Tributes paid as former Hailsham mayor and boss of PJ Skips dies

A former Hailsham mayor, dedicated town councillor and district councillor died last month after a short battle with cancer.
Nick Ellwood SUS-201013-165744001Nick Ellwood SUS-201013-165744001
Nick Ellwood SUS-201013-165744001

A former Hailsham mayor, dedicated town councillor and district councillor died last month after a short battle with cancer.

Nick Ellwood, 68, was also managing director of PJ Skips where colleagues say he was instrumental in makings PJs what it is today.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He joined the company 21 years ago having previously run his own forestry business. Nick took over as managing director of the company when Peter Baker-Beall retired and helped grow PJs into one of the largest skip companies and waste transfer stations in the region.

Cllr Nick Ellwood, town and district councillor and Hailsham mayor (2005 to 2007).Cllr Nick Ellwood, town and district councillor and Hailsham mayor (2005 to 2007).
Cllr Nick Ellwood, town and district councillor and Hailsham mayor (2005 to 2007).

Colleague Steve Cruden said, “Nick was hugely popular with staff and customers alike, building great relationships with many of our customers, new and old, and his loss will be of great sadness to all.”

Council friends say he is remembered throughout Hailsham for his total commitment to the town, often taking up cudgels on behalf of the community. He fought long and hard for issues he believed in and was highly regarded by all his colleagues.

As far back as 2007 he campaigned against increased housebuilding in and around Hailsham.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At the time he told the Herald, “Hailsham has been a dumping ground for new houses which we are being forced to take by Wealden District Council and which I believe are to the detriment of the town.

Money from the developers is being spent outside of Hailsham so we are not seeing any significant infrastructure improvements to roads, schools or doctors’ surgeries.”

Current town mayor Cllr Paul Holbook, who served on the council when Cllr Ellwood was mayor, said: “He was down to earth and worked incredibly hard for his constituents.

“He was very motivated and helped an awful lot of people.

“He never neglected his duty as mayor and I can say his heart was truly in it.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

His daughter Kimberley Roche said, “Nick was also a fantastic father and spent most of his spare time with his children and grandchildren who absolutely adored him.

“He always put his family first and showed them unconditional love.

“His biggest achievement was being an honest, sincere, loving and genuine man.

“He has left a huge void in everyone’s life”

Schemes that prospered thanks to Nick were local bonfire societies, Hailsham and Eastbourne trees of light, town charities and the Foodbank.

Related topics: