An exercise class scheme launched four years ago by Hailsham Active in partnership with Hailsham Town Council and Our Parks, continues to benefit people and has inspired the local community to get active and improve their health into the bargain.
Since being awarded £5,000 funding in 2018 by the London Marathon Charitable Trust as part of The Active Spaces programme delivered in partnership with Fields in Trust, the Town Council has since worked with project partner Hailsham Active (formerly Hailsham & District Sports Alliance) and Our Parks to deliver and operate the Hailsham Active scheme, inspiring the local community to get active and take part in exercise programmes at the Western Road Recreation Ground.
Residents are able to meet their friends and neighbours and join a qualified fitness instructor to get active and chat about health and wellbeing at the various exercise sessions this summer, which take place at the Western Road Recreation Ground this summer on Saturdays from 8am-9am, with a version of the Couch to 5k whereby everybody is welcome, especially if they haven’t run for years and want to make a gentle return.
Currently, from 9am to 10am on Saturdays at the recreation ground, gentle activity classes take place, free of charge or with voluntary donations accepted. Classes will also take place at the recreation ground from April on Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Indoor sessions at the James West Community Centre continue through March.
Additional classes take place at the Hailsham East Community Centre on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 8pm, with women’s self-defence and fitness classes run by Fighting Fit (part of Hailsham Boxing Club) – itself currently FOC and sponsored by Sport England via Hailsham Active.
Exercise sessions are led by experienced, fully qualified and insured instructors and include a range of classes such as yoga, pilates, back-to-exercise and gentle exercise. No bookings are required – just turn up and take part.
Deputy Town Clerk Mickey Caira, who encourages residents to take advantage of the many recreational opportunities offered within the town post-pandemic, said: “It is wonderful news that the Town Council and Hailsham Active have been able to work with the community to deliver and expand provision of easy access exercises classes.”
“All classes are taken by fully qualified instructors and will help everyone get fit or at least have fun trying. Furthermore, classes are suitable for all fitness levels with the aim of engaging everyone regardless of age and fitness experience. So why not attend a session and find out how it works?”
Steve Wennington, chairman of Hailsham Active, said: “We are very grateful to the Town Council which has fully supported our aims of creating more health and fitness opportunities for the residents of Hailsham.”
“We continue to work with the Town Council to promote other opportunities and look forward to rolling out additional exercise classes when we are able to. I would also like to thank all those who attend the classes and make it such fun.”
Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook, who encourages local residents to take advantage of the many recreational and sports opportunities offered within the town, said: “It is wonderful news that the Town Council and Hailsham Active have been able to work with the community to deliver and expand provision of free or low cost, easy access exercises classes.”
“All classes are taken by fully qualified instructors and will help everyone get fit or at least have fun trying. Furthermore, classes are suitable for all fitness levels with the aim of engaging everyone regardless of age and fitness experience. So why not book a session and find out how it works?”
To find out more about the classes, call 07980 643827 or email andreaattilane@gmail.com. Alternatively, visit their Facebook page (Mezaros Andrea/Hailsham Active) or their website, which includes videos of classes: hailshamactive.org.
Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk