Hailsham Prepares to Mark Remembrance Sunday

Hailsham is preparing to come together in November to remember and honour those who have lost their lives serving their country, as well as civilians who have been affected by conflict.

This year’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations are being jointly organised by Hailsham Town Council, the Royal British Legion Hailsham & District Branch and Hailsham Parish Church, bringing together veterans, Armed Forces representatives, community organisations, councillors and members of the public.

The Remembrance Sunday Morning Service will be held at Hailsham Parish Church on Sunday 8 November at 9.30am, led by the parish clergy. Local councillors, veterans, Armed Forces representatives, families and local organisations will be among those attending.

Following the service, participants will make their way to the parade assembly point in the car park next to the Charles Hunt Centre in Vicarage Field. The parade will form from 10.35am, with those taking part asked to arrive by 10.20am and report to the Parade Master.

Led by the Hailsham & District Standard, the parade will include veterans, local Army and Air Cadets, dignitaries and representatives from community organisations before proceeding to the Hailsham War Memorial.

The Act of Remembrance and formal wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the War Memorial at 11am, including the Last Post and two minutes’ silence. Members of the public are warmly encouraged to attend and stand alongside those taking part to pay their respects.

After the ceremony, attendees will be invited back to Hailsham Parish Church for hot refreshments, continuing a valued tradition that provides an opportunity for the community to come together following the service.

Hailsham High Street and Vicarage Lane will be closed to traffic from approximately 9.30am until 12.30pm to help ensure the event can take place safely.

Town Mayor, Cllr Chris Bryant, said: “Remembrance Sunday is an important opportunity for the whole community to pause and remember the people who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those whose lives have been affected by conflict. It is a tradition that continues to have great meaning and one that we have a responsibility to preserve for future generations.”

“The presence of veterans, cadets, families, community groups and residents makes the occasion particularly poignant. I hope people from across Hailsham will join us at the War Memorial and take part in this year’s commemorations.”

Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Town Council’s Communities Committee, said: “Remembrance brings people from all parts of our community together in a shared moment of reflection. The service, parade and Act of Remembrance provide an opportunity to show our gratitude and respect to those who served and to remember the sacrifices made by so many.”

“It is important that we continue to support these commemorations and ensure that the significance of Remembrance remains understood and respected. I encourage residents to attend and join with others in marking this important occasion.”

Councillor Dave Chapman, Chair of the Town Council’s Remembrance Day Sub-Committee, said: “A great deal of care goes into organising Hailsham’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations to ensure that the occasion is marked with the dignity and respect it deserves. It is important that we provide an opportunity for people of all generations to come together, honour those who served and remember the lasting impact of conflict on individuals, families and communities.”

“I would like to thank everyone who has assisted me and my colleagues in preparing for this year’s service and parade, including the Royal British Legion, Hailsham Parish Church, veterans, cadets and local organisations. I encourage residents to join us at the War Memorial as we stand together in remembrance.”

Town Clerk John Harrison added: “The annual Remembrance commemorations involve considerable planning and coordination, and we are pleased to continue working alongside the Royal British Legion and Hailsham Parish Church to deliver these important events.”

“The support from local organisations, veterans, cadets and residents is greatly appreciated and helps ensure that Hailsham’s Act of Remembrance remains a significant and respectful community occasion.”

Community organisations wishing to lay a wreath at the War Memorial are asked to contact the Royal British Legion Hailsham & District Branch as soon as possible by emailing elizabethsnowdon1@yahoo.com.