How did the New Year resolution go?
I suspect most of us ‘could do better’ might be the appropriate response, but for those that are continuing, and hitting targets, well done, very impressed.
Fortunately, there are a lot of really great events coming up this year for us to give us a second chance, or even a first try!
Hailsham Community Run – Sunday 17th May.
To get you ready, Hailsham Harriers are offering free couch to 5k sessions commencing 26th February at Western road rec 7pm, (meet at the cricket pavilion) and thereafter every Thursday for 9 weeks. A wonderful way to gently get back into running with expert coaches to help and encourage you. (events for the run, 1mile, 3k, my favourite as can run with the grandchildren, 5k and 10k)
The New Wealden Sports Hub – due to open in June this year.
I have a lovely conversation with Kim, from Leisure United, and here is a summary of the impact they hope to have on our community.
‘ Whilst football is a key part of what we do, our hubs are very much designed as multi-sport and wellbeing spaces for people to be both physically and socially active. We host a broad range of community-led activities and health initiatives to ensure our facilities are inclusive and accessible to all.
We’re keen to ensure that pricing isn’t a barrier to participation, especially when partners are looking to launch new sessions for priority groups, including:
- Women and girls
- People with disabilities or long-term health conditions
- Older adults
- Lower socio-economic groups
- Ethnically diverse communities
We have lots of examples to share from our partnership work nationally on what’s possible and are always keen to collaborate. ‘
They have 18 sites across England, mostly in the north, and this experience will definitely benefit our community.
One of the minor things I really like is the ‘pay to play’ option. Basically, when the pitches/courts aren’t booked, you can turn up and pay between £3 and £5 per person per hour to play, even it is just 2 or 3 children/adults.
The Sports hub is a much needed facility, but it is not the whole answer. We (Hailsham Active) are still pushing for more recreation space for our local sports clubs, and that need is ever growing as our town continues to expand.
The Neighbourhood Plan
You still have until 14th February to add your comments/ideas for the Hailsham plan,
Here are a few suggestions.
A footpath linking Arlington Road East, South Hailsham (close access to Abbots Wood), running through Coopers Recreation Field, linking through Wickes/Diplocks Industrial estate, through Hailsham Country Park, onto Welbury Farm estate/Brunel Drive and continuing through to Cuckmere Close/A271.. towards Horsebridge recreation ground and the new Sports Hub. A lot of it is in place, it just needs some all weather surface for year round use.
As part of the above – a perimeter path around the country park .i.e more than an upgrade to the existing path.
A pump track – Country Park/Maurice Thornton?
A massive upgrade at Maurice Thornton, along the lines of the Uckfield Rugby Club – joint venture between Wealden/Uckfield Town Council rugby club and other partners – circa £2 million, much of it from Wealdens CLIF money. Wealden have confirmed it is possible, but the bid must come from Hailsham Town Council.
Help Upgrading local school facilities (as has already been the case for Hailsham Academy … supported by WDC and Hailsham Town Council – so more of the same please)
More links from the Cuckoo Trail, particularly into new estates and hopefully accessing the marshes, very popular for cyclists.
Finally, thank you again to all those who support our clubs, I am always amazed at the level of commitment in time and money to support our clubs, especially at junior level.
