Hailsham Town News
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM, “we want everyone to remember them,” says 7 year old Freddie Kiely-Rowland - confirmation that future generations are engaged and committed to remembering those that made the ultimate sacrifice in past and recent conflicts and thinking about those who are currently serving in the armed forces around the world.
Freddie was amongst hundreds of people who turned out, with his mum and dad, on Sunday to pay their respects at the Hailsham Remembrance Day Parade and Service. He went on to tell me that his two times great grandfather was from Hailsham and had fought in the First World War and his uncle was an officer in the Royal Navy and now serves as a yeoman warder at the Tower of London. Mum, Ruth Kiely said, “Freddie is very interested in all aspects of learning our military history and shows great respect for people’s service. We are extremely proud of all of them.”
Freddie who attends Grovelands School was proud to wear a replica helmet and his camouflage outfit at the Remembrance Service. He said, "It's very important that we remember all of them." He has just joined 2nd Hailsham Beavers and is very much looking forward to being in the parade next year.
CAR BOOT, MARKET & CAFÉ is this, and every Friday at the Cattle Market Site, Market Street, Hailsham from 6am to about 1pm. Free entry. Sellers £8 per car. Market cafe open for breakfast, lunches and light snacks. Lots of stalls, plants, butchers, NatWest mobile bank (11am). Hailsham car boot and market is open all year round except Christmas week.
HAILSHAM TWINNING ASSOCIATION celebrated its 25th anniversary recently at the Town Council offices with its Twinned Town of Gournay en Bray, which is in Normandy, and local dignitaries. To mark the occasion, the Town Council displayed the French flag at the Hailsham War Memorial throughout the anniversary weekend. The partnership started in October 2000 and since then the two groups have fostered cultural exchange, friendship and community spirit for a quarter of a century.
HAILSHAM FLOWER CLUB presents a floral art demonstration by Michelle King entitled Christmas Carousel. All members and visitors are welcome on Wednesday 19 November at the Civic Community Hall, Vicarage Lane, BN27 2RX at 7 for 7.30pm start. Members free, visitors £5. Membership is £35 per year. There is a raffle to win the floral designs, a sales table and refreshments.
RUMBLE WRESTLING RETURNS TO the Civic Community Hall, Hailsham on Saturday 29 November for a fun evening of family entertainment from 6 pm with a host of stars and an action packed show. There is also a chance to meet all the wrestlers afterwards for a small fee which includes a poster and photos with the stars you have been watching. Tickets are on a special deal of Kids for a fiver with an adult ticket from www.rumblewrestling.com.
MEET YOUR LOCAL PCSO and neighbourhood policing team and have the chance to discuss local concerns and receive crime prevention advice. They will be at The Quintins Centre in the High Street on Monday 17 November from 2 to 4pm.
GALLERY NORTH FESTIVE MARKET also hosts workshops which are open for bookings. You will be able to buy high quality artist-made artworks and unique, affordable gifts. The Festive Market area is on display and open throughout the current exhibition. You will also be able to sign up for Festive Craft Workshops during the first two weeks of December including basketry, hand sewing, felting, calligraphy and a festive garland. To book email [email protected] or call Emma on 075077 80588 or visit the Gallery. All materials are provided and no previous experience is required.
The end of year exhibition is called Congregation, which celebrates people, place and connection. There is a collection of painting, printmaking, sculpture and textiles from resident and guest artists and a special collection from the Compass Arts community.
NOTHING IS REAL Beatles tribute band is back again for a free concert on Saturday 22 November at the Charles Hunt Centre at 7.30pm. After the success of their 1964 Album show last year they will be celebrating another 60th anniversary by performing the two 1965 albums, Help! and Rubber Soul plus other 1965 tracks. There will be tea and coffee. The event is free but donations can be made to the Charles Hunt Centre and Hailsham Historical Society on the night. No need to book.
CHRISTMAS YARN BOMBING will add a festive flair to the town at its Christmas Lights Switch-on on 28 November and Christmas Market event. Knitters and crocheters are needed to help decorate the 14 floral planter poles in the town centre with Christmas-themed yarn creations. There are 8 poles in the High Street, 2 poles in George Street, 2 poles in Market Square and 2 poles in Vicarage Field to decorate. If you would like to be a part of the creative addition to the town you can submit your handmade festive decorations, knitted or crocheted, with a Christmas theme by Monday 24 November ready for display in time for the Christmas lights switch-on. If you would like to take part, contact Mary on 07723 444209 or email [email protected].
WEALDEN VOLUNTEERING will be coming to Hailsham Foodbank, Market Square, next to the Town Council offices on the first Wednesday of every month between 10am and 12 noon. Hailsham Volunteer Hub which is available there every Wednesday morning with opportunities for people to volunteer locally or request volunteers. If you are at a loose end, retired and want to give back or use your previous or other skills, a youngster looking for something to do or to fill your Duke of Edinburgh Award criteria or Scouts badge or contribute to organisations in need, then this is the place to find out more and match yourself to an organisation that needs you. If you are feeling isolated or lonely, this is also a great way to make new friends and connections. If you cannot make it at these times, you can call 01825 760019 or email [email protected] or visit the website at www.wealdenvolunteering.org.uk.
HAILSHAM TOWN COUNCIL are encouraging local businesses to dress up their windows for a Festive display and competition.
Local businesses are also being asked to provide corporate sponsorship for Hailsham Youth Service. Partnering businesses will play a crucial role in sustaining and developing youth services. Already involved are Knockhatch Adventure Park and Freedom Leisure. The scheme aims to encourage social skills, confidence and a positive sense of community.
Preparations are in place for the Town’s Christmas Market on Saturday 13 December.
There is a new dedicated 24-hour phone line for urgent repairs to council-maintained buildings and grounds but now with a new contact number 07513 267671. This service is available outside normal office hours, before 9am, after 4pm and throughout weekends and bank holidays.
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Cllrs Chris Bryant and Colin Mitchell, took part in this years’ Service of Remembrance at the Hailsham War Memorial on Sunday.
The Town Council is strengthening its campaign against graffiti and vandalism and is calling on residents to play a proactive role in keeping the town’s public spaces clean, safe and welcoming. Please report incidents promptly and directly to Sussex Police, as well as notify the Council itself.
THE LIONS CHARITY are challenging people to take on the ultimate barefoot challenge for a great cause. Sign up now for a Fire and or Lego Walk which will be taking place in the Hailsham Cattle Market site on Saturday 28 March 2026 in partnership with UK FireWalk. Donate your first £100 in Sponsorship to support the amazing work of the Hailsham Lions to take part and the rest is for a charity that is close to your heart. You can also simply make the contribution yourself, tick it off your bucket list, and join the challenge, no fundraising required. Charities with a ‘walker’ taking part will get a free stall. To register email [email protected] or call 0345 8339828. More details will be coming soon.