I have been invited to two events recently, celebrating the wonderful upgrade in facilities at the school. The first was with the Hockey club, where we have a very close relationship, as two of our volunteer directors (Alison Headey and Dave Hathaway) have also been very active members of the Hockey club.
We have been well aware of the problems with the pitch, and not just with hockey, but also with all the local football teams that have benefited from the facility over the years.
In truth, astro turf has a lifespan of about 10 -15 years before it needs replacement. The school surface was nearly 20 years old (2006).
Fortunately, we were aware that Wealden District Council had stepped in to help with a similar situation at Crowborough school (The Beacon), so we were hoping they would also help the School with the Hailsham Hockey pitch. Meetings were arranged between Hailsham School and Wealden to get the ball rolling.
A lot of other help was required; fortunately, the Hockey Club has plenty of determined and resourceful members. They set about raising funds locally and were also very positively supported by Hailsham Town Council.
One of the major keys to success in any funding bid is the appropriate survey. Annette Buswell, our grant specialist, was able to help and produced a comprehensive 48-page survey report with recommendations that ensured all the boxes were ticked for the appropriate council and grant funds.<
In the end, Wealden contributed about two-thirds of the £300k funding, Hailsham Town Council added 15k, and the rest was raised between the hockey club and the school.
As readers know, I often feel our local councils miss wonderful community opportunities, but in this instance, when everyone has worked together, the end result is a wonderful facility for the school and local sports clubs. Thank you, WDC and Hailsham Town Council.
Can you help us create a Pump track in Hailsham?<
The other event I was invited to was the opening of the Horam Pump Track (Horam Village Hall/recreation ground).
This wonderful new facility is a phenomenal achievement by the trustees and supporters of the village hall and did not receive a penny of support from either Wealden District Council or Horam Parish council, and we should take our hat off to the wonderful, determined and resourceful team at Horam Village Hall, who put this together, with a special mention to Mike Woodhouse.
So how was it achieved, and could we have something similar in Hailsham?
First of all, there is the vision, who wants it? (if you are not sure, ask your children/grandchildren). Second, there is location (there are a couple of areas where this could work in Hailsham, in our opinion).
How would we fund it? There are two options.
The slightly easier option – Hailsham Town council and Wealden District Council support the project. I know there are councilors who would support this, but not sure if there are enough of them?
The hard option – we follow the action plan laid down by Mike Woodhouse and his team in Horam.
a) Find the right location (in agreement with the landowner, most likely, Hailsham Town Council)
b) Undertake a survey (Annette Buswell/Step up sports did this for Horam)
c) Look at funders (Step up sports)
d) Create a project management team (ideally free of charge).
If there is anyone, or a group in Hailsham who is passionate about creating a facility like this, please come and talk to us; we can help. I know we will have full support and information from the trustees from Horam, so you will have a template.
Will it be easy? No! But, will it be worth it? Absolutely, 100%.
In the meantime, please go and enjoy the amazing facility and path at Horam Village Hall and recreation ground.
Some good news for Hailsham Boxing Club
Our wonderful colleagues and sponsors from Lightning Fibre have offered a Defib unit to Hailsham Boxing Club, free of charge.
“Lightning Fibre are proud to support our local community by providing Hailsham Boxing Club with this essential life-saving equipment. We’re committed to helping our towns stay connected, healthy, and safe.” – Rob Reaks, CCO, Lightning Fibre<
Hailsham Boxing Club would like to extend our sincere thanks to Lightning Fibre for their generous donation of a defibrillator.
Sam Buchanan from the Boxing Club said: “Your support means a great deal to our club and community. This life-saving equipment enhances the safety of everyone who steps through our doors, and we are incredibly grateful for your commitment to local wellbeing.
“Thank you once again for your generosity — it truly makes a difference.”
We are still waiting on news from Hailsham Town Council on the structural survey at Grovelands Barn, which we all hope can become a permanent home for Hailsham Boxing Club.
Finally, a big thank you to all those who have voted for me/Hailsham Active in the Hailsham Hero awards.
I/we are very grateful. The other nominations are also very impressive, so I certainly wish everyone good luck on the evening and also send my thanks to all those who help make this town and community a better place to live.
