Features
Fledgling businesses get a leg up in the New Enterprise Zone at The Heathfield Show
Each year, against stiff competition a group of fledgling local businesses win the chance to enjoy a free stand at The Heathfield Show. Located in the New Enterprise Zone, a range of different exhibitors will show off what they do, and give you the opportunity to engage with them. The Heathfield News was offered the... Read more
16th May
The Heathfield Agricultural Show, building bridges between town and country
Complete Land Management have been exhibiting at The Heathfield Show for over ten years, we asked Mandy Ashdown, of the Sussex-based company, to give us some insight into why they keep coming back for more. Farming is changing more quickly than it ever has, so a lot of people in towns and cities have no... Read more
15th May
Paella and palm trees for Heathfield Community College’s orchestra
During the first week of the Easter holidays, the Heathfield Community College’s Music department undertook their 6th European Music Tour. Following visits to Italy, Austria and France, this year saw them return to Spain and the town of Tossa de Mar, Catalonia where they had previously visited in 2014. The aim of these tours is... Read more
3rd May
Calling all Heathfield Show Exhibitors!
The Heathfield News will be running a Heathfield Agricultural Show special all week from Monday 20 May until the show day Saturday 25 May. The week will be packed full of features about the show and competitions to win tickets and more. All exhibitors are invited to send in Press Releases, images and information about marketing initiatives... Read more
1st May
Great bits of advice for effective revision
While many people are relaxing this Easter weekend, local college students preparing for GCSE and A levels will no doubt be getting their heads down to a bit of revision. We have teamed up with Dr Lisette Johnston Head of School at ScreenSpace . She has given us some useful ideas on how to make revision as productive... Read more
18th April
Hidden Spring Vineyard celebrates the bottling of their 2018 vintage wines
Chris and David of Horam based, Hidden Spring are celebrating the first onsite bottling of their wines; although grapes have been grown on the site since 1986, historically the wines were actually made elsewhere. But, this year five wines have been bottled from grapes from the Hidden Spring Vineyard. There are two still white... Read more
9th April
Ideas for Easter – chocolate, eggs and bunnies
Cuculo for a great choice of chocolates and Easter Eggs The ever popular deli on Heathfield’s High St, now stocks a range of luxury chocolates in their new bespoke chocolate chiller cabinet. H&R, English chocolate truffles have pride of place, with a choice of Belgium premium chocolates alongside. The store also has Italian Easter... Read more
6th April
Tax year end countdown
The approach of the financial year-end marks a final opportunity to ensure you have used all your tax-saving allowances. Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions in Uckfield explores your various options here. Pension plans For pension savers, no news was good news in last year’s Budget. Widespread predictions of cuts to pension tax relief came to... Read more
3rd April
You don’t have to spend a fortune on Mother’s Day to show your mum you care
Mother’s Day is fast approaching but it’s not too late to arrange something to show how much you appreciate your mum – and there are lots of things you can do even if you are on a tight budget. The obvious choice is taking your mother to lunch but many restaurants like The Heathfield Tavern... Read more
22nd March
Now or never for this year’s ISA?
As the days count down to the end of the tax year, how many investors have yet to decide whether, or where, to use their ISA allowance? And how are uncertain times effecting investors? Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions in Uckfield explores the various options here. It’s often said that time in the market is more... Read more
21st March
Pioneering and incredible work to help animals
Looking from the outside you wouldn’t know that there is pioneering work going on in this small rural practice. But a chat with Practice Manager Donné Stam reveals that behind the doors of Heathfield Vets in Hailsham Road, they are carrying out pioneering and incredible work to help animals. Stem cell therapy is one of... Read more
15th March
A taste of tapas comes to Hidden Spring Vineyard
Horam Home Kitchen has been working with Hidden Spring Vineyard in Horam, for a while now, creating pop up events at the vineyard and catering for group bookings. The latest venture is two nights of tapas on 12 and 13 April, served in the intimate setting of the vineyard’s tasting room, with the stunning view... Read more
6th March
The case for a midlife MOT
A financial health check in your 40s or 50s could significantly improve your chances of a comfortable retirement, according to Steve Palmer director of an Uckfield financial advice firm. Steve from Cranwell Wealth Solutions said retirement was increasingly seen as a long journey to look forward to not, as it once was, a relatively short... Read more
11th February
Need some inspiration? Top pick of great ideas for Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day only around the corner, we have done the hard work, and put together a selection of great ideas for ways to treat your loved one this February 14th. The Middle House, Mayfield, is one of our favourite places to eat, you can enjoy the contemporary bistro or the cosy restaurant area. For... Read more
4th February
As 2019 kicks off, Paul Wilson shares his thoughts on the local housing market
A recent survey showed that East Sussex has some of the most expensive postcodes outside of London, but could that mean that property is over priced and hard to sell? We asked Paul Wilson of Rowland Gorringe for his perspective on the market as we enter 2019. This is what he had to say: If... Read more
9th January
With so many festive foods on offer, how do you choose the right wine?
We asked this question to wine expert James MacNay, of Cuculo Cheese and Wine in Heathfield, and he gave us lots of helpful advice and ideas for festive drinks. “Choosing the right wine can be tricky, especially as turkey has both light meat and the darker more flavoursome leg and thigh meat, and breaking with... Read more
12th December
Ronit Furst, eyewear with a difference, comes to Heathfield
Heathfield was the first town to be visited by the eye wear designer Ronit Furst, on her recent tour of the UK,when she popped in to see Melina Joy Opticians. They have been stocking the eponymous brand, since it rose to fame, after being worn on TV by GBBO’s Pru Leith. Ronit Furst has a... Read more
15th November
Heathfield students push creativity in the world of pop promos
Last week all students in year 7 at Heathfield Community College took part in an exciting range of activities melding creativity with the iPad. Every student had the opportunity to learn new skills in 3 key areas, Music, Photography and Video. In Music, students created remixes of Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake, learning... Read more
14th November
Change happens – manage your finances to face change head on
Change happens in every aspect of our lives. As the years go by, marriages take place, children are born, careers take twists and turns, we move home and events out of our control such as government policies and sadly the death of loved ones all have an impact on our lives. Change is a fact... Read more
5th November
A revealing trip to the optician
Getting older can throw up lots of challenges, not least keeping on top of eye health, and ensuring good vision for all occasions. As part of The Heathfield News’s new goal to get more hands on with our members, one of the team visited Pople & Broad for a full sight test and eye examination.... Read more
18th October
October is all about Draco but there’s no Harry Potter in sight!
One of the regular and easy ways to take part in watching the universe is too look for meteors. Science can use them to survey the content of the solar system, technology can use them to build and test strange radio equipment and the rest of us can enjoy the free show. If you ever... Read more
2nd October
‘Time out in the woods’ with Lucy’s Little Forest School
Lucy’s Little Forest School is located in the magical Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, East Sussex. So near to Heathfield, yet you may not have discovered this tucked away, Hidden Gem of 60 acres consisting of predominantly chestnut trees. This is the home for all their woodland based activities for children and adults. But, Lucy’s is about... Read more
26th September
Crystal Vintage rocking glamour in Horam and beyond.
Chloe la Fay has spent years building up an expansive collection of globally sourced vintage clothing from the 1920s-to the 80s with a heavy lean towards the 1970s. Her concept is called Crystal Vintage and includes exquisite gowns for special occasions, from highly collectable labels such as Chanel, Dior or Ossie Clark, to unique trend and fashion... Read more
21st September
Financial drop-in success
Cranwell Wealth Solutions is a Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, specialising in advising both individuals and businesses on their financial affairs. Now in its 6th year of business and based locally in Uckfield, the founder and Director Stephen Palmer reflects on a venture that he is extremely proud of – local financial... Read more
12th September
Unity Community Garden – about more than vegetables!
For the second in our series on Hidden Gems, we visited the Unity Community Garden. This oasis of calm is hidden away at the bottom of Leeves Close in Heathfield. The garden, which was started 12 years ago, is essentially a mini allotment for the residents of Leeves Way, Leeves Close, Newnham Way and Waldron... Read more
3rd September
September skies – the autumn equinox and the dog days of summer
September approaches and with it the autumn equinox and the dog days of summer. Nights overtake the days and we move into autumn. In the evenings the planets still put on a good show with Mars, Jupiter and Saturn all easily visible albeit low on the Southern horizon. Higher in the sky deep sky objects... Read more
31st August
Key things to consider when organising a funeral
For many, planning a funeral is a process defined by chaos, feelings of disorganisation and overwhelming emotion – for others it serves as a focus that can delay the acceptance of loss. No one wants to have to arrange a funeral at what is already a difficult time. But if you do, having an understanding... Read more
30th August
Tucked away in Hellingly – The Sussex Cutting Garden
In the first of our series of ‘Hidden Gems’ we have visited the Sussex Cutting Garden. They can be found at the Granary Rural Business Centre, at Broad Farm, Hellingly,East Sussex, BN27 4DU just off the A267 on the right before the Lower Dicker turn off, if you are coming from Horam. As a trained... Read more
21st August
Advice for those picking up GCSE results this Thursday
The climax to years of hard work and high expectations for the GCSE students of Heathfield Community College is almost here. As GCSE results day looms large teenagers are poised to finally find out if it was all worth it. Results day is often full of emotions, from elation to disappointment, for parents, teachers... Read more
20th August
What next? If you don’t get the A Level results you hoped for
Heathfield Community College A level students will get their results next week. For some it will be a dream come true and a clear path to their university of choice, for others it will take a bit more time and perseverance. We spoke to Ruth Sparkes, Editor of teen magazine Future Mag, for some advice... Read more
10th August
TWO MEN AND A TUDOR MAP by Patrick Fletcher and Allan Mackenzie
We first met to discuss old maps acquired from the East Sussex Record Office. Allan was interested in the oldest, dating from 1595. It showed a line around the Heathfield and Burwash Downs, common land situated between Burwash and Heathfield. There were houses with the names of people who lived in them just outside the... Read more
9th August
What’s up above in August?
Throughout July the sky never grows truly dark as even at midnight the sun is still clinging only a short way below the northern horizon. Fortunately this never really gets in the way of studying the really bright objects such as Mars and Jupiter, both of which were in the news recently; Jupiter with the... Read more
29th July
Keep your kids busy with Summer Clubs and Activities
The Summer holidays can be a real challenge for parents. Some parents are looking to find ways of having their children cared for, while other parents are searching for ideas to keep their children occupied during the long holidays. Parents of younger children often want to find activities they can share with their kids, and... Read more
18th July
Frogheath Landscapes celebrates 25 years of award winning projects.
Frogheath Landscapes are celebrating 25 years in the business of creating gorgeous outdoor spaces. This family run business is located in Burwash, and as well as private gardens they have also built a number of award winning gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court Flower Show. Including being awarded 3 Gold Medals, Silver Gilt and Silver medals.... Read more
9th July
Are women really second-class citizens when it comes to their retirement?
Fifty years ago, the sewing machinists at Ford’s Dagenham plant famously walked out in protest at their jobs being classified as unskilled – a story that inspired the film Made in Dagenham. The ultimate result of the action, which began in June 1968, was the passing of the Equal Pay Act 1970 – legislation which prohibited... Read more
4th July
Get your kids on the road to Wimbledon with tennis camps this Summer
We are lucky in Heathfield to be able to easily enjoy the tennis tournament nearby at Eastbourne. Sadly Wimbledon is that bit further, and much more difficult to get tickets for, so most children will only be able to enjoy the TV coverage. But, if this has fired them up with enthusiasm for the sport... Read more
2nd July
What’s up above at the moment?
Jupiter still dominates the early evening skies but this month Mars reaches its highest point for the year and its closest and brightest point for many years. Mars is at opposition and only 57 million kilometres distant. Even a small telescope will show a distinct sphere and a reasonable telescope will be able to see... Read more
28th June
Annual meeting explores how to plan for the years ahead
Earlier this Spring, at a private event hosted in the beautiful setting of East Sussex National Golf Club, Cranwell Wealth Solutions took on the subject of ‘life changes’ and set out to advise people on how best to adapt their finances and plan for change in the years ahead. They delivered this inspiring talk to... Read more
27th June
Want to cut down on plastic? Here’s how.
There is much publicity given over at the moment to the massive problem of plastic pollution on land and in our oceans and waterways; so many people are trying to cut down their use of plastic. Here is a great way for Heathfield residents to start reducing their use of plastics. Heathfield Wholefoods Health Store... Read more
13th June
Army Cadets on look out for new instructors
Sussex Army Cadet Force is looking for new instructors in both uniformed and non-uniformed roles. All of the instructors are volunteers who give up their own time to work with cadets. Uniformed instructors teach cadets in range of subjects on parade nights and while away on training events. Non-uniformed instructors support the uniformed staff and... Read more
10th June
Our nearest star – the sun
The summer skies over Northern Europe never truly become dark, even at midnight twilight will be hugging the northern horizon hiding the stars. Among the twilight you might make out a pale band of light that slowly rises as the night progress. That pale band of stars is the Milky Way, our home galaxy, and... Read more
5th June
The Heathfield Agricultural Show Preview 2018
This year The Heathfield Agricultural Show will expect to welcome 18,000 visitors to the show ground for one intense day of activity. If you are thinking of visiting there really is something for everyone at the show. Apart from the usual funfair and burger vans there will be an array of themed exhibition tents, competition... Read more
25th May
Beer today – gone tomorrow – don’t miss your chance to taste Sussex’s finest
Once you have had your fill of animals, shopping and machinery, quench your thirst by heading over to the micro brewery area to sample a range of locally produced beers. Many of the beers on offer have won regional and national awards and are lovingly produced by people who are passionate about making brilliant beers.... Read more
25th May
Dog lovers have lots of treats in store at this year’s show
For dog lovers the Heathfield Show has lots to offer – from agility competitions to terrier racing and a gun dog displays. The Wealden Dog Agility Club will be running an all-day event this year which is a knock out competition. The fastest and most agile over a timed course will win the competition. This... Read more
25th May
New enterprises get a head start at The Heathfield Show
The New Enterprise Zone is home to a group of hand picked new businesses, who, in the face of tough competition, have won a stand at the show. Local businesses in the past such as Hidden Spring, Wanted on Voyage and Kennedy Chimney Sweeps have all benefited from this initiative and found it a huge... Read more
24th May
See some of the finest livestock in the country
Cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and poultry will be in abundance at this year’s show. As well as the chance to get up close to all types of livestock, you can watch some of the best breeders and handlers in the country compete against each over for the coveted trophies and rosettes. There is also the... Read more
24th May
Discover a wealth of food and drink at The Heathfield Show
The Farmers’ Markets provides a great opportunity for producers to sell directly to the public. People love shopping at Farmers’ Markets – it’s the only place that they can talk directly to producers about exactly how the food they are about to eat has been produced. The Farmers’ Market at the Heathfield Show is... Read more
23rd May
Country crafts and practices showcased at the Heathfield Show
Country Ways at the Heathfield Show, is a celebration of traditional, rural crafts and working practices many of which are being kept alive by dedicated enthusiasts. There will be the opportunity to see displays in the arena from 10am til 4.15pm. The majestic heavy horses from Tony Parks of Ninfield will be put through their paces,... Read more
23rd May
Motorcycle madness and human tractor pulling
Two events you should try to catch are the Imps motorbike display and the human tractor pull. Check the timetable for these and other excitements during the day. The Imps is a motorcycle team of young adults performing routines around the world to millions of people for over 40 years. They will be showing their... Read more
23rd May