A weekly social club for residents aged 55 and over is approaching its second anniversary, marking two years of bringing people together and creating opportunities for friendship, conversation and shared activities.
Hailsham’s Railway Club was established to provide older residents with a friendly and welcoming place to meet throughout the year, helping to reduce social isolation while supporting social connection and wellbeing.
The club meets every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm at the Station Youth Centre on Western Road and is open to anyone aged 55 and over who would like to enjoy some company, have a chat or simply spend time in a welcoming community setting.
The Railway Club has been supported through grants and donations from the local community, alongside the provision of a venue by Hailsham Town Council. Town councillors are also actively involved in organising and overseeing the club’s sessions and activities.
Members can enjoy tea, coffee and snacks, with everyone encouraged to bring along board games, books, jigsaw puzzles or other activities to share. Over the past two years, the club has developed a varied programme including quizzes, barbecues, teddy bear picnics, photo competitions and sing-along film screenings.
A wide range of guest speakers have also visited the club, giving members the opportunity to hear from local organisations and services including the Hailsham & District Twinning Association, the community policing team, Heathfield Auction House, East Sussex Fire & Rescue, Citizens Advice, forensic investigators and St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
The Railway Club is fully inclusive and disabled-friendly, with access suitable for wheelchair users and mobility scooters. Entry is free, although donations towards refreshments are welcomed.
Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, co-organiser, said: “The Railway Club has grown into a really friendly and welcoming place where people can come along, meet others and enjoy spending time together. Over the past two years, we have seen how valuable regular opportunities for social connection can be, particularly for residents who may otherwise spend a lot of time on their own.”
“One of the things that makes the club special is that there is no pressure to take part in anything in particular. Members can enjoy a cup of tea and a chat, join in with a game or activity, listen to a guest speaker or simply spend a few hours in good company.”
“The Town Council has been pleased to support the club by providing the venue and helping with funding, while councillors have also been able to get directly involved in organising the sessions. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making the Railway Club what it is today, including our volunteers, members, guest speakers and the local community.”
Cllr Anne Blake-Coggins, project co-organiser, added: “It is fantastic to see the Railway Club approaching its second anniversary. What started as an opportunity to bring older residents together has developed into a regular part of community life for many of our members.”
“The club is about much more than the activities themselves. It is about creating friendships, having conversations, sharing experiences and knowing that there is somewhere friendly to go each week. We have enjoyed seeing members get involved in everything from quizzes and games to creative activities and our special events.”
“We are very grateful for the support that has enabled the club to continue, particularly the provision of the Station Youth Centre by Hailsham Town Council. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our members and volunteers and continuing to build on what has been achieved over the past two years.”
The Railway Club is now looking ahead to its second anniversary celebrations, with organisers keen to continue developing the programme and welcoming new members.
The club is also looking for additional volunteers to help with its weekly sessions. Volunteers can assist with welcoming guests, chatting with visitors and supporting games and activities during the three-hour sessions.
Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out more is invited to email cllr.annemarie.ricketts@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk