Hailsham News, May 2025, Issue 45

MAY 2025 | ISSUE 45
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
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
WELCOME
THERE’S nothing quite like this time
of year when the sun is out (most of
the time), and we can start to enjoy
walks and cycling once again and
look forward to an array of events
over the coming months.
In particular, this month will
see the third Hailsham Run event
take place. This is an amazing
day when the community comes
together to support friends and
loved ones running or just walking
one of the routes.
We have the full information
about the event to read on Page
24 of this edition, along with the
maps of the routes. Well done to
everyone involved who pulls this
event together, which is no mean
feat. I know first-hand how hard
it is to pull together large events
and the obstacles that are faced, so
please ensure you support the event
wherever you can.
It can only happen thanks to the
large number of volunteers who will
be manning the route, so well done to
everyone who is giving up their time
to do this. I remember the running
event taking place back in the 80s
and 90s in Hailsham, so it’s so good
to see it back.
We have a feature in this edition, on
Page 14, as it’s the tenth anniversary
of the water burst crisis in Hailsham.
For those who remember that, it
was a terrible time for the town, but
on the upside, it brought together
the community who supported
the elderly and vulnerable during
this difficult time. Let’s hope that
would continue if we ever suffered a
similar problem.
Paul Gibson
Group Editor
THE TEAM
PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR
paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS
viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER
sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION
dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
CONTACT
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without express permission of the editor.
Fraudster ordered to pay back
almost £150,000 to social club
A WOMAN from Hailsham who
plundered a popular social club’s
funds has been ordered to pay back
almost £150,000.
The Hailsham Memorial Institute,
which plays a key role in the local
community, was facing bankruptcy
after Jeanette Gardner abused
her position as an employee
to steal thousands of pounds
from its accounts.
Gardner, 66, of Meadow Road,
Hailsham, had worked her way up
from bar staff to a position where
she controlled the club’s finances,
but thanks to the diligence of
club members and an extensive
investigation by police, Gardner,
who denied wrongdoing, was
held accountable and has now
been ordered to pay back some of
the stolen money.
On Monday (31 March) Recorder
David Brock, at Brighton Combined
Court, awarded asset recovery of
£147,000 to the club; £8,875 to the
Department of Work and Pensions
after Gardner misappropriated staff
pension contributions; and ordered
Gardner to pay £25,000 court costs.
Investigator George Shannon said:
“This was a protracted investigation,
starting in 2019, and it was frustrated
at every step by Gardner’s dishonesty
and manipulation. She fought this case
to the bitter end.
“Gardner was convicted at
Lewes Crown Court in 2023 to 24
months’ imprisonment, suspended
for 24 months and finally now,
compensation has been awarded.
This has been positively received,
with the club now thriving under
new stewardship.
“This woman’s greed saw no limits.
She used the money in part to fund a
lavish lifestyle, which included foreign
holidays, West End shows and group
outings. Due to a lack of paperwork
and receipts kept by Gardner, it was
impossible to know the full extent of
the funds stolen, but I am delighted the
Economic Crime Unit investigation
led to court orders to repay some of
the lost money.”
In 2019, after an internal
investigation Gardner was dismissed
from the club, which was established
Town set to mark VE Day
SHOPS and businesses are being
encouraged to celebrate the
forthcoming 80th Anniversary of VE
Day (Victory in Europe), by creating
eye-catching window displays to
mark eight decades since the end of
World War II in Europe.
All shop window displays will
be judged by Town Council
representatives and should be
based on the criteria that covers
all aspects of the forthcoming 80th
Anniversary of VE Day, including
overall impression and visual impact,
creativity and ideas, and innovative
themed displays.
Judging will take place in early this
month and the best themed window
display will be presented with a
plaque by the Mayor of Hailsham.
The shop/business voted the best will
also receive a special mention via the
Town Council’s website, social media
pages and other publicity channels.
‘Operation Bunting’, an idea
put forward by town councillor
Karen Nicholls at a Town Council
Dippy Doodahs café window and lampost display
Communities Committee meeting
held last year and brought to fruition
by Dippy Doodahs Cafe in Hailsham
High Street, involved the creation
of lots of bunting by volunteers. The
bunting will be delivered to town
centre shops and businesses soon,
free of charge.
Live entertainment acts,
exhibitions and market traders
have been added to the line-up of
activities for the Town Council’s
in 1920 in memory of a local
soldier who lost his life during the
First World War.
A three-year investigation ensued
which uncovered large scale frauds,
thefts, and abuse of position offences.
The investigation found Gardner
had stolen from and made fraudulent
claims against the club. These
included falsifying her employment
contracts to pay herself a higher
salary, giving herself pay rises
without authorisation, withholding
payments to HMRC, false accounting,
and laundering £26,000 of the stolen
money out of the country to India.
She falsified weekly accounts to steal
cash from the social club and would
often include personal purchases in
receipts claimed back from the club.
‘grand celebration’ to mark the 80th
Anniversary on Saturday 10th May
from 9am to 2.30pm.
The event will feature a market
in Vicarage Field and confirmed
traders attending
include The
Rum Infusionist
(handcrafted
flavoured rums),
Ace Knits &
Bits (knitting
and crochet
supplies), One of
a Kind (children’s
clothing), Misty Acres (flowers), Sister
Sweets ‘N’ Sips (confectionery), Print
Boss UK (3D printing) and Demelza
Hospice Care for Children.
The Royal British Legion Hailsham
& District Branch and RAF cadets
will also have their own stalls
and Hailsham FM will be playing
music and covering the event
throughout the day.
An assortment of live entertainment
has been arranged, courtesy of
Payments were also received into her
bank account for events and services
provided by HMI.
Gardner failed to pass on money
raised at HMI fundraising events to
charities, including approximately
£3,000 to the male cancer
charity Orchid.
When asked to account for the
money that was raised, Gardner
insisted she’d made the payment but
could not find the receipts to prove it.
When confronted by the members she
tried to falsify the receipts and staged
a fake discovery of the “lost” cash to
cover her tracks.
During the investigation, Gardner
also brazenly made fraudulent claims
for Universal Credit which were
uncovered by police.
The investigation resulted in Gardner
being charged with 11 offences.
During her trial, she pleaded guilty
to fraud by abuse of position but
maintained her innocence in relation
to all the other charges.
In October 2023, Gardner was
found guilty at Lewes Crown Court
of eight of the 11 charges against
her — four counts of fraud by
abuse of position; fraud by false
representation; theft; transferring
criminal property; and fraud by failing
to disclose information.
She was found not guilty of three
charges — two counts of fraud
by abuse of position; and one
count of theft.
music acts Miss Peggy Rose and
The Jackettes. Local dance school
Sjaan Dance Academy will be taking
part in the celebrations, and an
area will be created with seating in
Vicarage Field for people to dance to
1940s-style music.
Pupils from Grovelands Community
Primary School’s choir club will also
be providing entertainment, plus
there will be a classic vehicle display
in the High Street and an exhibition
of photos and wartime memorabilia
in Vicarage Field, courtesy of the
Hailsham Historical Society.
Hailsham Lions will be selling
candy floss and be organising ‘racing
pigs’ and key games for visitors, and
Hailsham Parish Church will be
open to welcome visitors into the
church building between 11am and
1pm on the day.
The Royal British Legion is
encouraging the raising of VE
Day flags at 9am on Thursday
8th May and, where possible, the
hosting parties of celebration
throughout the day in the streets,
at home, in gardens, churches,
villages, town halls and pubs
throughout the country.

4 NEWS
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
Fire service defends decision
to break public toilet locks
COUNCILLORS have expressed
disappointment over the breaking
of two locks on the town’s public
toilets after a resident became
trapped inside.
They claim the fire service
unnecessarily broke and removed
two door locks after the incident last
month in the new accessible toilets on
Vicarage Field.
In the town’s Assets Management
meeting, it was reported a
photograph was posted on social
media of the fire crews ‘laughing and
smashing the locks’.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue
Service told Hailsham News the lock
was already faulty, and they were
both removed to ensure other users
didn’t get trapped.
In a statement, a spokesperson said:
“We are happy to speak to Hailsham
Town Council about this incident
and explain the circumstances
surrounding it.
“East Sussex Fire and Rescue
Service was called at 2.07pm on 6
April to reports of someone being
The public toilets at Vicarage Field
trapped in a public toilet in Hailsham.
It’s understood they had been trapped
for at least half an hour.
“Each toilet has a secure door, and
the crew assessed how best to release
the member of public.
“They ruled out using a crowbar due
to the damage it would cause and
decided to remove the lock, which
was already faulty.
“In order to understand what was
happening on the lock, the crew
looked at the door next to it. This
also got stuck.
“The locks were therefore removed
from two doors to prevent anyone
else from getting trapped.
The toilets have been the target of
vandalism over the past few months,
which is ‘costing the council a great
deal of money’, according to staff.
Plans are being made by Councillors
to adapt the toilet unit to prevent
future incidents.
Meanwhile, the latest phase of
improvement works at Hailsham
Cemetery in Ersham Road has
now been completed, with a major
refurbishment of the public toilet
facility on site.
The refurbishment work involved
a complete upgrade of the interior of
the existing toilet building, as well as
tile repairs and the replacement of
soffits, gutters and downpipes.
The interior walls have been
replaced with plastic panelling, while
the ceiling has been overboarded
with new plasterboard and the
original quarry tile floor replaced
with new anti-slip tiles.
The toilet is fully accessible for
disabled users and will open to the
public imminently.
Fed-up drivers
highlight potholed
roundabout
MOTORISTS who have been
tackling an increasing number of
potholes on London Road, produced
a sign recently labelling the town as
‘Pothole World’.
There have been many complaints
from residents on social media about
the state of the road around the mini
roundabout over the past year or so.
Many reported they had been told by
East Sussex Highways that the road
didn’t need repair.
By means of protest, a sign was
attached to the welcome sign next
to the roundabout recently with the
comical message ‘Pothole World - fun
for the hole family’.
The next day, some of the potholes
were filled by contractors, but the
sign remained in place. It is unknown
if the repairs were coincidental or in
response to the sign.
Alfie presents boxing success
stories at Chamber breakfast
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.
Alfie told his story to around
fifty members of the Hailsham
Chamber of Commerce
recently, where he showed his
medals and spoke about how he
overcame difficulties at school to
achieve boxing titles.
He told Hailsham News: “Boxing
gives that confidence that if you’re
Alfie at the recent Chamber breakfast
willing to work, there’s nothing you
can’t achieve. The more you put in,
the more you get out.
“I haven’t naturally been that gifted
with my education, but if you have the
discipline and willing to focus, then
school isn’t that hard.”
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.”

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6 NEWS
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
Commissioner lends support for
roadworker abuse campaign
A Hailsham-based construction
company says two cases of abuse
against its roadworkers have
progressed towards prosecution.
Hailsham Roadways, based on the
A22 Bypass, says its staff often receive
abuse from motorists when carrying
out their daily work, which it says is
‘heartbreaking’.
Sussex Police & Crime
Commissioner, Katy Bourne visited
a working site recently to see how
workers are fixing local potholes
and has supported a campaign to
prosecute offenders.
The company has reported that
since January 2025, 48 members of
staff have been victims of abuse,
ranging from verbal assaults to
physical and dangerous violence.
During the meeting, the team
discussed with the Sussex Police &
Crime Commissioner the distressing
impact of abuse on workers and
how they work with the police to
report the crimes.
Katy Bourne said: “We know
that delays on our roads can cause
Katy Bourne visited roadwork site recently
frustration but it is completely
unacceptable for road workers to
face abuse for simply doing their jobs
and improving the conditions of our
busy road networks.
“Last year, I was delighted
to launch a campaign
with waste management
company Veolia called SiteKind
which focused on a similar matter of
abuse towards their workforce.
“The campaign has led to much
better engagement for their staff
with Sussex Police and some great
results, with less incidents of abuse.
I now look forward to Roadways
having the same success and an
improved partnership-working
approach with Sussex Police
to achieve this.
Whether it’s road workers, refuse
collectors, retail staff or emergency
service staff — no one should feel
unsafe at work.”
A representative from Roadways
said: “Highway workers are
not just part of the scenery on
our roads — they are dedicated
to making travel safer and
smoother for everyone.
“These skilled professionals
work tirelessly in challenging
conditions to repair, maintain, and
improve our roads. Their efforts
reduce accidents, prevent damage
to vehicles, and ensure journeys
are efficient and secure. By respecting
their work zones and understanding
their vital role, we can all contribute
to a safer environment.
Museum
opening
delayed
THE seasonal opening of the
Hailsham Heritage Centre Museum
has been delayed due to ongoing
renovation works.
Richard Goldsmith from the
Museum said: “Unfortunately, the
Hailsham Museum opening, due to
take place on Friday 2nd May 2025,
has been delayed as the 485 years
old Fleur de Lys building, which the
Museum is attached to, is undergoing
extensive rewiring works and
refurbishment, which has not yet
been completed.
“We will let you know when we
can reopen our doors for you to visit,
which we hope will be within the
next few weeks.”
The Museum, which houses
thousands of interesting items and
information from the town’s history,
is located in Blackman’s Yard, Market
Street, behind the council offices.
Waste site booking system agreed
despite residents’ opposition
RESIDENTS wanting to use
Haisham’s Household Waste
and Recycling site will have to
book a slot to visit, the county
council has agreed.
Cllr Claire Dowling, the council’s
Lead Member for Transport and
Environment made the decision at a
recent meeting — despite thousands
of people opposing the plans.
The council says the new booking
system for all of the county’s waste
sites will improve queues, deter
business and trade waste which
should not be disposed at the
taxpayer’s expense, and ensure only
East Sussex residents get to use the
facilities without charge. No date
has been fixed yet for the scheme to
be implemented.
The decision came despite a big
public response to the council’s
consultation. Of the more than 5,000
Residents invited to question council
RESIDENTS have the opportunity to
discuss matters they’re concerned
about at the Town Council’s annual
meeting this month.
The meeting, open to everyone,
takes place at the Hailsham Civic
Hall on Wednesday, 7th May from
6:30pm. It’ll be an opportunity to
ask questions on matters applicable
to the parish of Hailsham and ask
relevant questions.
Prior to the main residents’
meeting there will be an
opportunity for visitors to view
information stands from local
groups and talk to representatives
of those organisations from
6.30pm to 7.30pm.
who replied, 91 per cent responded
negatively. Officers admitted that
72 percent, or 4,352, responded
“extremely negatively”. There was
more public response about the
Crowborough site than the others.
But in recommending, Cllr Dowling
should agree to the new scheme,
officers said that in other areas of the
country where people had opposed
to booking systems, they had soon
become accustomed to it. More than
50 per cent of councils now operate
some kind of booking system for their
sites, they added.
Officers also insisted that a
Government report in 2023 showed
there was no evidence of a rise in
fly-tipping linked to the introduction
of booking systems. Neither Kent nor
West Sussex had seen an increase in
fly tipping when they introduced their
booking systems, they added.
The Town Council’s Annual
Report for the last financial
year (2024/25) will be presented at
the meeting, containing information
on how the Town Council is
performing and what it has achieved
in the past year.
The document will provide a
summary of the Council’s end-ofyear
finances, activities and projects,
and will include reports from the
various committees and contact
details for town councillors.
Visitors are being asked to only
ask questions relating to the town
council, potholes and pavement
related questions should be directed
to East Sussex County Council.

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8 NEWS
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
Enterprising future revealed
for troubled Castle estate
The Castle’s beauty currently hidden due to the works
BY PAUL GIBSON
BOSSES at Queen’s University
and Bader College, the owners
of Herstmonceux Castle, have
shown plans to make the historic
building and gardens a key visitor
attraction for Sussex.
At an exclusive VIP event recently,
ambitious plans were presented
after the castle was forced to close
in 2023, due to safety concerns, after
structural issues were found. More
than £3m is currently being spent on
major renovations to the front (south)
of the building.
The castle was built in 1441 and
was renovated in the 1920s, and it’s
those renovations that have caused
many of the problems, according to
structural engineers who presented an
update at the event.
The VIP event which took place on 25 April
Contractors have used state-ofthe-art
3D modelling to identify
what repairs are needed whilst
strict archaeological recordings
took place during the works. Special
conditions had to be created to
allow workers to use ‘lime water
mortar’, which will only set in
certain temperatures. This gave
the team many challenges whilst
the renovations took place over the
winter months.
Engineers tackled structural
concerns with the gatehouse and
parapets, cracking to the towers,
decay of stone and brickwork,
damp and defective windows and
roofs. It is hoped the repairs will be
completed in October.
The information event saw
presentations from castle staff and
contractors who will head up the
plans, which include a new farm
shop, accommodation, cafe, retreats,
new membership options, longer
opening and land renovation.
There were encouraging signs over
the future of the Observatory Science
Centre, which was told last year its
lease would not be extended past
2026. Thousands of residents have
appealed to the owners to keep the
attraction open.
After the event, bosses exclusively
told Hailsham News: “We are in
advanced discussions on an extension
to the lease of the Observatory
Science Centre.”
The University, which runs Bader
College, made the urgent decision to
return its students to Ontario, after
parts of the building were found
to be unsafe. There are now plans
to welcome students back from
not only Canada, but also other
parts of the world.
Community volunteering will
also be a big part of the future of the
estate, according to Dean Pascall,
the director of the estate. With plans
to return much of the surrounding
land to its former glory, Dean
says getting the local community
involved and allowing volunteers
to develop their skills would be a
positive move forward.
MP for Bexhill and Battle, Kieran
Mullan, who attended the event,
told Hailsham News: “Queen’s
University has got such an important
local asset for the community, and
they’ve got really exciting plans.
I think local people will be really
pleased with what they are getting
involved with.
“It is obviously a huge investment
for the castle, and that’s unusual
nowadays. I think it really
demonstrates the commitment
that the university has to the castle,
because these things are not cheap.”
Concluding the event, Mr Pascoe
told visitors: “Whether you’re a local
leader, businessperson, donor or
neighbour, we invite you to join us on
this journey from today.”
Drs. Alfred and Isabel Bader
purchased the castle and donated it to
Queen’s University 1993.
Flower Club blooms
with inspiration
Skate park set to receive vital
repairs and maintenance
THE Hailsham and District Flower
Club was treated to an evening of
floral artistry recently, as acclaimed
national demonstrator Mr. Robin
White presented his captivating
showcase entitled “Art is the
Flower – Life the Green Life” at the
Hailsham Civic Centre.
Members and guests were wowed
by Mr. White’s arrangements, which
blended creative flair with botanical
elegance. The evening proved both
entertaining and inspiring, with
many attendees eager to try out new
techniques at home.
The club is set to host another
demonstration this month with
floral designer Graham King,
who will present a program titled
“Inspiration.”
In June, members will enjoy a
practical class with plenty of expert
guidance on creating their own
floral designs.
The Hailsham and District Flower
Club meets on the third Wednesday
of each month at 7:30 p.m., offering a
welcoming space for both seasoned
flower arrangers and curious
newcomers. Each session features
either a professional demonstration
or a hands-on flower arranging class,
ensuring there’s always something
Robin White at the Flower Club gathering
fresh and engaging.
Guests are always welcome, with
a guest fee of just £5 per meeting.
For more information or to enquire
about joining the club, please contact
Sadie on 07902 179653 or Donna
on 07507 865870.
THE skate park located on the
Maurice Thornton Playing Fields
is to benefit from improvement
works, including extensions to
parts of the facility and repairs to
concrete surfaces.
Councillors agreed the works to The
Tony Tack Memorial Skate Park at a
cost of £31,000, which will take place
later this year.
The repair work and site
enhancements will be funded through
the Town Council’s Community
Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts.
The Tony Tack Memorial Skate Park,
which was opened to the public in
2012 and named after a local resident
who dedicated much of his life to
supporting the children and young
people of the town, features both
street and transition skate elements.
Operations Facilities Manager for
Hailsham Town Council, Tony Lee
commented: “It’s amazing to see
so many people continuing to use
the skate park, an important facility
which stands as a real community
hub for our town’s younger and
adventurous residents.
“Skate park maintenance and
upgrades, such as the one being
carried out by Town Council
contractors soon, are essential for
preserving the longevity, safety,
and enjoyment of these popular
spaces. Proactively addressing
safety concerns through routine
maintenance ensures a safe
environment for skaters of all levels.”

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham MAY 2025 NEWS 9
Marked improvements in
water quality at Common Pond
BY TERRY HALL
WORK carried out last year to
improve the water quality at the
Common Pond in Hailsham and
restore it to a healthy state is
showing positive results with clearer
water and cleaner footpaths, as
witnessed at a recent visit to the site
by Town Council staff.
The popular pond in Bellbanks
Road is home to a wide variety of
pondlife and wildlife but has been
subject to pollution from a range of
sources in recent years. In light of
reports from residents last summer
concerning dead fish found at the
pond, the Town Council’s contractors
removed a large quantity of fish from
the pond to mitigate issues concerning
water quality — and to allow the
ecosystem to recover.
An investigation carried out by
the Town Council in partnership
with the Environment Agency last
year found that the deaths of some
fish were the result of a low level of
dissolved oxygen in the water, due to
a combination of high temperatures
and low atmospheric pressure
brought about by thunderstorms.
A toxic blue-green algal bloom
formed in the pond due to low oxygen
levels. Although a natural occurrence,
it would likely have contributed to
the loss of further fish in the future.
Furthermore, it has been confirmed
that decaying food in the water left
by members of the public feeding
waterfowl, combined with the
overfeeding of inhabitant geese by
visitors (resulting in excess faecal
waste in the pond), increases the
problem further.
Following a thorough health check
being carried out, the decision was
taken to remove a substantial quantity
of fish stock from the pond for their
own welfare and to rehome them —
this in turn helping to improve the
ecology and biodiversity of the area.
The fish were moved to a nearby
fishery and transported in aerated
tanks by a specialist contractor, where
they will continue to thrive in a more
suitable environment.
“We’re aware that the Common
Pond, often described as Hailsham’s
‘Jewel in the Crown’, is a valued open
space for the community and popular
with visitors,” said the Town Council’s
Pond Warden, Phil Hobden. “But
the reality is, we had to remove most
of the fish from the pond in order
to prevent repeating the cycle of
increased algae levels, rapid drop in
oxygen levels in the water and more
dead fish and waterfowl. By keeping
fish numbers low, we can ensure that
the water quality remains satisfactory,
and the overall health of the pond is
maintained in the future.
“Nearly one year later, the pond
water quality is almost back to what
it should be, and we encourage
residents to do their part to help
keep it this way.”
The decision to remove most of the
fish from the pond last year coincided
with a campaign by the Town Council
regarding the management of
waterfowl on site.
The rising number of resident geese
at the pond (in particular, Canada
Geese), has become a problem in
recent years with residents stating that
as a direct result, there is too much
goose faeces on the surrounding
footpath. The Town Council had
been advised of the risk to public
health resulting from the extensive
amount of bird droppings from the
unsustainable numbers of geese
contaminating the water and other
areas of the Common Pond site.
In response to this, the Town
Council’s aim is to now strike a
balance between people who enjoy
spending time at the pond and the
wildlife present at the site. For this
reason, several measures have been
introduced which should help achieve
this goal, including an awarenessraising
campaign to dissuade
members of the public from feeding
the geese and ducks. This has included
the erection of signs at the pond site
advising people of this.
Any remaining wildfowl excrement
on the perimeter footpath will be
removed and cleaned soon.
“As well as removing fish from the
pond, another thing we did last year
to help tackle the concerns on site
was to ask people to not feed the birds
and to keep our wildlife ‘wild’,” added
Mr Hobden. “This year, again, we
are asking residents to help make the
Common Pond site cleaner and safer
by being responsible when it comes to
feeding waterfowl at the site.
“We appreciate that feeding birds is
a normal thing to do and people mean
absolutely no harm by it. However,
we kindly ask residents to not be
tempted and to seriously think about
the problems that it can cause to local
wildlife and environmental quality.”
The next phase of improvement
works at the Common Pond site
will take place soon and will see
the continuation of the overlaying
of the remainder of the perimeter
footpath with tarmac. The resurfacing
project will ensure the safety of
visitors and make the footpath more
accessible for disabled users.
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10 EVENTS
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
BEXHILL
CANCER CONVERSATIONS WITH NADINE SEARLE
The Community Room at Asda, Battle Road, St
Leonards, TN37 7AA. Every 3rd Thursday of the
month, 10:30-12:30: 15 May, 19 June, 17 July.
Have you been diagnosed with cancer? Are you
filled with panic and fear? Has someone you love
and care for got cancer? Join me for a cuppa and
relax. I will provide a safe space for you to ask
questions, discuss feelings and raise concerns.
You will be heard, understood and offered
compassion and resources to help you. FREE TO
ATTEND. For more info: 07856 169186 or email
nadine@calmerself.co.uk
FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS
Christchurch Methodist Church, Springfield Road,
Bexhill (100 yards from Bexhill Hospital). Sat 24
& Mon 26 May, 10:00am — 4:00pm and Sunday
25 May 2:00 — 4:00. Celebrate the 35th year of
the Festival of Flowers over the Bank Holiday
weekend! Enjoy stunning floral displays, music, light
refreshments, stalls, and competitions. For more
information: www.christchurchmethodist.org
UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION (BEXHILL &
HASTINGS) — PUBLIC SEMINAR
St. Peter’s Community Centre, Church Street, Bexhill,
TN40 2HE. Saturday 26 April, 1:45pm — 4:30pm.
Join us for a thought-provoking seminar on ‘The
Environment, Capitalism, Peace, and Justice’.
Local UNA Chair Sheila Kesby states, “In order to
secure sustainable solutions to all global problems,
including climate change, we have to halt all kinds
of warfare.” For more information, contact Sheila
Kesby: 07765 915173 / s.kesby339@btinternet.com
BEXHILL GARDENING CLUB SPRING FAIR
St. Martha’s Church Hall, Cooden Sea Road, TN39
4SL. Saturday 10th May, 9:00am — 12 noon. Free
entry — all welcome! Enjoy a lovely morning with
plants for sale, crafts from local artists, bric-a-brac,
homemade cakes, tombola, and refreshments.
For more information: www.lchs.co.uk. Contact:
yvonnestradwick@hotmail.co.uk / 07866 238466
LITTLE COMMON COMMUNITY
CENTRE PLANT SALE
Little Common Community Centre, Shepherds
Close, TN39 4SQ (next to the primary school).Friday
16 May, 8:30am — 11:00am. Browse a beautiful
selection of locally grown plants, all nurtured by
dedicated volunteers. For more details, call the
Centre on 01424 842371
BEXHILL STAMP & POSTCARD CLUB
St Augustine’s Church Hall, Cooden Drive, Bexhill,
TN39 3AZ. Wednesday 28 May, 7.30pm. Join us
for an engaging evening featuring displays and
talks from visiting members of the Eastbourne
Club. Enjoy refreshments and “the raffle” during our
halfway break.
EASTBOURNE
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.
MEN’S WALK AND TALK
Every Thursday, 7pm, Meet at Eastbourne Pier.
Open for anyone who wants to get a little more
active or let off some steam. You’re more than
welcome down any Thursday night for the walk
from the Pier to the Harbour, and return to the pier.
Just turn up, or look up ‘The Proper Blokes Club’ on
Facebook for more information.
VE DAY 80 COMMEMORATIONS
Eastbourne Bandstand & Bonfire Beach. Thursday 8
May, 8:45pm — 9:45pm. Join us as we commemorate
the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with
a special evening of music and ceremony. The event
features a performance by the Eastbourne Silver
Band, followed by a torchlit procession led by Stix
Drummers from the bandstand to Bonfire Beach,
where a beacon will be lit to the sound of traditional
Scottish pipes. This simultaneous beacon-lighting
across the country will mark this historic occasion.
A collection will be held on the night, with funds
raised going to the Royal British Legion.
CHILDREN WITH CANCER FUND: RUN TO RUN —
FUN RUN FOR A GREAT CAUSE
Cuckoo Trail, School Lane entrance, Polegate
Saturday 31st May: Mini Mile: 10:30am; 10k:
11:00am; 5k: 11:15am. Join us for a fun run along the
Cuckoo Trail and support families facing childhood
cancer! Whether you’re a keen runner, walker, or
just up for a stroll, we’d LOVE for you to be part of
this event. With various distances to choose from,
including a mini mile for families, 5k, and 10k, there’s
something for everyone — and tickets start from
just £5! Medals for all finishers. All funds raised will
support over 140 families affected by childhood
cancer across East Sussex, Brighton, and Hove..
BOOK NOW: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/children-withcancer-fund-run-to-run-tickets-1041885647017
SATURDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Mortain Place Care Home, 93 Pevensey Bay Road,
Eastbourne, BN23 6JF. Saturday 7 June, from
1:30pm. Enjoy an afternoon of fantastic live music
from talented local performers at our community
music festival, proudly sponsored by PJ Skips.
Everyone welcome — come and soak up the sounds!
To find out more, call our friendly team: 01323
465150
EASTBOURNE CARNIVAL MARKET
Terminus Road, Eastbourne Town Centre. Saturday
24 May 2025, 10:00am — 7:00pm. Come and
experience a taste of the world at the Eastbourne
Carnival Market! Fantastic street food and drink
stalls, plus a host of unique gifts from around the
world! If you would like to be a Carnival Market
Trader, please visit: www.eastbournecarnival.com/
VE DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Mortain Place Care Home, 93 Pevensey Bay Road,
Eastbourne, BN23 6JF. Thu 8 May, from 11:00am.
Join us for a nostalgic street party with delicious
cream tea, picnic treats and local live entertainment.
1940s fancy dress is encouraged — with a prize for
the best dressed! Bring family and friends for a truly
lovely day. To find out more, call our friendly team:
01323 465150
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.
HAILSHAM
NETWORKING BRUNCH FOR PROFESSIONALS
Abbots Wood Manor, 116 London Road, BN27 3AL.
First Friday of the Month, 10:00am — 11:30am,
2 May & 6 June. Join us for a delicious brunch
and the opportunity to connect with other local
professionals in a welcoming and relaxed setting —
all welcome! For more info: 01323 576100 | Richard.
hollands@hamberleycarehomes.co.uk
VE DAY CELEBRATION PARTY
Bowes House Care Home, 25 Battle Road, Hailsham.
Wednesday 7 May, 11:00am — 1:00pm Join us for a
fabulous VE Day celebration as we mark 80 years of
Victory in Europe! Enjoy the amazing D Day Dollies
Singers, light refreshments, and military jeeps
to set the scene. This event is open to the whole
community, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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.
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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham MAY 2025 NEWS 11
Lonely Fox Cub
seeks comfort
in teddy
THIS little traumatised fox cub was taken to East Sussex
Wildlife Rescue (WRAS) recently after being rescued
alongside a sibling.
Both cubs were in poor health, with one suffering
from chest wounds and trauma; both were believed
to be orphaned.
Sadly, the sibling did not survive, leaving this
little boy alone.
Unfortunately, WRAS did not have any other cubs of
a suitable size to pair him with, so he was placed in an
incubator to cozy up with a teddy bear.
Trevor Weeks from WRAS commented: “When
caring for cubs, it is crucial to keep them with others
to prevent domestication, as well as to ensure they are
matched with cubs of similar size to avoid bullying, which
is common in nature where the weakest or smallest often
do not survive.
“Each year, WRAS receives fox cubs that are sick,
injured, or orphaned, often due to mothers being hit
by vehicles, attacks from dogs and cats as cubs begin to
emerge from dens, or even persecution at times.”
According to the Fox Project, the most recent scientific
research shows that the fox population has declined by
41% since 1995.
This fox cub won’t be alone for long, as WRAS
collaborates closely with other rescues throughout the
Southeast to help ensure that cubs find suitable groups
when they are on their own.
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 TRAVEL
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
Normandy’s D-Day Beaches
visited on poignant anniversary
BY DAVID POWELL
ON June 6th, 1944, the largest
amphibious invasion in history
changed the course of World
War II. Codenamed Operation
Overlord, the D-Day landings saw
more than 156,000 Allied troops
storm the beaches of Normandy
to liberate Western Europe from
Nazi occupation. Visiting the D-Day
landing sites in Normandy had
been on my list of places to visit for
some time. From the windswept
beaches to the meticulous museums
and memorials, every corner of
Normandy tells a story.
My journey began at Sword
Beach, where British troops came
ashore at dawn. Despite facing
stubborn resistance, they pushed
forward, linking up with Free French
commandos and paratroopers from
the 6th Airborne Division. As I’m
standing on the beach it’s hard to
picture the chaos of that morning.
The first Allied action of D-Day
happened just after midnight,
when glider troops landed near
Pegasus Bridge in a bold, silent raid.
Capturing the bridge intact was vital
to prevent German reinforcements
from reaching the beaches. The
Pegasus Memorial is one of the most
moving and memorable sites I visited.
The original bridge stands preserved
beside the museum, along with a fullsized
Horsa glider that you can climb
up into, and personal accounts from
the men who landed there.
A little further along the coast
is Gold Beach, where British
forces landed to secure the vital
port town of Bayeux. The nearby
village of Arromanches-les-Bains
became the site of one of the war’s
greatest engineering feats, the
Mulberry Harbour, an artificial
port constructed in record time
to supply Allied troops. Parts of
it still rests in the surf. The D-Day
Museum and the Arromanches
360 Circular Cinema brought the
ingenuity of the operation to life, with
panoramic footage and first-hand
testimony to honour the heroism of
the Allied troops.
Canadian forces came ashore at
Juno Beach, and despite facing some
of the most intense resistance they
secured key positions advancing
further inland than any other D-Day
unit by nightfall. The Juno Beach
Centre is beautifully presented and
Omaha Beach memorial
the museum sits right on the beach,
where young Canadian soldiers
landed under heavy fire.
Omaha Beach, assigned to
American forces, stretches for six
miles and was fiercely defended
by German troops. As waves of
American soldiers landed under
relentless fire, casualties mounted
earning Omaha its grim nickname
of ‘Bloody Omaha’. Today the site is
marked by the Normandy American
Cemetery and Memorial where 9,387
white crosses and Stars of David
overlook the sea. The Cemetery is
breath taking in its scale and emotion,
and its rows of white crosses a stark
reminder of the cost of freedom.
To the west of Omaha lies
Utah Beach also assigned to
Sainte-Mère-Église church with a snagged
paratrooper on the chruch steeple
the Americans. Despite strong
currents that pushed the landing
crafts off course the assault here
was relatively successful. The
Utah Landing Museum is built on
the sand dunes and houses rare
artifacts and a restored B-26 Bomber.
Nearby is the famous village of
Sainte-Mère-Église …
A visit to Sainte-Mère-Église,
one of the first towns liberated on
D-Day, is highly recommended. The
story of John Steele, the American
paratrooper who dangled from the
church steeple after his parachute
snagged, is legendary. The Airborne
Museum nearby is first class,
especially for understanding the
airborne landings that began the
invasion. It’s immersive, emotive,
and packed with authentic artifacts.
Travelling with Leger Holidays:
Expert Insight and Comfort — To
experience all of the D-Day landing
sites without the hassle of navigating
narrow country roads, I joined
the D-Day Landings in Normandy
coach tour with Leger Holidays.
Travelling by luxury coach, with
two professional drivers, Tim
and Caroline, allowed me to relax
and absorb each location without
worrying about logistics. I was
also able to book the front seats of
the coach (at an extra charge) for
myself and my two companions,
my daughter Claire and grandson
Dylan aged 12. Our battlefield
guide, Ben, was not only incredibly
knowledgeable but passionate,
weaving personal stories into the
broader history in a way that brought
everything to life.
We stayed at the Carline Hotel in
Caen, a central and very comfortable
base for our daily excursions. It had
a friendly atmosphere and after a
long day of site visits it was a welcome
place to rest and chat with fellow
travellers. The hotel restaurant was
available for breakfast and dinner.
There was also a diner next door and
a MacDonalds a few blocks away.
To conclude, as I walked along the
beaches, through cemeteries, and
across fields still marked by bunkers
and craters, the scale of the operation
and the courage of those involved
became clear. It wasn’t just a history
lesson, I found myself imagining
the young soldiers landing on these
shores, uncertain of what the next
hours would bring.
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Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham MAY 2025 13
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14 NEWS
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
Photo from BBC South East TV coverage
Water main burst. Photo: South East Water
The Hailsham Water
Crisis — 10 years since the
community spirit flowed
In May 2015, Hailsham found itself
in the midst of an unexpected crisis
when a major water main burst,
leaving thousands of residents
without water for several days.
What began as a routine day
swiftly turned into a logistical
and humanitarian challenge, as
homes, schools, and businesses
were suddenly cut off from the
essential supply.
Yet amid the inconvenience
and uncertainty, something
remarkable emerged — a strong
and united community spirit that
saw neighbours, volunteers, and
local organisations band together
to support one another through
the disruption.
Ultimately, it also led to the
launch of this very newspaper,
as the incident highlighted a lack
of community information and
communication to residents.
THE BREAK
The incident occurred on the
morning of Friday, May 15, when a
24-inch trunk main ruptured beneath
a road near Bushy Wood, on the
outskirts of the town.
The burst, caused by ageing
infrastructure and exacerbated by
unseasonably dry weather conditions,
sent thousands of gallons of water
gushing into surrounding fields and
disrupted supply to much of the town
and nearby villages.
South East Water, the utility
responsible for the infrastructure,
described the break as ‘significant’
and warned residents of an extended
outage, while emergency crews
worked to access and repair the pipe,
located several metres underground.
By midday, taps had run dry across
large areas of the town.
“We understand how disruptive
this is,” said a spokesperson for the
company at the time. “We’re doing
everything we can to restore supplies
as quickly and safely as possible.”
IMMEDIATE IMPACT
The effects were immediate and
widespread. With the mains supply
shut off, thousands of households
were left without running water
for drinking, cooking, washing,
or flushing toilets. Schools sent
students home early, and care homes
raised the alarm over the welfare of
vulnerable residents.
Local shops reported panic buying
Residents queue for water supplies at the South Road Car Park
Photo from BBC South East TV coverage
of bottled water, with shelves
emptied within hours. Businesses,
particularly those in the food and
hospitality sector, were forced to
close temporarily.
THE VOLUNTEER RESPONSE
As the town reeled, a grassroots
effort quickly sprang into action.
Volunteers from all walks of life,
parents, community groups and
even teenagers came forward to help
distribute water and assist the elderly
and vulnerable.
South East Water, working with
Wealden District Council and East
Sussex Fire & Rescue Service,
established several emergency
water collection points throughout
Hailsham, including at the Freedom
Leisure Centre, the car park at
Vicarage Field, and outside the
town council offices. Tankers were
dispatched to supply hospitals and
care homes directly.
Volunteer teams helped manage
queues at these points, handed out
bottled water, and delivered supplies
door-to-door to residents who were
housebound or lacked transportation.
One group of young volunteers
from Hailsham Community College
set up a rota system to ensure
elderly residents in nearby sheltered
housing complexes received regular
water deliveries.
Initially, information for residents
was poor as thousands wanted
to know when the pipe would be
repaired and water restored, but
had no initial information from
the authorities. This led to resident
Sam Imber setting up a group on
Facebook called Hailsham News
and Talk, which residents joined to
share information.
The group remains extremely
active to this day with now more than
21,000 members.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue
Service played a critical role,
not only in supporting logistical
efforts but also by ensuring public
safety and continuity of essential
services. Fire engines transported
water to key locations, and staff
assisted with coordinating the
emergency response.
Wealden District Council set up an
incident response team, working
with public health officials to issue
guidance on hygiene and sanitation
during the outage. Regular updates
were shared via social media, local
radio, and the town notice boards,
urging calm and advising residents on
safe water use.
“Hailsham showed its best side
during a difficult time,” said then-
Councillor Nigel Coltman. “This
was a real test of resilience, and
the response from the public
and our emergency partners
was outstanding.”
RESTORING THE FLOW
After nearly four days of roundthe-clock
repair efforts, South East
Water announced late on Monday,
May 18, that water supplies had been
fully restored.
Engineers had to excavate and
replace a large section of the damaged
main, which involved complex and
delicate work due to the pipe’s depth
and surrounding utilities.
Residents were advised to run their
taps for several minutes to flush out
any discoloured water and were urged
to continue conserving water while
the network re-pressurised.
While the immediate crisis was over,
questions remained about the longterm
reliability of the region’s water
infrastructure.
South East Water committed to
reviewing its infrastructure in the area
and pledged to improve its emergency
response protocols. Although a
burst to this extent has not happened
since, Hailsham News has reported
on a large number of outages since
the 2015 incident.
REFLECTION AND LEGACY
In the weeks following the incident,
many in Hailsham reflected on
the experience not just as an
inconvenience, but as a revealing
moment of unity and resilience.
The incident also sparked an
initiative to gather volunteers who
had various skills and create a group
to help during future community
incidents. 4x4 Assist was created
which has been helping residents in
various situations since.
The water main burst of 2015
remains a powerful example of
how communities can rally in the
face of adversity. In the words of
one resident: ‘When the water
stopped flowing, Hailsham’s
spirit didn’t. In fact, it poured out
stronger than ever.’

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16 REGULARS
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
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
MAY and June. Soft syllables, gentle names for the two best months in the garden year — Peter Loewer
AS a long-time member of the Hardy
Plant Society, I participated in a garden
plant survey last year. The results have
just been published, and I found them
so fascinating that I thought I would
share them with you.
We were asked to name our Desert
Island plants, garden nemeses, and
planting regrets. The HPS has over
6,000 members ranging from just
interested to professional gardeners, so
one would imagine that a good range of
people took part.
Firstly, let us go to our Desert Island.
These are the plants that we absolutely
could not live without in our gardens.
1 —Hardy geraniums came up at the
top of the list. No surprises here; these
are tough, adaptable, easy to grow, and
come in a range of beautiful colours.
Among those who recommended
specific cultivars, the most popular
choices were Geranium ‘Rozanne’
(violet blue) and Geranium phaeum
‘Wendy’s Blush’, with near-white flowers
with purple veins.
2 — Roses were next. We do not
grow many roses here at Bates Green
Garden, tending to stick to the relatively
pest-free species. The survey most
frequently mentioned was Rosa x
odorata ‘Mutabilis’, a repeat-flowering
shrub with nearly thornless stems. It
flowers from early summer to autumn,
opening buff-yellow before ageing to
pink and eventually crimson. I approve
of that one immensely, but would like
to add the superb R. ‘Bengal Crimson’ to
my desert island. This rose is literally
smothered with single, crimson flowers
from May onwards, sometimes all year
round in sheltered conditions
3 — Here come the salvias. Not
surprisingly, in my opinion, the most
popular in the survey was S. ‘Amistad’
with its unusually large, deep purple
flowers so attractive to bees. S.
‘Caradonna’ was also mentioned a great
deal, this one is lovely and chunky and
really drought tolerant.
Let’s get to the Nemesis-the plants we
all try to grow, but often they fail. The
three that appeared more than any other
were Echinacea, Meconopsis and Salvia.
Echinacea — Nearly a quarter of
Hardy Planters listed echinacea as their
gardening nemesis, citing Echinacea
purpurea ‘Magnus’ and ‘White Swan’ as
the most problematic varieties to keep
alive. Many gardeners find echinacea to
be, at best, a short-lived plant. It could
be that the British wet climate and the
Acanthus mollis
richer soils we build up in our gardens
are not the ideal conditions for them.
We tend to use them as bedding at
Bates Green Garden; they don’t like to
sit in the clay over winter here.
Meconopsis — This tantalising blue
Himalayan Poppy is so elusive in the
south of Britain, I see it regularly in
Scotland, where it romps away. No
down here sadly.
Salvia — Interestingly, salvias
appear on both the ‘desert island
plant’ list — and on the list of garden
nemeses. This may be because a lot
of salvias, including the popular and
aforementioned ‘Amistad’ are only
borderline hardy (many should be
considered tender) and many don’t like
the excessively wet conditions a lot of
British gardeners have faced recently.
MOST REGRETTED PLANT
We all plant things in their gardens that
we later regret – that pretty ground
cover that romps through a border
or a herbaceous perennial that looks
lovely on the label but in actual fact is a
thug that will outcompete pretty much
anything and prove to be practically
impossible to get rid of.
Acanthus — Both Acanthus mollis
and Acanthus spinosus were cited as
problem plants. While some found
acanthus a statuesque plant, many
described it as ‘invasive’ or even ‘a
triffid’, saying once established it was
incredibly difficult to remove. One
member described acanthus as ‘worse
than bindweed or ground elder’. Now
that alone is one reason not to plant this
one. They are so statuesque; one can see
the attraction.
Lysimachia — The large Lysimachia
plant genus does, of course, include
yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata)
and creeping Jenny (Lysimachia
nummularia), and members said it was
a problem on pretty much any type of
soil. The purple-leaved Lysimachia ciliata
‘Firecracker’ was named several times.
One member said it was ‘so invasive, it
doesn’t know when to stop’ and others
described it as ‘impossible to eradicate’.
Japanese Anemone — Members
described Japanese anemones as ‘totally
invasive’ and ‘a thug on good loam’, with
another member saying, ‘it spreads too
fast and is very difficult to dig out — it
swamps other border plants.
www.hardy-plant.org.uk.
Enjoy your gardens in May.
HAILSHAM ACTIVE with Steve Wennington
IS ‘WEALTH’ WHAT YOU CREATE FOR OTHERS?
MY ORIGINAL definition of wealth was
very much measured by money in the
bank or the value of your possessions,
and indeed that is one of the definitions
in the dictionary.
As I’ve got older, I question that
definition, I think being in a position
to help others is a massive part of
being wealthy. Whilst helping out
financially is often useful, it is just as
important to invest your time, whether
it’s listening, coaching or making plans
for improvements.
At Hailsham Active, when we help
out an individual, club or indeed with
a community project, we definitely
get a good feeling when we finally
get the job done.
It is something we do with our
business (Pro-Eco), which, whilst
separate to Hailsham Active (my day
job is working as an energy consultant),
there are a lot of similarities and skills
that are used for both organisations.
In Business, we want to save our
clients’ money — very simple and
easily measured.
However, we also want to save them
time, less easy to measure, but actually
probably as important as saving them
money, going the extra mile to solve
problems or create opportunities.
Also, in doing this, the relationship
becomes stronger and often, the
Steve Wennington
businesses we help end up as friends
rather than just a business transaction,
and from that, you get recommended to
others. (The holy grail of a business)
Ironically, putting in more effort than
might seem needed generally gives you
a better outcome and a more successful
business/life.
THE SAME IS TRUE OF SPORT
We see a lot of local clubs that do really
well. The secret, going the extra mile
for their teams, particularly the junior
sections. It is often frustrating battling
all the elements of rules, regulations, red
tape, the weather and cancellations. It is
often amazing how resilient these people
are, especially when it costs them their
own precious time (and often money).
The unseen benefit, or maybe
unmeasured, is the health and wellbeing
they bring to players, supporters, family
and wider community, and I would
definitely put that under the heading
‘wealth is what you create for others’.
The English Oxford Dictionary may
dispute the exact interpretation, but I
quite like this version.
COMMUNITY MINIBUS
APPEAL FOR HAILSHAM
BOXING CLUB
Since the last edition of the paper,
Sam Buchanan and his young south
of England champion, Alfie… gave a
presentation to our local Chamber
of Commerce at the monthly
breakfast meeting.
The audience was so impressed
with the positive change boxing has
brought to young Alfie. He is absolutely
determined to succeed, and under the
guidance of Sam and his team, he has
developed a regime of fitness, discipline
and skill that has already taken him to
unimaginable heights in just two years.
He has his ambition set to
become an Olympic athlete, and I
wouldn’t doubt him.
The purpose of the presentation was
not to show off his skills or success, but
to highlight the need to help others.
Sam, as so many other coaches in this
town, give so much to our community
and individuals, and he is looking to
take it further by encouraging other
children to join the club… but with the
caveat, they study Maths and English at
the same time.
He has impressed our local schools
and they are keen to support, but
he needs transport to and from the
schools.. a minibus.
We are doing all we can to support
Sam with this, and a crowdfunding
page has been set-up. If you can
help, please do.
We are also trying to look at grant
facilities with our own grant specialist
(Annette Buswell — stepupsports), to see
how we can make this happen.
If you would like to increase your ‘real
wealth’, you may want to donate to this
incredibly worthy cause.
Also, important to note, like so
many other volunteers, Sam works
full-time (builder) as well as running
this wonderful club, he and his team
deserve our support.
SCHOOL PE IDEAS
We have recently been working on an
idea between Hailsham Community
College and Step Academy, where
students from HCC would help out with
PE lessons at a local primary school,
with the hope of rolling it to more
schools in the area.
It looks like a trial of the idea may
start later this year. We will be so
pleased if this works, as it is a great win
for primary school pupils as well as an
amazing opportunity for students of HCC
to experience helping younger children
with PE and sports skills.
We ran a similar scheme before Covid
involving some of our sports clubs
as well. The primary school children
absolutely loved it, and there was the
unexpected benefit of their teachers
being able to watch their class in a
different context; they also learnt a lot
from the experience.
Thanks you HCC and Step for
taking this forward.

18 COMMERCE UPDATE
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
HAILSHAM AND DISTRICT
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE
Boost your business:
Join the Hailsham
Chamber of Commerce
BECOMING a member of the
Hailsham Chamber of Commerce
offers a range of benefits for local
businesses and professionals.
Members have the opportunity
to network with fellow
chamber members, grow their
contacts, and develop mutually
rewarding friendships. The
Chamber provides a platform
for businesses to connect,
collaborate, and support each
other within the local community.
By joining, members can enhance
their visibility, stay informed
about local business initiatives,
and contribute to the economic
development of Hailsham.
For more information on
membership and to see a list of
current members, visit the Hailsham
Chamber of Commerce website.
JOIN US FOR THE HAILSHAM
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BIG BUSINESS BREAKFAST!
When: First
Thursday of Every Month
Where: Wellshurst
Golf & Country Club
Time: 7:00am
Start your month with purpose and
connection at the Hailsham Chamber
of Commerce Big Business Breakfast
— the perfect place to network, share
ideas, and build lasting relationships
with like-minded local professionals.
Whether you’re a seasoned business
owner or just starting out, you’ll find
value in connecting with a thriving
community of entrepreneurs
and business leaders over a
delicious breakfast in the beautiful
surroundings of Wellshurst Golf
& Country Club.
Don’t miss the opportunity to:
• Grow your professional network
• Exchange ideas and opportunities
• Stay informed about local
business initiatives
• Promote your own business to a
supportive audience
Come for the breakfast, stay
for the community.
Book your spot now and be
part of Hailsham’s growing
business network!”
CHAMBER FIT HUB
PADEL TASTER & PLAY
Wednesday 7th May
17:30–19:00
Padel4All Eastbourne, The Saffrons
Sports Club, BN21 1EA
Join us for a fun Padel taster session
designed for all abilities. Whether
you’re completely new to the sport
or have played before. This is a great
chance to try something different,
get active, and enjoy some lighthearted
competition with other
Fit Hub members.
• All equipment provided
• Coaching included for beginners
• No experience needed
Bring water and wear
comfortable sportswear (tennis/
squash or padel shoes are highly
recommended, if you don’t have
those, avoid worn-out running
trainers - the hard sole gives much
better grip on court)
Spaces are limited to 16 people, so
booking is essential. Come along, give
it a go, and see why Padel is one of the
fastest-growing sports in the UK.
THE WEALDEN BUSINESS
EXPO 2025 IS HERE,
AND YOU’RE INVITED!
Date: Thursday, 10th July
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: East Sussex National
Hotel, Uckfield
Join Ashdown Radio and local
Chambers of Commerce for this
unmissable event showcasing the
best businesses in Wealden.
Why attend? Connect with a
wide range of local businesses;
explore networking opportunities
to grow your business; and discover
exciting products and services
from exhibitors.
In association with:
• Uckfield & District
Chamber of Commerce
• Hailsham Chamber of Commerce
• Crowborough & District
Chamber of Commerce
• Heathfield Chamber of Commerce
Whether you’re a seasoned
professional or a new entrepreneur,
this expo is the perfect place
to collaborate, innovate, and
elevate your business.
Reserve your spot now! Visit,
www.ashdownradio.com/features/
wealden-business-expo/ or
contact us directly.
Let’s showcase the strength of our
local business community!

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham MAY 2025 NEWS 19
Sussex roads announced as
electric vehicle-friendly
THE South Downs ‘road trip’ has
been crowned the best in the UK
for electric vehicle (EV) drivers,
according to a new study.
The route, which starts in
Eastbourne, travels through Lewes,
Brighton, Arundel and Petworth,
before finishing in Chichester, is at
the top of the list when it comes the
best drives of EV owners.
With road trips remaining a popular
travel choice for UK drivers, Evans
Halshaw has conducted a new study
that looks at the best road trips across
the UK based on a number of metrics.
These include the number of EV
charging locations nearby, charging
density (charging points per km), the
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analysed. Whether starting, stopping
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have easy access to charge points
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When looking at charging points
per kilometre, the South Downs again
leads the way, with an impressive 1.39
charging stations per km, ensuring
that drivers never have to go far for a
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need to detour or wait to plug in,
making it one of the smoothest routes
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At 112 miles, this road trip is among
the most manageable in terms of
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easy to come by.
Brighton and Hove alone accounts
for more than 100 of these options,
making it ideal for an overnight stop.
South Downs offers plenty to see
along the way, ranking second overall
for nearby attractions with 1,155
points of interest. The route starts
in sunny Eastbourne and winds
through the cultural hub of Brighton
and Hove, which is home to 668
attractions alone. You’ll then end at
the tranquil Chichester Harbour, a
haven for wildlife and sailing.
Rob Miller, Group Vice President at
Evans Halshaw, said: “Evans Halshaw
has completed this study and found
these great routes for EV owners
to enjoy across the UK, which have
stunning sights to see, places to stay
and attractions to visit.
“There are plenty of EV charging
locations available throughout
these road trips too, so you’ll only
need a tiny bit of route planning,
when driving along any of these
spectacular routes.”
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20 NEWS
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
Update from MP
Nusrat Ghani
THIS month, we come together to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of
Victory in Europe Day and pay our respects to
those who fought in the Second World War.
A series of events will take place locally in
Sussex Weald and across the United Kingdom to
mark this momentous occasion in our country’s
history and bind us together in a moment of
reflection, celebration and remembrance of
those who served and sacrificed defending the
values of our great nation.
Our British Armed Forces are the ultimate
defenders of our security and freedom. They
are respected the world over and I always
convey our gratitude when spending time with
local residents whose family members worked
with our Armed Forces overseas.
I’m proud to have been working with the local
branches of the Royal British Legion for many
years and it is always an honour to stand with
local veterans on Remembrance Sunday and
meet those who serve our country at home or
abroad today. Given the county’s proximity to
Europe, East Sussex has often been on the front
line of war. As a result, many of our towns and
villages across Sussex Weald have had a long
connection to the military.
To highlight a few of those local connections,
Horam was home to a former RAF Squadron
Leader and WWII Spitfire pilot Jack
Hemmings, who sadly died at the age of 103
earlier this year.
In Crowborough, we have a memorial
dedicated to soldiers of The Lincoln and
Welland Regiment from Canada, who
were killed when a V1 bomb struck their
encampment. Similarly, Wadhurst was a home
to William Broughton Gingell, a pilot from the
Photographic Reconnaissance Units, which
was an unarmed and unprotected unit taking
photographs of strategically important sites
which were then analysed for intelligence and
used in strategic planning.
Moreover, I am pleased to be supporting a
new permanent memorial for Flying Officer
Percy Burton in Hailsham, to mark the spot
where his plane tragically crashed during the
Battle of Britain.
Throughout the weekend and the week
leading up to VE Day, many of our towns and
villages including Hailsham, Crowborough,
Heathfield, Wadhurst and Rotherfield will be
lighting beacons and hosting a programme
of events for our communities and families to
bring the commemorations to life.
We shall never forget the bravery and
sacrifices of those who fought for our country
and our freedoms. I hope local residents of all
ages will take the opportunity to reflect on and
mark this important anniversary in our history,
and I look forward to joining our communities
at celebrations across Sussex Weald.
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LAURIE’S POEM CORNER
Into May we go, and all those things we can now do
outdoors, but I’ll move quickly on to concentrate on this
month’s poem. It is entitled “People Places”. I wrote it in
about 2014, and it goes all the way back to my second book.
The poem suggests that we don’t forget or miss out on
seeing old friends, acquaintances and places, as life rarely
remains the same, so enjoy who and what you have in your
life while you have them.
As this is one of my deeper poems, perhaps you may have
your own interpretation of it which is of course fantastic.
People and places from your past
Are no longer there, or the same.
So will make you notice more
The years you couldn’t tame.
People known from distant days
Maybe won’t still be around.
So you must indulge old friends
Before you too run aground.
Places where you knew each stone
Will now soon lose you in a trice,
And even finding a familiar part
Will still make you look twice,
Because memories will play tricks
On what you thought you knew,
And many a place or person now
Seems different from your view.
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People known from distant days
Maybe won’t still be around.
So you must indulge old friends
Before you too run aground.
So going back where you’ve been
May not be for the very best,
As these places may disturb you
If they’ve not survived times test.
But people are somewhat different
Always worth a nostalgic greet,
For though they may have changed
It will be good for you to meet,
And share those long gone times
Where you both ran alongside,
Each other with your experiences
From which you should not hide.
To purchase Laurie’s books, visit www.lauriewilkinson.com
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upgrades and you have a combined
gross income under £31k or:
A person in your household has a severe
or long-term health condition that
is adversely affected by living in a cold
home and is due to one of the
following: a cardiovascular condition,
a respiratory disease, limited mobility
or immunosuppression.
There are various other criteria that
Local Authorities can use to identify
low-income, vulnerable and fuel-poor
households.
Visit ofgem.gov.uk for more
information.

Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham MAY 2025 MOTORING 21
From Sussex to
Birmingham and back
on one charge (almost)
Audi’s transition to electric power continues with the launch of the stunning new A6 e-tron
Avant. Editor Paul Gibson decided to take the motorway mile-eater from home in Sussex to the
land of Cadbury’s chocolate — Birmingham. He writes…
RANGE anxiety is a huge thing
— it’s always the first question
anyone asks when you spark
up a conversation about
electric vehicles. The lack of a
decent charging infrastructure
across the UK and concerns
over their charging speeds are
always a concern.
That’s something Audi is trying to
eliminate with the launch of the allnew
A6 E-Tron Avant — with claims of
a range of just under 400 miles, there
was only one thing to do during my
test drive and put that fact to the test.
I picked up the A6 from Caffyns
Audi in Eastbourne with a full
charge of course and was introduced
to the mind-boggling amount of
technology behind the wheels which
was overpowering at first, but the
longer you spent in the car, you
quickly begin to learn what does
what, and it becomes an incredibly
intuitive experience.
The A6 Avant has been the go-to for
premium estate buyers who need
space, sophistication and subtlety
— and now, in full electric guise, it
promises all that and more, with a
cutting-edge drivetrain, generous
equipment and up to 270kW of power.
Visually, the A6 e-tron Avant makes
a strong statement and not just for
an estate car. While many EVs lean
into futuristic curves and chunky
silhouettes, the A6 e-tron Avant
keeps things sleek, elegant and
distinctly Audi.
Audi’s new Premium Platform
Electric (PPE), shared with Porsche,
allows for a long wheelbase and
short overhangs, contributing to a
planted, modern look.
It’s a design that merges familiarity
with progressiveness, which is
exactly what long-time Audi buyers
will appreciate.
The 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit
remains a highlight, especially when
combined with the augmented reality
head-up display, which overlays
navigation prompts directly onto your
line of sight. Everything is crisp, quick
to respond and logically laid out.
More importantly for estate buyers,
there’s ample space. Rear legroom is
generous thanks to the flat floor and
stretched wheelbase, and the boot
offers 545 litres with the seats up, 60
shy of the combustion A6 Avant. Fold
the seats down and that figure climbs
to 1,680 litres. There’s also a small
‘frunk’ under the bonnet for charging
cables and other bits and bobs.
Under the skin, the A6 e-tron Avant
Launch Edition Performance delivers
a healthy 270kW (362bhp) from its
dual-motor setup, with 0-62mph in
just under 5.5 seconds.
Quattro all-wheel drive is standard,
naturally, and gives the A6 e-tron a
sense of composure on wet or uneven
roads. Air suspension (also standard
on the Launch Edition) adds a layer
of magic-carpet comfort, soaking up
bumps without becoming wallowy.
It’s not a B-road bruiser in the mould
of the RS6, but it can certainly
hustle when needed and does so
with eerie silence.
Regenerative braking is adjustable
via steering wheel paddles, allowing
for one-pedal driving in traffic. It’s
smoothly calibrated and doesn’t
feel grabby, which is a common
complaint in some rival systems.
So, I can feel you’re eager to know
how my 340-mile trip panned
out! Well, I wasn’t going to be
irresponsible enough to see how far
I could drain the battery on the A6,
especially as most of the journey is
motorway — the last thing I wanted
was to be sitting waiting for recovery
to get me home.
I arrived at my overnight stop
in south Birmingham with 40%
remaining battery, so I knew I’d
certainly need a top-up on the return
journey, but there was something
going through my mind that I could
actually complete the journey on
a single charge.
It’s the motorway speeds that kill the
range. All the time you’re happy to sit
behind an HGV, or National Express
Coach on the inside lane, taking
advantage of clean air, the range
almost increases, as this is ultimately
the most economical speed to drive
at — for any car.
As soon as you get the right foot
down a bit and progress your
journey, this is when you start seeing
the numbers disappear on the
dashboard, so unless I wanted it to
take almost a full day to get home, a
recharge was certainly needed.
This is certainly not a criticism of
the A6 — this is true of any car, EV
or any combustion engine. But, I
do think I could have gotten back to
the M25 circular without another
charge for sure.
Being the responsible driver I am,
I found Morrisons in Birmingham
which offered a 50kw charger, so
around 45 minutes topped the battery
up to 80% at a cost of just over £30.
Crucially, the A6 e-tron supports
ultra-fast 270kW DC charging,
meaning a 10-80% top-up can take
just 25 minutes when plugged into a
sufficiently powerful charger. On a
standard 11kW home wallbox, a full
charge takes around ten hours.
I finished the trip with 30%
remaining charge, which means the
whole journey used a whole charge
plus 10% for a 340-mile journey,
which I think is pretty incredible. A
much better experience than some
of my other EV long journeys I’ve
done in the past.
Being a Launch Edition, this A6
e-tron Avant is loaded. Standard kit
includes adaptive cruise with lane
guidance, 360-degree cameras,
a Bang & Olufsen sound system,
four-zone climate control and heated
everything. The only real extras
are aesthetic or niche convenience
features — most buyers won’t feel the
need to tick many boxes.
The Launch Edition starts from
just over £77,000, which puts it
in competition with the BMW i5
Touring and the Mercedes EQE
Estate. But, given the performance,
tech, and premium feel on offer,
it feels like a fair deal, especially
if you’re moving from an existing
high-spec A6 Avant.
The Audi A6 e-tron Avant Launch
Edition is a significant moment for
the electric car market, and for Audi.
It’s proof that EVs don’t need to be
SUVs or futuristic bubbles. They can
be practical, understated, stylish and
genuinely desirable estate cars.
www.caffyns.co.uk/audi/

3 8 1 4 6 5 7 2 9
22 PUZZLES
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
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WORDSEARCH
Things That Go Round
Can you find all the listed words hidden in the grid below?
They may run either forwards or backwards, horizontally,
vertically or diagonally, but always in a straight line.
ARMATURE
CAROUSEL
CLOCK HANDS
COMET
FAN BELT
MILLSTONE
MOON
PLANET
RECORD
ROLLER
ROTOR
SPACE STATION
TORNADO
TURNTABLE
WHEEL
WHIRLPOOL
WHISK
YO-YO
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
G T L E B N A F U L D W T
E R A E C O M E T R L R O
O Y O Y S O Y R O L L E R
L N B T K M T C A C L N N
M E H A S U E J A B Y O A
P I I U I R D R A W A I D
X H L H H R O T O R B T O
S W X L W U N R M X E A T
E X A N S R T A Y T N T H
N M W E U T T E A V F S L
T N L T W U O P N X B E E
I G N E R K A N R A S C E
N A S E S E Y D E Y L A H
L S D N A H K C O L C P W
H X W H I R L P O O L S J
CODEWORD
Each letter of the alphabet has a different number. Substitute numbers
for letters to make words that will complete the puzzle. The letters at
the side and the check-box below the grid may help you keep track.
20 18 6 3 2 23 11 6 11 7 2 19
25 23 16 7 11 15 16 7 18 11
17 7 15 5 2 25 23 16 2 18 13 23
13 4 11 14 23 16 8
19 6 7 2 10 23 16 13 8 7 1 13 19 13
26 19 9 22 10 19
11 10 15 7 25 20 25 10 2 13 10 19 11 19
M A N
12 23 6 23 11
15 25 6 26 7 20 13 15 13 16 25 18 13 22
26 9 8 25 11 15
12 8 25 19 26 19 21 10 25 9 7 9 2 13
7 9 7 13 16 20 13
16 13 16 7 2 15 11 10 9 13 13 10
2 11 19 24 18 13 25 10 2 15
20 11 10 6 13 20 13 25 15 23 15 26
Check-box
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
M
N
A
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Across
1 Idly play a guitar (5)
5 Endorse (4)
7 Dissimilar (6)
8 Applauds (5)
9 Bruise (9)
10 Shortened forename of
US president Lincoln (3)
11 Extended by pulling
and stretching (9)
15 Cause extensive
destruction or
ruin utterly (9)
19 Occupied a chair (3)
20 Walkways (9)
21 Bring together (5)
22 Quality of being
extremely careful
and thorough (6)
23 Walking-stick (4)
24 Level betting (5)
Down
1 Marked by friendly
companionship
with others (6)
2 Peruser of text (6)
3 Brawny tissue (6)
4 Recognisable (8)
CROSSWORD
1 2 3 4 5 6
8
10
13 14
7
9
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15 16 17 18
20
22
23 24
5 Animal product used as
a furniture polish (7)
6 Irregular in shape
or outline (7)
12 Lassitude (8)
13 Plant with waxy, brightly
coloured flowers (7)
14 Grazing land (7)
16 Guarantee (6)
17 Have a lofty goal (6)
18 Determines the direction
of travel (6)
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
Place a number (from 1 to 9 inclusive) into each square in
such a way that every digit appears once in each horizontal
row, each vertical column and each box of nine squares.
1 7
6 8 9 5
9 3 7 4
9 5 8 6 3
4 2
3 9 4 2 6
3 2 8 7
1 6 4 8
8 5
21
SOLUTIONS
19
2 4 8 7 9 1 5 6 3
1 5 7 6 3 4 2 9 8
9 3 6 2 5 8 4 7 1
8 1 3 9 4 2 6 5 7
4 6 5 1 7 3 9 8 2
7 2 9 5 8 6 3 1 4
5 9 2 3 1 7 8 4 6
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3 8 1 4 6 5 7 2 9
8 5
SUDOKU
M P C J U D I C I O U S
A D R O I T R O P I
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© Puzzle Press Ltd (www.puzzlepress.co.uk)
CODEWORD
S T R U M D B A C K
O E U N L I K E R
C L A P S S E O
I D C O N T U S I O N
A B E L I W K
L R E L O N G A T E D
B P E C X D
D E V A S T A T E A S
G S H N S A T
F O O T P A T H S P E
N U R U N I T E
I R I G O U R R R
C A N E Y E V E N S
CROSSWORD
G T L E B N A F U L D W T
E R A E C O M E T R L R O
O Y O Y S O Y R O L L E R
L N B T K M T C A C L N N
M E H A S U E J A B Y O A
P I I U I R D R A W A I D
X H L H H R O T O R B T O
S W X L W U N R M X E A T
E X A N S R T A Y T N T H
N M W E U T T E A V F S L
T N L T W U O P N X B E E
I G N E R K A N R A S C E
N A S E S E Y D E Y L A H
L S D N A H K C O L C P W
H X W H I R L P O O L S J
WORDSEARCH

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SUMMERHEATH ROAD, HAILSHAM - £465,000
This charming four-bedroom period detached home offers over
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south-westerly garden, and modern comforts. Explore more
via our 3D Virtual Tour and schedule your viewing today.
JOHN STEVENS
SAM BEALE
LONDON ROAD, HAILSHAM
Guide Price £450,000 - £475,000
This chain-free detached bungalow in North Hailsham
includes a self-contained one-bedroom annex,
offering three/four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two
kitchens, and two conservatories. Set on a generous
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garage with gravel driveway. Ideal for renovation
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HAWKSTOWN VIEW, HAILSHAM
£425,000
Explore this spacious five-bedroom detached family
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viewing is highly recommended!
GUIDE PRICE £800,000
MARKET STREET, HAILSHAM
Guide Price £350,000 - £375,000
This substantial four-bedroom detached home is full
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CHAIN FREE—book your viewing today!
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CALL 01323 840444 or visit stevensandcarter.co.uk
LAURA STEVENS

24 SPORT
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
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 MAY 2025 25
FALCONRY
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WORKSHOPS
IN THE HEART OF EAST SUSSEX
Budding or experienced photographers
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designed to develop skills and spend time
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Set within the stunning grounds of
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workshops, in association with East
Sussex Falconry, allows photographers to
learn, or practice their skills through a
series of exercises to secure some
breathtaking photographs with our
experienced Photographer and Falconer.
For only £135 per photographer, the
full-day experience will take place on
Monday, 21st July, with a maximum
group size of ten people.
For more information, please call
07970 245934 or scan the QR code.
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www.theroyalindianhailsham.com

26 SPORT
MAY 2025
Latest local news, visit: eastsussex.news/hailsham
Men Snatch third as Women
battle for promotion
BY STUART FAIRWAY
HAILSHAM Town’s men’s team
concluded the season by finishing
third in the Southern Combination
Football League Division Two,
behind champions Rustington and
fellow Wealden club Jarvis Brook.
The Stringers earned their final
three points of the season on Saturday,
5th April, after opponents Worthing
Town pulled out of the game a matter
of hours before kickoff, much to the
frustration of Stringers management,
players and volunteers.
The following weekend Hailsham
were in action, but were narrowly
beaten 1-0 by Crowhurst in the
semi-final of the Hastings FA
Intermediate Cup - the third Cup semifinal
the Stringers over the course
of the campaign.
The Women’s side meanwhile
also bowed out of a Cup at the
Semi Final stage, going down
7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw
against Eastbourne Borough
Development with the Hailsham
equaliser coming through Georgia
Townsend, and also saw their season
disrupted when Mile Oak scratched
what would have been their final
league game of the season.
After a 4-1 victory against
Woodingdean Wanderers (Geri
Burt 2, Georgia Townsend, Charlie
Crotty), April saw back to back defeats
for Hailsham against Oakwood - 1-0
at home on Sunday 13th, and 3-1
away on Sunday 27th, with Leanne
Hawkins scoring a consolation for the
Stringers in Crawley.
The results leave Hailsham, who
still have the League Cup Final against
Eastbourne Borough to come on
May 17th (5pm), needing a victory
from their final game of the season
away to Burgess Hill on Sunday 4th
May (2pm) to ensure they remain in
with a shot at promotion in their first
season together.
Celebrations for the Stringers after taking the lead
against Woodingdean Wanderers. Photo: Andrew Hazelden
Tennis teams open their
seasons with draws
BY MANNY GALITZINE
TWO of Hailsham Tennis
Club’s teams started their
summer seasons in the Babolat
sponsored Sussex league.
The ladies’ 2nd team were at home
to East Hoathly & Halland 2nd team.
First pair, Narun Chea and Georgia
Lee started their season against East
Hoathly’s second pair, Mel Gurnee
and Gemma Bridger, coming through
with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 win.
THE Brighton Marathon and 10K
heralded the start of a busy month
for local club Hailsham Harriers.
Samantha Neame joined four
thousand entrants to run the
Brighton & Hove 10K. Crossing the
line in 55:35, she then joined fellow
teammates along the seafront to
cheer on the twelve-strong Harriers
team racing the marathon distance.
The marathon saw one of the club’s
run leaders, Adam Davies race to a
new personal best time of 3:00:09,
followed by a strong performance by
men’s captain Carl Barton in 3:12:46
and Michael Husarz running a new
personal best in 3:23:43.
Alice Denning, taking part in her
first ever road marathon, stormed
across the line with friend and fellow
Harrier Dave Garratt in an impressive
3:25:27. Sarah Day enjoyed shaving
off twenty minutes from her first
marathon at Malaga last year to a new
personal best of 3:29:46.
Katy Reed made Brighton her
first ever marathon, racing to a
sensational time of 3:50:10 whilst Jo
Hailsham ladies’ 2nd team Mary Leggett,
Tammy Roxburgh, Narun Chea and Georgia Lee
Hailsham’s second pair, Mary
Leggett and Tammy Roxburgh had
a harder time of it against the East
Hoathly first pair, Gill Luis and Sally
McGowan ran a new personal best
time in 3:51:06. Niki Ward-Smith,
also running her first ever marathon
sailed to the finish in 5:09:20.
On the same Sunday, seven Harriers
took part in the UK Ultra inaugural
Springtide 50K event. Traversing the
challenging hills and multi-terrain
Voorspuy, losing 3-6, 1-6.
In the reverse legs, Tammy and
Mary lost to Mel and Gemma 4-6, 3-6,
which put the away team 2-1 up.
Two super Sundays for Harriers
Adam Davies, Carl Barton, Sarah Day, Alice Denning and Dave Garratt
Men’s team Neil Downer, Graham Munday,
Pablo Simpson and Johan Jooste
course, Mark Bassett flew over the
line leading the way for Hailsham
Harriers and running a new personal
best in 5:52:16, followed by Chris
Little 6:33:53, Oli Paterson in his first
ultra marathon 6:33:53, Victoria Little
8:04:08, Michelle Hollands 8:04:08
and Julie Lewis-Clements 8:34:50 all
Narun and Georgia had a fight
on their hands as they quickly lost
the first set 1-6 to Gill and Sally.
But they turned the tie round
with a strong performance in the
second set, winning it 7-5. That
rubber went to a championship
tie-break (first to 10 points) to decide.
Narun and Georgia won that 10-6
for the win, giving the Hailsham
team a 2-2 draw.
In the men’s match, away to
Cross-in-Hand, the team sported
two players who had been on the
injury list last season — Graham
Munday and Pablo Simpson. Crossin-Hand
had a strong first pair with
David Boorman teamed up with
former Sussex cricketer Robin
Martin-Jenkins.
running new 50K ultra marathon
personal bests.
Claire Keith headed to Southampton
on Sunday, to join 1300 entrants for
the Southampton marathon. Claire,
who is running two marathons this
month to raise funds for Prostate
Cancer, finished in 3:37:53.
At The London Landmarks Half
Marathon, Harriers Claire Hope
and Lou Lou Williams crossed the
line in 2:22:58.
Finally, at the Martello Seaford
Half Marathon, first Harrier home
saw Matt Southam finish fifth
overall in 1:27:39 whilst Claire
Keith finished 17th overall, taking
the win for the ladies in 1:36:51.
Two of Hailsham’s newest recruits
made their debut races in Harriers
colours with Matt Courtnell crossing
the line in 1:46:32 and Ryan West
finishing in 1:50:41.
Hot on their heels saw Leeland
Pavey finish in 1:58:03 with Mark
and Steph Bassett completing the
Harriers seven strong team, finishing
together in 2:00:36.
Graham and Pablo gave the team
a good start with a hard fought win
over the Cross-in-Hand second pair,
Mark Alderson and Alex Freeman 6-7,
6-4, 10-6 while Robin and David beat
Hailsham’s second pair, Johan Jooste
and Neil Downer 6-1, 6-2.
In the reverse legs, Johan and Neil
fared better against Mark and Alex,
winning 6-0, 6-3, but Graham and
Pablo were up against it. David and
Robin defeated them 6-1, 6-4, leaving
the match tied 2-2.
There was drama when Graham
slipped chasing a drop shot, hitting
his head on the court. But he got
up and served a couple of aces in
his next game.
Both Hailsham teams started
with a 2-2 draw.
Cricket
Summer
training
CRICKET training is back for the
summer, and new players across
the club are being sought.
Junior training is on Wednesday
evenings and is available for boys
and girls aged 4-16. No previous
experience or equipment is
needed, just a desire to learn
and have fun. £4 a session with
the first session free and no
membership fees to pay, to keep it
accessible for all.
Our adult teams are looking
for new men and women to
join the club and enhance the
talent we already have available.
Officials are also needed in
order to get games on and we are
always looking for people who
may want to score or umpire
games for the club.
If you would like to get involved
with the club in any capacity, get
in touch with us Hailshamcc@
outlook.com or 07980146841

Join us for
our next
event
Bowes House care home,
Hailsham
Dementia
networking lunch
Monday 19th May 2025
12 noon - 1.30pm
Join us for the chance to meet a range of
service providers supporting those living in the
community with dementia, and their families.
Enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch and the
opportunity to meet our friendly team.
Trusted to care.
To book please call
01323 315137 or email
lisa.phillips@careuk.com

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