Features
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
What Her Majesty the Queen can teach us about retirement
At the age of 96 The Queen will be the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. After 70 years of service, she continues to work, although the number of public appearances she makes has reduced. Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions explores how the Queen’s story is indicative of today’s older generations. For... Read more
27th June
Melina Joy Opticians launches the new, revolutionary Adlens system.
Have you ever craved a pair of glasses that can allow you to effortlessly switch between three different focal zones? If the answer is yes then Adlens could be the breakthough in eyewear you have been seeking. Melina, Founder of Melina Joy Opticians, describes them as a “gamechanger, they are working very well in practice... Read more
9th June
Did you take part in 1950s dialect survey?
snork – neighspeckles – frecklessquall – screamflintermouse – bat Maybe if you’re not from round these parts you will recognisemash/mass/soak/scald/brew – tea polly-wag/pot-noddles/penny-wagtails/bull-head – tadpoles Horam Village Hall is excited be working with Dialect and Heritage Project, a National Lottery fundedproject based at the Leeds Archive of Vernacular Culture with five partner museums across the... Read more
21st May
A rich history and a regenerative future at Furnace Brook
We are fortunate to live in a particularly beautiful and tranquil part of Sussex. It is a surprise for many of our visitors to find out the depth of human history within the High Weald and discover how during a period around four centuries ago Furnace Brook was anything but peaceful and tranquil. Today, the... Read more
5th May
Why higher taxes makes pension and ISA planning crucial
As Britons face exponentially high tax bills, Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions explains why it is more important than ever that financial plans involve both pensions and ISAs to maximise available allowances. With individuals facing a significant tax burden for the next few years, savers may need to invest more to achieve their financial... Read more
22nd April
Make or break! Talented local ballet dancer appeals for help.
Burwash based, George Stevens is a pre-professional elite ballet pupil at White Lodge, The Royal Ballet School. This fiercely competititive ballet school is where future stars are born. Only 15 boys a year are accepted to this world famous school, and whilst studying there he has danced in Royal Ballet Company productions, The Nutcracker, Sleeping... Read more
13th April
Bow bells mile markers explained
If you’ve ever walked or driven along the A271 through Horsebridge you might have seen this interesting ‘Bow Bells’ mile post marker on the north side of the road on the river bridge near to the Flour Mill. Made of locally produced iron and Grade 2 listed, it’s one of a series along the C18th... Read more
24th March
The importance of setting and planning your personal goals
Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions discusses setting your personal goals and how to achieve them. What do you see when you think of your future? Will you be living in East Sussex or the Seychelles? Will you retire early or run a thriving business? Having clear goals in your head is one thing, visualising... Read more
16th March
Use it or lose it: How tax allowances can help future-proof the finances of those in their 20s and 30s
Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions reviews how to make the best of your tax allowances. When you’re setting goals for the future, it can be hard to find a path from where you are now to where you want to be, but the biggest steps taken in life often begin with small steps in... Read more
16th February
Shop well at Heathfield & Waldron markets
Shop Well at Heathfield & Waldron Markets Over the past year, farmers’ markets and antique/craft fairs have grown in popularity across Wealden as people re-discover this timeless way of shopping. Here, we are fortunate to have two local markets: Heathfield Farmers’ Market on the third Saturday of every month; and Waldron Community Market on... Read more
15th February
Love Heathfield – all you need for Valentine’s on the High Street
All you need for Valentine’s on the High Street. A host of Valentine’s Ideas for gifts and dining Heathfield town centre is brimming with independent shops offering a wide range of goods and services. When it comes to Valentine’s Day gift ideas you need look no further. We have trawled the shops to find our... Read more
2nd February
A boost to community morale
At 8pm on Sunday 12th December2021, Boris Johnson addressed the nation. …“I am afraid we are now facing an emergency in our battle with the new variant, Omicron. … Today we are launching the Omicron Emergency Boost, a national mission unlike anything we have done before in the vaccination programme…. Everyone eligible aged 18 and... Read more
10th January
Looking for the perfect gifts for a foodie? Cuculo has plenty to choose from.
You will find gifts for a foodie at Cuculo Cheese & Wine on the High St, Heathfield, East Sussex. The place to buy gifts for those hard to please people who love food and wine. The store is open every day from now until Christmas Eve. Call 01435 862596 for advice or to place an... Read more
19th December
Last minute Christmas gift shopping made easy and fun
Unless you are super organised, there are always a few last-minute gifts to buy in the run up to Christmas – the neighbour who has been brilliant this year, the dog walker and a friend who deserves a little treat. Here are ten interesting and memorable gift ideas ranging from £8.50 to £45.00. They are... Read more
16th December
All you need to know about ethical vitamins.
Our health is top of mind for many of us, and keeping healthy in the Winter months has taken on a whole new significance in light of the pandemic. Supplements and healthy eating are two ways to look after your welbeing. When it comes to vitamins they are not all created equal. This informative chart... Read more
25th November
Shop local to save the planet.
People, Planet and Mindful Shopping If lockdown taught us one thing it was how lucky we are in the Heathfield area to have so many wonderful independent shops and services. When you couldn’t get a delivery from your usual supermarket, it was the local traders and volunteer services who took to their vans, electric bikes... Read more
14th November
Furnace Brook: a Fishery with a mission
It’s autumn – a time of mists, mellow fruitfulness here at Furnace Brook near Cowbeech. Glistening frosty dew settles on the grass and you inhale the crisp fresh morning air. As the golden sun rays emerge from between the trees and reflect upon the tranquil lake in front of you, you in turn take time... Read more
28th October
Need help with your will and estate planning? Keyte Legal can help.
Will writing and estate planning are sensitive areas of the law and require careful handling. A specialist company established in this area is Keyte Legal – located in Heathfield, it is a family run and female led business headed up by MD Eloise Keyte. The business is just over two years old and has gone... Read more
25th August
Finding a job that works for parents
Having children is fantastic but sometimes it does feel as though having a family and a career is nearly impossible. The challenge of finding a job that works with being a parent can often seem insurmountable. The great thing about a career in care is that there are hundreds of avenues to follow. And from... Read more
17th August
When do you need a financial adviser?
Financial advice is something we all need at one point or another, but are we really using the advice of financial experts to the full? With today’s complex family set ups, the huge rise in small businesses entrepreneurs and the longer life expectancy many of us enjoy, the role of a financial planner has become... Read more
19th July
Kay & Pascoe LLP celebrate 10 years of family law in Heathfield
Kay & Pascoe LLP are celebrating 10 years in business in Heathfield this year. The office opened for business in September 2011. It was started by husband and wife team John and Sharon Kay who are partners in the business. Back in April 2013 they were joined by Lee Pascoe following a merger with Chappell... Read more
29th June
A good friend, kind and trustworthy – New research reveals how Brits in the Southeast would like to be remembered
The last year has been a difficult one for all of us, with the changing world brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic encouraging many of us to reassess our own personal circumstances and change our outlook on life. New research released by CPJ Field – the UK’s oldest funeral directors and 10th generation family run business... Read more
24th June
Heathfield Youth Drama are back with a splash!
Heathfield Youth Drama Group making a splash After months of drama by Zoom Heathfield Youth Drama are now properly back in action. You can only begin to imagine how challenging socially distanced remote theatre was for the tutors and young actors. Desperate to get back out there performing. The club’s first production, since Covid struck, is Aladdin which will be on stage, outside at the... Read more
10th June
The fascinating history of stoolball and the locals who played
I remember well the stoolball games I played at school mainly because the bat was so wide, it gave me some hope of hitting the ball! But did you know it began as a medieval courting game? Stoolball originated in the Kent, Sussex and Surrey area and began in the C15th. It was played by... Read more
8th June
Farrago womenswear comes of age
Coming of age can be a celebration of maturity, a rite of passage, even a milestone. But in Farrago’s case it’s a time to look forward after having had to spend much of the past year unable to open its doors. Farrago is a well established womenswear shop, and it has occupied the same site... Read more
18th May
An update from Wealden Funeral Services – your local independent funeral directors
As we hopefully come out of this COVID pandemic and look to the future we thought it was time to update the people of Heathfield and surrounding villages with changes that are taking place locally with regard to funerals and with us as well. The good news is that, as a whole, the number of... Read more
13th May
Joy at new freedoms for local care homes – Oakdown House and Carricks Brook
Everyone, everywhere is talking about ‘the end of lockdown’, this too is the topic of conversation at two local residential homes for adults with learning disabilities. The prospect of freedom and ‘normality’ is exciting but staff and residents of both Oakdown House and Carricks Brook are moving forward with caution, keeping everyone safe is still... Read more
29th April
The Pet Food Shop celebrates 50 years in Heathfield
Tucked away off Station Road, in Station Approach, The Pet Food Shop in Heathfield is a treasure trove of everything to do with pets and a place where you can be sure to find the best quality food for your furry friends. The Pet Food Shop is celebrating 50 years of trading this month and... Read more
26th April
Are you one of the many women missing out on £1,000s of state pension?
Here Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions, a local Uckfeld and Heathfield financial planning practice, explains who should check their state pension to find out if they are owed far more. Who should check? Back in October 2020 Martin Lewis highlighted an issue of under payments of state pension that will affect many women. The... Read more
21st April
Who is the special link between Cross-in-Hand, Waldron and Harrods?
Did you know that Cross-in-Hand and Waldron have a link with the luxury London department store Harrods? Charles Digby Harrod was born in Whitechapel in 1841. His father Charles Henry Harrod was a grocer and tea dealer and had opened a Harrod’s shop in Stepney but later speculatively rented premises in the up and coming... Read more
15th April
Plan to push the boat out, put your feet up or maybe visit the local castle this Easter
As Spring finally arrives, Easter is a wonderful opportunity for family time, celebration, feasting, treats and getting together. It can be a good opportunity to take some time out and time off and treat yourself and your loved ones with a little picnic or a lazy afternoon tea. Or with Herstmonceux Castle opening to the public... Read more
25th March
Financial planning expert Steven Sanders talks about ISAs, reviewing personal goals, pensions, the stockmarket and more
Personal finances are high on the agenda for many people following the year-long pandemic. Heathfield News talks to local Financial planning practice, Cranwell Wealth Solutions, who have a high street branch in Heathfield about the issues many face and the advice they would give to alleviate people’s concerns. Steven Sanders has worked for Cranwell Wealth... Read more
18th March
Looking for a job. Have you considered working with vulnerable adults?
One of the ‘A’ Level students enjoying the garden with one of the residents. If you have been impacted during the pandemic by job loss then read on. Oakdown House have gained many new staff over the past year, quite a few have found themselves furloughed or without work, and have decided to give a... Read more
15th February
The sporting legend who went to Skippers Hill
Charles Burgess Fry was born in 1872 in Croydon and is my interesting life with a local link this week (Article by local historian and writer Nicola Walker) Charles – known as CB Fry – was a sporting legend. Charles spent much of his childhood at Skippers Hill Manor in Five Ashes and is... Read more
9th February
Lockdown Valentine’s Day – lift someone up by spreading the love
As a candlelit dinner in your favourite posh restaurant is not going to happen this year, you might be wondering what to do to make this coming Valentine’s Day a touch more special than a ‘normal’ day. Here are a few ideas: If you’re looking for something to share with your significant other this Valentine’s,... Read more
4th February
