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Tributes paid to Tony Tack who has died, aged 81
TRIBUTES have been paid to Town Farm Residents Association chairman Tony Tack, who has died aged 81.
Mr Tack, of Marshfoot Lane, championed the causes of the youth of Hailsham and helped secure funding for the 100,000 play park at the Maurice Thornton Playing Field.
He invented a wall for youngsters to practice various sports on, now used by three schools in the area, and was running a skills workshop at Hawkes Farm School on the day of his death last Wednesday.
Mr Tack was also an active member of Christchurch Hailsham.
His son Paul said Mr Tack was always keen to engage with people, young and old.
"He was a person who loved people. One of his aims was that he said good morning to every single person that he met each day.
"He was always looking for opportunities to involve and engage with young people."
Town councillor Nigel Coltman, a close friend of Mr Tack, described his death as 'a sad loss for Hailsham'.
Cllr Coltman told the Gazette, "He worked so hard for the youth of the town.
"He believed in the youngsters of Hailsham, getting them focused and using sport as the best way of motivating them.
"The 'sports wall' he invented is a standing memorial to everything he believed in."
In 2008, Town Farm Residents Association won 50,000 of lottery cash in a TV phone vote to create the play park that now stands on Maurice Thornton Playing Field.
Mr Tack was also determined to see a skateboard and BMX park in Town Farm.
Cllr Coltman added he was keen to see it named after Mr Tack should it be built.
He said, "I really would like that as a statement of how we are going to remember him."
The 'sports wall' invented by Mr Tack was used by Hawkes Farm, Hellingly and Marshlands Schools to practice football, cricket, tennis, basketball and netball techniques.
Val Cobb, headteacher of Hawkes Farm, said Mr Tack approached her five years ago with his vision for the youth of the town.
She said, "He wanted a sports wall put up in all the primary schools in the area and collected the sponsorship and funding for it.
"He came to see us every Wednesday afternoon to set up the sports wall and run skills classes.
"He was an absolutely fantastic chap. The children and staff were extremely shocked and devastated that he had died."
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 12 February 2012
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