting Hellingly

on the back foot. A penalty for

Pulborough allowed their number

9 to slot an early kick and open

the scoring. 3-0.

Hellingly responded swiftly. A

penalty for the visitors was kicked

to the corner, setting up a lineout 10

metres out. Crisp handling off the

lineout allowed Matt Bennet Tomlin

to cross for the opening Hellingly

try. Aaron Kirk(y) converted to give

Hellingly the lead. 3-7.

Hellingly continued to press, and a

break from halfway by David Sands

put Tom Stone into space for another

try. Kirky’s reliable boot added

the extras. 3-14.

Ben Gower stole the ball deep in

Hellingly’s 22, and the team worked

their way upfield. Tom Lacey capped

off the move with a score on the

right wing. 3-19.

After the restart, Rob Sharma broke

from deep, but a penalty against

Hellingly at the ensuing breakdown

gave Pulborough a chance to clear.

The home side began to claw their

way back into the game, with several

penalties allowing them to edge into

Hellingly’s 22. However, a handling

error off a lineout saw Pulborough

squander their chance.

Hellingly regained momentum,

working their way back upfield.

A break by Sands set up Stone

for a try on the left wing. Kirky

expertly converted from the far-left

touchline. 3-26.

Pulborough fought hard, earning a

scrum in Hellingly’s 22 after a penalty.

They took full advantage, getting the

ball wide quickly for their winger to

touch down in the corner. 8-26.

Hellingly responded immediately.

Stone made another break and

assisted Bennet Tomlin for a try

under the posts. Kirky added the

conversion. 8-33.

Pulborough’s persistence paid off

as Hellingly conceded a series of

penalties for offside and not rolling

away. Eventually, Pulborough

earned a penalty try after a mistake at

the ruck. 15-33.

The second half saw the scrums

become uncontested, but the

intensity remained high. Early

penalties to Hellingly gave them

the platform to mount attacks,

but unforced errors disrupted

their flow. Pulborough managed

to apply pressure, but Hellingly’s

defence held firm.

A brilliant break from Tom Stone

and Alex Bray put Hellingly deep into

Pulborough territory. A strong carry

from Ben Gower and a charge from

Lewis Ather took the visitors to within

five metres. Quick reactions from the

forwards saw the ball recycled, and

Alex Spalding scored under the posts.

Kirky converted. 22-40.

As the game entered its closing

stages, Hellingly showed resilience,

defending strongly against a

determined Pulborough. A dangerous

tackle from Pulborough led to a quick

tap-and-go by Alex Bray, creating

an opportunity for Aidan Walsom to

score right of the posts. Kirky added

the extras. 22-47.

Pulborough struck back with a try

from their winger, converted by their

number 9. 29-47.

Pulborough refused to give up,

earning a series of penalties to build

territory. A try for their fullback on

the wing brought them closer, though

the conversion was missed. 34-47.

In the final moments, Jack

Hopkins gathered the restart and

carried strongly. A quick offload

and a pop pass from Alex Bray

sent Rob Sharma over left of the

posts. Kirky’s conversion sealed the

victory for Hellingly.

Final Score: Pulborough II

34 — Hellingly 54

It was a hard-fought encounter,

with Pulborough showing great

tenacity, but Hellingly’s clinical

finishing and teamwork ultimately

proved decisive.

Harriers celebrate as Sussex Grand Prix Champions

BY HELEN O’SULLIVAN

LOCAL running club Hailsham

Harriers enjoyed celebrating at the

Kings Head, Horsebridge, as they

lifted the Steve Ovett Sussex Grand

Prix trophy for the eighth time in

the club’s history.

The Sussex Grand Prix, founded

in 1985 by Ron Grover and Carol

Wilson of Arena 80 Athletics Club,

is a running series of twelve races

which take place between March

and November each year in various

locations within West and East

Sussex. The league is currently made

up of nineteen running Clubs across

Sussex along with their members,

all of whom are registered with

England Athletics.

Sussex clubs compete against each

other throughout the series for both

individual and team prizes, with the

overall champions awarded the Steve

Ovett Champions Trophy.

Seventy members of Hailsham

Harriers played a part in the

contribution of team points collected

across each of the twelve races with

Alice and Chris

Hailsham often fielding the biggest

team on the day whilst breaking

their own record club turnouts at

each event, including their own

flagship race in September, the John

Faulds Hellingly 10K.

Amongst the individual winners,

Hailsham’s Alice Denning and

Chris Doherty, lifted the overall

winner’s trophy for male and

female across the series. Chris

Doherty shared the men’s

trophy with joint overall men’s

winner, Ollie Sprague from

Peacehaven Running Club.

Two memorial trophies for the

late Ron Grover are awarded to a

SGP 2024 Champions

male and female that complete

the most races within the league,

receiving the most points. This year

Hailsham’s Gary Smith and Ladies

captain, Helen O’Sullivan lifted

both these trophies, completing all

twelve races. Their achievements

together with Alice Denning and

Chris Doherty, make these four

separate victories for the first time in

Harrier’s history.

Hailsham also scooped awards

in the top twenty men and women

across the league which included

for the Ladies — Alice Denning (1st),

Maria Smith (4th), Helen O’Sullivan

(6th), Katy Reed (9th), Tracy Erridge

(14th), Tina Macenhill (16th) and

Abigail Morris (18th). For the Men —

Chris Doherty (Joint 1st), and Men’s

Captain Carl Barton (17th) made

the top twenty.

In the age-related category awards,

Hailsham celebrated more success

with Alice Denning 1st Senior, Abigail

Morris 2nd Senior, Katy Reed 1st V35,

Sam Neame 2nd V35, Louisa Geer 3rd

V35, Oli Paterson 3rd Senior, Chris

Doherty 1st V35, Maria Smith 1st V45,

Helen O’Sullivan 2nd V45, Carl Barton

1st V45, Ros Daintree 2nd V65, Cathy

Gilling 3rd V65, Graham Purdye

1st V65, Frances Delves 2nd V70,

Peter Daws 2nd V70, and Roberto

Gary and Helen

Proietti 3rd V70.

Hailsham Harriers would like

to express thanks to the Sussex

Grand Prix committee, to all the

runners, marshals and organisers

who took part in making the

2024 league a huge success and

to team runners up Crawley

Saints and Sinners.

The 2025 league begins on Sunday

23rd March with the Hastings Half

Marathon, the first race of the series.

To find out more information

about joining Hailsham Harriers

or their Couch to 5K programme

head over to the website

hailsham-harriers.org.uk

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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.

SPECIAL OFFER:

BUY FIVE TICKETS

AND GET FIVE

ABSOLUTELY

FREE

LIVE

PIXIE LOTT

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

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO ENTER

JUST £1 PER TICKET

Or, visit this URL to enter online:

https://raffall.com/regionalmediagroup

FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE SEE THE ABOVE URL.

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

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.

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

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

Under 6 go free . foodiesfestival.com

26 SPORT

APRIL 2025


Cup joy for Women

as Men chase

top 3 finish

BY STUART FAIRWAY

HAILSHAM Town Women have

reached the League Cup final in

their first season together as a

team after a 5-4 win against Sussex

County Women & Girls Football

League Premier Division Pagham.

Geri Burt (3), Sophia Isted and

Shantelle Omar scored the crucial

goals for the Stringers to set up a

clash with local rivals Eastbourne

Borough on the 17th of May at Culver

Road, Lancing.

The Women’s team have had an

excellent month, starting with a

walkover after Worthing Town

Development were unable to raise a

side (2nd March), followed by a 2-1

win over Whitehawk thanks to goals

from Burt and Amelia Bowerman

(9th March). They finished the

month with a 9-0 win against Mile

Oak (Sunday 23rd March) that saw

Geri Burt bag five, Georgia Townsend

two and Kirsten Bryant and Leanne

Hawkins one each, and also had time

for yet more cup success in between,

with a 5-0 win against Seaford Town

in the Eastbourne FA Chairman’s

Cup under the Beaconsfield lights on

Wednesday 19th.

On that occasion, another Geri

Burt hat-trick, plus goals from

Sophia Isted and Charleigh Crotty,

made the difference. A home game

on Sunday 6th April (2pm) against

Woodingdean Wanderers starts what

is sure to be an action-packed final

full month of the season.

The Stringers men, meanwhile,

bowed out of their Eastbourne FA

Cup competition, losing 5-3 to Bexhill

United U23’s on the 19th, despite a

brace from Ollie Albery and one from

new arrival Alfie Headland.

In the league, the month started

for the Stringers with a 2-2 draw

The Stringers celebrate during the 5-0 win against Seaford. Photo: Andrew Hazelden

at Brighton Electricity, with Ollie

Albery scoring twice, before

champions Rustington won 1-0

at Jubilee Park. On Saturday 15th

however, Hailsham returned to

winning ways with a 1-0 win at home

to St Francis Rangers after an early

goal from Will Gordon, before, for

the second month in a row, Hailsham

defeated Ferring 3-2 (Saturday 22nd),

thanks to goals from Albery, Will

Ridgway and Matt Fear.

The Stringers finished the month

with a 3-1 defeat in the reverse

fixture at The Beaconsfield against

Rustington, with Mitch Ford scoring

the consolation, but could still finish

third in the table if they win their

final League game at home against

Worthing Town on Saturday 5th April

at the Beaconsfield at 2pm.

The men also remain in cup

contention, as they face Battle Town

in the Quarter Final of the Hastings

FA Challenge Cup, won last season by

the Stringers, on Tuesday 1st April at

The Beaconsfield.

Spring warms up tennis club

Ladies’ second team: Val Jackson, Julie Waghorn, Hayley Allender and Mary Leggett

BY MANNY GALITZINE

AS the days lengthen and begin to

warm up, Hailsham Tennis Club

is beginning to bustle. Although

the club has all-weather courts

and floodlights for year-round

play, playing in nice weather is

always more pleasant.

The teams have all played their final

matches in the Tennis Sussex Babolat

Winter Leagues. The men’s team

had a tough season with injuries, but

were boosted by a win in their last

match against Southdown in Lewes,

leapfrogging their opponents to get

off the foot of the table.

The ladies’ first team won their last

two matches to boost them up to fifth

in their table, safe from relegation.

Hailsham men: Johan Jooste, Neil Downer, Dom Walter and Jose Noya

The ladies’ second team finished at

the bottom of their table.

Now the teams are looking forward

to the summer league, and the

Club’s internal tournament is getting

underway. Tournament rules have

changed this year so that players

are not immediately knocked out

after a loss, playing in a round robin

formula in groups.

The Club held an EGM

(Emergency General Meeting)

to decide whether to renew the

playing surface, and if so, what

surface was preferred. Those at

the meeting decided unanimously

to change courts 1 and 2, and by a

large majority to opt for artificial

clay courts, which are becoming

increasingly popular.

Ladies’ first team: Narun Chea, Georgia Lee,

Jo Coe and Hayley Allender

New annual subscriptions are due

on 1st April, and new members to

the club can take advantage of a deal

to get their first year’s subscription

at half price! This deal only applies

in April and May, but it can save

hundreds of pounds.

You can follow events at Hailsham

Tennis Club on their Facebook page

and on Instagram.

Cricket Season is fast approaching

BY ROB WILKINSON

HAILSHAM Cricket Club is

pleased to announce that as of the

16th April and every Wednesday

after that, we are training

outdoors at the Recreation Ground

at Western Road.

New & existing juniors welcome

to attend - £4 per session. Boys &

girls aged 4-16 of all abilities and

experience levels

Want to learn a new sport? Want to

make friends and have loads of fun?

Want to learn important life

skills like communication,

teamwork and listening?

The first session is free, and

no equipment or previous

experience is needed.

With the nights getting lighter

and the days getting warmer, it can

only mean one thing: the cricket

season is close.

We are always looking for new

adult members, both male and

female. Are you looking for a new

challenge? Have you recently moved

to the area? Does your current club

not offer you the opportunities

you want? Do you want to join a

forward-thinking, inclusive and

community-based club?

If you answered yes to any of

those questions, then Hailsham is

the place for you. Multiple teams,

great training, the cheapest place

to play, match facilities, and a

vibrant social scene!

If playing the game is not what you

are after, we always need volunteers

to join the club and help out in

various roles. Umpires, scorers and

helpers behind the bar (Boundary

Bar) are always needed to help the

club keep progressing.

Get in touch with the club

today — hailshamcc@outlook.

com or 07980146841

Join us for

our next

event

Bowes House care home,

Hailsham

VE Day celebration

Wednesday 7th May, 11am - 1pm

Join us to mark the 80th anniversary of

VE Day. Enjoy arefreshments,

entertainment and dancing as we

celebrate the spirit of the 1940s.

Trusted to care.

To attend please call

01323 315137 or email

lisa.phillips@careuk.com

Call us today on

01323 922 134

info@hydroguardroofing.co.uk

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hydroguardroofing.co.uk

Hailsham News, April 2025, Issue 44

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