Hailsham

HAILSHAM LIONS: After weeks of training to prepare himself for a gruelling challenge, Hailsham Lion Keith Dickman flew to Granada, Nicaragua and, with 30 others, spent a week cycling across country to San Jose, Costa Rica, covering a distance of over 200 miles. Before setting out on his adventure to help raise vital funds for the charity, Keith asked Hailsham FM to play a track from his favourite artist. ‘My hero is Marvin Gaye’ he told the radio station, ‘And anything from What’s Going On would be wonderful.’ Presenter Sharon Davis happily obliged by spinning the track on her Saturday evening programme, sending with it, messages of support from all at the station. Following the week long cycle ride, an exhausted Keith said, ‘It was very hot and tough but we all made it through.’ More locally, members of the Lions collected money for Marie Curie outside one of the town’s supermarkets and, as always, shoppers were generous with their donations.

HEALTH WALK: Meet at the War Memorial every Thursday at 10.30am for an hour stroll around the town with other walkers. All welcome.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY: Richard Walton FRPS gave a talk entitled Choices, looking at decisions the photographer has to make over and above composition, such as colour or monochrome, paper choice etc. Richard showed several prints, some in colour some in monochrome asking the audience to decide which they preferred. Again, this is a matter of personal choice but Richard explained his choices and why. The vast array of papers also made a huge difference to final results. Richard was recently presented with the Award for Meritorious Service (APAGB) from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain in recognition of outstanding service to affiliated photographic societies and their members. Richard’s love of photography began when he was 8 year’s old and his parents gave him a camera. His enthusiasm and wit made an enjoyable evening for all members. Last weekend was the club’s annual Colour Show held at Hailsham Civic Community Hall. This was a great success with three performances where members of the public enjoyed audio visual sequences entered by various members, with a range of subjects, music and plenty of humour. Hailsham Photographic Society presented Macmillan Cancer Support with a cheque for £1k raised from the sale of tickets for this event.

PAVILION BRICK PROJECT: Many people are helping. Can you? Hailsham Cricket Club are raising money to help pay for the extension and improvement of the cricket pavilion. The building is now over 100 years old and is no longer fit for purpose. The plans will see an extension on the side of the pavilion and a redesign of the whole of the ground floor. This will enable new changing rooms, separate changing areas for girls, improvements to areas for spectators and families and will ensure the pavilion is accessible to those with disabilities. The club are looking to raise £10k to help with these works. For every £25 donated, the club will engrave your name on a brick that will then be used to make a new path into the pavilion. This will be an excellent way to record your donation and to show that you have helped create a new legacy for the club that will hopefully last for another 100 years. If you are interested, please donate by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ HailshamCricketPavilion. Please tick yes to gift aid as the club will receive an extra 25 percent of your donation. There is also a board located in the HMI Club, opposite Western Road Rec, which enables you to buy a brick and pay cash at the time to Jeanette.

NEW TOWN COUNCILLOR: Grant de Jongh has been elected as councillor for the Upper Horsebridge Ward on Hailsham Town Council. Conservative candidate Mr de Jongh was voted in during the by-election held last week having received 213 votes. The vacancy arose after the resignation of Paul Soane in January and his election now brings the Council’s membership back up to 24 town councillors.

FRIDAY NIGHT PROJECT: Hailsham Town Council’s youth services are for young people aged 12 to 17 years, providing them with access to a wide range of opportunities and activities throughout the year. The Friday Night Project (FNP), has activities for young people on Friday evenings. Planned in the coming months is dryslope skiing at Knockhatch Ski Centre (skiing lessons for beginners available), Laser Quest and soft-play at Knockhatch Adventure Park and ten-pin bowling at Freedom Leisure, as well as trampolining at Urban Jump in Heathfield and a trip to Thorpe Park in April. Young people in Hailsham and surrounds in years 7 to 12 are welcome. Due to its popularity the FNP needs more volunteers. Details from Andy 841702, www.squareyouthcafe.com

ANCIENT AND MODERN: This is the theme of the demonstration at Hailsham Flower Club on Wednesday by Gaenor Circus. The event starts at 7.30pm in the Civic Community Hall. Members and visitors welcome.

APPRENTICESHIPS WEEK: There is a pop-up information event roadshow at Waitrose, Hailsham from 10am to 2pm for any young people who would like to go along and find out more.

SNOOKER STARS: Snooker legends Jimmy White and John Virgo will be at the HMI, Western Road on Tuesday. Non-members welcome. Tickets are £20 from the HMI. Telephone 840459.

BEETLE DRIVE: Next Friday at the Charles Hunt Centre from 3pm to 5pm is £3 per person. All welcome.

BONFIRE BINGO: Next Friday, March 17, at the Charles Hunt Centre in aid of Hailsham Bonfire Society. 7pm for eyes down at 7.30pm. Half time refreshments and raffle. Go along and have some fun.

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