Environment Hailsham volunteers are launching an appeal for donations to go towards enhancing the town’s floral displays, community gardens and various other related projects.
Environment Hailsham, formerly known as Hailsham In Bloom, is a local charity run by volunteers who work in partnership with residents, schools, businesses, voluntary groups and other charities to raise funds throughout the year for the town’s horticultural displays and community gardens.
With the aim to provide long-term improvements to local environmental quality, Environment Hailsham seeks to complement the Town Council’s annual funding allocation by generating revenue through local fundraising activities, sponsorship, donations and grants.
These funds are then used to undertake essential community projects such as the maintenance and watering of floral planters in the High Street, George Street and North Street, the upkeep of the Hailsham War Memorial planter beds, as well as the Diamond Jubilee Community Rose Garden in Western Road and Dennis King Memorial Sensory Garden in Dunbar Drive.
Funding is essential for the group post-pandemic, as sponsorship income has reduced considerably due to many supporting businesses either ceasing trading or because of financial pressures resulting from lockdowns last year.
Environment Hailsham is appealing to the public to make donations online via their JustGiving page, to cover the costs involved in maintaining the town’s floral displays and other projects, for the benefit of the general public and those who visit the town.
Richard Grocock, chair of Environment Hailsham and town councillor said: “Although we benefit from grant funding from the Town Council, this only covers a fraction of the cost of delivering the abundance of floral displays that Hailsham deserves. It goes without saying that colour in our streets not only encourages pride in our town but supports the local business economy to boot.”
“Despite one or two setbacks, including vandal attacks on displays, Environment Hailsham’s projects have been delivered successfully throughout the pandemic, although in 2022 there is a marked decrease in funding received which is why we are kindly asking individuals for donations this year, however large or small.
Cllr Grocock added: “Our message to potential donors is that a town made attractive with horticultural displays boosts morale and pride in our town, and we are appealing to the local community to make donations via our JustGiving page online, to help us keep our town looking loved.”
Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook commented: “Environment Hailsham’s has worked incredibly hard to maintain barrier planters, pavement planters, hanging basket displays and plant beds in the town centre, as well as two community gardens in the town.”
“As ever, the feedback Environment Hailsham has received from residents on social media during the pandemic has been terrific. The floral displays have given Hailsham a positive lift at a very critical time as we gradually adapt to post-lockdown life, and our shops and businesses reopened once again.”
“In these testing times, a beautiful display of flowers is a reminder that there is community endurance and a light at the end of the tunnel, which is why I urge residents and businesses to offer donations and help make a difference.”
If you are able to offer your assistance, please visit Environment Hailsham’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/environmenthailsham.
For more information on activities, or to become a volunteer and help maintain the town’s floral displays, please call Richard on 01323 842931 or visit www.environmenthailsham.co.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