Hailsham Lions Club donates £400 towards railway club Christmas party

The Town Council-funded Railway Club has received a £400 donation from Hailsham Lions Club to help fund its forthcoming Christmas party, providing a festive boost for the weekly social group as it approaches its second anniversary.

The contribution will help make the December celebrations a special occasion for members. Hailsham Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International, a worldwide voluntary service organisation supporting local communities through fundraising, charitable donations and practical assistance.

Hailsham Town Council extends its thanks to Hailsham Lions Club for its generous contribution and for helping create opportunities for social connection.

Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Town Council's Communities Committee and joint organiser of the Railway Club, said: “We are extremely grateful to Hailsham Lions Club for this generous £400 donation towards our Christmas party. The festive gathering will give members the opportunity to celebrate together, enjoy each other's company and share in the spirit of Christmas.

“The Railway Club has become a very special part of the community, and support from local organisations such as the Lions helps us provide enjoyable experiences for our members. Their contribution will make a real difference.”

Joint organiser Councillor Anne Blake-Coggins added: “Christmas can be a particularly important time for people to feel connected to others, and our party will be a wonderful opportunity for members to come together and enjoy a little extra festive cheer. This donation demonstrates the positive impact that local organisations can have when they support one another.

“As the Railway Club approaches its second anniversary, it is encouraging to see how much the group has grown and how many friendships have developed. We look forward to celebrating Christmas with our members and continuing to provide a welcoming place where people can meet, talk and enjoy shared activities throughout the year.”

Railway Club approaches second anniversary

Established to help reduce social isolation among residents aged 55 and over, Hailsham's Railway Club is approaching its second anniversary, marking two years of bringing people together and creating opportunities for friendship, conversation and shared activities.

Supported by Hailsham Town Council and Hailsham Youth Service, the club meets every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm at the Station Youth Centre on Western Road. Sessions are open to anyone aged 55 and over.

Members enjoy tea, coffee and snacks, alongside activities including quizzes, barbecues, teddy bear picnics, photo competitions and sing-along film screenings. Guest speakers have included representatives from the Hailsham & District Twinning Association, the community policing team, Heathfield Auction House, East Sussex Fire & Rescue, Citizens Advice, forensic investigators and St Wilfrid's Hospice.

The club benefits from community grants and donations, with town councillors actively involved in organising and overseeing sessions. The venue is accessible to wheelchair users and people using mobility scooters. Attendance is free, although voluntary donations towards refreshments are welcomed.

For further information about the Railway Club, email [email protected].