Hailsham Active partners with Lightning Fibre to promote a range of activities and sports within the town.

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The organisation has been running since the early 90s. It’s objective is to unite the sports clubs within the Hailsham district and provide support for all member clubs, and to promote a range of activities and sports within the town as essential and healthy for all. Hailsham Active goes beyond simply sports for sports sake, it recognises the importance it holds in both physical and mental health. It also looks to support wider local groups in helping to build a stronger and healthier community.

Rob Reaks, Marketing Manager at Lightning Fibre said, "We felt this sponsorship was the best way of having the most impact, locally. We're building our new full fibre network across Hailsham and we wanted to play our part in improving the area for everyone. The positive impact of Hailsham Active is measured in their wide ranging achievements over the years, and we hope our financial support will enable them to achieve more in the year ahead."

‍What’s the latest from Hailsham Active?

‍Hailsham Active is supporting local sports clubs and organisations in and around Hailsham to increase the number of local people taking part in sport and physical activity. It is also working on clubs’ behalf, to liaise with local councils and businesses to improve sports facilities, pathways and open space in the area.

‍Hailsham Fun Run - in partnership with Kids Count, run by Mary Laxton, Hailsham Active is raising funds to hold a fun run on the morning of Sunday 22nd May 2022, on Hailsham High Street.  There will be a 10k, a 5k,and a 1 mile all inclusive run.

‍Hailsham Sports Hub - Hailsham Active is working in partnership with Wealden District Council and other local town councils to develop more outdoor and indoor sports facilities.A specific site is being looked at and Hailsham Active has been liaising with sports clubs on what facilities they think should be provided. Meetings taking place with Wealden District Council in November.  Hailsham Active Chairman Steve Wennington says, "this could be a game changer for sport in the area".

‍Hailsham Active Sports Club Liaison - Hailsham Active are being sponsored by Lightning Fibre (Hyperfast Broadband), to start discussions with local sports clubs, look at their needs, and try to help where possible. It may be identifying grant aid or other funding for the club, it may be simply linking them to others who can help them, whatever it is, big or small, the sponsorship aims to keep an open channel between Hailsham Active and local clubs.  The involvement of clubs already in the Hailsham Sports Hub project, has been tremendously beneficial for all involved.  If clubs want to discuss their needs please contact Annette Buswell at annette.buswell@stepupsports.co.uk . For those who have already made contact, thank you, and we will keep you in touch with developments.

‍Western Road Recreation Ground -In Autumn 2020, Hailsham Town Council and Hailsham Active partnered up to create the new pathway around the ground. This meant that people could access the field for walking, cycling, running, use buggies, wheelchairs, mobility scooters or walk their dog, or simply to enjoy nature.  It’s really made the whole field accessible,and the next stage is to light the pathway with short lighted bollards, and with a few tall lighting posts to light the key activity areas on the park such as the play area. This will then extend the use of the recreation ground for the activities mentioned throughout the winter months.

‍Community Use of School sport’s facilities - Hailsham Active has met with local schools and there is a shared commitment by most to look at how their facilities can be used by local sports clubs out of school hours to develop sport, get the local community active and healthy, and promote mental well-being. It was good to see the enthusiasm for this goal from local schools.  Local sports clubs will be contacted to look at potential link ups for the future.