A running track for Hailsham Academy?
Recently, Hugh Thomas (fellow director of Hailsham Active) and myself met up with Anna Robinson and Amanda Dennis, Head and Estate Manager of Mark Education Trust (Hailsham Academy).
We were talking about a wish list of opportunities to improve sports and recreation at the school and Anna mentioned a running track.
It wasn’t on our radar, but actually, the more we thought about it the more it made sense.
Running is now a really fast growing sport and is available to all abilities, so it ticks a massive box for the community. Hailsham Harriers are the Sussex grand Prix champions again, 4th year in a row, so we have great community support network.
Wealden planned for a running track at Welbury Farm back in the early 2000’s and it only got cancelled because of the financial crash of 2008, so there was a recognition of need even 20 years ago.
So what are the obstacles?
Cost of course, a proper running track is not cheap, but the concept of community sport fits into the Wealden funding model and they have shown a commitment to supporting our local schools with the upgrade for the Hockey Pitch (Hailsham), and 3g football etc at Crowborough.
In fact, at the opening ceremony of the newly refurbished Hockey Pitch, Kelvin Williams, of Wealden District Council said the council would be very keen to support other projects for the school, so the door appears to be open.
Match funding
Hailsham Town Council have shown a willingness to support some of the towns sports projects with funding for Cricket, football, boxing and hockey all recent examples of a collaborative approach.
Maintenance
Hailsham Harriers currently have to use the Eastbourne track as the nearest venue and would obviously love to switch to Hailsham and pay the appropriate fee for hiring. Many other sports clubs would do the same, adding to the Colleges community use targets.
Next steps
We need to draw up a plan of how it would look, identify costs, see who would support it.
This would also tie in with a few other minor upgrades to facilities at the school (upgrade of netball courts, extra safe storage areas etc).
Max Dyer, Head of PE said ‘An athletics track would be a dream come true, giving students the opportunity to use the facility most of the year and enabling us to host events such as the Preliminary South Downs Partnership annual athletics event, involving 12 secondary schools from, Eastbourne, Seaford, Newhaven and Peacehaven.
It would also create opportunities for local primary schools to access and benefit from the facility. With the support of the council (Wealden and Hailsham) this could really put Hailsham athletics back on the map’.
On a final note, Hugh and I were really impressed with the vision that Anna has for re-energising Hailsham Academy to the school it can be. We also know a number of key staff at the school and there is a positive energy that is already turning things round. We must do all we can to support the initiatives and enthusiasm of this team
Cancer referral and Rehabilitation
Freedom Leisure Hailsham has launched a new cancer referral and rehabilitation programme to help individuals rebuild strength, confidence, and wellbeing before, during and beyond treatment.
The programme offers supported sessions in a welcoming environment, helping people feel more confident as they return to exercise. It is designed to be accessible, with low-cost courses and discounted membership options at completion. Referrals are simple—any healthcare professional can refer, not just a GP.
Chris, Freedom Leisure Hailsham’s qualified Cancer Rehabilitation specialist, brings expert knowledge to the programme, ensuring safe, tailored support for those before treatment, during treatment and beyond.
If you have any questions or would like to contact the team call 01323 846755 or email [email protected].
What can you afford?
I know that many times, people can’t afford the ongoing monthly membership, or they would like an alternative, maybe smaller environment. We are liaising with the Freedom team to give alternatives at the end of the course for those that need a lower cost option (Hailsham Active can point you in direction of low cost exercise classes with great friendly people) or indeed those that may want more specialized support such as with Natalie at Fortior Fit. It’s really important to find something to help you after the initial sessions.