Hailsham Hero Community Award Recipients Praised

Local residents Janet Simes and Ron Lloyd have been recognised as “Hailsham community heroes” for their dedication to local community life and passion to help those in need.

The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Peter Field, presented both with the Hailsham Hero Community Award at the Annual Town Meeting held at the Hailsham Civic Community Hall yesterday evening [25 April].

Janet Simes, who is a coordinator of the Town Farm Residents’ Association and a well-known figure for her work with Hailsham In Bloom and Environment Hailsham in the past, was commended for her dedication and hard work for the betterment of the local community over the years.

Mrs Simes said: “Our estate is large, and more houses are on the way. There is always more to do, winter or summer. It is our town and we all have to take care of it as much as we can. Come on people.”

Ron Lloyd, who is currently chairman of the Town Farm Residents’ Association, has become thorough and efficient in encouraging people to work together, supporting any ideas that will enable families to make the most of local facilities.

Ron is also a volunteer assistant at the St Wilfrid’s Hospice charity shop in Hailsham, the manager of which states that Ron is “her rock” and is always there to lend a hand to customers.

Mr Lloyd said: “I will never forget how welcome we were made to feel when we came to live here in Hailsham! I am proud to be leading the Town Farm estate members into the future when we hope to get better sports facilities for all the families.”

“We support the Phoenix Academy in their plans to encourage allotment gardens to grow vegetables and have a running track in the Maurice Thornton recreation site. We are sure that, before long, the need for things will be imperative.”

Both individuals were selected to receive the Hailsham Hero Community Award by a panel of town councillors and residents and was among a range of equally deserving people nominated.

The award was set up by the Town Council to recognise those people who have achieved great things for the local community, committed a single act of bravery, heroism or selflessness, or has gone above and beyond what is expected of them to make things happen.

Mayor Councillor Nigel Coltman, who sat on the judging panel, said it is important that Hailsham’s “unsung heroes” are acknowledged and given formal recognition. He said: “This award is a fantastic way to commend and celebrate all those individuals who selflessly work throughout the year to help others in the community.”

“It was good to see so many names put forward for the award and I would like to personally congratulate all who were nominated and, of course, Ron and Janet, the joint recipients of this year’s award. Well done to you both!”