Hailsham Active November newsletter
One of the wonderful things about grassroots sports clubs is their all-inclusive nature and the knowledge that you become part of a ‘community’ that can often support you through troubling times.
I know that through various times in my life, I have been able to enjoy great times, particularly at my local club (Hellingly Rugby Club), whether it be playing, training or being part of the social side.
It has also helped me through times when things haven’t been ‘so good’ and you need the distraction from your problems with friends and colleagues who can create a warm environment, either by sharing your burdens, or most likely (at the Rugby Club) adding humour to the occasion to lighten your load and give perspective.
Whilst I have undoubtedly been very lucky through life, it is wonderful to know this camaraderie is there for me if/when it is required.
I know this to be true of all clubs that I have visited or even had the slightest interaction with through my role at Hailsham Active.
As always, we are grateful for all the clubs in the area who do so much more than just provide the facility for sport and recreation.
It has always been an integral role of Hailsham Active to support our local sports clubs and help improve or push for additional facilities, because this increases the scope and reach into our communities for a bigger support network.
It is often difficult to convey this message to our local civil servants tasked with adding infrastructure with so many competing needs, particularly when the rules can be interpreted in many ways. But we are grateful when they step up and go the extra mile, and as I mentioned in my last article, there are few who are going above and beyond their duty for the future benefit of the local community.
Charity
There is also another big beneficiary of our community/grassroots organisations – charity.
Clubs are often looking to fundraise for themselves. It has become a necessary part of the calendar to have auctions, social events and even fetes to raise funds.
Also, many are going further and looking to assist others outside of their own clubs and recently I was lucky enough to see the organisation and planning of one event (run by Fortior Fit and reported on separately in this paper), and also, get invited to another. The Brighton Pier to Eastbourne Pier event run by Hailsham Boxing Club.
The options were, walking, running or cycling. I chose cycling… the easiest option by far.
But hats off to all those who joined in and supported the event, particularly to the ladies from the boxing club (many mums of junior members) who walked and probably didn’t realise quite how hard it was going to be (13 hours trekking, with the last few hours in darkness).
What I had forgotten about these charity endurance events is the friendship that can be made through adversity.
Mental Health Support
Indeed, a significant sum raised at the event was to benefit the mental health charity – The Wealden Community Project CIC run from Hailsham East Community Centre.
The charity is volunteer-led, offering free mental health support to men, women and young people. Either via peer groups or one-to-one support. They also offer community activities to bring people together and reduce isolation.
Older generation exercise classes
I was asked to step in to take a chair Pilates class for a couple of sessions in October. These were a direct spin-off from the ‘Hailsham Active exercise classes’ run by local councillor, Kelly-Marie.
I have mentioned these before, but the original 3 -4 people attending in the summer has now increased to 12 – 20. Half an hour of gentle stretching and breathing exercises, followed by a lovely relaxed chat and cup of tea at St Wilfred’s church hall, South Road, Mondays 11- 12. The popularity is growing and a second class on Thursdays has commenced with ‘chair dance’ pilates. (everyone welcome, typical age range 65 upwards)
Also, for those looking for a stronger workout, I am so pleased to see our old Saturday morning exercise classes have been taken on by Daphne of Perki-fitness fame. These are well-paced one-hour sessions for an all-body workout.
They are held at the award-winning Mission Fiit hall, on Station Road Industrial Estate, 9-10, Saturday mornings. Daphne is a wonderful instructor, she will definitely have you improving your fitness. I strongly recommend you try it. (typical age range 50 upwards, but everyone welcome)
All sessions above are £5 a go, to cover the cost of hall, insurance etc. (Daphne and Kelly-Marie, also hold other sessions, so definitely worth investigating).
All the above classes are not just good for your physical health, but being part of a group for a friendly chat is also so important.
