New Managers Appointed for the James West Community Centre

Hailsham Town Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Kirsten Fernforth and Sue Spence in management roles at the James West Community Centre, one of the town’s busiest and most valued community facilities.

Kirsten and Sue will oversee the day-to-day operation of the centre, managing bookings for the main hall and meeting rooms, supporting existing user groups and welcoming new organisations looking to make use of the venue. They will also work closely with local clubs, charities and community groups to ensure the centre continues to provide a vibrant and accessible space for residents.

Welcoming the appointments, Operations and Facilities Manager Tony Lee said: “We are delighted to welcome Kirsten and Sue to the James West Community Centre team. The centre is at the heart of community life in Hailsham, hosting a wide range of sporting, educational and social activities throughout the year.”

“Kirsten brings valuable experience, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to community engagement. Her appointment will help ensure the centre continues to operate to a high standard while remaining an inclusive and welcoming venue for people of all ages. Sue has been acting as interim manager and caretaker for the past few months and will continue in her role, now working alongside Kirsten.”

Mr Lee added that the appointments reflect the Council’s ongoing investment in local facilities and services: “The James West Community Centre plays an important role in supporting community wellbeing and bringing people together. Strengthening the management of the facility will help us build on its success and ensure it continues to meet the needs of residents both now and in the future.”

Commenting on her appointment, Kirsten Fernforth said: “I am delighted to be joining the team at the James West Community Centre and look forward to working with local groups and organisations to help the centre continue to thrive. It is a valuable community resource, and I am keen to help create a welcoming environment where residents can come together, take part in activities and make the most of the facilities available.”

Sue Spence added: “Having worked as interim manager and caretaker over the past few months, I am pleased to continue in my role alongside Kirsten. It is rewarding to see how much the centre means to the local community, and I look forward to supporting our existing user groups while welcoming new organisations and helping more people make use of this fantastic facility.”

The James West Community Centre serves as a major hub for community activity in Hailsham. The facility features a spacious main hall measuring 18 metres by 11.7 metres with seating for approximately 200 people, alongside two meeting rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, changing facilities, storage areas, a public address system and accessible amenities.

The centre is home to a wide variety of clubs, groups and organisations, including Hailsham Table Tennis Club, Hailsham Netball Club, Monday Youth Hub, Hailsham Voices Community Pop Choir, Hailsham U3A, Yoga with Dawn, Little Kickers, Rugby Tots, Happy Fit and PW Performers. Local support organisations such as DISC Dementia Support, East Sussex Seniors’ Association, Breathe Easy Support Group and the Hailsham Parkinson’s Society also make regular use of the venue.

Available for meetings, training sessions, community events and private functions, the James West Community Centre continues to be one of Hailsham’s most versatile and well-used public facilities, providing an important space where residents can connect, participate and engage in community life.