Features

Heathfield Chamber of Commerce hosts meeting about future of the High Street

Around 20 people attended a special meeting of the Heathfield Chamber of Commerce last Friday to discuss the future of the high street. Those present included councillors, representatives from Wealden District Council, a representative for Nusrat Ghani MP and a number of local businesses. The need to keep free parking in the town was a... Read more

20th April

A new community initiative ‘Scrap to the Future’ launches in Heathfield

‘Scrap To The Future’ comes to Heathfield A few months ago, some like-minded individuals gathered to share ideas with a desire to encourage sustainability, reduce waste and provide a way to engage the community.  They held a few meetings hoping to set up a Scrapstore to collect and sell unwanted materials that could be used to... Read more

17th April

Over 60s invited to join in VE Day Celebrations with Young at Heart

YOUNG AT HEART TO CELEBRATE VE DAY Young At Heart is an intergenerational community interest company based at Heathfield Park Cricket Club. Designed to combat loneliness and isolation of senior members of the local community, what makes them unique is the social interaction between pre-school and primary aged children with the elderly. Members can attend... Read more

16th April

Wealden Funeral Services share some ideas for alternative funeral celebrations

Funerals can be as personal as you want, reflecting the life of the loved one “When we think of funerals here in Wealden, alternative funerals stand out in our memories. A traditional image might come to mind: a hearse, a church or crematorium, and perhaps a wake at the local pub, but times are changing,... Read more

14th April

Herstmonceux Castle announces opening of new holiday apartments

An exciting new holiday experience in the heart of Sussex’s scenic countryside Herstmonceux Castle Estate, an historic and picturesque venue nestled within 300 acres of stunning countryside in East Sussex, has announced the launch of a new holiday apartments initiative, offering 35 self-catering holiday units. These AA 3-star apartments, available now for booking from April... Read more

8th April

Be the singer you want to be with Maria Myatt vocal coach

Maria offers vocal coaching to everyone from beginners to advanced singers Maria started singing from a very young age. She studied Musical Theatre for 3 years and achieved a first-class honours degree. Straight after that, she was lucky enough to be offered a contract on a ship as a vocalist. Maria then sang at different... Read more

26th March

We ask Heart and Home Property is now a good time to buy or sell your home?

Is this year a good time to buy or sell your home? As Spring is very much in the air, it’s traditionally the time that people get their homes ready to sell or set out to find a new home or both! We thought it would be a good idea to talk to property expert... Read more

13th March

Help re-instate the freedom to study abroad for all

European Movement need your support to reclaim the study opportunities in Europe Lend your voice to the campaign to be part of the Erasmus Programme Although promises were made that the Erasmus Programme would not be shelved , unfortunately students now find themselves unable to be part of this EU funded programme and they are... Read more

11th March

Direct cremations explained by Wealden Funerals

Direct cremations, a simpler option, explained by Wealden Funerals There is another option to full on funeral services which is cost effective and simple – one company offering the Direct Cremation is Ashdown Direct Cremation service from Wealden Funerals. It’s a simple, affordable, and yet personal alternative to a traditional funeral service. Direct Cremations provide... Read more

6th March

County Council launch appeal to encourage people to become childminders

A NEW campaign encouraging people to consider becoming childminders has been launched by the county council. The ‘Do something big – work with small children’ campaign aims to highlight the benefits of childminding as a career. The campaign is supporting the Government’s ‘Be part of something big’ initiative to promote early years careers. Childminding can... Read more

18th February

Heathfield’s Wealden Works goes from strength to strength

Last summer was the culmination of the long awaited move of Wealden Works into their beautifully refurbished premises on Station Road, Heathfield. Wealden Works is going from strength to strength – it is a unique employment programme dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment for young people living in the area. Led by two local professionals,... Read more

12th February

Antonio from Melina Joy Opticians discusses the importance of ‘Aural Health’

Melina Joy Opticians has been offering a hearing service to their clients for some time now. The resident audiologist, Antonio Vas Falcao, is sharing in this article the importance of ‘’Aural health’’ and the importance of early detection and intervention of hearing loss. People often fail to appreciate how much they rely on their hearing.... Read more

7th November

Hospice in the Weald Christmas Market 23-24 November

Christmas Market Hospice in the Weald Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th November Save the date in your diary as Hospice in the Weald’s Christmas Market heralds the start of the festive season. Taking place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November within the Hospice grounds in Pembury. Saturday opening and closing times are 10.00am to... Read more

24th October

Heathfield Bonfire success in pictures

Thank you to the HDBS for the pictures which bring alive the flavour of ‘Bonfire’. This Sussex tradition is now celebrated in Heathfield alonside other societies across the Bonfire Season, and is a tribute to the dedication of all invoved. By all accounts it was a great night with a busy High Street, procession and... Read more

17th October

Le Marché anglo-french market is back this 26 August Bank Holiday Monday

Bank Holiday Monday 26 August 2024 Heathfield’s famous anglo-french market is taking place on August Bank Holiday Monday – as it has done for the past 27 years – it is the longest running market of its kind in the whole of the South East. FREE entertainment, FREE park & ride and FREE programme of... Read more

22nd August

Herstmonceux Castle welcomes visitors to the gardens and cafe this Summer.

Herstmonceux Castle, a Scheduled Monument and Grade 1 listed manor house, is undergoing an assessment of repairs needed to the outside walls.  This popular event venue and gardens located in Herstmonceux is also the home of Bader College, which delivers degree level education to students enrolled at Queen’s University at Kingston, in Ontario, Canada.  Following... Read more

5th July

Vital advice for keeping your dog safe this summer

Surviving Summer: We have got together with Kathy Hobson, Dog First Aid Sussex to devise some helpful advice on keeping your dog healthy during hot weathere. Tips for keeping your dog cool during the summer months Now that the weather is warming up your dogs will probably be panting and trying their best to keep... Read more

20th June

Hospice in the Weald for Children makes all the difference for families: Children’s Hospice Week (17th-23rd June)

Trusted team at Hospice in the Weald for Children makes all the difference for families: Children’s Hospice Week (17th-23rd June) This Children’s Hospice Week (17-23 June), Hospice in the Weald is celebrating the inspirational children and families it supports and the difference its specialist staff make. There are 99,000 children in the UK living with... Read more

17th June

Heathfield’s shopping loyalty scheme goes from strength to strength

Have you got your Think Heathfield loyalty card, or if you are a trader have you signed up to the scheme? Heathfield is known for the variety of independent retailers and services on offer in the High St and surrounding streets, but without local support business can find it hard. With this in mind the... Read more

14th May

Radiant clinic expands to offer new treatments

When Karen opened Radiant Facial Rejuvenation Skin Clinic in Heathfield last year she was also able to bring together a group of talented practitioners specialising in a range of aesthetic treatments. This week we are going to introduce Rosanna Zeitlin a permanent make-up specialist. She can help create an effortless look which minimises the use... Read more

2nd May

Free outdoor arts programme comes to Heathfield this Saturday 27 April

Streets of Heathfield, Heathfield Streets of Wealden returns for another year with a variety of artists and performances, coming to Heathfield High Street throughout April and May! The events will take place in Heathfield and Hailsham and Uckfield on the last two Saturdays in April and May from 11.20-2.30 in the centre of town.. There... Read more

25th April

How you can make the most of your ISAs before tax year-end – but hurry!

Cranwell Wealth Solutions explains How you can make the most of your ISAs before tax year-end. At a glance Time to take stock of your ISAs ‘Max out your ISAs.’ It’s the tax year-end mantra that’s all too familiar. But the mantra needs a little refining. While it’s key to put as much into your... Read more

29th March

Hospice in the Weald celebrate its first children’s christmas party

Sensory fun and music were among a host of activities enjoyed by children and families as Hospice in the Weald for Children hosted its very first Christmas party. The special event offered children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses, supported by the Hospice, the rare opportunity to participate in Christmas festivities specially designed for them. The... Read more

14th December

Best value way to buy a turkey this Christmas

Every year at this time the NFU’s #BuyMyTurkey Day pops up, families are encouraged to buy British, buy local and buy a whole turkey this Christmas to get the best value for their money. Turkey producers across the country are taking to social media to show off their farm fresh turkeys and urge the public... Read more

18th November

Master of Wine, Michael Palij comes to Heathfield to host a special Italian fine wine tasting at Cuculo Cheese & Wine

An exclusive wine event in Heathfield This Saturday will be a very special opportunity for lovers of fine wine. When, one of the world’s few Masters Of Wine, Michael Palij will be hosting a special tasting at Cuculo, High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex to showcase wines coming from a fascinating selection of Italy’s most famous... Read more

8th November

Lightning Fibre bring back the icy fun to Eastbourne in December

Back for another year – Get your skates on as Feastival Events present Lightning Fibre’s Ice Rink, which returns even bigger and better than before! The rink will be open every day (except Christmas Day). It is a fully covered real ice rink, and will be situated outside of the Enterprise Centre and Eastbourne Railway Station with ample parking... Read more

2nd November

Treatment of the month – what can you do to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, advice from Karen Kelly

As we age the skin naturally loses volume and elasticity, leading to the formation of folds and sagging. Commonly these will be in the most expressive parts of your face; around the nose and mouth. This loss of volume is due to diminishing Hyaluronic acid and Collagen. At Radiant, the clinic can offer a range... Read more

26th October

Heathfield’s popular French style market is back this Bank Holiday Monday!

Bank Holiday Monday 28 August 2023 Heathfield’s famous Anglo/French market Le Marché is taking place on August Bank Holiday Monday – as it has done for the past 26 years – it is the longest running Anglo/French market in the whole of the South East. This fantastic all day event draws visitors into the town... Read more

24th August

The story behind Baby Bank Hellingly – by founder Nicola Walker

In 2016 I finished full time work and decided that not keeping busy wasn’t an option for me.  I resolved that every year I would start a new ‘volunteering’ challenge, and this is what I did.  I ran a volunteer befriending team, helped set up a volunteer centre, redesigned and fitted a charity shop and... Read more

3rd August

Families share how Hospice in the Weald for Children is bringing much needed support

Families share how Hospice in the Weald for Children is bringing much needed support This Children’s Hospice Week (19th-25th June), local families of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions are sharing how Hospice in the Weald for Children is making a difference to their lives. Known for providing outstanding care for terminally ill adults and... Read more

23rd June

Need help finding and funding later life care?    

Across the UK today 5.7 million people are carers* Looking after someone can be rewarding, but it can also make life challenging, both emotionally and financially. Here, Cranwell Wealth Solutions of Heathfield share some considerations.   Check entitlements: Most people who own a home or have some savings are required to self-fund their care, so many... Read more

13th June

Heathfield Community College celebrates a wider curriculum day exploring career and further education options

All of Year 10 were fantastically engaged this week during their Wider Curriculum Day which marks the launch of their focussed support on progression paths after Year 11. The day was split into two parts: travelling to Eastbourne Sports Park for https://www.bigfuturesshow.org.uk/ The Big Futures Careers Fair, which is the largest employability, skills and job... Read more

2nd May

Why men should think about a career in care – we spoke to Sue Fletcher from Oakdown House to find out more

We spoke to Sue Fletcher, Oakdown House – a care home for adults with challenging learning and physical disabilities, about the opportunities for male carers at Oakdown and their sister home Carricks Brook. She is keen to see more men coming into caring as she explained below: “Statistically there are a lot less men working... Read more

1st May

Spotting the signs of arthritis in cats

Arthritis is a chronic condition caused when the normal joint tissues degenerate (or wear away), leading to pain and ongoing damage. Arthritis commonly develops in middle age, with older cats more likely to demonstrate signs of arthritis. Arthritis in our pets is sadly very common. Around 40% of all cats will show signs of arthritis... Read more

27th April

Be ‘deer aware’ this Spring

With frequent reports of deer collisions around Heathfield, it can’t surprise drivers in East Sussex that they are being asked to be ‘deer aware’ this spring as part of a campaign to avoid colliding with the animals on the county’s roads. With an estimated 74,000 deer-related traffic collisions in the UK every year, East Sussex... Read more

14th April

When certain catalysts occur in life, they can really change your direction.

Meet Sam Collins of Cranwell Wealth Solutions. He talks about family life and offers some financial tips for all. Cranwell Wealth Solutions, a local wealth advising practice based on the high street in Heathfield, is delighted to announce a new appointment to the team. Sam Collins recently joined the business as a Financial Planner. Here... Read more

16th February

Could acupuncture help your animal or pet?

Dόnal O’Leary of Fairfield House Veterinary Surgery has been performing acupuncture on a variety of patients for 20 years with great success. Acupuncture is a safe, effective and drug-free alternative or additional treatment for a variety of conditions in animals. By promoting natural healing processes, reducing pain and inflammation and improving overall well being, acupuncture... Read more

24th January

Could volunteering for Hospice in the Weald put a spring in your step?

Hospice in the Weald has launched a volunteer’s appeal for 2023 in a bid to help the community and beat the January Blues. Jemma Clements, Head of Personnel at Hospice in the Weald is appealing to those who are thinking about committing to a New Year’s resolution to become a volunteer. “Our volunteers are a... Read more

22nd January

Bonus Family? Why a blended family needs a will

It is increasingly common for couples to marry while one or both have children from a previous relationship, and the couple may then go on to have children of their own. The Swedish drama on Netflix Bonus Family provides a light-hearted exploration of the complexities of joining two families together, highlighting the emotional and logistical challenges. All... Read more

12th January

The story of Heathfield’s gas works

It was incredible to read this week about the breakthrough nuclear fusion experiment which could revolutionise the world’s supply of energy in the future. Ironic too, as the offices of The Heathfield News had only recently received a communication from the Grandson of Charlie Harrison who was Warden of the Heathfield Gas Works because over a... Read more

15th December

Beautiful, useful and planet friendly gifts made in England

The English Soap Company has launched a new range of beautiful gift boxes just in time for Christmas gifting. The Kew Gardens Essential Hand Care Set each include a trio of items to cleanse, moisturise and protect. There are eight fragrances to choose from including Bergamot and Ginger, Jasmine Peach; Bluebell and Jasmine; Lavender and... Read more

8th December

Coping with grief – the first Christmas and beyond 

We are quickly approaching that time of year when TV adverts portray a sparkling, family-orientated, food-obsessed holiday. For many of those who recognise Christmas or other celebrations in December, it can be the ‘most wonderful time of the year’; for those who have been bereaved since the previous Christmas, it can be a truly challenging... Read more

4th December

Twelve ideas for Christmas from Cuculo!

Cuculo is brimming with gift ideas for the festive season. This year they are making it easy for you, so James & Cinzia have trawled the shelves to pick out some of the best gift ideas for lovers of food and wine. There is everything from chocolate Santas to fine wines and something for every... Read more

30th November

Repair Café team delights customers

At the last session of the Repair Café Heathfield and Horam on 12 November there was an interesting array of broken items, most of which the team managed to fix. Among them was a Steepletone record player for a local resident who loves collecting 78s vinyl records. She confessed that she now owns well over... Read more

24th November

Round-the-clock care from Uckfield Vets

For animal owners needing the reassurance of a local vet, then Uckfield Vets at Fairfield House could be the ideal choice. The practice offers a 24-hour service, using its own staff at its own premises. This ensures that the vet dealing with your animal has access to your animal’s records, which can be vital in... Read more

27th October

Local employer Carricks Brook & Oakdown House offer positive support for staff experiencing the menopause

Oakdown House and Carricks Brook invest lots of resources into their staff team – they appreciate their staff are at the centre of providing great support, so it’s important that they look after them. Both carehomes get really great feedback from their teams and use this to further improve what they offer, so that the... Read more

17th October

Protecting your business from the unexpected

Most people will insure what they consider to be the essentials, their car, their phone, their holiday, their home. However, surprisingly few business owners will apply the same logic to their company and fail to take out the protections necessary to guard against the worst happening. Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions discusses the right... Read more

16th August

A love affair with the art of repair – how a trend in upcycling is great news for Hospice in the Weald (and the planet)

It’s official! Recycled furniture is having a moment in the interior design world. Vintage pieces that might have been thrown in the skip are being snapped up and transformed into something beautiful. After years of buying cheap throwaway furniture, is it time we all had a change of heart? A key change driving ‘upcycling’ is... Read more

3rd August

Could you be jeopardising your financial goals with a short-term focus?

Short-termism is something that’s hard-wired into our DNA, and we can be constantly guilty of it, in many areas of our lives. This was perfectly demonstrated back in the early 1970s with The Stanford Marshmallow Experiment which involved placing subjects – children aged 3-5 – alone in a room and presenting them with a simple... Read more

26th July

New team offers vital eye services to Heathfield area

Heathfield practice Pople & Broad has fast become the ‘eye GP’ for the area dealing with numerous emergencies as well as trying to meet the huge demand for NHS eye services. Since the new team took over in March 2022 there has been over £100,000 invested in state-of-the-art machinery and improvements such as air conditioning.... Read more

21st July