HAILSHAM’S new civic beacon now stands proudly at the Western Road Recreation Ground after the beacon basket was installed today (5 June), leaving the structure ready for its official first lighting on Sunday.
The impressive five-metre oak beacon has been created as part of the town’s newest community event, Prom in the Park, and is expected to become a focal point for civic celebrations and commemorative events for generations to come.
The project reached a major milestone when the main oak pole was installed last week following an early morning operation which began at 6.30am to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Built to stand the test of time, the beacon sits on a substantial foundation measuring 1.2 metres by 1.2 metres and 1.6 metres deep. Three-tonne bags of material were required to secure the structure in place.
Hailsham Town Councillor Dave Chapman, who has championed the project, said: “It’s something that’s been missing from the town for hundreds of years.
“Hailsham is now the biggest town in Wealden and we didn’t have our own beacon.
“With the home ground of Hailsham Town FC being the Beaconsfield, it seemed the best place to site it.
“With the opening of the new Beaconsfield Stadium it felt like the right time for our beacon to be installed, to celebrate a massive achievement for our town and the community.”
The official unveiling ceremony will take place at 4pm on Sunday as part of Prom in the Park. Members of Hailsham Bonfire Society will lead a torch-lit procession before the beacon is ceremonially lit for the first time.
Organisers hope the beacon will become an enduring symbol of community pride and a centrepiece for future celebrations, commemorations and special occasions in the town.
