Town Councillors Explore Hailsham Heritage Centre

Mayor Councillor Nigel Coltman and other Hailsham town councillors were given a tour of the Hailsham Heritage Centre on Saturday [30 April], which reopens to the public for the 2016 season on Friday 6 May.

The heritage museum, which is located in Blackman’s Yard behind the Town Council offices in Market Street and run by local volunteers from the Hailsham Historical Society, houses a small but interesting display including a period kitchen, farming and agriculture, local historical items, 19^th and 20^th century photographs, wartime artefacts and memorabilia.

The museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 12.30pm until Saturday 8^th September (admission free) and will feature a host of new exhibtions this year, including a period clothing display and items relating to Hailsham’s Victoria Cross recipient, Nelson Victor Carter VC.

After the tour of the museum, Mayor Councillor Coltman said, “I think it’s important for towns to have heritage centres such as this for the simple reason that we live in an age where people tend to forget about their history but also find it very interesting when they learn about it.”

“Our Heritage Centre has been at the heart of Hailsham for a long time and tells the story of the town’s history from its origins to the present day with some amazing displays and artefacts, and a wide range of materials for people researching their local or family history.”

“I encourage everyone to come and visit the museum — volunteer staff look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far and sharing their knowledge of this eventful town with you!”

Hailsham Historical & Natural History Society Secretary Maxine Kitcher said: “The Society, which celebrated its 50^th anniversary in 2011, has an active programme of meetings and events throughout the year. All meetings are open to the public and take place monthly on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm in the Methodist Church Hall, Hailsham High Street. New members are always welcome.”

For more information visit www.hailshamhistoricalsociety.co.uk.