Environment Hailsham Volunteers Praised for Hard Work During Pandemic

Compliments have been pouring in recently concerning Hailsham’s floral displays and the Town Mayor has praised green-fingered volunteers for keeping the town centre blooming during the coronavirus pandemic.

Hailsham town centre has been filled with colour once again this year thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers from local charity Environment Hailsham, who have been busy maintaining the floral beds around the War Memorial, as well as maintaining an array of hanging baskets and barrier planters around the town centre, together with the rose garden outside Hailsham Library in addition to some new fresh installations.

Environment Hailsham 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.

Hailsham Town Council allocates funding towards the maintenance of floral displays by Environment Hailsham out of its annual grant budget, having granted the charity £4,000 from this year’s budget.

“Local volunteers have worked hard during lockdown period and since, to create a fantastic feast of colour this year as part of our initiative to keep the town vibrant, bright and welcoming to visitors,” said Richard Grocock, chairman of Environment Hailsham.

“Our volunteers have worked incredibly hard to maintain the existing barrier planters, hanging basket displays and plant bed in the town centre, and the rose garden in Western Road. In these testing times, a beautiful display of flowers in the town is a reminder that there is community endurance and a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Cllr Paul Holbrook, Town Mayor & Chairman of Hailsham Town Council, commented: “Taking pride in the town’s appearance is something which comes naturally to people in Hailsham and what better way to act on that by establishing and maintaining a fantastic array of floral planters, flower beds and hanging baskets which can be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the town.”

“As ever, the feedback Environment Hailsham has received from residents on social media in recent months 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.”

“The town council is committed to continuing its significant financial support to Environment Hailsham, helping them to effectively maintain the wonderful floral displays each year. We’re also incredibly grateful to Environment Hailsham’s sponsors and donors, including local businesses and individuals. Thank you.”

With the aim to provide long-term improvements to the environmental quality of Hailsham and assist with the maintenance of the town’s floral displays, additional volunteers are welcome no matter how much or little time they are able to give. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Environment Hailsham on 01323 842931. Alternatively, visit their Facebook page for more information.