Message to Hailsham Residents from the Town Mayor

With the recent rise in Covid-19 infections, the Mayor of Hailsham, Councillor Paul Holbrook  has addressed the town’s residents, urging caution and for people to take a sense of personal responsibility when it comes protecting and having concern for other people:

“There are many positives which have come about since late summer, including the reopening of businesses with a new and more optimistic outlook for us – and a recovery that continues to put us back on track both socially and economically. Add to that, the lifting of most social distancing and other restrictions since then, this itself a major step forward in the return to ‘normality’ in our lives.

But, as we continue to move forward, we still have some way to go in terms of combating the spread of the virus for good. Infection numbers are again rising nationally, and we should all take personal responsibility during the autumn and forthcoming winter months when it comes to protecting and having concern for others around you.

The government has advised us all to remain cautious: wearing a face mask in confined or busy indoor public spaces and on public transport – as well as sanitising hands regularly – are still sensible things to do, despite the removal of restrictions back in July.

Now that most adults in Hailsham have been double-vaccinated, it would be all too easy to become complacent and place less importance on practising COVID-protection guidelines. Given the fact that Covid-19 case numbers are generally on the increase again and the rollout of the booster vaccination is in its early stages, that would be a serious mistake to make.

It is essential that we all continue to practice some degree of caution. A good example of this is the wearing of face masks. I’ve noticed that many people shopping in supermarkets for example, are no longer wearing face coverings. Whilst it is not a legal requirement to do so at present, there is a lot of debate in recent days around the wearing of face masks and renewed talk about other new measures needed to tackle the rise in infections.

Mask-wearing is a major part of the solution and I’d encourage people to wear the blue, medical grade face coverings as opposed to fabric ones which often do not stop infected droplets or particles being transmitted. Mask-wearing is also a good social signal to others that everyone should remain alert.

On a final and positive note, I’d like to invite all of you to the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-on which, restrictions permitting, will take place in Vicarage Field on Friday 26^th November.

After missing out on the big event last year due to restrictions in place at the time, Hailsham is gearing up for a spectacular show in Vicarage Field featuring festive entertainment in addition to the big switch-on, which will see the town centre transformed into a winter wonderland of twinkling Christmas lights.

Santa will be handing out free sweets to children at the event as usual (courtesy of Hailsham Rotary Club) and pupils from Hailsham Community College and Years 1 and 2 of their primary school will be carol singing prior to the official switch-on of the lights, which will take place at 6pm.

If that was not enough, there will be festive refreshments on sale including candy floss (provided by Hailsham Lions), plus Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be in attendance at the event to say hello to the children and Hailsham FM will be playing Christmas music throughout.

Hailsham Parish Church will be open during the event to warmly welcome visitors after the switch-on, serving free marshmallows and hot chocolate and other hot beverages.

The switch-on event is about bringing the community together to celebrate the countdown to Christmas with their friends and family, and I’m hoping that lots of people will come along, take part and join in the fun!

Thank you and stay safe everyone.”