Hailsham Town News

THE CHARLES HUNT CENTRE run my Age UK Sussex is for age 50+ is a weekday social club with activities or just social chat daily at the Charles Hunt Centre in Vicarage Field car park by Waitrose. The event was a great success and people could sample some of the activities such as Kurling and table tennis, boccia, they could meet the podiatrist, ask about other services including new Reiki group sessions run by Myra of Quietly Courageous and find out about benefits through the information and advice service, hearing resources and much more. The Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. Hot beverages with biscuits or cake are served in the morning. Two course lunches are very popular with members paying just £8 and guests or non-members £10 and served by a team of friendly volunteers. The Centre is currently building an itinerary of activities for each day, so keep an eye on their website or social media pages or here in this column for details of what is coming up. The Centre has just launched Friday Live which could be live music, singo bingo, quizzes and guest speakers or a beetle drive. You do not have to be a member to come along to any of the activities or lunch although lunch must be booked in advance on 01323 844398. Membership is just £10 for the remainder of the year, renewable in January when this is £20 for the whole year. The Charles Hunt Centre, situated right in the middle of town, is a thriving social club for over 55s. It is a purpose-built community hall and can hold over 100 people.

HAILSHAM HERITAGE CENTRE MUSEUM last chance to go and have a look around as Saturday is its final day for the season unless by appointment. It will be open as usual from 10am to 12.30pm on Friday and Saturday morning. It is free and in Blackman's Yard off Market Street behind the Town Council offices in the passage next to Kemer Kebab.

 FRIDAY MARKET AND BOOT FAIR continued to run every Friday and whilst the local field-based boot fairs have finished for the season, this Friday event is attracting more sellers each week as we go into and winter. There are plenty of stalls selling pre-loved and useful items as well as new and unused and trade market sellers. This boot fair runs all year round on hardstanding and only closes for Christmas week. Buyers can enter from 7am to 1pm at the Cattle Market site, Market Street, along with the Market Café serving traditional breakfasts and light lunches.

 HISTORICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY Society next meets on Wednesday 4 November at the Charles Hunt Centre, Vicarage Field, Hailsham BN27 1BG. Doors open at 7pm for 7.30 start. Access is from Vicarage Field East Car Park (next to Waitrose). If you would like to come along to a meeting, visitors are very welcome to pay £3 on the door. Members attend talks free, and membership is £15 annually, renewable each January. Enquiries: T: 01323 843102, M: 07850 893997, E: [email protected].

The AGM will be held in November, followed by the Members Evening.

The October meeting was The Story of Hellingly Hospital by Paul Endersby.

In the 1890s East Sussex applied for 800 acres in Hellingly for a hospital to relieve pressure from the Haywards Heath Asylum. It needed to be on high ground with stunning views for well-being. Park Farm was chosen and George Thomas Hine was hired as the architect. The hospital opened on 20 July 1903 and had 2000 patients at its peak, at a total cost of £353,000.

William Goldring designed the grounds and Dr Frederick Percival Taylor held the position of Physician Superintendent from 1902 to 34 and ran a tight ship. Nurses were not allowed to be married but scandal broke out when a doctor married a nurse in St Luke's Chapel.

Some patients ended up working either in wards or the grounds and the hospital functioned as a self-contained community with its own kitchens, laundry, farm, chapel, recreation hall, and staff housing.

The railway ran from Hellingly station to the power plant at the hospital transporting coal, supplies and passengers until 1959 when it ceased being used. The hospital employed 800 staff, many living on site or within walking distance. A village community developed at the hospital which formed its own football team as well as cricket and hockey teams.

By 1929 patients could be admitted without being certified and the words ‘Lunatic’ and ‘Asylum’ were no longer used. In WW2 the farm was occupied by the army and Park Wood was used for their camp. By the 1950s, the hospital décor was gloomy and there was overcrowding. By late 50s, numbers were down and improvements were made. Care in the community was introduced in 1950s which reduced the numbers in the wards and general hospitals started having Psychiatric Units leading to the closure of Hellingly in1994.

The Hailsham Historical and Natural History Society meet on the first Wednesday of every month at the Charles Hunt Centre, Vicarage Field, Hailsham, BN27 1BG at 7 for 7.30pm.

 ART IS ART 2026 results are in. Organisers would like to thank you if you were one of the 146 visitors who supported this event at Reid Hall Boreham Street recently. The amount raised for the locally based Children with Cancer Fund was £690.60 part of which came from plant cuttings raised by the members to support the charity and the delicious refreshments. The cakes and savouries proved very popular and containers were provided so extra could be taken home. The winner of the Most Voted for Picture was Lesley Parkinson (nine votes) for “Landscape”. A close runner up (8 votes) was Maureen Bishop’s “Stormy Weather”. Interestingly it was Maureen who won last year with her Teasel picture. Visitors were transported to Paris, Greece and Africa as part of the wide range of subjects and styles on display. Included were landscapes, seascapes, flowers, buildings, food, birds, boats, mythical creatures, animals and people. A portrait of a 1920s Flapper even had a hint of magic about her. Stand in one position she was a brunette, move around and she was a blond. Fourteen paintings have now gone to their forever homes with their thrilled new owners. Lots of people stocked up on their greeting card collections and bought presents from the exciting crafts available. Knitted garments and toys were displayed alongside silver jewellery, wood turned creations, colourful acrylic soap dishes/trinket containers, key rings and coasters. Wooden models of cars, trains, windmills and colourful glass creations were among the offerings. Brenda was the Artist in Action working in acrylics and Caroline created stunning portraits from her position in the corner. There was an activity table and a display of work created during a group project. Many compliments were received regarding the quality of work displayed, the general buzz and how inspirational the exhibition was. All in all, it was deemed a great success.

 POPPIES FOR REMEMBRANCE are now available in both the Quintins Centre and Tesco foyer most days between 8am and 2pm.

Hailsham Remembrance Service to remember and honour those who have lost their lives serving their country, as well as civilians who have been affected by conflict will be held at Hailsham Parish Church on Sunday 8 November at 9.30am, led by the parish clergy. Local councillors, veterans, Armed Forces representatives, families and local organisations will be among those attending.

Following the service, participants will make their way to the parade assembly point in the car park next to the Charles Hunt Centre in Vicarage Field. The parade will form from 10.35am, with those taking part asked to arrive by 10.20am and report to the Parade Master.

The Act of Remembrance and formal wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the War Memorial at 11am, including the Last Post and two minutes’ silence. Members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend and stand alongside those taking part to pay their respects.

After the ceremony, attendees will be invited back to Hailsham Parish Church for hot refreshments, continuing a valued tradition that provides an opportunity for the community to come together following the service.

Hailsham High Street and Vicarage Lane will be closed to traffic from approximately 9.30am until 12.30pm to help ensure the event can take place safely.

Community organisations wishing to lay a wreath at the War Memorial are asked to contact the Royal British Legion Hailsham & District Branch as soon as possible by emailing [email protected].

 A COMMUNITY POP CHOIRS CONCERT is taking place on Saturday 7 November. Hailsham Voices and Eastbourne Voices Community Pop Choirs will perform together at The Winter Garden in Eastbourne to raise funds for the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service, helping the charity continue its vital work rescuing and caring for injured, sick and orphaned wildlife across the local area.

The fundraising initiative will bring an added dimension to the concert, giving audience members an opportunity to support the welfare of local wildlife while enjoying a night of live music. WRAS provides a frontline rescue service for wildlife casualties, offering emergency assistance, treatment, rehabilitation and advice to people who encounter animals in distress. Operating throughout the year, the charity relies on public donations to fund its work and ensure vulnerable wildlife receives the care it needs.

The concert will see approximately 150 singers from Hailsham Voices and Eastbourne Voices join forces for their second collaborative performance. Audiences can look forward to an uplifting programme of popular songs offering an evening of music, shared purpose and community generosity, with these combined voices providing the soundtrack to a fundraising effort for a worthwhile local cause.

Tickets cost between £7 and £14, plus online booking fees where applicable, and are available to purchase online. The concert will run for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including an interval.

 THE RAILWAY CLUB would like local people to get involved with this popular weekly group as they seek additional volunteers to help welcome members and keep its growing programme of social activities running smoothly.

Established in January 2025, the Railway Club has become an important meeting place for residents aged 55 and over, offering friendship, companionship and a regular opportunity to connect with others in a relaxed and supportive setting.

The club meets every Wednesday between 10am and 1pm on the lower floor of the Station Youth Centre in Western Road. Sessions are free, with voluntary contributions towards refreshments appreciated.

If you think you can help email [email protected] or call 07837 208877.

 COMMUNITY TRICK OR TREATING has been organised by Bates and Co Estate Agents in Hailsham. If you would like to be a part of it contact 01323 844845, 07745637697 (WhatsApp), or [email protected]. The event is on Saturday 31 October and the idea is simple: Families with children will follow a route of participating houses. Any home with one of our boards outside will be part of the trail, letting children know they are welcome to knock and collect some treats. To make it easy for families, they will also publish the list of participating addresses on social media and their website. How it works: If you’d like to take part, they will deliver treats to you in advance. They will also provide and erect a small board outside your home to show you are part of the trail. There is absolutely no cost, the whole event is completely free to join. This is a great way to spread some Halloween fun, bring the community together and create a safe and enjoyable experience for local children. If you would like to join in, simply contact the organisers and they will make sure your home is included on the Trick-or-Treat Route.

 ADJUSTING TO A DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS is the subject of a talk at Bowes House Care Home, 25 Battle Road, Hailsham on Tuesday 10 November from 2 to 4pm. This is a free event and open to all.

Listen to dementia specialist Barbara Stephens share insights into how your journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and how to live positively with dementia.

Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, you would be very welcome to attend.

There will be complimentary refreshments and cake. You can register your interest by email at [email protected] or call 0333 434 3091.

 AN AUTUMN AFTERNOON QUIZ is taking place at the Charles Hunt Centre, Vicarage Field on Friday 30 October from 1.30 to 2.30pm. Entry to the quiz is £4 and £5 for non-members and includes a free hot drink. Go along and test your knowledge in this fun autumn themed quiz.