GETTING INVOLVED

Who We Are

About us

Hailsham Active is a community interest company which supports local sports clubs and community organisations to develop sporting, and physical activity and infrastructure, for the benefit of people in the Hailsham and surrounding area.

Manifesto

Here at Hailsham Active our vision is to create a thriving, healthy, and united community through the power of sport and physical activity. We are committed to promoting health, fitness, and community well-being by supporting local sports initiatives, fostering inclusivity, and creating opportunities for everyone to engage in physical activity.

Core Values:

Community Engagement: We foster a sense of belonging and community spirit through sports and physical activities. We support local clubs, events, and initiatives that bring people together.
Inclusivity: We ensure that sports and physical activities are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, background, or financial status. Hailsham Active promotes diversity and inclusivity in everything we do.
Health and Well-being: Health and well-being are at the forefront of everything we do. We encourage a healthy and active lifestyle to improve physical and mental health and provide resources and support to help individuals and families make positive, healthy choices.
Collaboration: We work closely with local authorities, schools, businesses, and other organisations to maximise the impact of our initiatives. We foster partnerships that enhance opportunities for community participation in sports.
Sustainability: We advocate for sustainable practices in sports and recreational activities and support the development and maintenance of quality facilities and environments that promote physical activity.
Excellence: We strive for excellence in all our work, ensuring high standards of organisation, safety, and enjoyment. We continuously seek feedback and improve our offerings to better serve the community.

Goals:

Increase Participation: We aim to increase participation in physical activity through a variety of sports and recreational opportunities and develop programs that cater to all age groups and skill levels.
Support Local Sports Clubs: We provide resources, funding, and advocacy for local sports clubs to help them thrive.
Promote Health Education: We educate the local community about the benefits of an active lifestyle and healthy living.
Create Inclusive Programs: We develop inclusive programs to ensure physical activities are accessible to all and to help remove existing barriers.

At Hailsham Active, we believe in the transformative power of sport and physical activity. We are dedicated to building a healthier, happier, and more connected community. Together, we can harness the power of sport to enrich lives and strengthen the bonds that unite us. Join us in making Hailsham a more active, vibrant, and inclusive place for all.

Steve Wennington

Chair

07980 643827

I joined Hailsham Active (formerly Hailsham and District Sports Alliance) in 2010. My main goals for Hailsham are:

Upgrading existing recreation grounds for inclusive, year round us.
Creating new facilities for sports and recreation, including sports halls and accessible cycle and walking paths.
Utilising school facilities for sports and recreational clubs.

In my spare time, I support local clubs, especially rugby, and help with free exercise classes. I also enjoy cycling for pleasure and relaxing with music.

David Hathaway

Treasurer

Alison Headey

Secretary

Sarah Padget

I joined Hailsham Active many years ago when sports in Hailsham were very limited. Together, I hope to promote the mental and physical benefits of sports.

My main goals for Hailsham Active:

Promote both competitive and social sports to a higher platform.
Secure funding for indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
Improve communication and develop a long term vision for the benefit of all involved in sports.

In my spare time I enjoy karate training and teaching, woodworking, playing the cello, and animal welfare. I have two adopted dogs from Cyprus and Turkey, one of which is now a trained care dog, featured in three children’s books. Additionally, I assess dogs for care roles for a local charity.

Hugh Thomas

I have lived in Hailsham since 1985 and witnessed its significant growth over the past 38 years. I have a long association with local sports, having played for Hailsham Cricket Club for 38 years and currently serving as Club President. I also played and coached rugby at Hellingly Rugby Club. Through my hobbies and teaching career, I recognise the vital role sport and leisure play in enhancing physical and mental health.

Hailsham Active is crucial in advocating for the sports and leisure facilities our growing town needs. District level health and social deprivation data highlight the necessity for these improvements. With ongoing housing developments, direct investment in better facilities is essential, and the completion of the Sports Hub will hopefully mark the beginning of sustained enhancements in Hailsham.

Norman Harris

I am a Director and forming member of Hailsham Active, and previously of Hailsham and District Sports Alliance. I have been heavily involved in trying to sign up local playing fields under ‘Fields in Trust’, protecting them for everyone for the future. I also worked towards installing the pathway at Western Road Recreation Ground, and latterly the lighting of the path, to enable all year round usage. One of my key interests is Hailsham Harriers.

Annette Buswell

I have over 30 years of experience in sport and culture, specialising in project development and fundraising. Before founding Step Up Sports Consultancy in 2015, I served as Head of Sports and Recreation for London Borough of Lewisham. My experience includes managing large-scale events like the Blackheath Firework Display and securing European funding for international sports events.

I joined Hailsham Active in 2020 after securing fundning for a pathway and pump track in a neighbouring district. Since then, I’ve collaborated with local sports clubs and councils to secure funding. Under the leadership of Steve Wennington, Hailsham Active has raised £498,639 for local clubs and organisations since September 2021, advocating for the holistic benefits of sports in the community.