Town Mayor Supports Hailsham Lions Family Fun Day

The Hailsham Lions Family Fun Day, which took place at the Western Road Recreation Ground on Sunday [18 July], has been well received by the public and hailed a success by the Town Mayor, as hundreds of people attended the fundraising extravaganza.

The Mayor of Hailsham, Councillor Paul Holbrook, attended the Town Council-sponsored event alongside other invited guests including Olympic gold medallist and star of ITV’s ‘Dancing On Ice’, Jayne Torvill OBE, who officially performed the official opening, staying a while to meet visitors and sign autographs.

The Family Fun Day, which had to be cancelled last year due to coronavirus restrictions at the time, was held to raise funds for Hailsham Lions and to celebrate the Club’s 50th birthday. This event was the Club’s final Family Fun Day, so the intention was to make it an event to remember.

The event featured a wide range of attractions, activities and games for children and adults, plus stalls selling handmade jewellery, eco-friendly hardware and clothes, as well as fairground rides, a Punch and Judy show, BBQ and refreshments. Entertainment was provided by The Ukeholics and Hailsham FM.

Admission to the event was free and all pitches were socially distanced with every precaution taken regarding Covid-19 regulations.

Delighted to have been part of the Family Fun Day, Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook said: “The Western Road Recreation Ground provided the perfect backdrop for this brilliant summer extravaganza, so ably organised by the Hailsham Lions. Organisers really went to town at their very last Fun Day with a wide range of entertainment and incredible prizes won, plus good food, games, and many, many stalls.”

“As in previous years, proceeds from the Family Fun Day will be donated to worthwhile charities, and I’m grateful to everyone who came along and enjoyed a great day out while supporting a good cause!”

Hailsham Lions President Kathy Butler said: “Our thanks to all the lovely people who helped make this day special for the town. To the charities that have supported us over the years, the caterers, Hailsham FM, Punch and Judy, fun fair organisers, and all other local groups, businesses and organisations. They came out in force to celebrate our 50th birthday.”

“A huge thank you too, to the public who took the time to come along and join in the fun. It may be our last one but let me assure everyone the Lions Club will continue to help those who need us. We have handed over the event to Hailsham Active who will no doubt do a sterling job next year.”

“Last but certainly not least, our thanks to Hailsham Town Council, Simon Marden and the Cricket Club for helping us make this day possible.”

Since their establishment in 1970, Hailsham Lions Club members have worked on a variety of fundraising projects and events in the local community, donating all proceeds to local good causes. The group was chartered in September 1970 with the principal aim to help less fortunate people locally and regionally.

Over the past 40+ years, the group has raised vital funds for various local groups including Friends of Eastbourne Hospital, East Sussex Air Ambulance and Hailsham Gingerbread, as well as national and international causes such as the Tsunami Appeal, the Haiti Appeal and the Royal British Legion Wings Appeal.