Hailsham News, May 2024, Issue 33

WELCOME

IS THAT some colour I can see appearing on the trees and parks around Hailsham?

It seems as if the last winter has gone on forever, and even as I write this (end of April), we’re still dodging the rain and wearing winter coats.

Let’s hope it won’t be long until we can dust off those barbecues and enjoy the outdoors again.

This month sees the Hailsham Run taking place which is such a great event for the town — hundreds of runners will take to the streets and I hope many residents will come out and line the streets to support them. See full details of the run on Page 14, and I’ll see you there!

We’re delighted to welcome a regular column from Steve Wennington from Hailsham Active this month. For those who don’t know, Steve is a local legend in terms of promoting sport and wellbeing in the town. The list of projects he’s helped locally is endless and from this month, his column will keep you up to speed with all the work Hailsham Active is involved with.

This month also sees the annual town council meeting at the Civic Centre. Not only is it a good chance to check out some local organisations, but also meet some town councillors and ask questions that matter to you. Believe it or not, local councillors are real people, and generally, they want what you want, a better town!

Get to know them, express your views, hear what they have to say and ignore the many keyboard warriors we have to suffer these days.

The annual event on 22nd of this month is a must!

Paul Gibson, Group Editor.

THE TEAM

PAUL GIBSON — GROUP EDITOR paul@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

KIM MAYO – REGIONAL EDITOR kim@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

HSIN-YI LO – REGIONAL EDITOR hsinyilo@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

LYLE ACOTT – ADVERTISING SALES sales@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

VIKTORIA COWLEY – FEATURES AND ACCOUNTS viktoria@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

MIKE LEGG – SPORTS REPORTER sports@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

DEAN COOK – PRODUCTION dean@regionalmediagroup.co.uk

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Hailsham News is a publication by Regional Media Group Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales number: 13746177. We have taken care to ensure that the information in this newspaper is correct. Neither the publisher, nor contributors can take responsibility for loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions. Hailsham News does not endorse the accuracy of the advertisements or the quality of the products/services being advertised.

Information provided by businesses and community organisations are provided directly by their own representatives; please direct any queries or comments regarding content directly to the organisation. Any opinion or views expressed within this publication are solely those of the author. © 2024: No part of this newspaper may be reproduced in part or whole without express permission of the editor.

keep the pond in a stable condition and how to reduce the number of Geese coming to the pond. He said: “Basically, visitors need to stop feeding them! If there’s no food, then they won’t come. Bread being thrown into the pond by visitors is either sinking to the bottom causing contamination or is eaten by Geese that kill ducklings and produce highlytoxic poo.”

Blue-green algae is a big problem, according to the expert. It’s a type of bacteria (called cyanobacteria) that is

an expensive project to drain the pond of a majority of the fish and aerate the water to reduce the algae.

In September 2023, the Environment Agency launched an investigation after a number of residents reported huge amounts of dead fish floating in the pond. It was believed that some fish died as a result of low dissolved oxygen in the water, due to a combination of high temperatures and low atmospheric pressure brought about by thunderstorms.

But experts say the Geese are

Warden Phil Hobden told the committee that many signs have been erected in the past, and either destroyed or simply ignored. There were moments when physically putting the signs up, someone fed the birds some ‘green mouldy’ bread, and just emptied the bag of bread in the pond and walked away.

Chair of the town council’s Assets committee, Councillor Mary Laxton, said: “The council put up some signage four years ago to encourage residents not to feed bread to the

New delivery method for your community newspaper

HAILSHAM NEWS is excited to announce residents will be receiving their favourite local newspaper directly through their letterboxes from next month.

Since our launch in 2021, readers have been able to pick up this publication from the local supermarkets and other selected

outlets. However, we want to open up our community newspaper to as many residents as possible to ensure our hyperlocal news and information are seen by everyone. From the June edition, all residents in the BN27 postcode will receive a copy directly through their letterbox to enjoy within the first couple of days of the month.

We understand the publication is probably picked up by readers who do not live in the town but may still want to read the newspaper. As normal, the full digital version of the newspaper will be available on the website or hailsham.news, or you can also subscribe for only £1.85 a month and get the newspaper delivered (within a five-mile radius

access to it. Previously, the path wasn’t a hard surface, so walking around during the winter months was difficult.

A new tarmac path has now been built, but is now covered in Goose faeces which contain pathogens and contribute to the spread of diseases like E.Coli, Listeria, Salmonella, according to experts. Councillors agreed they would discuss the issue again at a future meeting to find a solution to the problems.

be the most-read newspaper in the town.

Do you live outside our delivery area? You can read our digital edition online, get Hailsham News delivered to your door for only £1.85 per month (within 5 mile radius of Hailsham). Scan the QR code of visit hailsham.news to subscribe.

Searching for quality furniture in Sussex at competitive prices? Looking for a bed in Sussex backed by true customer service?

Then look no further than Hailsham’s premier furniture and beds store.

Future of farm secure following housing development refusal

A FARM in Hailsham which produces organic dairy products has won its battle to stop homes being built on land it uses for its livestock.

Plans to build up to 180 homes on the land east of Battle Road were discussed by Wealden Planning Councillors in April after a lengthy and controversial application which has attracted almost a thousand letters from residents on the Wealden Planning Portal.

The family-owned farm, Hook and Son, has been battling the plans for the development and said its business would become unviable if the plans were approved.

In a shock decision by Wealden planners, all councillors, all bar one, voted to refuse the plans on the grounds that any new homes would suffer from bad aromas from the nearby wastewater treatment works, local employment opportunities and other concerns such as historical buildings on the site and local transport issues.

Councillors were overwhelmingly supportive of the business which has farmed the land for more than 250 years, employs almost 30 people and produces raw milk and dairy products which are sold across the country.

Ward member, Councillor Neil Cleaver, (Liberal Democrats) said in a statement: “I implore you to reject

this application. The current organic dairy farm provides significant social, economic and environmental benefits

plan policies, NPPF guidelines and the Hailsham NDP. To accept it goes against what most

farmer who is currently training at the farm and is developing his career. He said: “I’m passionate about farming, I milk cows and work for Hook and Son. I live with my family on a small holding on Harebeating Farm, so, it would be very disheartening to lose this business at this stage of my career. As well as this, I would be very sad that land next to my home will be lost to housing. This land has been looked after for many centuries and food security is so important to this country.”

court and it’s up to them whether they appeal or not, if they do, we’re ready for that. We now need to also speak to the landowners in the hope they still allow us to farm the land, and my business can continue to grow. The demand for our produce is rocketing at the moment, as so many people are coming to us for raw milk, and this is really significant. Our farm is of national nutritional importance, it’s not just a farm selling locally, it’s bigger than that, and that’s why so many people contacted councillors to

Officers recommended that the development should be approved, but with a smaller number of dwellings (145), due to the wastewater treatment site and over-development. However, councillors didn’t want to even consider approving a lower amount of homes, as they didn’t feel assured that the developers would

Councillor Gareth Owen-Williams (Liberal Democrat) proposed to approve the plans, but received no seconder, so it was not carried. All other councillors on the committee supported a proposal made by Councillor Martyn Everitt (Green) and seconded by Councillor Kevin Benton (Independent), and the plans

Longleys Farm is hundreds of years old. The current landowners sold the farm to the Hook family in 2009 but retained 40 acres for potential development. The Hook family do not own this land but has only been able to farm it in recent years under annual grazing licenses granted by

The planning application can be viewed on the Wealden District Council website by searching for application WD/2023/1684/MAO.

Steve Hook, Owner of Hook and Son

Farmland safe from being developed for housing

Man jailed for robbing pensioners

A MAN who was part of a group who robbed an elderly At interview, he claimed he was assaulted in Hailsham and that was how his DNA was transferred to the

A CARE home in Hailsham has teamed up with local children and joined a nationwide campaign to

Olympic Champion and Dancing on Ice star donates dresses to Charity Shop

skater, Jayne Torvill, visited Hailsham this morning to donate over 30 dresses from her time as a judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice to Demelza.

Jayne, who has been a passionate ambassador of the charity for over 20

of dresses to Demelza back in 2020, where they took centre stage at a Glitz and Glamour promotional campaign at Demelza’s Hailsham shop back in 2020.

The campaign showcased preloved dresses and occasion wear, as well as

PROUD TO SUPPORT ST

bags and accessories, highlighting the importance of beautiful but sustainable fashion.

This year, specially selected dresses will be on sale at Demelza shops in Rochester, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Orpington and Hailsham, where Jayne visited today to launch the sale.

Jayne Torvill said: “As one of Demelza’s proud ambassadors, I’m delighted the dresses will be put to good use raising funds for the children and their families supported by this amazing charity, as well as raising awareness of the work Demelza does across Kent, East Sussex and South East London.”

The dresses range from designer through to high street brands and come in a myriad of colours and lengths, perfect for prom, weddings and special occasions.

Tim Chichester, shop manager at Hailsham, said: “As a charity, Demelza is almost entirely dependent on the generosity of its supporters to provide the funds that

Nursing Home

Nursing care - Beautiful surroundings

Woodside Hall specialises in 24hr complex care; we pride ourselves on our friendly homely atmosphere

We have a dedicated GP surgery who visit our residents weekly

The service provides specialist areas

Palliative/End of

Rehabilitation following

Dementia care

primary focus is hollistic care

can enjoy home cooked meals prepared

keep its services going so a huge thanks to Jayne for this generous donation and the opportunity for one of our supporters to buy a piece of TV history! These beautiful dresses will be the star of the Hailsham branch so do come along and check out the dresses and browse the fabulous stock we have on display!”

Demelza has 30 shops across the southeast and the charity raises funds through sales of donated books, memorabilia, furniture, vintage clothing, bridal gowns, children’s fashion and household items. Income generated goes towards providing practical and emotional support, creative therapies, and care towards the

end of life for children and young people with serious or life-limiting conditions, and their families.

The charity is also calling for volunteers to help out in its shops across the southeast — whether you are a student, recently retired or want to gain some experience in retail, Demelza can offer you the opportunity to meet like-minded people, expand your experience and add to your CV.

If you would like to volunteer to help at the shop, even for just a few hours a week, then please contact Demelza’s volunteering team via its website at www.demelza.org.uk/ work-with-us/volunteering or call 01795 845170 or further information.

EVENTS AT WOODSIDE HALL THIS MAY

SATURDAY 11TH MAY AT 2.30PM

RICK BONNER, VOCAL ENTERTAINER, AND SAXOPHONE PLAYER.

MONDAY 13TH AT 11AM DAVID CROUCHER MAGICIAN

MONDAY 20TH – FRIDAY 24TH MAY

#GLADTOCARE WEEK. WOODSIDE HALL WILL BE TAKING PART IN #GLADTOCARE WEEK. THE 2024 THEME BEING “WELLBEING”. AT 11AM EVERY WEEKDAY PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN VIRTUAL FITNESS SESSIONS, COOKING COMPETITIONS AND SING-ALONGS.

FRIDAY 31ST MAY AT 2PM

JULIE’S ART OF NOISE. JULIE WILL BE SINGING SONGS FROM THE 50’S, 60, 70S AND MORE.

TUESDAY 4TH JUNE AT 11AM

EDUCATIONAL TALK FROM WOODLAND TRUST

THURSDAY 6TH JUNE AT 11AM

ARCHERY SESSION WITH DEFIANT SPORTS

SATURDAY 20TH JULY AT 1PM

ANNUAL DOG SHOW & SUMMER FETE. COME ALONG AND JOIN THE FUN AT WOODSIDE HALL NURSING HOME. THE DAY WILL INCLUDE A RAFFLE, BOOK SALE, CAKE SALE, CRAFT STALLS AND AN ICE CREAM VAN. SUPPORTING CANINE CONCERN, WHO PROVIDE CARE DOGS TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT ENGLAND.

Jayne Torvill admires

The star judge and skater launches the sale

Community Shed opens to help tackle loneliness and share life skills

A HAILSHAM charity has officially opened its door to a new community shed initiative.

The Now! Charity Group, which runs the popular Furniture Now! Shop on the High Street has launched the scheme, which is open to all residents, is a safe space to share

skills, meet like-minded people and help upcycle furniture to be sold in the shop.

In an event recently at the shop, residents went along to see demonstrations on how effective upcycling of old furniture can be to avoid it being destined for the tip.

Volunteers at the shed will share experiences and use their skills to give items a new lease of life, ready for resale in the store.

In recent years, the Men’s Shed movement has been steadily gaining momentum across the country, offering camaraderie and support for men of all ages. Originating in Australia, this grassroots initiative has flourished globally, providing a space where men can come together to socialise, pursue hobbies and support each other’s well-being.

However, the concept of Men in Shed does not fit with the Now! Charity’s value of inclusivity and a ‘community shed’ would imply that everyone is welcome, not excluding any gender.

Manon Brun, CEO of The Now!

Charity Group told Hailsham News: “The concept of making furniture, DIY, even up-cycling is very gendered, and often thought about as “manly tasks”. Opening our community shed to everyone and helping women get more diverse skill sets is crucial.”

In 2023, The Now! Charity Group helped 14,839 families make £1,807,525 in household savings and saved 787,556 kg of carbon emission.

Its objectives aid to reach out and help more people in the community and help the fight against climate change.

The Tackling Poverty Report, launched by Sussex Community Foundation in 2023, found that elderly people, people from ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ people, as well as people with disabilities were more likely to be socially isolated and live in poverty.

In the report, Campaign Towards Loneliness (charity) explains: “The close relationship between loneliness and health is well-documented. In 2023, people who said they had a physical and/or mental health diagnosis were over three times as likely to be chronically lonely than those who said they did not.”

The Community Shed project is aiming to tackle this issue. Manon continued: “Absolutely everyone is welcome to come and learn, help, and teach. This is a community-based project, started by a local charity, made possible by the community, for the community.”

Initially, the Community Shed will be open two days a week and could be increased, depending on the popularity of the service.

Residents who are interested in attending or getting involved with the Community Shed can scan the QR code, email hello@nowcharity. org.uk, or pop into 9 High Street on Monday’s or Friday’s.

Community Shed shed

Visitors watch an upcylcing demo at the Community Shed

Relief for motorists as Diplocks

Way gets fresh new surface

BY PAUL GIBSON

THE BUSY Diplocks Industrial Estate road has finally been given a fresh lease of life thanks to the first phase of resurfacing works. Contractors moved in last month to

dig up what was left of the previous road surface on the stretch of road, who closed it overnight for two weeks to produce a result which has delighted motorists.

Our drone images in last month’s edition of Hailsham News showed the true extent of the potholes, collapsed

it was amazing when we got the drone back up to produce these images you see here.

The resurfacing was part of the first phase of works which saw the entire road, from the South Road junction to Gleneagles re-done, which means

properties by talking to the works team.

Although nearby businesses have welcomed the works, there are concerns motorists are enjoying the new surface a little too much. A reader who walks daily down the road

MOVIES, SHOWS AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT THE HAILSHAM PAVILION

BOB MARLEY - ONE LOVE

7-9 MAY - 14:15 & 19:30

One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.

MIGRATION

4-6 MAY - 14:15

Creators of the blockbuster Minions, Despicable Me, Sing and The Secret Life of Pets comedies, invites you to take flight into the thrill of the unknown with a funny, feathered family vacation like no other in the action-packed new original comedy, Migration.

THE FALL GUY

24 MAY - 2 JUNE - 14:15 & 19:30

A successful stantman, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?

GOLDEN OLDIES: MARY POPPINS

24 MAY - 14:30

When Jane and Michael, the children of the wealthy and uptight Banks family, are faced with the prospect of a new nanny, they are pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the magical Mary Poppins.

ORDINARY ANGELS

17-23 MAY - 14:15 & 19:30

Based on a remarkable true story, Sharon Steves, a fierce but struggling hairdresser in smalltown Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt, a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters.

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE

11-12 MAY - 14:15

The Spengler family returns to where it all started, the iconic New York City firehouse to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level.

WICKED LITTLE LETTERS

8-27 MARCH - 14:15 & 19:30

doing far more than the speed limit, making it even more dangerous to use.”

They added: “I’ve been speaking to the local Police who said they will look at the situation and will monitor the speed of motorists.”

EVENT CINEMA

Fiery Rose Gooding has little in common with the pious Edith Swan aside from them being neighbors in the seaside town of Littlehampton in the 1920’s. Edith starts receiving scandalous letters written with foul language as eccentric as it is obscene.

A BOOK OF CLARENCE

10-13 MAY - 19:30

Clarence is struggling to find a better life for his family, while fighting to free himself of debt. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life.

KUNG FU PANDA 4

25 MAY - 2 JUNE - 10:30 & 14:15

After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior, is called upon by destiny to give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

THE ROYAL BALLET PRESENTS: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

30 MAY - 2 JUNE - 14:15 & 19:20

Directed and choreographed by Kate Prince. Based on the songs of Sting with ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company.

The peaceful village of Bebko is alive with joyous celebrations. Suddenly, under attack, everything changes forever. Three siblings, Leto, Mati and Tana, must embark on perilous journeys in order to survive.

Message In A Bottle is a spectacular new dance-theatre show from five-time Olivier Award nominee, Kate Prince, inspired by and set to the iconic hits of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting, including Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Walking On The Moon and more. With a mix of exhilarating dance styles, high-energy footwork and breath-taking athleticism, Message In A Bottle tells a unifying and uplifting story of humanity and hope.

Message In A Bottle is the latest masterpiece from the ground-breaking creator behind West End hits Some Like it Hip Hop, Into the Hoods, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (choreography) and SYLVIA (Old Vic), and features the astonishing talents of dance storytelling powerhouse, ZooNation: This production was filmed in 2022.

TICKETS: £18 & £15

Fibre company donates cash

hog heroes

highways. These are 13x13cm gaps in boundary fences and bushes, and allow the creatures to move from garden to garden in search of food and

There are lots of wildlife-friendly features that can be added, and hazards that can be avoided, to make an area welcoming to hedgehogs and in turn other wildlife, according to the

The campaign is also urging the town to log sightings on hedgehogs an a dedicated online national map to help to keep records of how many are crawling our neighbourhoods. To log sightings and for activities for children related to the campaign, can all be found by visiting www.bighedgehogmap.org.

High

Pavilion launches sunday special short film itinerary

A UNIQUE viewing experience has been unveiled by the town’s Pavilion which will showcase short films from around the world.

The productions were submitted to the organisers of the Sussex International Film Festival (SIFF) which was held at the venue last year and awarded film makers for their contributions in a variety of categories.

The ‘Sunday Special’ showings will show some of the 700 entries which were received by the judges.

HOUSING FIGHT

DEAR EDITOR, I am responding to the recent letter from David Phillips (April 2024, P13), a Hailsham resident and given this letter and previous correspondence.

I am assuming this is the David Phillips who was for many years Head of Planning Policy at Wealden District Council? I am surprised he fails to mention that when writing to the media. Whilst in the role, he worked closely with the Conservative administration at that time, the majority group on the council.

I was a councillor at Wealden District Council for 19 years and Leader for 12 years. I stood down as leader in May 2022 having decided not to stand in the May 2023 elections.

I have met with every Secretary of State in recent years and I did as Mr Phillips states “boldly announced” that Michael Gove has listened carefully to our suggestion that housing numbers should be advisory and local authorities could mitigate those numbers with local factors. Michael Gove did as his word and that fact has been acknowledged by the Green/LibDem coalition now in charge at Wealden District Council.

The proposed new Local Plan has significant housing numbers despite both the Greens and LibDem parties stating during the election that they would preserve green fields and the environment. Residents across the District are no doubt shocked by the proposed plan which builds extensively over the district and even includes over 700 houses within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — the hypocrisy of the coalition has no limits. The previous Conservative administration was recognised to have run an efficient and prudent council which left a financially strong authority which is already being weakened by the new administration’s actions.

Our earlier Local Plan was withdrawn by the Council following the Planning

Gareth Jones from SIFF said: “When we opened the Festival Short Film Competition last year we rapidly received over 700 entries. There were very many excellent films sent to us that couldn’t win because they were not PG, so we have decided to screen selections of those once a month on Sunday afternoons. This first one is themed around Comedy and the films selected are very funny indeed. The programme is timed to allow you to have lunch before or an early dinner

after the screenings.”

The events will run on 19 May, 23 June, 21 July, 18 August, 15 September and 20 October, and tickets are priced at only £5. A full list of the films

showing on each day are available on the Pavilion’s website.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the box office or online at www.hailshampavilion.co.uk.

Residents Q&A with Councillors

PEOPLE IN Hailsham will be able to ask questions to town councillors at the annual town council meeting this month.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 8th May at the Hailsham Civic Community Hall, where councillors will take questions from the public on matters the town council is responsible for.

Prior to the start of the meeting at 7:30, there will be view a number of information stands from local groups and organisations. Doors will open at 6:30pm.

Inspector’s report which rejected our view on housing numbers.

The reference by the Inspector to the lack of adherence to the Duty to Co-operate with neighbouring councils was ironic as Wealden organised those meetings which were rarely attended by our neighbouring authorities.

Whilst no longer a Conservative councillor at Wealden I am aware that the Conservative Group had good reasons to leave the chamber given the way the plan had been formulated.

Mr Phillips’ statement of a failed Conservative administration could not be further from the truth.

Cllr Bob Standley.

SCRAPPED PROJECT COSTS

DEAR EDITOR, I was pleased to note in your April edition that you had lodged

abandoned Hailsham Aspires project.

I hope that the Council identifies for your readers the full cost of this debacle, including all Consultancy fees, Member and Officer time spent on endeavouring to steamroller through this fantastical vanity project. I have heard that the overall figure is significant and await news of their response to your request with interest.

With all due respect to (now) Cllr Williams, who was previously the officer at Wealden given the task of seeing this proposal through; the project was already a long dead duck when he inherited responsibility for it. Maybe then he could have recommended shutting it down somewhat sooner?

It was the former Wealden administration and its Leadership who concocted this fantasy mirage for the future of the town. Whether blinded by

freehold of Vicarage Fields) that might arise from redevelopment or maybe merely being more of a Vanity project to deliver some form of legacy development is impossible to say.

What was evident from the outset however was the significant critical response from residents to the proposals being put forward. The almost incomprehensible idea of demolishing and rebuilding just a short distance away the recently refurbished (at considerable expense) District Council Offices together with Proposals that may well also have resulted in the loss of key retail partners in the town and all associated jobs. It was clear from early days that the residents of the town were not in favour.

I am not aware that the full details of the consultation exercise have ever been made publicly available — and yet

on with this madness. With yet more debates, consultancy fees and valuable officer time, including that of Mr. Williams, wasted for local ratepayers. Wasn’t it Einstein who said that the definition of insanity was repeating the same thing over and over again in the belief that the outcome would be different?

I am not displeased that these strangest of proposals have now been scrapped — just disappointed that it has taken so long to arrive at this decision. Certainly, the accompanying announcement that monies previously set aside to deliver this scheme will now be used to develop a new medical centre in the town should, in principle, be of far more use to Hailsham.

D.Phillips

BLOCKED TAXI RANKS

DEAR EDITOR, I was wondering if you could do a story on the parking situation in Hailsham?

I’m primarily talking about the cars that park on the town’s two taxi ranks, High Street and George Street.

I work for Hailsham Cars and the amount of times, our cars, as well as other taxi companies, can’t get on to their ranks to pick up or drop off is staggering.

It’s not fair, as a lot of the customers are elderly, or parents with their kids. Cars block the road to pick up or drop off, get tooted or sworn at.

I did email the council some time ago about this, and to get them to at least get the ranks repainted and a bigger sign.

The reply was they would ‘pass the matter on’. That was about six months ago — and still nothing. Andy.

to mark landmark anniversary

THE COMMUNITY radio station, Hailsham FM, is to hold a 24-hour charity broadcast to celebrate a presenter’s 400th show.

The Wayne Spicer Radio Show reaches its anniversary later this month, and to celebrate, the Station has announced he will host a ‘24-hour live Radiothon’ raising funds for two local organisations.

Wayne Spicer started presenting with Hailsham FM in 2016 during the Hailsham Festival. His first show aired when the station had a temporary FM licence, to promote the town’s Arts Festival. After the festival closed, the station moved to a weekend online service, until it won its full-time FM license in 2018.

Wayne will be celebrating the eighth year of his popular Sunday evening show ‘The Wayne Spicer Radio Show’.

Wayne is always up for a challenge — he walked on hot coals and then broken glass, live on air to raise money for St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne with a co-presenter Dylan Hibbert. To mark his show’s anniversary, he has agreed to host a Live 24-hour version of his programme — starting at 8pm on Saturday 25th May 2024, presenting

through the night and finishing Sunday at 8pm. He will be raising funds for two organisations close to his heart.

One of those organisations will be the charity ‘You Raise Me Up’ which was founded by the late Jane Brooks and her husband Fraser in June 2011.

The charity’s purpose is to raise funds to support families that have suffered the loss of a young person aged 16-25 years. It is based in East Sussex and supports families from East & West Sussex and Kent.

One of Wayne’s very first interviews on the Station in 2017 was with Lauren Henty who championed the work of ‘You Raise Me Up’ and described how the suicide of her son changed her family’s lives forever.

Wayne said “I was incredibly touched that Lauren shared her story on air trusting me, and the Radio station to deal with it sympathetically. Now I want to give the charity my

has had to relocate its studio to a new site on St Mary’s Walk in Hailsham due to the building being put up for sale.

The move has cost the station thousands of pounds, building new facilities and buying new equipment. Wayne wants to try to help the station recoup some of those costs. Ensuring it can continue in years to come, alongside other projects it has pledged to support in the coming year, such as the Hailsham Hero

to be filled with great chat, and music, and will include visits from all Wayne’s regulars including Women’s Institute members, Hilary Thomas and Katie Richards who has been cooking live on air since 2017, Terry Atkins and the gang from Battle Road Allotments will join the fun. They can be regularly heard each month answering gardening questions and financial guru Lesley Jones who helps with all money matters. The show will also feature many other local guests who have appeared on the programme over the years.

Simon Herbert Station Manager said: “This is a mammoth challenge and will really test Wayne. Presenting for 24 hours is no mean feat, and we wish him well — this will be of huge

the programme including the Big Birthday Bonanza Raffle!

Wayne hasn’t set a target for fundraising but will look to raise as much money as possible during the 24-hour radio marathon.

Listeners can hear Hailsham FM on 95.9 FM locally and everywhere via smart speakers or by visiting www. hailshamfm.com and clicking listen live. The station is a communitybased ‘non-profit’ organisation, providing a volunteer Radio Station — serving Hailsham and the surrounding towns and villages. For more information on this project or if you would like to be involved, contact Wayne Spicer on 07511 816833, or email: info@hailshamfm.uk.

A Live BBQ with guest Hillary outside the studio

Wayne with Coronation Street star Brian Capron

Wayne Spicer broadcasts his popular show

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

2024 fundraising for the Friends’ 2024 major project to raise £500,000 for a Gamma Camera to enable better detection and treatment of cancer. 12 June to 24 September — All gardens open from 10:30am-4:00pm.

WEDNESDAY 12 June Priesthawes Farm. Wednesday 19 June Friston Place. Wednesday

3 July Limekiln Farm. Wednesday 10 July Chalvington House. Saturday 10 August Hankham Hall Cottage. Saturday 14 September Folkington Place. Gardens open in all weathers donations. Welcome on entry. Refreshments raffle and stalls. We regret no dogs at any garden. For further details please contact the friends on 01323 749503 / esh-tr.friendsdgh@nhs.net / www.friendsdgh.org.uk/events

HELLINGLY PARISH Council’s School Holiday Activity Days

Wednesday 29 May 10am-2pm — The Hellingly Community Hub

Wednesday 7 August 10am-2pm — Lower Horsebridge Recreational Grounds

Wednesday 21 August 10am-2pm — Lower Horsebridge Recreational Grounds

Wednesday 30 of October 10am-2pm — The Hellingly Community Hub

Lookout for details on our Facebook page at Hellingly Community Hub

HELLIHUBS — 8:30am-10am — A FREE parent & Toddler Group run by Hellingly Parish Council. Come along and make new friends, have a cuppa & chat while your little ones play. No booking required just pop along. Every Monday (except bank holidays) for further information please contact Tracy on hellinglycommunityclubs@ hellingly-pc.org.uk or 01323 449415

PILATES WITH Jen at 9:30am contact Jen Piper on 07958 519168 or e-mail jen4pilates@aol.com. Website jen4pilates.co.uk

YOUNG @ HEART over 55s Social Club: 10:30am12:30pm A FREE Group. Refreshments, Quizzes, Bingo, Activities, Games, Talks and light exercise. No need to book just come along for a cuppa and make new friends.

BOOT CAMP HELLINGLY COMMUNITY HUB: Monday 6pm-6.45pm. These classes will improve your cardiovascular fitness strength flexibility and mobility and help reduce your body fat percentage. To book: mail@wealdfitandtherapy.co.uk or 07882 511602 — £30 for unlimited classes a month or £8 PAYG.

ZUMBA GOLD with Keira — Monday’s 11am and Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Contact Kiera Mission Fiit at kiera1.chambers@hotmail.co.uk.

with Keira at 11.45am at the Hellingly Hub.

PILATES WITH Jen. Monday at 9:30am, 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Thursday at 6pm and 7pm, Friday at 9:30am and Saturday’s at 9:30am. Contact Jen Piper on 07958 519168 or email jen4pilates@aol.com.

PILATES WITH Dorota. Thursday at 6:30pm and Saturday at 9:30am. Contact dorota,anna. jozwiak@gmail.com.

TALK & TEA — A FREE Support Group for all ages run by The Bodle Street Ladies. Second Monday of every month. Contact Fiona for more information. Tel: 07733 408394.

BOOT CAMP Fitness Class with Daniel PT 6pm6:45pm (outside May-September). Contact Daniel James on 07882 511602.

HAILSHAM NIGHTINGALES Women’s Institute

— Third Monday of every month from 7pm-10pm. Contact Katy Layer on kelvinkaty@googlemail.com

HELLINGLY BOWLS Club & Bingo Evenings. Email joy.norman@hotmail.com — Tel 01323 483990.

BABY BALLET — Tuesday mornings (term time). 9.20am Tinies (18m-3y); 10am Tots (6m-18m); 10.40am Movers (3-4y). Contact Natalie: hailshamandlewes@babyballet.co.uk — Tel: 07842 244210. Website: www.babyballet.co.uk.

‘TUNEIN’ A Fun Adults Mindfulness Choir with Cidney 7.30pm-8.30pm. Contact Cydney 077133 976396 or e-mail cydneyewards21@gmail.com

HELLINGLY WOMEN’S Institute — First Tuesday of every month at 2.15pm. Contact Lorraine Sparrowhawk on 07854 967934 or e-mail ldsparrowhawk@yahoo.com

SHORT MAT Bowls — 7.30pm-10pm (SeptemberApril). Contact Ann Robinson 01323 318696 or email ann-robinson1@sky.com

HELLINGLY YOUTH Club. School years 6-8 — 6.15pm-7.30pm. School years 9-11 — 7.45pm-9pm. Contact www.hailshamyouthservice.org

HARTBEEPS — 9.30am-2pm (Term Time Only) Classes for babies and toddlers featuring music, puppets, laughter and fun. Contact kim@hartbeeps.com or www.hartbeeps.com

LIBRARY RHYMETIME FREE Sessions — 10am10.45am — Songs, Rymes & captivating stories for preschoolers. No need to book just pop along. DATES: 4 April, 18 April, 16 May, 30 May, 13 June, 27 June.

HAILSHAM & Hellingly Ladies Social Club — 7.30pm-9.30pm. Contact Shirley Thomas on 01323 507670.

HAILSHAM PHOTOGRAPHIC Society

— 7.30pm-10pm. Contact: www. hailshamphotographicsociety.co.uk

STRETCH, FLEX & Tone at 10.30am — A light exercise class for the over 60s with Jenny West. Contact Jenny at jenny_cloisters@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01323 848216.

HAPPY JACKS Play Session on Saturday mornings. Contact happyjackseastbourne@gmail. com. DATES: 27 March, 27 April, 18 May

HELLINGLY CHURCH FREE Messy Church afternoons 3.30pm-5pm. DATES: 12 May, 8 September & 10 November

CALM ON Sundays at 7pm — Meditation, Breathwork, Journaling and Healing. DATES: 21 April, 19 May, 23 June, 22 September, 27 October, 24 November. To book contact: hello@placetobepresent.com. Tickets: £22 iamawildwoman.com/calm-on-sunday

THE HELLINGLY Hub’s Book Swap Library is open Monday to Friday 9.30am-4pm. Pop in and swap all old books for a new one!

HAILSHAM FRIENDS — Live alone or are a carer? Why not join Hailsham Friends? We meet at The Laurel, 1 George Street, Hailsham on the First & Third Thursday of every month at 10.30am. For more info Ken: 01323 893340 — ken@hailshamfriends.club — Website hailsham-friends.club

HAILSHAM HISTORICAL Society Museum — Blackman’s Yard Market Street BN27 2JQ behind town council offices entrance between Lloyds Bank and Keema Kebab. Kitchen, farming items, local industry photographs, maps. Open MaySeptember Fridays & Saturdays 10am-12.30pm. Admission FREE. donations welcome (groups by appointment) enquiries 01323 843102 — Website hailshamhistoricalsociety.co.uk

HAILSHAM CHORAL Society Verdi Requiem Saturday 11 May — 7.30pm St Saviour’s Church, South Street, Eastbourne BN21 4UT. Adults £18 in advance, £20 on the door. U18s half-price tickets. Available from wegottickets.com, Crane & Co at the Quintons, High Street, Hailsham BN27 1DP, or Read & Dean 43-45 Cornville Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4QG, or on the door.

ENVIRONMENT HAILSHAM filling the town with flowers volunteer opportunity what is environment Hailsham? Environment Hailsham is a small group of volunteers who fund, propagates and maintain all the floral displays around the market town of Hailsham. These displays include the War Memorial Vicarage Field numerous railing planters Market Square and all the happy hanging baskets. In addition, the volunteers also maintained the tranquille Dennis king garden and the library Rose Garden. The Volunteers have 3 polytunnels off Grovelands Road and this is where all the action takes place! The thousands of plants are propagated in the spring and carefully looked after until planting time during the summer work is carried out by the volunteers to keep the flower displays looking bright and cheerful including a weekly watering regime. Environment Hailsham’s aim is to provide the town with green spaces and

floral displays for the benefit and enjoyment of the whole community please come and meet us Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM or contact one of the team. Contact details telephone 07901 003847 e-mail environmenthailsham@gmail.com follow us on Facebook environment Hailsham charity number 1156667.

LAWN BOWLS OPEN DAYS Saturday 4 & 25 May at 10am. If you’re interested in giving lawn bowls a try just turn up on one of the above days. Alternatively, contact our membership secretary Gary Wright, members.hailshambc@gmail.com try for free hands-on taster session. Equipment provided. Just wear flat-soled shoes. All ages and abilities welcome. Friendly & social club. 6 RNC green affiliated club located in the heart of Hailsham. hailshambowlingclub.co.uk.

ARLINGTON BLUEBELL Walk — 51st year open daily 10am-5pm from 10 April-14 May 2024. More than £1,000,000 has been raised by charities over the last 50 years bluebellwalk.co.uk Bates Green Garden.

WEALDEN DEMENTIA Action Alliance second Thursday of the month 2pm-4pm St Wilfrid’s Church Hall, South Road, Hailsham, BN27 3JG. A free service and community cafe with dementia-friendly entertainment and activities for local people.

FLOWER ARRANGING & Design Sussex. Are you looking for a new hobby? How about flower arranging? Then look no further than a local flower club not only will you find a warm welcome but you will be entertained by talented floral demonstrators and also have the opportunity of attending our fabulous workshops which cater for all levels of ability including those who have never previously arranged flowers meetings are held monthly fun flowers and friendship is our motto for further details see our website or local contact Sussex area an AFAS dot org.uk local contact Hailsham & District Flower Club meet third Wednesday of each month the Civic Community Hall, Vicarage Field, Hailsham at 7.30pm Contact Chris 01323 842222.

SWOOVE WITH Cat — sing, whoop, move and swoop fitness coming to Hailsham on 16 August. Come along and give it a go in the Diplocks Hall

BN27 3JY. Every Wednesday morning 9.30am10.30am & Friday evening 7.30pm-8.30pm. Swoop consists of easy to follow moves and it really doesn’t matter if you go wrong, just keep singing whooping and moving and you’ll be burning off those calories. £7pp but you get your first two classes at half price. Need or want to bring your children? They can sit at the side for free or £1 each for them during the holidays if they join in. Tel: 07843 947383 cgb2903@hotmail.co.uk.

SOUND WORKS Free Music Workshops for Children & Young People with SEND. Junior group age 5-11, Senior group age 11-19. Wednesdays 3.30pm-5pm. Hailsham Family hub Hailsham East Community Centre, Vega Close, BN27 2JZ. Limited spaces, to sign up, Email: sam@lifesize.org.uk.

Hailsham News cannot be responsible for any errors or omissions in this noticeboard.

To submit your listing for publication on this page, visit: www.hailsham.news/ community-noticeboard or scan this QR Code.

Project aims to give decommissioned planes new lease life

A HAILSHAM-BASED charity is gathering support from anyone with an interest in aviation to complete several projects which will see the re-purposing of old aircraft.

UK Heritage Aviation Trust is a locally-based charity, run by volunteers with a passion for civil aviation with plans to create a state-

of-the-art aircraft simulator from a decommissioned fuselage as an educational facility and also preserve a Boeing 717-200.

The simulator will be made from a BAE Jetstream 41 cockpit, named ‘Jenny’, and is hoped to be mounted on a trailer which will be seen at events and airshows where visitors can experience the simulator.

A team of dedicated volunteers have been working on the project from a lock-up near Hailsham and is appealing for other people to get involved, not only to work on the simulator but also to raise funds for vital equipment.

The renovation of the Boeing 717-200, known as ‘Lizzie’, which formerly belonged to Turkmenistan Airlines, is another large project which is proving to be a challenge as many of the parts needed are located in America or South Africa.

When complete, it’ll be the first Boeing 717-200 to be preserved in the UK and though the charity only has the front 27 feet of the aircraft, it aims to tell the story of the 717 from the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 to the MD-95 and ultimately becoming the Boeing 717.

Funds are being sought to be able to fabricate a metal cradle for Lizzie to sit in, build up the rear of the fuselage and add a door so that visitors can safely walk through the fuselage from the front to the rear.

Lizzie is now settled at her temporary home and exterior cleaning has started, as a number of spares for her including doors and

seats by a former operator have been donated. However, a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the restoration projects has been created to move them to the next stages.

Open days are being held on 11 May 8 & 29 June and 13 July. For more information visit: www.facebook. com/UKHeritageAviationTrust.

WE ARE A VENUE

INCLUDING ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, PROBUS AND WI. OUR KITCHEN SERVES LIGHT LUNCHES FROM 11am TO 2pm ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAYS

‘Lizzie’ The Boeing 717-200 under restoration Jenny is work in progress The cockpit will be the heart of the simulator

The interior of ‘Lizzie’ Volunteers work hard on the restoration

Running shoes ready for second Hailsham Active Run

FOLLOWING THE success of the inaugural Hailsham Active Run last year, this month sees hundreds of participants take to the streets for the second event.

The Hailsham Active 10k, 5k 3k and 1 Mile races return on Sunday 19th May and supported by a host of local sponsors to ensure the day is as successful as the first event. It also includes an inclusive disability 1-mile race for all ages

and abilities, to give everyone the opportunity to race and receive a medal.

Lightning Fibre is sponsoring the Inclusive Race (1 mile); Crown Wealth Management is sponsoring the 3K race, Hailsham Town Council is sponsoring the 5K race and Hallmark Glazed Extensions is

Roland Dunn at Roland Dunn Sales and Lettings Ltd is sponsoring

the water bottles, and Coulston Ltd is providing the Inclusive Toilet facilities (Mobiloo) with attendants to ensure all disabled children and adults can access toilet facilities or be changed with dignity and respect.

Hailsham Run is organised by Hailsham Active which is striving to make Hailsham a healthier place for all ages and campaigns as a collective to improve services for the

Trophies will be given out at the end for participants in each running category.

Hailsham High Street will be closed from 9.30am-12.30pm on the day and the races will follow the same routes as last year.

Participants are encouraged to register online ASAP to ensure their place by visiting hailshamrun.co.uk, or you can register on the day from

• 1 MILE RACE

Start time: 10.00 am — Sponsored by Lightning Fibre

• 3K RACE

Start time: 09.30 am — Sponsored by Crown Wealth Management

• 5K RACE

Start time: 10.30 am — Sponsored by Hailsham Town Council

• 10K RACE

Start time: 10.30 am — Sponsored by Hallmark Glazed Extensions

Hailsham Active 5k

Hailsham

HAILSHAM AND DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE

UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Discover a world of valuable resources, discounts, and relationships that can help your business thrive. By joining the Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce, you can elevate your sales, enhance your visibility, and establish strong credibility in the local market.

SUPERCHARGE YOUR NETWORKING

Connect with like-minded business owners, operators, and industry leaders through a range of exciting networking opportunities. From collaboration sessions to networking breakfasts and lunches, you’ll have the chance to develop fruitful marketing strategies and engage in meaningful discussions about business growth. Picture yourself at our monthly networking breakfast, rubbing shoulders with local entrepreneurs, business owners, and freelancers.

UNLEASH THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS

Leverage the various partnership opportunities available through the Chamber of Commerce. Benefit from ambassador programmes where our dedicated team works hand-inhand with new members to actively promote and utilise the organisation’s services. Through collaborative marketing efforts, you’ll learn how to effectively market your product and reach new heights of success.

MEMBERSHIP PERKS GALORE

When you sign up for Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce membership, it’s not just you who gains access. Your employees and partners can also take advantage of the exclusive perks, resources, and connections available.

Empower your team with the same invaluable benefits that have already transformed your business.

THE VALUE OF CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP

Experience a host of promotional perks, exclusive advertising options, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Gain exceptional exposure for your company or organisation that will make a lasting impression on potential customers.

According to research, businesses affiliated with their local Chambers of Commerce are a staggering 63% more likely to win over consumers. Don’t miss out on the exceptional advantages awaiting you. Join the local Chamber of Commerce today and propel your business towards unprecedented success. July’s breakfast saw 40 businesses join us for our monthly networking.

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Chamber and what they do in their profession?

MEET OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Clive Soper is the President of the Chamber, responsible for successful implementation of plans

and achievement of goals. Project Fusion has been providing innovative solutions to construction project design and business development for over 30 years.

Vice President, Andrew Rannie, boasts the longest tenure as a Committee Member, providing invaluable insight and knowledge to the Chamber. Andrew joined Dawson Hart Solicitors in 2015 and is an expert in all types of commercial property, such as retail office or industrial leaseholds. He also has extensive experience in freehold and leasehold residential properties including lease extensions.

Viktoria Cowley is the Secretary, responsible for managing emails, social media accounts, newsletters and welcoming new members PA Your Way is a virtual assistant service offering streamlined processes for businesses, including admin, social media and accounts, saving her clients both money and time.

Elizabeth Kelly is the Treasurer of the Chamber, managing accurate and timely financial records. Owner of ECK Bookkeeping, she has vast bookkeeping experience since 2014, having worked with self-employed people and limited companies. Liz, known for her patience and caring support, helps business owners understand their accounts better with plain English explanations.

Sam Beale is Events Co-Ordinator at the Chamber, which has a focus on bringing joy and fun into business. Last year, we went Paddleboarding on the Cuckmere Valley and had a great

time. Stevens & Carter Estate Agents is an independently run business providing premier services for property matters. Their experts have over 40 years of experience in advising clients. They have been recognized as one of the top Estate Agents for Lettings and are Multi-Award Winning Estate Agents in addition to being winners of Best Estate Agency Guide and British Property Awards Winner — Gold Standard.

Colin Slaughter is another Committee Member. The Chamber aims to represent local business and be an authoritative independent voice, lobbying central and local government to achieve this aim. Colin is an independent car tradesman, Colin’s Autos, who specialises in sourcing cars and vehicles to meet individual needs.

Mark Hallett is a dedicated Committee Member for the Hailsham BID and works closely with Clive to ensure progress and success. Utility Warehouse (UW) is a representative that helps customers get a better deal on all their utilities. UW is the UK’s largest multi-service provider, trusted by over 800,000 customers.

Peter Willson is a Committee Member and Speaker Co-Ordinator, skilled in collaborating with others. SemiGrand Grand Pianos manufactures collapsible grand piano shells for hire or purchase, perfect for weddings, concerts and social events. Pianists are available for hire as well.

Donna St-Claire is relatively new to the Committee. Design Lab Eastbourne is a reputable company

based in East Sussex who work hard to make your business stand out from your competitors by providing a complete sign, design & print service, from shop front facias to business cards and everything in between. James Golding is our newest Committee Member. James joined the Chamber over a year ago and became a Committee Member in the last few months and is being a real superhero in overseeing and updating the Chamber’s website. MB Web are a friendly, creative, website agency with over 50 years’ experience working closely with local and national brands. Whether you’re starting a new project or an existing business aiming to enhance your online presence and grow your brand, MB Web’s website and online marketing services are tailored to meet your unique needs. Added to our fleet of Chamber experts, and although not a Committee Member per se, we welcome Ryley Warwick of Studio W Media, a social media marketing company who help brands thrive in the digital age with a touch of creativity and immersive innovation. If you’re busy being handson running your business, Ryley will be able to help with social media marketing, content creation, graphic design services and web design.

We are a Chamber whose Committee Members definitely play to our strengths and have a fabulous team of professionals who head up the Chamber in a positive and proactive way.

If you’ve ever thought about joining Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce we’ve got every aspect covered. Not only do we have a great Membership price for just £90 per annum, but we’ve also recently introduced a pay-monthly scheme to help spread the cost in 12 equal payments of £8.85 per month. We also embrace Charities, Not-For-Profits and CICs with a great annual rate of just £60 per annum. For those of you who still are not sure, why not join us for our monthly Big Business Breakfasts? You can attend up to two breakfast meetings as a guest to get a great feel for our Chamber and meet our members. Rest assured, we are an extremely friendly and supportive group of business owners who will extend a warm welcome to you.

We’ve just secured a great new venue at Wellshurst Golf & Country Park which allows for us to 60 seats, although we thank our recent location, The Laurel in George Street for catering for us for the last three months.

For more details, head to our website at www.hailshamchamber.co.uk.

KNOW YOUR GARDEN

By Emma Reece, Head Gardener at Bates Green Garden

BATES Green Garden, an RHS Partner Garden, is open every Wednesday between the end of February and late October.

For details, please go to the website www.batesgreengarden.co.uk and follow the garden on Instagram @batesgreengarden

The word ‘May’ is a perfumed word... It means youth, love, song; and all that is beautiful in life

MAY IS the month that we gardeners all joyfully anticipate, foliage emerges before our very eyes and the Garden is full of texture, colour and birdsong.

Ferns are unfurling, new epimedium foliage appearing as the flowers fade, and lush green growth abounds. This does also mean plants appearing in unwanted places, we used to refer to these as weeds, but this term is becoming increasingly unfashionable and so I prefer to use words such as wildflowers, selfseeders, colonising plants etc.

When these grow in between paving, some look charming such as forget me not, and some do not-couch grass and plantain for example. Hand weeding paving and patio is very time-consuming and also back-breaking and so, here at Bates Green Garden we like to use a flame gun aka a portable propane torch, instead of going down the more traditional herbicide route.

These are ideal for killing unwanted plants from non-flammable areas and the heat from the torch will immediately kill annuals and biennials. For deeper, more persistent tap roots, such as dandelions, you will need to repeat the operation at least a couple of times to ensure eradication. Do it on a dry day and plan

your route carefully to prevent setting fire to your garden!

Other regular jobs we do this month include weekly examining and tying in of all the clematis we grow here. They have a mind of their own and really want to go their own way, which may not be the gardener’s plan. So, take some time and some twine and enjoy this delicate operation. It’s always good practice to observe your plants regularly, and this job will really pay off come the summer months. Take the opportunity to feed

your clematis now too, use a potassium rich fertiliser, rose food works well.

We have started making our plant supports for sweet peas and tall herbaceous plants using the hazel that was coppiced in January. This is a satisfying and creative task, it is always better to prevent plants from collapsing rather than attempting to prop up a collapsed mess in the middle of a fullblown summer border.

Here we have our two students, Alison & Emm Tee in full flow! Tying in the sweet

peas will be a weekly job now too.

Personally, I absolutely adore succulents and have a vast collection at home. We display them at Bates Green too, making arrangements and small groups here and there, using the terracotta pots they thrive in for the best effect. Their one main enemy is the vine weevil, an insect that feeds on a wide range of ornamental plants particularly those grown in pots.

The adult vine weevil is approximately 9mm long, a dull black colour with yellowish marks on the wing cases. But it is their grubs that cause the most damage to succulents, these are plump and C-shaped with a brown head and these creatures will munch through the roots of your plants with voracity.

The adult beetles can easily be seen at night should you care to go on a nighttime hunt. Take a torch, lift the pots

Book your ride with the app: eastsussex.gov.uk/ Flexi-Bus

Book your ride by phone: 01273 078203

1861.

and search for hiding places nearby. It helps if you leave a few empty upturned pots and saucers nearby, lift them and you might see the adults lurking within.

The adults will be egg-laying soon, we try to re-pot a rotation of succulents every year in the summer months in order to keep the plants looking fresh and also to remove any of the larvae we find in the compost. Then, at the end of the summer, usually early September, we drench the pots with predatory nematodes in order to clean them up before they go into their winter homes. These are available to buy by mail order and preferable to using any nasty chemicals.

Our Wildflower Meadow is coming up to its peak now, do visit us on a Wednesday to enjoy a wander through the mown paths. Plenty of seating throughout too and good views of the South Downs guaranteed.

An exciting addition in the sky is a pair of red kites that have been seen both this year and last in the Arlington area. We see them nearly every day at the moment, wheeling through the clouds with their impressive six-foot wingspan.

Come along and bring your binoculars, you might be lucky!

— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, journal,

Emma Tee & Alison making supports

A display of succulents Photo: John Glover

were delivered to our table without fuss. Finally, however, it was time to leave and take a leisurely stroll along the seafront to shed a few of the pounds we

Milligans bills itself as serving the “best Sunday roast in Bexhill” and on this evidence it would be hard to disagree. We left with tummies full and fully satisfied and all for less than £40 including drinks. Value for money? You

A special mention and plaudits must also go to the staff who were uniformly excellent. We will be making a return

Milligans is situated in Wilton Road, just a stone’s throw from the seafront and is open seven days a week. However, booking is advised for Sunday

SNIFFING OUT A GREAT DEAL?

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ON YOUR BIKE with Ian Hollidge

THERE IS SO MUCH CYCLING

enjoying the changing scenery from the saddle, in fresh air and then resting for a chat with friends over coffee and cake. In East Sussex, we are blessed with some excellent cycle routes connecting

countryside.

From Hastings to Eastbourne, via Bexhill and Pevensey, along the Coastal Culture Trail using National Cycle Network Route 2, you can stop off at numerous cafes,

to historic Battle with its Abbey or aim for the ancient town of Rye with some wonderful drinking holes. The joy is not only in the destination but when cycling it’s more about what you see enroute.

TANNING4U

27 VICARAGE FIELD, HAILSHAM

PROVIDING STAND UP AND LAY DOWN TANNING BEDS AS WELL AS VARIOUS BEAUTY TREATMENTS

Best sunbed shop

“Beautiful salon, the salon is so clean and welcoming. I’ve been to a lot of sunbed shops and the standard of the shop is amazing, the staff are friendly, this is my new favourite.” Emily.

First Class

“Not only is it absolutely beautiful, stylish and modern in there, the team are knowledable, kind, patient and so friendly! Highly recommended. Got my minutes, can’t wait to use them.” KD-78.

Run by Mother and daughter duo Laura Goodey Ives & Summer Ives Sunbeds supplied and installed by Ergoline - the biggest manufacturer of tanning beds Walk-ins Welcome Located next to Maybugs

Top Notch

“The hygiene is 10 star, thorough cleaning between beds, no dirty cream stain, sparkling clean with a lovely little sunbed package (small towel and eye protection). I will be back.” Alfie

Telephone

01323 573653 to book an appointment

Find us on Facebook and Instagram

Our modern railways are a quick and convenient way to reach starting points or return in comfort and the operators are very accommodating to cyclists. Being close to nature, experiencing the sights, aromas and sounds of our natural environment is the best and easiest way to tranquillity.

Being close to nature, cyclists can more easily see the wood from the trees and understand the birds and the bees.

During summer cycling gathers pace and popularity. East Sussex is lucky to have a new shared path route of excellent quality, east of Lewes running parallel to the A27.

Lewes is the natural stopover of interest, as well as being the traditional administrative centre for East Sussex. The river Ouse flowing through provides a pleasant view while visiting the local brewery.

Each town has its own cycle group who are connected via social media with the common interest of cycling.

Bexhill Wheelers, 1066 Cycle Club, Hastings Urban Bikes, Cycle Lewes, Eastbourne Rovers and Bespoke are just some of the local choices.

Each club holds regular rides with both social and cycling events throughout the year. There is a diverse mixture of individuals who are able to offer help to beginners starting along the way.

For those more experienced, there is Hastings and St Leonards Cycling Club,

probably the oldest continuously active club in the UK.

Most adult cyclists are also drivers, however not all drivers are cyclists. This cycling camaraderie on the roads means we usually greet each other with a wave or nod acknowledging our compatriots

This used to be the Pleasant Sunday Afternoon way when driving back in the day, a quick salute to mechanics riding a motorbike and sidecar belonging to the same club.

Civility, respect to all road users and sharing with care, is what all East Sussex cycle groups advocate.

In this Olympic year, you can travel from London to Paris via Avenue Verte taking in the Forest Way and the peaceful Cuckoo Trail along NCN route 21.

You could visit Newhaven, Seaford, Polegate, Hailsham and Heathfield or divert to Uckfield or Crowborough, each town a unique and worthwhile interesting stop over.

Just as silent movies, cinema, radio, TV and podcasts have not replaced books and newspapers, bicycles have not been made obsolete by cars. They are here to stay and improve.

Future articles will explore the latest developments in electric bikes and micromobility as well as how these have the potential to change the way we move with cheaper and easier transport.

Next month is June with Bike Week and a focus on events.

Cycling along the East Sussex coast

PAY UP OR ELSE

BY BRAD MONKS

A NUMBER of people have asked me to have a Monksey’s Mutter about this one, so here goes. Please remember that this is just the opinion of a frustrated old bloke who is so crabby that he walks sideways!

As many of you know, I am a magician. Much of my business is focused on the corporate sector, and hence, my offering has to be very specific when working with larger corporate clients.

This often involves being very specific about what I deliver in terms of my magic. My invoices are almost always settled prior to the booking date, so I wondered what would happen if I only provided 80% of what I promised.

Would my client demand a partial refund? Would my reputation be eroded? Would the trust in my business be broken? Would my integrity be destroyed? I would guess that the answer would be yes to all of these questions.

So, why do we continue to pay our council taxes when the element that goes on road repair is not delivered as a service? The increased cost of policing the Hailsham area does not seem to help the rising crime, and laughingly, crews from Eastbourne and Herstmonceux had to attend a fire at Sturton Place even though it is less than 500 meters from Hailsham Fire Station.

I enquired to WDC about withholding the road and policing portion of my council tax, only to be

told I had to pay all of it or risk legal action against me. This is yet another example of being forced into an unreasonable position, which is magnified by the two tyres, one alloy wheel, and a cracked subframe on my car in the last few years — almost definitely attributable to the potholed roads in East

It also seems that one council collects the tax on behalf of another council. Both of them are particularly adept at ducking responsibilities with ease and disregard. To me, this is akin to having to pay for my food at Callenders when I am ordering it in Bucklers. It all seems very strange that the company providing the service is not always the person I am forced to pay!

Am I the only one who feels aggrieved that the annual council tax increase imposed every year results in us paying more but getting less of a service than ever before, AND we can’t even opt out of paying for a service I never agreed to pay for AND that is not delivered?

Maybe I should try this with my clients, although I’m sure VeryMagic would have a very short life expectancy if I did. How nice to be able to dictate that customers WILL pay for undelivered services or face possible jail sentences.

So what’s the answer? You tell me.

Until next time, people!  www.verymagic.co.uk

REFLECTION, OR looking back over past time and events is the theme for this month, but it starts with a personal milestone for me, and quite a significant one as well. It has just turned ten years since my first, of thirteen now-published books, came out on April 14th 2014 and entitled Poetic Views of Life, and it was just meant to be a one-off. Clearly, now it isn’t just one alone, and from very kind comments and compliments about my poetry, that seems to be a really good thing.

As we are reflecting back, I can only add that reflection is one of four sections in nearly all of my books, alongside romance, humour and tragedy, so the poem for this article from my very first book helps us look back and reflect on our lives and is entitled Past Echoes. If we had the gift of hindsight actually before events and not after, would we still get situations wrong, change much, make less mistakes or perhaps as my poem suggests merely get future decisions wrong? Intriguing isn’t it, but that is the nature of us just being human I think?

PAST ECHOES

There is a teardrop on the table From the whispers of the past, For all the dreams and plans That somehow did not last.

Despite all, you’ve emerged now Out from those mists of time, Saw the rivers that contained you And the hills you could not climb.

So you made your way regardless Of the pitfalls and the traps, And settled in your castle With scarce a dip or lapse.

Maybe your destiny is different From what you’d hoped it would be, But looking back from now At that time you could not see

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED

Do you want to get paid and keep fit at the same time?

We have vacancies for door-to-door distributors in Hailsham to work around three days a month on a permanent basis.

If you’re a student (16+), retired or just looking for an extra income, this is an ideal opportunity to earn whilst you keep up your daily step count. This could also be a chance for your child to earn if accompanied by an adult on the rounds.

To register your interest, scan the QR code to get started or log on to:

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Please note: All distributors will be required to own an Apple or Android smartphone for tracking purposes during the work (no data required).

Without the gift of foresight

Just how everything would end. So thoughts of could’ve, should have Are now just scars to mend.

Of course, it could be different From how it’s all turned out, Knowing then just what would happen We would succeed without a doubt. But life never is that simple When the answers can be seen, So we would make new errors After the old ones we redeem.

Cycle Speedway seeks adrenaline fuelled riders

Update from Wealden MP Nusrat Ghani

with a thriving domestic and international scene in the UK, is looking for new riders to join its club based in Lower Dicker.

The oval-shaped shale tracks are the domain of cycle speedway - the sport was born on the bomb sites of postwar Europe, cycle speedway tracks are among the simplest of cycle sport facilities.

Riders race four laps of the track, over several rounds, to win points for themselves and their teams. The sport has a very inclusive, familyfriendly atmosphere.

A spokesperson from the club

to get the most out of your cycling.

Whether you are a seasoned racer or a complete beginner, there is nothing better than riding with like-minded cyclists to develop your skills and challenge yourself.”

Any riders with an interest in joining are being invited to its club night and fitness training session, which is held on Thursdays at 6:30pm. There’s no cost involved, just bring along your own helmet and have long-sleeved tops. All ages welcome.

You can contact the Hellingly Lions on Facebook or by calling 07774 092469.

sure that like me, you were deeply saddened to hear the news about His Majesty The King and The Princess of Wales’s recent cancer diagnosis. My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, and I wish both His Majesty and Her Royal Highness a full and speedy recovery.

This sad news has brought into focus how impossible cancer is to avoid, how it can affect any of us, and how it is never far away. We all know someone who is impacted by this dreadful disease, and like many families across Wealden, my family too has been affected by cancer and its devastating consequences.

The impact of cancer on a young person is particularly heart-breaking. The diagnosis of childhood cancer is some of the worst news a parent can possibly receive, and as children often cannot advocate for themselves, we must do it for them. I continue supporting several local families that have been impacted by childhood cancer, including in Mayfield, Crowborough and Forest Row, and I have called for more awareness, genetic testing and more funding for

research for childhood cancer.

However, there is some good news and thanks to ongoing breakthroughs in research, cancer survival in the UK has doubled in the last 50 years. Some cancers are prevented completely, and an early diagnosis really can change lives and outcomes.

During the pandemic, the country’s endeavour was used to tackle the virus and we must now remain committed to applying this same spirit to tackling cancer. I welcome the Government’s commitment to reducing waiting times for cancer care and multibillion-pound investment to help deliver millions of additional checks, scans, and operations, and expand the number of surgical hubs across the country.

I am hugely grateful for the range of healthcare services provided in Wealden and across East Sussex, and I would like to strongly encourage anyone who is worried and may have symptoms to get them checked out. Please do make sure that you attend your screening appointment, and get the ball rolling early on treatment, if required.

Have you any wool?

THE HAILSHAM Ropemakers WI

Knit & Natter Group, ‘All Things Woolly’, is appealing for help with vital supplies to complete a Christmas-themed project.

A Christmas tree, made out of crocheted granny squares, will be displayed in the Hailsham Library foyer during the festive period and volunteers are working hard to make sure it becomes a reality. However, supplies of wool are running desperately low.

The ladies are frantically crocheting and have made about 700 of the 1000 required squares, and are appealing for any donations of red, green, grey or white DK wool.

The intention, after the Christmas period, is to deconstruct it and the squares made into blankets for local charities.

If you have any spare or odd balls of wool in these colours, you can drop them off to Kate at Dippy Doodahs, in the High Street.

Your local independent property experts...

Residential Lettings Land New Homes

LONDON ROAD, HAILSHAM - £299,950

way | Mature Courtyard Style Garden.

Just a stones throw from centre amenities, cuckoo trail access and bus links is this beautifully presented, charming and characterful cottage with off road parking and mature gardens.

Inside this wonderful home is arranged with an entrance hall, two reception rooms, kitchen, conservatory, utility room and shower room. Upstairs there is two double bedrooms and a further bathroom.

Outside there is off road parking for two vehicles then onto a manageable, mature garden with seating areas.

To explore this wonderful home please take a look at our 3D Virtual Tour teamed up with our professional photography prior to viewing.

presented, nearly new, four bedroomed detached house opposite a green and boasting spacious accommodation throughout.

Inside the house is arranged with an entrance hall, kitchen-breakfast room, study, a ‘full width’ lounge-dining room across the rear of the house with bi-folding doors into the nicely landscaped mainly lawned with patio area rear garden, and a wc. Upstairs there are four bedrooms with the master boasting an ensuite shower room and built in wardrobes, the family bathroom and hall storage cupboard.

To the side of the house is a driveway leading to a garage and a further allocated parking space near-opposite the house itself, aswell as wrap around gardens.

perfect location to raise a growing family.

You are welcomed into this spacious late Victorian home via the entrance hall/ dining room. This room which is flooded with natural sunlight is the perfect place to entertain your friends and family, You will find plenty of space for dining room furniture and a beautiful bay window that offers a pleasant outlook onto the garden.

From here, access is gained into the L-shape open plan lounge/ kitchen. The kitchen boasts a wealth of cupboards for storage, work surfaces and space for the usual appliances, a door from here leads into the handy utility space which is perfect for those muddy boots and coats. The dual aspect spacious lounge offers ample space for all your soft furnishings and a log burning stove.

the perfect place for your morning cuppa.

Positioned to the rear is the bright and airy spacious lounge, Here you will find plenty of space for all your soft furnishings alongside windows and patio doors overlook and afford access to the rear garden. To complete the ground floor accommodation a handy WC is present.

The master bedroom is positioned to the front and offers a modern ensuite shower room/wc. The second bedroom is situated close by and enjoys a pleasant outlook over the garden. Externally, the front garden is laid to lawn and is low maintenance.

Parking will be not be an issue as an allocated parking space and garage are offered.

MEET YOUR DEDICATED TEAM

JOHN STEVENS

SAM BEALE

ALISON GRAY

SAMUEL TOWNSEND

CLAIRE D’AUBNEY

NICK RUSSELL

HAILSHAM ACTIVE with Steve Wennington HAILSHAM ACTIVE: BUILDING A HEALTHIER TOWN TOGETHER

WELCOME TO the first monthly update from Hailsham Active. This column is not only relaying information to you, about what we do, it is also about engaging you in some form of activity to make you feel better.

SHOUT IT OUT LOUD — EXERCISE IS THE MIRACLE CURE. Too much too soon?

We want to celebrate those who already contribute so much to our wellbeing, whether it is sport, recreation,

martial arts, local business, our schools and even…. ‘Our local councillors’, although we will hold them to higher scrutiny. We might have a section called ‘YES MINISTER’ for those of you old enough to remember the comedy series, which many of us now realise was closer to the truth than we could have imagined.

WHAT IS HAILSHAM ACTIVE?

We are a CIC (Community Interest Company), made up of nine unpaid directors. Originally we were known as ‘the Hailsham and District Sports Alliance’.

Our aims have changed over the years from a collaborative sports group to something that includes pushing for better recreation space and opportunities for all.

Our greatest pleasure is seeing the smiling faces of those who have benefited from some of the actions and campaigns that have been successful.

OUR CHALLENGE

Did you know, the provision of sport was not a legal requirement?

Did you know Hailsham has about half the green space and parks of similar towns in Wealden?

Did you know a town with more parks and green space is generally much healthier than one without?

Did you know a healthier town is a wealthier town?

So our aims are very simple, do what we can to change our town and surrounding areas into a healthier and wealthier area.

This means we constantly lobby your local politicians and councillors ‘to do the right thing’.

This also means we work tirelessly to support local sports and recreation clubs to survive and improve, often by giving them access to grants they were unaware of… more later.

WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED?

• The biggest and most noticeable success for the town is the path and lighting around Western Road Recreation Ground. (full story in a later issue)

• Arranging for an extension on the lease of Maurice Thornton Recreation ground so Hailsham United can apply

WORKING HARD FOR WEALDEN

I hold regular surgeries both in person and virtually.

If you require my assistance, get in touch at: nusrat.ghani.mp@parliament.uk or, visit my website: www.nusghani.org.uk

for grants (less than 25 years on a lease precludes them from serious money)

• Pushing for Hailsham United to take control and responsibility of the pavilion… an ongoing Saga but with light at the end of the tunnel

• Helping fund the start-up of Fighting Fit women’s/children’s boxing and fitness club. So many wonderful lifechanging stories coming out of this club

• Supporting the bids for improvements at Hailsham Cricket Club and Hailsham Town Football Club

• Working together with Hailsham Community College, Wealden District Council and Hailsham Hockey Club to fund the resurfacing of the pitch (over £200k required)

• Working with Hellingly Parish Council and Hellingly Sports Club to put together a plan for much-improved facilities/parking and a health path around the perimeter

• Using our grant specialist, Annette Buswell to assist many of these projects and others to access almost £500k of funding across the area (including much of the funding for the Horam recreation ground path. I am realising there is quite a lot we

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

do and have done, more details in later editions.

OUR FUNDING

We have regular monthly funding from a couple of local businesses, Lightning Fibre being a very important one. This funding from other businesses and local sports clubs goes towards our grants bid facility, i.e. buying time, which has led to the substantial success already highlighted. There are many projects still being applied for in the background.

OUR IMMEDIATE AMBITION

To create a plan for our local politicians to help create a better infrastructure for sports and recreation, i.e. additional paths, recreation grounds and general upgrade of facilities. We will have something to hand to Hailsham Town Council to help with their response to the ‘Wealden Plan’ very shortly. More on this in the next edition.

EXERCISE IN THE PARK

From May, we will be back out in Western Road Rec with our exercise classes that are regularly free of charge/or small donation.

A new Monday evening class is a ‘dance fit’ from 6.30 -7.30pm, a great way to exercise with fun and friendship.

Just turn up or look at our website for more details.

www.hailshamactive.com

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

SPECLAY LTD of

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

SPECLAY LTD of

29 HAZELWOOD AVENUE, EASTBOURNE, EAST SUSSEX, ENGLAND, BN22 0SG is applying for a licence to use BELLHURST FARM, TILLEY LANE, BOREHAM STREET, HAILSHAM, EAST SUSSEX, BN27 4UT

29 HAZELWOOD AVENUE, EASTBOURNE, EAST SUSSEX, ENGLAND, BN22 0SG is applying for a licence to use BELLHURST FARM, TILLEY LANE, BOREHAM STREET, HAILSHAM, EAST SUSSEX, BN27 4UT as an operating centre for 2 goods vehicles and 2 trailers.

as an operating centre for 2 goods vehicles and 2 trailers.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings)near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings)near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

Nusrat Ghani

Steve Wennington

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into spring

APRIL WAS a busy month for Hailsham Tennis Club, starting with the Bank Holiday RoundRobin Tournament.

The Round-Robin is where players turn up and are partnered with another player at random. They are split into groups and then play other pairs in the group. Because of the high turn-out, they had to play three games, then swap partners for another three, each player keeping their own score.

Organiser Bridget Dodman was one of the few players to score six out of six in one of her matches, which made everybody’s day!

The courts were filled with enthusiastic players all morning before a halt was called at lunchtime.

All the participants had brought something to share, and nobody went hungry! Richard Dodman was in charge of the scoring, and a the end of the tournament, Ben Stonham was top scorer for the men and Barbara Cordner for the women.

April also saw the start of the summer leagues, with Hailsham putting out three teams. The men’s team were first off the mark, playing away to Seaford. Unusually, this was on a Saturday, which meant that the team was depleted, but team captain Dom Walter and Simon Underwood won both their legs while second pair, Jose Noya and Ben Stonham lost theirs to give the team a creditable 2-2 draw.

Next, the ladies’ first team, under

the turnaround. In the reverse legs, Georgia and Narun also lost, but Jo and Hayley came through their leg to give a satisfying 2-2 draw.

Finally the ladies’ second team under their new captain, Barbara Cordner, took on a strong Cross-inHand team. Barbara and her partner, Val Jackson were up against the opposition first pair, and lost 1-6, 2-6.

Meanwhile first pair, Stacey Clay and Jill Greenall who was making a comeback to team tennis after a fracture, beat the Cross-in-Hand second pair 7-6, 6-3.

In the reverse legs, Barbara and Val won their first set 6-3, then held their nerve to win a tie-break in the second set 7-6. Stacey and Jill won their first set 6-3 before being pegged back in the second 4-6. This led to a championship tie- break (first to 10), which the Hailsham pair won 10-8 to give the team a 3-1 win.

Team Vater on track for more season success

FATHER AND son Tony and Ryan Vater achieved a life-long dream with a haul of trophies in the Old Skool Superstox formula at Mildenhall.

The Hailsham duo race for Spedeworth motorsports — Europe’s leading Oval Racing promoters and have started this season with a bang.

Competing as Team Vater Racing, both drivers stormed to success in the second meeting of the season in Suffolk on the shale.

Ryan, 25, who won the Old Skool Superstox British Points Championship last year, powered his Dave Pierce replica 1968 world champion car to first in the final on the Sunday (April 7) having claimed first place in heat one and fourth in heat two. That followed a second in heat one and first in heat two before a

Hailsham Harriers go state side

LOCAL RUNNING

Harriers have taken April by storm, with Head Coach, Annette Feakes running the Centurion South Downs Way 50 miles on Saturday 13th April. Annette finished the challenging, trail route from Worthing to Eastbourne Sports Park in a time of 9:56:46. She was supported and encouraged along the route by members from the club on a day that produced blue skies and sunshine as Annette ran to raise funds for the Essex based mental health charity, Trust Links.

On Sunday, April 15th four Harriers took the long drive up North to take part in the Manchester Marathon. Men’s club captain, Carl Barton, finished with a marathon personal best of 3:06:29 as did fellow teammates, Mick Husarz in 3:26:00 and Mark Bassett in 3:26:36 with Andrew Moore completing the Harriers quartet in 4:48:18.

Closer to home at Seaford Beach, Harriers Rob Chrystie, Graham Woolley and Steph Bassett joined 160 runners to compete in the scenic but undulating Seaford Martello Half marathon organised by Seaford Striders and the Martello Rotary Club. The tough route took runners along the seafront promenade and up onto the South downs. Rob crossed the line in 1:29:56, Woolley 1:38:11 and Steph 2:04:06.

Further afield, Hailsham’s Ladies Captain, Helen O’Sullivan, joined

third place in the final on Saturday.

Dad Tony, 63, racing the Todd Sweeney replica 1967 world champion car, which Corgi Models made in the 1970s, was fourth in heat one, third in heat two and second in the final on the Saturday. On the Sunday, Tony came fourth in heat one, ninth in heat two and second again in the final.

It all added up to an unprecedented eight trophies each as Team Vater Racing achieved the long-held dream of sharing the winners’ lap of honour on the control car. Ryan also got to celebrate being named driver of the day.

The team races all over the UK, including on their local track at Arlington, in the series for 1960s and 1970s period cars.

The season started with Tony fourth in the final at Hednesford Hills Raceway as Ryan enjoyed a steady day as he ran in a new engine built by 1974 World Champion Steve Monk, who at 72 still races today.

Team Vater are back out this month at Hednesford on May 19.

20’s, David finished in 3:10:18 and Helen 3:44:13. Helen and David are supportive and encouraging members for both Hailsham and Heathfield and felt very proud on the day to represent their Sussex clubs. Whilst sharing an experience that will last a lifetime, they both aim to complete the six world major events, London, Berlin, New York, Tokyo, Boston and Chicago.

Eager bowlers invited to open event

HELLINGLY BOWLS Club will be part of a national initiative by Bowls England this month to attract new players to the game of lawn bowls.

A sport that can be played by anyone, of any age, which can be pursued to the highest level or enthusiastic club level or simply enjoyed as a casual pastime.

On May 26th, the green at Lower Horsebridge recreation ground will be open from midday to 4pm offering free tuition, refreshments, games, prizes and a raffle. Please wear flat-soled shoes. All the family are welcome.

If you have any questions, please contact William Wheeler:

David & Helen in Boston, USA

Team Vater: Ryan with father, Tony

Eagles supporters turn out in force for comeback

EASTBOURNE SPEEDWAY campaigners have hailed a huge turn-out of supporters for the club’s first match in three years.

They say that the 365 Eagles followers who travelled to Iwade for Sunday’s challenge match with Kent Kings proves there is major public backing for a revival of the sport in Sussex.

The Save Eastbourne Speedway group, frustrated in their bid for return to the club’s historic Arlington home, believe a “loud and clear” message has been sent to the doubters.

Campaign co-leader Michael Gray said: “What an afternoon, we are absolutely thrilled, a bit emotional to be honest. We have always had the faith but to see so many Eagles supporters here, well, it speaks for itself.

“It is not an easy trip to Iwade. It shows a level of dedication. And our supporters have come out in numbers we scarcely dreamed of.

“It’s loud and clear, isn’t it? Anyone who thinks people don’t want to know about speedway, or the Eagles, need to look at what has happened today. It is an incredible public show of feeling for the Eagles.”

Kent officials were asked to count the precise number of Eagles supporters as they entered the stadium. The figure comprised about half the total attendance at the north Kent circuit.

Gray spent much of the match moving among the travelling fans to gauge their mood. He said: “It came up over and over again. What is the situation about Arlington? Will we get a chance to prove that speedway can be a viable proposition there?”

The club, under a different promotion, collapsed midseason in 2021 leaving extensive debts. The Dugard family, who own Arlington, have rebuffed approaches from Save Eastbourne Speedway representatives, and prospects of a return to the club’s long-standing base appear bleak. That is not deterring the campaigners, who want to build on the impetus of Sunday. Campaign co-leader David

Graveling added: “This was way beyond our expectations. The message is clear. After today, how can we not fight on?”

A last-heat 47-43 defeat by their old rivals was a mere side issue with Grayling quick to praise his team, who included local riders Vinnie Foord and Nick Laurence. “All six of them were a pleasure to work with, rode their hearts out and did our club proud,” he said.

Gray and Graveling must now decide on whether to enter an Eagles team into the new National Amateur League, after Crayford’s weekend withdrawal left a vacancy. The league, based entirely at Iwade, and expected to have four teams, already includes a side representing Hastings Saxons.

“We must consider carefully whether this is the right option for an Eastbourne Eagles side to take,” said Graveling.

The Eagles will promote their own meeting at Iwade on September 22, in a format yet to be decided, and send a squad to the Kyle Newman four-team tournament testimonial at Poole on an as yet unconfirmed date.

They have also been handed an invitation from Kent for a rematch at Iwade later this year and are planning a major summer social event for supporters.

II, the Stringers will battle local rivals Eastbourne United II in the Semi Final of the Eastbourne FA Challenge Cup at The Beaconsfield on Wednesday 8th May (7.45pm kickoff) for a chance to take on Eastbourne Town U23 in the final of a competition the Stringers last won in 2016-17.

In the Semi Final of the Hastings FA Intermediate Cup meanwhile, the Stringers travel to Battle Town on Saturday 11th May (Bexhill College 3G, 2pm kickoff), with the winners going on to face Hawkhurst United in the Final, which will be played at The

After a goalless first half which saw the home side reduced to ten men, Hailsham went behind midway through the second, with Harry Murphy on target for the hosts, but, not for the first time this season, the Stringers were not to be beaten. A quickly taken corner, deep into stoppage time, was scrambled into the net, with Henry Thompson awarded the goal by consensus of the away support.

There was no doubt about the winner however - 6 or so minutes into extra time, Hailsham won a free kick on the edge of the area, which Thompson fired home to give the Stringers a lead which they maintained throughout the remainder of extra time.

Cricket returns for Summer season

REPORT BY ROB WILKINSON

HAILSHAM CRICKET Club hosted its first senior game of the season as the 1st and 2nd XI pre-season friendly.

Matty Moritz and Jason Tibble opened the batting and looked to set an attacking precedent for the season. The pair combined well, with a balance of attacking shots and positive running saw the score race up after the 10-over powerplay. They continued to maintain the high run rate as both reached their 50s, and after being instructed to play their shots after reading the milestone, both fell to catches on the boundary; the former caught by Chatfield off the bowling of Hollie Young, the latter caught by Young off of the bowling of Warren Headland.

Peacock and Ollie McDonald looked to make use of the excellent platform set by the openers, and did so successfully, as the score raced

beyond 200. Peacock too reached his 50, and retired not out for 58, with McDonald removed shortly after for 28 by a fine Wilkinson catch. The 1s finished their innings on 221-5 from their 30 overs.

After a quick changeover, Wilkinson put away a couple of full tosses to get his innings off to a quick start.

Coughlan nicked off Figgins to Dawber at first slip, and a magical 3-wicket maiden from Anthony left the 2s reeling at 15-4. Hicks showed resistance for the 2s, before an outstanding grab by McDonald removed him for 8.

Chatfield was caught by Coughlan off of the bowling of Tom Crouch and Williams was caught by Peacock off of the bowling of Billy Hobden, innings fell downhill, and the 2s were all out for 71.

The S Lyons Electrical 1st XI player of the match went to Ciaran Peacock and the Smoking Aces 2nd XI player of the match went to Hollie Young.

PHOTOS: NIALL STRUDWICK