Hailsham

HISTORICAL SOCIETY: The next meeting will be the society’s AGM and members’ evening on Wednesday November 9. This meeting will take place at the Methodist Church Hall, High Street at 7pm for 7.30pm start. After the business matters and formalities of the AGM, Richard Goldsmith will present a photographic show.

The October meeting was a full house, when Stewart Angell gave a presentation about the Secret Sussex Resistance movement (WWII). Stewart started by explaining that a secret body of men were trained to carry out acts of sabotage behind the lines of the advancing German armed forces, if they had managed to land on British shores. The men were picked from those who knew the local areas well, such as farmers and farm workers, gamekeepers, etc.

They were provided with hidden underground bunkers, to store food, explosives, and other essential supplies, enabling them to avoid capture for a limited period. Stewart also mentioned that some bunkers had radio transmitters installed. These bunkers had an additional room where the radio was kept, concealed behind a disguised door, with a further room beyond leading to a secondary emergency escape tunnel. The radio aerial for transmitting and receiving, was hidden in the top of a nearby tree, the connecting cable being concealed in a groove cut in the trunk of the tree, and then covered over. Some of those scars are still visible in these trees today. These types of bunkers were built across Kent and Sussex as being the areas adjacent to the most likely points of possible enemy landings. Fortunately, they were never used in anger. Stewart showed photographs of the interiors of some of the bunkers, although most bunkers are now deteriorating and are unsafe to enter. A most interesting talk on a subject that many people knew nothing about. For further information about the Society, please contact David Bourne on 01323 440359.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY: Thursday evening was the club’s Print and PDI Natural History Competition which was judged by Alan Bousfield BA (Hons), ARPS, a new member to Hailsham Photographic Society. Alan who is originally from Blackpool has from childhood been interested in landscape and wildlife photography. Although working full time as an Engineer Alan decided to do a full-time course studying Wildlife Photography leading to the award of honours degree from Lancaster University. Alan now prematurely retired, is able to pursue his passion for landscape and wildlife photography.

Alan’s critique and explanation of wildlife photography was very helpful to members and from the very high quality of entries Alan chose the following as winners of the evening. Prints: 1, Edmonston Chickweed, Pam Maclay; 2, Spotted Hyena on Buffalo Carcass, Terry McGhie ARPS; 3, Crab Spider on Common Spotted Orchid, Janice Payne ARPS; Highly Commended were Curlew, Colin Chrismas LRPS; Stalking Cheetah in the Serengeti, Gay Biddlecombe ARPS. PDI: 1, Sean Keen, Pygmy Seahorse, Hypocampus denise; 2, Roy Broad, Four-spotted Chaser, Libellula quadrimaculata; 3, Eileen James, Adelie Penguins; Highly Commended Janet Monk, Common Darter, female Sympetrum striolatum; Commended Charles Folder, Podiceps cristatus; Colin Chrismas, Fallow Dear; Ray Beckwith, Bumble Bee on Lavender, Bombus on Lavandula; Marion Creed, Roan Antelope, Hippotragus equinus. David Mills, Chairman, thanked Alan for his helpful and entertaining critique.

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE: There is service on Friday November 11 at the War Memorial, Vicarage Field, at 10.45am.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: The Deputy Town Mayor will lead the tributes at this years’ Service of Remembrance at the Hailsham War Memorial on Sunday November 13 for those who have given their lives in the armed forces and civilians who have paid the supreme sacrifice. Councillor Amanda O’Rawe will join other councillors and representatives from the Armed Forces, their families, veterans and local organisations for the playing of the Last Post, observing of two-minute silence and laying of wreaths at 11am. Prior to the Service, there will be a parade of the Hailsham and District Standard, followed by Armed Forces veterans and local dignitaries together with Hailsham army and air cadets from the car park adjacent to the Charles Hunt Centre in Vicarage Field. The Parade will assemble at 10.25am and proceed at 10.30am via Vicarage Road and the Old School onto the High Street, reaching the Hailsham War Memorial at approximately 10.45am. The current town centre roadworks will not affect the service and parade.

BONFIRE SOCIETY: The bonfire societies’ Procession and Firework Spectacular was hailed the best they had seen by residents and visitors. The procession was attended by more Societies than ever with new ones also coming along. Some of costumes were particularly amazing and I was very privileged, along with Neil Povey of Hailsham FM Radio to be asked to judge them. The best female was awarded to Phoenix with their Baroque theme, best male to a South Heighton Barbarian Viking, the best Society was awarded to first time participants Eastbourne and the best Banner Carrier to Vines Cross. I would guess up to 2000 people turned out for the fantastic firework display which surpassed everybody’s expectations and with bangs, whistles and one almighty explosion at the finale the crowds dispersed in good spirits. Thank you HBS for yet another fabulous evening. Historical Society president, David Bourne, congratulated the Society and said that a Bonfire Society had been in existence on and off in the town since 1890 and after this year’s most successful event yet, it looks like they are here to stay for a long time yet.

BLACK CAT DAY: On Sunday the Black Cat fayre seeks to encourage people to consider adopting the less popular black cats that are always much more difficult to rehome than cats of colour. This event has the ever popular stalls, cakes, refreshments, sausage and bacon baps at the Cats Protection Centre at 63 Marshfoot Lane. Entry is 50p or donate a tin of cat food.

SHOEBOX APPEAL: Computers for Charities’ annual Christmas Shoebox appeal is underway. Shoeboxes and gift bags for children and the elderly are needed for UK and abroad. The need continues and your support is welcome. Deadline for boxes is December 2. More information is available from their website www.computersforcharities.org or call 01323 848588 or email [email protected].

PRIVATE READINGS: Tomorrow, Saturday, the Corinthian Church and Healing Association has 1-2-1 readings at Primrose Hall, 15a London Road between 10am and 2pm. Mediums will conduct sessions of 20 mins for £10, 30 mins for £15. Walk-in, no booking required.

TWINNING QUIZ: Tomorrow, Saturday, in aid of the Hailsham Twinning Association. Tickets are £8 per person which includes supper at the Charles Hunt Centre, Vicarage Lane (entrance in Waitrose car park) and starts at 7pm. Please book on 846539.

THE HALLOWEEN CODE: Trick or Treaters, please remember the Halloween Code over the weekend and on Monday night. Only call on houses where there is a clear indication of the Halloween spirit like a pumpkin outside or décor at the windows. Please remember some people (children, adults and the elderly) are very scared, especially by a knock at the door after dark. And this year, please no clowns.

LIGHT PARTY: This is for primary aged children and is at Hailsham Parish Church tomorrow, Saturday, from 4pm to 6pm. Come dressed as your super hero. There will be hotdogs, bouncy castle, crafts, cakes and games. The cost is 50p per child, £1 adult or £2.50 family. Contact Lyn on 01323 441868 or email [email protected] to sign up or for more information.

TRAIDCRAFT SALE: Also a coffee morning, this event is on Saturday November 5 at the Gospel Mission, Station Road, Hailsham from 10.30am. The sale includes many items that have been made by artisans in their own countries to make a living in order to support their families. One of those people, Rodrigo is 72 years old but retirement isn’t on his mind. He loves to work hard in the woodcraft workshop owned by Ronnie Sison where they make products for the Traidcraft range and benefit from fair trade terms. ‘I like working for Mr Ronnie because he treats his workers very well. From my savings I put in electricity. Now I can work in the evening in the home even when it is dark. My son was not reading in the evening because of the light. Now he is reading at home. People who think fair trade doesn’t make a difference are very wrong. It is paying for children’s education, it means better food, better health and more security. Fair trade gives you a voice. I feel proud that the products made with our hands are recognised for their beauty by other people far away. Thanks for supporting us.’

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