THERE were warnings in 2022 there would be no flower displays in the town centre this year due to the withdrawal of vital financial support.
However, the adamant volunteers who run Environment Hailsham battled on and managed to generate some much-welcomed donations to ensure the town centre was decorated with some amazing floral baskets and planters.
The displays which cost almost £10,000 a year to produce, (which includes buying the flowers, watering and transportation), are totally funded by donations to the charity. In previous years, Hailsham Town Council has donated a chunk of the money to ensure the town centre is attractive to shoppers and visitors.
However, this funding was pulled following cuts to the council’s budget last year. This left the team posting on social media in January this year: “Environment Hailsham is sad to inform you that there will be no floral displays in the town centre this year. Our Sponsor the Town Council has withdrawn their support at short notice. So, we are looking for a new sponsor or to raise the £4,000 pounds needed.”
A huge funding campaign was launched and thanks to the generosity of local businesses and organisations, enough money was donated to ensure the work continued.
Richard Grocock who heads up Environment Hailsham told us: “We’re so happy we’ve been able to get the displays going again this year, but it has been a struggle. What we do is an all-year-round effort as we plant during the winter, manage the gardens near Grovelands School and at the library. Then, after we’ve prepared all the flowers, they need watering twice a week.”
The team have thanked those businesses that have supplied donations this year, which include, Lightning Fibre, Hailsham Lions, Special Occasions, Sussex Independent Financial Advisors. Hailsham Voices also held a fundraiser for the project and a grant was obtained from N & P Recycling in Crayford, which will be used to maintain the polytunnels.
Environment Hailsham is always looking for volunteers to help bring more colour to Hailsham. Anyone interested can phone 01323 842931, or email environmenthailsham@btinternet.com.
