Hailsham News, July 2026, Issue 59

JULY 2026 | ISSUE 59
YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR HAILSHAM, POLEGATE, HELLINGLY AND SURROUNDING AREAS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LOCAL NEWS • EVENTS • FEATURES • MOTORING • SPORT
13,500 COPIES DELIVERED DOOR-TO-DOOR
SUSSEX DAY SUCCESS — P4
READY, GET SET, RUN — P8
FESTIVAL LAUNCHED — P13
TOWN FOURTH BEST
FOR BRITAIN’S
GREEN HOME FUTURE
BECOME A
FOSTER
CARER
For more
information
see page 11
lighthousefostering.co.uk
or call us today on
01424 320036
v
Switch
Smart.
Switch
Local.
TOWN TOPS EAST SUSSEX RANKINGS AS COASTAL
NEIGHBOURS FALL BEHIND IN MAJOR STUDY OF
LOW-CARBON HOME READINESS — SEE PAGE 2
AWARD WINNING
SALES & LETTING
SERVICE
KNOWLEDGE IS KEY... EXPERIENCE IS PRICELESS
v
1Gbps
£32
per month
No annual
price rises.
LightningFibre.co.uk

2 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
WELCOME
AS I write this, we are right
in the middle of the latest
heatwave to hit the UK.
I’m not one to complain about a bit
of hot weather — in this country we
have to be grateful for any rays we’re
given from the yellow thing in the sky.
What does worry me though, is how
volatile the country is when we have
adverse weather.
I know this heatwave has been
different to any others we’ve had,
being that it’s broken many records,
but I feel we are just not ready for
warmer, or, colder weather. Let’s face
it, whether it’s global warming or not,
things are progressively getting hotter
in the summer, and our winters are
getting colder.
During this heatwave, most school
children were either forced to stay at
home, or the schools had half days —
they’re just not prepared or ready for
adverse weather conditions. Many
of the schools are old and maybe
don’t have the funds to invest in air
conditioning or heating upgrades — so
the kids miss out on their education.
I know there’s a lot more problems
to fix in the world, but I think all of
us need to think a little more about
protecting not only ourselves, when
things aren’t ‘normal’, but also our
children. Why should they miss their
education, because the schools can’t
invest? Something just isn’t right.
When it gets hotter than normal,
we fear the water will stop flowing
from the taps, and when it gets colder
than normal, we fear the water will
stop flowing again!
Stay safe.
Paul Gibson, Group Editor
Town leads East Sussex and ranks
fourth in the South East
HAILSHAM has been named one
of the South East’s best-prepared
towns for heat pumps, solar panels
and low-carbon home upgrades,
according to a recent survey.
The town ranks 4th out of 234 towns
and villages in the South East Home
Energy Readiness Index, which
analysed EPC data for 2.76 million
assessed homes.
It makes Hailsham the highestranked
place in East Sussex and puts
the town ahead of much larger places
across the region.
The data shows 2.9% of assessed
homes in Hailsham already have a
heat pump. Among homes assessed
since January 2023, that figure rises to
5.9%, suggesting local adoption has
increased in recent years.
Hailsham’s position also highlights
a wider divide within East Sussex.
While the town ranks near the top
of the South East table, several
coastal areas in the county sit
near the bottom.
Hove ranks last out of all 234
places, while Brighton, Hastings and
Bexhill-on-Sea also appear in the
regional bottom ten.
Martyn Fowler, founder of Elite
Renewables: “Hailsham is one of the
standout results in the East Sussex
data. It ranks ahead of much larger
towns and cities, which suggests the
local housing stock is already better
placed for low-carbon upgrades than
many people might expect.
“What makes the result
newsworthy is the contrast.
Hailsham is near the top of the
South East ranking, while several
coastal towns in the same county
are near the bottom. That shows
how uneven home energy readiness
Council urges residents to
help tackle rise in vandalism
can be, even across places that are
geographically close.
“For Hailsham, this is a positive
local story. At a time when heating
costs, energy efficiency and the future
of home heating are becoming bigger
issues for households, the town
appears to be starting from a stronger
position than many other places
in the region.”
Hellingly
crash:
Motorcyclist
critical after
head-on
collision
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
design@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
CONTACT
ADVERTISING SALES — 01323 33 70 70
sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk
Hailsham News is a publication by Regional
Media Group Ltd, a company registered in
England and Wales number: 13746177. We have
taken care to ensure that the information in this
newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher,
nor contributors can take responsibility for loss
or damage resulting from errors or omissions.
Hailsham News does not endorse the accuracy
of the advertisements or the quality of the
products/services being advertised.
Information provided by businesses and
community organisations are provided directly
by their own representatives; please direct any
queries or comments regarding content directly
to the organisation. Any opinion or views
expressed within this publication are solely
those of the author. © 2026: No part of this
newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole
without express permission of the editor.
RESIDENTS are being urged to help
combat a rise in vandalism after a
series of incidents caused damage to
public facilities across the town.
Hailsham Town Council has
renewed its appeal for people to
report graffiti and vandalism after
an increase in cases at parks, bus
shelters, noticeboards and other
community assets in recent months.
Among the worst incidents was
deliberate damage to children’s play
equipment at the Western Road
Recreation Ground, where sections
of the safety surface were cut and
destroyed. The damage left parts of
the play area temporarily unsafe and
required urgent repairs.
Other locations affected include
the Tony Tack Memorial Skate Park,
public noticeboards and bus shelters,
with each incident placing additional
pressure on council resources and
delaying planned maintenance
work elsewhere.
To help tackle the problem, the
Town Council is encouraging
residents to use its online
vandalism and graffiti reporting
system, introduced last year. The
scheme enables members of the
public to quickly report damage
to council-maintained property,
allowing maintenance teams to
respond more rapidly.
As part of the initiative, QR code
stickers have been installed on a
range of council-owned facilities,
including playgrounds, bus shelters,
noticeboards and community
buildings. Residents can scan the
codes with their mobile phones
to submit reports while they
are out and about.
The Council is also urging anyone
who witnesses vandalism to report
it to Sussex Police by calling 101, in
addition to notifying the Council
through its reporting system.
Hailsham Town Council is
responsible for maintaining a wide
range of community facilities,
including parks, play areas,
allotments, open spaces and public
buildings. While repair work is
carried out as quickly as possible,
officials say preventing further
damage relies on the support of the
local community.
Tony Lee, the Council’s Operations
and Facilities Manager, said: “Every
report we receive helps us build a
clearer picture of where problems
are happening and ensures we can
respond as quickly as possible.
“When residents take a moment
to report what they see, it directly
helps protect the places we all share.
Working together in this way is one of
the most effective ways we can tackle
vandalism and keep Hailsham a place
people are proud of.”
A MOTORCYCLIST has been left
with life-threatening injuries
following a head-on collision
with a car in Hellingly on 20 June.
Emergency services were
called to North Street at around
9.55pm after a motorcycle
travelling northbound was
involved in a collision with a
southbound Audi Q7.
The rider, a 40-year-old man,
suffered serious injuries and
was taken to hospital, where he
remains in a critical condition. The
driver of the Audi was not injured.
Sussex Police have launched
an investigation into the incident
and are appealing for witnesses
or anyone with relevant footage
to come forward.
PC Christina Moore said: “The
motorcyclist was travelling north
and an Audi Q7 car was travelling
south when the collision occurred.
We would like to hear from
anyone who saw the collision
or has any relevant dashcam
or CCTV footage.”
Anyone who can assist the
investigation is asked to email
collision.appeal@sussex.police.
uk, quoting Operation Britten.

COMING SOON
HAILSHAM’S NEWEST HOTSPOT - OPENING THIS SUMMER
Something exciting is arriving on Hailsham High Street
Introducing your brand new Wine & Cocktail Bar – the perfect
place to relax, unwind, and indulge in style.
Whether you’re a wine lover, cocktail
enthusiast, or just looking for a new favourite spot, this is
where your evenings begin.
Raise a glass with us – we can’t wait to welcome you!
Email: sipandswirlwineandcocktailbar@gmail.com
H Carefully curated selection of fine wines from
around the world H
H Expertly crafted cocktails made
by skilled mixologists H
H Warm, stylish atmosphere perfect for
date nights, catch-ups, and celebrations H
H Regular live music and special events H
OPENING WEEK SPECIAL
Join us for exclusive offers, complimentary tastings,
and live entertainment as we celebrate our launch!
LOOK OUT FOR THE OPENING DATE ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA AND NOTICE IN THE
FRONT WINDOW OF 38 VICARAGE FIELD, HAILSHAM
sip.and.swirl
.wine.bar

4 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
Community spirit shines
at Sussex Day event
THE Town Council has hailed
this year’s Hailsham Sussex Day
celebrations a great success, as
residents and visitors came together
in Vicarage Field and the High
Street on Saturday, 20 June, to enjoy
a day filled with entertainment,
community spirit and a celebration
of Sussex heritage.
The free event attracted a steady
stream of visitors throughout the day,
with the town centre transformed
into a vibrant celebration of local
culture, featuring live performances,
family activities, community
organisations and a bustling
market showcasing the best of local
independent traders.
Visitors enjoyed a varied
programme of entertainment,
including traditional maypole
dancing by local Brownies, musical
performances from Hailsham Choral
Society, including the much-loved
anthem Sussex by the Sea, as well as
displays by the Sussex Stompers and
Long Man Morris Dancers.
Families were also entertained
by performances from Holdance
Studios, close-up magic, balloon
modelling and a traditional Punch
and Judy show. Throughout the
event, Hailsham FM provided music
and live coverage, helping to create
a lively and welcoming atmosphere
across the town centre.
The Sussex Day market featured an
excellent selection of local traders,
offering everything from artisan
crafts and handmade jewellery to
confectionery, flowers, skincare
products, gifts, clothing and
locally produced food and drink.
Visitors also had the opportunity
to meet and support a range
of local charities, community
groups and organisations who
attended the event.
Sussex Day, which is officially
celebrated each year on 16 June,
honours the historic county and
commemorates St Richard of
Chichester, the patron saint of
Sussex. The day also marks the
translation of his remains at
Chichester Cathedral in 1276.
Following the success of this year’s
event, the Town Council looks
forward to welcoming the community
to future Sussex Day celebrations
and continuing to showcase the rich
heritage, talent and community spirit
that Sussex has to offer.

6 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
Schoolchildren get hands-on
farming experience
CHILDREN at Grovelands
Community Primary School in
Hailsham have been enjoying
a unique hands-on farming
experience after welcoming a group
of lambs to the school’s popular
educational farm.
The lambs spent five weeks at the
school, giving pupils the opportunity
to learn first-hand about sheep
farming, animal welfare and
sustainable food production.
The animals were lent to the
school by the Wells family, of South
Brockwells Farm in Isfield, who
continue to support the Grovelands
School Farm project.
During their stay, the children
played an active role in caring for the
lambs, helping with bottle feeding,
building hurdle pens, mucking out,
carrying out daily health checks and
even administering basic first aid
under supervision.
Farm teacher Heidi Greenwood said
the experience had been invaluable
for the pupils.
She said: “The children’s
responsibilities of caring for
these lambs over the five-week
period further impacted their
understanding of agriculture and
gave them opportunities to develop
their skills and knowledge of
animal husbandry.
“For many of our children, this was
their first experience of handling and
caring for lambs. Everyone involved
gained so much from sharing the
experience, including staff and our
volunteer families who supported
with the bottle-feeding routine at
weekends and putting the lambs to
bed in the evenings.”
The school also used the
opportunity to educate pupils about
modern farming practices, including
honest discussions about food
production and the reasons why
some orphaned or abandoned ‘sock
lambs’ need to be hand-reared.
Ms Greenwood added: “Only at
Grovelands do the children sit in class
watching the lambs zoom around
the playground. Our children also
thoroughly enjoyed petting them on
the school field at lunchtimes.
“We remain committed to giving our
children opportunities to learn about
animal husbandry and horticulture
as an integral part of their school
day. It is so important to me that we
inspire the next generation of farmers
here in Hailsham.”
Growing
church expands
leadership team
ONE of Hailsham’s largest churches
has strengthened its leadership
team following continued growth
in both its congregation and
community outreach.
ChristChurch, based in Ropemaker
Park, has appointed two new elders,
Joel Cottingham and Owen Mudford,
who were welcomed into their
new roles during a special Sunday
service in June.
Joel, 42, has attended the church
since childhood and is an assistant
youth leader at The Station Youth
Centre. He is married to Beth and they
have five children. Owen, 29, joined
the church in 2011 after growing up in
Uckfield. He is a teacher at Uckfield
College and is married to Catherine,
with the couple welcoming their first
Community woodland
celebrates 10 years
with birthday event
A community woodland near Hailsham is
preparing to celebrate a major milestone
as Laughton Greenwood marks its 10th
anniversary with a special birthday
gathering next month.
The celebration will take place on
Saturday, August 2, inviting residents of all
ages to enjoy a day of nature, community
activities and woodland conservation in the
heart of the forest.
Organisers say the event will celebrate
a decade of volunteers working together
to restore and protect the woodland while
encouraging more people to get involved in
the years ahead.
Visitors can take part in conservation
activities, guided nature walks, woodland art,
children’s activities and shared food, while
learning more about the woodland’s unique
history and wildlife.
Laughton Greenwood began as a volunteerled
project to restore a neglected area of
woodland and has since grown into a thriving
community green space. Over the past decade,
volunteers have created paths and bridges,
improved habitats for wildlife and carried out a
wide range of conservation projects.
Among the woodland’s success stories has
been the return of the rare fritillary butterfly,
along with the planting of native tree species
child earlier this year.
Founded in 1981, ChristChurch
moved into its permanent home
in Ropemaker Park in 2014 after
years of meeting in hired venues
around the town. The church now
welcomes around 250 people each
Sunday and provides a range of
community services, including
parent and toddler groups,
youth activities, debt advice,
addiction support and anxiety
management courses.
Church leader Simon Fry said: “It
is a great joy to bring Joel and Owen
into this leadership role. It is not only
a sign of our growing congregation,
but they will help inspire the church
to fulfil its vision of sharing the love of
Jesus in Hailsham and beyond.”
to strengthen the local ecosystem. This year,
volunteers are focusing on restoring the
woodland’s ponds, which provide an important
habitat for a variety of wildlife.
They stress that no previous experience
or specialist knowledge is required, with
newcomers always welcome.
Laughton Greenwood can be found via Park
Lane, Laughton, where visitors should follow
the woodland signs.
For more information and to book a
place, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/
laughton-greenwood.

HAILSHAM
NEIGHBOURHOOD
PLAN REVIEW
REGULATION 16 CONSULTATION
The Plan will be
available for
consultation from:
6 July 2026
- 31 August 2026
for your opportunity
to make comments
Hailsham Town Council has been working with the community to prepare a review of the
Neighbourhood Plan for Hailsham
The Neighbourhood Plan, all of the supporting documents and the response form will
be available from 6 July on Wealden District Council’s website at:
https://www.wealden.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/
neighbourhood-planning/hailsham-neighbourhood-plan-review/
Forms to make your representations and hard copies of the Neighbourhood Plan and the majority of
supporting documents are available to view during the consultation period
at the following venues:
VENUE:
Wealden District Council
ADDRESS:
Council Offices, Vicarage Lane,
Hailsham, BN27 2AX
TIME:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.30am-5pm,
Wednesday 9am -5pm
VENUE:
James West Community Centre
ADDRESS:
Brunel Drive,
Hailsham, BN27 3FY
TIME:
Tuesday- Friday
10am- 2pm
VENUE:
Hailsham Town Council Offices
ADDRESS:
Members Room (Mayors Parlor) Inglenook,
Market Street, Hailsham, BN27 2AE
TIME:
Monday- Friday 10am- 2pm
VENUE:
Hailsham Library
ADDRESS:
Western Road,
Hailsham, BN27 3DN
TIME:
Monday 12-5pm, Tuesday 12-5pm, Thursday 10am-6pm,
Friday 10am-5pm, and Saturday 10am-5pm
Following the consultation, the Plan will be examined by an Independent Examiner. A referendum may be held prior
to the plan being adopted. In the case of a Neighbourhood Plan Review, this is dependent on the
outcome of the examination.
More details on the stages following the consultation are available under Guidance and Support at:
https://www.wealden.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/neighbourhood-planning/

8 HAILSHAM COMMUNITY RUN
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
Hailsham Community Run —
complete guide and routes
The popular Hailsham Community
Run returns for its fourth year
on Sunday, 12th July, bringing
hundreds of runners of all ages and
abilities together in the town centre.
The event features a range of
distances designed to be inclusive
and accessible, from a one-mile run
through to a 10k challenge.
RACE TIMES AND DISTANCES
The registration desk, located
on Vicarage Field, is open from
8am. There is also a baggage drop
(at owners risk).
There are four races scheduled
throughout the morning:
• 3k race — starts at 9.30am
• 1-mile inclusive run —
starts at 10.00am
• 5k and 10k races — both
start at 10.30am
Organisers say start times may be
adjusted slightly to ensure each race
finishes safely before the next begins.
RACE HQ AND FACILITIES
The event’s Race HQ will be based
in the precinct at Vicarage Fields
in Hailsham. Facilities available on
the day include:
• Race number and timing
chip collection
• Entries on the day (subject
to availability)
• Toilets
• Baggage drop-off area (runners
are advised not to leave valuables)
• Results and postrace
presentations
All races will be chip timed, with race
packs collected on the morning.
Hailsham Chiropractor Clinic will
providing pre-race massage and
treatments after the run from the
War Memorial area.
COURSE AND ROUTE
Each race follows a clearly marked
route around the town:
• The 10k race consists of two laps
of the 5k course
• The 1-mile run also involves two laps
• Water stations will be available at
the start and at the 2.5k point for 5k
and 10k runners
HAILSHAM ACTIVE 3K
Qualified first aiders, from Elite
Medical, will be on site at the start,
finish and along the course.
PARKING AND TRAVEL
Participants are encouraged to use
public transport where possible,
although several town centre car
parks will be open.
However, organisers warn that:
• Some car parks, including
Vicarage Fields and Waitrose,
are located on the race route
• Vehicles in these car parks
will not be able to exit until
around 12.30pm, when road
closures are lifted
PRIZES AND AWARDS
Trophies will be available for
the top three male and female
finishers in each race; and age
category prizes (10k only):
40–49; 50–59; 60–69
Hailsham Active 3k
3
2
1
HAILSHAM ACTIVE 5K
Hailsham Active 5k
¯32 m
4
Map Data ©
_13 m
1 2
1
3
Hailsham Active 1 Mile
2
¯32 m
HAILSHAM ACTIVE 1 MILE
300 m
500 ft
Map Data © OpenStreetMap C
_4 m
1 2 3 4
1
¯32 m
50 m
200
Map Data © OpenStreetMap

10 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
Supercars and family
fun draw crowds to
Dream Machines event
THOUSANDS of motoring
enthusiasts and families descended
on Laughton Showground as the
Dream Machines event returned
with an impressive display of
supercars, entertainment and
community spirit.
Held on June 20 and 21, the event
brought together a wide range of highperformance
vehicles, from exotic
supercars to modern hypercars,
offering visitors the opportunity to get
up close to some of the world’s most
desirable automotive machinery.
Organisers described this year’s
event as bigger, louder and more
ambitious than ever before, with an
expanded line-up designed to appeal
not only to dedicated petrolheads
but also to families looking for an
enjoyable day out.
Among the attractions were vehicles
from some of the most prestigious
names in motoring, including
Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren,
with visitors able to admire the
engineering, design and performance
that have made the marques famous
across the globe.
Dream Machines Events was
founded by enthusiasts with a shared
passion for performance cars and
automotive culture. The organisers
say the event was created as a way of
bringing together like-minded people
while showcasing the vehicles that
owners are proud to display.
Alongside the automotive
exhibits, visitors enjoyed a variety
of entertainment throughout
the weekend, creating a festival
atmosphere at the East Sussex venue.
However, the event was about
more than just cars. Dream
Machines also used the weekend
to support charitable causes,
raising awareness and collecting
donations for the Alzheimer’s Society
and Fresh Visions.
Organisers say giving back to the
community is an important part
of the group’s ethos. In addition to
supporting charities, the Dream
Machines team is involved in a
number of community initiatives,
including providing vehicles for
charity events, helping with last
wishes and funeral convoys, and
bringing smiles to people facing
difficult circumstances.

Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news JULY 2026 11
Lighthouse Fostering is continuing its search
for compassionate new foster carers to join its
growing network of dedicated carers across
East Sussex, all supported from its new office in
Heathfield.
This reflects Lighthouse’s ongoing commitment to
strengthening support for foster carers throughout the
county and ensuring that vulnerable children can access
safe, stable, and nurturing homes close to their
communities.
For more than ten years, Lighthouse Fostering has
provided carers with dedicated 24/7 support, specialist
training, competitive financial packages, and an
experienced team that ensures no foster carer ever faces
challenges alone.
Our new East Sussex office means we now offer even
more local, hands-on support to the remarkable people
who open their homes and their hearts to children in
need.
Right now, children across East Sussex urgently need
caring foster families. If you have a spare bedroom and
the desire to make a real difference, you could help
transform a child’s future.
Whether you are ready to begin your fostering journey,
thinking of transferring agency or simply want to find
out more, Lighthouse Fostering is here to guide and
support you every step of the way.
For more details visit our website
lighthousefostering.co.uk or call us
on 01424 320036.
TASTY PIZZAS & BURGERS - HAVE YOU TRIED US YET?
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-9.30pm. Sunday: 8am-9.30am
AT DIPLOCKS CAFE, WE’RE COMMITTED TO OFFERING THE
BEST HOME-COOKED, TOP-QUALITY FOOD WITH GENEROUS
DISCOUNTS FOR OAPS
DOWNLOAD
OUR APP
TODAY TO
ORDER ONLINE *
Cooked to order
breakfasts with
extras
12.5 inch pizzas with
variety of toppings
Roast dinners
including chicken,
lamb and beef
Jacket Potatoes
Burgers
Sandwhiches
Salads
Seafood
Grill dishes
Kids Meals
Paninis
Desserts & Drinks
and much, much
more...
Google Rating
Call us on 01323 370495
Find us at 11 Dipocks Buildings , Diplocks
Way, Diplocks Industrial Estate, Hailsham,
BN27 3JF
Visit online at diplockscafe.co.uk

12 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
Hundreds enjoy community
spirit at Flaming Fun Day
RESIDENTS turned out to enjoy a
day of family fun, entertainment
and community spirit as Hailsham
Bonfire Society hosted its annual
Flaming Fun Day at the Western
Road Recreation Ground.
The popular free event, held on
Sunday, June 28, attracted visitors
of all ages who enjoyed a packed
programme of activities, live
entertainment and fundraising
attractions throughout the day.
Families were treated to live
music, arena performances, a dog
show, fairground rides, games, face
painting, food and drink stalls, a
miniature railway, charity stands
and a licensed bar. The event
also featured tug-of-war contests,
children’s entertainment and a
wide variety of community and
fundraising stalls.
The event was supported by
a £4,500 grant from Hailsham
Town Council, which helped fund
promotion, live music, security,
first aid provision, toilet hire and
stage costs. Additional sponsorship
was provided by Harvey’s Brewery
and Tinkers Park.
Town councillor and Honorary
Vice President of Hailsham Bonfire
Society, Dave Chapman, said he was
delighted by the success of the event
and thanked everyone who attended
and supported the day.
He said: “It was wonderful to see so
many residents and visitors coming
together to enjoy Flaming Fun Day.
The Society works hard throughout
the year to support local charities
and contribute positively to the
community, and events like this help
us continue that work while bringing
people together.
“I would particularly like to thank
our Fundraising Secretary, Jo
Salmons, and her team for all the
hard work they put into organising
the event. Their dedication ensured
another successful day for the town.”

Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news JULY 2026 NEWS 13
The Gazelle & The Hunter outdoor theatre
Festival launches programme
for 20th anniversary
THE Hailsham Festival of Arts and
Culture is returning this autumn
for a milestone 20th anniversary,
bringing a vibrant, two-week
celebration of creative expression
to the heart of Wealden.
Running from Saturday 5th
September to Sunday 20th September
2026, this year’s festival is themed
‘The World Around You’ — an
invitation for the community to look
outward at their shared environment,
spaces, and one another through the
power of the arts.
Online bookings are now open.
Organisers are urging residents and
Henry VIII
visitors to secure their tickets early
at www.hailshamfestival.co.uk for
a packed programme of indoor and
outdoor theatre, music, dance, film,
art, and comedy.
The festivities kick off on Saturday
5th September, with a spectacular,
free-to-attend opening Street
Celebration in Hailsham High Street.
The town centre will come alive with
street theatre, circus acts, market
stalls, live music, magic and dinosaurs!
Over its 15-day run, the festival
features an array of diverse, highprofile
headline events designed to
inspire all ages, including:
Volya Voices Hailsham Festival
• The Gazelle and The Hunter
(5th September): An immersive
exploration of South Asian culture
presented by the internationally
acclaimed Sonia Sabri Company.
The performance seamlessly
blends award-winning Kathak
dance and Indian classical music
with contemporary influences.
• Tony Harris is Henry VIII (7th
September): Following his sellout
performance as Churchill last
year, the fabulously entertaining,
knowledgeable and hilarious Tony
Harris is back by popular demand.
This time appearing as everyone’s
favourite king!
• Rocky Horror Immersive
Cinema (11th September):
A dedicated screening of the
cult classic rock musical at the
historic Hailsham Pavilion, where
filmgoers are invited to dress up
and fully immerse themselves in
the experience.
• Volya Voices Ukrainian Choir
(17th September): Following
popular demand, this joyful, highenergy
music and dance ensemble
returns to the festival lineup.
• Cackle Street Cats Puppet Theatre
& Workshop (19th September):
Brought to life by the renowned
Rust & Stardust theatre company,
this hilarious musical comedy and
puppetry workshop offers perfect
family-friendly entertainment.
Festival Chair Tony Biggin said:
“In our 20th year, this festival is a
Dinosaur Puppets at Street Festival
celebration of the Festival’s legacy
of creative expression built over the
past two decades. Using the arts in all
their multifaceted glory, our goal is to
unite, reflect, and inspire. There is a
huge amount of free, family-friendly
community involvement alongside
our ticketed events, ensuring there is
truly something for everyone.”
This year, the Festival is generously
supported by Lead Corporate Sponsor
Lightning Fibre Broadband as well
as funding support from Hailsham
Town Council, Wealden District
Council, the Chalk Cliff Fund and the
National Lottery Community Fund.
In addition to other local business
category sponsors.
The full digital programme and
box office launched this month.
For more information, event
schedules, and to book tickets, visit
www.hailshamfestival.co.uk.
Switch
Smart.
Switch
Local.
1Gbps
£32
per month
No annual price rises.
01323 380260
LightningFibre.co.uk

14 FEATURE
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
in 1828, no less than 5,000 carp and
tench were fished out of the Common
Pond in just a few days.
The commons were largely
enclosed in 1855, but in Hailsham,
the pond area was retained by the
Lord of the Manor, Lord Sackville
of The Mount, as a carp pond. Just
prior to this, in 1852, the Vestry
(the forerunner of the Parish
Council) asked the then-owner of
the Pond, Lord De la Warr, to give
the pond for the use of the Parish,
which he refused.
However, the Parish Council
returned to the issue in 1921, when
there was a serious unemployment
problem, and the aim of the council
was to provide employment by
improving the pond and making the
area into a pleasure ground. It was
finally bought by the council with the
help of private subscribers from Lord
Sackville (father of Vita Sackville-
West) in 1922, for £300.
The Common Pond
The Common Pond in Bellbanks Road has been described
as the town’s Jewel in the Crown. It has been there for
hundreds of years and is so called from the Common in
which it was once located. Paul Endersby takes a look at the
Pond’s history…
ALTHOUGH situated on Common
land, the pond was owned by the
Lord of the Manor. One of the first
recorded (1154 to 1189), was Sir
Richard Covert.
In 1723, Anthony Trumble, Under
Sherriff of Sussex who lived in Market
Square in premises now largely
occupied by the Laurel, leased the
pond from Lionel 1st Duke of Dorset.
Trumble was entitled to stock
the pond with a variety of fish,
but he also agreed to maintain
the pond and its banks. This
clearly had a lasting effect, for
CRICKET ON ICE AND
SKATING FEES
Over the years, the pond has seen
many uses. The Hailsham Fire Brigade
once used the pond as a source of
water. The superintendent of the
brigade was Mr J Thompson and in
February 1895, he took part in an
unusual sporting event.
Due to a heavy fall of snow, football
was out of the question, so it was
decided to hold a cricket match — on
the ice of the frozen Common Pond.
Several hundred people turned
up to see the two teams who played
the game wearing ice-skates. Mr
Thompson made catch of the day
when he shot across the ice to catch
the ball with one hand, low down off
his own bowling. As it was so cold,
the game was kept short by a rule that
made each batsman retire when he
had reached a score of twenty.
On another occasion, when
the pond was again frozen over
sufficiently to allow skating, there
The Pond frozen over in the 1920s
Skating on the Common Pond

Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news JULY 2026 FEATURE 15
was another incident described
by Florence Farrant, who wrote,
“I only remember silly things like
Mrs Edmund Strickland’s ‘drawers’
coming off while skating on the
Common Pond during the ‘big
freeze’ of 1906.”
Some years later in October 1923,
the Parish Council resolved that if
there were enough ice on the Pond in
the coming winter to allow skating,
and a charge of 6d (2½p) a day would
be made. In 1928 and 1929, a total of
6/9 (33p) was taken in skating fees.
WARTIME TESTING AND
STRUCTURAL CHANGES
Over the years, there have been some
abuses of the pond. One example
was in 1900 when the Parish Council
complained that road workers were
depositing refuse into the pond.
Arthur Pettigrew, who was born
in 1914, also recorded his memories
of the town in a paper entitled ‘My
Memories of Hailsham’. He said:
“What great times we had playing
and fishing in the pond. It had no wall
around it, and we caught eels, carp
(up to 10lbs), roach and tench.”
The present retaining wall was built
around 1936 using reclaimed bricks
from outdated sewers at Laughton
Lodge and Hellingly Hospitals. This
followed numerous schemes to
solve the problem of vandalism and
maintenance of the pond with the
accompanying increases in costs.
There were even calls to have the
pond filled in.
During the Second World War,
the pond was requisitioned by the
military authorities, which enabled
Green Bros., who were engaged in
making amphibious vehicles, to test
them on the Pond.
After the war, the pond was derequisitioned
and the Parish Council
claimed £24 for repairs to the pond
edge. The Garrison Engineer was
asked to remove the hardcore from
the bottom of the pond and over
half a million gallons of water were
pumped from the pond.
was also during this period that a
William IV truncheon was retrieved
from the pond and is now on
display in the Hailsham Historical
Society’s museum.
Following the election of the first
Town Council in 1974, which replaced
the Parish Council, improvements to
the pond were introduced.
However, in the 1980’s, the new
housing in Station Road resulted
in the channel carrying surface
water into the pond being diverted,
blocking the spring that fed the
pond. This coincided with several hot
summers, and unsurprisingly, water
levels began to drop. In 1995, over
2000 fish were removed as there was
insufficient water to sustain them.
RESTORING A WILDLIFE HAVEN
In 1996, major improvement works
to the 1.86 acre site began with the
draining of all water in the pond and
the removal of approximately 2,500
cubic metres of silt.
The pond base was then excavated
and surplus clay used to extend the
existing central island, before the
construction of a second island and
a sloping marginal wetland area
along and over a section of the south
perimeter wall. In the following year,
the hard surface path was provided
all around the pond and benches
were installed.
Additional shrubs were planted
along the pond edge, on the islands
and within the water to create an
environment to encourage wildlife
to the area and increase local
biodiversity levels.
Today, the pond attracts numerous
wildlife species, including
amphibians, dragonflies and other
insects. Herbaceous plants such as
the marsh marigold, iris and various
rushes, as well as a host of indigenous
shrubs, provide additional cover to
the waterfowl residing in the area,
and help improve natural erosion.
To assist with the prevention of
Canada geese colonisation of the
islands, and to encourage vertebrates
and perhaps attract birds such as the
sedge warbler and reed bunting, a
fringe of common reeds has been
planted around the islands.
In the meantime, the Town Council,
together with the help of volunteers,
continues to invest in the upkeep
and maintenance of the Pond. One
of the most recent projects is a newly
resurfaced footpath surrounding
most of the site, improving safety
for visitors and providing smoother,
more accessible access for
disabled users.
Pre-1936, before the retaining wall was built
The Common Pond in 1955
The pond has had a chequered
history, but it is evident that much
work has been undertaken both by
the Town Council and volunteers
to turn the Common Pond into a
place which is welcoming to wildlife
and humans alike and of which
Hailsham can be proud.
TRAGEDY AND ENVIRONMENTAL
CHALLENGES
Sadly, there have been several
drownings in the pond. One of the
earliest records is an entry in the
Assize Roll 1263, which records:
“Gilbert Godseb (gossip) while
bathing in the pond at Haylesham,
was drowned and Saloman, son of
John Russel, who first found him, is
not suspected.”
On 15 September 1874, Jane Geering
was found drowned in the Common
Pond. An inquest the following day
returned a verdict of ‘found drowned’.
Other drownings include a child in
the 1930’s and a second child in 1959.
This second drowning was followed
once again by calls for the pond
to be filled in.
However, a well-attended public
meeting took place to protest
against the proposal. Regrettably,
increased vandalism once again
became a feature, including the
dumping of debris in the pond. It
The Pond during restructuring in 1996

16 NEWS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
WINNER
£20 ASDA VOUCHER
How our readers
and pets kept
their cool
THE scorching June heatwave
brought record-breaking
temperatures to the UK, with
thermometers climbing into
the high-30s and prompting
health warnings across much
of the country.
Schools relaxed uniform rules,
water companies urged people
to use water wisely, and many
of us searched for creative
ways to stay cool.
To capture a lighter side of the
sizzling weather, we invited readers
to share photos of how they, their
families and their pets were beating
WINNER OF £20 ASDA VOUCHER:
Blake loving his paddling pool. Photo, Sarah Wood
the heat. The response was fantastic,
with dozens of entries showing
everything from paddling pools
and sprinklers to ice creams, fans
and four-legged friends enjoying a
refreshing dip.
Choosing just one winner wasn’t
easy, but after much deliberation,
we’ve selected our favourite, who
wins a £20 Asda voucher.
Congratulations to our winner,
and a huge thank you to everyone
who took part. Here are some of our
favourite entries that brought a smile
to our faces during one of the hottest
weeks of the year.
Isla is certainly keeping hydrated. Photo, Lisa Leftley
Footy fever in the heat at Tesco. Photo, Lorraine Fell
Roxy keeps herself cool in the shade with a bucket of
water to dunk her head and legs in. Photo, Stacey White
Nancy at The Big Barn in Hailsham. Photo, Sarah Wood
Wet towels & a fan for the dogs. Photo, Nikki Johnston
Looking and keeping
cool. Photo, Aimee Bourne
Beer, fruit and cool feet in
the garden. Photo, Mel Martin
Photo, Anna Lane
Photo, Hailsham Market Café

Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news JULY 2026 REGULARS 17
HAILSHAM ACTIVE with Steve Wennington
RECREATION GROUNDS
VS SMARTPHONES
EARLIER on in June, I had the pleasure
of being invited to the opening of a
‘climbing track’ at Herstmonceux
Recreation Ground.
There were a number of things that
made this a significant event.
It was provided free of charge via
the National Lottery — well done Clare
Harrison, Clerk of Herstmonceux Parish
Council for seeing this through (it is
not without significant paperwork and
surveys of need).
It was clear the children absolutely
loved it — probably ages 4-13, so
perfect for after school from the local
primary school.
A parent commented that her children
immediately got off their phones to go
and enjoy it. And maybe that is the most
important message, children prefer
normal, old-fashioned play to being
controlled by smartphones.
There are so many conversations
about technology and the harm it
brings to children, we, particularly our
local councils, must do all we can to
normalise and encourage the simple
joys of childhood.
A QUICK HISTORY OF
PLAYGROUNDS
Whilst the Victorians started the ball
rolling with their parks in Salford,
Manchester, with dedicated areas
for children to play, it wasn’t until
the 1880s in Germany, where they
identified the need for many local
parks (sand gardens). This concept also
followed in America in the 1890’s and
expanded across the world with the
clear message that creating a safe and
healthy environment for our children
brought with it many social benefits.
The alternative was children playing on
street corners, which often turned to
crime. Prevention is better than cure.
Sometimes this very basic concept
is lost in councils ‘budget discussions’,
but we should be aware of the knockon
effects. Good fun in safe spaces
should be our determined aim for the
benefit of our children and the benefit
to our society.
It is quite sad that we still see
objections to improvements to our
recreation grounds and playgrounds
by those concerned at the noise of
children having fun.
UPDATES
Our work at Hailsham Active is
probably 80% about improvements and
expansion to our parks and recreation
grounds, so any opportunity like this is
so lovely to see.
It was also wonderful to hear the Chair
of Herstmonceux set out the vision for
further improvements to the park with a
path around the perimeter and upgrades
to the MUGA. Additionally, they are
working closely with local housing
developers, so they are all interlinked on
the project. This is very good news for
the residents of Herstmonceux.
Similarly, work is progressing well
with Hellingly Parish Council and the
upgrades at Horsebridge Recreation
Ground. There is also another step
forward with the land being donated to
the parish council/Hellingly Sports Club.
We have also just started consultation
with East Hoathly, another small
parish keen to improve their recreation
ground for the benefit of the everexpanding
community.
For Hailsham, there is also positive
news with the advent of a sports and
recreation grounds sub-committee
within the town council, recognising the
importance of our local teams and the
need to better maintain our facilities as
demand outstrips our infrastructure (not
enough grass pitches).
The more we can do to help our
community become active and
enjoy green space and communal
activity, the better it is for everyone’s
long-term health.
Bowes House offer generous support
for local exercise classes.
Lisa Phillips, Customer Relations
Manager at Bowes House, was pleased
to secure some sponsorship funding
to allow Hailsham Active to schedule
some much-welcomed seated exercise
classes for Hailsham.
The classes will be delivered by
instructor Kelly-Marie Blundell, at
The Railway Club, (The Station/Youth
Club, Western Road) on Monday
Mornings at 11am.
Seated exercise is a valuable way for
people to remain active and fit, even if
their mobility is challenged and staying
fit and active is a great way to reduce
the risk of falls.
If any other business would like to
support any of our clubs or our links with
local schools, please don’t hesitate to get
in touch with me, or your local preferred
club. We are always grateful and always
in need, the same goes for volunteering.
www.hailshamjewellers.co.uk
36 High Street,
BN27 1BB
(01323) 841898
WE’LL BUY YOUR
UNWANTED GOLD
AND SILVER
No amount too small - any condition
Turn your unwanted, old or broken jewellery into cash
or exchange it for something new!
We are your local, family owned jewellers with over
40 Years experience
No Appointment necessary - call in for an
instant settlement
We can pay Cash, BACS or Cheque
Please note:
ID will be
required

18 REGULARS
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
KNOW YOUR GARDEN
By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden
Bates Green Garden and The Laurel Café
Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 10-4pm. For details, please go to the website
www.batesgreengarden.co.uk and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden
If the first of July be rainy weather, it will rain, more or less, for four weeks together — English proverb
This year, many of our hardy annuals
and herbaceous perennials have
flowered earlier than expected,
encouraged by a mild spring and warm
spells that brought borders on ahead
of the usual timetable. While that can
make it feel as if summer’s peak has
passed too soon, there is still much we
can do in July to keep gardens fresh,
colourful and full of life through to
October. The key is not to give in to that
first hint of tiredness, but to manage
plants actively and encourage a second
performance.
For hardy annuals such as Ammi
majus, antirrhinum, calendula and
Orlaya grandiflora, regular deadheading
is essential. If plants set seed too early,
they naturally begin to shut down.
Removing faded flowers promptly
directs energy into new buds instead.
Calendula is especially generous
if picked over every few days, and
antirrhinums respond well when spent
stems are cut back to a strong side shoot.
Even airy plants such as Ammi majus
and Orlaya grandiflora can often be
prolonged by removing browning heads,
leaving only a few later if seed is wanted.
Among herbaceous perennials, a light,
timely trim can make all the difference.
Salvias
Once verbascum’s first tall spikes fade,
cut them down before seed develops
and you may encourage fresh flowering
from lower growth.
Salvias benefit enormously too: rather
than leaving plants to grow leggy
and exhausted, trim spent stems to a
pair of healthy shoots and water well
afterwards. Many will be back in flower
within weeks. Alstroemeria should not
be cut in the usual way; instead, pull
Alstroemeria
flowering stems firmly from the base.
This stimulates strong replacements and
keeps clumps productive for longer.
SMART WATERING AND
SEASONAL TONICS
Watering is another crucial part of
keeping the garden summery rather
than prematurely spent. A quick evening
sprinkle often does more harm than
good, encouraging roots to stay near
the surface where they dry out quickly.
Instead, water thoroughly and less
often, soaking the root zone properly.
Early morning is best, before the heat
of the day. In dry periods, concentrate
on plants flowering hard, newly planted
subjects, containers and shallow-rooted
annuals. A compost mulch will also help
hold moisture and keep roots cooler.
Alongside watering, I find an organic
seaweed fertiliser especially useful now.
Seaweed feeds do not force lush, sappy
growth like high-nitrogen products.
Instead, they provide gentle nourishment
and trace elements that support plant
health, root strength and resilience
during dry weather. Used every week
or two on flowering plants, especially in
containers or hard-working borders, an
organic seaweed feed can help sustain
colour and vigour without making
growth floppy. Think of it as a tonic that
helps plants keep going steadily.
MAINTAINING THE
MIDSUMMER MOOD
To keep a garden looking summery
until October, think beyond individual
flowers and consider the whole picture.
Continue planting for lightness and
movement, not just colour. Fresh
foliage, repeating shapes and reliable
late performers all help hold the
mood of summer.
Avoid letting everything turn to seed at
once, and resist moving too early into an
overtly autumnal palette unless that is
truly what you want. Soft whites, pinks,
mauves, blues and apricots can carry a
luminous midsummer character long
after the longest days have passed.
Above all, celebrate what July and late
summer can still offer. Pick flowers often,
deadhead faithfully, trim back anything
that has clearly finished its first flush,
and keep plants growing with deep
watering and organic seaweed fertiliser.
If you do, the garden need not slide into
exhaustion by August. Instead, it can
remain abundant, airy and full of warmth,
carrying the spirit of summer through
September and into October. That is one
of gardening’s real pleasures: not rushing
on to the next season too soon, but
helping this one linger a little longer.
Come along and see how we do
this at Bates Green Garden. We
are open every Wednesday and
Saturday from 10am–4pm.
Enjoy your gardens and green
spaces in July.
Active Days
MOBILITY
Active Days Mobility offer the sales, service and repair of most mobility
aids. We are authorised distributors for almost every manufacturer in
the mobility industry.
Rise and recline
chairs, adjustable
profiling beds
INTEREST FREE
CREDIT AVAILABLE
With over 15 years experience you are in
safe hands. We aim to provide a personal
service, spending time with the customer
to make sure they get the correct products.
If the product is in our shop you can take it
away, no need to order it and wait.
Our engineers can visit your home to
carry out repairs and servicing and we offer
a free collection/ delivery service.
We are authorised by the FCA to sell
mobility aid insurance and can carry out
repairs on behalf of insurance companies.
We sell riser recliner chairs and profiling
beds from a wide range of suppliers. We
stock a wide range of new and pre owned
mobility aids like walking sticks, Walking
frames (Rollators), mobility scooters,
complex bespoke powered wheelchairs
from Quantum Rehab with specialist
seating options and manual wheelchairs.
6 Winston Crescent, Eastbourne
BN23 6NL. Tel: 01323 301101
ACTIVEDAYSMOBILITY.CO.UK
43 Western Road Bexhill
TN40 1DT. Tel: 01424 532620

Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news JULY 2026 REGULARS 19
SUSSEX POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER, KATY BOURNE OBE
HELP FOR CRIME VICTIMS
AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
SUPPORT FOR PERPETRATORS
IN this month’s column, I want to
highlight the crucial work of my office in
commissioning services to help victims
of crime cope and recover and some
unique services which help change
offender behaviour.
In 2025/26, almost 55,000 victims
were referred to our commissioned
services in Sussex — that’s nearly 4% of
the population of the county.
Victim Support holds the contract
for providing multi-crime support in
Sussex and, during this period, they
received almost 30,000 referrals from
police and partners.
Many victims of crime are also referred
to local specialist service providers
that I fund with over £5m. The tailored
support they provide for people affected
by domestic abuse, stalking and sexual
violence was threatened by staff costs
increases after the Government’s
increased employer National Insurance
costs, so to ensure their viability, I gave
them an additional £100,000 last year.
Information about our Funding
Network can is available here:
www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/
apply-for-funding/safe-space-sussexfunding-network/
When I was first elected as Police
and Crime Commissioner back in 2012,
I pledged to tackle domestic abuse
in Sussex, because it was clear that
it was underreported and not taken
seriously enough.
Within a year, Sussex Police had
transformed their approach and they
were awarded White Ribbon status
in recognition. From an average
of 40 reports of domestic abuse a
day in 2012, the force now receives
around 80 reports a day, which
is over 29,000 a year, signalling
increased public confidence in how the
police will respond.
Domestic abuse is a scourge on our
society and far too many people suffer
in silence, so I’m pleased to say that
this year, the Ministry of Justice has
confirmed our funding grant for highrisk
domestic abuse support services for
the next two years.
I have also secured nearly £680,000
from the Home Office Domestic Abuse
Perpetrator Intervention Fund. The High
Harm Perpetrator Programme in Sussex
helps persistent offenders of domestic
abuse and stalking to recognise and
address their abusive behaviours.
The Complex Domestic Abuse and
Stalking Unit (CDASU) multi-agency
team provides tailored interventions
for perpetrators with multiple and
complex needs. The unit worked with
139 perpetrators during 2025/26.
The programme is voluntary but if
individuals decide not to engage, Sussex
Police will continue to use enforcement
and disruption tactics.
Our research and feedback has
highlighted the need for a Young
Person’s Violence Advocate for young
survivors of domestic abuse, a service
which is now provided by RiSE.
We also have a new Specialist Support
Advocate for police officers and staff
who are victims of domestic abuse and
sexual violence which will be delivered
jointly by My Sisters House Women’s
Centre and Lifecentre.
My office also funds over 30
Independent Domestic violence Advisers
(IDVAs). IDVAs provide an advocacy
service, working mainly with victims
who are at high risk of further abuse.
When relationships break down, we
see some people engaging in stalking of
their former partner. Having experienced
persistent stalking myself from several
obsessed and fixated individuals, I
created the acronym FOUR to help police
officers recognise stalking. If behaviours
are Fixated, Obsessive, Unwanted and/
or Repeated, it’s stalking.
I’m pleased that FOUR has been
adopted nationally by The College of
Policing and awareness of stalking
has risen, not least because of the
proactive work of Sussex Police who
were the first force to secure a Stalking
Protection Order (SPO).
In Sussex, we also have a successful
Stalking Clinic that comprises Sussex
Police, the Crown Prosecution Service,
Probation Service and Veritas Justice
Stalking Advocacy Service, as well as
specialist information technology teams
for cyberstalking. The clinic meets
monthly to assess and provide specialist
advice to officers investigating high-risk
cases of stalking.
During 2025/26, the Stalking Clinic
discussed 56 cases in Sussex — up from
48 the year before. With a dedicated
Stalking Protection Order Coordinator
Role within the clinic, the team was
able to apply for nearly 60 successful
SPOs last year.
Earlier this month, I gave a speech
at Sussex’s annual Domestic Abuse
Conference. The theme was ‘Turning
Ambition into Action’ and the event was
hosted by the Sussex Domestic Abuse
Partnership Board. It included an online
address from Natalie Fleet MP, the new
Home Office Minister for Safeguarding
and Violence Againt Women and Girls.
I have always maintained that, if
we are serious about improving our
response to domestic abuse, we must
design services for and with the people
who use them. By listening and acting
on lived experience, strengthening
collaboration and embracing innovation,
we can build a system that better
protects victims, holds perpetrators to
account and ensures no one is left to
face abuse alone.
Leading the way in providing an
AFFORDABLE PROFESSIONAL service
WESTMINSTER LAW
Wills ~ Estate Planning ~ Probate
If you are over 60 it will only cost you £95* to
make or update your Will.
We are also Lasting Power of Attorney Specialists -
only £120* each LPA if instructed during the Will
appointment.
free *
Call us now for a no obligation chat
323 679411
Sussex branch email: ng@westminster-law.co.uk
www.westminster-law.co.uk
*These very special rates are only available if you are over 60 years old. Our normal price for a
standard single Will is £160, or £270 for a couple. Minimum spend for a free home visit is £95.
Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) registration fee, when applicable, is not included in these prices.
Westminster Law Eastbourne Ltd. Reg. Office: Wellesley House, 204 London Road, Waterlooville PO7 7AN.
SKIP HIRE
MADE EASY
Skips of all sizes from
2 yard mini skips to 40
yard ro-ros
MORE
THAN SKIPS
Road sweepers,
tippers and concrete
crusher for hire
PJ PICK UP
SERVICE
Introducing our new
same-day Man & Van
waste collection service
A LOAD OFF
YOUR MIND
01323 48 88 88
PJ-WASTE.CO.UK
A5 a22/05/2024 1 24/01/2023 16:15:43

8 2 3 9 7 5 1 4 6
20 PUZZLES
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
PUZZLES
WORDSEARCH
Waterfalls
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.
ANGEL
BLENCOE
BRIDAL VEIL
BROWNE
HAVASU
HOPETOUN
HORSESHOE
KRIMML
OLO’UPENA
PALOUSE
RHINE
RINKA
SHOSHONE
TOLMER
TUGELA
VICTORIA
WATSON
WISHBONE
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
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.
Check-box
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
C
W L P H P G I W A O R A E
Q I E F G U A K D E R N H
E E D H S W N Y M F O E O
N V D A Z I A L G H O P F
O L V K R J O T S H X U W
B A G G O T O O S H H O M
H D A X U L H E E O O L J
S I M I M S S S P E N O A
I R Q M R R U E A N G E L
W B I K O O T A T T G O Q
Z R P H L O T U N N R N L
K O X A U U G C N T H W P
R W P N C E V C I Q I H J
J N A K L B L C V V N F E
L E X A S S E O C N E L B
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
E
CODEWORD
26 18 17 8 23 12 23 21 21 1 26
6 14 9 23 8 4 9
23 9 24 23 25 23 12 4 8 8
17 15 12 19 22 25 2
I
23 9 16
I
3 23
C
17 3 12
15 4 13 17 15 23 17 19 12 26 1 26
1 4 26 15 26 1 12
23 1 17 9 12 23 21 10 17 15 22 1 17
17 20 17 4 3 9 1
3 24 26 21 21 25 17 15 15 24 4 18 19
15 4 25 23 4 23 1
17 11 15 3 23 12 23 5 17 9 8 10
3 8 22 3 23 21 10 19 16 23
12 26 26 3 17 9 12 22 8 23 4 9
23 15 15 17 16 26 15 17 17 16
3 7 17 17 15 1 8 23 12 3 24
E
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Across
1 Chair used as a
carriage (5)
4 Using jointly or
in common (7)
8 Eat (7)
9 Capital of Bolivia (2,3)
10 Step (5)
11 Implore (7)
12 Commotion (6)
13 Bother (6)
16 Type of hunting dog (7)
18 Strangle (5)
20 Force out (5)
21 On the Origin of ___, work
by Charles Darwin (7)
22 Curving in and out (7)
23 Childish word for
scrumptious (5)
Down
FROM ONLY £55pm
YOU COULD HAVE YOUR BUSINESS BRANDING RIGHT
HERE IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS OF READERS WHO
SPEND AROUND 25 MINUTES ON THIS PAGE
CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY ON EMAIL: SALES@REGIONALMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK
1 Fires from a job (5)
2 Tooth doctor (6,7)
3 Having no personal
preference (7)
4 CD player (6)
5 Distribute (5)
CROSSWORD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9
10 11
12 13 14
15
16 17 18 19
20 21
22 23
6 Style of painting
associated with the late
19th century (13)
7 Title used by some
newspapers (7)
12 Swimmers (7)
14 Sport of shooting arrows
with a bow (7)
15 Emergency (6)
17 Presentation, briefly (5)
19 Short formal piece
of writing (5)
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.
7 5 1
9 1 7
6 5 3 9
8 7
9 6 2 7
3 9
8 7 6 2
7 3 5
4 1 5
SOLUTIONS
6 3 4 1 5 2 7 8 9
1 7 2 8 6 9 3 5 4
5 8 9 7 3 4 6 2 1
2 5 7 3 4 6 9 1 8
9 4 6 5 8 1 2 3 7
3 1 8 2 9 7 4 6 5
7 6 5 4 1 3 8 9 2
4 9 1 6 2 8 5 7 3
8 2 3 9 7 5 1 4 6
4 1 5
SUDOKU
A P E R I T I F F D A
W X N I R O N I N G
I N H I B I T O R R C I
E L T S U B J E C T
L O V E L I E S T A D A
D O A7 5 1L A D T
I D E N T I F Y E L U D E
9 1 7
E K E O C N D
C H6 A 5F F B3E L L9
H O P S
L 8 O B I 7 O I D
E
9
Q
6
L C I
2
T I Z
7
E N R Y
C R U C I F Y S G I
3 9
T A A C E N T U R I O N
I L8 L E G7 A L 6 E2
E G
C 7M E E L 3D R5
I T C H
© Puzzle Press Ltd (www.puzzlepress.co.uk)
CODEWORD
S E D A N S H A R I N G
A E E T L M A
C O N S U M E L A P A Z
K T T R O R E
S T A I R E N T R E A T
L A O S T
B U S T L E H A S S L E
A U C R I
T E R R I E R C H O K E
H G N I H N S
E J E C T S P E C I E S
R O R I R S A
S I N U O U S Y U M M Y
CROSSWORD
W L P H P G I W A O R A E
Q I E F G U A K D E R N H
E E D H S W N Y M F O E O
N V D A Z I A L G H O P F
O L V K R J O T S H X U W
B A G G O T O O S H H O M
H D A X U L H E E O O L J
S I M I M S S S P E N O A
I R Q M R R U E A N G E L
W B I K O O T A T T G O Q
Z R P H L O T U N N R N L
K O X A U U G C N T H W P
R W P N C E V C I Q I H J
J N A K L B L C V V N F E
L E X A S S E O C N E L B
WORDSEARCH

Proudly sponsored by
Thank you for your support
Almost 6000 public votes received for our finalists
Tickets are now available for the short-listed businesses - please email events@hailshamchamber.co.uk.
Small Business Award
1-5 Employees
Health and
Wellbeing Award
Charity and
Community Award
Hospitality
Award
Millies
Kathy B Fitness
Hailsham Boxing Club
Geos
Unit 8 Barbers
Window Solutions
Kerry Knight
Holistic Wellbeing
MissionFiit
Hailsham Festival
Southern Ski Club
for the Disabled
Hops & Ground
The Royal Indian
Medium Business Award
6-10 Employees
Beyond the Fringe
Professional
Services Award
Property
Professional Award
Young Achiever
Callum Ralph
(Creative Curtains & Blinds)
Focus Medical
Eye Centre
Hailsham Chiropractic
ECK Bookkeeping
Nic Gray & Associates
RTJ Goup
Barwells Solicitors
Roland Dunn
Stevens & Carter
Katie Turner
(Katie’s Place Aesthetics)
Lucy Brown
(Stevens and Carter)
Large Business Award
11+ Employees
Britannia Beckworth
Knockhatch
Adventure Park
Setyres
Creative Media and
Advertising Award
Hailsham FM
Hailsham News
Stears Photography
Trade
Excellence Award
Juice Electrical
MS Steelworks
TQ Mechanix
Overall
Business
The winner of this
category will be
announced on the night
by our lead sponsor.
Meet the Judges
Winners will be
decided through:
Public vote
Judging panel
Mystery shopping
More information
can be found
on our website
Alex Polizzi
Hotelier & TV Personality
Emma Pearce
Lightning Fibre
Paul Matthews
insight6
Steve Pickering
Sussex Beds
Owner of The Star,
Alfriston. Enjoy a stay
or pop in for relaxed
al fresco dining in the
Mediterranean-style walled
garden this summer!
Your most local broadband
provider for homes and
businesses. Fast, reliable
broadband with local
support and no annual
price rises!
Helping businesses drive
growth through exceptional
customer experience (CX).
Services include mystery
shopping and customer
journey mapping.
A third-generation family
business that has grown to
13 stores in three counties
- helping thousands of
people gain the benefit of
quality sleep.

22
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
Family Saver Loans
Repay using your
child benefit
Loans up to £700 to help with
whatever your family needs
APPLY ONLINE TODAY
www.wavecb.org.uk
42.6% APR
Wave Community Bank is a not for profit savings and loans co-operative owned and run by its members to help our community access ethical,
affordable loans and safe savings. Authorised and regulated by the PRA and FCA.
Belvior Castle
Lincolnshire
Photo: Belvior Castle
Eastbourne Coaches - Summer Breaks
31st July - Bath & Bristol. 4 days from £441 / person
16th August - Historic Houses & Gardens of Lincolnshire.
5 days from £645 / person
24th September - The Cotswolds. 5 days from
£645 / person
28th September - The Lake District. 5 days
from £645 / person
Prices based on 2 people sharing a room
• Home pick ups available
Please enquire for single rooms and availability on
01323 808080 or at www.eastbournecoaches.co.uk

Your local independent
property experts...
Residential Lettings Land New Homes
MEET YOUR
FRIENDLY
TEAM
CHILSHAM LANE - OIRO 650k
Set within approximately 1.38 acres in a peaceful Herstmonceux
location, this period detached home offers an exciting renovation
opportunity. Featuring four bedrooms, three reception rooms,
garage, outbuildings and ample parking, the property also offers
potential to extend (STPP). No onward chain.
Viewing highly advised to appreciate the potential on offer.
TREFOIL ROAD - 450k
Beautifully presented and deceptively spacious five-bedroom
detached family home in a popular Hellingly development.
Offering 1,383 sq ft of versatile accommodation, including a
spacious sitting room, kitchen/dining room, utility room and two
bathrooms. Benefiting from a driveway, integral garage, low-maintenance
garden, gas central heating and double glazing. Viewing
essential.
JOHN STEVENS
SAM BEALE
COOPERS WAY- 425k
Situated in a popular residential location within walking
distance of local shops and bus links, this well-presented
detached family home offers spacious accommodation
throughout. Features include two reception rooms, a fitted
kitchen, four good-sized bedrooms, including a principal
bedroom with en-suite, and a family bathroom. Outside,
there are well-maintained front and rear gardens, off-road
parking for several vehicles and a garage with power and
lighting. Viewing is highly advised.
HOUGHTON WAY - £424,950
Situated within the prestigious Roebuck Park development
opposite attractive open green space, this beautifully
presented four bedroom detached home offers spacious
and well arranged family accommodation. Features include
a generous lounge, stylish kitchen/dining room, utility room,
study/playroom, en-suite to the main bedroom, garage and
additional parking. Conveniently positioned within walking
distance of local schools, nearby bus routes and surrounding
green spaces.
GUIDE PRICE £800,000
CAMERON CLOSE- £399,950
A beautifully presented three-bedroom detached home situated
in the sought-after Cameron Close area of Hailsham.
Offering spacious accommodation including two reception
rooms, a well-appointed kitchen, utility room/snug and a
principal bedroom with en-suite shower room. The garage
has been converted to provide additional versatile living
space. Externally, there is a private garden and off-road
parking for up to three vehicles. Conveniently located within
walking distance of the town centre and local amenities.
FREE VALUATIONS FOR SELLING & RENTING
SAMUEL TOWNSEND
NICK RUSSELL
LUCY BROWN
WINDSOR WAY- 360k
Offered to the market with no onward chain, this beautifully
presented semi-detached home provides spacious and
versatile family accommodation. Features include a bright
lounge, impressive modern kitchen/dining room with fitted
appliances, four well-proportioned bedrooms and a contemporary
family bathroom. Outside, the property enjoys
attractive front and rear gardens, together with a garage
and off-road parking. Conveniently located and ready to
move into, this charming home is ideal for growing families.
Viewing is highly advised.
PAUL CLOSE- 295K
Offered chain free and tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac
within the popular Lansdowne area of North Hailsham, this
immaculately presented terraced home offers versatile family
accommodation throughout. Features include a stunning
open-plan living/kitchen area, utility room, four bedrooms
including a spacious ground floor bedroom, Jack & Jill
wet room and first-floor family bathroom. Further benefits
include gas central heating, uPVC double glazing, and front
and rear gardens, making this an ideal family home.
QUINNELL DRIVE- OIEO 250K
Offered chain free and newly renovated throughout, this
beautifully presented two-bedroom home is tucked away
within a quiet cul-de-sac and is ideal for first-time buyers, investors
or downsizers. Features include a newly fitted kitchen,
spacious lounge, conservatory and a brand-new family
bathroom. Outside, there is a sunny aspect rear garden with
new fencing and garden shed, plus tandem driveway parking
for two vehicles. Conveniently located within walking
distance of local schools, parks and bus routes.
LAURA STEVENS
47 HIGH STREET, HAILSHAM, BN27 1AN
CALL 01323 840444 or visit stevensandcarter.co.uk

24 TRAVEL
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
Sanctuary Class Luxury
on Sun Princess
BY DAVID POWELL
ON a ship designed to impress
at every turn, it takes something
special to feel genuinely exclusive.
Sun Princess delivers spectacle on
a grand scale, but it was within the
calm, carefully designed world of
Sanctuary Class that I found the
ship’s most compelling luxury.
Sanctuary Class isn’t simply a
stateroom category; it’s a ship-withina-ship
concept, where luxury comes
as standard with dedicated staterooms
and private, restricted areas.
My wife and I chose to fly to
Barcelona the night before and stayed
in a centrally located hotel, so we
were ready for an early embarkation.
David and wife Jackie enjoy a sea day
From the moment we boarded at
Barcelona Cruise Terminal, the
Sanctuary difference was clear. After
registration, which was a little slow
due to a poor internet connection,
we were whisked through to the
ship, avoiding the queues. It’s a small
detail, but one that set the tone for our
week-long cruise around the Med.
STATEROOMS AND
SERENE SPACES
Our Sanctuary Class balcony
stateroom felt instantly calming, and
we were pleased with the choice we
made. It is well designed and laid
out with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
opening onto a private balcony, and
a sense of space enhanced by clever
storage and an uncluttered layout. The
bed, Princess’ famously comfortable
luxury mattress, proved every bit as
comfortable as promised.
The bathroom was equally
impressive. A spacious walk-in
shower with a rainfall shower head,
high-quality toiletries, and thoughtful
touches such as ample storage made
it feel more like a boutique hotel. The
twice-daily housekeeping service
and evening turndown service kept
everything immaculate.
What truly sets Sanctuary Class
apart, however, is access to spaces
that are deliberately protected
from the wider ship. Chief among
these is the Sanctuary Lounge, a
serene retreat reserved exclusively
for Sanctuary guests. With
panoramic views, soft seating,
and a hushed atmosphere, it is a
good spot for morning coffee and
pre-dinner drinks.
Then there is the Sanctuary
Restaurant. Dining here is a far cry
from the scale of Sun Princess’s
main dining rooms. Instead, it
offers a refined dining experience
with flexible dining times and a
menu that subtly elevates familiar
Princess favourites. Breakfasts were
unhurried, civilised, and delicious;
dinners felt intimate without being
formal. It’s the kind of place where
you linger, and where staff remember
not just your name but also your
preferences. The service provided
by the two waiters at our table
was first class.
SUN DECK AND EXCLUSIVE PERKS
Perhaps the most talked-about
Sanctuary facility is the private
Sanctuary Sun Deck, and with good
reason. On a ship where prime
sun loungers can become hard to
find, having guaranteed access to a
quiet, adult-focused outdoor space
is invaluable. The deck is beautifully
designed, with shaded cabanas,
attentive service, and a relaxed, almost
resort-like ambience. Sea days here
passed effortlessly, punctuated by a
discreet drink service and the gentle
rhythm of the ocean.
Beyond the physical spaces,
Sanctuary Class comes with a suite
of thoughtful extras such as priority
tendering (no tenders were needed
on our cruise) and disembarkation.
Complimentary premium dining
and fitness classes added extra value.
Even small details, from upgraded
room service to dedicated concierge
assistance, contributed to our luxury
cruise experience.
What struck me most was how
well Sanctuary Class fits in on Sun
Princess itself. This is a ship that
accommodates approximately 4,300
passengers at double occupancy, with
a total of 2,157 staterooms and around
1,600 crew members. Sun Princess
is a Sphere-Class vessel, built in
2024 and powered by LNG. The ship
embraces modern design and cuttingedge
features, but the Sanctuary
provides balance—a refuge from the
scale of it all. You can dip into the
buzz of the Piazza, the spectacle of
the Dome, or the energy of the ship’s
entertainment, then quickly retreat to
a space that feels reassuringly calm.
THE VERDICT
Sanctuary Class won’t be for everyone.
Yes, children can stay in a Sanctuary
Collection Suite, but they are strictly
excluded from the exclusive Sanctuary
Club area, its pool, and the restaurant,
which is only available to guests aged
16 and over—even if a child is staying
in the suite. Additionally, cruisers may
question the extra cost, but for us, it
was definitely worth it.
For those who value space, service,
and calmness, particularly on a ship
of this size, it represents one of the
most compelling accommodation
options Princess Cruises
has ever offered.
Sun Princess (now joined by her
sister ship Star Princess) continues
to showcase Princess Cruises’ vision
of modern cruising. Sanctuary Class
feels like a luxurious step forward
on a ship that has no shortage of
“wow” moments. Would we choose
Sanctuary Class again? Definitely!
David has a video of the Sanctuary
Sun Deck on his YouTube channel:
www.YouTube.com/YourHolidayTV

CELEBRATING LOCAL PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Know someone extraordinary in Hailsham?
A volunteer, fundraiser, young achiever or community champion?
NOMINATE YOUR LOCAL HERO TODAY
THE 2026 CATEGORIES ARE:
Outstanding Young Person Award
Business Contribution of the Year Award
Fundraiser of the Year Award
Charity of the Year Award
Group / Organisation Award
Special Recognition Award
Mayor’s Hero of the Year Award
THE AWARDS NIGHT:
Wellshurst Golf & Country Club
Friday, 13th November, 2026
NOMINATE NOW AT HAILSHAMHERO.CO.UK
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
EVENT SPONSORED BY
TANNING4U
HAILSHAM
HailshamNews
YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR HAILSHAM, HELLINGLY & SURROUNDING AREAS

26 MOTORING
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
Škoda unveils seven-seat electric
SUV with 390-mile range
ŠKODA has confirmed UK pricing
and specifications for its new allelectric
Peaq, the brand’s flagship
seven-seat SUV and its most
spacious model to date.
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s
Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB)
platform and produced in the Czech
Republic, the Peaq expands Škoda’s
electric vehicle line-up as the company
continues to grow its EV offering.
Priced from £51,980 on-the-road,
the Peaq offers a maximum driving
range of up to 390 miles (WLTP) and
is powered by the largest battery ever
fitted to a Škoda electric vehicle — an
86kWh (net) unit. Customers can
choose between rear-wheel drive or
all-wheel drive models, with power
outputs of up to 299PS.
Order books are due to open
in September 2026, with three
familiar trim levels available: SE L,
Edition and SportLine.
Measuring almost 4.9 metres long,
the Peaq is now the largest vehicle in
the Škoda range and can comfortably
seat seven adults.
Practicality has always been a Škoda
strength and the Peaq continues that
tradition. It offers 299 litres of boot
space with all seven seats in use,
expanding to 890 litres with the third
row folded and an impressive 2,075
litres when both rear rows are folded
flat. A useful 37-litre front storage
compartment provides space for
charging cables or other items.
The design takes inspiration from
the Vision 7S concept and features
Škoda’s latest ‘Modern Solid’ styling,
including the illuminated Tech-Deck
Face, full LED Matrix headlights and
aerodynamic alloy wheels ranging
from 19 to 21 inches.
Inside, the Peaq features a clean,
contemporary cabin centred around
a 13.6-inch vertical touchscreen
infotainment system, complemented
by a 10-inch digital driver’s display.
The latest Android-based
infotainment system supports
applications including Google
Maps, Spotify and YouTube,
while a new digital mobile key
allows owners to unlock and start
the vehicle using a compatible
smartphone or smartwatch.
Among the new features
introduced on the Peaq are flushfitting
door handles that extend
automatically when the driver
approaches, improving both
aerodynamics and styling.
The SUV also introduces one of
the largest panoramic glass roofs
ever fitted to a Škoda, featuring
electronically adjustable shading
that allows occupants to control the
amount of sunlight entering the cabin.
As expected, the Peaq includes
a range of Škoda’s trademark
‘Simply Clever’ touches, including
improved washer-equipped wiper
blades, wireless phone charging,
additional USB ports, foldable tables
and practical storage solutions
throughout the cabin.
Selected interior finishes also make
extensive use of sustainable materials,
incorporating more than 50kg of
recycled content.
The Peaq will be offered in two
versions — the 90 and 90x — producing
between 286PS and 299PS.
The all-wheel drive 90x model
accelerates from 0-62mph in just 6.8
seconds, while all versions benefit
from the low centre of gravity
provided by the battery pack.
Rapid charging performance is
equally impressive. Connected to a
suitable high-powered DC charger, the
battery can be recharged from 10 to 80
per cent in around 28 minutes, with
charging speeds of up to 199kW.
The Peaq also supports Vehicleto-Load
(V2L) technology, enabling
owners to power external electrical
QUALITY USED CARS AT GREAT PRICES
equipment such as e-bikes, camping
equipment or caravans directly from
the vehicle’s battery.
The entry-level SE L model comes
well equipped with features including
the 13.6-inch infotainment system,
digital cockpit, heated front and rear
seats, heated windscreen, electric
tailgate, wireless charging and 19-
inch alloy wheels.
Stepping up to Edition adds
Matrix LED headlights, premium
interior trim, Area View camera,
Remote Park Assist and Trained
Parking technology.
The flagship SportLine, priced
from £58,280, gains distinctive black
exterior styling, 20-inch alloy wheels,
sports seats, aluminium pedals and
Dynamic Chassis Control as standard,
giving the SUV a more sporting
appearance and sharper driving
characteristics.
Safety remains a major focus, with
every Peaq equipped as standard
with an extensive suite of driver
assistance systems including Traffic
Sign Recognition, Front Assist, Turn
Assist, Cross Traffic Assist, Blind Spot
Detection and Predictive Adaptive
Cruise Control.
With its combination of long driving
range, rapid charging, seven-seat
practicality and generous equipment
levels, the new Peaq represents
Škoda’s most ambitious electric
vehicle yet and strengthens the
brand’s position in the growing large
electric SUV market.
IDEAL FIRST CAR
IDEAL FIRST CAR
Citroen C4 Picasso
2011, 2.0 diesel, 104,000 miles, automatic grearbox,
7-seater, service history, ice cold air con, bluetooth
phone connection, alloy wheels.
£1,995
Fiat 500 Convertible
2010, 1.2, petrol, manual gearbox, only 74,000 miles
SOLD
since new, 3-door, electric roof, full service history,
electric windows, alloy wheels
£2,995
Volkswagen Golf
2011, 1.6, diesel, manual gearbox, Only £35 road
tax, TDi, 100,000 miles, air conditioning, bluetooth
phone connection, service history.
£2,995
Suzuki Splash
2012, 1.0 Petrol, manual, 118,000 miles, low running
costs, £20 annual tax, full service history, 12 month
MoT, 5-door, electric windows.
£1,695
IDEAL FIRST CAR
Mercedes-Benz A200d
2015, 2.1 diesel, £20 annual tax, AMG Line, 130,000
miles, automatic, 5-door, full service history, sat nav,
cruise control, alloy wheels.
£6,995
Fiat 500 Lounge
2012, 900cc petrol, only 59,000 miles, 3-door, manual,
£20 annual tax, full service history, 12 month MoT,
full leather interior, air con, allow wheels.
£2,795
3 MONTHS WARRANTY INCLUDED
CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL TO ARRANGE A VIEWING
Fiat 500 Sport
2009, 1.2L, manual, 107,000 miles, full service history,
MoT until Jan 2027, half leather interior, air con,
alloy wheels with good tyres.
£2,295
Fiat 500 Lounge
2012, 1.2 petrol, manual, only 79,000 miles, £20
annual tax, 12 months MoT, panoramic roof, air con,
2 keys, full service history.
£2,695
Call: 07541 717638
or email: sales@ngvs.co.uk
See our latest stock at nextgenvehiclesales.co.uk

Award
winning care
homes
Bowes House care home, Hailsham
Hawaiian family fun day
Saturday 25th July, 11am - 4pm
We’re opening our doors to our wonderful local community for a summer party,
and we’d love you to join us. Come along for some Hawaiian-inspired family fun.
There’ll be live music, mocktails, a barbecue, and much more.
To attend please call 01323 885404 or email
lisa.phillips@careuk.com
Trusted to care

28 SPORT
JULY 2026
Latest local news, visit: hailsham.news
Sport
New opposition
for Stringers
Hailsham Roses
clinch thrilling final
BY STUART FAIRWAY
HAILSHAM Town’s return to
Division One of the Southern
Combination Football League
will see the Stringers face
new opposition, including
some long trips.
The Stringers were promoted
alongside Westfield from the Mid-
Sussex League, and will come up
against familiar faces including
local rivals Ringmer, Saltdean
United, Mile Oak and Shoreham,
but will also take on new opponents,
including Guildford City, who join
the league after relegation from
the Combined Counties Premier,
Clanfield, who have laterally
transferred from the Wessex
League, and Dial Square (based at
Knaphill FC near Woking), who join
following promotion from the Surrey
Intermediate League.
The 2026/27 season will begin
in August, with the Stringers also
returning to the FA Vase with the
draw for the early rounds in July.
The Stringers also held the annual
player award ceremony recently,
with Sammy Townsend taking four
of the first team awards; Managers
Player of the Year, Spectators
Player of the Year, First Team top
goalscorer and Goal of the Season for
Swimming Club crowned
Division 2 Champions
HAILSHAM Swimming Club is
celebrating after being crowned
Sussex League Division 2
Champions, marking a defining
moment in the club’s recent history.
Competing in a newly introduced
one-day Sussex League format,
the team rose to the challenge with
determination, unity and belief,
delivering a performance that
showcased not only talent, but the
strength of the club’s culture.
This success also signals the
beginning of an exciting new chapter
under head coach James Nock, whose
leadership, energy and vision are
already having a significant impact.
Under his guidance, the club has
embraced a clear sense of direction,
blending technical excellence with
a strong team ethos. The Division 2
title is not just a result; it is a reflection
of the culture being built across the
programme, according to the club.
Adding to the excitement, the
triumph coincides with the upcoming
reopening of the club’s refurbished
training base at Bede’s School Sports
Centre, ready for September.
This high-quality facility provides
First Team Award Winners Harry
Mills and Sammy Townsend
the ideal foundation for the next
phase of the club’s journey. The
combination of improved facilities
and a clear coaching vision puts
Hailsham in a powerful position
to continue developing swimmers
from grassroots through to county,
regional and beyond.
A spokesperson said: “Success at
Hailsham is never just about what
happens in the water. Behind this
achievement stands a dedicated
network of parents, volunteers and
officials, whose tireless support
makes competition possible and
creates the welcoming, familyorientated
environment the
Under 18 award winners Sonny Goldsmith,
Charlie Dulake and Elliott Denyer
a spectacular overhead kick in the 4-0
win away at Alfold.
Captain Harry Mills took home the
Players Player of the Year award. The
Under 18’s awards were presented on
the same evening, with Elliot Denyer
taking the Players Player, Charlie
Dulake the Managers Player and
Sonny Goldsmith winning both U18
top goalscorer and the U18 spectators
player of the year award.
club is known for.
With the backing of Sussex County
ASA and a growing reputation within
the county structure, Hailsham
Swimming Club is building real
momentum. The Division 2 title is a
milestone—but it is also a launchpad.
For swimmers looking to develop in
a supportive, ambitious and highperforming
environment, there has
never been a better time to be part of
Hailsham Swimming Club.
With a championship-winning
team, experienced coaching,
upgraded facilities and a thriving club
culture, the pathway is there for those
ready to take the next step.”
HAILSHAM Roses secured a thrilling
4-wicket victory over Burgess Hill
CC Women, chasing down 196
in the final over to finish on 199-
6 from 39 overs.
After electing to field, Hailsham
captained by Sophie Allan produced
a disciplined bowling display to
dismiss Burgess Hill for 195. Romilly
Smith starred with the ball, claiming
an excellent 3-14 from seven overs,
while Kaleigh Pavitt (2-23) and
Georgia Tibble (2-33) provided
valuable support.
In reply, Hailsham were anchored
by a superb unbeaten 87 from Georgia
Tibble, who guided the chase with
Successful Tennis meet
to remember Graham
BY MANNY GALITZINE
JUNE started with Steve Landon’s
fun day in memory of his father
Graham, the club legend who passed
away recently.
The fun day was well attended by
club members and juniors and club
coach Suzy Larkin assisted Steve (who
is a tennis coach in Ireland) to find fun
ways to approach tennis.
Old friends of Graham were
encouraged to tell the crowd about
composure and authority. Sophie
Saucan provided the perfect platform
with a fluent 59, sharing in a crucial
partnership that kept the required rate
under control. Contributions from
Ann-Marie Pier (17) and Kaleigh Pavitt
(5 not out) helped steady the ship.
With Tibble carrying her bat and
remaining calm under pressure,
Hailsham reached 199-6 in the final
over to seal a deserved victory and
collect maximum points from an
entertaining contest.
The Britannia Beckwith player of
the match was awarded to Georgia
Tibble for an entertaining and vital
innings for the team.
their memories of Graham and the
profound effect he had had on the club.
In club matches, the men’s first
team had a great 4-0 win over their old
adversaries Crowborough and a 2-2
draw with the David Lloyd club, while
the men’s second team are still trying
to get up and going, losing to Amherst
and East Hoathly.
The ladies’ first team had a 3-1 win at
Hampden Park but lost a close match
with Meads 1-3. The ladies’ second
team lost to Crowborough 1-3.